Haverhill state Rep. Andy X. Vargas is assuming the chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus during the 194th two-year legislative session.
Members of the Caucus elected Vargas last week and he will be joined by Vice-Chair Liz Miranda, Treasurer Adam Gomez, Secretary Kip Diggs and newly appointed Executive Director Tomás O’Brien.
“This is both a challenging and exciting time for this Caucus. Challenging due to the headwinds of a federal administration that promises to cut vital programs and initiatives that disproportionately affect our communities. Exciting, in part, thanks to the historic size this caucus has reached and the leadership appointments gained this session,” said Vargas. He added, “The Black and Latino Caucus has a history of being on the forefront of key legislation from education, housing, maternal and police reform. We look forward to building on that legacy this session.”
The Caucus recently reached a historic milestone with its largest membership to-date—26 members, including 15 serving on the Ways and Means Committee, 11 in the House and four in the Senate. There also have never been more Black and Latino members in House and Senate leadership including two members of the speaker’s leadership, seven Committee Chairs, 14 vice-chairs, and one assistant vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee.