Celebrating the Reopening of the Sawyer Free Library

Renewed Sawyer Free Library: 'A remarkable commitment to our future'

Earlier this month, I had the honor of participating in the historic Gloucester Sawyer Free Library Ribbon Cutting and Re-Opening Celebration, ‘Turning a New Page: 2025 Earlier this month, I had the honor of participating in the historic Gloucester Sawyer Free Library Ribbon Cutting and Re-Opening Celebration, ‘Turning a New Page: 2025 Free Library.’

The completion of this project creates a place for all of us to find the very best that lies within. The Sawyer Free Library connects us to the unyielding potential of information and knowledge, limited only by our imagination and our willingness to use it. The Sawyer Free Library is a beacon of hope for our generation and for generations to come.

It was inspiring to join with so many dedicated leaders and community members to celebrate this new chapter for Gloucester. Special thanks to my fellow speakers: Mern Sibley, chair of the Board of Trustees; Jenny Benedict, library director; Jessica Vilas Novas, commissioner of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners; Mayor Greg Verga of Gloucester; Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll; and State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante.

I am also deeply grateful to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Board of Trustees, the Library Board of Directors, the Friends of the Sawyer Free Library, state and local officials, the incredible library staff, corporate sponsors, and all of the individual donors who made this years-long dream a reality.

As we turn the page on a new month, its fitting that October is National Book Month — the perfect time to read a new book, revisit a tried and true favorite, visit your local library, or learn more about how you can become part of our local legacy: https://www.sawyerfree2025.org/

Read all about the dedication ceremony in the article by Ethan Forman at the Gloucester Daily Times:

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_fba91c82-e742...

Johnson Playground Ribbon Cutting

I was pleased to have my Senior District Director, Mary Ann Nay, attend on my behalf the Town of Boxford’s recent Johnson Playground ribbon cutting ceremony.

A special thank you to the Recreation Committee and Chair Lisa Donahue for leading this effort over the past four years, as well as the Permanent Building Committee and DPW Superintendent Chris Olbrot for their work on engineering, permitting, and construction.

Thanks also to the Community Preservation Committee and Boxford residents for approving CPA funds at Town Meeting and for their generous donations.

Looking forward to seeing families and residents enjoying this revitalized community space! 

Establishing a Regional Compact on Nuclear Fusion Energy

Earlier this month, I provided testimony before the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources relative to my bill, S.673, An Act to Establish a Regional Compact on Nuclear Fusion Energy.

Key highlights of this legislation include:

• Creating a regional compact for nuclear fusion research and development with Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut.
• Charging the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in partnership with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, to design and execute the compact.
• Developing a strategy for regulatory approvals, financing, and operating nuclear fusion research reactors.
• Funding model includes contributions from member states, with additional support possible from additional donations, grants, and/or the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Establishing a Fusion Research Council led by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs with representatives from academia, employers, organized labor, nuclear research, and taxpayers. Council responsibilities include meeting quarterly to guide the initiative.
• Inviting member states to appoint their own representatives to participate in the compact.
• Requiring a legislative proposal within one year outlining the compact’s plan.
• Mandating progress reports with budget estimates and recommendations for legislative or regulatory improvements, presented at least quarterly to legislative committees.

You can read the full text of the bill by visiting:

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S673

Tarr in the News: Traffic Safety Improvements in Rowley

TARR IN THE NEWS | 9.25.25

'Rowley intersection of Haverhill and Main streets considered for traffic safety improvements'

By Amy Palmer | The Local News

Excerpt below:

'Help from Sen. Tarr'

"The selectmen also voted to contact Sen. Bruce Tarr for assistance with traffic safety improvements at the intersection.

Tarr told the Local News that his staff is in communication with MassDOT officials about next steps, including a site visit they are hoping to coordinate in the immediate future.

“The current state of this intersection clearly gives rise to some serious safety concerns, and I appreciate the board’s actions to highlight those concerns and seek effective action to address them,” Tarr said.

