MCAD Hosts Legislative Briefing
BOSTON- State Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield) joined colleagues in the legislature and staff members from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) on Tuesday this week for a legislative briefing centered on the importance of the MCAD’s role in enforcing Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws in the current climate, the agency's FY26 funding needs, and support for H.3109 and S.2014 “An Act Relative to Creating the Massachusetts Against Discrimination Fund.”
Gómez, serving in his third term in the legislature and recently appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion, is the lead sponsor of S.2014. He had this to say during the briefing on Tuesday, "At a time when federal priorities are shifting and protections once considered settled are being reexamined, it is important that we reaffirm our commitment to upholding civil rights here in our state. These rights are not static; they are shaped and sustained by ongoing and active effort. MCAD is at the forefront of that fight here in our state and it is paramount that we do all we can to support their efforts now, more than ever."
The bill filed by the Senator proposes creation of the Massachusetts Against Discrimination Fund within the state's financial system with the goal of bolstering the Commission's efforts and focusing on areas such as investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating unlawful discrimination claims, as well as providing training to public and private entities to prevent and handle discrimination incidents. The fund would be financially supported through voluntary contributions, which taxpayers could make via a check-off option on their state income tax return, along with gifts, grants, and donations, and is structured to remain separate and exempt from indirect costs, with provisions allowing for any leftover funds to be carried over for future use.
The MCAD is an independent state agency that enforces the Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws by investigating complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other aspects of everyday life. Pursuant to its mission to eradicate discrimination in the Commonwealth, the MCAD also offers remedial and preventative training, and publishes resources online such as model policies, posters, and guides. The MCAD is advocating for a $3 million increase in the budget this year to offset cuts at the federal level, hoping to annualize funding they typically receive from the federal government that they are expecting to lose and covering additional cost increases.
For more information please contact Senator Gómez's office by email at Adam.Gomez@MASenate.gov.