Freshman Representative Ryan Fattman of Sutton appeared on the Fox 25 Morning News earlier today. Fattman talked with "VB" about his first week observations as well as his legislative priorities.Click here to watch the segment in its entirety.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Representative Ryan Fattman Appears on Fox 25's Morning News
Freshman Representative Ryan Fattman of Sutton appeared on the Fox 25 Morning News earlier today. Fattman talked with "VB" about his first week observations as well as his legislative priorities.Click here to watch the segment in its entirety.
Boston Globe Gets it Right!
In case you missed it, the Boston Globe ran an editorial today calling for the repeal of the Pacheco Law, an anti-privatization law on the books and costing the state a lot of money.
The opening paragraph says it all, "The so-called Pacheco law doesn’t just keep government agencies from saving money by hiring outside contractors to perform certain services. It also sends a broad message: In Massachusetts, the demands of special-interest groups — in this case, public-employee unions — can outweigh the obligation to run government efficiently."
The editorial goes on to say, "As the chief executive of the state in a time of great fiscal distress, Governor Patrick must deliver better government in a frugal manner — and that should mean getting the Pacheco law repealed."
We couldn't agree with the writers of this piece more. Fortunately, year after year the Republican Caucus has filed measures to repeal or to raise the threshold of the Pacheco Law. With several media outlets supporting our efforts, we are hopeful this will be the year we repeal the Pacheco Law.
The opening paragraph says it all, "The so-called Pacheco law doesn’t just keep government agencies from saving money by hiring outside contractors to perform certain services. It also sends a broad message: In Massachusetts, the demands of special-interest groups — in this case, public-employee unions — can outweigh the obligation to run government efficiently."
The editorial goes on to say, "As the chief executive of the state in a time of great fiscal distress, Governor Patrick must deliver better government in a frugal manner — and that should mean getting the Pacheco law repealed."
We couldn't agree with the writers of this piece more. Fortunately, year after year the Republican Caucus has filed measures to repeal or to raise the threshold of the Pacheco Law. With several media outlets supporting our efforts, we are hopeful this will be the year we repeal the Pacheco Law.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Congratulations and Welcome to all of the Members
As many of you know, today’ the 187th General Court was sworn in to office. Among the 159 Massachusetts House of Representatives, 31 Republicans were sworn in. It is an exciting day and one the Republican Caucus is very pleased to begin the new Legislative Session with a re-energized and reinvigorated group.
Though today is one of pomp and circumstance, we here at The Capitol View understand the magnitude of the challenges the Commonwealth of Massachusetts faces in 2011. The 31 members of the Republican Caucus will focus their efforts on creating jobs, stimulating the economy and getting the state’s finances back on the right track. We have no doubt this year will be tough but we look forward and are up to the challenge.
Congratulations and welcome to all of the new members.
Though today is one of pomp and circumstance, we here at The Capitol View understand the magnitude of the challenges the Commonwealth of Massachusetts faces in 2011. The 31 members of the Republican Caucus will focus their efforts on creating jobs, stimulating the economy and getting the state’s finances back on the right track. We have no doubt this year will be tough but we look forward and are up to the challenge.
Congratulations and welcome to all of the new members.
Representative Bradley Jones Elected to 5th Term as Minority Leader
BOSTON—Saying he’s looking forward to having the opportunity to continue serving as the leader of the Republican Caucus in the House, Representative Brad Jones released the following statement today after being elected to his 5th term as Minority Leader.I am humbled and honored by the overwhelming support I received today from my Republican colleagues in the House. I look forward to serving as Minority Leader and understand the magnitude of the challenges we as a legislative body face this session.
I am excited to lead the Republican Caucus and know that my members will work tirelessly on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth to make Massachusetts a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Republican Lawmakers Make Melissa’s Bill 2011 Legislative Priority
BOSTON—Republican lawmakers, led by Minority Whip Brad Hill (R-Ipswich) today called on their colleagues to join with them in making “Melissa’s Bill” a 2011 legislative priority.
“Melissa’s Bill” was filed in the memory of Melissa Gosule, a then-27-year-old teacher who was murdered in 1999 by a repeat offender who had served less than two years in jail for a combined 27 criminal convictions.
“Melissa’s Bill” was refiled for multiple session, most recently in January of 2009 and has been stuck in the Judiciary Committee since March of the same year.
If passed into law, repeat, violent offenders would be kept where they belong - behind bars.
In the wake of the tragic shooting death of a Woburn Police Officer John Maguire by a career criminal, the Republican Caucus is hoping there will be an appetite to pass this critical piece of legislation early in the new legislative session.