“I am committed to working with town and state officials to make the intersection safer for motorists, pedestrians, and the community,” he added."

Read the full article here:

https://thelocalnews.news/.../rowley-intersection-of.../

Fall Foliage Map

DCR Unveils 2025 Interactive Fall Foliage Map

The Department of Conservation and Recreation has released its interactive map showing when and where to catch peak foliage at state parks across Massachusetts this fall.

Plan your visit and experience the Fall season at its best!

Explore the map here:

https://experience.arcgis.com/.../4c5ee350d0f745a2a4c4608...

Rockport DPW Opens New Facility

Congratulations to the Town of Rockport and the Rockport Department of Public Works on the opening of their new, state-of-the-art DPW building!

I was honored to be a part of their ribbon cutting ceremony marking the DPW's new and modern facility to support their efforts in keeping Rockport running strong.

May this new facility provide the resources they need to continue their dedicated service to our community each and every day.

 

Opening of Red Brolly Preschool in Georgetown

Congratulations to the Red Brolly Preschool on their recent ribbon cutting ceremony held at their new school located in Georgetown!

Dr. Bonni Berkowitz attended the ceremony and presented an official Senate citation to mark the occasion on my behalf.

Interview on Boston News 25

Missed it LIVE? Watch my interview on Boston 25 News with Elly Morillo RE: discussing my legislative initiatives for an Energy Dashboard as families gear up for a hike in monthly energy bills:

https://www.boston25news.com/.../MIN4EWSUTZE2FFQGAUMRI6OTQA/

Tarr in the News: Pilates Studio Opening

TARR IN THE NEWS | 9.20.25

'Pilates studio opens in Newburyport' | Daily News of Newburyport

EXCERPT BELOW:

"The event was highlighted by a special appearance from state Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, who delivered a heartfelt speech and presented a ceremonial citation signed by the Senate’s president. In his remarks, Tarr expressed gratitude to Precision Pilates for “taking a risk as a small business and bringing excellence in the field of pilates to the Newburyport community.”"

Read the full article here:

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_04fec23a-be7f...

Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber: September 29th

Coming up this week in the Senate Chamber, the Senate will be holding informal Sessions on Monday, September 29th and Thursday, October 2nd, each set to begin at 11 AM:

You can read a copy of the tentative agenda in advance online at the following location:

https://malegislature.gov/ClerksOffice/Senate/Agenda

To watch today's informal session LIVE, visit:

https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7544

National VFW Day 2025

Today, we observe National VFW Day, honoring the Veterans of Foreign Wars and all who have served in foreign conflicts on behalf of our nation.

I want to thank every veteran who has stepped forward in defense of our freedoms, and every family who has supported their service.

To our VFW Posts across Massachusetts: your continued advocacy, charity, and commitment to veterans’ well-being enriches our communities and strengthens our Commonwealth.

We owe you our deepest respect and gratitude—not just today, but every day.

Gold Star Mother and Father's Day

On Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, we pause to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices borne by families who have lost a loved one in service to our nation.

Their courage and strength inspire us all, and their loss reminds us of the true cost of freedom.

We owe them a debt that can never be repaid, and we must ensure they are always remembered with honor and gratitude.

Senator Tarr Named Legislator of the Decade by the MA Department of Environmental Protection

I was honored to have been recognized by Commissioner Heiple and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as their 'Legislator of the Decade' for the Northeast Region.

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, I was presented this award at one of MassDEP’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebrations, which has brought together staff, legislators, and advocates from across the Commonwealth.

Thank you for this award and for your ongoing partnership in protecting our environment and communities!

Book Launch Party for "We Can Do Hard Things"

Save the Date!

Join Precision Pilates for the official Book Launch Party for

"We Can Do Hard Things" by Melissa Dupuis

Melissa is a Newbury resident and one of their lead instructors at Precision Pilates, Newburyport Studio.

This uplifting story follows a brave young girl and her mama as they navigate the challenges of breast cancer together.

