Friday, May 30, 2025

Gloucester Center Stage Performance Center Dedication




It was an honor to join the Gloucester Stage for a special celebration recognizing two of their most valued and committed supporters, Susanna Natti and Alan Willsky.

In tribute to their unwavering dedication to the arts and the Gloucester Stage community, the theater has been renamed the "Natti-Willsky Performance Center" as part of their 2025 Building Renaming Ceremony.

I was proud to share remarks at this meaningful event and to celebrate the incredible impact Susanna and Alan have made. Their generosity will inspire creativity and community for years to come.


Matt Pritchard NBC 10 Interview


📢 Missed it LIVE? Watch my interview with NBC10 Boston Political Reporter Matt Prichard RE: the recent adoption of my Regional EMS funding amendment in the FY26 Budget 📢

https://www.nbcboston.com/.../mass-ems-funding.../3727285/

Merrimack Valley Food Bank Launch



Congratulations to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc. on the official public launch of their Feed & Nourish Campaign! 🍽📢

This marks an exciting new chapter as they settle into a new facility designed to serve more families, improve operations, and strengthen the fight against hunger.
Their work is vital to our communities, and this move will allow them to grow and support even more people in need.

Let’s help them continue their mission—learn more and support the campaign: [https://mvfb.org/feed-and-nourish/](https://mvfb.org/feed-and-nourish/) 💚

MassDEP 2026 Clean & Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Project Solicitation Deadline

 📢 MassDEP 2026 Clean & Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Project Solicitation Deadline Details Below📢 

💧 SRF Loan Program offers affordable financing options to cities, towns, and public water utilities to improve water supply infrastructure and drinking water safety. 

💧 The program helps with federal and state water quality requirements of wastewater treatment plants and collection systems; issues related to watershed management priorities, stormwater management, and green infrastructure; and financial assistance to communities to make loans available to homeowners with septic system problems. 

💧 Project Evaluation Forms/applications for the 2026 Intended Use Plan will be accepted until 12:00PM on July 25, 2025.

More information on the SRF program can be found on MassDEP’s website, including information from past briefings and presentations on SRF programming: https://www.mass.gov/.../state-revolving-fund...

Mass Cultural Council FY'25 Festival and Projects Grant Awardees





📢Tarr Announces Mass Cultural Council FY'25 Festival and Projects Grant Awardees 📢

Congratulations to the FY'25 grant recipients who are benefitting from the Festival & Projects Grants in our district! The total investment for this program in our community this year is $32,500.

Festival and Project Grants are used to support organizations that celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity by funding activities that provide public benefit using the arts, humanities, or sciences.

Link to the FY'25 Funding List: https://massculturalcouncil.org/.../funding-list/page/4/







 

MassDOT Gloucester Advisory



📢MassDOT Advisory for Gloucester: Overnight Lane Closures on Route 133 (Essex Avenue)📢

Lane closures scheduled nightly, Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 13 from 8 PM to 5 AM.

GLOUCESTER – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be implementing nightly lane closures along Route 133 (Essex Avenue) between Route 128 and the Essex town line in Gloucester.  These closures will occur nightly, Sunday through Friday, from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning, starting Sunday, June 1, and continuing through Friday, June 13.  The work will allow crews to conduct pavement resurfacing and related work safely and effectively.

Two-way traffic will be maintained to the extent possible.  Alternating traffic and/or detours will be used as needed to complete the work safely.  

This work is being completed under a District Wide Resurfacing contract with D&R General Contractors 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 affected areas 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.

Thursday, May 29, 2025

TARR IN THE NEWS 5.28.25


TARR IN THE NEWS | 5.28.25

'Maura Healey’s hiring freeze begs the question of who should follow suit: Bruce Tarr'
By Matt Medsger | Boston Herald 

"“The governor has illustrated the impact of personal costs on the state budget by implementing a hiring freeze,” he told the Herald.

Her reaction, Tarr said, begs the question of whether a hiring freeze could make a difference elsewhere in state government.

“A serious question remains as to whether the quasi-public agencies will take similar action to control costs in the face of an uncertain future, and the costs that could be avoided by not filling open positions, many of which are highly compensated,” he said."

