House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) congratulated State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) for maintaining a perfect voting record throughout the 2015-2016 legislative session.

She participated in all 559 roll call votes cast in the House of Representatives between January of 2015 and July of 2016, achieving a 100 percent voting record.

Gifford cast votes this session on a number of key policy issues including: a landmark bill that focuses on treatment, education and prevention to address this growing public health threat of opioid abuse; a statewide “Stolen Valor Act” to prosecute individuals who falsely claim to be a veteran or military honor recipient in order to fraudulently obtain money, property or other tangible benefits; an historic pay equity law designed to prevent gender-based wage discrimination in the workplace; and legislation reforming the state’s public records law for the first time in over 40 years.

In addition to supporting the implementation of rigorous public safety standards for Massachusetts-issued drivers licenses to comply with the federal REAL ID Act, Gifford also cast votes in support of the HOME Act, a comprehensive bill that provides expanded employment protections, enhanced housing opportunities, and additional tax abatements to Massachusetts veterans; legislation expanding the procurement of offshore wind power and hydroelectric power; and a $1 billion economic development bill that will help create and retain jobs in the Commonwealth and support critical infrastructure investments.

During the 2015-2016 legislative session, Gifford reinforced her commitment to the communities within the 2nd Plymouth District by voting in support of significant local aid increases. Over the last two years, Chapter 70 education aid has increased by $227.3 million, bringing the statewide total to a record $4.6 billion. Over the same time period, Unrestricted General Government Aid – which helps communities pay for a variety of essential municipal programs – was increased by $76.1 million, to a total of $1.02 billion.

“The people of the 2nd Plymouth District elected me for a very important job, to represent their best interest on Beacon Hill. Being present to cast a vote is the fundamental responsibility of that job,” said Gifford. “But, it’s not just about showing up – it’s also about being part of the debate and the voice of my constituents.”

Gifford also recorded votes in support of an $800 million municipal road and bridge bill to help cities and towns address critical infrastructure needs, as well as a municipal modernization bill designed to help streamline municipal operations, provide greater financial flexibility to cities and towns, and improve the delivery of essential services at the local level.

Gifford currently serves as the Assistant Minority Whip and on the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling.