Representative Sheila Harrington Appointed to Bail Reform Special Commission

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) is pleased to announce that he has appointed State Representative Sheila Harrington (R-Groton) to serve as his designee on a special commission on bail reform.

The 19-member commission, which was created as part of the criminal justice reform law signed in April, will consider potential changes to the current bail system, including the use of risk assessment factors to determine when bail should be set and when defendants should be released without bail.  The commission will also evaluate the setting of conditions for defendants when they are released, with or without bail, and will determine if changes need to be made to ensure that defendants are not impacted differently in the pretrial system based on their gender, race, gender identity or other protected class status.

“As a member of the Judiciary Committee, Representative Harrington was a key contributor on the conference committee that finalized the new criminal justice reform law,” said Representative Jones.  “That, combined with her courtroom experience as an attorney, makes her eminently qualified to serve on this special commission that will explore ways to improve our current bail system to ensure equal and consistent treatment for all residents of the Commonwealth.”

The bail reform commission is comprised of a diverse group of legislators, court officials, attorney organizations and advocacy groups.  Among those who will be serving on the commission are Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants, Massachusetts Superior Court Chief Justice Judith Fabricant, Massachusetts District Court Chief Justice Paul Dawley, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan.  The commission will also include representatives from the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Inc., and the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association. 

The bail reform commission is scheduled to file a report on its findings and recommendations with the Legislature by June 30, 2019.

Representative Harrington represents the First Middlesex District, which includes the towns of Ashby, Dunstable, Groton, Pepperell, Townsend and Precinct 1 in Ayer.

Representative Muratore Named to Special Legislative Commission on Ocean Acidification

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) is pleased to announce that he has appointed State Representative Mathew Muratore (R-Plymouth) to serve as his designee on a special environmental commission that will study the impact of coastal and ocean acidification on commercially-valuable marine species.

Created as part of the 2018 Environmental Bond Bill, the commission will work on developing policies to respond to the adverse effects of coastal and ocean acidification on commercially-important fisheries and the state’s aquaculture industry.

“Representative Muratore has been an active member of the Ocean Advisory Commission, working closely with Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton to develop the state’s ocean management plan,” said Representative Jones.  “He will be a perfect fit on this new commission as it works to address the environmental impact of ocean acidification on the state’s fishing industry.”

“Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is being absorbed into our oceans and lowering PH levels below normal,” Representative Muratore said.  “Understanding how this impacts both humans and marine life is important and I am honored to be appointed to serve on this commission.”

Representative Muratore is one of eight legislators serving on the 19-member commission, which is being chaired by State Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox) and State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), who also serve as co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.  Other state environmental officials serving on the commission include Director of Marine Fisheries Dr. David Pierce; Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg; and Director of Coastal Zone Management Bruce Carlisle.

Governor Charlie Baker will be appointing the remaining 8 members of the commission.  His appointees will include two representatives of an environmental or community group; three scientists who have studied coastal or ocean acidification; and three commercial fishermen, including one who holds a shellfish aquaculture license, one who holds a commercial fisherman lobster permit, and one who holds a commercial fisherman shellfish permit.

In addition to reviewing relevant scientific literature and studies related to coastal and ocean acidification, the commission will conduct a series of public hearings and coordinate with the Northeast Coastal Acidification Network and the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators to prevent any duplication of effort.  The commission is scheduled to file a report on its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2018.

Representative Muratore represents the First Plymouth District.  He currently serves as the ranking minority member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development; the assistant ranking minority member of the Joint Committee on Health CareFinancing; and a member of the Joint Committee on State Administration andRegulatory Oversight.

Rep. Crocker Named to Special Commission Investigating Suicide Prevention Among Massachusetts Correction Officers

Representative William Crocker (R-Barnstable) has been appointed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) to serve on a special commission to study the prevention of suicide among correction officers in Massachusetts.

According to a February 2016 investigative report by WCVB-TV, 14 male and female employees of the state’s Department of Correction (DOC) committed suicide over a 5 ½-year period between 2010 and 2016.  In January of 2016, citing figures from the DOC and the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Springfield Republican newspaper reported that the “suicide rate among correctional officers … is around six times the rate of suicides in the general Massachusetts population.”

The 13-member commission, which was created as part of the 2018criminal justice reform law, will review existing suicide prevention programs and policies within Massachusetts’ correctional facilities.  In addition to providing recommendations for improving suicide identification and intervention for correctional facility staff, the commission will also explore ways to make mental health counseling more accessible to correction officers in need of services.

