FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2025
Thrasher Keeps Campaign Promises Despite Missing Office by 261 Votes
8th Bristol District Republican Thrasher Submits Eight Bills By Request, Rep. Ouellette Chooses Not to Present
Westport, MA — Despite narrowly missing election to the Massachusetts General Court by just 261 votes, Christopher Thrasher, a candidate for State Representative in the 8th Bristol District, has followed through on his campaign commitments by submitting eight bills to the Massachusetts Legislature through the state’s right of free petition process.
Massachusetts law allows any resident to submit a bill to the state legislature. While it is customary for legislators to file constituent-submitted bills “By Request,” even if they do not personally sponsor or support them, Representative Steven Ouellette has, as of now, chosen to neither present nor sponsor any of the eight bills. In fact, Rep. Ouellette has introduced just two bills this session – both of which are substantially refiled bills originating from his retired predecessor.
“I ran on a platform of affordability, accountability, and transparency,” Thrasher said. “I have submitted these bills to address pressing issues facing Massachusetts—offshore wind accountability, unfunded mandates and special education funding, small business costs, and legislative transparency. These are issues that deserve discussion and action, and I encourage legislators in both parties to review these proposals and sign on.”
Thrasher’s eight bills focus on strengthening fiscal responsibility, ensuring state resources are used wisely, and making government more accountable to taxpayers:
Offshore Wind Accountability:
Three bills focus on ensuring offshore wind companies take responsibility for their equipment and financial commitments rather than relying on taxpayer-funded incentives without oversight.
HD.4318 – An Act Establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility Program for Offshore Wind Energy Equipment
Requires offshore wind companies to cover the full lifecycle costs of their equipment, including decommissioning, disposal, and environmental cleanup, rather than shifting those expenses onto taxpayers.- HD.4317 – An Act to Require an Extended Producer Responsibility Agreement as a Prerequisite for Eligibility as a Certified Offshore Wind Company
Before offshore wind companies can receive state tax credits or financial incentives, they must agree to assume full responsibility for their equipment and any potential environmental impacts. - HD.4319 – An Act to Exclude Uncertified Offshore Wind Companies from Receiving Massachusetts Offshore Wind Industry Investment Trust Fund Expenditures
Restricts state subsidies and grants to only those offshore wind companies that meet strict certification requirements, ensuring that unvetted or unproven developers do not receive taxpayer funding.
“While I fully oppose the expansion of the offshore wind industry, with its devastating effects on our economy, environment, and national security, these bills ensure that, should the rush for development continue, the companies profiting from these projects are fully responsible for their equipment and environmental impact,” Thrasher said.
“If the Healey administration is going to insist that Massachusetts taxpayers continue to prop-up this ill-advised boondoggle, the least the legislature can do is ensure that incentives only go to companies that take the responsibility to stand behind their projects and obligations.”
Supporting Cities and Towns with Funding for Special Education:
Rising special education costs are putting a strain on school budgets, and unfunded mandates by the Commonwealth burden our cities and towns. Two bills focus on ensuring that the state fulfills its obligations to fully reimburse local districts before committing funds elsewhere.
- HD.4316 – An Act Increasing the Reimbursement Rate for Special Education Expenses
Raises the state reimbursement rate for special education expenses from 75% to 90%, helping local school districts manage the increasing costs of providing services to students with disabilities. - HD.4315 – An Act Relative to the Appropriation of Special Education Expense Reimbursements and the Education and Transportation Fund
Ensures that all funds from the “Millionaire’s Tax” are fully allocated to special education reimbursement before being used for other purposes, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s obligation to cities, towns, and school districts.
“Special education costs continue to rise, and school districts are struggling to keep up,” Thrasher said. “These bills ensure that state reimbursement keeps pace and that our schools are funded as a priority, not an afterthought.”
Reducing Barriers for Small Businesses:
Massachusetts has the highest LLC formation fees in the country, making it more expensive to start a business here than in nearly any other state.
- HD.4313 – An Act Reducing Limited Liability Company Formation Fees
Lowers LLC formation fees to bring Massachusetts in line with national standards, making it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow and succeed.
“Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, but Massachusetts makes it unnecessarily expensive to start one,” Thrasher said. “This bill ensures that Massachusetts is competitive with other states in making it easier to do business here.”
Government Accountability and Transparency:
Two bills focus on ensuring legislative accountability and preventing lawmakers from collecting additional taxpayer-funded salaries while serving in the General Court.
- HD.4320 – An Act Restricting Additional Compensation for Members of the General Court Holding More Than One Lucrative Office
Prevents state legislators from collecting additional taxpayer-funded salaries for holding another elected position. - HD.4314 – An Act Requiring the Department of the State Auditor to Certify Compliance as a Prerequisite for Additional Compensation for a Member of the General Court
Ensures that any additional compensation for legislators is contingent on compliance with state audits, reinforcing transparency and financial accountability.
“The people of Massachusetts voted for an independent audit of the Legislature, yet lawmakers have resisted efforts by the State Auditor to ensure compliance,” Thrasher said. “This bill ties any extra taxpayer-funded compensation to proven fiscal responsibility.”
“Additionally, Representative Ouellette continues to serve as a paid Westport Selectman while also collecting a state legislative compensation package,” Thrasher said. “Holding multiple elected offices with taxpayer-funded compensation raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest and divided priorities. While base legislative compensation is dictated by the state constitution, the additional payments legislators receive for travel stipends and committee assignments are determined by legislation.”
“These bills ensure that any extra taxpayer-funded compensation is subject to the audit oversight mandated by Massachusetts voters and includes safeguards against conflicts of interest—preventing these stipends from being awarded without accountability,” said Thrasher.
A Call for Legislative Action:
Thrasher urged legislators from both parties to consider signing on to these bills to bring them forward for debate and potential passage.
“I introduced these bills because they address real concerns facing our communities—holding offshore wind accountable, prioritizing education funding, supporting small businesses, and making government more transparent. These are bipartisan issues, and I encourage any legislator who believes in responsible government to support these proposals,” said Thrasher.
For more information, contact Christopher Thrasher at 508-938-9220 or via email at cthrasher@votethrasher.org