No Taxpayer Funds were Used...

Last month we reported on a trip made to Cuba by several state legislators, including Rep. Jeff Roy.  Unclear, at the time, was whether or not this was in any way a taxpayer-funded junket?

We contacted the US Department of state and a spokesperson said they had no knowledge of the trip and usually only get involved when federal officials are involved.

The office of State Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), who initiated and led the trip, after narrowly winning a recount vote with a progressive opponent, shared a statement she had made earlier:

In an effort to share ideas related to critical issues, a group of legislators will travel to Cuba tomorrow to meet with public officials, hospital staff, charitable organizations, and members of academic and research institutes. These meetings will serve as an opportunity to discuss the importance of investing in healthcare systems, along with NIH collaborations focused on public health and disease, strategies related to climate resiliency and responses to flooding, and ongoing innovations in the life sciences industry. Members have been briefed by the U.S. State Department, Global Health Partners, and Congressman Jim McGovern in advance of the trip. The delegation will also be meeting with Caritas Cuba (Catholic Charities) and other charitable organizations to learn about and bear witness to the humanitarian needs of the Cuban people. State Representative Marjorie Decker is leading the delegation. “Having participated in healthcare and life science exploration trips to Cuba before, I am hoping to learn more about Cuban interests in biomedical research on this trip, and to share the successes of Massachusetts’s continued investment in our healthcare and life science industries,” Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge) said. “I applaud the visit of this important delegation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to Cuba,” said United States Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA). “This trip will allow state leaders to learn more about the Cuban healthcare system, climate resiliency strategies, and life science innovations. It will also facilitate critical conversations about how to get much-needed humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. I am a strong believer in the power of diplomatic dialogue and engagement, and I've long believed it's time to rethink America's failed, cold-war approach to dealing with Cuba,” the Congressman continued. “I hope that this visit can serve as an important step in improving relations between our two countries." Additional members attending this trip are:

• Speaker Ron Mariano
• Leader Mike Moran
• Leader Frank Moran
• Chair Mike Day
• Chair Mindy Domb
• Chair Ken Gordon
• Chair John Lawn
• Chair Aaron Michlewitz
• Chair Jeff Roy
• Rep. Jenny Armini

All expenses incurred by Members traveling on this trip, including expenses related to transportation, lodging, and meals, are being funded by each individual Member from their personal funds or, as appropriate, from campaign funds pursuant to 970 CMR 2.06(3)(j). As no third party is paying any Member expenses related to this travel, Members are not required to file a disclosure pursuant to State Ethics Commission regulations.