National Intern Day

Today on National Intern Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the interns who are an integral part of our team.

From helping constituents to supporting our legislative work, they bring energy, fresh ideas, and a strong commitment to public service. Their dedication truly helps make a difference for the constituents in our communities.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of our interns—past and present—for the difference they make each and every day.

Their contributions have created a lasting impact on our office and the people we serve that will endure for years to come.

BEACON HILL SPENDING ALERT

 

🚨 📢 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

Senate Session July 31, 2025

 

Follow This Link to watch a recording of proceedings ⬇

https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr/videos/644861655312306

Today In The Chamber 7.31.25

 

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

BEACON HILL SPENDING ALERT

 

🚨 📢 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

This Week In The Chamber 7.28.25

 

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

G4A.LIFE GOLF TOURNAMENT

📅 SAVE-THE-DATE | AUGUST 25TH, 2025 | G4A.LIFE GOLF TOURNAMENT📅

⛳The Golf Fore Addiction 2v2 Scramble Tournament at the Ferncroft Country Club ⛳

📅 WHEN: Monday, August 25, 2025

📍 WHERE: Ferncroft Country Club

$500 per 2-person team. Cash prizes, banquet, gifts, and more!

All proceeds go to fighting addiction and expanding access to recovery through golf.

🎟️ Online: Register now at G4A.life

📧 Email: golfforeaddiction@gmail.com

📞 Call: Brian Behunin – (774) 392-0705

Mark your calendars and be part of something meaningful. Let’s fill the void and drive the passion—together.

Free Family Flicks at Salisbury Beach

 🎥 🍿 SAVE-THE-DATE 🍿 🎥 

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 7.25.25

 

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...

Today In The Chamber 7.24.25

 

Today in the Senate Chamber the Senate will be taking up the following legislation during Thursday, July 24th's Formal Session at 12 PM:

📃 S.2348, An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

📃 S.137, An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities

AND

📃S.1034, An Act relative to archaic laws

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

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2348

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S137

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1034

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

▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7504

CPR and AED NBC 10 Interview

 

📢 Missed it LIVE? 📢 

Watch my interview with NBC10 Boston Reporter Malcolm Johnson highlighting my proposed legislation relative to requiring CPR and AED certification as a high school graduation requirement ⬇️ 

https://www.nbcboston.com/.../should-cpr-be-a.../3773923/

This Week In The Chamber 7.23.25

 

Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber the Senate will be taking up the following legislation during Thursday, July 24th's Formal Session at 12 PM:

📃 S.2348, An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

📃 S.137, An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities

AND

📃S.1034, An Act relative to archaic laws

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

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2348

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S137

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1034

To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE, visit Thursday, July 24th's Live Session Link ⬇

▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7504

Honoring 90 Year of Fine Fried Cuisine: Ipswich's Clam Box

 

I was pleased to help celebrate a remarkable milestone for a true local landmark—the Clam Box of Ipswich—as it marked 90 years of serving generations of customers with its iconic fried clams.

To commemorate the occasion, I had the honor of presenting an official Senate citation—along with my House colleague Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District—in recognition of the Clam Box’s contributions to our region’s economy, culture, and culinary tradition. 

Owner Johanna Aggelakis and her hardworking team embody the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our small businesses thriving: dedication to quality, hard work, loyal customer support, and innovation. Their recent addition of steamers to the menu is the latest example of innovation at its best.

The celebration also marked the Clam Box’s newest chapter as a member of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, a strong partner in supporting and promoting businesses across the region. 

Congratulations to everyone at the Clam Box on 90 incredible years, and best wishes for continued success in the years ahead!

Read all about their celebration in The Local News' article by John Muldoon:

▶https://thelocalnews.news/.../clam-box-celebrates-its.../

My Testimony on S.456 (CPR and Defibrillator Graduation Requirements)

Today, July 21st, I joined Newburyport High School student Madeleine Jackman, as well as, Kyle McWilliam-Lopez, the Executive Director of the Northeastern Chapter of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts on a panel providing testimony in support of my CPR legislation (S.456) I sponsored this session at the Joint Committee on Education's Public Hearing in Gardner Auditorium. 

