Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office Community Tour

📅SAVE-THE-DATE: Wednesday, May21st @ 1PM📅

Invitation to Healey-Driscoll Administration Federal Funds & Infrastructure Gloucester Information

Join members of the Healey-Driscoll Administration on May 21st in Gloucester to hear how the administration can support North Shore area communities' priority funding needs for infrastructure projects.   

This event will be hosted by Massachusetts Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey, and the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office (FFIO).

Join to learn about state and federal funding opportunities, technical assistance resources, and matching funds available for municipalities, nonprofits, and other Massachusetts entities.  

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet directly with Healey-Driscoll administration officials about funding needs, including Director Palfrey, officials from MassDOT, and other members of the administration.   

The event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. 

EVENT DETAILS:

FFIO Community Information Tour, Cape Ann/North Shore regional area: 

• Register here: Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../ffio-community-tour...

• Date and time: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 1pm (Doors open at 12:30pm) 

• Location: Kyrouz Auditorium, Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue, 2nd Floor, Gloucester 

• Parking: On-street and lot parking available nearby 

• Questions? Contact the Collins Center at UMass Boston’s Karen Canfield (karen.canfield@umb.edu)

May 2026 Merrimac River Beach Alliance Meeting

This past Friday, as MRBA Chair, I had the privilege of convening and participating in a Merrimack River Beach Alliance meeting at Salisbury Beach—a strong example of collaboration among local, state, and federal partners working together to protect and preserve our coastline.

I was also deeply honored to receive an award from the Salisbury Board of Selectmen for my role in supporting the nourishment project—an effort whose success would not have been possible without the shared vision and leadership of so many. 

This recognition is a meaningful reminder of what can be achieved when we come together in service of our communities and their natural resources.

During the meeting, we also covered several additional topics, including:  

• A sand placement update from Tom Hughes and myself 

• A detailed discussion with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon about the jetties and their impact on the beach system  

• An exciting update on the MIT artificial reef initiative, presented by Juliet Simpson, Ben Bray, and Ansel Garcia-Langley  

• Recognition of individuals and organizations whose dedication made the Salisbury nourishment project possible, presented by the Town of Salisbury  

• A presentation from Mr. Sacks on a proposal for privately sponsored sand placement at the North Point fill section

  

The work continues, but thanks to our strong partnerships, the future of Salisbury Beach and our shoreline is bright.

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Proposal

Today, I released the following statement regarding the Senate Ways and Means Committee FY26 State Budget Proposal.

National Nurses Week

Today, as we kickoff National Nurses Week, let us celebrate and honor the incredible dedication, compassion, and skill of nurses across our Commonwealth and around the world.

Nurses are at the heart of our healthcare system—serving on the front lines, caring for patients in times of greatest need, and providing comfort and hope with every shift. Their unwavering commitment makes a profound difference in the lives of so many every single day.

Let us take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude for all that nurses do, and recommit ourselves to supporting them in their vital work. Thank you to all nurses—you truly embody the spirit of service and strength.

National Teachers' Day

 

Today is National Teachers' Day, a time to recognize and thank the educators who make a lasting difference in our lives.

Each of us can remember a teacher who inspired us, challenged us, or gave us the confidence to reach further. In a state that leads the nation in education, we know just how powerful the role of a teacher is—for our children, our communities, and the future of our Commonwealth.

To every teacher: thank you for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day.

Supplemental Budget due for Senate Consideration

On Thursday, May 8th, the Senate will consider S.2512, a Supplemental Budget centered around funds received in the current fiscal year (FY25), from the Surtax on Income over $1 Million, in excess of the expected amount accounted for in the FY25 State Budget (also known as the General Appropriations Act).  

This bill was initially filed by Governor Healey on January 23, 2025, and a House version was passed on April 9, 2025.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means has proposed a version of this budget that contains $1.3 billion in spending and 317 amendments have been filed by Senators to change that committee version of the bill. 

You can view the bill and filed amendments at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2512.

 

Constituent Services Office Hours

 

Upcoming Constituent Services Office Hours for next week 

[May week 2]  

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

Fresh Air & Friendship: Topsfield's New Patio

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of joining the Town of Topsfield and the Council on Aging for a wonderful ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the newly completed Council on Aging Patio at Town Hall.

