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Dear Friend,
What would John Hancock say?
During these tumultuous times when our democracy is turning upside down by an administration showing the worst side of what government can do, I picture our nation’s founders and what they would make of today’s America.
As we prepare backyard barbecues in time for our 4th of July celebrations, we need to remind ourselves the “why” of this national holiday. Commemorating the birthday of the United States and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, this cornerstone of our democracy declared in no uncertain terms, separation from Great Britain. The document was signed by 56 delegates including John Hancock representing Massachusetts, one of the 13 colonies that established the United States of America. I believe Hancock would be appalled at recent infractions of “certain unalienable rights” on display for the world to see.
It was disturbing and foreboding to see United States Senator Alex Padilla of California handcuffed and thrown to the ground because he appeared at a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. She was there to tell the media how the Trump Administration was going to “liberate” the city from the Democratic mayor and governor. Padilla was exercising his 1st Amendment right to free speech. He is a U.S. Senator elected by his constituents in California, a son of Mexican immigrants who graduated from MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering. Padilla recently wrote a guest essay in the New York Times denouncing the Trump Administration’s tactics to suppress opinions and speech of anyone with whom they don’t agree. His essay also cited the removal/arrest of New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller, who was trying to protect a migrant worker from federal agents. Padilla wrote, “today, it’s immigrants on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s outrage machine, tomorrow, it could be anyone.”
The Declaration of Independence references despotism regarding the colonists’ fight with the British Crown, and it feels like we are experiencing despotism under the current administration - the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and abusive way. Padilla says what’s happening in Los Angeles is a warning shot but also a wakeup call - that “true liberation doesn’t come through military occupation; it comes from democratic participation.”
What would John Hancock say? I think he would say to Sen. Padilla, Lander and others, to keep up the fight because there are no kings in the U.S.
We hope that you have a wonderful July 4th holiday, celebrating everything that Independence Day is all about, freedom, liberty and democracy.
Sincerely,
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Matt Irish
Vice Chairman
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Lindsay Toghill
Vice President
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The 194th Massachusetts General Court is now well underway, having convened in January 2025 with a full agenda, ambitious goals, and no shortage of political intrigue. As the Legislature enters the midpoint of the two-year session, lawmakers are balancing major budget negotiations, dealing with a hostile Trump administration, an uncertain economy, and growing calls for institutional reform.
Thus far, the Legislature’s most pressing concern has been passing the fiscal year 2026 budget. The House passed its version in April, with the Senate following suit in May. Both chambers proposed notable investments in education, public health, and infrastructure, but also included significant cost-saving measures and restraint in new spending due to uncertain economic forecasts.
A joint House/Senate conference committee is now at work reconciling the differences between the two versions. With the fiscal year beginning July 1, legislative leaders are aiming to avoid another late budget, but earlier this week Governor Healey filed in interim budget which ensures that there will be no interruption of state government.
Beyond fiscal matters, legislative committees have also been active, both on policy matters and reorganizing their operating rules. Energy affordability, digital privacy, capital spending and protecting reproductive rights are all actively being discussed as likely agenda items for the full Legislature to take up this session. Thousands of bills remain in committee with the potential for significant movement after the budget is finalized. Additionally, the Legislature has also agreed upon significant changes to their operating rules that we expect will greatly impact the pace and process of lawmaking for the remainder of the session.
Two special elections in 2025 have already reshaped the House membership. In May, Democrat Hannah Bowen won the 6th Essex District seat, replacing former Rep. Jerry Parisella, who was appointed to a judgeship. Bowen cruised to victory with over 70% of the vote. A more contentious contest took place in June in the 3rd Bristol District. Democrat Lisa Field holds a 17-vote lead over Republican Larry Quintal, but the race remains unsettled pending a recount.
After the completion of the FY2026 budget, attention will soon turn to fall priorities and unfinished business. We will also start to see potential ballot questions for the 2026 election as proponents begin the arduous process of certification. Massachusetts is set to host the yearly National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) conference in August, where legislators from across the country will convene in Boston to discuss policy matters. This conference is an incubator for state legislative activity and local politics will be front-and-center with the ongoing tension from the Trump Administration. Following that, the Legislature is set to break for their summer recess until after Labor Day.
In this moment of challenge and opportunity, the actions taken—or delayed—on Beacon Hill will shape the Commonwealth’s future far beyond the current biennium.
| | Federal Budget Reconciliation | | |
John Cahill
Vice Chairman
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Ben Goldstein-Smith
Senior Director
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBB), the megabill containing almost all of President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda, is entering its next critical stage as Congressional Republicans attempt to pass it this summer through the “Budget Reconciliation” process which allows for a party-line vote. The wide-ranging bill, including changes to taxes, Medicaid, the debt limit, energy production, climate technology, AI, food stamps, higher education, conservation, defense spending and border security, is threading a thin needle between slim majorities in both houses. In May, the House passed a delicate compromise between conservatives and moderates, 215-214, with one member voting present, and two members not voting.