“A priority of the Legislature should be to ensure the safety of all the citizens of the Commonwealth from dangerous, habitual offenders and this legislation would do just that,” said Representative Hill, the sponsor of “Melissa’s Bill.”
“We in the Republican Caucus are happy to take the lead on this issue, however we hope our colleagues will join us in our effort to keep every citizen of the Commonwealth safe,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Among the components of “Melissa’s Bill” include:
Expands the habitual offender statute to better target the most dangerous repeat offenders, stating that the maximum punishment available by law shall be imposed for either a defendant’s third Superior Court felony conviction or a third conviction of a felony punishable by more than 10 years in prison.
Removes parole eligibility for those repeat offenders convicted under “Melissa’s Law.”
Requires revocations and imposition of the suspended sentence when a preponderance of the evidence establishes that the probationer committed a felony while on probation. Currently, there is no such requirement.
Removes loophole by specifically stating that state and federal convictions apply to the habitual offender statute. Currently, federal convictions are not included in the habitual offender statute.
Authorizes judges to impose conditions of release to make clear that sentences on new crimes committed during the pendency of a case shall run consecutively, eliminating the ability of defendants to agree to “package deals” and receive concurrent sentences for crimes committed while they are out on bail.
“Melissa’s Bill” was filed in the memory of Melissa Gosule, a then-27-year-old teacher who was murdered in 1999 by a repeat offender who had served less than two years in jail for a combined 27 criminal convictions.
“Melissa’s Bill” was refiled for multiple session, most recently in January of 2009 and has been stuck in the Judiciary Committee since March of the same year.
If passed into law, repeat, violent offenders would be kept where they belong - behind bars.
In the wake of the tragic shooting death of a Woburn Police Officer John Maguire by a career criminal, the Republican Caucus is hoping there will be an appetite to pass this critical piece of legislation early in the new legislative session.
“A priority of the Legislature should be to ensure the safety of all the citizens of the Commonwealth from dangerous, habitual offenders and this legislation would do just that,” said Representative Hill, the sponsor of “Melissa’s Bill.”
“We in the Republican Caucus are happy to take the lead on this issue, however we hope our colleagues will join us in our effort to keep every citizen of the Commonwealth safe,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Among the components of “Melissa’s Bill” include:
Expands the habitual offender statute to better target the most dangerous repeat offenders, stating that the maximum punishment available by law shall be imposed for either a defendant’s third Superior Court felony conviction or a third conviction of a felony punishable by more than 10 years in prison.
Removes parole eligibility for those repeat offenders convicted under “Melissa’s Law.”
Requires revocations and imposition of the suspended sentence when a preponderance of the evidence establishes that the probationer committed a felony while on probation. Currently, there is no such requirement.
Removes loophole by specifically stating that state and federal convictions apply to the habitual offender statute. Currently, federal convictions are not included in the habitual offender statute.
Authorizes judges to impose conditions of release to make clear that sentences on new crimes committed during the pendency of a case shall run consecutively, eliminating the ability of defendants to agree to “package deals” and receive concurrent sentences for crimes committed while they are out on bail.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Republican Lawmakers to hold Media Availability
BOSTON—Republican lawmakers, led by Minority Whip Brad Hill will hold a media availability tomorrow to discuss “Melissa’s Bill,” a piece of legislation that has been stuck in the Judiciary Committee for many months now. If passed into law, repeat, violent offenders would be kept where they belong - behind bars.
“Melissa’s Bill” was filed in the memory of Melissa Gosule, a then-27-year-old teacher who was murdered by a repeat offender who had served less than two years in jail for a combined 27 criminal convictions.
In the wake of the tragic shooting death of a Woburn Police Officer by a career criminal, the Republican Caucus will take this opportunity to call on their colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation.
A priority of the Legislature should be to ensure the safety of all the citizens of the Commonwealth from dangerous, habitual offenders and this legislation would do just that.
Representative Brad Hill will be joined by other Republican lawmakers, as well as Melissa Gosule’s father, Les Gosule.
The press conference will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11:00 a.m. outside of Room 124 at State House.
“Melissa’s Bill” was filed in the memory of Melissa Gosule, a then-27-year-old teacher who was murdered by a repeat offender who had served less than two years in jail for a combined 27 criminal convictions.
In the wake of the tragic shooting death of a Woburn Police Officer by a career criminal, the Republican Caucus will take this opportunity to call on their colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation.
A priority of the Legislature should be to ensure the safety of all the citizens of the Commonwealth from dangerous, habitual offenders and this legislation would do just that.