This new space is a meaningful addition to the community—providing a welcoming, accessible place for gathering, conversation, and connection for Topsfield’s seniors. It was an honor to join in recognizing this thoughtful investment in the well-being of our older residents.

Thank you to everyone who made this project possible and to all who came out to celebrate!

 

International Firefighters Day

Today, on International Firefighters Day, we honor the bravery, dedication, and selfless service of firefighters here in Massachusetts and around the world. 

These heroes put their lives on the line every day to protect our families, homes, and communities. 

Let’s take a moment to thank them for all they do — not just today, but every day.

Talking TD

 

Did you know there are at least 800K adults in the U.S. living with tardive dyskinesia (TD)?

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder associated with the use of antipsychotic medication used to treat mental health conditions. 

Let’s break the stigma and raise awareness by recognizing that May 4-10 is #TDAwarenessWeek. 

Learn more: TalkAboutTD.com.

Food Resources & The Enchanted Forest

 

The Open Door’s Empty Bowl event is always a meaningful tradition in our community—but this year was a truly spectacular and spirit-lifting event.

With its magical theme of "enchanted forest" coupled with the generosity of our community, Thursday evening brought people together in a powerful show of support for life-changing food resource programs that will serve families across our region this summer.

Guests chose from a beautiful array of handcrafted bowls, enjoyed delicious soup, a roll, and a cookie to-go, and left with a lasting reminder that somewhere, someone’s bowl is still empty.

Thank you to The Open Door and everyone involved in making this year's event such a memorable success. 

Improving Infrastructure: Middle Street Bridge Replacement Begins

Congratulations to the Town of West Newbury and the City of Newburyport for working together to replace the Middle Street bridge that spans between the two communities.  I was happy to help facilitate that collaboration.

Yesterday, the below attendees and I visited the Middle Street Bridge as construction is now underway to repair this important connection between West Newbury and Newburyport:

➡️ Angus Jennings, West Newbury Town Manager  

➡️ West Newbury Selectboard Members, Chair Wendy Reed and Vice-Chair Rick Parker  

➡️ Richard “Butch” Hills, West Newbury Highway Superintendent 

➡️ Mayor Sean Reardon, City of Newburyport  

➡️ Newburyport Council President Ed Cameron and City Councilor Jim McCauley 

➡️ Members of the Department of Public Services of Newburyport

Raise the Woof Gala 5.8.25

MSPCA-Angell is having their Annual ''Raise the Woof" Gala

Learn more: https://www.mspca.org/featured_events/raise-the-woof/

Health and Dental Coverage Workshop

SAVE-THE-DATE: Mark your calendar for May 7, 12-1 PM. 

Join the Health Connector and MassHealth for a free online webinar to explore health and dental coverage after losing employer insurance. 

Register to secure your spot at https://malink.co/webinar-050725

Champions in the Chamber

Congratulations to the Georgetown High School Boys Basketball Team on their historic victory in the MIAA Division 4 State Championship—the first in the school’s history!

To mark this outstanding achievement, I was pleased to welcome the team to the Massachusetts State House for a tour and to present them with an official Senate citation in recognition of their hard work, teamwork, and perseverance.

My house colleague Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District also joined to present them with House citations, as well.

This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, families, and the entire Georgetown community. I look forward to seeing more great things from this team in seasons to come.

 

Democracy in Action Across the District

This week I had the chance to attend several town meetings, including the Groveland, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Newbury Town Meetings.

 

It’s always inspiring to witness so many engaged residents actively participating in the democratic process and helping to shape the decisions that matter most to their communities—thank you to all who took the time to participate!

30 Years of Service: Honoring Alan Wilson

Congratulations to Alan Wilson on 30 years of dedicated service to the Town of Manchester by the Sea as their Town Moderator! 

It has been an honor to work with you.

 

TARR IN THE NEWS 5.2.25

TARR IN THE NEWS | 04.29.25

'Healey administration awards nearly $1 million to Ipswich River communities'

The Local News Article by Trevor Meek

Excerpt below:

"“The availability and quality of water are essential to our lives, and these grants fund tools to ensure that we have safe water supplies now and for the future,” Senator Bruce Tarr said."

Read the full article at this link: https://thelocalnews.news/.../healey-administration.../

First Time Homebuyers Workshop

 

SAVE-THE-DATE: Gloucester Housing Authority VIRTUAL 'First Time Homebuyers Workshop" 

The GHA is pleased to offer an online "First Time Homebuyers Workshop."

