National Grid Assistance Webinars

ATTENTION NATIONAL GRID CUSTOMERS: National Grid shared the following information with my office

National Grid remains committed to supporting our customers with a series of in-person Customer Assistance Events this November. As we prepare for the winter heating season, these events are designed to help customers manage their energy bills and explore cost-saving programs.

Winter Bill Assistance Webinars, November 18th from 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. for English speakers and from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. for Spanish speakers.

These webinars, led by their Consumer Advocates, will also provide an overview of bill management solutions and financial assistance options.

Help with Managing Energy Bills:

National Grid customers can now sign up for a new Payment Assistance Bundle.

• Deferred Payment Agreement: Spread out past-due balance into future monthly payments.

• Automatic Monthly Payments: Automatically deduct payments from your bank account each month and avoid missing due dates.

• Budget Plan: Break down annual energy costs into balanced monthly payments, making it easier to budget and plan expenses.

Customers interested in enrolling in the Payment Assistance Bundle can do so online by visiting ngrid.com/hereforyou, at an in-person event, or by calling 1-800-233-5325.

Budget Billing: Allows customers to spread their usual payment over twelve balanced monthly payments to help offset the traditionally high winter heating and summer air conditioning peak bills.

Discount Rates: Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on energy service. To be eligible, applicants must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

New Heat Pump Rate: National Grid introduced a new Residential Heat Pump Rate November 1st to help electric customers save during the winter heating season. Qualified customers who use heat pumps for home heating will receive a reduced delivery rate on electricity from November through April, lowering monthly costs.

Link to Registration:

https://www.nationalgridus.com/customer-assistance-events

 

Tarr in the News: Tarr Pressures Gov. Healey to Release Background Check Information on Aide

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.07.25

'Massachusetts State Police will not share background check information on busted Healey aide'

By Flint McColgan | Boston Herald

EXCERPT BELOW:

"Since the arrest, political pressure has been building for Healey’s administration to be transparent about how Cook, who was previously arrested in connection with a 2001 shooting in Springfield, possibly landed the job.

That pressure comes from sitting Republican state lawmakers, led by House Minority Leader Bradley Jones and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, as well as GOP challengers for Healey’s job.

Jones and Tarr say Cook’s drug and firearms charges are “troubling” and that they raise “serious questions” around the effectiveness of the Healey administration’s vetting practices.

“These steps are essential to restoring the public’s trust and to help ensure that all future hires are held to the highest ethical standards,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Healey on Wednesday."

###

Read the full article:

https://www.bostonherald.com/.../massachusetts-state.../

 

Today in the Senate Chamber: Thursday, November 13th

The Senate will be taking up the following legislation during today, Thursday, November 13th's Formal Session set to begin at 11 AM:

During Thursday, November 13th's Formal Session, the following legislation will be taken up:

📃The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.2328, An Act regarding free expression (S.2696)

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of H.4645, An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker (S.2697)

📃The Senate Rules Committee's version of S.473, An Act relative to the commission on LGBTQ aging (S.2711)

📃The Senate Rules Committee's version of S.2330, An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections (S.2710)

You can read copies of the proposed legislation and filed amendments in advance of Thursday's session online at the following locations:

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2696

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2697

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2710 

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2711

To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE today, click the below Live Session Link ⬇

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7576

NBC10 Boston Interview Regarding Snowplow Shortage

Missed it live? 📺

Watch my interview with NBC10 Boston's Reporter Munashe Kwangwari RE: a  push to solve the snowplow driver shortage ahead of winter with help from legislation I filed - S.1370, An Act relative to snow removal service liability limitation.

Link to news interview ⬇

🔗https://www.nbcboston.com/.../with-winter.../3842684/

Link to learn more about S.1370 ⬇

🔗 https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1370

Tarr in the News: Open Door Distributes Food Amidst Shutdown

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.02.25

'Open Door provides emergency food during government shutdown'

By A Correspondent of The Local News

EXCERPT BELOW:

"Amid the continuing federal government shutdown, the Open Door has provided emergency grocery supplies to 652 people

from 271 households to help mitigate the delay to November SNAP benefits.

People whose SNAP benefits are on hold, government employees who have been furloughed, and government contractors impacted by the shutdown were invited on Saturday to pick-up free food at the Open Door, organizers said."

...

"State Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) also attended the Saturday distribution and continues to advocate for food resources to help local people.

Calling the Open Door “a beacon of hope,” he said, “We are in the midst of incredible challenges to food security, and times that demand extraordinary responses.”"

Read the full article by visiting:

https://thelocalnews.news/.../open-door-snap-crisis.../

 

Tomorrow in the Senate Chamber: Thursday, November 13th

The Senate will be taking up the following legislation during tomorrow, Thursday, November 13th's Formal Session set to begin at 11 AM:

📃The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.2328, An Act regarding free expression (S.2696)

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of H.4645, An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker (S.2697)

📃The Senate Rules Committee's version of S.473, An Act relative to the commission on LGBTQ aging (S.2711)

📃The Senate Rules Committee's version of S.2330, An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections (S.2710)

You can read copies of the proposed legislation and filed amendments in advance of Thursday's session online at the following locations:

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2696

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2697

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2710

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2711

To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE tomorrow, click the below Live Session Link ⬇

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7576

Veterans' Day Breakfast 2025

Started November off by honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our country at the Veterans’ Appreciation Breakfast at the First Church in Ipswich.

