11

THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 Page 11 Healey-Driscoll administration announces $3.2M in Fire Safety Grants Funding will support fi refi ghter gear and fi re safety education for children and seniors (Note: The following info is based on a press release issued this week by the Department of Fire Services [DFS].) T he Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that more than 300 Massachusetts fi re departments will receive over $3 million in grants to support safety equipment for fi refi ghters and life safety education for kids and oldMASS. CAUCUS | FROM Page 5 Caucus has taken — one of seeking consensus and shared values — has never mattered more. Our Caucus leadership, and our strategic and legislative priorities, are chosen with an inclusive lens based on bipartisan and bicameral agreement — and this enduring Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators collaborative approach has made our Caucus special and unique for the past 50 years. Since 1923, 241 women have been elected to the Massachusetts Legislature, and only 31 of those women served before the founding of our Caucus 50 years ago. I am grateful for the trailblazers before us, our inspiring Caucus members now, and our future colleagues who lead the next 50 years of progress,” said Representative Hannah Kane, House Vice Chair of the Women’s Caucus (R-Shrewsbury). “In the 50 years that the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators has existed, it has been a powerful and successful force for women’s rights, driving progress in state policy that previously excluded women for generations,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (DAshland). er adults. The City of Revere received $4,950.60 from the Firefi ghter Safety Equipment Grant, $2,900.00 for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Grant Program and $8,500.00 for the Senior SAFE Grant Program. “Massachusetts firefighters do much more than fi ght fires — they’re our first line of defense in any emergency,” “Today we celebrate the culmination of those achievements, and we face the next 50 years knowing that there is more work to do—and that when we elect women, we all move forward.” “The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators has been an institution at the State House for 50 years, advocating for women and their families all across the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Over the years, I’ve witnessed the expansion of the Caucus, and I’ve celebrated as many of their members have stepped into leadership positions in the Legislature. I look forward to continuing to work with the Caucus on their legislative priorities, and I congratulate them on their 50th anniversary.” “The Women’s Caucus is a tremendous resource for the Massachusetts legislature, and one that has provided me with valuable information, insight, and guidance over the years. The Caucus plays a critical role in supporting women legislators, developing and advancing legislation, and ensuring that the perspective of its members is never lost on Beacon Hill or throughout Massachusetts,” Senator Bruce Tarr, Senate said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help firefighters protect themselves from injury and illness, rescue people in danger, and keep our most vulnerable residents safe from fi res and other hazards at home. We are proud to be able to support these vital fi rst responders who never hesitate to answer a call for help.” Minority Leader (R- Gloucester). “Clearly it has made a difference for 50 years, and surely it will make a powerful impact in the years ahead. Congratulations to Women’s Caucus!” “My grandmother served in the New Hampshire House and Senate in the 1940’s and 1950’s helping break down barriers for women in politics. The 50th Anniversary celebration is an important recognition of the countless contributions my female colleagues make to our legislature and Commonwealth on an ongoing basis,” said Representative Bradley Jones, Jr., House Minority Leader (RNorth Reading). “Congratulations to the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators on celebrating 50 years! I am honored to be part of this kickoff celebration and to recognize what an incredible time period this has been, and what the future holds. I salute our founding members, and all of the amazing women who have followed them,” said Representative Kimberly Ferguson, First Assistant Minority Leader (R-Holden). “The MCWL is truly a bipartisan Caucus that fosters a supportive, meaningful environment where women can unite to eff ectively The awards are drawn from three grant programs coordinated by the Department of Fire Services. The Firefi ghter Safety Equipment Grant Program reimburses local fi re departments for purchases of turnout gear, hazardous gas meters, self-contained breathing apparatus components, accountability systems, thermal imaging cameras and advance our many shared priorities. I am grateful to my colleagues who have worked diligently to preserve and advance the Caucus and who are organizing a special year of events, highlights, and tributes.” “It’s an honor to serve in this historic 50th year of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, standing alongside a powerful sisterhood that has been breaking down barriers for decades,” said Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid, who serves as Treasurer of the Women’s Caucus (DMattapan). “As Treasurer, I’m proud to continue building on the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators foundation laid by those who came before us, especially Rep. Doris Bunte, our Commonwealth’s fi rst Black woman legislator who helped to found our Women’s Caucus —pushing for true equity, justice, and opportunity for women across Massachusetts. This work is personal to me, and I’m committed to ensuring that every woman, no matter her background, has the resources and representation to thrive.” The MA Caucus of Women Legislators is the longest continuously operating bicameral and bipartisan Caucus, emmore. This round of grants will provide $1.63 million in funding to fi re departments in 266 communities. In many cases, the reimbursed purchases will help them attain compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards. HEALEY | SEE Page 21 bodying a rich history of collaboration across party lines to advance women’s rights in Massachusetts. Its longevity and unique structure highlight the importance of sustained, crossparty cooperation in creating meaningful legislative change. Over the past 50 years, the Caucus has played a critical role in shaping policies that promote gender equality, social justice, and the empowerment of women, adapting to changing times while maintaining its focus on inclusivity and progress. Being part of this Caucus today means continuing a legacy of bipartisan partnership that is especially important in a time when political division can often overshadow shared goals, making the Caucus a vital force for positive change in Massachusetts. The 50th Anniversary celebrations will also include a historical retrospective on the key achievements of women legislators and discussions on the challenges women continue to face in politics today. The Caucus was founded in April 1975 by 14 women legislators, and this anniversary serves as both a refl ection of progress made and a call to action for future generations of women in public service. 2025 MA Caucus of Women Legislators members

12 Publizr Home