The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus

37-3! With yesterday’s Senate vote, both chambers have now passed versions of the caucus proposed PROTECT Act. We thank Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, and our colleagues in both chambers for their steadfast leadership and commitment.
As the bill moves to conference committee, we urge a legally-durable resolution that prioritizes the strongest protections for immigrant families ahead of the World Cup and coming events that bring global attention to our region.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Today is a day of celebration and remembrance of Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, a powerful symbol of resilience and unity. Today, communities in parts of Mexico and across the United States mark the occasion with parades, music, speeches, and cultural events. It’s also a meaningful time to honor and take pride in Mexican heritage, traditions, and history. Wishing all who celebrate an amazing day as we celebrate!

The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus welcomes today’s action by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on the PROTECT Act. This is an important step in the legislative process toward establishing clear, statewide standards for how state and local entities interact with federal civil immigration enforcement. For almost a year now members of the MBLLC have been working diligently with families impacted, immigrant advocacy groups, and local law enforcement to craft thoughtful protections to due process and justice for immigrant families.

We are grateful to our Senate Caucus members for their leadership in advancing this work in the Senate today, including our Vice Chair, Senator Liz Miranda, Senator Adam Gomez, Senator Edwards, and Senator Payano who has played an important role as a member of the Response 2025 committee. We look forward to reviewing the final version of the bill and advancing meaningful protections to the Governor’s desk.

Today, we highlight former State Representative Nika Elugrado as part of our past MBLLC member spotlight series.

Shortly after her time at the State House, Elugrado was hired to join Senator Edward Markey’s office as Chief Counsel where she led his justice portfolio, focusing on housing, immigration, civil rights, and judiciary issues.

Thank you for your dedication to the Commonwealth!

MBLLC Leadership in Action

On Monday, four Democrats finalized a compromise (H5350) to implement changes to the Cannabis Control Commission and allow cannabis retailers to hold up to six store licenses.

This is a significant accomplishment that was led by two MBLLC members, and .

Congratulations on reaching this result after months of deliberations!

Yesterday, the MBLLC met with House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz to present our caucus budget priorities for FY27. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the programs and investments most impacting our communities. We look forward to collaborating with both chambers to ensure that Black and Latino voices are heard and represented appropriately in state investments!

Recent policy changes issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA) now bar green card holders and legal residents from accessing ANY SBA-backed loan program.

Black and Latino immigrant entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and across this country have used these tools to build businesses, hire neighbors, and strengthen our communities. These loans have been critical to immigrant entrepreneurs precisely because they offer low interest rates and are accessible to those without an established credit history.

Our caucus stands firmly opposed to this discriminatory policy change. We will continue to fight for equitable access to capital for ALL entrepreneurs and support pathways for Black and Latino residents to pursue wealth building mechanisms in our Commonwealth.

Honoring the remaining Black members of the MBLLC as we cap off Black History Month.

Thank you all for being a part of this caucus and for your leadership in the Black community!