Veterans Day 2024: Honoring All Who Served

President Calvin Coolidge once warned that, “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”

We must never forget the many sacrifices that have been made by our country’s veterans to preserve our precious freedom and democracy. As we observe Veterans Day, the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus offers its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who have served this great nation as a member of the U.S. armed forces. We owe a tremendous debt to our veterans which can never be fully repaid, and we must continue to honor their legacy.

Representative Pease Appointed to Commission for Higher Education Quality and Affordability

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kelly W. Pease (R-Westfield) to serve as his designee on the Commission for Higher Education Quality and Affordability (CHEQA).

Created as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, CHEQA is responsible for making recommendations for improving the quality and affordability of higher education in the Commonwealth and will focus on identifying ways to enhance state financial assistance and other support programs for students who live in Massachusetts and attend one of the state’s public colleges, universities, or community colleges. In addition to reviewing aid for tuition, fees, books, supplies and other college expenses, the Commission will also consider ways to reduce financial, logistical, cultural and other barriers affecting students to help reduce their costs and debt.

As a member of the Commission, Representative Pease will help to evaluate programs that are designed to improve student success, including academic support and career counseling programs. The Commission will also identify ways to increase the recruitment and retention of qualified adjunct and full-time faculty and staff to ensure that students have access to a high-quality college education.

“While public colleges and universities have traditionally cost less than attending a private school, they can still be out of reach financially for many families unless we provide students with the proper resources and support,” said Representative Jones. “As the Ranking Minority Member on the Joint Committee on Higher Education, Kelly understands the importance of making college accessible and affordable. I am confident he will do everything he can to help the Commission develop strong recommendations for reducing costs and making sure all Massachusetts public higher education students are positioned for success, both in school and after graduation.”

Representative Pease is one of 21 members serving on CHEQA, which will also include two members appointed by the Governor who represent students currently enrolled at a public institution of higher education. In addition to several higher education representatives, the Commission will also include representatives from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, Inc.; the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Inc.; the Massachusetts Business Roundtable; the Massachusetts Teachers Association; and the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, Inc.

The Commission is scheduled to file its initial report by December 15, with a final report due by March 31, 2025.

Prior to his election to the House of Representatives in 2020, Representative Pease served for 20 years on active duty in the U.S. Army. In addition to his ranking position on the Joint Committee on Higher Education, he also currently serves as a member of the House and Joint Ways and Means Committees, the Joint Committee on Education, and the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Representative Pease represents the 4^th Hampden District, which includes the town of Southampton and portions of the city of Westfield.

House Republican Caucus Statement on the Passing of Representative Susan Williams Gifford

The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus released the following statement today on the passing of State Representative Susan Williams Gifford:

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, State Representative Susan Williams Gifford. For more than two decades, Susan has been a tireless advocate for the residents of the 2^nd Plymouth District, focused on providing for the needs of her constituents and the towns she served. Susan often said her number one priority as a legislator was ‘putting people first’ and she excelled at doing that, whether she was helping constituents resolve a problem or working on behalf of the residents of Carver, Middleboro, and Wareham to secure funding for critical local programs and projects. Her death is a tremendous loss not only for the district, but also for the many family members, friends and colleagues whose lives she touched. The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus extends its sincerest condolences to Susan’s husband, Mark, and to her family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, and we hope they can take comfort in knowing that Susan leaves behind an enduring legacy of public service and dedication to helping others.”

Representative Hannah Kane to Serve on Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) to serve as his designee on the newly-established Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission.

Created through an outside section of the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, the Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission will fall under the umbrella of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI) within the state’s Executive Office of Economic Development. The new commission will be responsible for evaluating the economic relationship between the Commonwealth and the Republic of Ireland and identifying ways to strengthen those ties.

“Massachusetts has a long-standing historical connection to Ireland dating back to the first wave of Irish immigrants who arrived in Boston during the potato famine of the 1840s,” said Representative Jones. “As a member of the commission, Hannah will work to build on that relationship by promoting mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities between Massachusetts and Ireland.”

