James T. Brett

For the English composer and conductor, see James Seymour Brett.

James Brett
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 13th Suffolk District
In office 1995–1996
Preceded by	Thomas Finneran
Succeeded by	Martin J. Walsh
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 14th Suffolk District
In office 1981–1995
Preceded by	John J. Finnegan
Succeeded by	Angelo Scaccia
Personal details
Born	(1949-12-22) December 22, 1949 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Residence(s)	Dorchester, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Alma mater	American University Suffolk University John F. Kennedy School of Government
Occupation	Politician

James T. Brett (born December 22, 1949, Boston)) is a former American politician who is the current president and CEO of The New England Council. He is also the Chairman of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Biography

Brett grew up in Savin Hill, one of six siblings, the eldest of whom, Jack (died 2010) was born with an intellectual disability. In high school, Brett participated in a federal TRIO program called Upward Bound, which works with students to prepare them for college. Prior to joining The New England Council, Brett represented the 14th Suffolk District from 1981 until his resignation in 1996. As a member of the House, served as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Banks and Banking, the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice, the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting, the Joint Committee on Counties, the House Committee on Legislative Redistricting, the House Committee on Taxation, and the House Committee on Banking.

In 1993, he was a candidate in the Boston mayoral election. He finished second in the nonpartisan primary, but lost in the general election to Acting Mayor Thomas Menino. From 1980-81, Brett was the Assistant Secretary of Energy.