📃S.456, An Act requiring instruction in CPR and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation which would make CPR certification a high school graduation requirement.

Thank you to constituent and co-sponsor of this bill, Madeleine Elizabeth Jackman, whose personal story inspired S.456. 

Thank you also to Kyle McWilliam-Lopez and the American Red Cross for their advocacy and support of our efforts to expand this life-saving emergency medical certification to include CPR as a graduation requirement for high school students in Massachusetts. 

You can read a copy of the proposed legislation online at the following location:

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S456

To watch the full Joint Committee on Education Public Hearing, visit: 

 https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5299

 

Appreciating Amateur Radio Operators

Amateur radio operators play a vital role in keeping our communities connected—especially in times of crisis—and this year’s ARRL Field Day with the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA) was a great opportunity to see their dedication in action.

I had the pleasure of attending this important event in Gloucester and presenting an official Governor’s Proclamation recognizing Amateur Radio Week in Massachusetts. 

Field Day highlights not only the technical skill of these operators but also their commitment to public service and emergency preparedness.

Thank you to CAARA for inviting me and for all you do to ensure that when traditional communication systems go down, there’s always a signal getting through.

FY'25 Cultural Facilities Fund Grant Recipient Awardees

📢Tarr Announces the Mass Cultural Council and MassDevelopment FY'25 Cultural Facilities Fund Grant Recipient Awardees 📢

Congratulations to the FY'25 grant recipients who are benefitting from the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) Grant! The total investment in our community for this program this year is $220,000.

Jointly administered by MassDevelopment and Mass Cultural Council, CFF provides grants to nonprofits, colleges, and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities, and sciences. Grant funds will be used for projects in construction, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and the acquisition of cultural facilities.

Link to the FY'25 CFF Grant Funding list: https://massculturalcouncil.org/.../cult.../project-list/...

 

Free family flicks at Salisbury Beach

 🎥 🍿 SAVE-THE-DATE 🍿 🎥 

WHAT: Free family flicks at Salisbury Beach

WHEN: July 19, July 26 at sundown 

WHERE: Salisbury Beach, State Reservation Road, Salisbury 

Learn more: www.mass.gov/dcr

TARR IN THE NEWS 7.14.25

 

TARR IN THE NEWS | 7.14.25

'Marina owners critical of Essex River dredging work'

By Stephen Hagan | @Gloucester Daily Times 

Excerpt below: 

"Meanwhile, the marina owners have been in communication with Select Board Chair Alva Ingaharro and state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, regarding their concerns."

AND 

"Last week, Tarr acknowledged that there have been problems.

“I think we were all disappointed the time frame didn’t allow for the marinas to have their dredging done this season,” he said. “There were also some serious concerns about the effectiveness of the dredging project that was done.”

However, Tarr said the project has not been formally closed yet and the work is still subject to a post-project survey “that will tell us about the results so far.” A meeting should take place within “the next few weeks” to update stakeholders on the project’s status.

“We waited a long time for the project to happen,” he said. “It’s imperative that we get as much accomplished with the project as we can and that we maximize its benefits.”"

Read the full article here ⬇

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_42c1e4d2-bfc9...

Daycare Background Checks Interview

📢Missed it LIVE? 📢

Watch my recent interview with Boston 25 News' Ted Daniel on 25 Investigates highlighting my proposed legislation relative to daycare provider background checks.

Link to interview ⬇

https://www.boston25news.com/.../2GEPENZXJRBVDEATZP7J2CTACM/

Spirit of Adventure Council of the Scouts of America Annual Recognition Dinner

 

Last month, I had the distinct honor of receiving the North Star Award from the Spirit of Adventure Council of the Scouts of America during their Annual Recognition Dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Woburn.

This prestigious award—bestowed on behalf of the National Court of Honor and presented by local councils—recognizes non-registered individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the mission of Scouting.

I’m deeply grateful to the Council for this recognition, and I commend all those at the Spirit of Adventure Council for the outstanding work they do to shape character, leadership, and service in young people throughout our region.

