BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today after Evergreen Solar will be closing its Devens facility and letting go of its 800 employees.
This should serve as a lesson to Governor Patrick that throwing money at companies in industries he approves of won’t necessarily translate into success. Instead of focusing on stimulating one particular industry, Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray should turn their attention to creating an economic climate where all businesses can succeed and thrive.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Minority Leader Checks in with Jon Keller
In case you missed it, House Minority Leader Brad Jones checked in with Jon Keller this past weekend on Keller @ Large. Representative Jones, who was just re-elected Minority Leader, discussed swearing-in day, the Governor's inauguration and the continued controversy swirling around the Parole Board. Click here to check it out.
Assistant Minority Leader Appears on Greater Boston
Assistant Minority Leader George Peterson recently appeared on Greater Boston with Emily Rooney. The Grafton Republican discussed a number of issues, but much of the conversation was focused on the call recently made by Republican Lawmakers to pass "Melissa's Bill."Click here to see what Representative Peterson had to say.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Representative Donald Wong Makes History
As you know, the 187th General Court was sworn in last week. What you may not have known is that two of them were making history as they took the oath of office. Representatives Donald Wong and Tackey Chan are the first two Asian-Americans ever to serve in the Massachusetts Legislature. Representative Wong is one of the new members of the Republican Caucus. He's a Saugus Selectman and business owner, who says he's focused on the economy, jobs and taxes.
NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu put together a special piece on Wong and Chan's historical swearing-in. Click here to watch the story 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.
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