Boston Speaks Up with Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins
Rachael Rollins is the Suffolk County district attorney, the chief law enforcement official for Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. She was elected by a landslide, campaigning on a platform centered on criminal justice system reform. Taking office in January 2019 as Suffolk County’s 16th district attorney, Rollins is the first… Read More
Municipal leaders from 18 cities and towns, including Emerge MA alumnae, push state legislators to advance police reforms
Leaders in 18 Massachusetts municipalities signed a pledge Tuesday urging state legislators to advance police reforms and expressing the commitment within their own communities to address systemic racism and violence in law enforcement. “With disparities in many community sectors from employment and housing to healthcare and education, the time for… Read More
Emerge Alum and State Rep Liz Miranda leads fight to pass immigration bill in the State House
The eight weeks since George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis police custody have brought protests against police brutality, debates over police budgets and a race to pass police reform legislation on Beacon Hill. The current debate over a trio of police reform bills leaves out a practice that Rep. Liz Miranda… Read More
In an effort led by Emerge Alumnae, Mass. House Coalition Lays Out Path Toward Maternal Health Equity
One of the first things the House did after Speaker Robert DeLeo committed in June to addressing systemic racism in Massachusetts was to push forward with a bill to study disparities in maternal health for women of color. The legislation called for a new commission to examine racial disparities in… Read More
Mass. Asian-American leaders, including Emerge Alumnae, stand up for Black Lives Matter in new video
More than 30 Asian-American leaders and activists across the state declared solidarity with Black Americans seeking equality in a video released last week, though some in their community questioned the sincerity of speakers who issued an earlier, controversial statement on the issue. The nearly 6-minute video, posted on YouTube Thursday… Read More
Rep. Christine Barber files bill to protect families receiving long-term care services
Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford has filed new legislation to protect the family members of people who have received long-term care services through MassHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Senator Jo Comerford of Northampton. Current federal law requires MassHealth (the Commonwealth’s Medicaid program) collect its costs… Read More
Calling for accountability, Campbell proposes police oversight board
A new, empowered Civilian Review Board could play a stronger role in investigating police misconduct and recommending disciplinary action under a City Council proposal that was crafted in response to calls for greater accountability of police officers. Under the proposal, an 11-member board would replace the little-known Community Ombudsman Oversight… Read More
Cambridge Mayor and Vice Mayor, both Emerge Alumnae, join Whole Foods Black Lives Matter protests
Marking the 18th day that the Cambridgeport Whole Foods Market grocery store has sent employees home rather than allow them to wear masks that say “Black Lives Matter,” 11 workers walked out Saturday at about 5:30 p.m. and were joined by a crowd of protesters in front of the store… Read More
State Senate passes DiZoglio’s bill allowing restaurants to sell takeout cocktails during pandemic
Restaurant patrons in the Bay State can already order a beer or a glass of wine to-go. Soon, they may be able to take home a margarita, too. The Massachusetts Senate on Friday passed a bill allowing restaurants to sell prepared, sealed mixed alcohol drinks for takeout and delivery during… Read More
Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon, other Cambridge councilors call for more police transparency
City councilors expressed frustration over the lack of transparency when it comes to disciplinary action taken against police during a Public Safety Committee meeting Tuesday afternoon, July 7. Per the city charter and municipal code, as well as state public records laws, disciplinary action taken by Cambridge Police Department against… Read More