I had the privilege of hosting this event for our veterans alongside Brad Hill and the Eastern Essex District Dept of Veterans' Services team & Executive Director Steve Bohn.

Thank you to Reverend Rebecca and First Church for opening their doors, to Ipswich Select Board members Michael Dougherty and Linda Alexson, and to Rep. Kristin Kassner for joining us in paying tribute to our veterans!

First R Appreciation Event 2025

I want to recognize the incredible work of the The First R Foundation and their volunteer readers, who bring the joy of books into kindergarten and first-grade classrooms by reading and donating books to students.

This year marks 25 years of First R’s dedication to literacy, and I was thrilled to celebrate at the First R Appreciation Event last month at The Gloucester House.

A special congratulations to Founder Pat Earle, who is celebrating her 90th birthday this year—what an inspiring milestone!

Thank you to all the volunteers who make a difference in the lives of young readers every day - and to Jennifer Orlando, who was awarded First R’s Frances Ferrante Award at this year's event.

 

Northeast Independent Living Program Annual Meeting

On my behalf, our Senior District Director Mary Ann Nay attended the Northeast Independent Living Program Annual Meeting & Open House in Lawrence.

NILP is a peer-run center providing vital advocacy and services to individuals with disabilities, and it was wonderful to see nearly 100 attendees come together to celebrate 45 years of community, voice, and choice.

Congratulations to the award recipients and newly inducted Board members, and thank you to Executive Director Matt Pellegrino and the NILP team for hosting such a successful event!

Lane Closures on Route 1A

MassDOT Advisory for Salisbury: Daily Lane Closures on Route 1A (North End Boulevard)

SALISBURY – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing temporary daytime lane closures on Route 1A (North End Boulevard) between Liberty Street and the New Hampshire state line. These lane closures are scheduled to occur, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, beginning Wednesday, November 12, and continuing through Friday, November 21.

The closures are necessary to allow crews to safely and efficiently perform roadway milling and resurfacing operations.

This work is being performed under a district-wide resurfacing contract, with D&R General Contracting serving as the prime contractor.

Appropriate signage and law enforcement details will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.

Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.

All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:

Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.

Dial 511 and select a route to hear real time conditions.

Follow @MassDOT on X (formerly known as Twitter) to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.

 

Tarr in the News: Grant for Manchester Fire Department

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.3.25

'Grant backs hire of 4 Manchester firefighters'

By Stephen Hagan | Gloucester Daily Times

EXCERPT BELOW:

"MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — The hiring of four new full-time firefighters by town next year will be funded by a federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program provides funding to help communities help communities increase firefighter staffing levels to meet national standards and enhance emergency response capabilities."

...

"State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said the grant money will ensure the safety and effectiveness of the Manchester Fire Department.

“The awarding of this grant reflects leadership and professionalism in defining the need for additional personnel and making a compelling case for that need to be addressed,” he said. “The town’s public safety is strengthened because of those efforts.”

Additional information about the SAFER grant program may be found at www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safer.

Read the full article by visiting:

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_5a4c42e5-df32...

 

Honoring Our Veterans

Honoring Our Veterans

Today, on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces — those who have stood in defense of our nation, our freedoms, and the values we hold dear.

Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication remind us that the strength of America has always come from those willing to serve something greater than themselves.

To every veteran — in Massachusetts and across the nation — thank you for your service, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to our country. We owe you a debt that can never be fully repaid, but one we must always strive to honor.

We remember. We honor. We thank you. 

Reopening of Aubuchon Ace Hardware

Congratulations to Aubuchon Ace Hardware in Ipswich on your Grand Re‑Opening celebration! 🎉

Wishing you continued success and many years of continued service to local homeowners, families, and businesses alike!

Tarr in the News: Tarr Advocates for SNAP Relief

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.05.25

'State pressured to tap reserves for SNAP benefits'

By Christian Wade | CNHI Statehouse Reporter | Gloucester Daily Times

EXCERPT BELOW:

+++

"Last week, the Legislature’s Republican minority called for a carve-out in a supplemental budget being considered by a six-member legislative panel to provide state funding for SNAP recipients who stand to lose benefits.

In a letter to the conference committee members, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester asked the panel to allocate state money for SNAP benefit payments and seek reimbursement from the federal government when full SNAP funding resumes.

“This request protects the most vulnerable in the commonwealth, prevents immediate administrative and humanitarian crises, and preserves the commonwealth’s ability to be reimbursed by the federal government once funding resumes,” the GOP lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers noted that other states have allocated funding to offset the impact from a freeze on SNAP funding, and that Massachusetts has provided more than $2 billion for the state’s emergency shelter system to help cover the cost of providing for an influx of migrants over the past two years.

