Growing up, both of Kate’s parents were newspaper reporters, and family dinner conversations often included discussions of events happening at the local, state, and national levels. She learned early on that the policies our elected officials enact have powerful, long-lasting effects on communities and people. Kate’s first job was as a seventh-grade public school teacher in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood of Atlanta. After graduating from Harvard Law School, she worked as a judicial clerk in the federal courts; a legal consultant for states, school districts, colleges, and nonprofit organizations on efforts to improve outcomes for children and students; and as the Chief Legal Counsel at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education. Prior to joining the State House, Kate was a Melrose City Councilor-At-Large where she raised the bar for resident engagement, created and served as the liaison to the School Committee, and oversaw the City Council’s budget process.
Economic insecurity is a reality for too many of our neighbors, including many seniors and veterans.
As City Councilor, Kate met with experts about age-friendly initiatives and worked to ensure City-employed veterans received the maximum possible job protections available under state law. She spoke with residents about financial instability and social isolation concerns and worked to disseminate information about available senior and income-eligible tax and service discounts.
As State Representative, she secured the passage of Wakefield’s home rule petition for a senior property tax exemption and introduced a similar measure on behalf of the Melrose community. She has also proposed several bills that would enhance the financial stability and general well-being of veterans.