In addition to making recommendations on bilateral trade and investments, the commission will also consider the development of various policy issues, business and academic exchanges, ways to provide mutual economic support, and infrastructure investments between the two governments. The commission will also explore the creation of economic and educational opportunities involving communities in Massachusetts and the Republic of Ireland.

“My great-grandfather left his home in the little village of Fordston in Trim by himself in 1884 at the age of 15 for America, and my family and I have always celebrated our Irish ancestry. I am honored to be a member of the Massachusetts-Ireland Trade Commission and to continue to find ways to strengthen the economic ties and build on the historical relationship between us,” remarked Representative Kane.

In addition to her role on the trade commission, in August of 2023 Representative Kane traveled to Ireland as part of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The Caucus is designed to foster and strengthen the longstanding relationship between the United States and Ireland, and over 180 state legislators from 44 states attended this gathering. Representative Kane serves as one of the Massachusetts Co-Chairs of the Caucus.

Representative Kane is one of six current or former legislators serving on the 15-member trade commission, which will also include among its members MOITI Executive Director Jeevan Ramapriya and six gubernatorial appointees, three of whom will represent the state’s institutions of higher education and three of whom will be members of public organizations in Massachusetts promoting Irish American affairs. Rounding out the commission membership will be the Secretary of State or their designee, and the Secretary of Economic Development or their designee. 

The commission is required to hold its meetings at geographically diverse locations throughout the state to help facilitate public input. It will be responsible for submitting an annual report on its findings and recommendations for legislation by August 31 to the Governor, the Clerks of the House and Senate, and the chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

Representative Steven S. Howitt Named to Special Legislative Commission Focused on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) to serve on the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in the Commonwealth.

Created through an outside section of the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, the special commission is tasked with identifying and evaluating current efforts to combat antisemitism in Massachusetts and recommending strategies, programs and legislation to further enhance this goal. In addition to considering potential amendments to the state’s existing hate crimes law, the special commission will also identify best practices in other states and jurisdictions and make recommendations for the implementation of the United States national strategy to counter antisemitism.

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), there were 440 antisemitic incidents that occurred in Massachusetts in 2023, which represents a 189 percent increase over the number of incidents (152) recorded in the state in 2022. The ADL noted that last year “Massachusetts recorded the fifth-highest number of incidents per state in the country following California (1,266), New York (1,218), New Jersey (830), and Florida (463).” The ADL also cited a “massive spike” in antisemitic incidents both here and across the country following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

“The increasing number of assaults and hate crimes targeting Jewish people is alarming and requires a strong response from the Commonwealth to demonstrate that we will not tolerate these acts of harassment and violence,” said Representative Jones. “Steven has been outspoken in his efforts to address antisemitism and will be an invaluable member of the special commission as it works to address this serious problem.”

The 19-member special commission is chaired by Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) and Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord). The special commission will include representation from the Massachusetts Municipal Association; the Attorney General’s office; the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination; the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association; and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Incorporated.

The special commission is due to file a report with its findings and recommendations by November 30.

September 11, 2001: 23 Years Later, We Still Remember ... and We Will Never Forget

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” – President George W. Bush, speaking at the dedication of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial on September 11, 2008.

Twenty-three years have passed since the September 11^th Al Qaeda terrorist attacks on American soil. On this somber anniversary, the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere to honor the memories of the many innocent victims, including the hundreds of first responders, who lost their lives on that terrible day 23 years ago.

Statement From MA House and Senate Minority Leaders on Today’s Shooting at Trump Rally

Massachusetts House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) issued the following statement on today’s shooting at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania:

“We are appalled and sickened by the shooting that took place at former President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania today and relieved he is safe. We condemn this senseless act of violence which has no place in our political discourse or our democracy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the innocent bystander who was killed and another seriously injured. Thank you to our U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement personnel who acted swiftly to confront this lethal threat, and to the first responders who provided emergency medical care to its victims. We are calling for unity in the face of this violent attack, which threatens our democracy and the foundational principle of free speech.”

