House Republican Caucus Statement on Fiscal Year 2023 Final Deficiency Appropriations Bill

 House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) released the following statement today on behalf of the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus regarding the pending FY23 final deficiency appropriations bill:

 

“It has now been two weeks since Democratic leadership in the House and Senate failed to reach agreement on the FY23 final deficiency appropriations bill, making this the longest-delayed closeout budget since at least 1995. As a result, tens of thousands of state and county employees are still waiting for their long-overdue pay raises, cities and towns can’t access critical disaster relief funding, dozens of state programs are still in deficiency, and the Commonwealth as a whole is facing potentially serious financial repercussions for leadership’s failure to pass a bill closing the books on the previous fiscal year in a timely fashion.

 

On November 20, the House Republican Caucus attempted to break this impasse by submitting a letter to the conferees urging them to report a bill, in part, to fully fund the more than 90 collective bargaining agreements contained in both the House and Senate versions of the supplemental spending plan. Doing so would allow the state to fulfill its commitment to funding these contracts while leaving the more contentious provisions of the budget such as emergency shelter funding for newly arrived migrants in conference to be subject to further negotiations. As of today, the caucus has not received any response from the conferees, and it appears that they have yet to meet as a group and have instead relied on private discussions between the House and Senate Ways and Means chairs to try to broker a deal. 

 

The House Republican Caucus remains deeply concerned and strongly opposed to the migrant provisions put forth by House and Senate Democrats, which make up a significant portion of the closeout budget at $250 million. The state’s emergency shelter system has been overwhelmed by the recent influx of thousands of individuals and families arriving in Massachusetts, while cities, towns, and school districts continue to be burdened by the increased costs associated with housing and educating these migrants. Although Governor Healey has implemented a cap on the number of migrant families entering the emergency shelter system at 7.500 and moved others to a waitlist, there is currently no plan in place to stem the flow of new arrivals and no policy reforms implemented to ensure that longtime residents in need are not denied housing assistance, which is completely unacceptable. 

 

If it is the intent of Democratic leadership to attempt to pass the $2.8 billion closeout budget in its entirety in an informal session, minus any meaningful policy reforms, we want to make it clear that we strongly oppose this option. The fact that the Speaker, Senate President, and Governor have been unable to reach consensus on the migrant issue shows that this is too contentious an issue to take up in an informal session. The House Republican Caucus believes this spending bill should receive a roll call vote in a full formal session, and not be passed in a sparsely attended informal session. The hard-working men and women who have been waiting months for their collectively bargained pay raises continue to show up for work, and the members of the House and Senate should be prepared to do the same and reconvene in a full formal session.” 

Honoring All Who Served On Veterans Day

Throughout our nation’s history, Americans have answered the call to serve. The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus salutes the many men and women of our armed forces, both past and present, for their service to our Commonwealth and to our nation. We are forever grateful for their willingness to serve and to place themselves in harm’s way so that all Americans can continue to enjoy the many freedoms and personal liberties we hold dear. We also want to recognize and thank all of our military families, who truly understand the meaning of sacrifice and the enormous cost of preserving our many freedoms.

Durant Wins Senate Special Election

Congratulations to House Republican Caucus member and Senator-elect Peter Durant, who defeated Democratic Representative Jon Zlotnik in yesterday’s special Senate election for the Worcester and Hampshire District. Durant, who has been a member of the House since winning a special election in May of 2011 and currently represents the 6th Worcester District, succeeds former Senator Anne Gobi, who resigned earlier this year after being named as Governor Maura Healey’s Director of Rural Affairs. Be sure to check out full media coverage of yesterday’s special election results in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, CommonWealth Beacon, Boston Herald, Boston Globe, WGBH, SpectrumNews1, and MassLive. 

Statement: Massachusetts House Republican Caucus Stands in Support of Israel

The Massachusetts House Republican Caucus released the following statement today expressing its support for Israel and condemning Hamas’ attack on the nation’s citizens:

“The members of the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus stand in solidarity with the citizens of Israel as the country defends itself against the unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas that began during the Jewish Sabbath. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these horrific terrorist acts which have already killed or injured thousands of innocent civilians, including many women and children. We also condemn the indiscriminate abduction of individuals and Hamas’ threat to execute these hostages. Today, we call on all state and federal officials across the nation to join us in denouncing Hamas’ appalling actions and to confirm our unwavering support for the citizens of Israel.”

