Representative David DeCoste To Serve On Soldiers’ Homes Conference Committee

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative David F. DeCoste (R-Norwell) to a six-member conference committee charged with reconciling the differences between the House and Senate’s proposals to reform the oversight and governance structure of the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers’ Homes.

Legislators have given initial approval to sweeping administrative changes at the two state-run soldiers’ homes, following the deaths of 77 residents of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. DeCoste previously served on the special joint oversight committee that was established in the wake of these deaths, which cited “systemic governance failures” and “long-standing staffing deficiencies” at the facility as contributing factors. Another 38 COVID-related deaths were reported at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home.

“As a legislator, David has been an outspoken advocate
for his fellow veterans and their families,” said Representative Jones. “He understands the importance of implementing meaningful reforms to ensure that our veterans receive the best possible care and services and to prevent a repeat of the terrible tragedy that claimed the lives of so many veterans during the pandemic.”

DeCoste is a 22-year veteran of the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Major. He previously served as a member of the Massachusetts Post-Deployment Commission, which was created in 2016 to develop recommendations for programs to assist the state’s service members as they transition to civilian life after deployment.

Joining DeCoste on the conference committee are the chairs of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, Representative Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham) and Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), along with Representative Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee), Senator Mike Rush (D-Boston) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

In 2018, DeCoste was a member of the conference committee that finalized the BRAVE Act (An Act relative to veterans’ benefits, rights, appreciation, validation and enforcement), which expanded property tax exemptions and other state benefits for Massachusetts veterans. He later served on a special commission that developed recommendations to make higher education more affordable for those who have served in the military.

A member of the House of Representatives since 2015, DeCoste represents the Fifth Plymouth District, which is comprised of Hanover, Norwell and Rockland. He currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Housing, and as a member of the House Committee on Operations, Facilities and Security; the Joint Committee on Public Service; and the Joint Committee on Transportation.

Representative Steven Howitt Named To Hate Crimes Task Force

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) to serve on the state’s newly-reorganized Hate Crimes Task Force.

Members of the task force serve in an advisory capacity to help guide state policy on hate crimes and to provide support to victims. As part of its mission, the task force will work to improve the prevention, investigation and prosecution of hate crimes by encouraging cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies and communities affected by hate crimes. It will also provide technical assistance to help school districts incorporate hate crime education into their curricula.

“As a Commonwealth, we must all stand united against hate-filled messages and acts of violence that single out a particular group based on their race, religion, or other protected class,” said Representative Jones. “Steve has been a leader on these issues through his words and actions, having co-sponsored legislation to reform the state’s hate crimes statute as well as the genocide education bill that was signed into law last December. He will be a valuable addition to the task force as it works to prevent and respond to hate crimes and to provide outreach and support to victims.”

Established in statute by the Massachusetts Legislature as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget, the Hate Crimes Task Force traces its origins to 1991, when it was initiated by former Governor Bill Weld. What was then known as the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes was formalized through Executive Order 401, issued by former Governor Paul Cellucci on December 5, 1997. Governor Charlie Baker reaffirmed and reconstituted the task force on November 6, 2017 through Executive Order 578.

As currently constituted, the Hate Crimes Task Force is co-chaired by Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy and includes appointees from the Attorney General’s office and the House and Senate Minority Leaders, as well as the House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion. Governor Baker has 19 appointees to the task force who represent a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including victim assistance agencies; advocates for communities affected by hate crimes; district attorneys’ offices; and state, local and university police departments.

The Hate Crimes Task Force is required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by December 31. In addition to outlining targeted objectives and metrics for measuring the effect of the task force’s recommendations on hate crimes, the annual report will also include any recommended legislation, regulations, policies or procedures to better combat hate crimes.

Howitt currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member on both the Joint Committee on Export Development and the Joint Committee on Transportation. He is also a member of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

A member of the House of Representatives since 2011, Howitt represents the Fourth Bristol District communities of Norton (Precincts 1 and 2); Rehoboth; Seekonk; and Swansea (Precincts 4 and 5 

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Governor Baker’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Proposal

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement in response to Governor Charlie Baker’s release of his Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal: 

“As he has done every year since taking office in 2015, Governor Baker has delivered a fiscally sound and responsible budget proposal to the Legislature. The governor’s budget commits to providing over $5.9 billion in Chapter 70 education aid to local and regional schools districts, along with $1.2 billion in unrestricted aid to communities to support essential municipal services. I am also pleased to see the administration’s filing of accompanying legislation to deliver tax relief to the residents of the Commonwealth, which along with the budget includes a doubling of the tax break available for children and dependents, an increase in the Circuit Breaker tax credit to assist our seniors, and an updating of the estate law to eliminate the ‘cliff effect’ for homeowners. Governor Baker’s budget offers a strong starting point on which the House and Senate can now build their own spending proposals for the upcoming fiscal year.”  

House Minority Leader’s Statement on Governor Baker’s 2022 State of the Commonwealth Address

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) issued the following statement in response to Governor Charlie Baker’s 2022 State of the Commonwealth address: 

“Governor Baker may not be running for re-election in 2022, but it’s clear that he has no intention of resting on his laurels during his final year in office. The governor used tonight’s State of the Commonwealth address to outline an ambitious agenda that focuses on making Massachusetts more affordable by tackling critical issues such as reducing housing costs and offering a series of tax policy changes that will benefit all residents of the Commonwealth. The Baker-Polito Administration can point to many positive accomplishments over the last seven years, but there is still much more work to be done. Governor Baker has made it clear that he intends to follow through on his vision for moving the Commonwealth forward, and I hope his message and the policy proposals he unveiled tonight will find a receptive audience in the House and Senate.” 

