Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators

About

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators was formed in 1975 with a mission to enhance the economic status and equality of women and to encourage and support women in all levels of government.

Description

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators was formed in 1975 with a mission to enhance the economic status and equality of women and to encourage and support women in all levels of government. In its thirty-eighth year, the Caucus comprises 25 percent of the Legislature and has one of its own, Senate President Therese Murray of Plymouth, presiding over the Senate. In the House, Speaker Pro Tempore Patricia A. Haddad of Somerset is the highest ranking woman member. Minority party leadership is provided by Assistant Minority Whip, Elizabeth Poirier of North Attleborough. The 2012 bi-cameral and bi-partisan Caucus of Women Legislators is comprised of 39 members of the House and 12 members of the Senate. Representing districts from across the state, the women of the legislature are as diverse in demographics as in their politics. Senator Gale Candaras of Wilbraham and Representative Ruth Balser of Newton are co-chairs of the Caucus. Currently,182 women have served in the Massachusetts Legislature compared to more than 20,000 men.