House Minority Leader Jones’ Statement on Release of House Ways and Means’ FY26 Budget

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) released the following statement today regarding the release of the House Ways and Means Committee’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 state budget:

“I appreciate the fact that the proposed House budget does not include any new taxes or tax increases. Given the continued fiscal uncertainty we are facing, it is more important than ever that we take steps to ensure that revenues are being allocated efficiently and effectively, and that we are not adding to the financial burden faced by the Commonwealth’s residents. As we move forward in the budget process, it is critical that we not only prioritize maintaining the core state programs that service our children, seniors and veterans, but that we also do everything we can to assist our cities, towns and school districts. I look forward to reviewing the committee’s spending plan in further detail and working with my colleagues in the House Republican Caucus to pursue fiscally responsible amendments that will further protect the interests of our communities and the state’s taxpayers.”

House Minority Leader Jones’ Statement on Representative Flanagan's Arrest

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) released the following statement after federal authorities arrested Representative Christopher Flanagan (D-Dennis Port) on charges of defrauding his former employer and using the money for campaign expenses and his own personal use:

“Representative Flanagan’s arrest is disturbing but not surprising. We have known for several months about the ongoing investigation into these serious charges of misappropriating funds, but now that a court case is moving forward, it is clear what must be done. Representative Flanagan has betrayed his oath of office, and I am urging him to do the right thing for his constituents by resigning immediately. If he refuses to do so, then Speaker Mariano should immediately authorize and direct the House Ethics Committee to begin proceedings in this matter, as I had previously requested in January.”

Representative Marsi Appointed to Special Commission on Home Equity Theft Prevention

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative John J. Marsi (R-Dudley) to serve on a special commission that will conduct a comprehensive study of current state law and practices governing the collection of delinquent property tax revenue by cities and towns.

The special commission will consider potential changes to the new home equity theft law to further protect Massachusetts homeowners facing foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes and address concerns raised by the Massachusetts Municipal Association relative to the law’s three-year retroactive provisions and its potential impact on municipal property tax revenues.

Prior to the new law, cities and towns that foreclosed on a property to settle an unpaid tax debt could retain the full value of the property once it was sold, not just the amount of the original debt. Municipalities could also sell tax liens on delinquent properties to private investors, who were allowed to file for foreclosure with the Land Court once the debt was six months old and keep any profits from the property’s sale. A pair of recent court rulings found the law unconstitutional, leading to changes that were enacted last year to ensure that homeowners who are foreclosed on can recover the remaining balance of their home’s equity.

In 2023, the US Supreme Court ruled in the case of Tyler v. Hennepin County that a Minnesota statute similar to Massachusetts’ was unconstitutional because it denied reasonable compensation to a homeowner for the taking of their property. More recently, a judge in Hampden County ruled that the practices used in Massachusetts violated Article 10 of the state Constitution’s Declaration of Rights and the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution. The case involved a Springfield homeowner with an unpaid property tax bill of $1,637 who entered into a payment agreement with the city at a 16% interest rate but was unable to keep up with the payments and eventually owed about $17,500 with interest, placing them at risk of losing their home, which was valued at approximately $230,000 and had over $200,000 in equity.

“The tax equity theft law enacted last year provides many important protections to homeowners, including stronger notification requirements, lower interest rates on past due taxes, and more favorable repayment plans, but there is always room for improvement,” said Representative Jones. “As a former selectman with an extensive budgeting background, John is well-positioned to help the commission find the proper balance between protecting municipalities’ financial interests and preventing homeowners from losing their homes.”

The commission is due to file a report with its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2025.

Marsi represents the 6^th Worcester District, which is comprised of Dudley; Southbridge; Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4A in Charlton; and Precinct 1 in Spencer.