Massachusetts Gov. Healey creates 'Latino Empowerment' council

close

Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for April 4

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is planning to sign an executive order Wednesday creating a Governor’s Council on Latino Empowerment.

The 40-member panel will be made up of Latino leaders from across the state and will be charged with advising Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on strategies to expand economic opportunities for Massachusetts’ Latino communities and to improve their overall wellbeing.

The panel will hold its first meeting Wednesday.

MASSACHUSETTS GOV. MAURA HEALEY REMINDS PHARMACIES THEY MUST STOCK UP ON ABORTION PILLS

Healey said the state's Latino community helps strengthen Massachusetts.

Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is expected to issue an executive order establishing a Latino Empowerment advisory council. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

"Together, we can break down systemic barriers and expand access to opportunity by prioritizing education, job training, entrepreneurship and affordability," the Democrat said in a written statement.

MASSACHUSETTS GOV. HEALEY PROPOSES STATEWIDE MISSING PERSONS UNIT

Josiane Martinez — former executive director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants, and founder and CEO of the Archipelago Strategies Group, a marketing agency — will serve as chair of the new council.

"The Latinx community, one of the youngest and fastest growing communities of color in this state, will continue fueling the state’s robust growth," Martinez said in a statement. "Massachusetts needs the Latino community to continue to thrive and by investing in the Latinx community we are investing in the growth of our state."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

In February, Healey signed an executive order creating a 33-member Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment — tasked with advising the administration on ways to help support empowerment efforts in the state’s Black community.