Representative John Marsi Appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative John J. Marsi (R-Dudley) to serve as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Created as part of the 2020 policing reform law, the 23-member Commission is an independent state agency focused on addressing the needs and challenges faced by the disability community in Massachusetts, as it relates to transportation, access to employment, housing, childcare and many other areas. Marsi succeeds former State Representative Mathew J. Muratore (R-Plymouth), who had served on the Commission since 2021.

The Commission is responsible for reviewing the programs and practices of all state agencies affecting persons with disabilities and advising the executive and legislative branches regarding the potential impact of proposed legislation on the disabled community. The Commission also promotes and helps to facilitate collaboration among local disability commissions, disability rights advocacy organizations and disability employment service providers, while working to identify and correct any disparities that exist within the range of state disability services options available to individuals with disabilities.

“The Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities is comprised of individuals who have personal or professional experience with disability issues, a demonstrated interest and involvement in disability advocacy, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life, and those are all qualities that John possesses,” said Representative Jones. “John’s personal experiences as the father of a daughter with special needs makes him uniquely qualified to serve on the Commission, and I am confident he will use this new position to advocate for state policies that will help to improve the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities.”

The Commission includes members appointed by legislative leadership; the Governor’s, Attorney General’s, State Treasurer’s, and Secretary of State’s offices; and the Executive Director of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission; along with representatives of the University of Massachusetts Medical School Work Without Limits program; the Massachusetts Disability Policy Consortium; the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, Inc.; and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council.

The Commission is responsible for filing an annual report on or before October 31.

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.

Representative Xiarhos Appointed to Xylazine Commission

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Steven George Xiarhos (R-Barnstable) to a special legislative commission tasked with addressing the growing public health and safety concerns surrounding the proliferation of xylazine.

Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that has been used by licensed veterinarians since 1971. However, the substance has been raising concern with law enforcement officials as it has increasingly been found mixed with illicit drugs being consumed by humans. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), “Fentanyl is increasingly being mixed with the veterinary sedative xylazine (‘tranq’), which continues to be detected in the state’s street drug supply and was present in 9 percent of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, up from 5 percent in 2022.” In addition to slowing breathing and heart rates, xylazine exposure can lead to severe skin abscesses and ulcers, which may result in amputation.

Representative Xiarhos is one of 13 members serving on the Xylazine Commission, which was created as part of the substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure bill recently signed into law. It will explore ways for Massachusetts to strengthen oversight of xylazine’s production and distribution, ensuring that it remains strictly for veterinary use. The commission also will examine whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and assess appropriate penalties for its illegal production and distribution. Members will evaluate the availability of effective outreach and treatment programs for individuals exposed to xylazine and identify any gaps in existing services. The commission is required to submit its findings and recommendations by June 30, 2025.

A former Deputy Chief of Police in Yarmouth, Representative Xiarhos brings over 40 years of law enforcement experience to the commission. He has a deep understanding of the dangers posed by illicit drugs and their devastating impact on communities. His career has included direct involvement in drug enforcement, community outreach, and policy development. 

“Having spent over 40 years in law enforcement, I understand the severity of the public health risks posed by drugs like xylazine, which are wreaking havoc on our communities,” said Representative Xiarhos. “I’m honored to serve on this commission and will work tirelessly to develop solutions that help prevent the misuse of this drug and protect the people of Massachusetts. As a member of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, I’m deeply committed to advancing public safety and health, and I will bring that dedication to this important task.”

"The misuse of xylazine represents a significant public health and safety threat,” said Representative Jones. “Rep. Xiarhos' law enforcement background will aid the commission’s efforts to develop recommendations to help stop xylazine abuse before it claims more lives. I am pleased to be able to appoint him to serve on this special commission and I look forward to receiving the commission's report and recommendations this summer.” 

First elected to serve in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2020, Steve Xiarhos is now serving his third term representing the people of the 5^th Barnstable District, which includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of Barnstable and Bourne.

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.