Read the full article here: https://www.bostonherald.com/.../maura-healeys-hiring.../

Regional EMS Funding Interview


📢 Catch my interview LIVE today NBC10 Boston Political Reporter Matt Prichard RE: the recent adoption of my Regional EMS funding amendment in the FY26 Budget 📢

TODAY, Thursday, 5.29.25 @ 4:30 & 5:30PM on Channel 10.

Supplemental Budget For The Department of Children and Families (DCF) and The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)


On Thursday, May 29th, the Senate will consider S.2521, a Supplemental Budget appropriating funding for $95.5 million to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

This bill was initially filed by Governor Healey on January 23, 2025, and a House version was passed on May 21, 2025. 

You can view the bill at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2521.
To watch the informal session LIVE, visit https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7469.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen One Community at a Time






Memorial Day 2025  

I was truly honored to be able to share remarks at Memorial Day Services held throughout our community, including: Gloucester, North Reading, and Newburyport.

Memorial Day stands as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation and the freedoms we hold dear.

Across the Commonwealth and the country, communities gathered yesterday in remembrance—through plaque dedications, parades, and ceremonies that honored those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Let us reaffirm our enduring commitment to remember, to grieve, and to express profound gratitude for those who wore the uniform and gave their lives in service to others.

I am especially thankful to the dedicated volunteers, veterans’ organizations, public officials, and countless individuals who worked tirelessly to ensure that Memorial Day observances were meaningful and respectful tributes.

May we always honor their memory, cherish their legacy, and never forget the price paid for our liberty.

Memorial Day Assembly and Veterans Luncheon with The Masconomet Regional High School Student Council



Reflecting on the Memorial Day Assembly and Veterans Luncheon, hosted with care and commitment by the Masconomet Regional High School Student Council. 

Each year, this student-led effort brings together students, faculty, veterans, and community members to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day and to pay tribute to those who have served—and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Prior to the assembly, the Student Council hosts a luncheon to personally thank and recognize local veterans who join us. It’s a powerful tradition of gratitude, remembrance, and education, driven by the energy and respect of young leaders in our schools.

This year’s program featured remarks from Mr. Nicholas Parianos, a Masconomet health and wellness teacher and a proud Marine Corps veteran, whose words reminded us of the courage, service, and strength embodied by those in uniform.

While Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, it is heartening to witness the deep sense of community and purpose fostered by events like this—ensuring that the legacy of our veterans is honored and never forgotten.

Civics at the State House


It was a pleasure welcoming the fourth-grade students from Howe-Manning School in Middleton to the State House this week.

Engaging with these bright, inquisitive young minds was a reminder of the importance of civic education and the value of bringing our students into the heart of state government to see democracy in action.

Monday, May 26, 2025

Memorial Day: Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice



“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”- President Franklin D. Roosevelt 

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. 

Let us remember them with gratitude and continue to uphold the values they fought to protect.

Friday, May 23, 2025

The Beaches are Open!



📢 Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the designated swimming areas at state inland and coastal beaches have opened. 📢

Reminder to stay safe while enjoying the water by following safety precautions!

To learn more about water safety, please visit the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) website: https://www.mass.gov/water-safety.

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate: Recap



Last night, the Massachusetts State Senate completed deliberations on its version of the FY26 budget, which included 1,058 amendments for consideration.

I was pleased to advocate for several important initiatives that made it into the final version of the Senate budget, including:

🔹 Increasing transparency through quasi-public payroll reporting

🔹 Supporting maternal health with a new mobile app

🔹 Funding patrols to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale

🔹 Bolstering regional EMS services that are vital to our communities

🔹 Strengthening background checks to keep children in daycares safe

I am committed to continuing advocating in order to ensure these priorities are reflected in the final budget. 

https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr/videos/2515100245522471/

1st annual State House Military Appreciation Day







It was an honor to nominate Dr. Jennifer Cornelius of Rowley to be recognized at the first annual Military Appreciation Day held at the State House.

As a former Flight Surgeon for the 33rd Rescue Squadron and the 44th Fighter Squadron, as well as, a marine with Operation Southern Watch  and Operation Enduring Freedom, her unwavering dedication, service, and commitment to our military community in Massachusetts make her deeply deserving of this recognition.

I was also honored to join my colleague Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District in recognizing her nominee, Bob Snow of Rowley. 

Thank you to the Executive Office of Veterans Services for hosting this important event to celebrate those who have sacrificed so much for our Commonwealth and our nation. 

