We are delighted to launch our “First Years Tour.”
It’s an event that Strategies for Children does every two years, going to the State House and meeting with the new class of just elected, “first year” state legislators. We congratulate them on becoming state leaders, and we run an early education 101 crash course.
This year, as it is every year, our goal is to build positive relationships with our elected officials.
But, of course, this year, there’s the pandemic, so our tour is actually an ongoing series of Zoom meetings. Last month, to kick off the tour, Strategies’ staff and Representative Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley)co-hosted a legislative briefing for all 17 newly elected House members.
We’ve also invited the legislators to our daily 9:30 calls. And we’re asking everyone in the field to do their own outreach to these new lawmakers.
On the tour, we’re sharing information on the pandemic:
On the salary gap:
And on challenges and solutions:
To “join” us on the tour, read more about the new class on MassLive.com. The article has brief bios and links to their websites.
Then go to the Secretary of State’s website and enter your address to see if you are represented by any members of the new class. If you are, please reach out and say hello and congratulations. And get to know your representatives’ staff people.
Tell everyone in the Legislature that you speak to your story whether you are an early educator, parent, or advocate. Offer to be a resource and ask them to, “Stay tuned for more advocacy updates in the weeks ahead” as Massachusetts works on its new budget for fiscal year ’22.
Here’s a list of the new class. The incoming state Senators are:
John Cronin, D-Lunenburg
Adam Gomez, D-Springfield
The incoming state Representatives are:
Rob Consalvo, D-Boston
Kip Diggs, D-Barnstable
Patricia A. Duffy, D-Holyoke
Jessica Giannino, D-Revere
Vann Howard D-Lowell
Sally Kerans, D-Danvers
Meghan Kilcoyne, D-Northborough
Michael Kushmerek, D-Fitchburg
Brandy Fluker Oakley, D-Boston
Jake Oliveira, D-Ludlow
Steven Owens, D-Watertown
Kelly Pease, R-Westfield
Ted Philips, D-Sharon
Orlando Ramos, D-Springfield
Adam Scanlon, D-North Attleborough
Erika Uyterhoeven, D-Somerville
Steven Ziarhos, R-Barnstable
Your voice can help these “first years” become more effective leaders for young children and families.
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