Remembering My Friend Larry Kirby

Recently, I had the opportunity to adjourn the senate in memory of my longtime friend, Larry Kirby, who passed away after 99 years of a life well-lived.

I had the honor of attending Larry’s celebration of life and was reminded of his incredible legacy.

Distinguished Veteran and author, Larry was a resident of Manchester-by-the-Sea.  He fought as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific - seeing extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, including Iwo Jima.  There were 230 Marines in his company when he went ashore.  After 36 days of battle, he was 1 of only 7 survivors in his company at the Battle of Iwo Jima.

For his actions on the battlefield in Guam, he was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart.

Learn more about Larry’s extraordinary life and legacy here:

https://www.legacy.com/.../name/lawrence-kirby-obituary...

https://www.gloucestertimes.com/.../article_611ae2e4-3add...

Standing With the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation in North Andover

 

Last night, I joined members of the Jewish community and local and state officials at a ceremony organized by the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation in North Andover.

Together, we stand in solidarity with Israel.

State Senator Barry Finegold

MA State Rep. Tram T. Nguyen

#northandover #northandoverma #merrimackvalley #merrimackvalleyjewishfederation

MRBA Meeting with US Army Corps of Engineers | Plum Island | 9.29.23

Productive MRBA meeting last week with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss erosion issues on Plum Island.

Check out my interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kendall Buhl:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-wbz-newsradio-1030-news-a-28657113/episode/local-state-officials-address-plum-island-124525775/ 

Also, check out PITA President, Ron Barrett's interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Nightside with Dan Rea from 10.3.23: 

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/featured/nightside-with-dan-rea/tab/podcasts/

FY'24 Mass Cultural Council Grant Recipients

Mass Cultural Council announced the FY'24 recipients of the Festivals & Projects grant program.  In total, Mass Cultural Council granted $1,850,000 to 740 cultural projects and festivals statewide. The grants are $2,500 each and go to organizations to support their public activities that incorporate the arts, humanities, or sciences.

Please join me in congratulating the Festivals & Projects Recipients receiving grants in our District.

Mass Cultural Council announced the recipients of the Mass Cultural Council’s FY24 Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP) and Gateway grant programs. In total, $6,988,800 has been granted to 338 cultural nonprofits this year through these two programs.

The CIP and Gateway provide general operating grants to nonprofit organizations that enrich Massachusetts’ cultural life. The Portfolio works to strengthen a creative and cultural sector that generates $1.2 billion in economic activity, creates thousands of jobs, and delivers programs to more than 20 million a year. 

Please join me in congratulating the CIP and Gateway Grant Recipients in our District.

Thanks to the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center for hosting the 32nd Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence

Thank you to the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center for hosting the 32nd Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence on Sunday in Newburyport.  One of many important events this organization hosts to not only raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October but throughout the entire year, as well.

Thank you to Mayor Sean Reardon for this inspiring video.

#JeanneGeigerCrisisCenter #newburyport#newburyportma #DVAM #domesticviolenceawareness #statesenatorbrucetarr

Gold Star Mothers and Family Day | Knight's of Columbus Rosary Prayer Service | 9.24.23

Sunday, September 24th was Gold Star Mothers and Family Day - a day of recognition of the sacrifices made by those who have paid the ultimate price and the burden the families are left behind to carry.  

I was honored to attend the Rosary Prayer Service led by the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, alongside the Gold Star Family Memorial Committee and Cape Ann Office of Veterans Services.

Tax Relief for Commonwealth of Massachusetts | 10.4.23

 

With the stroke of Governor Healey's pen, our state government took a major step toward becoming more affordable and competitive with the enactment of “An Act to Improve the Commonwealth’s Competitiveness, Affordability, and Equity” (H.4104).

Tax relief for employers and households has consistently been a major priority for Senate Republicans, and I am glad we have been able to find bipartisan common ground with our colleagues across the aisle to deliver nearly $1 billion in needed and deserved relief from the high costs of living in our state.

We also found a path forward to reward Massachusetts employers for investing in our economy, setting the stage for economic growth.

Today marks a major benchmark for making the Commonwealth more affordable, and I was glad to serve on the 6-member conference committee that produced the final bill that has become law. That law sets the stage for more efforts in the days to come, giving us a good foundation to build on for the future.