Representative Brad Hill will be joined by other Republican lawmakers, as well as Melissa Gosule’s father, Les Gosule.
The press conference will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11:00 a.m. outside of Room 124 at State House.
Friday, December 31, 2010
House Minority Leader’s Statement on Long Overdue Resignation of Probation Commissioner
BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement this evening after hearing Probation Commissioner John O’Brien finally handed in his resignation.
This evening’s resignation of Probation Commissioner John O’Brien is long overdue, however an appropriate way to usher in the New Year. It is my hope that this will be the first step in the long, difficult process of cleaning up what is known to be a very corrupt probation department.
The road to restoring the public’s confidence in state government will be a bumpy one but nonetheless this resignation is a critical step in making that effort become a reality.
This evening’s resignation of Probation Commissioner John O’Brien is long overdue, however an appropriate way to usher in the New Year. It is my hope that this will be the first step in the long, difficult process of cleaning up what is known to be a very corrupt probation department.
The road to restoring the public’s confidence in state government will be a bumpy one but nonetheless this resignation is a critical step in making that effort become a reality.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sales Tax Holiday a Win for Taxpayers
As you may recall, during the summer, the state held a sales tax holiday to help businesses and taxpayers alike. While many Democrats would have you believe, this relief came at too high of a cost to the state, we here at The Capitol View see it as a win-win. Not only were businesses able to generate some much needed traffic in their stores during the lull of summer, but taxpayers were able to save close to $20 million as well.
The taxpayers of Massachusetts face one of the highest tax burdens in the country. The least the state can do is provide one weekend where shoppers can make purchases without being heavily taxed. Additionally, businesses here in Massachusetts have a serious disadvantage when it comes to competition thanks in part to tax-free internet shopping, not to mention sales tax-free New Hampshire. In times of economic despair, we, as a legislative body must do everything we can to allow business to thrive and flourish while also enabling middle-class families to enjoy the lifestyle they work so hard for.
We say kudos to the sales tax holiday weekend and bravo! We fully intend to file this legislation when the new session convenes next week and look forward to providing a little more relief next summer.
The taxpayers of Massachusetts face one of the highest tax burdens in the country. The least the state can do is provide one weekend where shoppers can make purchases without being heavily taxed. Additionally, businesses here in Massachusetts have a serious disadvantage when it comes to competition thanks in part to tax-free internet shopping, not to mention sales tax-free New Hampshire. In times of economic despair, we, as a legislative body must do everything we can to allow business to thrive and flourish while also enabling middle-class families to enjoy the lifestyle they work so hard for.
We say kudos to the sales tax holiday weekend and bravo! We fully intend to file this legislation when the new session convenes next week and look forward to providing a little more relief next summer.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Appreciation and Gratitude to Secretary Kelley
As many of you have probably heard by now, Governor Patrick has asked Veterans’ Services Secretary Thomas Kelley for his resignation. Although we understand Secretary Kelley serves at the pleasure of the Governor, we are disappointed and confused by this decision.
Secretary Kelley has not only served the Veterans of Massachusetts well, but he has served his country with honor for many, many years. A Vietnam Veteran and a Medal of Honor recipient, Secretary Kelley has unconditionally fought for his country and the Commonwealth.
We here at The Capitol View would like to thank him for his many years of service. He is a true American Patriot who deserves all the respect we can give him. His successor certainly has big shoes to fill.
Secretary Kelley has not only served the Veterans of Massachusetts well, but he has served his country with honor for many, many years. A Vietnam Veteran and a Medal of Honor recipient, Secretary Kelley has unconditionally fought for his country and the Commonwealth.
We here at The Capitol View would like to thank him for his many years of service. He is a true American Patriot who deserves all the respect we can give him. His successor certainly has big shoes to fill.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thoughts and Prayers with Family of Fallen Police Officer
As many of you know by now, this weekend, the life of a Woburn Police Officer was tragically cut short when a career criminal shot and killed the officer as a robbery attempt went terribly wrong.
Woburn police officer John Maguire served on the force for more than three decades and until this incident, it has been reported by several media outlets, that he had never fired his weapon before.
While there’s nothing we can say to console the family and friends of Office Maguire, we here at The Capitol View would like his loved ones to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them and they go through the very difficult process of grieving.
May God bless Office Maguire and his family.
Woburn police officer John Maguire served on the force for more than three decades and until this incident, it has been reported by several media outlets, that he had never fired his weapon before.
While there’s nothing we can say to console the family and friends of Office Maguire, we here at The Capitol View would like his loved ones to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them and they go through the very difficult process of grieving.
May God bless Office Maguire and his family.
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