Press Releases
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Press Releases for April 2008
 Apr 6 - GOP Selects Delegates to National Convention
Apr 8 - Representative Perry and his Legislative Colleagues say NO to Taxpayer Funded Sex-Change Operation
Apr 10 - Perry Goes YouTube
Apr 10 - Health Insurance Plan Not Given Enough Thought Before Passage?
Apr 23 - Representative Perry and Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Host Informational Session on New Healthcare Requirements for Business
Apr 27 - Perry calls for Fiscal Responsibility as Budget Week Begins
April 6 , 2008
GOP Selects Delegates to National Convention
Plymouth – On Saturday, April 5, 2008 a group of approximately 100 Republicans from across the 10th Congressional District met to caucus and elect delegates to the GOP National Convention being held in Minneapolis in September. Based on the March Massachusetts GOP Primary, the district was allotted two delegates for former Governor Mitt Romney and one for the GOP front runner, John McCain. In total three delegates and three alternates were chosen by ballot from the district, an area that stretches from Quincy to Provincetown.
The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) was very well represented at the event, and came away from the caucus sending three members, one as an active delegate and two as alternates. The first of the two active Romney delegate slots went to 5th Barnstable District representative Jeffrey Davis Perry. Mr. Perry was the highest vote getter of all individuals who sought the honor. SRTC Chairman, Dennis Fonseca, noted, "Jeff continues to display an unparalleled base of support. Though this base has historically crossed political parties, it is now crossing geographic regions of our state. I attribute that to his willingness to stand strong for common sense principles that set him apart from the overwhelming sea of left-wing liberals on Beacon Hill."
In addition to Mr. Perry, Representative Daniel Webster of Pembroke was elected to fill the second of the two delegates' openings attributed to Romney. The third individual, selected as a McCain delegate, was Plymouth House of Corrections Attorney, Pat Lee.
Two of the three alternates elected were also members of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee: John Harris, a Romney delegate, and Doug Dexter, a McCain delegate. The third slot went to State Representative Vinne DeMacedo of Plymouth, a Romney supporter.
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April 8, 2008
Representative Perry and his Legislative Colleagues say NO to Taxpayer Funded Sex-Change Operation
State House, Boston - Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) and a number of his Legislative colleagues delivered a formal letter to Department of Corrections Commissioner, Harold Clarke, expressing their strong opposition to a proposal to grant convicted murderer Robert Kosilek a taxpayer funded sex-change operation.
The letter, sent today, expressed outrage with the request by convicted murderer Robert Kosilek for a taxpayer funded sex-change operation while in the care and custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC). The letter goes on to state that this type of request is far outside the scope of services that the DOC is required to provide and not a legitimate role of government.
Robert Kosilek, now 57, was sentenced to life in prison in 1993 for strangling his wife. Since 2000, Kosilek has been battling the courts for access to various treatments for his gender transition. It is estimated the State has already expended over $52,000 in legal fees and associated costs. It is likely that the cost of the elective sex-change operation would ultimately cost the Commonwealth in excess of $100,000. Mr. Kosilek's request was ardently opposed by former DOC Commissioner Kathleen Dennehy, however, Commissioner Clarke is said to be “re-examining the case.”
Representative Perry said, “With the State facing a $1.3 billion dollar structural deficit, we need to stress the importance of using our resources responsibly. With the potential for tax increases looming and as a steward of the public’s trust, I cannot stand by and allow this measure to move forward without expressing my strong disapproval. The taxpayers demand responsible spending by their government and if approved, this is a prime example of a violation of that trust.”
The letter also expresses understanding for the physical and psychological issues that Mr. Kosilek is facing but insists it is not a prudent use of taxpayer funds to provide him with this operation.
In addition to Representative Perry, Representatives, Webster, Atsalis, Humason, Gifford, Jones, Spellane, Patrick, Frost, Poirer, Evangelidis, Bradley, Rogeness, Timilty, Hill, deMacedo, Barrows, Perterson, Smola, Lepper, Polito, and Ross.
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April 10, 2008
Perry Goes YouTube
BOSTON—State Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) is turning to YouTube, as a new way of sharing his views and reaching out to a greater target audience. YouTube, the innovative and rapidly growing video sharing website that is virtually available to anyone, allows users to upload, view and distribute video clips on a vast array of topics. The website is frequented by upwards of 20 million viewers daily, from across the world.
Representative Perry shares his views through his website, the release of a monthly email newsletter and also appears weekly on cable television, The Jeff Perry Report. In keeping up with modern technology, Representative Perry contends that YouTube is simply one new way to inform the public on critical issues, to appeal to his constituents and to rally support of his fourth term re-election as a state Representative.
