Growing up near Albany, New York, this son of a public school teacher first became politically active in high school, where he advocated for increased school budgets and progressive school board candidates. A longtime activist and leader, he spent twelve years as the chair of the Watertown Democratic Town Committee. In 2016 he was elected to the Democratic State Committee, where he helped the party enact reforms to increase voter participation.
As the son of a public school teacher and the parent of two students currently in the Watertown Public Schools, Representative Owens has had a lifelong personal connection and commitment to furthering educational opportunities for all students, regardless of ZIP code.
Since entering the State House, Representative Owens has worked to expand access to education, safe environments, healthy meals, and support for students with disabilities across the Commonwealth.
The Covid-19 pandemic, with its lengthy school closures and remote learning, has underscored the need for the state to invest equitably in technology. It also has produced a unique set of challenges as reflected in the most recent MCAS scores. Massachusetts must return its students to their position as the top academic performers in the country.
At the same time, the state must correct historical education inequities in low-income and majority-minority communities. This means not only less reliance on local property taxes, but also a more diverse teaching staff and a curriculum that teaches respect for all, regardless of race, religion, or sexuality.
A major step toward the latter goal came in December 2021 when the State mandated Holocaust and genocide education in all public schools. Representative Owens continues to advocate for education legislation that promotes mutual respect and tolerance from an early age.