I grew up in a working-class family in a rural town in Georgia. New England immediately felt like home and my husband and I chose to settle in Billerica. We bought our first house on River Street and have two children in the public school system. Public service has always been important to me, having grown up in a military family. From enlisting in the Air Force to teaching History at Lawrence High School, I continually seek ways to better the world around me.
Every constituent should be able to understand the legislative process and easily find records of their legislators' voting records. A strong, effective government must be open and transparent. That's why Teresa signed the Voters Deserve to Know Pledge. To uphold a strong commitment to accountability and transparency, we must:
Make committee votes and testimony public, and improve our public records laws. Laws mandating the disclosure of public records have existed in the Commonwealth since 1851, except for the Governor and State Legislature.
Remain accessible through town halls and office hours.
Pass An Act Promoting Equality and Respect in the Legislature, creating an independent commission to investigate sexual harassment and other workplace allegations on Beacon Hill.