Sánchez Nominated To Be Chair of House Ways and Means Committee

Print More

State Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez, D-15th Suffolk/Norfolk

Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo has nominated state Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

State Rep. Jeffrey Sánchez, D-15th Suffolk/Norfolk

"I'm incredibly humbled to be nominated for Chairman of Ways and Means by Speaker DeLeo. Having chaired committees on public health and HCF (Committee on Health Care Financing), I hope to use this post to protect those most in need of it -- like many of my constituents -- while being thoughtful about our state finances and the MA economy. I know that we're going to be able to work hard and make a difference in people's lives," said Sanchez in a comment to Jamaica Plain News.

The House Ways and Means Committee is crucially important to the state government in regards to fiscal affairs and policy-making. Sanchez will replace outgoing chair state Rep. Brian Dempsey, D-Essex, who is leaving to take a position at the lobbying firm ML Strategies.

"I am proud to nominate Chairman Sánchez as Chair of House Ways & Means," DeLeo said in a statement. "His intellect, experience and leadership skills make him an ideal fit for the role. Jeff is someone who is able to understand the finer points of policy and translate them into workable solutions."

Among other things, Sanchez is known for his focus on health care and public health, having sponsored recent legislation on eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities, conducting fetal and infant mortality reviews, and directing MassHealth to fully implement consumer choice of physician assistant services.

Sanchez has been the state representative for the 15th Suffolk/Norfolk District since 2003, which includes parts of Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and Brookline.

3,730 Views