Expel Brian Joyce from the Senate

(BOSTON)--Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, today called on Senate President Stanley Rosenberg to initiate the expulsion of Canton Senator Brian Joyce. Craney hand delivered a letter from Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance to President Rosenberg’s State House office.

"As president of the Senate, Stanley Rosenberg must lead on ethics. He and his colleagues must hold Brian Joyce accountable for his unethical use of his senate office. It would wise for them to act now, and not wait for the Feds to take Joyce to the cleaners," Craney said.

Acknowledging that FBI and IRS investigations are not in themselves proof of misdoing, Craney said, "The Campaign Finance decision against Joyce says enough: Brian Joyce uses his position as senator for personal financial gain. Yesterday's raid by federal authorities merely continues the assault on the character of the senate brought on by Joyce's reprehensible behavior."

The Office of Campaign Finance recently levied stiff fines against Joyce's committee for improper use of political contributions. Among the violations: the campaign funded a graduation party for his son and a car for himself. Also, an associate on a number of occasions withdrew cash from that account in direct violation of regulations. The aide has been directed to pay back the cash, and Joyce has been fined. Yesterday, the IRS and the FBI raided Joyce's Canton law office. Alleged reports that Joyce shook down a dry cleaner over the course of more than a decade likely triggered the raids.

Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance advocates for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in state government and increased economic opportunity for the people of our Commonwealth.

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