BOSTON � Representative James O'Day (D-West Boylston) has announced the creation of the Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Aging. The commission met for the first time on april 2. Its co-chairmen are O'Day and Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville).

This commission has been tasked with investigating, analyzing and studying the health, housing, financial, psychosocial and long-term care needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults, and their caregivers, and to make recommendations to improve access to benefits and services where appropriate and necessary. At the first meeting, commission members discussed the timeline for creating recommendations, public listening sessions, and goals for the commission's report.

Commission meetings are open to the public, and will be posted on www.malegislature.gov no less than a week before the commission meets. The next meeting is scheduled for May 7, at 10:30 a.m., at AARP's offices, 1 Beacon Street.