TARR IN THE NEWS 7.14.25

TARR IN THE NEWS | 7.14.25

Rowley’s Bob Snow, Jennifer Cornelius recognized at State Military Appreciation Day'

By Amy Palmer | The Local News 

Excerpt below: 

Cornelius, like Snow, was recognized on Military Appreciation Day for her “extraordinary contributions both at home and abroad,” Tarr said. 

Her military career began in 1993, when the Air Force awarded her a Health Professions Scholarship, which paid for her medical school in exchange for four years of service. 

After graduating from Thomas Jefferson University’s med school and training with the Air Force during the summers, Cornelius was assigned in 1997 to the HH-60 Black Hawk rescue squadron based in Okinawa, Japan. 

As a flight surgeon, her primary responsibility was to take care of the pilot, their family, technicians, and crew support. Cornelius was trained in aerospace medicine and combat casualty care, and sometimes she became part of the training herself.

Two years later, Cornelius joined a fighter squadron and flew in an F-15 Eagle. After the Sept. 11 attacks, she deployed to Saudi Arabia for three months, she said.

After contacting Tarr’s office and sharing her story, Cornelius said she was both honored and surprised to learn that he nominated her for recognition at Military Appreciation Day.

Tarr told the Local News that Cornelius is a “noble veteran who exemplifies the highest standards of military service, medical excellence, and unwavering dedication to others.” 

“Her commitment and sacrifice for our nation deserves our deepest respect, gratitude, and recognition,” he said.

 

Today In The Chamber 7.17.25

 

Today in the Senate Chamber the Senate will be taking up the following legislation during Formal Session at 12 PM:

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.1052 An Act Relative to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (S.2550)

AND

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.2537, An Act relative to Fairness in Debt Collection (S.2551)

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

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2550

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2551

To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE today, visit ⬇

▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7499

The 74th Annual International Dory Races

 

FY'25 Municipal Small Bridge Program Grant Awardees

📢Tarr Announces FY'25 Municipal Small Bridge Program Grant Awardees 📢

Congratulations to the FY’25 grant recipients for the Municipal Small Bridge Program!

Municipal Small Bridge Program Grants offer funding to cities and towns for replacing, preserving, and rehabilitating qualifying bridges.

This year, our community will benefit from a total investment of $1 million dollars through this program in the towns of North Reading and Rowley.

These projects, supported by the Municipal Small Bridge Program Grants, are transforming our district for the better. 

 

The Growing North Shore Business Community

 

Recently, I had the honor of joining Cape Ann Works, students, local leaders, and community members at the ribbon cutting of The Blacksmith Shop Café—a major step toward transforming a historic site located in Rockport into a year-round restaurant and hospitality workforce training center.

I was honored to mark this momentous occasion with the presentation of an official Senate citation and highlighted the journey that brought this vision to life - emphasizing that when a community comes together, things get done.

Thanks to the leadership of Executive Director Mechelle Brown, the CAW Board, and the collaboration of local and state officials, restaurants, and residents, this long-shuttered space is being reimagined with purpose—and coffee, pastries, and opportunity are already being served up fresh.

To learn more about this exciting new project, read the Gloucester Daily Times article: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_b81a689b-6024...

Learn more about Cape Ann Wo#statesenatorbrucetarr 

Photo Credit: DAVID SOKOL | Gloucester Daily Times Staff

This Week In The Chamber 7.15.25

 

Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber the Senate will be taking up the following legislation during Thursday, July 17th's Formal Session at 12 PM:

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.1052 An Act Relative to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (S.2550)

AND

📃 The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.2537, An Act relative to Fairness in Debt Collection (S.2551)

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

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2550

▶https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2551

To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE, visit Thursday, 7/17's Live Session Link ⬇

▶https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7499

NBC 10 Dory Race Interview

 

📢 Missed it LIVE? Watch my interview with NBC10 Boston Political Reporter Matt Prichard featuring the 74th International Dory Races between the U.S. and Canada in Gloucester this past Saturday, July 12th  📢

Thanks MASSDOT

 

Thank you to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for quickly responding to our request to replace and remap the lights on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge in Gloucester.

