One of the longest-serving members of the state legislature from western Massachusetts has announced plans to retire.
Democratic State Rep. Ellen Story of Amherst confirmed Thursday she will not seek re-election this year after nearly a quarter century in the legislature.
" It is a long ways between Boston and Amherst," Story said in an interview. " I've decided to let someone else have a turn at this wonderful wonderful job."
Story, who was first elected in 1992, has championed women’s and progressive social issues and advocated for more funding for public higher education. She said before she retires she hopes to pass bills she’s sponsored for several years on workplace bullying and GMO labeling.
