In her role as President, she has continued her mission as a senator to support the rights of children and veterans, promote affordable housing, invigorate the Commonwealth’s traditional fishing and agricultural industries, and advance new technologies in the life sciences as well as reforms in transportation and energy. Prior to becoming President of the Senate in 2007, Therese Murray served as Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means since 2003. Through her leadership on several state budgets, she helped guide the Massachusetts economy through difficult times, and that knowledge and experience is being put to good use today as we feel the effects of the current crisis in the national and worldwide financial markets. Sen. Murray is currently serving her eighth term as State Senator of the Plymouth and Barnstable District. She is a 34-year resident of Plymouth and the mother of one daughter.