Representative David Vieira Appointed To Special Commission Commemorating The 250th Anniversary Of The American Revolution

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative David Vieira (R-Falmouth) to serve on a special commission that will develop a comprehensive plan for promoting and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

The 40-member commission will be led by State Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Fall River) and State Senator Edward J. Kennedy (D-Lowell), who currently serve as the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. In addition to identifying opportunities for individuals and municipalities across the state to participate in the anniversary celebrations and recognize the particular history of their geographical areas, the commission will also investigate and promote under-represented voices in the American Revolution, including women, native peoples and persons of color.

“As one of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts played a pivotal role in our nation’s quest for self-governance, and the upcoming anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence provides a perfect opportunity to highlight that,” said Representative Jones. “I am confident David’s knowledge and expertise will help the commission develop an inclusive plan for marking this historic event that not only recognizes the prominent role certain communities played, but also acknowledges those individuals and groups whose stories may not be as well known to the Commonwealth’s residents.”

The commission will include members representing the communities of Boston, Cambridge, Arlington, Concord, Lexington and Lincoln, as well as organizations such as the Massachusetts Historical Society; the American Antiquarian Society; the Massachusetts Council for Social Studies, Inc.; the Commission on Indian Affairs; the New England Historic Genealogical Society; Preservation Massachusetts; the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities; and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Governor Charlie Baker’s appointees will include representatives of The Colonial Society of Massachusetts; Boston’s Museum of African American History; the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah; the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe; the Freedom Trail Foundation, Inc.; the Executive Office of Travel and Tourism; the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution; and two scholars with expertise in colonial, revolutionary era history or American civics.

The commission will file a report providing an overview of Massachusetts’ role in the American Revolution, and highlighting the notable battles, events and figures of the era.

First elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2010, Vieira is now in his sixth term representing the Third Barnstable District, which is comprised of Precincts 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Bourne; Precincts 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 in Falmouth; and the town of Mashpee.

Earlier this year, Vieira was appointed to the Special Legislative Early Education and Care Economic Review Commission, which is developing recommendations for improving how childcare is funded in Massachusetts. He is also currently serving on a special commission studying the state seal and motto to ensure that they “faithfully reflect and embody the historic and contemporary commitments of the Commonwealth to peace, justice, liberty and equality and to spreading the opportunities and advantages of education.”

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit. – President Ronald Reagan

On July 4, 1776 – 245 years ago today – the original 13 colonies declared their independence from British rule and established the United States of America. This watershed event has long served as a beacon of hope for the world. The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere today to celebrate Independence Day, and to offer our thanks to the many servicemen and women who continue to uphold the essential freedoms our forefathers envisioned for our nation more than two centuries ago.  Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

MEMORIAL DAY 2021

On May 27, Massachusetts Military Heroes held its 12th annual Memorial Day Flag Garden ceremony, with families from across the state gathering on the Boston Common to remember their loved ones. Serving as a striking visual backdrop for this event were 37,342 newly-planted flags, each representing a Massachusetts resident who has died in military service to our nation since the Revolutionary War.

In his remarks, Governor Charlie Baker noted that "The one thing I have heard time and time again from Gold Star families, in my conversations with them over the years, is ... 'I hope you never forget and you always take time to honor and remember those who have made possible through their sacrifices all that we hold dear, here in Massachusetts, and across the country.'"

We here at The Capitol View will never forget the many men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. They gave their lives on the field of battle not only so we can be free, but also to ensure that our children, our grandchildren and future generations of Americans can continue to enjoy the same freedoms. The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus salutes our fallen veterans and offers our enduring gratitude to them and to the families they left behind.

Representative David Vieira Appointed To Special Commission Studying MA State Seal And Motto

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has announced his appointment of State Representative David Vieira (R-Falmouth) to serve on a special commission that will investigate and recommend potential changes to Massachusetts’ official state seal and motto.

The 19-member commission will study the features of the seal and motto “that may be unwittingly harmful to or misunderstood by the citizens of the Commonwealth,” and will work “to ensure that they faithfully reflect and embody the historic and contemporary commitments of the Commonwealth to peace, justice, liberty and equality and to spreading the opportunities and advantages of education.”

The state motto is Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem, a Latin phrase that is loosely translated as “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” According to the Secretary of State’s office, the motto “was written about 1659 and is attributed to the famous English patriot, Algernon Sydney.” 

