Representative Berthiaume To Serve On Veterans SPEED Act Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. (R-Spencer) to serve on a six-member conference committee that is working to finalize legislation providing licensure portability and educational benefits to military families.

House Bill 5000, An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents, also known as the SPEED Act, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on July 7, but differs significantly from the Senate bill that was approved last November (Senate Bill 2559). Representative Berthiaume will be working with his fellow conferees to try to resolve the differences between the two proposals and produce a final bill that can be sent to Governor Charlie Baker before formal sessions end on July 31.

Both versions of the SPEED Act establish a process for K-12 schools to be designated as a “Purple Star Campus” if they meet certain criteria for supporting military families, and also include language to help expedite the issuance of professional licenses and certifications for individuals who are licensed in another state or whose spouse is a member of the armed forces. The bills also classify military personnel stationed in Massachusetts, as well as their spouse and children, as in-state residents for tuition purposes when they enroll at one of the state’s public colleges or universities.

The House bill, however, contains several additional provisions that are not in the Senate bill, including the establishment of a Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity, which will be provided to the next of kin of any Massachusetts service member or veteran who died as a result of combat related post-traumatic stress disorder or a service-connected disease, condition or injury related to exposure to harmful toxin, herbicides, agents or materials. The House bill also creates a commission that will work to develop a suitable memorial to recognize the Official Heroine of the Commonwealth, Deborah Sampson, who fought during the American Revolutionary War after disguising herself as a man and enlisting in the Continental Army.

“Once again Massachusetts is setting the bar when it comes to recognizing the military service of those veterans and active duty personnel that call the Commonwealth home,” Representative Berthiaume said. “It is an honor to be appointed to this conference committee and I thank the House Minority Leader for trusting me to ensure that the House priorities are well represented in the final legislation.”

“Massachusetts is often seen as a national leader when it comes to taking care of our veterans, and the SPEED Act will further cement the Commonwealth’s reputation by expanding benefits for military families,” said Representative Jones. “As a Navy veteran, Donnie has been an outspoken advocate for those who have served, and I am confident he will work with his fellow conferees to produce the strongest possible bill to support our military families.”

Other legislators serving on the conference committee include Representatives Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham) and Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown), as well as Senators John Velis (D-Westfield), John Cronin (D-Lunenberg) and Ryan Fattman (R-Webster).

Representative Berthiaume is currently the Ranking Minority Member of the House Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement as well as the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. He also serves as a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

First elected to the House of Representatives in 2014, Representative Berthiaume is currently serving his fourth term in office. He represents the Fifth Worcester District, which consists of the towns of Barre; Brookfield; East Brookfield; Hardwick; Hubbardston; New Braintree; North Brookfield; Oakham; Spencer (Precincts 2, 3 and 4); West Brookfield; and Ware (Precinct A).

Representative Soter Appointed To Economic Development Bill Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has announced his appointment of State Representative Michael Soter (R-Bellingham) to serve on a six-member conference committee that will review legislation designed to promote economic development, tax relief and COVID-19 recovery efforts throughout Massachusetts.

House Bill 5034, An Act relating to economic growth and relief for the Commonwealth, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on July 14, while the Senate version of the bill, SenateBill 3030, was passed on July 21. Both bills call for significant investments in state programs and local projects, using a combination of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, surplus state budget dollars, and bond proceeds.

“As a legislator who has also run a successful business, Mike has made economic development and jobs creation one of his top priorities,” said Representative Jones. “His background and expertise in these areas will be an asset to the conference committee as it works to negotiate a final compromise proposal that can be sent to Governor Baker before the end of formal legislative sessions.”

A centerpiece of both bills is a nearly $1 billion tax relief package that includes one-time rebates of $250 for individual taxpayers earning between $38,000 and $100,000 a year and $500 for married couples earning between $38,000 and $150,000 a year. Both bills also call for raising the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000; expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30% to 40% of the federal credit; and increasing the child/dependent tax credit from $180 to $310 per child, while also eliminating the current cap on the number of children who are eligible for this tax credit.