HAPPY 248TH BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit. – President Ronald Reagan, in his Second Inaugural Address delivered on January 21, 1985

On July 4, 1776 – exactly 248 years ago today – the original 13 colonies declared their freedom from British rule to establish the United States of America. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a watershed event that continues to serve as a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope around the world.

As we gather today with friends and family, let us not forget the many sacrifices that have been made, and continue to be made, by our servicemen and women to help preserve the many freedoms we enjoy that trace their roots back to this historic day nearly 2 ½ centuries ago. The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus wishes everyone a very Safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, a day that Americans everywhere come together as a community, gathering at local town commons, war memorials and veterans’ organizations to pay tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes. The members of the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus are forever grateful to all who have served in our military, including those individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day comes just once a year, but we should always take the time to remember our fallen service members. It is because of their service and sacrifices that our country remains strong, and we continue to enjoy the many freedoms we too often take for granted. Let us continue to honor their legacy, not only on Memorial Day, but every day.

Representative Marcus Vaughn Appointed to House Ways and Means Committee

State Representative Marcus S. Vaughn (R-Wrentham) has been appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading).

The Ways and Means Committee plays a critical role in guiding the state’s budgetary process. In addition to reviewing all legislation that could impact the Commonwealth’s finances, the committee is also responsible for producing spending recommendations for the state’s agencies and departments through the annual operating budget.

“The Commonwealth is facing uncertain economic times, with revenues having consistently fallen short of projections throughout the current fiscal year, leading to mid-year spending cuts by Governor Healey,” said Representative Jones. “The Ways and Means Committee has a difficult task ahead of it as it continues to hold public hearings across the state in preparation for the crafting of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. I am confident that Marcus will rise to the challenge and will do everything he can in his new committee role to ensure that the new budget is not only balanced and responsible, but also protects the interests of the state’s taxpayers.”

Vaughn is replacing Representative Joseph D. McKenna (R-Webster) on the Ways and Means Committee, after McKenna was named as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary to fill the vacancy created by the recent Senate special election won by former Representative Peter J. Durant (R-Spencer).

“I am honored to be appointed to this committee by the Minority Leader and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to address the fiscal concerns in the Commonwealth,” said Vaughn.

Vaughn currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of both the House Committee on Operations, Facilities and Security and the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. He is also a member of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

In addition to his legislative committee assignments, Vaughn also serves on the state’s Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC), which was created under the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act that legalized gaming in Massachusetts. The GPAC advises the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on gaming policy issues related to community mitigation funding, addiction services for compulsive gambling, and the public safety impacts associated with the state’s gaming establishments.

Vaughn is currently serving his first term as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He represents the 9th Norfolk District, which consists of Precincts 3 and 4 in Medfield; Precinct 1in Millis; Precinct 5 in Walpole; and the towns of Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham.

John Marsi Wins Special Election for Durant Seat

Congratulations to Representative-elect John Marsi, the Dudley Selectman who won yesterday’sspecial election to fill the 6^th Worcester District seat vacated last November by former Representative (and current Senator) Peter Durant (R-Spencer).

In a statement, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) commended the newest member of the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus on his victory.

“Congratulations to John on his election. We welcome him to the Republican Caucus and look forward to working with him in the months ahead,” said Representative Jones.

Representative McKenna Appointed to Massachusetts Rare Disease Advisory Council

State Representative Joseph D. McKenna (R-Webster) is proud to announce that he has been appointed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) to serve on the Massachusetts Rare DiseaseAdvisory Council.

McKenna is replacing State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury), who previously served on the Advisory Council but has reached the end of her three-year term.

The 29-member Advisory Council is responsible for advising the Governor, the Legislature and the Department of Public Health on the incidence of rare disease in Massachusetts, which is defined in state law as any condition that “affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States, has status as an orphan disease for research purposes, or is known to be substantially under diagnosed and unrecognized as a result of lack of adequate diagnostic and research information.”

Although it was created as part of a 2021 omnibus healthcare reform bill known as An Act promoting a resilient health care system that puts patients first, the initial proposal to establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council was filed as a stand-alone bill in 2019 with McKenna and Kane as the lead co-sponsors.

