Press Releases
2008: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Press Releases for September 2008
 Sep 1 - Representative Perry Announces Education Accomplishments of the 2007-2008 Session
Sep 8 - Representative Perry Receives Endorsements from Elected County Officials
Sep 13 - Representative Perry Receives Endorsements from Local Officials
Sep 17 - Representative Perry Announces Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Endorsement
Sep 19 - Gov. Patrick Signs Twins, Sudden Death Bills
Sep 19 - Law creates SIDS council to advise state (Cape Cod Times article)
Sep 20 - Representative Perry to Attend Senior Benefit Expo
Sep 22 - Representative Perry to Hold Town Hall Style Meeting October 1st in West Barnstable
Sep 25 - Representative Perry Announces Fiscal Year 2009 Massachusetts Cultural Council Grants
Sep 28 - Cape Cod Times endorses Jeff Perry (view article)
Sep 29 - Representative Perry endorsed by NFIB
Sep 30 - Perry Campaign Releases Television Commercials
Sep 1, 2008
Representative Perry Announces
Education Accomplishments of the 2007-2008 Session
Saint Paul, Minnesota – From the Republican Convention, Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich), who is the Ranking Member on the Education Committee is pleased to release the following summary of education accomplishments passed during the 2007-2008 Legislative Session. It includes independent pieces of legislation and items contained in the FY09 budget pertaining to education.
In addition to providing direct financial assistance to schools and communities, the Commonwealth supported K-12 education through a variety of programmatic initiatives and grant programs. By considering over 360 education bills that were filed this legislative session and providing necessary increases in educational funding, the Commonwealth took many positive steps in order to improve educational opportunities for all of our students.
Chapter 70 Funding
The FY09 Budget reflects the amount agreed upon in the local aid resolution adopted on March 12, 2008. This resolution was adopted in order to assist cities, towns and regional school districts in their budget planning process. This was one of Representative Perry’s goals when he entered the House of Representatives in 2003. It includes an additional $223 million for Chapter 70 funding, providing a total of $3.9 Billion. The language reflects the Legislature’s continued commitment to address longstanding concerns over the equity of the formula by phasing in the 3rd year of an anticipated 5 year process.
Passed Legislation
An Act Relative to School District Accountability-
Through the Education Reform Act of 1993, the Legislature formalized its commitment to ensuring all students of the Commonwealth receive an appropriate education. Continuing in this tradition, this Bill furthers the Commonwealth’s commitment to district accountability and strengthens the alignment between required school district performance audits and State targeted assistance for struggling schools districts. This Bill will allow for a greater level of communication and collaboration that currently does not exist.
An Act to Improve Dropout Prevention and Reporting of Graduation Rates-
This Bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide public school districts with a standardized format for the accurate reporting of high school graduation and dropout data and requires the Department to publish such data. The Bill also creates a graduation and dropout prevention and recovery commission to survey best practices in dropout prevention and recovery. The Commission will be charged with making recommendations to the Legislature on a number of matters including developing an early indicator system to identify students at risk of dropping out of school, creating a dropout prevention and recovery grant program and establishing a threshold annual dropout rate that would trigger a district-wide action plan to reduce dropout rates.
Resolution Relative to the Special Commission on Middle Level Education-
In 2004, the Legislature created a special commission charged with studying and reporting on Middle Level Education. This Bill revives the commission and extends the reporting deadline to December 31, 2008.
FY09 Budget Action – K-12 Education
School-To-Work (Line Item 7027-0016)
Increased funding for school-to-work programs by $320,000 over last year’s funding level, providing a total of $3.12 million. This amount includes a $245,000 earmark for Junior Achievement, a provider of programs in K-12 classrooms in the subject area of entrepreneurship, workforce readiness and economic and financial literacy.
Reading Recovery Literacy Grants (Line Item 7030-1005)
This early intervention literacy program has helped improve the performance of children throughout the Commonwealth who are at-risk of failing to read by the end of first grade. The FY09 Budget provides $2.9 million to show the State’s continued support of Reading Recovery.
Adult Basic Education (Line Item 7035-0002)
Adult basic education ensures that our State’s diverse adult population has access to basic education services which will help them to succeed in the workforce, or make the transition to higher education. This important line-item was funded at $31.18M, an increase of $1.07M over the FY08.
