Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) was sworn in to the 191st General Court of Massachusetts on Wednesday, January 2nd, as the member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the Fifth Essex District, which consists of Gloucester, Essex, and Rockport.  

Ferrante took the oath of office, administered by Governor Charlie Baker, along with 157 of her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She was joined on the floor of the House chamber for the swearing-in by her mother, Frances Ferrante.  

“Thank you to the voters of Cape Ann for giving me the privilege of representing you on Beacon Hill. Together, we have worked to grow our middle class by providing more meaningful employment opportunities on Cape Ann and for the people of Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex,” said Ferrante.

“We have also protected the rights of workers and extended their benefits to include paid family leave and sick leave. The Gloucester Biotechnology Academy and our vocational program in partnership with Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School, Gloucester High School, and the Laborers offer new apprenticeships and avenues for Cape Ann’s young people to enter the workforce. Moreover, our work with Wellspring House and North Shore Community College helped residents obtain their GEDs and start their collegiate careers.”

Ferrante’s re-election in November returned her to Boston representing Gloucester, Essex, and Rockport in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. For the past two years, she has served as the First Division Chair, serving as a mentor and leader for representatives in her division, about a quarter of the Democrats in the House of Representatives. She also sat on the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling and the House Committee on Rules for the 190th General Court.

She had previously served as the House Chair for the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, the House Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology, and the House Vice Chair of the Committee on Environmental Resources and Agriculture.

Ferrante’s priorities remain:

• Creating pathways for Cape Ann residents into the workforce;
• Preserving workers’ rights;
• Increasing investment in public infrastructure, inland waterways, and ports;
• Investing in education;
• Protecting seniors;
• Addressing climate change;
• Effectively managing food resources; and
• Providing for those with inadequate resources.

“Together, we are accomplishing many things on Cape Ann!” Ferrante continued. “As always, I encourage Cape Ann residents to contact my office, should you need our assistance or to let us know your issues or concerns.”