at work for you

Liz Malia was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in a special election in March of 1998 and is serving her second full term. The 11th Suffolk District she represents is one of the most ethnically and socio-economically diverse districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety, the Joint Committee on Transportation and as Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Service. She is a member of several caucuses and working groups within the Legislature, including the Mental Health Caucus, the Children’s Caucus, the Caucus of Women Legislators, the Caucus on Elder Affairs, the working group on issues affecting Women in Prison, and a working group on gay and lesbian issues.

Liz graduated from Boston College in 1971 with a BA in Education and English. She has an extensive professional background in human services, healthcare, community organizing and labor advocacy. Liz returned to Boston College in 1989 and completed the graduate certificate program at the Center for Women in Politics and Government. A short time later, then State Representative John McDonough hired Liz as his Chief of Staff. During her time in the State House, first as a staff person and as a State Representative since 1998, Liz’s key accomplishments include:

• Establishing and supporting dozens of local Crime Watch groups to effectively deal with safety and quality of life issues in our neighborhoods



• Implementing the City of Boston noise ordinance and graffiti removal initiatives



• Convening multi-jurisdictional public safety task forces on issues along the Orange Line, the Southwest Corridor Parkland and the Forest Hills area



• Leading a legislative fight towards getting Domestic Partner benefits for lesbian and gay families



• Fighting for expanded health care coverage for children and seniors



• Successfully advocating for district concerns in the State Budget process, including funding for the Franklin Park Zoo, various substance abuse and social service programs, adult basic education programming



• Forming partnerships with elected officials at all levels to work on difficult issues – Liz is known as a reasonable, competent partner at any negotiating table

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Liz has always been active as a volunteer in community affairs. She serves on the Ward 11 Democratic Committee and served as an elected delegate to many state democratic conventions. Liz co-founded the Lesbian and Gay Neighbors of Jamaica Plain and the Jamaica Plain Women's Safety Network. The Boston Police Department recognized her work with community service awards in 1993, 1996 and 1997. Liz has also served on the Advisory Committee for the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at the U-Mass Boston, the Boston Women's Commission and the Board of the Parkland Management Advisory Committee.

Liz Malia is a 27-year resident of Jamaica Plain. She and her partner own a home on Child Street near the Agassiz Elementary school.