Details below:

October 16th, 6-8pm

Precision Pilates

253 Low Street, Newburyport, MA 

Discussions Regarding the Jason Sawyer Playground

Recently met with DCR and Newburyport officials to continue ongoing discussions about the Jason Sawyer Playground located on the Northern tip of Plum Island.

Interview Today on Boston News 25

Catch my interview TODAY, Thursday, September 25 at 3, 4, 5 & 6 PM with Boston 25 News Reporter Elly Morillo RE: energy rate increases and my proposed Energy Dashboard legislative initiative.

Today in the Senate Chamber: Thursday, September 25th

The Senate will be taking up the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act (S.2608) during today, Thursday, September 25th's Formal Session at 11 AM:

The Senate Ways & Means' version of S.2516, An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act (S.2608)

On Thursday, September 18th, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means filed its proposed version of the bill (S.2608).

The amendment deadline for the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act was on Monday, 22nd at 2:30 PM.

You can read a copy of the proposed legislation and the 60 total filed amendments online at the following location:

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2608

To watch the formal Senate Session LIVE, visit:

https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7542

4th Merrimack Valley Working Group

Earlier this month, I was pleased to partner with my colleague, Senator Ed Kennedy, in hosting the 4th Merrimack River CSO Working Group at the Newburyport Senior Community Center located in Newburyport.

Bringing Massachusetts and New Hampshire lawmakers, regulators, and environmental experts together, our bipartisan coalition focused on securing funding, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and reviewing initiatives to protect the Merrimack River during our working session.

In addition, was proud to highlight $270,000 in grant funding secured through the state budget for projects led by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission which will support meaningful projects benefiting Fall River, Methuen, Greater Lawrence Sanitation District, Tewksbury, Newburyport, and the Merrimack River Watershed Council.

Both Senator Kennedy and I noted the importance of ongoing collaboration between Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and state and federal regulatory agencies for maintaining progress on CSO mitigation funding.

The CSO Working Group will reconvene for its fifth meeting in Manchester, NH to continue advancing action items and engage additional stakeholders.

 

Written Testimony Needed for Public Hearing on Private Roads in Gloucester

Notice of Public Hearing – Written Testimony Only

The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government is accepting written testimony for the following legislation:

S.2596 – An Act relative to maintenance of private roads in the City of Gloucester

This home rule petition was submitted by the City of Gloucester to the

Massachusetts State Legislature, Senator Bruce Tarr and Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, to file on behalf of Gloucester.

Learn more about Gloucester's Home Rule Petition request by visiting:

https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11369/20250819---Press-Release---Mayor-Verga-Pushes-for-Flexibility-to-Fix-Private-Roads-1?bidId=

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

HOW TO SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY DETAILS:

Written Testimony Period: September 23 – September 30, 2025 (until 2:00 PM)

Submit via email: muni.committee@malegislature.gov

Or by mail to:

Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis, House Chair

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Massachusetts State House, Attn: Geoff Richelew

24 Beacon Street, Room 450, Boston, MA 02133

When submitting testimony, please:

Include S.2596 in the subject line

Address remarks to House Chair Lewis and Senate Chair Rausch

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

Read a copy of the legislation here:

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2596/

Tarr in the News: Merimack River Project

TARR IN THE NEWS | 9.05.25

'Lawmakers meet to discuss health of Merrimack River'

By Matt Petry | Daily News of Newburyport

EXCERPTS BELOW:

"Tarr began the meeting by delivering some breaking news.

“We were able to secure in the state budget funding for the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission to finance some specific and discrete projects which will help us to advance our plan,” Tarr said, referring to helping preserve the vital river.

He said they secured $270,000 in grant funding.

“These are not for large amounts of money, but they are for significant projects that contribute to the overall effort and help us to continue to move forward,” Tarr said."

AND

"Tarr said the projects range from additional monitoring in Newburyport to actual CSO separation in Haverhill.

“There’s a wide array of projects happening here, and it’s very, very significant,” Tarr said.

