House Republican Caucus Proposes Ambitious Rules Package

The House Republican Caucus, led by Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr., offered an ambitious rules package during today’s rules debate.

House Republicans were pleased to get a handful of amendments adopted. For example, a proposal was accepted to allow for greater scrutiny and transparency of legislative accounts and an amendment improving attire and general decorum was approved as well.

Unfortunately, some of the amendments offered by the Republican Caucus that would have improved the legislative process were rejected.

Among the amendments rejected include:

1. Eliminating the position of Speaker Pro Tempore

2. Requiring a roll call with 2/3rds majority in order to raise any tax or fee

3. Requiring the House to consider a resolution no later than March 15th of each year, defining the minimum financial contribution the Commonwealth will make to cities and towns in the form of Chapter 70 and unrestricted government aid

4. Requiring recorded votes at an executive session of a committee be recorded on the legislative website

“The general public has lost its faith in its elected officials and we offered an ambitious rules package with the goal of improving the Legislative process,” said Representative Jones. “Although I would have liked to see even more of our proposals adopted, I am pleased with the successes we had as a caucus, and as a Legislative body today.”

At the beginning of each legislative session, the Legislature adopts a set of rules to govern itself. This year, House Republicans offered more than 25 amendments.

Credit When Credit is Due

In case you missed it, yesterday the Governor announced an ambitious pension reform agenda, albeit many of his proposals we have filed in the past. Among his proposals are raising the retirement age, closing the double dipping loophole and instituting a more fair and accurate way of calculating pension payments.

We in the Republican Caucus look forward to debating his proposals when they come up in the House and are anxious to offer even more ideas that could lead to millions of dollars in cost savings for the state.

Click here to read more about the Governor’s proposals.

Reflecting on the Work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

~Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr.
August 28, 1963

Representative Brad Hill Appears on Fox 25's Morning News

In case you missed it, House Minority Whip Brad Hill made an appearance on Fox 25's Morning News today. As you may have heard, Governor Patrick plans to file legislation today relative to habitual offenders. However, Representative Hill feels his legislation, "Melissa's Bill," named after Melissa Gosule is the version the Governor should get behind. It appears as if the Governor's legislation would still allow the state's most violent criminals an opportunity to be paroled whereas "Melissa's Bill," would not allow the opportunity for parole on the third violent felony conviction.

Click here to see what Representative Hill had to say.

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Governor Patrick’s Actions Relative to the Parole Board

BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement today after hearing the actions Governor Patrick plans to take relative to the Parole Board.

I am pleased at the action the Governor announced relative to the Parole Board. He has finally come to the same conclusion many of us reached weeks ago. I am however disappointed it took this long and that the life of a police officer had to be taken in order for him to act.

Furthermore, it appears that the Governor’s planned legislation relative to habitual offenders falls short of “Melissa’s Bill.” Without having seen his legislation, it would appear that the most violent criminals would still have the possibility of being paroled. The fact is we can do better and we should do better.

Representative Howitt Talks Tax Credits for the Film Industry

Representative Steven Howitt was recently asked to share his thoughts on providing tax credits for the film industry. The Freshman member defeated a Democrat incumbent in the past election cycle.

Click here to see what Representative Howitt had to say.

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Evergreen Solar Closing its Doors in Devens

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.

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.

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.