Representative Kim Ferguson Named to State Advisory Council on Early Education and Care

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kimberly N. Ferguson (R-Holden) to the State Advisory Council onEarly Education and Care (EEC).

As a member of the Advisory Council, Representative Ferguson and her colleagues will work with EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw to develop a five-year master plan for early education and care in Massachusetts. The master plan will, among other things, identify measures to be implemented for age-appropriate child development and school readiness; provide recommendations for constructing or acquiring new facilities; and include proposals for making program revisions and adding new programs.

The Advisory Council is also tasked with working with the EEC Commissioner to develop an educationally sound kindergarten readiness assessment for pre-school children. In addition, the Advisory Council is empowered to review and provide input on any pending rules or regulations being promulgated by the Board of Early Education and Care, and to offer recommendations to the Board “for changes and improvements in early education and care programs and services.”

“As a legislator, Kim has long prioritized and championed policies to ensure that all Massachusetts students have access to a quality education,” said Representative Jones. “Her passion and commitment will be an asset to the Advisory Council as it works to improve the state’s early education programs.”

“I am honored to be appointed to this vital advisory council, and I look forward to the work ahead,” said Representative Ferguson. “Early education has been a priority of mine, and I am thrilled to play a role in the path Massachusetts is taking - it’s an exciting time!”

Prior to joining the Legislature in 2011, Ferguson was a member of the Wachusett Regional School District Committee for three years. She is also the House Chair of the Massachusetts Regional Schools Caucus, which was established in 2005 to advocate for the needs of regional school districts, and was honored with a special recognition certificate by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools in 2022 for her work on regional school issues. She previously served on the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which helped lay the groundwork for the passage of the 2019 Student Opportunity Act to close the learning achievement gaps in Massachusetts’ schools.

Ferguson holds a Master of Science degree in Speech/Language Pathology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education Leadership and Management. She previously worked as a private practice speech/language pathologist and consultant and was also an adjunct faculty member of the Graduate Department at Framingham State University and Fitchburg State University. 

In addition to serving as the Ranking Minority Member on both the Joint Committee on Education and the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, Ferguson is also a member of the Joint Committee on Agriculture. She currently serves as the First Assistant Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and represents the First Worcester District, which is comprised of the towns of Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, and Westminster.

Remembering September 11

“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, at the September 11, 2008 dedication of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

Today the House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere to remember and honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Although 22 years have passed since that fateful day, we will never forget.

Rep. David DeCoste Named to Special Legislative Commission Studying the Civil Service Law

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has announced his appointment of State Representative David F. DeCoste (R-Norwell) to serve on the SpecialLegislative Commission to Study and Examine the Civil Service Law.

Established as part of the policing reform bill signed into law on December 31, 2020, the special commission is tasked with studying the employment, promotion, performance evaluation and disciplinary procedures for civil service employees, as well as employees of communities not subject to the civil service law. Based on its findings, the commission will make recommendations for changing the law to improve diversity, transparency and representation of the community in the recruitment, hiring and training of civil service employees and employees working in communities not subject to the civil service law.

A previous iteration of the special commission issued a report on March 30, 2022, which called for lowering barriers to the civil service exam fee waivers and supporting cadet programs and diversity scholarship models, among other proposed policy changes. Language included in a supplemental budget earlier this year revived the commission with the goal of supplementing its previous report with further recommendations, which are now due by May 31, 2024.

“As a career Army veteran who served 22 years on active duty, David is well aware of the importance of the civil service law in helping our veterans who honorably served in the U.S. military to secure employment,” said Representative Jones. “His insight and expertise will help guide the commission as it works to build on the previous recommendations to further improve the law and promote more diversity in the workforce.”

The 29-member commission is co-chaired by Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) and Senator Michael Brady (D-Brockton), who also serve as co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Service. The commission includes representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People New England Area Conference; the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus; the Massachusetts House Asian Caucus; the Massachusetts Municipal Association; the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Incorporated; the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers, Inc.; the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts, Inc.; the Mass. Veterans’ Service Agents Association, Inc.; and the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Massachusetts, Inc.

