Massachusetts Federation of Republican Women - Summer 2004 Newsletter

Legislative Day

"We Have the Message, But Not Enough Messengers..."

Thirty MFRW members attended Legislative Day at historic Nurses Hall in the State House on April 28. The program began with introductory remarks from Donna Ryan, MFRW president and Barbara McCoy, President Upper Cape Cod Rep. Women's Club, followed by presentations from 15 of the 29 Republican members of the Mqassachusetts General Court.

The speakers touched on a variety of topics, but a recurring theme throughout the program was best summarized by Michael Coppola (1st Bristol) - We have the message, but not enough messengers..."

Rep. Jeff Perry (5th Barnstable) gave an overview of the political state of the state. There are only seven out of forty GOP state senators, and of the twenty-two GOP state reps, (out of 160), only nineteen incumbents are running again. "We need a true two party system," he said. This will be the only way to correct abuses. He praised the Romney agenda for creativity, but the legislature seems to focus on "self-service, not public service...it fails to represent the Commonwealth." It takes 20 members to force a roll call, Reed Hillman (1st Hampden) reminded us, which limits the flexibility of minority members during House sessions.

Susan Gifford (2nd Plymouth) discussed some of the difficulties of voting against the majority, while Elizabeth Poirier (14th Bristol) stressed the need for more women in the national caucuses and more support from people like the MFRW. Shirley Gomes (4th Barnstable) addressed campaign issues, including health & human services. Newly-elected State Senator Scott Brown was the keynote speaker.

The program concluded with a luncheon and optional tour of the State House.