State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) maintained a perfect voting record during the 2017-2018 legislative session, participating in all 521 roll call votes recorded in the House of Representatives between January 25, 2017 and July 31, 2018.

The Wareham legislator cast votes this session on a number of key policy issues, including legislation to expand opioid prevention and treatment options; protect consumers from data security breaches; establish a Municipal Police Training Fund; enhance veterans benefits; and authorize cities and towns to offer a means-tested senior property tax exemption.

Gifford also voted to adopt uniform standards and procedures in the House of Representatives for reporting, investigating, and punishing incidents of sexual harassment. The new rules – which apply to all of the House’s elected members, appointed officers, employees and interns – provide for confidentiality and protections against retaliation for individuals who step forward to report violations.

Another key vote recorded by Gifford this session was for the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which went into effect on April 1 and requires employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodations for expectant and nursing mothers. She also supported increasing the one-time survivor benefit paid to the families of police, firefighters and other public safety officials killed in the line of duty, which was doubled from $150,000 to $300,000 as part of a supplemental budget signed into law in 2017.

Gifford also voted to support reimbursing cities and towns for the costs associated with implementing the state’s early voting law. Over $1 million in reimbursements were delivered to municipalities in March of 2018 to cover the cost of this previously unfunded state mandate.

“Representative Gifford continues to be a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and accountability to the state’s taxpayers, while also championing the needs of her district,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “The residents of the Second Plymouth District are very fortunate to have her representing them on Beacon Hill.”

“Representing the people of the 2nd Plymouth District means the world to me and is not a task I take lightly,” said Gifford. “But it’s not just about being at the State House to vote.  It’s about listening to my constituents, knowing how each vote will affect them and casting the vote that will be in their best interest.”

A member of the House of Representatives since 2003, Gifford currently serves as the assistant minority whip as well as a member of the House Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling.