Friedman named chair of Health Care Financing and vice chair of Senate Ways and Means Committees

BOSTON – Today, Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) was named Senate co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing by Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) for the 2019-2020 legislative session which began this January. The committee will consider all matters concerning the direct funding of health care programs and any other Medicaid or public health assistance matters, and fiscal matters relating to health care policy.

Friedman was also named vice chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, where she will work closely with recently appointed Senate Ways and Means chair Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) and fellow committee members to prepare the state’s annual budget and oversee all other legislation related to the spending of state funds.

“I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve on these important committees,” said Friedman. “I am incredibly grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka for placing her trust in me with these duties and am excited to get to work. I look forward to a productive, impactful and successful legislative session with my colleagues as we continue to fight for key policy initiatives on behalf of our constituents.”

In addition, she will serve as a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, the Joint Committee on Transportation, the Senate Committee on Rules, and the Senate Committee on Ethics.

Friedman represents the 4th Middlesex district, which includes Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Woburn and precincts 1-2 and 4-7 in Lexington.