The course is administered by Frameworks for a series of seven (7) video lessons.

Each lesson contains 3 to 4 topics including: How much can you afford, the mortgage process, how to improve your credit and steps in the closing process. Upon successful completion of the workshop you are required to meet with one of our counselors prior to having your certificate issued. The certificate is a requirement to qualify for certain mortgage and grant programs. 

The course cost, including follow-up interview, is $100 per household.

https://learn.frameworkhomeownership.org/ghama

Questions? Call Mary Matthews at 978-281-4770, ext. 110.

Shaping a Brighter Future: Shriners Children’s Boston's Systemwide Research Conference

 

I was honored to speak at the opening dinner for the Shriners Children’s Boston's recent Systemwide Research Conference held at the Paul S. Russell Museum.

This event brought together clinicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders from across the Shriners network to highlight innovations in burn care and craniofacial treatment.

It was a privilege sharing what inspired me to become an Aleppo Shriner, and why Shriners Children's Boston holds a special place in my heart. The commitment of this institution to providing life-changing care—regardless of a family’s ability to pay—is a powerful reminder of what compassion and innovation can achieve when combined.

Massachusetts continues to be a global leader in medical research, and the work being done at Shriners Children’s Boston is a shining example of how this important research is driving better outcomes for children in need.

Thank you to everyone who made this important gathering possible and to the Shriners Children's Boston for the invitation to attend. 

Your dedication is shaping a brighter future for patients and families everywhere.

Welcoming the Newcomers: The Growing North Shore Small Business Community

Congratulations to the newest members of our local small business community!

Classified Realty Group | North Andover

Attorney Arlene M. Keating LLC | Newburyport

(www.arlenemkeatingllc.com)

Rocky's Ace Hardware - Gloucester | Gloucester

Remembering Those Lost on the Job: Workers' Memorial Day Presentation

It was an honor to participate in the USMWF United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities' Annual Workers Memorial Day Presentation this year, joining Rena Harrington, President of USMWF and courageous advocate who continues to turn personal tragedy into a force for change.\

We must never forget Rena’s son, Justin, or any of the workers who tragically lost their lives on the job—and we must continue to support the families who live with that loss every day. As USMWF reminds us, “the greatest casualty is to be forgotten.”

Thank you to USMWF for their unwavering efforts to promote safer workplaces and prevent future tragedies. Going to work should never be a grave mistake.

My remarks begin at 12 minutes and 23 seconds, and I invite you to take a moment to watch and reflect: 

https://drive.google.com/.../1iG7dS3gyfCOpWbbrBt0n99.../view

To learn more about their important mission, please visit: https://usmwf.org

The Child Passenger Safety Education and Assistance Program

 

Child Passenger Safety Education and Assistance Program

This initiative aims to reduce child passenger injuries and fatalities by partnering with eligible organizations to ensure that low-income families are equipped with the correct car seat and that caregivers are educated on proper installation and use.

Through this program, eligible organizations may request car seats to distribute to families in need. These seats must be properly installed by a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. The program is funded by federal grants awarded to OGR by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Eligibility:

To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be a Massachusetts municipal or state agency, a not-for-profit hospital, or a 501(c)(3) organization serving children and/or families;

• Have at least one certified CPS Technician on staff who is currently performing in-person car seat checks;

• Meet all additional eligibility criteria outlined in the Solicitation of Applications.

Organizations interested in becoming certified can learn more about training opportunities to become a CPS Technician.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or until August 31, 2025, whichever comes first.

• Note: Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply Here: https://www.mass.gov/.../child-passenger-safety-education...

Mental Health Awareness Month

 May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, fight stigma, and remind each other that mental health matters every day. 

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, know this: you are not alone, and help is available — both statewide and locally in our communities.

✅ Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line – 24/7 support: Call or Text 833-773-2445 | masshelpline.com

✅ Samaritans Statewide Helpline – 877-870-4673  

✅ 988-Lifeline –  Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Call 988 | 988lifeline.org

✅ NAMI Helpline – Call 1-800-950-6264, text "HelpLine" to 62640, or email at helpline@nami.org.

✅ NAMI Cape Ann – Local support, resources, and programs: namicapeann.org

Let us continue building a culture of compassion, connection, and care. Everyone deserves access to the resources they need for mental wellness.