Representative Jones’ Statement on Governor Baker’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Proposal

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today regarding Governor Charlie Baker’s release of his $45.6 billion Fiscal Year 2022 state budget proposal:

“Governor Baker’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 state budget charts a fiscally responsible course for the Commonwealth as we continue to navigate the many public health and economic challenges posed by COVID-19. 

This budget sends a strong message that the Baker-Polito Administration remains committed to prioritizing local aid and maintaining strong state-municipal partnerships. The budget offers nearly $5.5 billion in Chapter 70 education aid and close to $1.2 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid to support the delivery of essential municipal services to all residents. I am particularly pleased by the Governor’s decision to fully fund the first phase of the 2019 Student Opportunity Act. It is critically important that we begin to close the achievement gaps that exist between school districts to ensure that every student in Massachusetts has access to a quality education, regardless of where they live.

Governor Baker’s budget comes at a critical time during the pandemic, when many families and small businesses are still struggling financially. While I agree with the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth remarks that ‘better days are coming,’ we must be mindful of the many challenges that still lie ahead, and do everything we can to deliver the programs and services that our residents and employers need to weather this unprecedented public health crisis.

The Governor’s proposed budget offers a strong starting point for the House and Senate to begin their budget deliberations. I look forward to working with my colleagues and with the Administration in the weeks ahead to develop a spending plan that will help position the Commonwealth for a robust post-pandemic economic recovery.”

Boston Globe Names Rep. Kelly Pease One of "Five New Lawmakers to Watch on Beacon Hill"

One of the House Republican Caucus' newest members, State Representative Kelly Pease (R-Westfield), was featured in today's Boston Globe, which named him one of "five new lawmakers to watch on Beacon Hill." The Globe article highlights Pease's diverse resume, which includes experience working as a child actor, volunteer firefighter, Chester selectman, 20-year Army veteran, and legislative aide to former Senator Donald Humason. You can read the full story by clicking here. 

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.” – the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Today, the House Republican Caucus honors the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who dedicated himself to advocating for equal rights and justice for all Americans through non-violent means. We must continue to work together to fulfill his dream so that all people can “live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Representative Brad Jones Re-Elected as House Minority Leader for 2021-2022 Session

Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has been unanimously re-elected by his Republican colleagues to serve as Minority Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

The vote to select Jones as Minority Leader took place on January 6, the first day of the 2021-2022 legislative session. He will lead a 30-member House caucus comprised of 28 returning members and two freshman legislators who were elected in November of 2020: Kelly Pease of Westfield, who claimed the seat vacated by Democrat John Velis when he ran for state Senate, and Steven Xiarhos of West Barnstable, who won the seat formerly held by Republican Randy Hunt of Sandwich, who decided not to run for re-election.

“Having the support of both the new and returning House Republican Caucus members means a lot to me,” said Jones. “I appreciate my colleagues’ vote of confidence and I thank them for giving me the opportunity to continue to lead the caucus over the next two years.”

In his inaugural remarks, Jones cited the many challenges created by the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, which necessitated swearing in most legislators remotely this year, rather than in-person in the House Chamber. He expressed a desire to work with new House Speaker Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy) to “find common ground in the year ahead to ensure that the critical needs of the residents of the Commonwealth are addressed.”

“I commend and applaud my colleagues for their leadership and strength shown during these unprecedented times,” he said. “The citizens of our districts have needed us more now than ever before to help them navigate these challenges. We have been forced to spend far less time on Beacon Hill and have had the opportunity to be available locally to lend support, encouragement and even sympathy. Sadly, we have all lost valued members of our districts and the sadness each community has had to endure is unimaginable.”

Jones struck an optimistic note in his remarks, predicting that “the House of Representatives is up to the many challenges that we face,” while adding that he is “confident that we as a Commonwealth will find the strength to continue moving forward and that a brighter future is ahead.”

A lifelong North Reading resident, Jones was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. Jones continues to maintain a perfect voting record. He has never missed a roll call and has now cast 7,549 consecutive votes as a member of the House.