COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133-1053
Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District
Phone: (617) 722-1410
Email: joan.lovely@masenate.gov
PRESS RELEASE:
February 5, 2013
Senator Lovely to Chair Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse
(Boston) Today Senator Lovely announced her appointment to seven committee posts in the 188th General Court, including a committee chairwomanship. Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray assigned the senate leadership and committee positions on Thursday, January 31st.
“This is an important step in the legislative process,” Senator Lovely stated, adding, “I’m more than ready for all the work the seven committee assignments will bring.” As Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Senator Lovely will work directly on state practices and policies that are designed to help those with issues of mental health and addiction. She has already fielded several phone calls from officials and professionals in those fields, and she plans on meeting with others in the coming days and weeks. “There’s a lot of good work to be done in the field of mental health, and I’m eager to join the effort,” said Senator Lovely. “Quality care for mental health is an important part of having good overall public health.”
In addition to her work as a committee chairwoman, Senator Lovely will serve as Vice-Chair for the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. The Senator will also sit on the Joint Committee on Election Laws, the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, the Joint Committee on Public Health, and the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development. Senator Lovely is looking forward to beginning her committee work, stating, “Just as I did as a 15-year city councilor, I plan to fully study the details of each legislative proposal and ask the right questions.”
Serving her first term in the Legislature, Senator Lovely represents Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Topsfield.
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