Remembering the Life and Legacy of Katherine "Kitty" Dukakis




On Wednesday, the Senate recessed in memory of Katherine “Kitty” Dukakis — a trailblazing advocate, former First Lady of Massachusetts, and fierce champion for mental health, refugee children, and Holocaust education. 

It was especially meaningful to have former Governor Michael Dukakis and their son John Dukakis in attendance as we honored her extraordinary life and legacy.


The 2025 Massachusetts Municipal Guide

The 2025 Massachusetts Municipal Guide is a valuable resource for municipal leaders, officials, and residents across the Commonwealth. 

This guide offers comprehensive information on local government operations, contact details for municipal departments, and insights into community services. It serves as a centralized reference to support transparency, efficiency, and informed civic engagement.

To explore the guide and learn more about your local government, visit: https://ma-municipalities.com/2025/

Thursday, May 22, 2025

National Emergency Services Week


 May 18th-24th is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week🚑

As we celebrate National Emergency Medical Services week, thank you to EMS professionals everywhere for all that you do.

Whether it’s in the darkest hours of the night or through the toughest storms, you show up with strength, professionalism, and a steady hand in times of crisis. 

This week, and always, we offer our sincere thanks for your unwavering commitment to public safety, as well as, to the communities you serve each and every day.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate: Senator Kelly Dooner's on the MBTA Communities Act



Yesterday, during the Senate's FY26 budget debate, State Senator Kelly Dooner delivered her inaugural remarks with strength, clarity, and purpose - focusing on the impacts of the MBTA Communities Act, also known as, Chapter 40, Section 3A.

Her remarks reflected the very serious concerns raised by many cities and towns in regards to the application of this law. Those concerns are the reason I filed last year, and once again this year, Amendment #13, '3A Multi-Family Zoning -- MBTA Communities Appeal.'

My proposal directs the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to establish a regulatory process through which a municipality can appeal for relief from the 3A zoning provisions. 

That relief could be granted based on key concerns, such as:

1. Inability to meet drinking water supply requirements,
2. Inadequate wastewater treatment capacity,
3. Insufficient transportation infrastructure to safely support increased population, or
4. Adverse environmental impacts linked to housing developments under the mandate.

Congratulations again to Senator Dooner on a powerful first speech—I know it’s just the beginning of many meaningful contributions to the Senate.

You can see her full inaugural remarks in the following video linked below.
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr/videos/691772300474784/

Boston 25 Budget Interview


📢Missed it LIVE? 📢

Watch my recent interview with Boston 25 News' Ted Daniel RE: my proposed amendment #718 to the Senate FY26 Budget. 

“The most recent reporting makes me even more concerned. Ted, that we are not doing an appropriate job of monitoring who is in these facilities into which the care for our children is being entrusted,” State Senator Tarr said in an interview with Ted Daniel. “Clearly we have to do better and we need to expand the background checks and we also need to increase the penalties for providing false information as it’s being gathered by the Department of Early Education and Care.”

EEC follows federal and state laws and regulations regarding background record checks, which does not include screening for immigration status or international criminal history, an agency spokesperson said.

“My assumption is that every one of my colleagues wants to make sure that daycare facilities are safe, and wants to make sure that we have appropriate monitoring, appropriate background checks. And I think it’s hard to argue with the proposition that those background checks need to be effective and comprehensive as possible,” State Sen. Tarr said. “My hope is that we’ll be able to move forward and make this very simple in many ways, but very powerful change soon.

You can read the language of amendment #718 and the full Senate version of the FY26 budget here: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3/Amendments/Senate

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate: The Debate


Today, the Senate is currently in ongoing deliberations for our $61.33 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

To watch LIVE, click here:
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7461

The budget legislation and all of its amendments can be found here:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3/BillHistory

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

State Senator Kelly Dooner's Inaugural Remarks

 


Today, May 20th, I was proud to witness my Senate Republican Caucus member State Senator Kelly Dooner deliver her inaugural remarks to our fellow Senate colleagues in the Senate Chamber.

Her remarks reflected a strong commitment to her district and the people of Massachusetts, and it is clear she will be a thoughtful and passionate voice in the Senate. 

Congratulations to Senator Dooner on this important milestone—well done!

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate: My Opening Remarks


Yesterday the Senate began deliberations of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, as proposed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. 