DeCoste currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member on both the Joint Committee on Public Service and the Joint Committee on Housing. He is also a member of the House Committee on Operations, Facilities and Security, as well as the Joint Committee on Transportation and the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion.

First elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2014, DeCoste represents the 5th Plymouth District communities of Hanover, Rockland, Hanson (Precinct 1) and Norwell (Precincts 1 and 2).

House and Senate Republicans Call for Release of Municipal Road and Bridge Funding

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) issued the following joint statement today regarding the ongoing Chapter 90 conference committee negotiations, along with a letter to the conferees urging swift action on the areas of agreement between the two branches:

“The Chapter 90 road and bridge program provides a critical source of state funding assistance for our cities and towns so they can address their local transportation infrastructure needs. Although the House and Senate engrossed their respective bills in March, we have now gone nearly four months without a resolution, and it is time to break this impasse. While there are some provisions that remain a source of disagreement and still need to be worked out by the House and Senate, there is also much common ground to be found in the two bills that can be acted on now to ensure this money starts flowing to our cities and towns. Today we are calling on the members of the conference committee to break the months-long deadlock and report a bill in part that includes at least the $200 million in Chapter 90 funding, as well as funding increases for other critical municipal transportation grants on which the two branches are already in agreement.”

A copy of the letter sent to the Chapter 90 conferees is attached below.

July 11, 2023

The Honorable Brendan P. Crighton

State House, Room 109-C

Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable William M. Straus
State House, Room 134
Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Paul W. Mark

State House, Room 504

Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Brian W. Murray
State House, Room 134
Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Patrick M. O’Connor

State House, Room 419

Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Steven S. Howitt
State House, Room 237
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Conferees:

On behalf of the members of the House and Senate Republican Caucuses, we are writing to respectfully request that you take immediate action to resolve the current impasse on Chapter 90 funding for Fiscal Year 2024 by reporting a bill in part to deliver this crucial funding to our 351 cities and towns.

We understand that disagreements remain between the House and Senate over certain sections of the Chapter 90 bill that would allocate funding increases to a variety of transportation-related grant programs. However, there is no such disagreement over the underlying proposal to deliver at least $200 million to local communities for critical road and bridge repairs. Therefore, we implore the conferees to move forward with the immediate release of this funding by reporting a bill in part, while continuing to attempt to reconcile the differences that remain in the other sections of this legislation.

Although the final passage date of the Chapter 90 bill has varied from session to session, the goal has always been to approve the funding in a timely manner so municipalities can take full advantage of the spring and summer construction seasons. Unfortunately, we are fast approaching one of the latest dates for finalizing action on this important program, and our cities and towns are paying the price for this inaction.

Given the continued stalemate between the two legislative branches, we urge you to prioritize the release of at least $200 million in Chapter 90 funding and any additional transportation-related municipal grant funding that is not in dispute without further delay. We thank you for your consideration in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Bradley H. Jones, Jr.

House Minority Leader

Bruce E. Tarr
Senate Minority Leader

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit. – President Ronald Reagan  

  

Today marks the 247^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a watershed event that continues to serve as a source of hope and inspiration for people around the world. As we celebrate our country’s Independence Day, the members of the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus join with Americans everywhere to honor those who are currently serving in our armed forces, as well as the many generations who came before them. Their service and sacrifices have ensured that we continue to enjoy the many essential freedoms that were envisioned by the Founding Fathers at our nation’s birth.

Representative Michael Soter Appointed To Tax Relief Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Michael J. Soter (R-Bellingham) to a six-member Conference Committee that will review the House and Senate’s competing tax relief proposals.

As a member of the Conference Committee, Representative Soter will work with his colleagues to try to resolve the differences between the $1.1 billion House tax relief package, which was approved on April 13 as House Bill 3770, and the Senate’s $594 million proposal, which was passed on June 15 as Senate Bill 2406. While both bills contain some similar tax relief provisions, there are also several significant differences that need to be resolved before a final bill can be sent to Governor Maura Healey for her signature.