Regional Transportation (Line Item 7035-0006)
The Cape Delegation worked in unison to support increased spending on regional transportation by $3 million over the FY08 Budget. This addition brings regional transportation funding to $61.3 million; decreasing the gap to full funding of this program. These funds are critically important to regional school districts for which transportation costs are often a significant portion of their overall operating budgets.
Reimbursement for Transportation of Nonresident Pupils to any Approved Vocational-Technical Program (Line Item 7035-0007)
The FY09 Budget funds this line at $2,075,000, an increase of $125,000 over the FY08 funding level. This line-item funds partial reimbursement of the transportation costs of regional vocational schools, agricultural schools, independent vocational schools and collaboratives.
Special Education Circuit Breaker (Line Item 7061-0012)
Provides full funding for the special education circuit breaker for the FY09 estimated costs, funding the line at $230,043,700. This program provides State financial assistance to school districts for high-cost special education students.
Special Education Transportation Pilot Program (Line Item 7061-0012)
For the fourth consecutive year, the Budget includes funding for the statewide pilot program testing a model of delivery for special education transportation services. The cost of these services has considerably outpaced the rise in regular education transportation in recent years and the quality of cursive needs improvement. The goal of the pilots is to demonstrate how service and efficiency can be enhanced with more collaboration in out-of-district transportation. Over the next fiscal year, the pilot program will be rolled out to ten collaborative districts which will serve the entire state. Additionally, the FY09 Budget provides for $2 million for SPED transportation costs for participating school districts.
Support for the Blind and Dyslexic Students (Line Item 7061-0012)
The final Budget included $800,000 for audio taped textbooks for special needs children.
Low-class Size Grants (Line Item 7061-0222)
Includes a $400,000 grant program for lowering the size of classrooms in grades K-3 to improve student achievement and reduce the achievement gap.
Charter Tuition Reimbursement (Line Item 7061-9010)
The Budget provides $79.8 million for reimbursements to cities, towns and regional school districts for charter school tuition and the per-pupil capital needs component included in the charter school tuition amount for Commonwealth Charter Schools. This is an increase of 8.1% over the FY08 allocation. For fiscal year 2009, the per pupil capital needs component is set at $893 per student.
Expanded Learning Time (Line Item 7061-9412)
The FY09 Budget shows the State’s continued commitment to this important initiative by providing this line item with $17.5 million, reflecting a $4.5 million increase over last year. These grants help districts work through the many challenges that are involved in transitioning to a longer school day and/or year.
After School Programs (Line Item 7061-9611)
Provides $5.55 million for after-school initiatives, reflecting an increase of $3.55 million over last year’s funding level. This will help preserve and expand successful after school programs and will also support important summer month programming.
Gifted and Talented Program (Line Item 7061-9621)
Continues the State’s commitment to funding programs to our highest achieving students, appropriating $750,000 for Gifted and Talented education.
Youthbuild (Line Item 7061-9626)
Provides $2.77 million, reflecting an increase of $500,000 over last year’s funding for Youth Build programs which help 16-24 year old students learn valuable vocational skills while earning a diploma or GED. These additional funds will ensure that this successful program reaches out to more of our State’s unemployed and undereducated young people.
Teacher Content Training (Line Item 7061-9804)
Demonstrates the State’s commitment to ensuring that our educators receive high quality content training for math and science. In addition, funds have been set aside for Advanced Placement (AP) training for educators in an effort to increase the number of AP classes and students in the Commonwealth.
Rate Reserve for Early Education and Care Providers (1599-0042)
Provides a total of $5 million for the provider rate reserve. This subsidized child care rate will help child care providers attract and retain high-quality staff, effectively contributing to the overall improvement of our State's child care system.
Early Educator Scholarship Program (7070-0065)
Provides $4 million for the early educator scholarship program. These funds will provide opportunity and resources for our early education teachers and child care providers to obtain college level education in the area of child development. Scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees and expenses for eligible candidates working in the field of early education and care while pursing associates, bachelor or masters' degrees.
Supportive Care – DSS (3000-3050)
Provides $197.7 million for supportive early education and care. This line-item ensures all children in the Commonwealth with active DSS cases receive child care services.
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September 8, 2008
Representative Perry Receives Endorsements from Elected County Officials
Sandwich – This week, Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) received endorsements from many County elected officials. These endorsements come less than two months before the general election and reaffirm Representative Perry’s commitment to stay connected with local officials and work with them for effective representation on Beacon Hill.
