The Massachusetts Bar Association honored Senate Ways and Means
Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Second Middlesex and Norfolk) with its
Legislator of the Year Award at the May 4 Annual Dinner.
The MBA's Legislator of the Year Award is presented annually to
a state or federal legislator who has distinguished him/herself in
public service through outstanding contributions to the legal
profession, courts and administration of justice.
"Chairwoman Spilka is a well-respected leader in the Legislature
and a committed advocate for juvenile justice issues," said MBA
Chief Legal Counsel and COO Martin W. Healy. "We are proud to
recognize her for her continued public service and work in shaping
major policy initiatives in the commonwealth, many of which have
protected the most vulnerable among us."
Spilka, who serves as the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways
and Means - the committee that oversees the budget and finances of
the commonwealth - also chairs the Biotech Legislative Caucus and
the Tech Hub Caucus. Spilka's legislative accomplishments include
efforts in a broad range of areas, including economic development,
jobs creation, education, juvenile justice, and services for the
elderly and disabled communities.
Spilka was first elected to the Massachusetts House of
Representatives in the fall of 2001, where she served three years
before her election to the state Senate in January 2005. In the
Senate she has served as the chair of the Joint Committee on
Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; the chair of the
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies;
and the majority whip.
Prior to becoming a legislator, Spilka was in private practice
as an arbitrator and mediator, specializing in labor and employment
law and community and court mediation. In addition, she has been a
facilitator and fact finder in disputes in the public and private
sectors, as well as a social worker and trainer of adult mediation
and school-based peer mediation programs, collaborative-based
collective bargaining and conflict resolution strategies.
Spilka is a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law
School and holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University.