Massachusetts is not producing a body of representative leaders equipped to do the work of the entire people.

Michael --

As the authors of a new report by MassINC point out, “From its local officeholders to the leadership of the state legislature, Massachusetts is not producing a body of representative leaders equipped to do the work of the entire people.” This leads to critical issues being ignored and voices left unheard. 

Massachusetts residents deserve a truly representative government, with legislative members and staff representing the full diversity of the Commonwealth. 

There is no quick fix for this, but improving the work environment at the State House is a necessary first step. Workplace harassment -- especially sexual harassment -- is ubiquitous in the Legislature, and that’s not okay. 

That’s why it’s so important that the Legislature pass H.3572 / S.1898: An Act promoting equality and respect in the legislature (Sabadosa - Rausch).

This bill would create an independent commission to investigate and report on complaints of workplace harassment in the Legislature because, let’s be real, no institution should be tasked with investigating itself. 

The bill will be having a hearing tomorrow at 10:30 am in Gardner Auditorium at the State House. If you can attend, please do! But if you can’t, you can still submit testimony to Laura.Britton@mahouse.gov.

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And don’t forget to email your own legislators too! They need to hear from you. 

 

Sincerely,

Jonathan Cohn

Issues Committee, Progressive Mass

http://www.progressivemass.com/