The current version of the state seal, which incorporates this motto, dates back to June 4, 1885. The seal has come under criticism for its depiction of Native Americans, and for its inclusion of an image of a raised broadsword.

“The state seal and motto has been an ongoing source of controversy among the Native American community,” said Representative Jones. “I am confident David will do an outstanding job helping the commission navigate through these concerns and make responsible recommendations for the future.”

In addition to making recommendations for a new or revised state seal design and state motto, the commission has also been tasked with developing ideas for an educational program on the history and meaning of the seal and motto.

The members of the special commission will include the executive director of the Commission on Indian Affairs, along with five members who are lineal descendants of tribes with a historical presence in the Commonwealth, each of whom will be appointed by the Commission on Indian Affairs. Additional members include State Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) and State Representative Antonio Cabral (D-New Bedford), who currently serve as the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; representatives from Secretary of State William Galvin’s office, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council; and five members appointed by Governor Charlie Baker who have relevant cultural and historical expertise.

The commission is scheduled to file a report with its finding and recommendations by October 1, 2021.

First elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2010, Vieira is now in his sixth term representing the Third Barnstable District, which is comprised of Precincts 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Bourne; Precincts 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 in Falmouth; and the town of Mashpee.

Rep. Mirra Named To Special Commission Studying The Future Of Work In Massachusetts

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Lenny Mirra (R-Georgetown) to serve on a special legislative commission that will study and evaluate the future of work in Massachusetts.

Created as part of a comprehensive economic development and jobs creation bill that was signed into law on January 14, the commission will study how automation, artificial intelligence, global trade, access to new forms of data and the internet of things will impact the workforce, businesses and the economy. The commission’s main objective is “to ensure sustainable jobs, fair benefits and workplace safety standards for workers in all industries, including, but not limited to, access to adequate and affordable health insurance, financial security in retirement, unemployment insurance and disability insurance.”

“Lenny is a small business owner who understands the many challenges facing workers and employers,” said Representative Jones. “His experience and expertise will be a tremendous asset to the commission as it develops its recommendations to help the state’s workforce and businesses adapt to changes in technology and meet the challenges and opportunities of a post-pandemic economy.”

“I'm honored to have been chosen by Minority Leader Jones for this very important commission,” Mirra said. “I very much look forward to working on ways to grow jobs in the commonwealth and help businesses grow here.”

The 17-member commission is being co-chaired by Representative Josh Cutler of Pembroke and Senator Eric Lesser of Longmeadow, and will also include Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta or her designee as a member. Governor Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey both have two appointments to the commission, which will include individuals with expertise in future of work issues, workforce training and education, and fair labor and workers’ rights, as well as representatives from the labor community and the business community.

The commission will file a report on its findings and recommendations, including any suggested legislation, by September 1, 2021. The report will include policy recommendations designed to support life-long learning and talent development for workers of all ages; help workers maintain relevant skills or learn new skills; prepare young people to succeed in the careers and workplaces of the future; and incorporate new technologies into workforce training.

Mirra currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member on both the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses and the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, and is also a member of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. He represents the Second Essex District, which is comprised of Georgetown; Groveland; Merrimac; Newbury; West Newbury; Precincts 2 and 3 in Boxford; and Ward 4, Precinct 3 and Ward 7, Precinct 3 in Haverhill.

Representative Kelly Pease To Serve As A Member Of The PFAS Interagency Task Force

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kelly Pease (R-Westfield) to serve on an interagency task force that will review and investigate water and ground contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Massachusetts.

Created as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget, the 19-member task force will work to develop response plan strategies, explore various treatment and disposal options, and assess how state agencies can most effectively reduce or eliminate the risks associated with PFAS contamination. As part of its investigation, the task force will look at the use of fluorinated aqueous forming foam in firefighting and fire training activities and evaluate effective non-fluorinated alternatives, while also examining ways to limit Massachusetts residents’ exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances through food packaging.

“One of the first bills Kelly filed as a legislator was a proposal to have the Department of Environmental Protection study the effect of PFAS substances in commercial products,” said Representative Jones. “His advocacy efforts in this area will serve the task force well as it works to address the serious public health and environmental issues associated with PFAS exposure.”

