Lexington, MA – Today, leaders of the Democratic supermajority in the Massachusetts Legislature announced they will strip $162 million in funding from the Commonwealth’s 14 county sheriff’s offices. The decision comes after three Democratic sheriffs were caught abusing their power.

Despite cutting funds for essential law enforcement operations, the Legislature approved $10 million to provide free phone calls for inmates – a move critics say highlights Beacon Hill’s backward priorities.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy condemned the announcement stating:

“Once again, Beacon Hill doesn’t have its priorities straight. Three Democratic sheriffs are accused of corruption, and now every sheriff in the state – including those who have served with integrity – must suffer the consequences.

The problem in Massachusetts isn’t with our sheriffs offices. It’s with the elected Democrats who have controlled every lever of power for too long. When one party holds unchecked control, corruption festers. We all know that power corrupts – but absolute power corrupts absolutely. That’s exactly what we’re seeing here today. 

Our government is sick, and the only cure is balance. The only way to restore trust and accountability is to end one-party rule and elect Republicans who will finally hold Beacon Hill accountable.”

Kennealy reaffirmed his commitment to supporting law enforcement and restoring fiscal responsibility to state government, saying this latest move proves how far the Democratic supermajority has drifted from the priorities of working Massachusetts families.

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