The Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus recently announced that Majority Whip Byron Rushing (D-Boston) will be honored with the organization’s Good Guy award.
First elected to the state House of Representatives in 1982, Rushing has worked to secure and protect human and civil rights for the citizens of Massachusetts. He sponsored the legislation that led to the creation of the Massachusetts Commission to End Homelessness, which he co-chaired, and which developed a comprehensive strategy to combat homelessness.
The five-year plan to end homelessness in Massachusetts that the Commission developed has since been adopted by the Patrick Administration. He was also an original sponsor of the state’s gay rights law and has been one of the most outspoken supporters in the legislature for equal marriage rights.
Rushing has also advocated for women through reforms to the state’s heath care system. He sponsored legislation that created statewide guidelines for the treatment of victims of violence, thereby ensuring their privacy, safety, and quality of treatment.
As chairman of the House Committee on Insurance, Rushing was the chief sponsor of health care reform ending insurance denials based on preexisting conditions. He currently co-chairs the Health Disparities Council.
