Members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee:

In 1998, former Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci (R) signed a law into effect that continues to violate our Second Amendment rights.   Wednesday, July 23 will mark the ten-year anniversary of the signing of the Gun Control Act of 1998.  Chapter 180 of the Acts was signed with the ill-conceived notion that crime and violence would be eradicated from the streets.  Not only has this notion proven to be incorrect by the increase in criminal activity, but it’s also been in direct violation of our Second Amendment rights. 

As a result, July 23, 2008 will be known as the “Boston Tea Party 2008” and the National Rifle Association, in conjunction with the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL), are encouraging members to send a symbolic message to our elected officials that we want them to repeal Chapter 180.  We are asking members to send this note, as well as a tea bag, to your elected officials to let them know, just as our forefathers did, that unfair treatment against lawful gun owners will not be tolerated. 

To find contact information for your State Legislators, please click here.

Please Contact the Members of the Committee Today!

Yesterday, the Governor's appropriations bill was assigned a number H.4971 and was referred to the House Committee on Ways & Means.  As reported earlier this week, sections 24-27 will drastically increase certain firearm license fees.  

Sections 24 & 25 will increase state licensed firearm dealer's fees from $100 for three years to $250. In addition, licensed dealers will be charged an additional $100 inspection fee per year during each of the three years. This proposed bill would turn a $100 three-year dealer's license into a $450 three-year license.              

Section 26 would increase a resident License to Carry fee from $100 for six years to $200 for six years and Section 27 would increase a non-resident License to Carry fee from $100 for one year to $250 for one year. 

Please Keep Checking www.NRAILA.org for Further Updates!

Before adjourning last week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed House Resolution 5029, sponsored by State Representative George Peterson (Ninth Worcester), recognizing the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming that the Second Amendment guarantees the individual's right to keep and bear arms. The House voted 115 - 40 to approve the resolution.  

To see how your representative voted, click here http://www.goal.org/PDF/SCOTUSResolution.pdf, and please continue checking www.NRAILA.org for further updates!   

Text of House Resolution 5029

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects an individual's civil right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects an individual civil right to use arms for traditionally lawful purposes; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects the lawful use of arms for self-defense within the home; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the core lawful purpose of the Second Amendment is self defense; and

Whereas, The term firearm used in this resolution is a generic term not specific to any class of guns; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Massachusetts General Court joins in the opinion of the United States Supreme Court and officially recognizes that the Second Amendment to the Constitution does protect an individual civil right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia and protects an individual civil right to use arms for traditionally lawful purposes and protects the lawful use of arms for self-defense within the home and officially recognizes that the core lawful purpose of the Second Amendment to the Constitution is self defense; and be it further

Please Contact Governor Patrick TODAY!