Joining Representative Soter on the Conference Committee are House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Revenue Committee House Chairman Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport), Revenue Committee Senate Vice Chairwoman Susan Moran (D-Falmouth), and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

“Passing a wide-ranging tax relief bill is critical to ensuring that Massachusetts remains competitive while also addressing concerns about the state’s affordability,” said Representative Jones. “As someone who has run a successful business, Mike understands the importance of promoting a favorable business climate and creating an environment where individuals can afford to live and raise a family. I am confident he will work with his fellow conferees to reach consensus on a broad tax relief package that will assist as many residents and employers as possible.”

Both the House and Senate bills call for increasing the rent deduction cap, the base credit on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and the state match on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. The two bills also recommend raising the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $2 million but take different approaches to doing so while also disagreeing on how much to increase the child and dependent tax credit.

Conferees must also determine whether to retain the House’s proposed reduction in short-term capital gains taxes and the adoption of a single sales factor apportionment for all corporate excise taxes, as well as the Senate’s proposals to increase the low-income housing tax credit cap and the statewide cap on the Housing Development Incentive Program.

In addition to his new Conference Committee assignment, Representative Soter also serves as a member of the state’s Tax Expenditure Review Commission. Created in 2018, the commission is responsible for reviewing state tax policy, determining the fiscal impact of specific tax expenditures, and recommending changes as needed to the Legislature.

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 Bellingham, Medway (Precinct 1), Blackstone, Millville, and Uxbridge (Precincts 1A, 2, 3, and 4).

Celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day

Today the House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere to celebrate Juneteenth Independence Day. The holiday’s origins can be traced to June 19, 1865 when Union Army Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War was over and America’s last remaining slaves were free, thanks to President Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.

Massachusetts’ governors have commemorated June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day since 2007 with an annual proclamation recognizing “the significant contributions individuals of African descent have made to the Commonwealth and to the United States.” In July of 2020, the Massachusetts Legislature passed and former Governor Charlie Baker signed into law language in a supplemental budget declaring Juneteenth an official state holiday, which Baker noted would help “to recognize the continued need to ensure racial freedom and equality.” In June of 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth Independence Day a national holiday.

Boston Globe Op-Ed: High Taxes Are Driving People Out Of Massachusetts

Today’s Boston Globe features an op-ed piece from House Minority Leader Brad Jones and Ross Connolly, the regional director for New England at Americans for Prosperity, that focuses on the need for tax reforms to stem the exodus of residents who are leaving Massachusetts for more affordable states. Governor Maura Healey has talked about making Massachusetts more competitive, and this op-ed makes the case for achieving that worthy goal by implementing common-sense tax reforms such as increasing the estate tax threshold and preserving the voter-approved Chapter 62F law.  

With the Massachusetts House having passed a tax relief package in April and the Senate expected to unveil its own tax proposal in “the next two weeks,” the issue of tax reform could not be timelier. Be sure to check out the op-ed here.

Memorial Day: Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers

Throughout our nation’s history, many have answered the call to serve. Today, we remember and honor those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our many freedoms, including the 37,369 individuals who called Massachusetts home. Their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten. 

Representative Marcus Vaughn Named To Gaming Policy Advisory Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Marcus S. Vaughn (R-Wrentham) to serve on the state’s GamingPolicy Advisory Committee (GPAC).

The GPAC was established as part of the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act, which legalized gaming in Massachusetts by authorizing the establishment of up to three resort casinos and one slot machine facility. The 14-member board advises the MassachusettsGaming Commission on gaming policy issues, particularly as it relates to community mitigation funding, addiction services for compulsive gambling, and the public safety impacts associated with the state’s gaming establishments.

Representative Vaughn’s appointment comes at a time of rapid growth within the state’s gaming industry. On January 31, MGM Springfield in Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville began offering sports betting, with online sports betting launching on March 10. Massachusetts residents placed a total of $568 million in sports bets in March, with more than three-fourths of those bets placed through the DraftKings and FanDuel apps.

“As the Commonwealth’s gaming industry continues to expand with the introduction of online sports betting, it is important that proper safeguards are in place to regulate the industry and protect consumers,” said Representative Jones. “I am confident that Marcus will help the Commonwealth continue to navigate through the evolving gaming landscape in a way that encourages responsible growth within the industry.”

For the 2023-2024 legislative session, Representative Vaughn is serving 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.

Representative Vaughn is currently serving his first term as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He represents the 9^th 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.