House Minority Leader’s Statement on Massachusetts’ Rising Unemployment Rate

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today in response to the Commonwealth’s most recent unemployment figures, which reflect a loss of 4,800 jobs in the month of August, and statewide unemployment rising to 6.3%:

"The most recent unemployment numbers are further confirmation of an out-of- touch Governor, and should serve as a harsh wake-up call to the residents and voters of the Commonwealth that the lackluster approach towards economic recovery by the Patrick Administration is not sufficient.

As is often the case, Governor Patrick and his Administration are trying to pull the wool over our eyes by playing games with unemployment figures. Revised numbers show that Massachusetts in fact only gained 300 jobs in July – a far cry from the 1,600 first reported by the Governor.

Instead of trying to unleash Massachusetts’ potential so the close to 219,000 unemployed or underemployed residents can get back to work, Governor Patrick is traipsing around the country playing chief surrogate for a President who doesn’t have a much better record of job creation or growth to run on himself.

As was evident when we proposed our comprehensive Jobs Package – months before Democrats - Massachusetts Republicans remain committed to helping small business owners and the thousands of unemployed in Massachusetts – with or without the help of the Democratic Party."

Letter to Commissioner Luis Spencer Regarding Kosilek v. Spencer

Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf ruled in favor of Michelle Kosilek, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence without parole, thus mandating the Department of Corrections to provide gender-reassignment surgery to Kosilek. In response to this egregious use of taxpayer funds, Republican and Democratic legislators in the House and Senate sent a letter to Commissioner Luis Spencer urging the Department of Corrections to file an appeal to the recent decision by the U.S. District Court in the case of Kosilek v. Spencer.

A copy of the letter is posted below.

9 12 2012 Gender Reassignment Surgery Kosilek Appeal DOC Letter

We Remember...

Today, we gather as families, communities, and more importantly as Americans to remember those individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Let us never forget.

Get Out and Vote!

Regardless of your political affiliation, today is a very important day for the Commonwealth as thousands of voters are expected to turn out to vote in the state primary election. Voters will be casting votes for Massachusetts congressional, state senate, state representative and other local candidates. Most polls around the state will open at 7 a.m. this morning and will remain open until 8 p.m. this evening.

To find out where to vote, or who will be appearing on your ballot, click here.

Be sure to do your civic duty today - get out and vote!

Representative deMacedo Appears on NECN’s “Broadside”

In case you missed it, Representative Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) recently appeared on Broadside with Representative William Straus (D-Mattapoisett). Representative deMacedo joined host Jim Braude to provide insight into the Democratic National Convention and the upcoming presidential election.

To view the entire segment play the video posted below.