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.”– the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The House Republican Caucus honors the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose message of non-violence provided a path for achieving meaningful progress on the issues of justice and equality.

'A Date Which Will Live In Infamy'

In the early morning hours of December 7, 1941, the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor came under attack. When it was over, 2,403 American sailors, soldiers and civilians were dead and another 1,143 were wounded, leading President Franklin Roosevelt to declare it as “a date which will live in infamy.”

On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the House Republican Caucus honors the memories of those who perished on that fateful Sunday morning 80 years ago. Their service to our nation and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Happy Thanksgiving From The Capitol View

The Capitol View wishes you and your loved ones a very safe and happy Thanksgiving! As we gather with family and friends today, let us not forget the many men and women serving in our armed forces who are unable to spend time with their own families to celebrate the holidays this year. We are truly thankful for their continued service to our nation.

Rep. Muratore Appointed to Non-Emergency Human Services Transportation Task Force

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has announced his appointment of State Representative Mathew Muratore (R-Plymouth) to serve as his designee on the Non-Emergency Human Services Transportation Task Force.

Created as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget, the 18-member task force is charged with finding ways to improve quality outcomes for consumers utilizing the state’s brokerage system for transportation to doctor’s appointments and other services, particularly for vulnerable populations living in rural and urban areas. The task force will develop recommendations for improving collaboration, service and productivity, while also achieving operational and cost efficiencies throughout the system.

Massachusetts currently uses two Regional Transit Authorities that serve as brokers for the entire state and subcontract with local qualified transportation providers to offer transportation services to clients of agencies that fall under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) services clients in Western Mass., Central Mass., Metro Boston and Northeastern Mass., while the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) services Southeastern Mass., Cape Cod and the Islands.

“Matt has an extensive background in human services that has earned him recognition from advocacy organizations such as the Arc of Greater Plymouth and MassAccess,” said Representative Jones. “His knowledge and expertise will be an asset to the task force as it works to improve services for clients utilizing the Commonwealth’s transportation brokerage system.”

Representative Muratore is one of four legislators serving on the task force, which is being chaired by Undersecretary for Human Services Elizabeth Denniston and also includes a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; three regional transit authority administrators; and two gubernatorial appointees, including a human services transportation planning expert. Other members of the task force represent the Association of Developmental Disability Providers; the statewide Independent Living Council; the Boston Center for Independent Living, Inc.; Arc Massachusetts, Inc.; the Disability Law Center, Inc.; and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council.

The task force held its first meeting on November 3, and is expected to submit a report with its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2022. It is also authorized to make a draft report available to the public for comment before filing its final version.

Representative Muratore is currently in his fourth term representing the First Plymouth District. A member of the House Ways and Means Committee, he also currently serves as the Assistant Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing; the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government; and the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

Representative McKenna Named to State Autism Commission

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) is pleased to announce his appointment of State Representative Joseph D. McKenna (R-Webster) to the state Autism Commission.

Established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2014, the Autism Commission is charged with making recommendations on policies impacting individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including Asperger’s syndrome and Smith-Magenis syndrome. The Commission is responsible for investigating the services and supports that are available to individuals with ASD and recommending improvements when necessary. This includes public and post-secondary education, job attainment and employment, housing and independent living, social and recreational opportunities, and behavioral and mental health services among others.

As part of its duties, the Autism Commission files an annual report with the Governor, the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. This report details the services, supports and treatment available to the state’s autism population, along with recommendations for legislative and regulatory actions needed to improve these services and address any unmet needs.

“I am so excited to deepen the work I can do to help individuals with autism and their families in Massachusetts,” said Representative McKenna. “I have developed many relationships and friendships throughout the ASD community, so I have learned a great deal already about the challenges, big and small, of day-to-day life. I look forward to this opportunity to further the great work that has already been done in MA to break down those challenges and to increase access to all necessary care and services for everyone in this wonderful community.”

“Joe understands the difficulties that individuals with autism and their families often face when trying to access services, and he has been an advocate for breaking down those barriers,” said Representative Jones. “As a member of the Autism Commission, I am confident he will do everything he can to ensure that Massachusetts fulfills its commitment to providing the ASD community with access to comprehensive support services that allow individuals with autism to achieve their full potential.”

Representative McKenna is currently co-sponsoring House Bill 1203, which would expand health care options for individuals with autism by allowing them to remain covered under their parents’ health insurance beyond the age of 26. He also previously co-sponsored legislation requiring training for law enforcement and correction officers on how to engage in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum who are victims or witnesses to a crime or are suspected or convicted of a crime.

 A member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, McKenna also serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and is a member of the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, the Joint Committee on Revenue, and the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses.

 McKenna was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2014. He represents the 18^th Worcester District, which consists of Webster, Douglas, Sutton, precincts 1 and 4 in Oxford, and precinct 1 in Uxbridge. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Last Green Valley, Inc. the non-profit stewardship organization serving the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor in MA and CT.

Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served

Speaking 32 years ago today at the 1989 Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, the late U.S. Army General Colin L. Powell highlighted the important role veterans have played since America first declared its independence when he said:

“The nation owes a great debt to its veterans, whose service to the nation spans every decade, every year, every day of our country’s existence. Through untold courage and sacrifice, America’s veterans have secured the liberty which the Founding Fathers sought to establish here in the new world. Whenever and wherever the nation has called – in times of darkness and danger as well as in times of peace and prosperity – America’s veterans have been there. Veterans have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see.”

The members of the House Republican Caucus join with Americans everywhere to salute our nation’s veterans. The debt we owe our veterans can never be fully repaid. Thank you to all who have served, and to the families that have shared in their sacrifices so that all Americans can remain free