Honoring Newburyports 2026 Asset Awards Recipients

I was honored to join Newburyport Recreation and Youth Services at their 2026 Asset Awards Celebration and to present official Massachusetts Senate Citations to this year’s outstanding award recipients.

This special evening recognized individuals who exemplify the values, leadership, and character that help our young people thrive. It was inspiring to celebrate those who make such a meaningful impact in the Newburyport community and to acknowledge their contributions on behalf of the Senate.

Congratulations to all of the awardees, including:

• Mark Cooper, Bresnahan Elementary School crossing guard
• Christina Bauer, Greater Newburyport Children’s Chorus Juniors Director
• Joe Cheever, community coach and parent
• Moriarty’s Driving School
• Julie Murray, speech-language pathologist
• Tom Soare, Bike Bus organizer
• Lauren Gee, Prevention Champion Award
• Haley Budden, Lindamae Lucas Award for Excellence

Thank you to Newburyport Recreation & Youth Services for your continued commitment to supporting and uplifting our youth and thank you to the Daily News of Newburyport's Matt Petry for covering this important community award ceremony!

Read the full story ⬇

🔗https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/port-hands-out-asset-builder-awards/article_bdaf8280-fe91-46f3-a08d-8ed873e8b32e.htmld

#NewburyportMA #AssetBuilderAwards #Recreation #YouthServices #NDN #TarrInTheNews #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Support of the New Veterans Memorial Park in North Andover

It was an honor to join my legislative colleagues, Senator Barry Finegold, MA State Rep. Tram T. Nguyen, and State Representative Adrianne Ramos along with local leaders and residents at Veterans Memorial Park in North Andover for an earmark presentation supporting a new war memorial dedicated to those who have served in recent conflicts.

This important investment will ensure that the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women are recognized and remembered for generations to come. I’m grateful to stand with Director Veteran Services Joseph LeBlanc, Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues, representatives from the Town Manager’s Office, Moderator Mark DiSalvo, and the North Andover community in advancing this meaningful project.

Thank you to all who continue to work to honor our veterans and preserve their legacy.

#NorthAndoverMA #Veterans #Memorial #MAPoli #StateSenatorBruceTar

Celebrating Merrimack College Men's Hockey Championship.

Honored to have welcomed the Merrimack College Men's Hockey team to the Massachusetts State House in recognition of their historic Hockey East Championship win!

Their determination, commitment, and drive made this achievement possible and brought great pride to the entire Merrimack community.

Thank you to the team for signing the game-winning hockey stick—now proudly displayed in my office as a reminder of this incredible accomplishment.

Congratulations to the Warriors on a season to remember!

#MerrimackCollege #Hockey #EastChampionship #BeaconHill #StateSenatorBruceTarr

The North Shore Lobster Gear Cleanup Initiative

🦞 The “Scrap It! North Shore Lobster Gear Cleanup Initiative” is off to a strong start—and we’re grateful to everyone who’s already stepped up to help protect our waters. 🦞

A huge thank you to the Lobster Foundation of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, the City of Gloucester, and Hiltz Disposal for making this initiative possible—and to the Gloucester DPW for hosting.

Monday was a remarkable kickoff! The lobster community showed up strong, and the first dumpster filled quickly—a true testament to the commitment to keeping our ocean clean and protecting marine life.

♻️ Reminder for North Shore lobstermen: ♻️

Do you have old or unusable gear to get rid of? Now’s the time.

📍 DPW Yard – 28 Poplar St, Gloucester
📅 April 27–29
⏰ 8 AM – 2 PM (stop by at your convenience)

Two clearly marked dumpsters are on site for easy disposal—at no cost.

Let’s keep the momentum going and continue working together to protect our fisheries, shorelines, and marine environment.

#GloucesterMA #NorthShore #LobsterGear #DPW #StateSenatorBruceTarr

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.27.26

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.27.26

'State, local agencies begin collecting unused and unwanted lobster gear to keep waters clean'

By Bobby Grady | Gloucester Daily Times

EXCERPT BELOW:

"Along with the ghost gear, many lobstermen have old and no longer useful equipment that they have no place to get rid of.

“In Gloucester people take action and do things to protect the right whales, do things to protect our marine environment and do it all while recognizing our responsibility for stewardship because of the role the ocean plays in our lives,” Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester said."

Read the full article ⬇

🔗https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/fishing_industry_news/state-local-agencies-begin-collecting-unused-and-unwanted-lobster-gear-to-keep-waters-clean/article_7eb62f85-6491-4351-b02f-1c1afd698923.html

#tarrinthenews #GDT #GloucesterMA #LobsterGear #RightWhales #GearCleanUp #StateSenatorBruceTarr

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.17.26

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.17.26

'Our View: SNAP chips a great idea; keep fraudsters in perspective'

Editorial Opinion by Daily News of Newburyport

EXCERPT BELOW:

"We must continue to target the fraudsters without dehumanizing and demonizing those among us experiencing food insecurity.

