Rep. Hannah Kane Named Co-Chair Of Women Legislators Caucus

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury and Westborough state Rep. Hannah Kane has been picked to lead a bipartisan caucus of women lawmakers on Beacon Hill. Kane, a Republican, will co-chair the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators with state Sen. Joan Lovely, a Salem Democrat.

Here's more from a state House news release:

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators has selected new Co-Chairs and Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 legislative session, following a thorough and inclusive process.

Beginning in January, state Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) and state Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) will be co-chairs of the bipartisan and bicameral Women’s Caucus. Senator-elect Liz Miranda (D-Boston) and state Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville) will serve as vice-chairs, and state Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley (D-Boston) will serve as treasurer.

The following members will serve as at-large board members: state Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River), state Rep. Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere), state Rep. Vanna Howard (D-Lowell), state Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne (D-Clinton), state Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull), state Sen. Rebecca Rausch (D-Needham) and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton).

To ensure a diverse and committed board, the Women’s Caucus conducted a first-time process to solicit and review applications from members. Led by current Co-Chair state Rep. Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset), the Women’s Caucus Nominating Committee included state Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington), state Sen. Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), state Rep. Kimberly Ferguson (R-Holden), and state Rep. Christina Minicucci (D-North Andover).

“I am proud of the leadership team that our Nominating Committee put together,” Haddad said. “This team reflects the growing diversity of the Women’s Caucus and will be critical to supporting the work of the Caucus next session.”

“I am thrilled to serve again as Senate Chair of the Women’s Caucus next session,” Lovely said. “Under Rep. Haddad and I, the Caucus has grown and focused on the critical issues affecting women and girls in Massachusetts, including COVID’s impact on women, health access and racial disparities, and empowering women in government. I am excited to continue this work and look forward to serving again next session.”

“I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to serve as House Chair of the Women’s Caucus next session,” Kane said. “This team shows the strong bicameral and bipartisan nature of our Caucus, our diversity, and the power of the women of the State House. The Women’s Caucus is a unique and important entity, and I am excited to continue my work with my colleagues in this space.”

The Women’s Caucus was founded 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 January, following this recent election, the Caucus will have upwards of 60 members comprising about 30% of the legislature. When the new session begins, the Caucus will work with all its members to determine strategic and legislative priorities for the 193rd General Court.