Speaking later in the meeting, Tarr said one of the council’s overarching goals is to form a comprehensive understanding of what is needed to address CSO issues.

“In that spirit, we have reached out to the communities that have NPDES (national pollutant discharge elimination system) permits that are discharging into the river, trying to get an understanding of what the cost of remediation in those communities would be, how much funding they’ve been able to secure, and how much of a gap we need to fill,” Tarr said."

Read the full article by Matt Petry in the Daily News of Newburyport:

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_29ed07da-cb65...

Essex Tech North of Boston Community Blood Drive

Essex Tech North of Boston Community Blood Drive

Kindly Sponsored by Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School

WHERE: Alumni Gym, 565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923

WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: DANVERS to schedule an appointment.

Dedication of Alan Wilson Longevity Bench

Recently, I was honored to join the Dedication Ceremony of the Alan Wilson Longevity Bench located in the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea next to the Friendship Tree.

This bench honors Alan’s 30 years of service as Manchester-by-the-Sea's Town Moderator and also marks the 30th bench dedication in the Longevity Bench Project.

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Alan’s remarkable decades-long dedication and service to our community and also to support a project that enhances walking, safety, and connection across Manchester-by-the-Sea.

The Longevity Bench project’s mission is “Contributing to a Walkable Town for Everyone”—placing benches every half mile along popular walking routes to promote health, well-being, and community connection for people of all ages and abilities.

Learn more at:

https://www.longevitybenchproject.org/

Gloucester Daily Times Opens New Office

Congratulations to the Gloucester Daily Times on their recent move into a new office located in the Gloucester Crossing complex!

The last time the paper, which originated in 1888, held an open house to celebrate a move was September 1957, when they relocated from Main Street to Whittemore Street—66 years ago.

I was honored to present an official Senate citation to mark this momentous occasion at their official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony.

Read more about this special occasion in Ethan Forman’s article I was quoted in in the Gloucester Daily Times.

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_a6afc93b-35c8...

Excerpt below:

"“I think the most important thing about today is the statement that the Times is going to continue to be an important resource in our community,” state Senate Minority Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said."

Hearing for MA Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission

PUBLIC HEARING & WRITTEN FEEDBACK NOTICE: Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission Public Hearing Notice & Written Feedback Contact Information Below

The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission has advanced nine selections—three each for the state seal, flag, and motto—out of more than 1,150 public submissions.

View submissions, visit:

https://www.mass.gov/sealflagmotto

To contact the Advisory Commission to share feedback or submit comments:

massflagandsealfeedback@mass.gov

The Commission will hold public hearings in September and October to give residents, stakeholders, and community organizations a chance to share their perspectives. These hearings ensure public feedback is fully considered, creating a transparent and inclusive process.

Check here for up-to-date public hearing dates:

https://www.mass.gov/.../massachusetts-seal.../events...

Stay informed by joining the Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission's mailing list:

https://www.mass.gov/.../massachusetts-seal-flag-and...

MA Health Connector Updates

Federal changes passed on July 4, 2025, may impact Massachusetts Health Connector members.

To help members stay informed, the Health Connector has created a dedicated webpage with the latest updates

mahealthconnector.org/updates

This resource will be updated regularly, and additional materials will also be available this fall to assist stakeholders and community partners in supporting those affected.

Senate Enacts Property Relief for Seniors in Ipswich

Yesterday, September 22nd, the Senate enacted H.3156, An Act to increase the income limit for Clause 41A, Senior Tax Deferral Program in Ipswich, a bill filed jointly by myself and Kristin Kassner.

This legislation allows the Town of Ipswich to raise income limits for the senior property tax deferral program, helping more seniors access tax relief.

Currently, seniors with an income above $40,000 are ineligible for this tax deferral program.

This bill was filed in response to a home rule petition approved by a vote of the town.

Having now been enacted by the House and Senate, this legislation has been laid before the Governor to sign into law by October 2nd.

To read a full copy of the legislation, visit

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3156/