Among these County elected officials is Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings. When asked about Representative Perry, Sheriff Cummings said, “I am proud to endorse Jeff in his bid for re-election. He has proven to me his strong commitment to criminal justice and law enforcement. I appreciate his proactive approach on issues that directly impact the public safety community and the County. He consistently seeks my opinion, and the opinion of others, when he tackles issues that come his way.” Sheriff Cummings went on to say, “I look forward to continuing my work with Representative Perry in the months and years ahead.”
In addition to Sheriff Cummings’ endorsement, Representative Perry was also strongly endorsed by Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe who commented, “Jeff is the hardest working Representative I know. He is truly a great asset to the Cape.”
Several other Barnstable County elected officials also threw their support behind Representative Perry such as Barnstable Superior Court Clerk Scott W. Nickerson, Barnstable County Register of Deeds John F. (Jack) Meade and longtime Republican and outgoing Barnstable County Register of Probate Frederic Claussen.
Superior Court Clerk Nickerson commented, “[Jeff] is an unwavering advocate for responsible government spending. He has worked diligently to increase state aid for our schools and has been a strong supporter of legislation to protect our children and keep all of the citizens of Massachusetts safe. The residents of the 5th Barnstable District and throughout Cape Cod have a person who advocates strongly and diligently for the Cape and our unique issues.”
Register of Deeds Meade was quoted as saying “[Jeff] has been an effective watchdog for the taxpayers for Barnstable County and the Commonwealth.” Register of Probate Claussen said he was “very pleased to enthusiastically endorse Representative Perry’s candidacy for the 5th Barnstable District.”
Representative Perry was especially pleased to have received the endorsement from County Commissioners, Mary J. LeClair and William Doherty. Commissioner LeClair expounded on Representative Perry by saying, “I am honored to have been asked to endorse Representative Perry. Having been very familiar with Jeff since he first ran for office, there is one word that comes to mind when speaking to others about him, trust. You can trust him to listen, to act and make up his own mind when there is a decision to be made. This is something that I have always admired about him.” Commissioner Doherty was quoted as saying, “Jeff sets a standard for hard work, visibility and availability that all public officials promise but he delivers. For that, he gets my respect and endorsement.”
In addition, Representative Perry also received the endorsements of Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz and Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, Jr.
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September 13, 2008
Representative Perry Receives Endorsements from Local Officials
Sandwich – Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) is pleased to have received endorsements from many local officials throughout his District. Representative Perry is proud of his accomplishments working with local officials and truly appreciates the confidence they instill in him as their elected representation on Beacon Hill.
From the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates; Perry was given the nod by Bourne’s Assemblyman Richard J. Anderson, Sandwich Assemblyman Thomas F. Keyes, Mashpee Assemblywoman Marcia R. King and Speaker of the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates Charlotte B. Striebel of Yarmouth. He also received the endorsement from former Sandwich Assemblyman Dennis Fonseca.
Several Barnstable Town Councilors also cast their support behind Representative Perry including Janice L. Barton (Precinct 10), James F. Munafo, Jr. (Precinct 3), Ann Canedy (Precinct 1) and Henry (Hank) C. Farnham (Precinct 11). Also from Barnstable is long time School Committee member Peggy K. Dandridge. Hank Farnham was quoted as saying, “Jeff is a man of high integrity, good common sense and fiscal responsibility. Massachusetts needs more political leaders like Jeff, not more of the same old Beacon Hill cronyism.”
Selectmen Randy Hunt and Frank Pannorfi, of Sandwich, have both endorsed Representative Perry in his bid for re-election. In addition, Sandwich School Committee members Shaun P. Cahill and Trish Lubold have joined those supporting Perry. Former Selectman Adam Chaprales has also given his endorsement. Randy Hunt commented, “Jeff works harder than anyone I know, elected official or not. I am proud to endorse him for re-election as our state representative.”
Bourne included an endorsement from former Police Chief and now Selectman John A. Ford, Jr. who said, “Representative Perry is always the first legislator to give his local officials the information they need as it pertains to State government. He has always been highly responsive and informative to me, first as the Police Chief and now as a Selectman. I appreciate his honesty and straightforwardness when it comes to insight on local matters, especially state funding.”
Mashpee Selectmen John J. Cahalane and Wayne E. Taylor have given their support to Representative Perry’s candidacy. Wayne Taylor said he would be voting for Representative Perry because, “he listens to the voters of his District and is their voice of fiscal responsibly.”
