Representative Sally Kerans (D-Danvers, West Peabody, Middleton) has been appointed to the Legislature’s Transportation, Financial Services, Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and Election Laws Committees.
The Danvers resident was also appointed to the newly created Advanced IT, Internet and Cybersecurity Committee.
“These committees deal with issues that directly impact our daily lives, our economy, our infrastructure and our climate,” Kerans said. “I’m excited to join with colleagues, local officials and stakeholders to bring equitable approaches and solutions to complex problems in each of these five policy areas. I will be a voice for the vulnerable, hold powerful institutions accountable and work towards an inclusive, equitable vision for our state that lifts us all. I’m really looking forward to taking part in this important work.”
Kerans said the transportation assignment represents an opportunity to work directly with local officials in Danvers, Peabody and Middleton on important transportation and infrastructure projects in the area as well as the state’s overall policies and approaches to transportation needs and funding. The committee deals with all state transportation matters including the development, operation, regulation and control of all means of transportation in the air, on land, and in the water.
“Transportation is a crucial, bipartisan issue that impacts climate change, our economy and equity,” Kerans said, adding the committee is currently in discussion with the MBTA about reconfiguring the bus routes in Danvers to establish routes that better serve riders.
The Mental Health and Substance Use and Recovery committees deal with all matters of behavioral health, mental illness and substance use disorder, including prevention and early intervention, treatment, recovery services, and homelessness.
“COVID-19 has both highlighted existing inadequacies in our mental health system and exacerbated mental illness for many,” said Kerans. “People struggling with mental illness need greater access to behavioral health services. We must address stigma, access to both in-patient and outpatient mental health treatment and the failed system of incarceration-as-treatment.”
The Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity is a newly-created committee that addresses cybersecurity and cyber threats, advanced public telecommunications networks, the Internet and broadband access.
“Through the course of the pandemic, the importance of Internet and broadband access has become even more apparent. In particular, many students across our state have struggled to stay connected to their education due to a lack of Internet access. I hope that through this work we can ensure that all people across our Commonwealth have the ability to access the Internet,” Kerans said.
The Committee on Election Laws deals with all matters related to elections and election laws, which Kerans describes as “the cornerstone of our democracy.
“I’m honored to serve on this committee, and I look forward to continuing to support our town and city clerks who exceptionally adapted and ensured access to voting during the COVID-19 crisis,” she said. “Clearly, mail-in voting was a success, and I will support measures to expand this option for voters.”
The Committee on Financial Services deals with all matters concerning banks, banking institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, insurance and small lenders as well as access to capital by small businesses and individuals.
Kerans was elected to the legislature in November of 2020, following the retirement of predecessor Ted Speliotis. She previously served three terms in the legislature from 1991-1996. Kerans campaigned on a platform of a strong COVID-19 response, supporting individuals and small businesses through the pandemic, supporting families in the challenges of schooling during a pandemic, transportation and infrastructure, mental health, climate, and racial equity.
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
