We Remember...

Today, we gather as families, communities, and more importantly as Americans to remember those individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Let us never forget.

Get Out and Vote!

Regardless of your political affiliation, today is a very important day for the Commonwealth as thousands of voters are expected to turn out to vote in the state primary election. Voters will be casting votes for Massachusetts congressional, state senate, state representative and other local candidates. Most polls around the state will open at 7 a.m. this morning and will remain open until 8 p.m. this evening.

To find out where to vote, or who will be appearing on your ballot, click here.

Be sure to do your civic duty today - get out and vote!

Representative deMacedo Appears on NECN’s “Broadside”

In case you missed it, Representative Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) recently appeared on Broadside with Representative William Straus (D-Mattapoisett). Representative deMacedo joined host Jim Braude to provide insight into the Democratic National Convention and the upcoming presidential election.

To view the entire segment play the video posted below.

Representatives Brad Jones and Donald Wong Appear on the FOX-25 Morning News’ Zip Trip to Lynnfield

In case you missed it, Representatives Brad Jones (R- North Reading) and Donald Wong (R-Saugus) made an appearance on the FOX-25 Morning News’ Zip Trip to Lynnfield this past Friday. Representatives Jones and Wong joined former Senate Minority Leader, and current Congressional candidate, Richard Tisei for the “Meet the Peeps” segment hosted by Doug “VB” Goudie.

Click on the video below and fast forward to 4:14 for more.

Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Governor Patrick’s Job Killing Approach to Economic Stimulus

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today in response to Governor Patrick’s vetoes of an estimated quarterly tax structure and the elimination of a minimum excise tax for new businesses as part of the Economic Development package:

“I thought that the CNBC poll ranking Massachusetts 28th for ‘Top States for Business’ would have resonated with Governor Patrick. Judging by this most recent veto – it didn’t.

The way the Commonwealth currently collects the Estimated Quarterly Tax subverts our businesses and job creators. In 2001 the Democratic majority changed our fair process forcing businesses to keep large amounts of cash on hand to pay their taxes before they have even begun to collect profits in a given year. This legislation would bring fairness and stability to the collection process by restoring the timetable for corporations to pay their quarterly estimated taxes in four equal installments.

Additionally, by vetoing a provision which would have provided start-up businesses a $456 credit, thus eliminating their minimum excise tax payment for the first 3 years they are in business, the Governor has negated any narrative coming out of the corner office relative to job creation and economic growth in the Bay State.

By eliminating the opportunity for Massachusetts to create a business-friendly environment, Governor Patrick has proven that he is intent on advancing an agenda that is not favorable to the businesses and residents of the Commonwealth.”

Representative Bradford Hill’s Statement on Governor Patrick Signing Melissa’s Bill into Law

Representative Bradford R. Hill (R-Ipswich) issued the following statement in response to Governor Patrick signing Melissa’s Bill into law:

"With the signing of Melissa’s Law, the legacies of Melissa Gosule and Officer Jack Maguire will forever live on.

This decade-long journey has afforded me the opportunity to forge a lifelong relationship with the Gosule and Maguire families. The unwavering tenacity that these two families have shown for public safety, as a result of their tragic loss, has been truly inspiring.

The memories of Melissa and Jack will be embedded in our hearts and minds forever. With the signing of this law, the citizens of Massachusetts can rest assured knowing that the tragic losses suffered by the Gosule and Maguire families have made the streets of the Commonwealth safer. While we may never know exactly who, or when, we do know that Melissa’s Law will save someone’s life.

Melissa’s Bill, now Melissa’s Law, is balanced in a way that targets the most violent and heinous repeat criminals, while recognizing the need to rehabilitate and restructure sentencing for non-violent drug offenders.

The commitment of the Legislature throughout this process proves that common-sense and public safety transcend party lines. I thank my colleagues for their continued support and advocacy.”

Representative Bradford Hill’s Statement on Rejection of Governor Patrick’s Amendment to Melissa’s Bill

Representative Bradford R. Hill (R-Ipswich) issued the following statement in response to the House of Representatives’ rejection of Governor Patrick’s amendment to Melissa’s Bill:

"Although I am pleased that the House of Representatives resoundingly rejected the amendment offered by Governor Patrick to Melissa’s Bill, I also understand that this is the first step in a complicated process that will play out over the next 24 hours as we await the Governor’s response.

By offering this amendment, which is entirely unacceptable to the House, the Governor further solidifies his position on the wrong side of public safety as it relates to repeat offenders of the most heinous crimes.

What remains abundantly clear is that the House of Representatives, the Senate and the residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts want this bill to be signed into law as is – without any further amendments.”

Representative Bradford Hill’s Statement on Governor Patrick’s Amendment to Melissa’s Bill

Representative Bradford R. Hill (R-Ipswich) issued the following statement in response to Governor Patrick returning Melissa’s Bill to the House and Senate with an amendment:

"I am very frustrated and disappointed at the Governor's proposal.

As amended, Governor Patrick takes the teeth out of the bill's intent. The House and Senate conferees worked very hard to listen to both proponents and opponents of this bill and we put forward a balanced bill that reflected all parties. This proposal by the Governor is not supported by the majority of Massachusetts' residents, and should not be adopted. This bill is meant to take the most heinous and violent criminals off the street by serving the mandatory sentence for their third offense.

The Governor's proposal guts the intent of the original legislation, which begs the question, why pass this bill if we are giving our most violent criminals any chance of parole after serving in our state prisons twice before?"

Representative Bradford Hill’s Statement on Release of Habitual Offenders Legislation from Conference Committee

Representative Bradford R. Hill (R-Ipswich) issued the following statement today in response to the release of anti-crime and sentencing reform legislation from the House and Senate Conference Committee:

“I am extremely pleased that after years of hard work and dedication, this piece of legislation has finally emerged from the House and Senate Conference Committee.

It has been my goal for over ten years, through the original filing of Melissa’s Bill and zealous advocacy, to pass legislation that ensures the most heinous and violent criminals remain behind bars in order to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Additionally, this legislation is balanced in a way that takes the initial step towards lessening non-violent drug sentencing and opens the door for further rehabilitation opportunities, which are currently not available.

A top priority of the Legislature should be to ensure the safety of all the citizens of the Commonwealth from dangerous, habitual offenders and this bill will do just that.”

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Ongoing Investigation into Probation Department Hiring Scandal

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement today in response to the ongoing investigation by the United States Attorney’s office into the hiring practices of the Probation Department:

"I hope that the US Attorney's office can and will bring this investigation to a speedy conclusion, and that those who have violated the public trust will face the consequences associated with those violations.

Because of these allegations, dark clouds continue to swirl around the State House. While we await resolution on this matter, one thing remains clear: this is a byproduct of one-party government."