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Tom Finneran Bio
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On January 11, 2007, WRKO announced the arrival of new morning drive talk host, Tom Finneran.
Former House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran, a Democrat from Boston, represented the 12th Suffolk District, which includes sections of Dorchester, Mattapan, and Milton. He was a member of the House of Representatives since 1979. From 1991 to 1996, former Speaker Finneran served as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He was elected Speaker of the House in April 1996 and was re-elected in January of 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003. In 2002 he was elected by the Speakers of 49 states to serve as the president of the National Speakers’ Conference, a conference of Speakers from all 50 states.
A graduate of Boston Latin School, former Speaker Finneran attended Northeastern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance. In 1978, he received his Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar that same year.
During his service on both the House Ways and Means Committee and as Speaker, Tom Finneran consistently promoted the idea of establishing a Rainy Day Fund, a state savings account to cushion declines in the economy. He convinced the House to annually deposit excess revenue into this fund, and it totaled $2.3 billion when first tapped in response to the lingering recession.
Among his other accomplishments as Speaker, Tom Finneran is particularly proud of doubling the number of full day kindergarten classes in the Commonwealth and dramatically increasing early childhood literacy programs. The former Speaker also established a Lyceum Lecture Series. Distinguished leaders from all walks of life, including government, academic, business, cultural and literary circles have been invited to address the Massachusetts House of Representatives during a full formal session.
Tom Finneran lives in Mattapan with his wife Donna and their two daughters, Kelley and Shannon. He is a recreational gardener, and enjoys biking, swimming, reading, and spending time with his family. |
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