“Given that precedent, a time-limited appropriation to sustain SNAP benefits is a modest and defensible use of one-time funds,” the lawmakers wrote."

###

Read the full article:

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_6646b728-5b5c...

 

40th Annual Essex Clamfest and Arts & Crafts Festival

40th Annual Essex Clamfest and Arts & Crafts Festival

Honored to serve as a judge again at this year’s Essex Clamfest, held at Shepard Memorial Park in Essex!

Congrats to The James pub and provisions of Essex for taking 1st Place Best Clam Chowder — top honors from both Judges' and the People's Choice! 🏆

Additionally, congratulations are in order for the Castle Manor Inn of Gloucester (People’s 2nd Choice) and 35 Beach of Manchester-by-the-Sea (3rd Place)! 🏅

Thank you to the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce , event sponsors, all the restaurants, volunteers, and organizers who made this celebration possible.

Fill-a-Cruiser Paper Drive 2025

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Newburyport Police Department for hosting their first-ever Fill-a-Cruiser Paper Drive held to benefit local non-profit partner Community Service of Newburyport.

The outpouring of support from volunteers and the community was incredible.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again at the Newburyport PD's 20th Annual Fill-a-Cruiser Food Drive on December 6, 2025 at  Market Basket.

Middleton Pumpkin Festival 2025

🎃 Middleton Pumpkin Festival 🎃

It was great to join so many in celebrating the 40th annual Town of Middleton Pumpkin Festival, a wonderful community tradition that celebrates the arrival of autumn with pumpkins, local food, music, and activities for all ages. 🍂

Thank you to the Town of Middleton, The Richardson Group, Richardson’s Green, the Middleton Recreation Committee, the Middleton PTO, and the Festival Committee, along with all of the volunteers, local vendors, and participants who made this event possible — with fun-filled activities all weekend long, both day and night, including a pumpkin carving contest, haunted hayride, costume parade, and more.

A special thank you as well to our first responders for keeping everyone safe during this fun and festive community event.

Events like this showcase the strong community spirit that makes Middleton such a special place. 🎃🍁

Submit Testimony for Middle School Innovation Fund Bill

📢 Notice of Public Hearing – Written Testimony Accepted Until November 19, 2025 📢

The Joint Committee on Education is accepting written testimony for the following legislation ⬇

📃S.457 – An Act to Establish the Middle School Innovation Fund

This bill was filed by Senator Bruce Tarr and is co-sponsored by Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Senator Mike Moore.

Learn more about this legislation inspired by project-centered, interdisciplinary curriculum by the Science Central Program at O'Maley Innovation Middle School ⬇

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S457/

To share your support for or opposition of this legislation, please submit written testimony to the Joint Committee on Education.

HOW TO SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY DETAILS ⬇

🗓 Written Testimony Period: Now Through November 19, 2025 by 5:00 PM

📩 Submit via email to:

▶ Fiona Bruce-Baiden | jointcommittee.education@malegislature.gov   

▶ Elizabeth Noonan | elizabeth.noonan@masenate.gov

📮 Or by mail to:

Joint Committee on Education

Massachusetts State House, Attn:  Fiona Bruce-Baiden

24 Beacon Street, Room 473G, Boston, MA 02133

When submitting written testimony, please:

▶ Include 'EDUCATION COMMITTEE TESTIMONY' and S.457 in the subject line

▶ Address remarks to House Chair Kenneth I. Gordon and Senate Chair Jason M. Lewis

▶ Provide your name, address, phone number, and organization (if any)

Read a copy of the legislation here ⬇

▶ https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S457

Constituent Services Office Hours: November Week 3

Upcoming Constituent Services Office Hours for next week [November Week 3]

Have a question or concern? Meet with a member of my staff in person.

Official points of contact so that my office can assist you:

(617)-722-1600

Bruce.Tarr@MaSenate.gov

 

Tarr in the News: Rockport Town Hall Project

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.3.25

'Rockport eyes budget, Town Hall and seawall projects'

By Stephen Hagan | Gloucester Daily Times

EXCERPT BELOW:

"Town Administrator Mitch Vieira updated the Select Board at a recent meeting about plans for appropriations coming from the Massachusetts Legislature. He also said plans for improvements to Town Hall, Rockport Public Library, and the Long Beach seawall are moving ahead.

A management meeting was held with department heads and board and committee chairs the afternoon before the meeting, Vieira said.

“We went over our annual budget timeline and process and spoke to the larger pressures that the town is facing.”

The town was recently notified that Gov. Maura Healey has released local earmarks in the state budget — one each from Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, and Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester.

“We are awaiting official word from the state,” Vieira told the Select Board. “A week ago it was we’re hanging onto them indefinitely but now they’re coming through. So, we will see. We’ll wait and see.”

Vieira said the earmark from Tarr’s office amounts to $50,000 for engineering work for the HVAC system at the Rockport Public Library. Although he did not have specific information about Ferrante’s earmark appropriation, he said in past years it typically has amounted to approximately $30,000."

Read full article by visiting:

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_9426ad36-eab4...