House Committee Information
Committee Name: Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative ServicesPosition: Member
Committee Function:It shall be the duty of the Committee on Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services to consider all matters relating to labor, wages, and workers' compensation including unemployment compensation and incentive programs, collective bargaining and binding arbitration; matters relating to job retraining and employee rehabilitative services and other matters relating to balancing the rights of employees to the needs of the industrial sector; and such other matters as may be referred to it.
Personal Biography
Grew up in Everett, Massachusetts, and moved to Manchester, NH in 1974 when appointed to the Manchester Fire Department, eventually retiring as a Captain. Has been a dedicated member of the International Association of Firefighters for more than 50 years, serving as Secretary-Treasurer in Manchester for 17 years and holding the title of Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus in both the Professional Firefighters of NH and the Manchester Fire Department.
In 1990, became the Executive Vice President of the NH AFL-CIO and was later elected President of the New Hampshire AFL-CIO, becoming the longest-serving State President in the country with a career spanning over 25 years. Recognized as a strong, progressive leader with a powerful voice and a long history of advocating respect and dignity for all people.
Numerous legislative and political achievements include increasing the minimum wage, improving public sector pension benefits, implementing post-retirement medical benefits, COLA adjustments for public employees, securing best value contracting legislation, expanding OSHA training to public contracts, reforming the worker's compensation system, and achieving equal pay legislation.
As President of the AFL-CIO, served on several workforce boards and commissions including the Workforce Opportunity Council, Unemployment Advisory Council, Workers Compensation Appeals Board, Pension Reform Study Commission, Gaming Commission Study Committee, and several others.
Played a significant role in many successful Democratic campaigns in New Hampshire, including those of Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Barack Obama, Representatives Shea-Porter and Kuster, Senators Shaheen and Hassan, Governors Shaheen, Lynch, and Hassan, and numerous State Senators and Representatives. Also collaborated closely with New Hampshire elected officials from both parties.
Served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2016-2018, where assigned to the Labor Committee. Was a Congressional candidate for the First District in 2018 and the Democratic nominee for the Executive Council in 2020.
An honor graduate from The University of New Hampshire (Master’s in Public Administration) and Franklin Pierce College (B.A.), and attended Harvard University (Trade Union Program) sponsored by the International Association of Firefighters. Proud father of two boys and four grandchildren.
Avid cyclist, and professional photographer.
Towns Represented
Manchester Wards: 1, 3, 10, 11, 12