“Representative Crocker is familiar with our state’s correctional system, having previously worked as a teacher in the Bristol County House of Correction for 3 years,” said Representative Jones.  “His prior experience and insight will be an asset to the commission as it works to devise ways to prevent suicide among correction officers by making sure they have the full range of support and services they need.”

Representative Crocker is one of four legislative appointees serving on the commission, which is being chaired by Spencer Lord, Director of Policy and Assistant General Counsel at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.  The commission will include a suicide prevention specialist and Massachusetts sheriffs representative appointed by Governor Charlie Baker, as well as representatives from the DOC, DPH, the Department of Mental Health, the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, the Massachusetts Psychological Society, and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Inc. 

The commission is due to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 31, 2018.

Representative Crocker currently serves on three joint legislative committees, including Children, Families and Persons withDisabilities; Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery; and Tourism, Arts andCultural Development.  He represents the Second Barnstable District, which includes Precincts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13 in Barnstable, as well as Precincts 5 and 6 in Yarmouth.

Rep. Hannah Kane Appointed to Regional Transit Authority Performance and Funding Task Force

Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) has been appointed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) to serve on a task force that will evaluate the performance and funding of the state’s regional transit authorities.

Created as part of the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget, the 19-member commission will look at how the state’s 15 regional transit authorities can best provide and improve transit services for their customers, while conducting regular service planning to maximize ridership.  The commission will also explore ways to ensure that fares, local contributions and other own-source revenues are sufficient to cover an appropriate share of service costs for these regional transit authorities.

“As a member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Representative Kane has been proactive in supporting the Baker-Polito Administration’s efforts to improve services on the MBTA,” said Representative Jones.  “I am confident she will bring this same commitment to the task force as it works to increase efficiencies at the state’s regional transit authorities and enhance the ridership experience for commuters who utilize these services.”

Representative Kane is one of four legislators serving on the task force, which is being chaired by Astrid Glynn, the Rail & Transit Administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Three members will be appointed by the regional transit authority administrators, with Governor Charlie Baker appointing the other 11 members, including one who will represent the disabled commuter population and one who will represent an organization that advocates for regional transit authority riders.

The task force is scheduled to file its initial report by November 1, 2018.

In addition to serving on the Joint Committee on Transportation, Representative Kane is also the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Public Health, the Ranking Minority Member of the JointCommittee on Marijuana Policy, and a member of the Joint Committee on MentalHealth, Substance Use and Recovery.  She represents the Eleventh Worcester District, which includes the town of Shrewsbury and Precincts 4 and 5 in Westborough.

Assistant Minority Leader Brad Hill Appointed to Special Commission on School Transportation

Representative Bradford Hill (R-Ipswich) has been appointed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) to serve on a special commission that will explore ways to increase efficiencies in student transportation.

Established as part of the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget, the 11-member commission will be responsible for developing recommendations for improving transportation services for students attending regional schools, out of district vocational and technical schools, and out of district agricultural schools, as well as students in special education out of district placements.

In announcing the appointment, Representative Jones cited Representative Hill’s ongoing advocacy in support of public education funding, particularly for regional school transportation.  Representative Hill’s efforts helped secure a $68.88 million appropriation in this year’s state budget to reimburse communities for student transportation expenses, which represents a 12% increase in funding over last year.

“Brad has been leading the fight to deliver additional relief to cities and towns to help them pay for their student transportation costs,” said Representative Jones.  “I am confident he will do a tremendous job helping the special commission to identify ways for school districts to improve transportation services and reduce costs.”

Representative Hill is one of four legislators serving on the commission, which will also include representatives from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, Inc.; the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Inc.; the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials, Inc.; the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; and the Massachusetts Association of Special Education Administrators.  The final two commission members will be appointed by Education Secretary James Peyser and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley.

The commission is required to hold a minimum of five public hearings, and is expected to file a report with its recommendations by December 1, 2019.

Representative Hill currently serves as the Assistant Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.  He represents the Fourth Essex District, which includes the towns of Hamilton; Ipswich; Manchester-by-the-Sea; Rowley; Topsfield; and Wenham.

September 11, 2001: Seventeen Years Later, We Still Remember … and We Will Never Forget

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” – President George W. Bush

The House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere today to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and to salute our men and women in uniform who continue to keep America strong and safe. We remember September 11, 2001, and we will never forget.

Rep. Muradian Named to PAWS II/Animal Welfare Bill Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative David K. Muradian, Jr. (R-Grafton) to a conference committee charged with reviewing two legislative proposals to update the state’s animal cruelty laws.

