Boston Herald Editorial

In case you missed it, the Boston Herald Editorial Board penned an editorial regarding a Republican-led amendment to the sales tax holiday – make it a permanent yearly event.

As you may have heard, during debate on the House floor this week regarding the sales tax holiday, House Minority Leader Brad Jones and the Republican Caucus offered an amendment aimed at making the sales tax holiday a re-occurring yearly event. This amendment however was ruled “out of scope” by the Democratic majority. All the Republican Caucus, and subsequently the Boston Herald, is trying to say is, that if a sales tax holiday is a proven success, why not make it a reoccurring yearly event?

Click here to read the Boston Herald Editorial.

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Adoption of Court Reorganization Legislation

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to the House passing court reorganization legislation:

“I am pleased that the House and Senate have been able to agree on language targeted at the reorganization of the judicial system in Massachusetts. I believe that many of the strong initiatives we passed in the House version of the bill have made their way into the final compromise.

This is a good and very important first step in the process of making changes to, and improving, an otherwise antiquated set of governing rules for the court system in the Commonwealth. It is the intention of both the House and Senate that this bill will bring serious court reform to the Bay State.

I look forward to Governor Patrick’s review and ultimately his signature on this piece of bi-partisan legislation.”

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THIS WEEKEND - Recover, Repair, Rebuild - Tornado 2011

This weekend, in response to the devastating tornadoes that tore through parts of Western and Central Massachusetts earlier this summer, Representative Todd Smola will be co-hosting a tornado cleanup effort.

Recover, Repair, Rebuild - Tornado 2011, will take place Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st. Representative Smola along with event organizers Cosmo Casamassa and Mark Forsman are encouraging volunteers to come out and give a helping hand to those devastated by the tornadoes. With the collective help and efforts of volunteers, we will be able to get the residents affected by these horrific storms back on their feet.

Any commitment - large or small - is greatly appreciated and will help to put those individuals displaced by these storms one step closer to rebuilding. We encourage you to visit http://rrrtornado2011.webs.com for more details on the weekend cleanup and to find information on how to get involved.

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Defeat of Republican-Led Tax Rollback Initiatives

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to the Democratic majority’s rejection of two Republican-led tax relief initiatives:

“While I am pleased with the passage of the Sales Tax Holiday for 2011, the majority party in the House has once again squandered an opportunity to bring long-term tax relief to the residents of the Commonwealth.

Although I cannot say I am shocked that the Democrats have once again deferred to a mystical, magical time in the future to have an open and candid debate regarding the sales tax, I am disappointed that we are not capitalizing on an opportunity that has clearly been effective in the past. To make the sales tax holiday a reoccurring yearly event would not only bring tax relief to our citizens, but would help spur our local economy.

The fact of the matter is that revenues have come in higher then we initially predicted for Fiscal Year 2011 – hence the Republican Party’s attempt to roll the sales tax back to 5% via a two-step process. We believe the state’s stronger financial position should result in relief for taxpayers, or at least a debate about the possibility. It would certainly help to start the conversation about reversing the tax increases the Democratic Party approved to help address the financial crisis.”

Recover, Repair, Rebuild - Tornado 2011

In response to the devastating tornadoes that tore through parts of Western and Central Massachusetts earlier this summer, Representative Todd Smola will be co-hosting a tornado cleanup effort.

Recover, Repair, Rebuild - Tornado 2011, will take place Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st. Representative Smola along with event organizers Cosmo Casamassa and Mark Forsman are encouraging volunteers to come out and give a helping hand to those devastated by the tornadoes. With the collective help and efforts of volunteers, we will be able to get the residents affected by these horrific storms back on their feet.

Any commitment - large or small - is greatly appreciated and will help to put those individuals displaced by these storms one step closer to rebuilding. We encourage you to visit http://rrrtornado2011.webs.com for more details on the weekend cleanup and to find information on how to get involved.

Representative Donald Wong Appears on the FOX-25 Morning News

In case you missed it, Representative Donald Wong (R- Saugus) made an appearance on the FOX-25 Morning News’ Zip Trip in Saugus today. Representative Wong joined VB and Gene for the “Let it Rip” segment.




Click on the video below for more.

Let it Rip: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Secure Communities…Working to Protect You

In case you missed it, State House News reported that federal agents have deported a man wanted for child sex abuse and human smuggling. The means for his deportation: Secure Communities.

According to reports, Joao Brito was handed over to Dutch authorities by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcements. Originally arrested for the vandalizing a vehicle in Boston, the report from State House news states, “ICE reported Thursday that Suffolk County’s Secure Communities program enabled investigators to share fingerprint information following his arrest that produced a match indicating Brito was in the country illegally since his visa expired in September 2008.”