Representative Kelly Pease Named to Early Education and Care Workforce Council

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kelly W. Pease (R-Westfield) to the Early Education and Care (EEC) Workforce Council.

Created through an outside section of the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget (Chapter 154 of the Acts of 2018), the EEC Workforce Council is tasked with making recommendations for “improving and enhancing professional development and higher education opportunities necessary for the growth and stability of a high quality early education and care workforce” in Massachusetts.

“As a member of the Joint Committees on Education and Higher Education, Kelly understands the importance of maintaining a highly trained and qualified early education workforce,” said Representative Jones. “In his new role as a member of the EEC Workforce Council, I am confident he will do everything he can to ensure that those working in the early education field have access to the programs and professional development training they need to have a successful career.”

The Commissioner of Early Education and Care is required to consult with the EEC Workforce Council to ensure that the professional development and higher education opportunities offered to early educators “focuses on the unique needs and challenges of providing career advancement and support” for individuals working in this field. The EEC Workforce Council is also empowered to review and provide input on any pending rules or regulations being promulgated by the Board of Early Education and Care, and to offer recommendations to the Board “for changes and improvements in early education and care professional development, training and career support.”

In addition to serving as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and as a member of the Joint Committee on Education, Pease is also a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and the House and Joint Committees on Ways and Means. Currently serving his second term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he represents the 4^th Hampden District, which includes the town of Southampton and portions of the city of Westfield.

Representative Kim Ferguson Named to State Advisory Council on Early Education and Care

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Kimberly N. Ferguson (R-Holden) to the State Advisory Council onEarly Education and Care (EEC).

As a member of the Advisory Council, Representative Ferguson and her colleagues will work with EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw to develop a five-year master plan for early education and care in Massachusetts. The master plan will, among other things, identify measures to be implemented for age-appropriate child development and school readiness; provide recommendations for constructing or acquiring new facilities; and include proposals for making program revisions and adding new programs.

The Advisory Council is also tasked with working with the EEC Commissioner to develop an educationally sound kindergarten readiness assessment for pre-school children. In addition, the Advisory Council is empowered to review and provide input on any pending rules or regulations being promulgated by the Board of Early Education and Care, and to offer recommendations to the Board “for changes and improvements in early education and care programs and services.”

“As a legislator, Kim has long prioritized and championed policies to ensure that all Massachusetts students have access to a quality education,” said Representative Jones. “Her passion and commitment will be an asset to the Advisory Council as it works to improve the state’s early education programs.”

“I am honored to be appointed to this vital advisory council, and I look forward to the work ahead,” said Representative Ferguson. “Early education has been a priority of mine, and I am thrilled to play a role in the path Massachusetts is taking - it’s an exciting time!”

Prior to joining the Legislature in 2011, Ferguson was a member of the Wachusett Regional School District Committee for three years. She is also the House Chair of the Massachusetts Regional Schools Caucus, which was established in 2005 to advocate for the needs of regional school districts, and was honored with a special recognition certificate by the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools in 2022 for her work on regional school issues. She previously served on the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which helped lay the groundwork for the passage of the 2019 Student Opportunity Act to close the learning achievement gaps in Massachusetts’ schools.

Ferguson holds a Master of Science degree in Speech/Language Pathology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education Leadership and Management. She previously worked as a private practice speech/language pathologist and consultant and was also an adjunct faculty member of the Graduate Department at Framingham State University and Fitchburg State University. 

In addition to serving as the Ranking Minority Member on both the Joint Committee on Education and the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, Ferguson is also a member of the Joint Committee on Agriculture. She currently serves as the First Assistant Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and represents the First Worcester District, which is comprised of the towns of Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, and Westminster.

Remembering September 11

“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, at the September 11, 2008 dedication of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

Today the House Republican Caucus joins with Americans everywhere to remember and honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Although 22 years have passed since that fateful day, we will never forget.

Rep. David DeCoste Named to Special Legislative Commission Studying the Civil Service Law

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has announced his appointment of State Representative David F. DeCoste (R-Norwell) to serve on the SpecialLegislative Commission to Study and Examine the Civil Service Law.

Established as part of the policing reform bill signed into law on December 31, 2020, the special commission is tasked with studying the employment, promotion, performance evaluation and disciplinary procedures for civil service employees, as well as employees of communities not subject to the civil service law. Based on its findings, the commission will make recommendations for changing the law to improve diversity, transparency and representation of the community in the recruitment, hiring and training of civil service employees and employees working in communities not subject to the civil service law.