The new cards, which are used to apportion SNAP benefits, work like a traditional debit or credit card. But unlike private versions, they don’t carry the security measures that protect them from theft and abuse.

Soon, however, the cards will carry the same type of security chip as their private counterparts, thanks to a provision added to a $259 million supplemental spending bill by Republican lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester."

Read the full article ⬇

🔗https://www.newburyportnews.com/opinion/our-view-snap-chips-a-great-idea-keep-fraudsters-in-perspective/article_dad29f0e-87a4-54b6-9833-c65cbf735aee.html

Celebrating the Service of Assistant Chief Ruchala and Lieutenant Brian Belfiore

I was honored to have joined the Groveland Fire Rescue Department in celebrating the remarkable careers and service of Assistant Chief Kurt Ruchala and Lieutenant Brian Belfiore at their recent retirement ceremony.

Assistant Chief Ruchala dedicated 30 years to the Town of Groveland, rising through the ranks after beginning his service as a call firefighter. His commitment to public safety extended well beyond the local level, including 15 years of service on the Massachusetts Fire Academy Training Committee—helping to strengthen firefighter training and readiness across the Commonwealth.

Lieutenant Belfiore is also recognized for his 20 years of service to Groveland, where he served as a call firefighter and Fire Prevention Officer. His career reflects a lasting commitment to protecting the community, and his service has extended regionally through his work in Georgetown and currently as a career firefighter with the City of Haverhill.

To both Assistant Chief Ruchala and Lieutenant Belfiore—thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your years of service to our communities. Your commitment to public safety has made a lasting impact, and I wish you both all the best in this next chapter.

#HappyRetirement #30YearsofService #20YearsofService #StateSenatorBruceTarr

MassDOT leads a Road Safety Audit in Rowley

Thank you to the MassDOT for recently leading a Road Safety Audit in the Town of Rowley focused on the Route 1A (Main Street) and Route 133 (Haverhill Street) intersection.

These audits are an important tool for identifying safety concerns and advancing practical, data-driven improvements to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists along this corridor. The review included discussion of crash data, roadway conditions, and potential safety countermeasures to strengthen long-term improvements.

I want to thank the Rowley Board of Selectmen for their partnership in helping to secure and advance this important safety audit, and for their steadfast advocacy on behalf of local residents, as well as our Deputy Director of Community Outreach, Ted Costa, for serving as the vital liaison between the Town and the Commonwealth on all MassDOT-related matters.

Grateful to all partners involved for their collaboration and commitment to improving roadway safety in our communities.

#RowleyMA #RoadSafetyAudit #RoadSafety #MassDOT #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Welcome Students from Rupert A. Nock Middle School to the State House

Recently, we welcomed 160 eighth grade students from Rupert A. Nock Middle School in Newburyport to the State House as part of their annual civics visit, joined this year by a special meeting with Governor Maura Healey.

It was a pleasure to host these students alongside State Representative Dawne Shand and to have our staff help welcome them to Beacon Hill as they explored our Commonwealth’s history and government. Opportunities like this are essential to fostering civic engagement and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

I’m also grateful to the dedicated teachers and chaperones at the Rupert A. Nock Middle School for their continued commitment to civics education, and to the students for their curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the visit.

#MApoli #StateHouseVisit #NewburyportMA #Civics #NextGeneration #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Essex National Heritage Area's Spring Annual Meeting

Thank you to Essex National Heritage Area for hosting their Spring Annual Meeting in Topsfield. Our Dr. Bonni Berkowitz attended on my behalf, joining local partners and stakeholders committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Essex National Heritage Area.

I am grateful to Essex Heritage for their continued leadership and for bringing together communities across the region in support of this important work. Their efforts help ensure that our shared history is protected, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.

#EssexHeritage #TopsfieldMA #statesenatorbrucetarr

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.16.26

TARR IN THE NEWS | 4.16.26

'Massachusetts Senate passes fee for recycled paper bags, ban on single-use plastic bags'

By Katie Castellani | As Reported by Fall River Reporter

EXCERPT BELOW:

"“This tax really compromises the integrity of this great bill,” Sen. Kelly Dooner, one of three senators who voted against the bill, said during the session. The main thrust of the bill is investment in climate resilience improvements, land conservation efforts, clean water and more.

Dooner spoke in favor of an ill-fated amendment brought by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr to remove the 10-cent fee. Tarr argued the fee could be considered a tax because it functions similarly to the sales tax.

He added that Bay State residents are already facing rising costs in a myriad of sectors.

“Folks are going to say, ‘Don’t I already pay the highest electricity costs, property taxes, highest health care costs as well as other fees and taxes that threaten our competitiveness in the U.S.? And you have to come at me for the bag I bring home food to eat?'” Tarr said during the session while introducing his amendment, which was rejected."