The task force is being co-chaired by Representative Kate Hogan of Stow and Senator Julian Cyr of Truro, and will also include among its members a scientist with expertise in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance-contaminated water, and a physician trained in environmental medicine. Additional members serving on the task force include the attorney general; the secretary of energy and environmental affairs; the secretary of public safety and security; the commissioner of environmental protection; the commissioner of public health; the commissioner of agricultural resources; the director of the Massachusetts emergency management agency; the state fire marshal; the executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.; the executive director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; and the executive director of the Massachusetts Water Works Association, Inc.

The task force is scheduled to report back to the Legislature with its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2021.

Pease was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in November of 2020. He is currently serving as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and is also a member of the Joint Committees on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets; Education; and Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Representative Kane Appointed To Commission On Malnutrition Prevention Among Older Adults

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) to serve as his designee on the Commission on Malnutrition Prevention Among Older Adults.

Established in 2016, the 17-member Commission is responsible for studying the effects of malnutrition on older adults and determining the most effective strategies for reducing it. As part of its directive, the Commission works to develop policies promoting proven, effective malnutrition prevention interventions, including community nutrition programs, medical nutrition therapy and oral nutrition supplements.

“Hannah has done a tremendous amount of work over the years to address the many challenges posed by hunger and food insecurity,” said Representative Jones. “Her dedication to finding solutions to these problems will be a real asset to the commission as it works to identify ways to protect older residents from the negative health impacts associated with malnutrition.”

Members of the Commission include representatives from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Agricultural Resources, the Massachusetts Dietetic Association, and the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging, Inc., as well as individuals working within the health care and home care industries. The Commission is required to file an annual report with its findings and recommendations by December 31.

Representative Kane is a Co-Founder and a Co-Chair of the first in the nation Food System Caucus (FSC), which is the second largest caucus in the Massachusetts Legislature. She also serves as the House Minority Leader’s designee on the Massachusetts Food Policy Council and is a member of Governor Baker’s Food Security Task Force, which was created in response to the challenges COVID-19 has created for the state’s food production and distribution system

In 2016, Representative Kane was presented with the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) Harvester Award in recognition of her partnership with the WCFB to help feed hungry people today, while working to create hunger-free communities of tomorrow. In March of 2019, Hannah was recognized by the Worcester County Bar Association as a Public Official of the Year for her bi-partisan work on the Healthy Incentives Program, which helps SNAP clients maintain a more nutritious diet with access to fresh fruits and vegetables locally grown. Her annual charity golf tournament, which is now in its seventh year, has raised over $327,000 for non-profit organizations in her district, including St. Anne’s Human Services/Food Pantry and the Westborough Food Pantry.

“A driver in much of my work in food policy and public health policy is a strong belief that good nutrition is one of the best forms of preventative healthcare we can promote. Malnutrition is a serious issue affecting many older adults in our state,” remarked Representative Kane. “I am grateful to the Minority Leader for appointing me to this Commission so I can use the knowledge I have acquired in my work thus far to continue to advance a healthier Commonwealth for all.”

Representative Kane is currently the Ranking Minority Member of both the Joint Committee on Public Health and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. She also serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, as well as the newly-formed Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion.

Representative Kane represents the Eleventh Worcester District, which is comprised of the town of Shrewsbury and precincts 4 and 5 in Westborough. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2015.

Representative Xiarhos Serving On Special Commission Studying Qualified Immunity

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has announced the appointment of State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R-West Barnstable) to serve on a special legislative commission that will investigate and study the impact to the administration of justice of the qualified immunity doctrine in the Commonwealth.

Created as part of the new policing reform law signed on December 31, the commission will look at the origins of qualified immunity and how it is currently interpreted by the state’s courts. The commission will also analyze the legal and policy rationale for the qualified immunity doctrine, as well as its legal and policy impact.

The qualified immunity doctrine, which dates back to a 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case, protects police officers and other government officials from being subject to civil suits for actions taken when discharging their official duties, unless it can be shown that their actions violated “clearly established” statutory or constitutional rights. It is designed to protect public officials from frivolous lawsuits when acting in good faith.

“Steve has an extensive background in law enforcement and is very familiar with the qualified immunity doctrine,” said Representative Jones. “I am confident he will help the commission conduct a complete and thorough examination of how qualified immunity is applied and what changes may be needed to ensure that it provides protections for both government officials and the general public.”

