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Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Board Information
Policy Area
Health and Human ServicesPurpose
The commission shall be a resource to the commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents raising grandchildren in the commonwealth. In furtherance of that responsibility, the commission shall: (1) foster unity among grandparents raising grandchildren communities and organizations in the commonwealth by promoting cooperation and sharing of information and encouraging collaboration and joint activities; (2) serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups with regard to matters of unique interest and concern to grandparents raising grandchildren in the commonwealth; (3) assess programs and practices in all state agencies as they affect grandparents raising grandchildren, as the commission deems necessary and appropriate; (4) advise executive and legislative bodies of the potential effect of proposed legislation on grandparents raising grandchildren, as the commission deems necessary and appropriate; (5) investigate the merits of the establishment of a state agency dedicated to grandparents issues and determine how such agency would be set up; and (6) identify issues that are faced by relatives, other than parents, who are raising children.Current Chair(s)
Mr. John LepperSeat Restrictions
2 year termsCompensation
The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for any usual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.Legal Authority
Board Members
↓↓ Sort members table by selecting table header for Member, Seat Name, Appointing Authority, or Term End Date.
| Member↓↓ | Seat Name | Appointing Authority | Term End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary Alice Bonner | Secretary of Elder Affairs Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Ms. Margo Chevers | Senate Minority Leader Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Representative Paul Donato | Speaker of the House Designee 1 | - | - |
| Deborah Dowd-Foley | Secretary of Elder Affairs Designee 2 | Ex Officio | June 19, 2019 |
| Deanna Forist | Seat 1 | Governor | January 12, 2026 |
| Ms. Lynn A. Girton | Secretary of Elder Affairs Designee 3 | Ex Officio | - |
| Ms. Maura Healy | Attorney General Designee | - | - |
| Ms. Patricia A. Keith | Senate President 1 | - | - |
| Senator Barbara L'Italien | Senate President 2 | - | - |
| Jerry Lanson | Seat 2 | Governor | January 12, 2026 |
| Mr. John Lepper | House Minority Leader Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Commissioner Linda Spears | Commissioner of DCF Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| - | Speaker of the House Designee 2 | - | - |