Read the full article ⬇

🔗https://fallriverreporter.com/massachusetts-senate-passes-fee-for-recycled-paper-bags-ban-on-single-use-plastic-bags/

#tarrinthenews #fallriverreporter #Statesenatorbrucetarr

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce at Mission Oak Grill

I was honored to share remarks at the recent legislative dinner hosted by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce at Mission Oak Grill
in Newburyport.

It was a pleasure to join local and state leaders, including Mayor Sean Reardon, Mayor Kasandra Gove, Representative Dawne Shand, Representative Kristin Kassner, and Auditor Diana DiZoglio.

The evening highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between state and local leaders as we work to support economic development, strengthen infrastructure, and address key challenges like affordability in health care and energy.

Thank you to the Chamber, as well as the event sponsors, Institution for Savings and Newburyport Development, for bringing everyone together for a thoughtful and productive discussion.

#NewburyportMA #ChamberofCommerce #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Gary LeBlanc's Retirement

Congratulations to Gary LeBlanc on his well-earned retirement after nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Town of Rockport, including the past five years as Director of Public Works.

Gary’s leadership, commitment, and steady hand helped guide critical infrastructure and public works efforts that residents rely on every day. His impact on the community—and the strong team he helped build—will be felt for years to come.

Wishing him a happy, healthy retirement filled with time spent with family and loved ones!

Congratulations as well to Aaron Cilluffo on his appointment as the next DPW Director! I look forward to working together to support Rockport’s continued success.

#RockportMA #HappyRetirement #StateSenatorBruceTarr

"Experience Eric Pape: Fantasy Illustrations" at Hammond Castle Museum

Congratulations to Hammond Castle Museum in City of Gloucester, MA on the success of their recent exhibition, "Experience Eric Pape: Fantasy Illustrations."

This unique showcase featured more than 100 works by Golden Age illustrator Eric Pape—including rare pieces displayed publicly for the first time in over a century.

By blending art, literature, and history within the stunning setting of Hammond Castle, the exhibit offered a truly special cultural experience on the North Shore.

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this extraordinary collection to life and for continuing to strengthen the region’s vibrant arts community.

To learn more about upcoming exhibits at the Hammond Castle Museum, please visit: https://hammondcastle.org

#GloucesterMA #NorthShoreMA #HammondCastleMuseum #EricPape #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Meeting at the Rowley Board of Selectmen

Thank you to the Rowley Board of Selectmen for the opportunity to join their recent meeting alongside my colleague, Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District, to discuss several important priorities for the Town of Rowley.

We had a productive conversation on ongoing water pollution concerns, and I appreciate the Board’s continued focus on protecting local resources and public health.

I was also glad to stay and speak with the Board about key state partnership items, including Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), roadway safety improvements, and critical infrastructure needs. We discussed the Route 1A/Prospect Street/Route 133 intersection, as well as broader safety concerns on state roadways—particularly the need for improved crosswalks along Route 1A.

I appreciate Chair Sheri David and the full Board for their engagement and advocacy.

I look forward to continuing to work together to support Rowley’s priorities, including advocating for strong UGGA funding in the FY27 State Budget and advancing safety improvements for residents and visitors alike.

#RowleyMA #BoardofSelectmen #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Massachusetts NAHRO’s Legislative Advocacy Day

At Massachusetts NAHRO’s Legislative Advocacy Day at the State House, I was pleased to join housing authority leaders from across the Commonwealth and share remarks on the importance of our continued legislative efforts in investing on public housing.

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials represents 242 local housing authorities that provide and administer critical housing resources for more than 70,000 low-income veterans, seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities across Massachusetts. Their work is essential to ensuring that residents can remain stably housed in communities throughout the state.

Thank you to MassNAHRO and all of the housing authority leaders, board members, and staff who came to the State House to advocate for their communities and share their experiences directly with legislators. Their voices are critical in shaping sound, effective housing policy in Massachusetts.

#MassNAHRO #AdvocacyDay #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Appreciation for the Mass Union Public Housing Tenants

Thank you to the Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants advocates—many of whom are also my constituents—for coming to the State House to meet with us and share their experiences and perspectives.

It was a meaningful and important conversation about the challenges facing public housing communities across the Commonwealth, and the need to continue strengthening and preserving these vital resources amid our ongoing housing crisis.

Hearing directly from residents helps ensure that policy decisions are informed by real lived experience, and I am grateful for the time, honesty, and advocacy they brought to this discussion.

I appreciate the opportunity to continue working together on solutions that support safe, stable, and affordable housing for all.

#MUPHT #BeaconHill #AdvocacyDay #StateSenatorBruceTarr

Parkinson’s Awareness

🩶 Parkinson’s Awareness Month 🩶

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to honor those living with Parkinson’s disease and support ongoing efforts toward research, treatment, and care.

We recognize the strength of individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s, and we remain committed to advancing awareness, resources, and hope for a cure.

#ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth #EndParkinsons #Massachusetts