BOSTON – State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez is the new chairman of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC).

The caucus has 13 members, with four from Western Massachusetts. The other members include State reps. Bud Williams, Jose Tosado and Aaron Vega.

Gonzalez takes over the caucus chairmanship as he begins his third term in the legislature. Last session he served on the Committee of Ways and Means, Community Development and Small Business, Technology and Intergovernmental Affairs and Global Warming.

Gonzalez told Reminder Publishing the MBLLC would finalize its legislative agenda next week.

He said the caucus is “really looking at ways we can impact recidivism and poverty.”

Gonzalez added to accomplish that goal, the MBLLC would be looking at legislation in housing, criminal justice reform, equitable educational funding and how funds are distributed for issues impacting people of color.

He noted that climate change would also be among the topics.

For Gonzalez himself, he will be working on a bill that would change the language currently existing in legislation that defines tax incentive programs for businesses. He said that wherever the phrase “tax incentive” is used he would have it replaced with “corporate welfare.”

Gonzalez said the caucus was founded in the General Court in the 1970s as one for just African-American legislators. In the 1990s with Latinos being elected to the House and Senate, the name was changed to reflect both groups.

Gonzalez said the MBLLC intends to host a series of listening sessions throughout the Commonwealth with one session scheduled for Springfield.

Gonzalez said in a written statement, “I am humbled and honored to serve as the new Chairperson and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the causes that impact the communities we all represent.”