Governor Healey has signed an executive order creating the position of Poet Laureate of Massachusetts.
According to Section 1 of the order,
The Poet Laureate shall be an honorary position within the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor and reporting to the Governor’s Office. The Poet Laureate shall serve for a two-year term and may be reappointed for up to one additional two-year term. The Poet Laureate shall be responsible for: (i) encouraging appreciation of poetry and creative expression across Massachusetts; (ii) attending public readings and other statewide literary and cultural events in diverse regions of the state as requested by the Governor or Lieutenant Governor; (iii) composing poetry for ceremonial occasions as requested by the Governor or Lieutenant Governor; and (iv) advising the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on an outreach program for schools focused on the celebration and advancement of poetry. The Poet Laureate shall reside in Massachusetts and have lived here for a minimum of three years. The Poet Laureate shall possess a substantial body of work and shall have demonstrated a commitment to promoting an awareness of poetry and literary excellence. The Poet Laureate may accept such stipends or honoraria as may be available for the position of Poet Laureate.
To read the full text of Order No. 640 click here.