The report goes on to say that while in custody, federal officials were notified that Brito was wanted in the Netherlands on the aforementioned charges, and has subsequently been deported back to his native country.

This is just another example of why the Patrick Administration should reconsider its decision not to join the Secure Communities program. Thanks to this program and its extensive resources and database, we were able to take an alleged violent, illegal criminal off the streets of Boston.

Representative Sheila Harrington Appears on the FOX-25 Morning News

In case you missed it, Representative Sheila Harrington (R- Groton) made an appearance on the FOX-25 Morning News’ Zip Trip to Townsend. Representative Harrington joined Doug “VB” Goudie and Gene Lavanchy for the “Let it Rip” segment.





Click on the video below for more.

Let it Rip: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Representative Wong to Make Media Appearance

Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) will be on the FOX-25 News Zip Trip to Saugus tomorrow morning at 9:20am. Representative Wong will be appearing on the “Let it Rip” segment. The segment will cover the issues and people in and around Saugus.

Be sure to check out Representative Wong. In case you miss it, we'll be sure to post his appearance on www.thecapitolviewlive.com tomorrow.

Jones Statement on Democrats’ Refusal to Embrace House Ethics Reform

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement in response to the Democratic leadership’s refusal to constructively consider the Republican led House Ethics Reform order:

“I, along with the members of the Republican Caucus, am disappointed that the Democratic leadership has balked at the opportunity for ethics reform in the House of Representatives. The majority party’s continued state of denial further illustrates the disconnect between Beacon Hill, the citizens of the Commonwealth, and the reality of recent events.

Unfortunately for the residents of the Bay State, the time is right for dialogue surrounding ethics on Beacon Hill. In light of the third Speaker in a row being convicted on charges of corruption and the hiring scandal at the Probation Department, amongst other things, the need for debate and reform of the current ethics paradigm is more apparent than ever. What some perceive as the individual failings of a few is much more than simply personal shortcomings but a deeper system problem.

From the outset of the Republican Party’s Ethics Reform proposal, we have been steadfast, both publicly and privately, that our proposal for change to the ethical climate in the legislature was and should be open for debate and amendment. The Democratic majority has once again forgone the opportunity to bring real change not only to Beacon Hill, but also to the residents of Massachusetts. We are disappointed that their decision to do little or nothing has once again won out.”

Recover, Repair, Rebuild - Tornado 2011

In response to the devastating tornadoes that tore through parts of Western and Central Massachusetts earlier this summer, Representative Todd Smola will be co-hosting a tornado cleanup effort.

Recover, Repair, Rebuild - Tornado 2011, will take place Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st. Representative Smola along with event organizers Cosmo Casamassa and Mark Forsman are encouraging volunteers to come out and give a helping hand to those devastated by the tornadoes. With the collective help and efforts of volunteers, we will be able to get the residents affected by these horrific storms back on their feet.

Any commitment - large or small - is greatly appreciated and will help to put those individuals displaced by these storms one step closer to rebuilding. We encourage you to visit http://rrrtornado2011.webs.com for more details on the weekend cleanup and to find information on how to get involved.

Gov. Patrick to Gov. Walker – “Thank You”

In case you missed it, today Governor Patrick signed Municipal Health into law, instituting meaningful change in the collective bargaining paradigm relative to healthcare at the municipal level.

While Governor Patrick takes his victory lap, we think it only fair that he thank Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for blazing the trail that has allowed so much to be achieved at home. It was after all Governor Walker who took the proverbial “bull by the horns,” and created the room to get so much done while still being reasonable.

Additionally, kudos to Speaker DeLeo and the other members of the Legislature, both Republican and Democrat, for standing firm during a difficult vote on municipal health back in April. The reform of the health care system at the local level will not only save up to $100 million for cities and towns, but will preserve services and jobs at the local level.

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Signing of Fiscal Year 2012 Budget

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today in response to Governor Patrick’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2012 state budget:

“The Fiscal Year 2012 budget signed into law by Governor Patrick today is a responsible budget for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in light of the circumstances we face. And while I recognize the hard work of my fellow lawmakers, this budget is not perfect.

The landmark Municipal Health legislation that was passed is both beneficial and cost effective for Massachusetts. This single piece of legislation will not only save up to $100 million for cities and towns, but will save jobs across the state. Like in many other states, the passage of Municipal Health legislation reflects a meaningful change in the collective bargaining paradigm at the municipal level.

Additionally, while I am glad that the Governor agreed to adopt the Republican-led reversions proposal, I am disappointed that he vetoed language relative to prescription drug waste. As proposed, this legislation stood to save close to $25 million for taxpayers.