Sandwich resident and Upper Cape Tech School Committee member Steven L. Chalk has also been added to the list of local Perry.
Countywide Elected Officials
- James M. Cummings – Barnstable County Sheriff
- Michael O’Keefe – Cape & Islands District Attorney
- Joseph D. McDonald, Jr. – Plymouth County Sheriff
- Tim Cruz – Plymouth County District Attorney
- Scott W. Nickerson – Barnstable Superior Court Clerk
- John F. (Jack) Meade – Barnstable County Register of Deeds
- Frederic Claussen – Barnstable County Register of Probate
- Mary J. LeClair – Barnstable County Commissioner
- William Doherty – Barnstable County Commissioner
Local Elected Officials
- Richard J. Anderson – Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates (Bourne)
- Janice L. Barton – Barnstable Town Council
- John J. Cahalane – Mashpee Selectman
- Shaun P. Cahill – Sandwich School Committee
- Ann Canedy – Barnstable Town Council
- Steven L. Chalk – Upper Cape Tech School Committee
- Adam Chaprales – Sandwich Selectman (former)
- Peggy K. Dandridge – Barnstable School Committee
- Henry C. (Hank) Farnham – Barnstable Town Council
- Dennis Fonseca – Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates (former)
- John A. Ford, Jr. – Bourne Selectman
- Randy Hunt – Sandwich Selectman
- Thomas F. Keyes – Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates ( Sandwich)
- Marcia R. King – Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates (Mashpee)
- Trish Lubold – Sandwich School Committee
- James F. Munafo, Jr. – Barnstable Town Council
- Frank Pannorfi – Sandwich Selectman
- Charlotte B. Striebel – Speaker, Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates
- Wayne E. Taylor – Mashpee Selectman
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September 17, 2008
Representative Perry Announces
Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Endorsement
Sandwich – Today, Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) announced that he received the endorsement of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM). The PFFM represents over twelve thousand fire fighters in the Commonwealth.
Candidates endorsed by the PFFM have show concern and support for the fire fighters of the Commonwealth and their families.
Representative Perry said “I am honored to have received such an endorsement. The [PFFM] provides many services and information to fire fighters and I look forward to continue to work with them again on Beacon Hill” in response to the endorsement.
In a letter addressed to Representative Perry regarding the endorsement; “We have found your performance to be quite exemplary. We are proud of our association with you, and on behalf of the [PFFM] wish you much success.”
Representative Perry is the Ranking Member of the Public Safety Committee on Beacon Hill.
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September 18, 2008
PATRICK SIGNS TWINS, SUDDEN INFANT DEATH BILLS
Gov. Deval Patrick signed two bills Wednesday sponsored by GOP lawmakers, giving them legislative victories six weeks before Election Day. One bill, sponsored by House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, would empower parents of twins in public schools to choose whether their children should be in the same or separate classrooms. The bill would also apply to triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets. Jones says the bill would still allow the school to give advice on such matters but “ultimately, it’s up to the parent.”
Patrick also signed a Rep. Jeff Perry bill establishing a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Advisory Council. Called the Paige Victoria Perry Act, named for the sponsor’s granddaughter, the bill creates the council under the chief medical examiner’s office and charges it with researching and developing a training component on the subject of sudden or unexplained child deaths. The legislation calls for the dispersal of information to first responders about sudden child deaths, the dissemination of information about community resources and support groups, and a curriculum and guidelines for law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel, coroners and others in law enforcement. According to the American SIDS Institute the rate of sudden infant deaths has fallen by over 50 percent but there are still about 2,500 deaths per year in the United States.
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September 20, 2008
Representative Perry to Attend Senior Benefit Expo
Sandwich – Today, Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) announced that he will be attending the Senior Benefit Expo on Friday, October 3rd at the Bourne Council on Aging from 9:00am-12:00pm. As a legislator, Mr. Perry is aware that many senior citizens across Massachusetts are struggling to meet their daily needs. With the rising cost of food, fuel, prescription medications and utilities, people on fixed incomes are having to tighten their budgets to afford these necessities.
This event will provide information to senior citizens about fuel assistance, food stamps and nutrition, property tax relief, prescription advantage and health care options, transportation services, temporary and permanent housing programs, and initiatives for veterans and disabled persons.
In addition, staff from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Veterans’ Services, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as representatives from the councils on aging and area elder service agencies will be attending to give personal assistance and advice to seniors. Representative Perry encourages all senior citizens to attend.
