Richard Neal

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Richard Neal

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 2nd district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 1989–
Preceded by	Edward Boland
Succeeded by	Incumbent

Born	February 14, 1949 (age 58) Worcester, Massachusetts
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Maureen Neal
Religion	Roman Catholic

Richard Edmund Neal (born February 14, 1949) has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1989, representing Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district.

1 Early life
2 Career before Congress
3 Congressman
4 Irish interests
5 External links

[edit] Early life

Neal was born on February 14, 1949 in Worcester, Massachusetts to a couple hailing from Springfield, Massachusetts, which the congressman considers to be his hometown. Neal attended elementary and secondary school in the city and graduated with honors from the Political Science program at American International College in 1972. He also received his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Barney School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Hartford in 1976.

[edit] Career before Congress

Neal started his career in public service in 1973 as an assistant to Springfield Mayor William C. Sullivan (politician). In 1978, he was elected to the Springfield City Council. Neal's career continued as President of the City Council in 1979 and mayor of Springfield from 1984 to 1989. In addition, Neal taught at the Roman Catholic Cathedral High School. As mayor, Neal was recognized for spearheading the revitalization of downtown Springfield, and was acknowledged as a "Face to Watch" in 1986 by Boston Magazine. Neal was featured in a 1987 Newsweek issue for his many accomplishments as mayor.

[edit] Congressman

First elected to Congress in 1989, taking the place of former Congressman Edward Boland. Neal's goals have often included lowering the barriers to attending college, expanding health care, protecting the rights of older Americans, and working against the privitization of Social Security. He supports the repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Neal also advocates individual retirement accounts to increase the savings rate nationally. The congressman has also worked to make health care and tuition expenses tax-deductible for middle class people.

Neal is a co-chair of the New England Congressional Caucus, a group of New England members of Congress aimed at advancing the regional interests of the six New England states collectively on a national scale. He is currently a member of both the House Ways and Means committee and the House Budget committee.

In addition to his duties as a congressman, Neal teaches a journalism course at the University of Massachusetts Amherst called "The Politician and the Journalist".

[edit] Irish interests

Neal is the co-chair of the Ad hoc Committee on Irish Affairs and is considered one of the top 100 Irish-Americans by Irish America Magazine. Neal has worked for peace in Northern Ireland and has met with leaders of both sides in hopes of reaching a lasting compromise. After the disarmament of the IRA in September 2005, Neal met with Irish Republican Army leader Martin McGuinness to congratulate him on the action of disarmament and ensure a lasting peace had been reached.

[edit] External links

U.S. Congressman Richard E. Neal official House site
Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
Federal Election Commission - Richard Neal campaign finance reports and data
On the Issues - Richard Neal issue positions and quotes
OpenSecrets.org - Richard Neal campaign contributions
Project Vote Smart - Representative Richard Neal (MA) profile
SourceWatch Congresspedia - Richard Neal profile
Washington Post - Congress Votes Database: Richard Neal voting record
Response to IRA Disarmament

Preceded by Edward Boland	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district 1989 – present	Incumbent