OPINION: Christine Barber is the smart, effective, progressive leader we want in the State Senate

By Page Buldini, Ellen Epstein, Milva McDonald, Jim Silva, Lynne Weiss, Jennifer Yanco

Christine Barber is the most effective candidate running to replace retiring State Senator Pat Jehlen. Jehlen herself, who rarely weighs in on state and local races, recognized this in her recent endorsement. In her words, “We need legislators who collaborate well with rank-and-file colleagues and with advocates to pass legislation and secure funding for local projects that make a difference in residents’ lives. I believe Christine Barber is in the best position to do that.”

Christine also received the endorsement of Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Healey said, “Christine knows how to get things done. Whether it’s making healthcare more affordable, building more housing, protecting reproductive freedom, or standing up for working families, Christine is always showing up ready to do the work.”

As residents, small business owners, and community activists we can attest to the difference Christine, as the current state representative for the 34th Middlesex district, has made in the lives of so many in our city. Christine cares – a lot – and translates that caring into real results. She is an impressive coalition builder laser-focused on issues pertinent to her district and the state. Over her 11-year tenure in the State House, she has passed more than 30 bills into law. She fights hard for her district and has brought millions in state money to Medford.

On progressive issues we care about, Christine Barber stands out.

Immigration: Christine Barber is a powerful advocate for immigrants. She has spoken out strongly against mistreatment of immigrants, including Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk who, after co-authoring an op-ed in support of Palestine, had her visa revoked, was abducted by ICE, and was detained for 45 days.

Christine has made tangible contributions to immigrants in the state, authoring and passing the Work and Family Mobility Act allowing residents to get drivers' licenses regardless of immigration status. She was also a lead sponsor of the Dignity Not Deportations bill to end ICE contracts in the state, which was incorporated in the PROTECT Act.

Healthcare: Christine's advocacy and results in health care are unparalleled. She wrote and passed the lifesaving law capping out-of-pocket costs for insulin and inhalers. She wrote and passed the law expanding ConnectorCare making subsidized health insurance coverage accessible for thousands more Massachusetts residents. She continues to fight against MassHealth cuts that affect the most vulnerable in our communities.

Affordable Housing: Christine was instrumental in passing bills including the MBTA Communities Act, and the law allowing accessory dwelling units. She and Senator Jehlen recently passed amendments to an Economic Development bill to help municipalities offer residents an option for tenants to purchase their residence when a landlord is selling.

Transportation and Climate: Christine championed and continues to champion the Green Line extension, fare-free buses, and transportation electrification, and has secured millions of dollars for the Green Line. As chair of the Environment Committee, she continues to lead on climate initiatives including pollution reduction and investment in flood control, parks, and clean water.

Rights for All: Christine is a fierce advocate for reproductive rights who has protected and strengthened reproductive health care in the state, including expanding access to contraception. She has passed protections for people with disabilities and secured funds to support home care workers.

Jobs and Economic Development: Christine secured more than $1 million for the Main and South Street Revitalization Project to strengthen our business districts. She also wrote and passed the Salary Range Transparency law to help advance pay equity and ensure women are compensated fairly.

Schools and Education: Christine supported the Student Opportunity Act which provided a historic level of K-12 funding and investment in early childcare and debt-free higher education. She secured more than $100,000 for career technical education transportation and robotics programming in Medford Public Schools, opening doors for students to explore career pathways, build real-world skills, and prepare for their future.

While Christine's long list of accomplishments and unusually impressive record of passing legislation and bringing money home to her district distinguish her from the other candidates in the race, they are not the only factors that make her the best person for the job.

Christine is hard-working, compassionate, and fierce when it comes to helping her constituents. After the tragic death of Laura Beth Levis outside a Somerville hospital, she worked diligently with Senator Jehlen and Laura's husband, journalist Peter DeMarco, to pass Laura's Law, providing adequate signage and lighting for emergency rooms so that no one would ever again die trying to gain entry to a hospital in Massachusetts.

In our community work, Christine has been responsive and effective with transit issues, including the Green Line extension, getting Medford's new charter through the State House, and addressing immigration and housing issues. As constituents, we have seen her transform the lives of family members by personally helping them navigate the web of MassHealth. As small business owners, we have experienced firsthand her understanding of what it takes for women, minority, and other entrepreneurs to build their dreams in Medford.

Christine has that rare combination of kindness, competence, intelligence, and responsiveness. Again and again we have experienced Christine as someone who listens and helps. She cares about progressive values and is effective at passing laws that support them. We are honored to support her and excited about the prospect of calling her our state senator.

Page Buldini, Ellen Epstein, Milva McDonald, Jim Silva, Lynne Weiss, and Jennifer Yanco are Medford residents.