By Bob Katzen

The House Republican Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading) announced his 2021-2022 leadership team and appointments to committees.

The leadership team remains the same as it was in the 2019-2020 session except for the addition of Rep. Kimberly Ferguson (R-Holden) as second assistant minority leader.

She replaces former Rep. Liz Poirier (D-Attleboro) who did not run for re-election in November. The returning team includes First Assistant Minority Leader Brad Hill (R-Ipswich) and Reps. Paul Frost (R-Auburn) and Susan Gifford (R-Wareham) as third assistant leaders. Rep. Todd Shola (R-Warren) was reappointed as the ranking Republican member on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

“With the completion of my leadership and committee assignments, I am confident that we have a strong leadership team in place for the 2021-2022 legislative session and a committee make-up that reflects the many strengths and talents of the members of the House Republican caucus,” Jones told Beacon Hill Roll Call. “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the caucus to pursue a legislative agenda over the next two years that will prioritize assisting those families and businesses that are still struggling during the COVID-19 global pandemic while addressing the many other challenges Massachusetts is currently facing.”