The YouTube messages are easily accessible through clicking on the link: Jeff On YouTube, available on the website (www.electjeffperry.com). Messages regarding various political issues will be posted online on a monthly basis.
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April 10, 2008
Health Insurance Plan Not Given Enough Thought Before Passage?
Representative Jeffrey D. Perry’s predictions of financial burdens caused by the state’s new mandated health insurance requirement are now coming to pass.
The Sandwich Republican said towns and cities across the commonwealth are taking the brunt of a financial hit caused by the state’s new universal health insurance law. Under the law, all residents and employees in Massachusetts are required to have some kind of health insurance plan. Companies with 10 or more employees must offer a health insurance plan to their workers. Companies with fewer than 10 employees, and the self-employed, can purchase plans through national group plans. While those residents in a low income tax bracket can take advantage of the state’s subsidized program, this program is costing cities and towns money in the form of level-funded state aid in the 2009 budget.
Representative Perry said state officials did not expect as many people to qualify for this government-assisted plan. “There are more people of lower income requesting and taking the subsidy. Now the state is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars more on that subsidy, while towns across the state are screaming for more state aid,” he said.
He said proponents of the health insurance mandate argued that the additional costs incurred from this subsidy would be offset by the savings realized when the state’s health insurance pool was reduced. Mr. Perry explained that the state budgets $400 million for this pool and the money is given to hospitals across the state to help reduce the financial burdens associated with treating uninsured patients. He said the expectation that the pool would be significantly reduced once all people had health insurance did not quite pan out.
Because of the number of uninsured people from out of state who are treated at hospitals in Massachusetts and the number of people who refuse to abide by the health insurance law, the health insurance pool remains a necessity at previously funded levels.
The penalty for not signing up for a health insurance plan is $295 and the loss of a personal exemption. He said there are residents weighing the cost of the penalties against the cost of health insurance premiums and finding out that it is cheaper to pay the penalties.
Mr. Perry suggested that the proposal was rushed into law before some of the kinks were worked out. He said, “[Former Governor] Mitt Romney was wrong and the legislators were wrong to have passed this bill without addressing the cost side first. It should not have been presented as a mandate but as an opportunity and then see how it goes for the next few years.”
At the very least, Mr. Perry said, there were some details that should have been considered before this proposal was put into law.
Nothing, he said, was ever done to address the issue of expensive health insurance plans that include coverage for medical services that an individual may never need. For instance, he said, people who are older, and those who do not plan on having any more children, are required to have plans that include coverage for in-vitro fertilization. “Under the state law, residents are required to purchase health insurance plans that include all of the bells and whistles,” he said.
He explained that some kind of a “cafeteria plan” of offerings should have been made available that would give people the opportunity to pick and choose the coverage appropriate for them. “This is a big boon for insurance companies that are getting full premiums for coverages individuals may never need,” he said.
He said lawmakers should have addressed the issue of tort reform, where a maximum dollar amount is placed on medical malpractice suits. “A lot of folks believe there should be a limit on the amount of money a plaintiff can receive in malpractice suits,” Mr. Perry said. He explained that the high cost of a physician’s malpractice insurance is passed along to patients. Depending on the field of medicine that a doctor is practicing, malpractice insurance premiums can run as high as $100,000 per year.
He said if those costs are brought down, those savings could be passed along to patients and health insurance companies.
And the future of this mandate is not looking any brighter, especially for the self-employed or small companies that have insurance plans through national groups. While this year, people who fell into either of those categories were able to meet the requirements of the state’s new law by purchasing insurance plans with higher deductibles, less coverage, and lower premiums from companies located out of state, that will not satisfy the law after December 31, 2008. He said next year, people who have insurance through these out-of-state plans will have to sign up for plans that are more comprehensive, thus costing them more money. “This mandate took the personal choice and personal responsibility out of the equation and made it law. It’s a sign that government is getting bigger and more intrusive,” Mr. Perry said.
He further pointed out that this new law is not a business-friendly one and said it could serve as a deterrent for companies and corporations that may be considering opening an office in the state. He said because of the state’s new requirements, companies looking to open in the Northeast could very well decide to do so in neighboring states, such as New Hampshire or Rhode Island, which do not impose such requirements.
“There is a big disconnect on Beacon Hill. I understand that people wanted to do something that might feel good, to reach some ultimate social goal, but you can’t look at it with rose-colored glasses,” he said.
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April 23, 2008
Representative Perry & Sandwich Chamber of Commerce
Host Informational Session on New Healthcare Requirements
for Business
Sandwich – State Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) in conjunction with the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Eric Dahlberg, from the Commonwealth Health Care Connector, on May 23rd at 8am at the Dan'l Webster Inn. Mr. Dahlberg will be answering questions and making a presentation to local business owners regarding the Commonwealth's new healthcare requirements.