To begin the process, I engaged in a colloquy with Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Michael Rodrigues about the mechanics of the budget document, that appropriate $61.33 billion. 

You can watch a portion of our exchange of information in the video clip linked below ⬇

https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr/videos/1509979080373780

TARR IN THE NEWS 5.19.25


TARR IN THE NEWS | 5.19.25

‘A bid for transparency: GOP caucus looks to boost accountability in Senate budget’
Boston Herald Article | Matthew Medsger

Transparency and Accountability: 
"Tarr is joined by Durant and Dooner in offering an amendment — #261 — which would promote “public payroll transparency” by requiring the state’s many quasi-governmental agencies to share their salary data."

Competitiveness:
"The state’s ability to compete with other jurisdictions and attract or maintain talent has been an ongoing concern for policymakers, and this year Tarr and Durant are also pushing for a new study on how to keep the Bay State in the running with its fellow states."

Health Care:
"The study would examine the “costs of taxation, labor, physical space, and health insurance, compared to other states”...Tarr said the state has been doing a similar thing in a piecemeal fashion, but that his proposal would expand the conversations to include non-government entities like labor and business."

Energy Costs:
"After energy bills skyrocketed this winter, Tarr, Durant, and Democrat
Montigny are proposing the creation of an “Energy Cost Containment and Reduction Commission” and a “Natural Gas Cost Containment and Reduction Committee” aimed at analyzing the costs of electricity and gas in the Bay State."

"Tarr said he aims to bring everyone — consumers, energy providers, environmental organizations — together in order to “understand what’s driving those costs.”"

Education Funding:
"Amendment 601, sponsored by Tarr, Dooner, and Fattman, would up the House-budget proposed per-pupil aid from $150 per student to $200 per student. 

"'We need to look at the plight of districts only receiving minimum aid,' Tarr said. 'The immediate lifeline for those districts is increased aid. Recreating the commission — or reactivating it — is the first step in changing the funding formula.'"

Read the full article here: https://www.bostonherald.com/.../a-bid-for-transparency.../

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate: The Formal Senate Debate


Today, the Senate begins its formal debate on our $61.33 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

To watch LIVE, click here:
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7461

The budget legislation and all of its amendments can be found here:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3/BillHistory

Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office Community Tour



📅REMINDER: TOMORROW, Wednesday, May 21st @ 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)

Monday, May 19, 2025

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate: Senate GOP Caucus Budget Priority Amendments



Tomorrow, May 20th, the Massachusetts Senate begins consideration of the 1058 amendments which have been filed for the $61.33 billion FY26 Budget Proposal of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

The Senate Republican Caucus has filed 262 targeted amendments to address major issues affecting Massachusetts. 

These include:

1.) Transparency and Accountability 

2.) Fair and Equitable Education Funding

3.) Health Care Costs

4.) Energy Costs

5.) Competitiveness

The FY26 budget proposal is a good starting point; however, the state’s annual budget must do more than allocate funding. It must set a long-term course that strengthens the Commonwealth’s foundation for growth, opportunity, and fiscal responsibility. 

Please see the Senate GOP Caucus’ key FY26 budget priorities in the following video. 

https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr/videos/1796646161256245

TARR IN THE NEWS 5.19.25

 


TARR IN THE NEWS | 5.19.25

‘MBTA zoning law subject of multiple amendments in Senate’

Boston Herald Article | Matthew Medsger

““We are trying to find a compromise, we are trying to find some middle ground here,” Tarr told the Herald. “We are trying to spend less time and fewer resources and less energy on confrontation, and litigation, and vilification of our communities, and more time creating paths to build housing.”

+++

The proposed rule change would require that every three years the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities “study, analyze, and make determinations” on the number of homes produced under the law, the effects on “municipal water supplies, wastewater treatment, and transportation infrastructure of such units,” and the impacts of increased housing stock on local school districts.

+++

Another Republican proposal (offered as more than one amendment) would allow municipalities to appeal to the state for relief from the zoning law if they find that compliance would result in an inability to meet drinking water or sewage treatment requirements for new units, or would negatively impact the safety on municipal roads, or for “any adverse environmental impacts attributable to the developments of housing units.”

+++

“A proposal offered by Sens. Dooner, Tarr, Peter Durant, and Ryan Fattman would aim to give those cities and towns not directly crossed by an MBTA route but nevertheless defined as an “Adjacent Community” or an “Adjacent Small Town” a further two years to come into compliance with the law.”