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

 

🚨REMINDER - DEADLINE APPROACHING: APPLICATIONS DUE ON JULY 25, 2025🚨

📢 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...

TARR IN THE NEWS 7.8.25

 

TARR IN THE NEWS | 7.8.25 

'Science Central at O'Maley Innovation Middle School gets $100K boost' 

By Ethan Forman | Gloucester Daily Times 

Excerpt below: 

"The Science Central Program at O’Maley Innovation Middle School is getting a $100,000 boost thanks to state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, who with support from state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, secured an earmark for the program in the $1.3 billion fiscal 2025 Surtax Supplemental Budget.

“O’Maley’s Science Central program is an outstanding example of what’s possible when innovation, creativity, and a commitment to student success come together,” Tarr said in a prepared statement. “This funding will help sustain and expand a model that’s not only engaging students but also transforming the way teachers and schools think about education.”"

AND

"The earmark complements further efforts at the state level to expand programs like Science Central.

In addition to securing the local earmark, Tarr sponsored a bill to establish the Middle School Innovation Fund, which would support middle-school educators in developing project-centered and interdisciplinary learning programs tailored to their communities.

“Middle school is a pivotal time in a student’s educational journey, and we need to give our educators the tools to inspire, engage, and innovate during those critical years,” he said. “I filed this legislation to create a dedicated source of funding that empowers schools to develop hands-on, interdisciplinary programs — like O’Maley’s Science Central — that ignite curiosity and prepare students for the challenges of the future.”"

To read the full article, visit: https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_0fba40d0-eff4...

International Dory Race Interview

📢 Catch a sneak peek of my interview with NBC10 Boston Political Reporter Matt Prichard from Gloucester Harbor, where we got an up-close view of the International Dory Races between Gloucester, MA and Lunenburg, Novia Scotia📢

🛶 TODAY, Saturday, 7.12.25 @ 6:00PM & 11:00PM on Channel 10🌊

Thank you to NBC10 for highlighting this remarkable maritime tradition—led by the Gloucester International Dory Racing Committee in partnership with the Canadian Dory Racing Association.

 

For over 70 years, these two organizations have fostered international friendship and goodwill through spirited competition between Gloucester and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, while preserving the rich maritime heritage that defines our coastal communities.

Learn more at https://internationaldories.com

Honoring Independence: Thank You

 

Thank you to everyone who organized, volunteered, marched, and came out to a 4th of July parade to help celebrate our great nation! 

Our #TeamTarr band and marchers were greeted with lots of smiles, handshakes and cheers. 

Here are a few photos from our parade marches through Gloucester, Manchester, and Rockport over the Fourth of July holiday. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year! 

Massachusetts Cultural Council Fiscal Year 2025 Creative Individual Grant Recipient Awardees

 

📢Tarr Announces Mass Cultural Council FY'25 Creative Individual Grant Recipient Awardees 📢

Congratulations to the FY'25 grant recipients who are benefitting from the $5,000 Creative Individual Grant! The total investment in our community for this program this year is $35,000.

Grants for Creative Individuals is Mass Cultural Council’s primary funding program to support Massachusetts artists and creatives. It provides unrestricted financial support to artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners to equitably advance creative expression throughout the Commonwealth.

Link to the FY'25 Funding list: https://massculturalcouncil.org/.../grants-for-creative.../

Free family flicks at Salisbury Beach

 

🎥 🍿 SAVE-THE-DATE 🍿 🎥 

WHAT: Free family flicks at Salisbury Beach

WHEN: July 12, July 19, July 26 at sundown 

WHERE: Salisbury Beach, State Reservation Road, Salisbury 

Learn more: www.mass.gov/dcr

CATA First Customer Appreciation Day and Building Dedication Ceremony

 

It was a pleasure to join CATA for their First Annual Customer Appreciation Day and Building Dedication Ceremony last month at their headquarters in Gloucester.

I was honored to share remarks and present an official Senate citation in recognition of this special occasion, which included dedicating the CATA building in memory of former Administrator Paul F. Talbot—whose legacy of service continues to impact our region.