Mr. Dahlberg is the main contact between the Legislature and the Commonwealth Connector. Upon Representative Perry’s request he has agreed to visit his District to assist business owners in complying with the State’s new healthcare regulation. This informational session will help answer questions business owners have and will afford them opportunity to ask specific questions.
In a comment, Representative Perry said, “Since the implementation of these new healthcare requirements, my office has been inundated with questions from local business owners. In an effort to provide my District with the most direct method of having their questions answered, I decided to host this local informational session.” Representative Perry further encourages business owners on the Upper Cape to attend the breakfast and participate in the discussion.
Steve Catania, Chairman of the Sandwich Chamber, said, "I think this is a very important subject and I know our members will appreciate having such a knowledgeable person to further explain and answer their questions. We thank Representative Perry and his staff for helping our members by putting this event together."
To cover the cost of breakfast, there will be a $10 per person charge at the door. You must RSVP with Representative Perry's Office at (508) 888-2158 as seating is limited. Reservations must be made prior to Monday, May 19th. For more information please contact Representative Perry’s Office.
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April 27, 2008
Perry calls for Fiscal Responsibility as Budget Week Begins
SANDWICH – With the House of Representatives Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Debate set to start this week, Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) and his Republican Caucus colleagues are calling for Legislators to proceed cautiously.
“With State Treasurer Tim Cahill and State budget writers warning of a slower economic outlook, the Legislature must act prudently and not continue the common practice of loading up the budget with earmarks and programs that are not essential to State Government. We must preserve our spending for local aid, education, public safety, and transportation needs” said Representative Perry.
According to a recent State House News Service report, “Undeterred by dire fiscal forecasts from state leaders, House lawmakers are proposing $1.5 billion in spending for the fiscal 2009 budget. That figure, disclosed today by a House source, is contained among the 1,512 amendments House members crafted last week. “
Representative Perry has pledged to review each proposed budget amendment and make a thoughtful vote of each line item and earmark the Majority Party brings to the House floor for a vote. Thus far, Representative Perry has sponsored and co-sponsored the following amendments:
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Amendment requiring the Division of Capital Asset Management to lease out the two state-owned golf courses.
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Amendment requiring Division of Capital Asset Management to lease out all the remaining state-owned ice rinks.
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Amendment creating a new outside section requiring that, before filing any new regulation, departments must file a regulatory impact statement regarding how the new regulation will impact small businesses in the Commonwealth.
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Amendment to provide $100,000 for research and services to the Massachusetts Sudden Infant Death Center at Boston Medical Center.
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Amendment to strike the outside sections 33, 36, & 38 that eliminate the sales and use tax exemptions for aircraft and aircraft parts.
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Amendment to assist local school districts that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt Federal property, or that have experienced increased expenditures due to the enrollment of federally connected children, including children living on Indian lands.
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Amendment to raise the Payment in Lieu of Taxes line item $3 million to $31,300,000. This will assist communities and any municipality with state parks or forests.
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Amendment that directs the Department of Revenue to conduct a pilot public awareness and education outreach campaign to seniors to make them aware of state and local tax credits, deductions, deferrals and exemptions that they might be eligible for, including the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit (section 6 of Chapter 62) and the Senior Property Tax Deferral (section 5 of the Chapter 59).
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Amendment reducing the firearms licensing fee and increasing number before it must be renewed.
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Amendment transferring the pension liability from the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office to the State pension system.
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Amendment increasing the regional school transportation reimbursements.
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Amendment to consolidate several Sheriffs Departments across the Commonwealth to streamline their operation and save money on certain funding obligations.
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Amendment that will consolidate any revenue generated above the consensus revenue estimate to the stabilization fund.
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Amendment to earmark $200,000 within the House of Representatives operation account for an ID card or fingerprint voting machine.
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Amendment establishing an annual sales tax holiday weekend for the second week in August. All tangible property valued up to $2,500 is eligible; except for vehicles, tobacco, meals, fuel, electricity, and telecommunications. DOR will report the results of the holiday, including revenue forgone.
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Amendment removing the FID requirement for the possession and purchase of pepper spray.
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Amendment striking several items from the Budget and transferring the funds to new spending for Life Sciences.
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Amendments instructing the Secretaries for Administration and Finance and Health and Human Services to conduct a study concerning the recycling of durable, expensive medical equipment in order to reduce medical assistance costs in the Commonwealth. The study shall be submitted by October 31, 2008.
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Amendment allowing health care facilities to return unused prescription drugs to the pharmacy from which they were purchased.
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Amendment defining regular compensation for the purpose of calculating state pensions. This specifically includes salary, educational allowances, length of service bonuses, shift differential premiums, and cost of living adjustments. Other benefits, including parking and housing allowances, are explicitly disallowed for use in the calculation.
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