Representative Dykema Co-Chairs the MetroWest Caucus
Representative Carolyn Dykema and Senator Jamie Eldridge are pleased to announce they have been named by their colleagues as Co-Chairs of the MetroWest Caucus. The caucus comprises legislators who represent communities located in the MetroWest region west of Boston. Specifically, the Caucus seeks to work in a bipartisan fashion to advance a legislative agenda that supports regional interests and bolsters the area’s economic potential and quality of life for all MetroWest residents.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to help lead the MetroWest Caucus in the upcoming legislative session,” said Representative Carolyn Dykema. “Our region has so much to offer and has tremendous potential for the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues and our towns to harness that potential by advocating for initiatives that support our common goals in the region including public transit which is essential to our residents and local employers.”
"With the MetroWest region positioning itself as an economic engine for innovation, arts and culture, this is an important opportunity for the region to be heard and prosper," Senator Eldridge said. "As co-chair of the MetroWest Caucus, I will work alongside Representative Dykema and the MetroWest delegation to ensure that the residents of MetroWest, and the issues important to them, are an integral part of the overall legislative agenda and budget process.”
The MetroWest Caucus provides an opportunity to make sure the major needs of the region are heard on Beacon Hill and addressed in the state budget and the legislative process. The Caucus’ priorities include public transportation, infrastructure improvements, and collaboration with the 495 MetroWest Partnership and local chambers of commerce to expand regional economic opportunities. The region covered by the Caucus includes communities west of Boston, on or within the area bordered by Route 495 to the West, Route 2 to the North, and Route 95 to the South.
One of the caucus’ most significant achievements was passage of legislation in 2009 that prohibits toll funds collected on the Mass Turnpike from being used to fund debt related to the “Big Dig” tunnel project. As a result, tolls collected on the Pike today must stay in the region and be used for maintenance of the roadways on which they were collected.
Representative Dykema and Senator Eldridge assume the role of previous chairs, Representative John Fernandes, now serving as the House Chair of Judiciary, and Senator Karen Spilka, now Senate Chair of Ways and Means.
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Representative Carolyn Dykema represents the communities of Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough and Precinct 2 of Westborough in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.