+++

According to Tarr, none of these amendments represent a “free pass” for cities and towns not to comply, but rather an acknowledgement that “very real problems” have been identified by those municipalities attempting to.

“We can’t ignore those if our goal is to build housing as opposed to just the blind pursuit of strict technical compliance,” he said.

Link to the full article here: https://www.bostonherald.com/.../mbta-zoning-law-subject.../

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate: The Colloquy

 



Today, Monday, May 19th, myself and Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues will kick off the FY'26 Budget proceedings with an opening colloquy early this afternoon.

To begin the process, I will engage in the opening colloquy with Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Michael Rodrigues about the mechanics of the budget document, that appropriate $61.33 billion.

To watch our colloquy LIVE, click here:
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7461

To access all of the amendments and budget bill, click here:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3/BillHistory

Beginning the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Debate


Tomorrow, the Senate will begin its formal debate on our $61.33 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

Senators have offered 1058 amendments to the budget bill and we are scheduled to start the first of several days of debate on Tuesday, May 20th.

Today, Monday, May 19th, myself and Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues will kick off the FY'26 Budget proceedings with a colloquy early afternoon.

To watch our colloquy LIVE, click here:

https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7461

To access all of the amendments and budget bill, click here:

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3/BillHistory

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Celebrating Service: The Rotary Club of Gloucester’s Paul Harris





This past Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Club of Gloucester’s Paul Harris Service Award Ceremony, where the club honored one of their own—Leo Bergeron—with their highest distinction for community service.

The Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the community, and Leo is a shining example of that spirit. I was proud to present a Senate citation in recognition of his dedication and hard work to mark the occasion. 

Congratulations to Leo and thank you to the Gloucester Rotary for continuing to highlight and support service that strengthen our community.

Democracy in Action Across the District


This week I had the chance to attend several town meetings, including the Ipswich and North Andover 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!



Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Video Shoot




This past week, I had the opportunity to join the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) for a video shoot at the Firefighters Memorial outside the State House. 

It was an honor to speak about the vital role the PFFM plays on Beacon Hill — their tireless work to protect public safety, their respected voice in the Legislature, and our continued collaboration on issues that matter to first responders and the communities they serve.

Thank you to PFFM for the invitation and for everything you do, every day. 

TARR IN THE NEWS 5.16.25



TARR IN THE NEWS | 5.16.25

'RMLD Commissions 10 MW Energy Storage System in North Reading'
By Editor | Reading Recap 

Excerpt below:

"The Reading Municipal Light Department’s new River Park Energy Storage System in North Reading is a powerful example of innovation driving progress,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “This new facility is proof positive that municipal light departments can move our state’s clean energy agenda forward, with benefits including shaving costs during peak demand periods and making power from renewable energy sources consistently available."

Read full article here: https://www.readingrecap.com/2025/05/16/💡-rmld-commissions-10-mw-energy-storage-system-in-north-reading/


Celebrating Armed Forces Day: The Unpayable Debt



To the brave men and women now serving in our Armed Forces—whether you are patrolling distant seas, flying dangerous skies, or standing guard here at home—your daily vigilance secures the liberty we hold dear. 

The Commonwealth will never forget the debt we owe you.

TARR IN THE NEWS 5.6.25



TARR IN THE NEWS | 5.6.25 

'Essex Town Meeting approves override request'
By Stephen Hagan | Gloucester Daily Times 

Excerpt below:

"State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, updated meeting attendees about the status of the Massachusetts budget. State lawmakers are developing a budget aimed at getting more money into the hands of local school districts, he said.

“We are working very hard to increase the per-pupil number,” Tarr said. “It’s great to see so many people who care about this town.”"

Link to full article: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_eb8ac6ce-4b88...
 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Week

To raise awareness about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed May 11–17, 2025, as MCS Awareness Week in Massachusetts. 

MCS is a complex and often debilitating condition triggered by everyday chemical exposures. Improving indoor air quality, adopting scent-free policies, and using less-toxic products can make a real difference—not only for those with MCS but for public health overall.

As Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week comes to a close, may we continue to expand understanding, support those affected, and take meaningful steps to prevent future harm.

Learn more: www.maci-mcs.org or by calling 978-681-5117