The House and Senate have taken different approaches on other tax relief proposals, however. For example, House Bill 5034 would increase the maximum senior circuit breaker tax credit to $1,755, while Senate Bill 3030 would set the cap at $2,340. Also, while both branches have approved an increase in the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $2 million, the House has proposed taxing only the amount that falls above the $2 million threshold and imposing higher rates on those estates worth more than $5 million, while the Senate bill would provide a uniform tax credit of $99,600 to all estates above $2 million. The Senate bill also makes these tax changes effective for the 2022 tax year, while the House bill pushes them off to the 2023 tax year.

Joining Representative Soter on the conference committee are House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Representative Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), and Senators Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) and Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth).

Representative Soter currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member on both the House Committee on Global Warming & Climate Change and the Joint Committee on Revenue. He is also a member of the Joint Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.

A former member of the Bellingham Board of Selectmen, Representative Soter was first elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2018. He represents the Eighth Worcester District, which is comprised of the towns of Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge and Bellingham.

Representative Orrall Appointed To MassTRAC Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Norman Orrall (R-Lakeville) to serve on a six-member conference committee charged with reconciling the differences between the House and Senate versions of a comprehensive transportation and climate bond bill.

House Bill 4916, An Act relative to Massachusetts’ transportation resources and climate (MassTRAC), was engrossed by the House of Representatives on June 23, while the Senate’s version of the bill – Senate Bill 3016 – was passed on July 14. Both bills commit nearly $11 billion to transportation and environmental infrastructure projects across the state, including $400 million to help the MBTA address safety concerns raised by the Federal Transit Administration.

There are several spending and policy differences between the two bills, however, with the House allocating $250 million for the proposed East-West Rail project and the Senate calling for $275 million. The Senate bill also mandates a low-income fare program at the MBTA while the House bill establishes a special commission on mobility pricing that will study the feasibility of means tested fares.

“Both the House and the Senate have put forward plans for addressing the Commonwealth’s critical transportation and climate needs that will leverage federal funding opportunities provided for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Representative Jones. “Norm is well-versed on transportation and environmental issues as a result of his legislative committee assignments and his civil engineering background, so he will be able to share valuable insights with his fellow conferees as they work to negotiate a final compromise bill to send to Governor Baker.”

Joining Representative Orrall on the conference committee are Representatives William Straus (D-Mattapoisett) and Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), along with Senators Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Nick Collins (D-Boston), and Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth).

First elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2018, Representative Orrall currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and is also a member of the Joint Committees on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets; Municipalities and Regional Government; and Transportation.

Born and raised in Lakeville, Representative Orrall formerly served as the Town Moderator and on the Lakeville Finance Committee and has been a professional civil engineer for nearly 30 years responsible for major infrastructure projects in Ohio, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He represents the Twelfth Bristol District, which is comprised of the towns of Berkley; Ward 3, Precinct B and Ward 4 in Taunton; Lakeville; and Precincts 2, 4 and 5 in Middleborough.

Representative Ferguson Serving On Reproductive Rights Bill Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kimberly N. Ferguson (R-Holden) to serve on a six-member reproductive rights conference committee that is currently reviewing House and Senate legislation recently passed in response to the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The committee will attempt to resolve the differences between House Bill 4954, An Act expanding protections for reproductive rights, which was engrossed by the House of Representatives on June 29, and Senate Bill 3003, An Act expanding protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care, which the Senate engrossed on July 13. Both bills offer protections to medical providers and to patients but differ on the question of late-term abortions performed after 24 weeks, with the House version allowing such procedures in the event of a “severe fetal anomaly” and the Senate bill allowing the procedure only in cases involving a “fatal fetal anomaly”.

“Kim has been a longtime advocate on many women’s rights issues, including allowing women to make important healthcare decisions in consultation with their doctors,” said Representative Jones. “Her thoughtful approach to negotiations will serve the conference committee well as she works with her colleagues to try to find common ground in formulating a compromise reproductive rights bill.”

Joining Representative Ferguson on the conference committee are House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Representative Michael Day (D-Stoneham), Senators Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) and Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). The committee held its first meeting on July 18 and is attempting to negotiate a compromise bill that can be sent to Governor Charlie Baker before formal legislative sessions end on July 31.