Now, the Senate is preparing a version to get the support of the 51 votes needed to pass its chamber. The Senate version will make changes, for example, reworking Medicaid provisions and the House’s deals to roll back some green tax credits and preserve others; these changes will upset multiple factions in the House. Key Republican Senators have also begun vocally opposing certain provisions of their own bill, further threatening its scope and timeline.
Tensions will continue rising as Members of Congress stake their ground in prioritizing favored policies while President Trump will use his political pressure to call for holdouts to stand down and vote for swift passage.
Republican leaders in the Senate hope to release the full text of the fiscal package in coming days with the ultimate goal to move the measure to the floor by this weekend. The bill is undergoing a “Byrd Bath” by the Senate Parliamentarian, killing key provisions that don’t fit within reconciliation’s rules. For example, Senate Republicans had to alter their plan to force states to share the cost of the country’s largest nutrition program and their preferred plan for Medicaid changes is currently in doubt; both are major cost cutting tools used to offset the price of their policy megabill. The Parliamentarian has struck down many other provisions, and Senators are quickly revamping policies to be able to call a vote.
Our federal team is keyed into the dynamics that will evolve from BBB’s resolution and how it sets the stage for the must pass legislative items still on the docket like government funding and many authorizing bills including Surface Transportation, the Farm Bill, Defense, Water Resources and Small Business Loans among many others. These all require bipartisan votes for passage so fallout from intraparty fights during BBB, partisan fights as midterms near and residual drama from foreign conflicts like tariffs and Middle East military action could lead to government shutdowns or program lapses this fall and winter.
What is Budget Reconciliation?
Congress typically takes up one reconciliation bill per year that can contain up to three reconciliation directives, but only one per category – spending, revenue (taxes) and debt limit (borrowing). It is a tool utilized when a party holds the majority in both the House and Senate because it is a rare opportunity to avoid a Senate filibuster. The process can only be initiated if both the House and Senate pass a budget resolution that includes reconciliation instructions, something they don't always do. BBB has passed the House and the Senate will now amend and attempt to pass before July 4th.
| | Client Spotlight: MBTA, 2026 FIFA World Cup Transit Advocacy | | |
O’Neill and Associates’ Federal Practice is proud to support a national coalition working to ensure America’s transit systems are prepared to meet the demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in Boston and other major U.S. cities. Representing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), we are collaborating with federal stakeholders and peer agencies to secure the necessary support to deliver a safe, seamless, and world-class transit experience during this historic event.
In 2026, Boston will host seven World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium - one of 11 U.S. host cities for the tournament’s 78 games over 39 days, which will coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Transit systems across the country, including those in nearby states like Rhode Island and Connecticut, will play vital roles in moving tens of thousands of fans efficiently and safely.
O’Neill and Associates has taken a leadership role in coordinating monthly strategy meetings, engaging USDOT officials, and working closely with Congress to advance a $400 million FY2026 Transit Infrastructure Grants request. Backed by a coalition of 25 transit agencies and MPOs, the funding would support expanded service, enhanced security, regional system integration, safety planning, and customer service improvements, without disrupting daily operations for local riders.
On April 30, we convened a bipartisan World Cup Transit Briefing on Capitol Hill with participation from senior USDOT officials, APTA, and transit CEOs, drawing 60+ congressional staff and earning national media coverage. Our ongoing advocacy has gained significant momentum, with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy publicly endorsing the funding at the APTA Legislative Conference.
This effort also aligns with the March 2025 Presidential Action establishing a White House Task Force for the tournament. With an estimated $30.5 billion in U.S. economic impact, investing in transit is critical to unlocking the full potential of the World Cup.
Congressional support continues to grow as a letter led by Reps. Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) secured nearly 70 signatures from their house colleagues to solicit additional backing, while key Senate offices have included the request in their appropriations submissions. The House Transportation Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee will mark up the FY2026 bill on July 14th, with full committee consideration expected on July 17th.
Most recently, O’Neill and Associates helped facilitate high-level engagement at the June FIFA Transit Strategy Meeting, featuring Acting FTA Administrator Tariq Bokhari and over 100 participants, including major transit agency CEOs and other USDOT senior officials. The meeting marked a major step toward sustained collaboration between federal and local partners.
As MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng has emphasized, the World Cup presents a unique opportunity to showcase American transit on a global stage. We are honored to support the MBTA’s efforts to secure funding and deliver exceptional service during this historic moment.
| | 2025 New England Council Leader's Conference | | |
O’Neill and Associates was proud to be a sponsor of The 2025 New England Council’s Washington Leaders' Conference in Washington, D.C. in May.
Over the course of two days, members heard from key federal policy makers and prominent political reporters, and met with Congressional and federal agency staff, and networked with fellow members representing every sector of the region’s economy.