“Joe has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of individuals with rare diseases to ensure that they have access to appropriate health care, and he has continued to promote additional research and the development of effective diagnosis and treatment options for individuals living with rare medical conditions,” said Representative Jones. “Joe’s knowledge and passion for these issues will help provide a seamless transition for the Advisory Council as it continues its important work to assist this previously underserved population.”

In addition to developing and maintaining a comprehensive rare disease plan for the Commonwealth, the Advisory Council is also required to file an annual report by December 31.

“Though my lived experience as a member of a family with an extensive history of Hemophilia, a rare bleeding disorder that claimed the life of my father while also impacting two cousins and a nephew, I know and understand the daily challenges that patients, family members, caregivers, and care providers in the rare disease community face,” said Representative McKenna. “I am passionate about helping to elevate the voice of this incredible community and I am so excited to join many talented and passionate individuals to continue this mission as a member of the Council.”

McKenna was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2014, after previously serving for three years as Chief of Staff to former State Representative Peter Durant (R-Spencer), who was recently elected to the Senate in a special election. In addition to serving as the Ranking Minority Member of both the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and the House Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, McKenna is also a member of the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight, the House and Joint Committees on Ways and Means, and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

McKenna represents the Eighteenth Worcester District, which includes the towns of Webster; Sutton; Douglas; Precincts 1 and 4 in Oxford; and Precinct 1 in Uxbridge.

Representative Jones’ Statement on Governor Healey’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Proposal

 House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) released the following statement today in response to Governor Maura Healey’s filing of her Fiscal Year 2025 state budget proposal:

“Governor Healey has filed a Fiscal Year 2025 budget that calls for significantly increased spending across state government, but those aspirations need to be tempered by the fiscal realities facing the Commonwealth. After six-plus months of tax revenues coming in lower than expected, Governor Healey has already implemented hundreds of millions of dollars in mid-year cuts and downgraded projected revenues by $1 billion for Fiscal Year 2024. At the same time, funding for the migrant shelter crisis continues to drain much-needed revenues that would otherwise have been spent on other programs and services, with no end in sight, as evidenced by the Governor’s companion piece of legislation filed today that would empty the Transitional Escrow Fund to pay for this program. It’s telling that using the $863 million available in this fund will still leave a projected funding shortfall of about $91 million, a number that is sure to grow unless meaningful reforms are implemented. The members of the Republican Caucus look forward to reading through the Governor’s budget, participating in the hearing process, and learning more about her specific spending plans to ensure that the interests of the state’s taxpayers are protected.”

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” – the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his Letter from Birmingham, Alabama jail, April 16, 1963

Throughout his lifetime, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a tireless advocate for justice and equality. As a leader of the American civil rights movement, he proved that non-violent protest can be used to achieve positive change in society. Today, the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus honors Dr. King’s remarkable life and enduring legacy.

Representative Jones’ Statement on Governor Healey’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget 9C Cuts

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) released the following statement today following Governor Maura Healey’s announced 9C budget cuts:

“As the state’s fiscal situation worsens, difficult choices must be made to ensure that the Fiscal Year 2024 budget is balanced. In weighing the financial options available to maintain this balance, the state needs to set clear spending priorities to protect essential programs that benefit the residents of Massachusetts and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being managed responsibly. Unfortunately, some of the mid-year spending cuts announced by the Healey Administration today fall short of these goals. The state is hemorrhaging money while the price tag for addressing the migrant shelter crisis continues to climb at an unsustainable pace with no accompanying efforts to reform the system. This is exactly what Republicans predicted would happen when we debated the Fiscal Year 2023 closeout budget in December. The one reform we were able to secure in the emergency shelter program was a reporting requirement from the Administration, but no financial controls to slow this rate of spending which is now crowding out other priorities. As we sift through the fine print of the Administration’s budget balancing proposal it is clear we must do better in meeting the daunting fiscal challenges that lie ahead, and that requires a serious rethinking of our priorities moving forward.”