Rep. Ruth B. Balser (12th Middlesex), whose 26-year run in the Massachusetts State Legislature will end with her retirement this year, has always brought a unique perspective to Beacon Hill. As a student at the University of Rochester in the late-1960s, Rep. Balser was active in issues related to civil rights and the ongoing war in Vietnam. Describing herself as both “a student activist and a student of psychology,” Balser found herself focused on the emotional impact of policy issues both big and small.
After earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from New York University, Balser worked as a psychologist with a particular interest in community psychology, or the intersection of social, political, and economic factors on mental health. Her journey into politics began with her election to the Newton Board of Alderman in 1987, and in 1999, she joined the State Legislature, becoming the first psychologist to ever serve in that role. Balser—who maintained her license to practice throughout her years in the legislature—has made mental health public policy a top priority and has served two terms as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
“As a psychologist, I felt moved to make sure that mental health challenges were responded to by the healthcare system in the same way any other medical condition would be,” Balser said. “I think we’ve made great strides in keeping mental health top of mind.”
During her tenure as State Representative, Balser has expanded mental health parity in Massachusetts, helped enact an omnibus children’s mental health bill, and filed legislation focused on improving behavioral health services to those who suffer from mental illness or addictions who land in the criminal justice system.
“[Rep. Balser] has always done a really nice job of connecting with people,” Rep. Tommy Vitolo (15th Norfolk) told the Brookline News earlier this year when Balser announced her upcoming retirement. “She also gets things done. She’s been a real champion on elevating mental health and emotional health as something worth spending resources on.”
Those years working as a psychologist also helped Balser hone perhaps the most important skill for an elected official to master—that of listening. Her commitment to constituent concerns made her a leading voice on Beacon Hill for improving legal services through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), the largest funding source for civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts. In doing so, she’s been an invaluable legislative partner to the BBA and the Equal Justice Coalition in our advocacy efforts for MLAC funding at the annual Walk to the Hill event.
“There was no day at the Hill where I had more constituents come to see me than the Walk to the Hill events,” Balser said, “and I was always very moved by both the legal aid attorneys and those in private practice who felt it was so important to protect funds for civil legal aid and ensure that low-income people can always have equal access to the law. This has been a priority for the people of my district for years, and I’ve been proud to champion it for them and with them.”
“Representative Balser has been a stalwart supporter of MLAC and civil legal aid services for over 20 years,” said Lynn Parker, Executive Director, MLAC. “I remember when I first met her, shortly after joining MLAC. She was calm and personable, kind and compassionate, but also persistent – the same traits she demonstrated in her advocacy on behalf of MLAC. When she took something on, she was tenacious. She understood why funding for civil legal aid was so important and how it could make a real difference in people’s lives.”
In addition to her emphasis on mental health and legal aid, Balser has also been instrumental in passing legislation protecting the environment, ensuring gender equity, and even promoting fire safety following a tragedy in Newton during her first year in office. She was the lead sponsor of the Public Lands Preservation Act, which was passed into law in 2022 following decades of perseverance. She was also the lead sponsor on two key gender equity bills that prohibit gender-based pricing disparities in insurance plans and disability policies.
Even as she plans to retire, Balser is still working to reform state policies. She is currently advocating to end the practice of placing men with substance abuse disorders in prison facilities when treatment programs are unavailable – a policy she helped eliminate for women in 2016.
Balser expressed gratitude for the recognition of her work by the legal community but emphasized the collective nature of her achievements.
“It’s a funny thing when a legislator is recognized,” she said. “Because really, what we accomplish can’t be done by ourselves alone. It’s accomplished with our colleagues and, most importantly, with the public.”
“Representative Balser is a true champion and steward for legal aid,” said Parker. “She cares deeply about those who struggle to make ends meet, and that was evident in her advocacy on behalf of MLAC. She leaves a strong legacy and will be greatly missed in her retirement.”
Looking ahead, Balser plans to spend her retirement enjoying time with family, hiking, and reading, reflecting on a career of service and dedication to Massachusetts communities.