Representative Ferguson currently serves as the First Assistant Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and is a member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting. First elected to the Legislature in 2010, she represents the First Worcester District, which consists of the communities of Holden; Paxton; Princeton; Rutland; Precinct 1 in Sterling; and Precinct 2 in Westminster.

Rep. Gifford Named To Conference Committee Reviewing Open Space Preservation Legislation

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) to a six-member conference committee that will review competing House and Senate proposals for preserving open space in Massachusetts and attempt to reconcile the differences between the two bills.

The House passed its version of the open space preservation bill (House Bill 851) on July 28, 2021, while the Senate engrossed its version (Senate Bill 2831) on April 14, 2022. Also known as the Public Land Preservation Act, the bills seek to codify in statute the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affair’s “no net loss” policy governing the preservation of open space in Massachusetts protected under Article 97 of the state Constitution.

“As a member of the Wareham Land Trust, Susan is well aware of the importance of preserving public lands for the enjoyment of current and future generations,” said Representative Jones. “I am confident she will work closely with her fellow conferees to focus on developing stronger open space protections for the residents of the Commonwealth.”

The conference committee will attempt to negotiate a final compromise bill that can be sent to Governor Charlie Baker before the end of formal sessions on July 31. Joining Representative Gifford on the conference committee are Representatives Ruth Balser (D-Newton) and James O’Day (D-West Boylston), as well as Senators Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

Representative Gifford currently serves as the Third Assistant Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and is also the Ranking Minority Member of both the House Committee on Ethics and the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.

First elected to the House of Representatives in 2002, Representative Gifford represents the Second Plymouth District, which is comprised of the towns Carver and Wareham and precincts 3 and 6 in Middleborough.

Representative Hannah Kane Appointed To Women’s Rights History Trail Task Force

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) to serve as a member of the newly-created Women’s Rights History Trail Task Force.

Established under Chapter 76 of the Acts of 2022, which was signed into law on May 26, the task force will be responsible for developing recommendations for specific sites, properties and attractions to be included in the Commonwealth’s Women’s Rights History Trail Program, which was also created under the same Act.

Sponsored by Representatives Kane, Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) and Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), the Women’s Rights History Trail bill was initially filed during the 2019-2020 legislative session and was engrossed by the House as both a stand-alone bill and as part of a larger Economic Development Bond Bill, but never acted on by the Senate. A similar bill was filed during the 2017-2018 legislative session by the late Representative Gail Cariddi (D-North Adams).

“Hannah has been a driving force behind the creation of a Women’s Rights History Trail that will highlight the important role women have played throughout our state’s and our nation’s history in the fight for equal rights,” said Representative Jones. “As such, she is ideally suited to help the task force finalize the details that will make the trail a reality.”

The enabling legislation requires the task force to consider sites that “are historically and thematically associated with the fight for women’s rights and women’s suffrage, including the contributions of women veterans; are geographically diverse; and commemorate individuals who reflect racial, ethnic, cultural and economic diversity.” The task force will also make recommendations to increase the representation of women and women artists in the works of art displayed at the State House.

The task force is scheduled to submit its findings by March 1, 2023.

Kane is one of eight legislators serving on the 16-member task force, including the chairs of the Joint Committee on Travel and Tourism and the chairs of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. Other members of the task force include the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism; the Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT); the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and a representative selected by the organization; one member appointed by the Commissioner of Veterans’ Services to represent the interests of women veterans; one member appointed by the art commission for the State House; an expert in women’s history who works at a  Massachusetts college or university; and a representative of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

 First elected to the House of Representatives in 2015, Kane represents the Eleventh Worcester District, which is comprised of the town of Shrewsbury and precincts 4 and 5 in Westborough.

Representative Muratore To Serve On Cannabis Legislation Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Mathew Muratore (R-Plymouth) to a six-member conference committee that will focus on reforming the current regulations governing the state’s cannabis industry.

Both the House and Senate have approved legislation that would grant the Cannabis Control Commission increased oversight of the host community agreements entered into by municipalities and marijuana dispensaries. The proposed changes come in response to concerns that some communities are exceeding their statutory authority when negotiating the terms of their host agreements.

