Experience = Results
Representative Hargraves has worked in the State House for 14 years and understands what it means to get something done. He knows that his role is not to write "white paper" policy statements about what should be done; his role is to provide support for his communities and his constituents. Simply put, Bob would rather help a constituent cut through the bureaucratic red tape or sponsor legislation that requires open debate on all spending measures than try to win an essay contest for the best articulation of an issue.
Click the items to the left to review a few of the issues facing the state and our towns, along with examples of Bob´s common sense approach to working on these issues.
Education
Mr. Hargraves spent over 30 years working in the field of public education and is an advocate for improving the public school system at all levels. He has served on several education committees, including Special Education and School Building Assistance.
- Representative Hargraves supports the education reform efforts put in place to improve student performance. The underlying funding formulas for this effort, however, need to be revised to reflect the true cost of educational expenses such as health care.
- Chapter 70 educational funding now penalizes so-called "wealthy towns" like Groton and Dunstable, which unfairly places the burden of education funding on property tax revenue. Chapter 70 needs to be revised to ensure that all school districts receive a fair minimum per student to avoid taxing long-term residents out of their homes.
- Representative Hargraves has always been a champion of special education, working to increase special education funding while also supporting funding for gifted and talented education programs.
- Mr. Hargraves worked to revise the school building reimbursement program to encourage renovation of existing buildings as an alternative to building new schools. He helped local school districts clear regulatory hurdles for school building projects in Pepperell, Groton, and Dunstable.