Xiarhos is one of 8 legislators serving on the 15-member commission, which will be led by the House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, Representative Michael Day (D-Stoneham) and Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). The commission will also include a member of a police officers’ union, a member of a firefighters’ union, and a retired justice of the appeals court, who will all be appointed by Governor Charlie Baker; as well as the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Inc.; the president of the Massachusetts Bar Association; the executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Inc.; and the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People New England Area Conference.

The commission will file a report on its findings and recommendations, including any suggested legislation, by September 30, 2021.

A Gold Star Father and 40-year veteran of the Yarmouth Police Department, Xiarhos retired as the department’s Deputy Chief of Police on December 8, 2019. He was elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2020, and represents the Fifth Barnstable District, which is comprised of Precincts 11 and 12 in Barnstable; Precincts 1, 2 and 7 in Bourne; the town of Sandwich; and Precinct 9 in Plymouth.

Rep. Whelan On Special Commission Studying Civil Service Law, State Police Hiring Practices

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has announced the appointment of State Representative Timothy Whelan (R-Brewster) to a special legislative commission that will review the state’s civil service law and the hiring practices of the Massachusetts State Police.

Created as part of the new policing reform law signed on December 31, the commission will explore ways to improve diversity, transparency and community representation in the recruitment, hiring and training of civil service employees, as well as within the State Police and in communities that are not subject to the civil service law.

“Tim has an extensive public safety background, having previously served as a correctional officer and a State Police sergeant for many years,” said Representative Jones. “His knowledge and expertise will help to guide the commission as it looks for ways to ensure a diverse pool of qualified candidates for hiring and promotion within the ranks of the State Police and municipal departments.”

The commission itself will include a broad range of members, including representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People New England Area Conference; the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus; the Massachusetts House Asian Caucus; and the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Other organizations represented on the 29-member commission include the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Incorporated; the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers, Inc.; the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts, Inc.; the Mass. Veterans’ Service Agents Association, Inc.; and the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Massachusetts, Inc. 

The commission will study the employment, promotion, performance evaluation and disciplinary procedures used for civil service employees, municipal employees in communities not subject to the civil service law, and the State Police, and will seek to identify any barriers that exist in hiring, recruiting or promoting. The commission will also consider potential revisions to the current civil service law, including changes to civil service exams, merit preference status, eligible lists and appointment from eligible lists by hiring authorities.

As part of its undertaking, the commission will evaluate the feasibility of creating a statewide diversity office within the Executive Office of Administration and Finance to establish and oversee the implementation of affirmative action plans and guidelines for municipalities, and to monitor communities for noncompliance. The commission will also examine the feasibility and cost of hiring or appointing a diversity officer for every city or town with a municipal police or fire department.

The commission will file a report containing its findings and recommendations by September 30, 2021.

First elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2014, Whelan is currently in his fourth term representing the First Barnstable District, which is comprised of Precinct 1 in Barnstable; Precincts 1 and 2 in Brewster; the town of Dennis; and Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 in Yarmouth.

Rep. Vieira Named To Special Legislative Early Education & Care Economic Review Commission

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) is pleased to announce the appointment of State Representative David Vieira (R-Falmouth) to serve as his designee on the Special Legislative Early Education and Care Economic Review Commission.

Created as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget, the special commission will conduct a review of how childcare programming is currently funded in the state and will make recommendations for potential legislative reforms and policy changes.

“Early education and care programs provide critical support systems for working families,” said Representative Jones. “I am confident that David will take a leading role on the commission by working to ensure that Massachusetts families have access to affordable, quality programs and services.”

As part of its mission, the special commission will review the funding streams supporting early education and care in Massachusetts, as well as models for accessing childcare, including providing employee benefits that include childcare. The commission will also focus on the many challenges the 2019 novel coronavirus has created in providing continued access to high quality early education and care, particularly for the state’s most vulnerable children and families. In addition to exploring ways to support and stabilize the early education and care workforce, the commission will also investigate the economic impact COVID-19 has had on childcare providers and the economy, including the impact on parent-pay programs not supported through a state subsidy.

The special commission is required to hold a minimum of five public meetings to solicit feedback from relevant stakeholders, including those working in the early education and care sector, families, and employers.

First elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2010, Vieira is now in his sixth term representing the Third Barnstable District, which is comprised of Precincts 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Bourne; Precincts 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 in Falmouth; and the town of Mashpee.