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September 22, 2008
Representative Perry to Hold Town Hall Style Meeting
October 1st in West Barnstable
Sandwich – Today, Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) announced that residents in West Barnstable will have the opportunity to meet with him during a “Town Hall” style meeting being held on Wednesday, October 1st at the West Barnstable Community Building. This event will take place between 7-8pm and residents are encouraged to stop by and ask questions regarding a variety of State issues.
Representative Perry will be fielding questions on many issues including; homeowners insurance, taxes and upcoming ballot questions. He will also provide updates on matters that were passed by the Legislature this session.
Commenting on the event, Representative Perry said, “This is the first in a series of Town Hall style meetings I am conducting throughout my District. My hope is that these events will be an outlet for residents to personally relay to me what issues are most important to them.”
Light refreshments will be served and residents need not RSVP, however; if they would like additional information they may contact Representative Perry’s District Office at (508) 888-2158.
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September 25, 2008
REPRESENTATIVE PERRY ANNOUNCES FISCAL YEAR 2009 MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS
BOSTON – Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) are pleased to announce the release of competitive grants for fiscal year 2009. MCC has released grants to several local, non-profit, cultural organizations and schools within the 5th Barnstable District. These grants are intended to promote and support education, economic and community events through the arts, humanities and sciences.
This announcement comes as a statewide funding project for the MCC. The local recipients are as follows: The Thornton Burgess Society will receive $7,300.00 for the purposes of organizational support to inspire reverence for wildlife and concern for the natural environment. The Sandwich Historical Society, under the direction of the Sandwich Glass Museum, will receive $10,000.00 for the preservation and promotion of the historic significance of glass blowing in the Town of Sandwich.
In addition, the area's local Cultural Councils will be allocated funds for their continuing efforts to promote the local arts, history, and educational programs:
- Bourne Cultural Council: $ 4,300.00
- Mashpee Cultural Council: $ 4,300.00
- Mid Cape Regional Cultural Council: $10,700.00
- Sandwich Cultural Council: $ 4,300.00
The MCC is committed to creating a central place for the arts, sciences and humanities in the everyday lives of communities across the Commonwealth. The MCC pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities and artists. Representative Perry will continue to work with the MCC to ensure that his District receives the support and funding needed to continue their work.
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September 29, 2008
REPRESENTATIVE PERRY ENDORSED BY NFIB
SANDWICH – Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) has received the endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).
NFIB is the Nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through a unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system.
Each year, NFIB seeks out and recognizes legislators who have taken a strong stance for small businesses in Massachusetts as shown by their voting record. Representative Perry has been chosen for this endorsement for his efforts this legislative session.
Small businesses are essential to the Massachusetts economy and Representative Perry has pledged to continue his support for improving the climate in which they operate. It is his commitment to lower taxes and minimal government regulation that have set him apart, and the reason he has been chosen to receive the support of the NFIB.
Being a former small business owner himself, he truly understands what is involved in operating a business in the Commonwealth. In a statement, Representative Perry said, “It is an honor to receive this endorsement and I am humbled that NFIB has recognized my efforts to ensure that small businesses have the opportunity to grow and flourish here in the Commonwealth.”
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September 30, 2008
PERRY CAMPAIGN RELEASES TELEVISION COMMERCIALS
SANDWICH – Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) has announced today that he is taking his campaign to the television airwaves. This is yet another new method Representative Perry is using to connect with his constituents.
Beginning October 1, 2008, and running up to Election Day, two different campaign commercials will be seen on popular Comcast channels. The two commercials have different messages; one is focused on the economy and the other is focused on law and order.
Representative Perry stated, “I hope to inform voters in the 5th Barnstable District of my strong record of serving the people of Massachusetts in matters that affect all of us in our daily lives. These commercials are just one more way to get my message out.”
The commercials will be broadcast on such channels as AMC, CNBC, CNN, ESPN, The History Channel, The Weather Channel, and more. Also, both commercials can be seen on the web at www.electjeffperry.com.
The commercials were produced locally by B&R ProCom, Inc., a video production company located in Sandwich, MA.
Representative Perry also has a monthly YouTube message as a new way of sharing his views and reaching out to a greater 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. His monthly “YouTube” message is easily accessible through his website, at http://www.electjeffperry.com/youtube.html.
For additional information on B&R ProCom, Inc. please contact (508) 789-8864, or on the web at www.brprocom.com
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