An Act to protect animal welfare and safety in cities and towns, also known as the PAWS Act II, was approved by the Senate on March 15, with the House passing its own version of the bill on June 6.  Both bills seek to expand on the state’s 2014 PAWS law by adding new requirements for reporting animal abuse and prohibiting the drowning of animals.

Representative Muradian will serve on the conference committee alongside Representatives Louis Kafka (D-Stoughton) and Jim O'Day (D-West Boylston), and Senators Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield), and Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).  The conference committee will attempt to reconcile the differences between the two bills and reach an agreement on compromise language by the last day of formal legislative sessions, which falls on July 31.

“Representative Muradian has served on a number of conference committees and has proven that he can work with other legislators to achieve a consensus,” said Representative Jones.  “I am confident he will do everything he can to help get a strong animal protection bill on the Governor’s desk before session ends.”

Representative Muradian currently serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, which reviewed an earlier version of the PAWS Act II last fall and reported the bill out favorably.  He is also a member of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, and the House Committee on Ethics.

Representative Muradian represents the Ninth Worcester District, which includes the communities of Grafton, Northbridge and Upton.

Rep. Berthiaume Appointed to Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. (R-Spencer) to a conference committee that will attempt to reconcile the differences between two environmental bond bills recently passed by the House and Senate.

The House bond bill, which was approved on June 13, includes nearly $3 billion in capital authorizations to support a variety of local and statewide environmental initiatives.  The Senate engrossed its own version of the bill – An Act promoting climate change adaptation, environmental and natural resource protection, and investment in recreational assets and opportunity – on July 12.

“Representative Berthiaume is well-versed on environmental policy, having served as a member of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture,” said Representative Jones.  “His experience will be an asset to the conference committee as it works to negotiate a compromise bill.”

A Navy veteran and former Spencer selectman, Representative Berthiaume also serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, and the House Committee on Ways and Means.  Joining him on the conference committee are Representatives David Nangle (D-Lowell) and William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D-Lenox), along with Senators William Brownsberger (D-Belmont), Anne Gobi and Donald Humason (R-Westfield).

The conference committee will attempt to reach an agreement on compromise language before formal legislative sessions end on July 31.

Representative Berthiaume was first elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2014.  He represents the 5th Worcester District, which is comprised of 11 communities, including Barre; Brookfield; East Brookfield; Hardwick; Hubbardston; New Braintree; North Brookfield; Oakham; West Brookfield; and portions of Spencer and Ware.

Representative David DeCoste Named Member of BRAVE Act Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative David F. DeCoste (R-Norwell) to serve on a conference committee charged with reviewing a pair of omnibus veteran bills recently approved by the House and Senate.

An Act relative to veterans’ benefits, rights, appreciation, validation and enforcement, also known as the BRAVE Act, passed the Senate on March 3, while the House of Representatives approved its own version of the bill on March 23.  The conference committee will now attempt to reconcile the differences between the two bills, which provide for property tax assistance and increased funeral expense coverage for veterans, among other benefits.

In announcing the appointment, Representative Jones cited Representative DeCoste’s military background as a 22-year veteran of the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Major.

“David’s years of service have given him a clear understanding of the many challenges facing Massachusetts veterans and their families,” said Representative Jones.  “With his military experience, David will bring a unique perspective to the conference committee as it works to resolve the differences between the two bills and produce a final bill to address the needs of the Commonwealth’s veterans.”

Representative DeCoste currently serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, as well as the Joint Committees on Housing and Public Service.  The Norwell legislator will be joined on the conference committee by the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, Representative John Lawn (D-Watertown) and Senator Michael Rush (D-West Roxbury), along with Representative Claire Cronin (D-Brockton) and Senators William Brownsberger (D-Belmont) and Donald Humason (R-Westfield).

The conference committee will attempt to reach an agreement before formal legislative sessions end on July 31.

Representative DeCoste represents the 5th Plymouth District, which is comprised of the towns of Hanover, Norwell and Rockland.

MEMORIAL DAY 2018

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

I watched the flag pass by one day,

It fluttered in the breeze;

A young Marine saluted it,

And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform,

So young, so tall, so proud;

With hair cut square and eyes alert,

He’d stand out in any crowd.

I thought… how many men like him

Had fallen through the years?

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers’ tears?

How many pilots’ planes shot down

How many died at sea

How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves

No, Freedom is not Free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,

When everything was still;

I listened to the bugler play,

And felt a sudden chill;

I wondered just how many times

That Taps had meant “Amen”

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend;

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea,

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No. Freedom is not Free!

©Copyright 1981 by Kelly Strong

As our nation observes Memorial Day, the members of the House Republican Caucus join with Americans everywhere to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers. Their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

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