Moreover, I believe the Governor needs to accept responsibility for contributing to the structural deficit in the Bay State, rather than simply putting the blame on his predecessors. The fact of the matter is, while in office, Governor Patrick has contributed to the structural deficit by utilizing almost $5 billion in federal bailout money and close to $2 billion in “Rainy Day” reserves. While this budget is a step in the right direction, the structural deficit is most certainly not eliminated. Much work remains to be done to put Massachusetts on the correct path to achieving long-term, sound, fiscal footing.”

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Wardrobe Woes

In case you missed it, Team 5 Investigates aired a story last night about the growing cost of clothing certain public employees in the Commonwealth.

Reporter Sean Kelly sat down with Representative Brad Jones to discuss the over $44 million tab the taxpayers are picking up to clothe these employees. According to the investigation, “The majority of those purchases are tied to longstanding union contracts, while many others are not.”

In today’s economy, it is important that we focus the use of taxpayer dollars on those programs and industries that benefit the Bay State as a whole.


Click here to view the Channel 5 (WCVB) investigation in its entirety.

Just Do It

In case you missed it, both the Boston Globe and Boston Herald penned editorials calling on Governor Patrick to sign into law the municipal health care proposal included in the budget that the House and Senate recently sent him.

According to the Globe’s editorial, “Now Governor Patrick must put aside his own political fears about alienating organized labor and - like the Legislature - make the tough decision.” The editorial went on to say that, “Patrick’s first duty must be to the communities in Massachusetts.”

We don’t say this very often: we agree with the Boston Globe. While campaigning, in 2006 Patrick promised to provide relief to the citizens of Massachusetts in the form of reduced property taxes. It’s been 5 years with little or no relief, so the Legislature has lobbed him an under-hand, slow pitch softball in the way of municipal health reform. Governor Patrick has been afforded the opportunity to play “good cop” and preserve municipal jobs while saving cities and towns money. Despite union thinking, municipal health is not about attacking the pillars of union values, but rather municipal health is about preserving jobs and local services.

In the Herald’s editorial they agree that while the proposal before the Governor may be a little watered down, the choice for Governor Patrick is clear. “We had hoped for more,” said the Herald, “but at the moment, this bill is the best hope for struggling cities and towns to realize meaningful savings. Patrick should adopt it.”

If Governor Patrick signs municipal health into law, it will be a real home run for our cities and towns as well as their taxpayers.

Click here to read the Boston Globe editorial in its entirety

Click here to read the Boston Herald editorial in its entirety

Check Mate?

In case you missed it, according to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), business confidence in the Commonwealth has taken another hit.

According to Raymond Torto, Chair of AIM's Board of Economic Advisors, “Declining business confidence in May and now June continues to reflect direct perceptions of a slowing economy coupled with uncertainties about national and global developments, reminiscent of the drop a year ago.” Torto went on to say that this recent decline is “another setback for an economic recovery that has struggled to gather momentum.”

While we in the Republican Caucus were apprehensively appreciative of the Patrick Administrations past news regarding job growth in the Bay State, this latest report is just another setback for the Commonwealth. No longer are Massachusetts’ lost jobs, revenue, and products being picked up by other states in the country. In this global economy, not only is Massachusetts losing these jobs and revenues to other states, but we are losing them to other countries.

Yet again, unemployment has been cited as the most serious economic problem for the business community in Massachusetts. AIM President Richard Lord said, “It depresses consumer confidence and consumer demand, holding back the robust growth we need to get our whole economy – not just a few sectors – back to full health.”

With Massachusetts businesses now competing in a global economy, we must do everything we can to promote a business friendly environment here at home. If we continue to lose jobs and potential economic growth we will find ourselves standing idly by as a pawn in a global game of chess.

Happy Birthday America!

On this, July 4th weekend, we hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday. It was on July 4, 1776, during the American Revolution, when the Thirteen Colonies legally separated from Great Britain, thus granting the United States its freedom.

We at the Capitol View Live encourage you to please keep our servicemen and women in your thoughts and prayers while celebrating our nation’s independence. Thousands of Americans continue to fight for the very freedoms that our forefathers once envisioned for our country.

Scott Lehigh Boston Globe Op-ed

In case you missed it, Scott Lehigh wrote an op-ed for the Boston Globe regarding the Republicans House Ethics Reform Order. As you may have heard, Minority Leader Brad Jones and Representative Dan Winslow, along with the Republican Caucus offered an ethics reform order on the heels of the third Speaker of the House in a row being indicted. These new and updated ethical reforms seek to hold Members and legislative staff to a higher standard of ethical conduct.

Click here to see what Scott Lehigh had to say.