A previous iteration of the special commission issued a report on March 30, 2022, which called for lowering barriers to the civil service exam fee waivers and supporting cadet programs and diversity scholarship models, among other proposed policy changes. Language included in a supplemental budget earlier this year revived the commission with the goal of supplementing its previous report with further recommendations, which are now due by May 31, 2024.

“As a career Army veteran who served 22 years on active duty, David is well aware of the importance of the civil service law in helping our veterans who honorably served in the U.S. military to secure employment,” said Representative Jones. “His insight and expertise will help guide the commission as it works to build on the previous recommendations to further improve the law and promote more diversity in the workforce.”

The 29-member commission is co-chaired by Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) and Senator Michael Brady (D-Brockton), who also serve as co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Service. The commission includes representatives of 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; the Massachusetts Municipal Association; 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.

DeCoste currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member on both the Joint Committee on Public Service and the Joint Committee on Housing. He is also a member of the House Committee on Operations, Facilities and Security, as well as the Joint Committee on Transportation and the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion.

First elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2014, DeCoste represents the 5th Plymouth District communities of Hanover, Rockland, Hanson (Precinct 1) and Norwell (Precincts 1 and 2).

House and Senate Republicans Call for Release of Municipal Road and Bridge Funding

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) issued the following joint statement today regarding the ongoing Chapter 90 conference committee negotiations, along with a letter to the conferees urging swift action on the areas of agreement between the two branches:

“The Chapter 90 road and bridge program provides a critical source of state funding assistance for our cities and towns so they can address their local transportation infrastructure needs. Although the House and Senate engrossed their respective bills in March, we have now gone nearly four months without a resolution, and it is time to break this impasse. While there are some provisions that remain a source of disagreement and still need to be worked out by the House and Senate, there is also much common ground to be found in the two bills that can be acted on now to ensure this money starts flowing to our cities and towns. Today we are calling on the members of the conference committee to break the months-long deadlock and report a bill in part that includes at least the $200 million in Chapter 90 funding, as well as funding increases for other critical municipal transportation grants on which the two branches are already in agreement.”

A copy of the letter sent to the Chapter 90 conferees is attached below.

July 11, 2023

The Honorable Brendan P. Crighton

State House, Room 109-C

Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable William M. Straus
State House, Room 134
Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Paul W. Mark

State House, Room 504

Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Brian W. Murray
State House, Room 134
Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Patrick M. O’Connor

State House, Room 419

Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Steven S. Howitt
State House, Room 237
Boston, MA 02133

Dear Conferees:

On behalf of the members of the House and Senate Republican Caucuses, we are writing to respectfully request that you take immediate action to resolve the current impasse on Chapter 90 funding for Fiscal Year 2024 by reporting a bill in part to deliver this crucial funding to our 351 cities and towns.

We understand that disagreements remain between the House and Senate over certain sections of the Chapter 90 bill that would allocate funding increases to a variety of transportation-related grant programs. However, there is no such disagreement over the underlying proposal to deliver at least $200 million to local communities for critical road and bridge repairs. Therefore, we implore the conferees to move forward with the immediate release of this funding by reporting a bill in part, while continuing to attempt to reconcile the differences that remain in the other sections of this legislation.

Although the final passage date of the Chapter 90 bill has varied from session to session, the goal has always been to approve the funding in a timely manner so municipalities can take full advantage of the spring and summer construction seasons. Unfortunately, we are fast approaching one of the latest dates for finalizing action on this important program, and our cities and towns are paying the price for this inaction.

Given the continued stalemate between the two legislative branches, we urge you to prioritize the release of at least $200 million in Chapter 90 funding and any additional transportation-related municipal grant funding that is not in dispute without further delay. We thank you for your consideration in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Bradley H. Jones, Jr.

House Minority Leader

Bruce E. Tarr
Senate Minority Leader

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

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

  

Today marks the 247^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a watershed event that continues to serve as a source of hope and inspiration for people around the world. As we celebrate our country’s Independence Day, the members of the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus join with Americans everywhere to honor those who are currently serving in our armed forces, as well as the many generations who came before them. Their service and sacrifices have ensured that we continue to enjoy the many essential freedoms that were envisioned by the Founding Fathers at our nation’s birth.