The House and Senate have also called for establishing a process for communities to approve on-site consumption sites, often referred to as “pot cafes”. However, the two legislative branches have taken different approaches to promoting social equity within the industry, with the Senate agreeing to dedicate 10 percent of annual Marijuana Regulation Fund revenues to a new Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund to help provide access to start-up capital and the House opting to set aside 20 percent of annual revenues for these purposes.

“Matt has an extensive background in municipal government and business management, which gives him a clear understanding of many of the issues associated with the state’s cannabis industry that this legislation is trying to resolve,” said Representative Jones. “His knowledge and experience in these areas will be an asset to the conference committee as it works to negotiate the differences between the House and the Senate bills.”

The cannabis conference committee will attempt to reach agreement on a compromise bill to be sent to Governor Charlie Baker before the end of formal sessions on July 31. In addition to Muratore, the other conference committee members include Representatives Daniel Donahue (D-Worcester) and Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee), as well as Senators Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Joanne Comerford (D-Northampton) and Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton).

Representative Muratore is currently in his fourth term representing the First Plymouth District. A member of the House Ways and Means Committee, he also currently serves as the Assistant Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing; the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government; and the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

Representative Jones’ Statement On Proposed Economic Relief Rebates For Mass. Residents

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) released the following statement in response to today’s announcement by House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka that the House and Senate will be providing economic relief rebates for individuals and families:

“I only learned of the proposal today after seeing details in the media. I appreciate this first step towards providing modest one-time relief in recognition of the difficult financial times high inflation is causing far too many of our state’s citizens. I hope we can also find ways of providing permanent and meaningful tax relief to taxpayers in the days ahead as we race towards the end of our formal sessions. The tremendous surplus we are enjoying needs to be shared with the hardworking citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Representative Hannah Kane To Serve On Mental Health Bill Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) to a six-member conference committee focused on addressing mental health issues.

The House of Representatives recently engrossed House Bill 4891, An Act addressing barriers to care for mental health, which seeks to improve access to mental health services and establish insurance parity between behavioral and physical health care coverage. The Senate approved its own version of the bill, Senate Bill2584, last November.

Both the House and Senate bills would require insurers to provide coverage for annual mental health wellness exams and would take steps to prevent the practice known as “boarding” by creating an online portal to help health care providers identify open beds for minors and adults in need of mental health and substance use services. Currently, patients with acute mental health needs often have to wait an extended period of time in a hospital emergency room before they can secure a psychiatric inpatient bed. The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, which tracks boarding statistics, found that last month there were 660 behavioral health patients, including 156 pediatric patients, boarding at 53 hospitals.

There are a number of differences between the two bills, however. For example, the House bill would establish a student stakeholder advisory commission on mental health whose members will work with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and implement school-based programs to promote student mental health and well-being, but the language is not included in the Senate bill. The Senate bill also contains provisions creating a new state Office of Behavioral Health Promotion, which is not included in the House version.

“As a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, Hannah is well-versed on the many policy issues contained in the legislation the conference committee is now reviewing,” said Representative Jones. “Her insight and input will be invaluable as the conferees work to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.”

The conference committee, which convened for its first meeting on June 30, will now attempt to negotiate a compromise bill that can be sent to Governor Charlie Baker before the end of formal sessions on July 31. Joining Kane on the conference committee are Representatives Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston) and Denise Garlick (D-Needham), as well as Senators Julian Cyr (D-Truro), Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) and Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

Representative Kane is currently the Ranking Minority Member of both the Joint Committee on Public Health and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. In addition to serving on the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, she is also a member of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion.

 First elected to the House of Representatives in 2015, Kane represents the Eleventh Worcester District, which is comprised of the town of Shrewsbury and precincts 4 and 5 in Westborough.

HAPPY 246TH BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

 “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means.” – from a July 3, 1776 letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams

It was 246 years ago today – on July 4, 1776 – that the original 13 colonies declared their independence from British rule and established the United States of America, providing a lasting source of hope and inspiration for the rest of the world. The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere in celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. Wishing everyone a very safe and happy Fourth of July!