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From left to right: Madeleine McCullom, Jennifer Krowchun, James Gordon, Ben Goldstein-Smith
| |  | Vice President Jenn Krowchun Elizabeth Becker, Executive Director MAAPS, Matt Riley, Senior Vice President of Education Services at May Institute, US Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Jessica Sassi, CEO New England Center for Children, and Bridget Irish, President of Cotting School. | | | Ryan Coleman Joins O'Neill and Associates | | |
Ryan Coleman has joined the firm as Vice President in the Government Relations practice. Ryan brings to O’Neill and Associates deep experience in government relations supporting the work he does for his clients to develop and implement public affairs strategies that help reach their goals on both municipal and state levels.
"We’re excited to welcome Ryan to our team," said Thomas P. O’Neill III, Chief Executive Officer. "With decades of experience across both the public and private sectors, Ryan brings a deep understanding of strategic advocacy and strong, lasting relationships that will benefit our clients from day one. He is a true professional and a valuable addition to our firm."
For more than 20 years, Ryan has built a robust and diverse career in political and public affairs roles. Ryan served in key positions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the Office of Governor Charlie Baker. As Chief Secretary, he managed various governmental offices and served as the Governor's office point of contact for nine Secretariats, handling issues ranging from legislative to judicial matters, and all things political. His preceding tenure as the Governor’s Legislative Director saw him managing the administration's legislative portfolio and successfully overseeing the passage of significant legislative initiatives, including the establishment of the Fiscal Control Management Board at the MBTA.
Ryan also served as the Director of Government Affairs/Public Affairs at The Fallon Company in Boston, MA, Charlotte, NC, and Nashville, TN, Ryan led all political engagement efforts in support of large-scale mixed-use development projects. He developed and implemented community engagement strategies, collaborating with workforce development groups and community organizations to garner support and function as a working partner throughout project development.
He served as Political Director for Charlie Baker for MA successful gubernatorial campaign in 2014. In 2013, he was the Political Director for the U.S. Senate Special Election campaign for Gabriel Gomez. Earlier in his career Ryan served on the Congressional campaigns of both Eileen Donoghue and Niki Tsongas in the MA 5th District, later serving as Economic Development Representative in Congresswoman Tsongas’ State Office.
His experience also extends to advertising and media, where Ryan served as a Media Coordinator at The Stevens and Schriefer Group, overseeing advertising coordination for prominent clients including several national associations and the Presidential campaign of former MA Governor and former U.S. Senator Mitt Romney. Ryan resides in Swampscott, MA.
| | Christopher Niles, Madeleine McCullom, Maria Miller | | |
O’Neill and Associates has promoted two team members and announced a new hire. Chris Niles was promoted from VP to SVP in the Government Relations Division in Boston. Madeleine McCullom was promoted from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive in the firm’s Federal Relations Division and she is based in Washington, D.C. The firm also announced the hiring of Maria Miller as Manager of Administration.
“Chris and Madeleine’s promotions are a testament to their exceptional dedication to client service and the high caliber of their work,” said Thomas P. O’Neill III, Chief Executive Officer. “They are both remarkable professionals and valued team members, and we’re proud to acknowledge the talent and commitment they bring to O’Neill and Associates.
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OA in the Community
All politics is local, and so are the best ways to give back. That is why supporting the work we do in the community is so important.
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The 14th Annual Family Pantry Gala of Cape Cod
On June 8th, Tom and Shelly O’Neill chaired the 14th Annual Family Pantry of Cape Cod Summer Gala. Over 400 guests gather to support the Pantry and honor Tony Guthrie with the President’s Award, John O’Reilly with the Founders’ Award and Paul and Karen Cormier with the Thomas P. (Tip) O’Neill, Jr. Award. The Pantry currently serves over 800 families every week and is committed to its mission of providing food and clothing to all in need across the Cape Cod community.
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Happy 250th Bunker Hill Day Charlestown!
The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, celebrated on June 17, 2025, was a truly momentous occasion for Charlestown. The community honored this pivotal American Revolution battle with a wide array of events, including historical reenactments, engaging exhibitions, and vibrant gatherings. These activities all reflected on the battle's enduring legacy and its profound impact on the founding of our nation.
Phil Wettengel played a significant role throughout the anniversary weekend. He dedicated his time to helping the Charlestown YMCA organize a large tie-dye event, where he assisted children from the community in decorating over 400 t-shirts. Phil also attended the 250th Bunker Hill Day Parade Breakfast.
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Emerge Massachusetts
Emerge Massachsetts recently hosted its 2025 Women of the Year event. O’Neill and Associates Vice President Erin Riley, Emerge Massachusetts board member, attended with colleagues Lindsay Toghill, Jamison O’Neill and Elena Lavarreda, of SEIU 32BJ.
| | From left to right: Elena Lavarreda, Erin Riley, Jamison O’Neill, Lindsay Toghill | | Client Spotlight: National Braille Press | | |
O’Neill and Associates/Seven Letter client National Braille Press (NBP) is featured by NBC10 Boston in a story about a 10-year old blind girl from Andover, Sanibel Davis, who doesn’t let her blindness stop her from pursuing her dreams. NBP creates products and programs to support braille and tactile literacy in the blind community and to provide access to information that empower blind people to actively engage in work, family, and community. Click this link to Sanibel’s story.
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