|
Dear Friends,
It's now been six months since I was officially sworn in to serve a third term as your State Representative on January 1. The first half of 2025 has been extremely busy on a number of fronts. I'd like to share with you a few of the major developments that have been taking place on Beacon Hill and right here in the 5th Barnstable District.
As I do so, I also wish you and your family a very happy Independence Day holiday this week. Please take a moment over the next few days to reflect on the liberty we are blessed to share as Americans, and to remember the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our great nation. As a Gold Star Father, I will never forget their legacy, and I am forever thankful for our freedom.
Thank you as always for your support of me and my work. God Bless America.
Sincerely,
| | |
Steve Xiarhos
State Representative (5th Barnstable)
| | Making Massachusetts More Affordable | | |
One of my ongoing top priorities is to identify new ways to make Massachusetts a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. That's especially true when it comes to the need to create additional affordable housing opportunities for our residents. I'm disappointed that our state is cutting back on important programs like HomeBase. I believe we need to do better and we need to continue to build on the Affordable Homes Act we passed last session. For my part, I am proud to continue my work as a member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, and I will continue to support policies that make it easier for the average Massachusetts resident to realize the American Dream of home ownership.
Utility costs are still high, and I have joined colleagues from both parties to push for reforms of utility rate decisions, increased oversight of utility companies, and fairer prices. There are other ways to help people fight the cost of living, too. I continue to support our small business community however possible so that we can grow more quality jobs here in the Bay State. I also continue to push for fiscal responsibility in state government as a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, especially the need to keep spending and taxes low. As one example, I strongly opposed plans for a tax on prescription drugs earlier this year, a proposal that fortunately did not go forward.
| | Opposing Sanctuary Policies | | |
For well over a year I've been sounding the alarm about our state's unacceptable policies regarding migrant support. I've argued consistently that we can't afford to spend about $1 billion a year to shelter and support migrants. I also echoed concerns raised in a report by the State Auditor that the state awarded “improper and unlawful no-bid emergency procurements for food and transportation services" to support migrants. And, I have consistently stated my opposition to sanctuary policies throughout my elected service.
To me, the answer is clear: we need to reform our state Right to Shelter Law so that it provides benefits only to Massachusetts residents who are citizens of the United States, as it was intended originally. And, to the extent our state supports migrants, recipients of support need thorough background checks to ensure public safety - a practice where our state has sadly fallen short.
Massachusetts taxpayers deserve better, and as a state legislator I will continue to fight against these problems.
|
Protecting The Public and Those Who Protect Us | |
As a former police officer, I believe strongly in public safety and the need to protect and support our first responders.
This session, I continue to advocate for measures to improve school safety and to prevent assaults against first responders and school referees.
I’m proud that the HALO Act (H.2057) -- legislation I co-sponsored this session with Rep. Wells -- was front-page news in the Boston Herald recently. This bipartisan bill would allow law enforcement officials to direct individuals who are intentionally interfering with active police or other first responder operations to step back and maintain a minimum distance of 25 feet.
| |
This common-sense legislation is about safety -- for officers, firefighters, EMTs, and the public -- while ensuring first responders can do their jobs without obstruction. Modeled after similar laws in Florida, the HALO Act has been carefully written to avoid infringing on anyone’s rights or reducing public accountability, which remain essential to good policing.
I am similarly proud to support enhancements to our state's "Move Over Law" to protect first responders rendering roadside assistance. There have been far too many tragedies lately on our highways and many of these incidents are preventable. I am also proud to co-sponsor "Matt's Law" to prevent inmates at state prisons from turning equipment such as free weights into weapons and attacking correction officers and fellow inmates.
I will never stop trying to make Massachusetts as safe as possible.
|
Supporting Community Needs | |
In recent days I was pleased to announce that the Sandwich Gate at Joint Base Cape Cod WILL STAY OPEN — despite original plans to close it on May 16 due to funding shortfalls.
This is a big win for our community, military families, and base personnel. I'm grateful for the teamwork and commitment that made this possible!
This is one of many local projects I am pleased to support as part of my work. I continue to advocate for the replacement of our Cape Cod Canal bridges, and I am working to make sure the work happens not only quickly, but also affordably (no new tolls) and taking into account the concerns of the community and area residents.
I also responded quickly to demand action after a recent traffic accident at Upper Cape Tech where a local police officer was badly hurt. I am working closely with state transportation officials to see new traffic lights and a school safety zone installed soon. Additionally, we are working on assessing an alternative proposal to relocate the school’s entrance further down Sandwich Road toward the rotary, which could improve traffic flow and safety for students, staff, and local drivers.
As always, I am busy trying to secure state grants and funding to support local infrastructure and projects, including a variety of other transportation improvements.
I'm also proud to support initiatives such as:
| | Protecting the Vulnerable | | |
I am honored to serve as the Ranking Minority Member on the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use and Recovery. One of the first actions I took in this capacity this year was to forcefully argue against planned closure of the Pocasset Mental Health and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. These facilities provide vital services, and because of our advocacy they now will remain open this coming year.
I am also proud to be appointed to serve on the Massachusetts Special Commission on Xylazine (a dangerous veterinary tranquilizer that’s increasingly being mixed with fentanyl and showing up in our illegal drug supply). I am also continuing my advocacy to stop the epidemic of opioid abuse in our Commonwealth and to demand stiffer sentences for those who sell narcotics to people, especially younger adults.
As a former police officer, a Gold Star father, and now a state legislator, I’ve seen far too many families devastated by fentanyl — including friends and neighbors who’ve lost their sons and daughters right here on Cape Cod. Their grief, and their strength, fuel my commitment to fight for real action, resources, and compassion for those struggling with all forms of addiction.
| | Celebrating Greek Independence Day at The White House | | Attending Budget Hearings Statewide as a member of the Ways and Means Committee | | Celebrating 250 Years since the Battles of Lexington and Concord on Patriots' Day | | Attending Regular District Office Hours and "Coffee With Your Rep" | Appreciating our Seashore | | With my Legislative Aide, Stuart Daniels | | Being named an official "Kentucky Colonel" | | |
|
This communication and any solicitations for campaign contributions contained herein are distributed by
The Committee to Elect Steven G. Xiarhos, PO Box 617, East Sandwich, MA 02537,
which is solely responsible for the content of this e-mail.
Catherine L. Anderson, Treasurer | www.XiarhosforRep.com
Tel. 508-534-8752 | contact@xiarhosforrep.com
This communication was not produced or distributed using any public funds or resources.
The contents of this e-mail are not intended to imply an endorsement of the candidacy of Steven G. Xiarhos or The Committee to Elect Steven G. Xiarhos by any public employee or government agency.
Paid for by The Committee to Elect Steven Xiarhos.
| | | | |
