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On Thursday, August 7th, I had the honor of sharing remarks during the Purple Heart Ceremony in Ipswich, where Steve Bohn, District Director, Eastern Essex District Department of Veterans’ Services, recognized Purple Heart recipient Tony Reeves, of Ipswich, for the extraordinary sacrifices he made while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Purple Heart, originally designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, at his headquarters in New York, to honor those wounded or killed in service to our nation.
We remain deeply indebted to all Purple Heart recipients for their bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering service to our country. 💜
Upcoming Constituent Services Office Hours for next week [August 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
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Last night, I had the honor of offering opening remarks at, as well as, enjoying the Friday evening performance of Hello, Dolly! presented by the Annisquam Village Players in Annisquam.
The AVP is a special place because for 162 years, our neighbors come onto this stage, perform magic, and reconnect us with the humanity in our souls.
Only tonight and tomorrow remain to see the wonderful cast, crew, and musicians perform this classic, brought to life by talent of all ages from Cape Ann.
📅 Aug. 5–10, 2025
⏰ 7 p.m.
📍 Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard St., Gloucester, MA
🎟 Reserve your tickets today: https://annisquamvillageplayers.com/tickets-to-hello-dolly
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📢TAX-FREE WEEKEND 2025 | AUGUST 9TH & 10TH 📢
The sales tax holiday for 2025 will be held tomorrow, Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10.
Most retail items of up to $2,500 will be exempt from the 6.25% sales tax.
The following items are still taxable and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:
🛍Meals
🛍Motor vehicles
🛍Motorboats
🛍Telecommunications services
🛍Gas
🛍Steam
🛍Electricity
🛍Tobacco products
🛍Marijuana or marijuana products
🛍Alcoholic beverages, and
🛍Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.
For additional information: https://www.mass.gov/.../sales-tax-holiday-frequently...
This parade is always a highlight of Yankee Homecoming, bringing neighbors, families, and visitors together to celebrate the rich spirit and history of our community.
Thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, and participants who make this tradition such a memorable event year after year.
The annual volunteer picnic at the Topsfield Fair was a tremendous showing of appreciation for the hundreds of volunteers whose dedication and countless hours of service make the fair a success year after year and continue a strong tradition of recognizing the importance of agriculture in our communities and our lives.
Thanks volunteers!
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I was delighted to once again join the Ipswich community for their annual Greek Festival this year!
From delicious food and lively music to the warm hospitality of everyone involved, this celebration was a wonderful showcase of culture and community spirit.
Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who make this tradition such a success year after year.
Congratulations to the Gloucester Police Officers and Firefighters who were recently sworn in and received their badges during a ceremony at Gloucester City Hall.
Your professionalism, commitment to public safety, and dedication to keeping us all safe are deeply appreciated each and every day.
Read more about the ceremony and those who were recognized in the Gloucester Daily Times article by Ethan Forman ⬇️
➡️ https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_7749b3c9-b8c6...
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🚨 📢 BEACON HILL SPENDING ALERT 📢 🚨
Today, Thursday, July 31st, the Senate is considerting S.2575, An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects.
This Supplemental Budget bill authorizes $259 million in spending.
This bill was initially filed by Governor Healey on April 3, 2025, and a House version was passed on May 21, 2025.
After reviewing both House & Senate versions, the conference committee produced a compromise conference committee report (S.2575), which adds funding to existing appropriations and supports other activities and projects for fiscal year 2025.
To watch today's formal session LIVE, visit:
▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7509
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Today, Thursday, July 31st in the Senate Chamber, the Senate will be taking up the following legislation during Formal Session set to begin at 11 AM:
📃 S.2549, An Act to promote student learning and mental health
(also known as the Cell Phone Ban bill)
📃 H.4307, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges (also known as Chapter 90 Funding)
You can read copies of the proposed legislation and filed amendments in advance online at the following locations:
▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2549
▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4307
To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE, visit the Live Session Link for TODAY, Thursday, July 31st ⬇
▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7509
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🚨 📢 BEACON HILL SPENDING ALERT 📢 🚨
On Thursday, July 31st, the Senate will consider H.4307, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. This bond bill authorizes $1.185 billion in transportation funding.
This bill was initially filed by Governor Healey on January 24, 2025, and a House version was passed on July 23, 2025.
H.4307 highlights include:
▶️ $300 million for the MassDOT Highway Division for improvements to municipal roads and bridges
▶️ $100 million to be distributed to municipalities on a local road mileage basis
▶️ $500 million for MassDOT’s road and bridge lifecycle asset management program
▶️ $200 million for culvert and small bridge modernization
▶️ $185 million for MassDOT to address safety and congestion hotspots
You can view the full text of the bill at: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4307
To watch Thursday’s formal session LIVE, visit: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7509
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Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber the Senate will be taking up the following legislation on Thursday, July 31st during Formal Session set to begin at 11 AM:
📃 S.2549, An Act to promote student learning and mental health
(also known as the Cell Phone Ban bill)
📃 H.4307, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges (also known as Chapter 90 Funding)
You can read copies of the proposed legislation and filed amendments in advance online at the following locations:
▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2549
▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4307
To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE, visit the Live Session Link for Thursday, July 31st ⬇
▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7509
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WHAT: Free family flicks at Salisbury Beach
WHEN: July 26 at sundown
WHERE: Salisbury Beach, State Reservation Road, Salisbury
Learn more: www.mass.gov/dcr
TARR IN THE NEWS | 7.24.25
'Water rescuers lauded'
Gloucester Daily Times | Article by Ethan Forman
EXCERPTS BELOW:
"“Because we live on Cape Ann, we are blessed to be near the ocean,” Tarr said. “It’s part of our lives. It’s part of our identity and it’s part of who we are. But we understand that being near the ocean and being a port means that it comes with responsibilities as well.
“One of those responsibilities is to be good stewards of the natural environment and the marine resources we are blessed with. But another important responsibility is to recognize that in the marine environment … every one of us who ventures upon the waters or who is in the waters is vulnerable and every one of us has an obligation to address in a time of need someone who is in that vulnerable position.”"
AND
"Tarr said he and state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, who was not in attendance, were honored to offer citations to say thank you “for the character you showed in the face of adversity and thank you for upholding the finest tradition of this community, protecting life at sea.”"
Read the full article by visiting: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_c37275db-b98c...
