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Hello Everyone!
As February comes to an end, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as your State Representative. February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions of Black leaders—past and present—who have shaped our communities and continue to inspire progress. Here in Lowell, we have a rich history of activism, and I am committed to advancing policies that promote equity and justice for all.
I’ve been meeting with local advocates, educators, and community members to push for real solutions that support working families. If you have thoughts or concerns, I encourage you to reach out—I want to hear from you.
Stay connected with us through our website and social media for updates on legislation, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Let’s keep building a stronger, more inclusive future together!
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On Tuesday, February 25, the House voted on Rules, and on Wednesday 2/26 House Members received their committee assignments. I was assigned to the following committees:
- Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
- Joint Committee on Higher Education
- Joint Committee on Election Laws
- Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on these committees and look forward to forging deeper relationships with my colleagues so that we can work to improve the lives of those in our districts and across the Commonwealth as a whole.
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Join Us for Office Hours!
We're excited to host our second Office Hours in the District, and we'd love to meet you! Stop by and say hello, share your thoughts, ask questions, or discuss ways we can support you. We are here for you.
If you have any questions related to your gas or electric bill, a representative from National Grid will be available during our office hours to assist you.
📅 Friday, March 14
📍 CBA’s Walk-In Center
450 Merrimack Street, Lowell
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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- HD.381 - An Act relative to digital inclusion for seniors
- HD.382 - An Act relative to intergenerational community engagement
- HD.383 - An Act establishing the Massachusetts veterans service dog program
- HD.385 - An Act relative to enhancing civic education in Massachusetts public schools
- HD.391 - An Act establishing a rent stabilization commission
- HD.436 - Resolutions condemning political oppression and encouraging free and fair elections in Cambodia
- HD.969 - An Act relative to educator pay
- HD.2466 - An Act aligning the long-term capital gains tax rate with the short-term capital gains tax rate
- HD.3756m - An Act to promote Yes in God's Backyard, allowing religious institutions to build affordable housing on their property
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- HD.157 - An Act to promote equity among lessors
- HD.238 - An Act eliminating forced broker's fees
- HD.929 - An Act relative to emergency hazard health duty
- HD.1228 - An Act establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts
- HD.1482 - An Act relative to sexual assault counselor task force
- SD.1484 - An Act to increase housing production in the city of Lowell
- HD.2096 - An Act establishing the hunger free campus initiative
- HD.2271 - An Act to promote comprehensive and inclusive curriculum in schools
- HD.3731 - An Act relative to a Veterans' Hall of Fame Commission
- HD.849 - An Act to improve access, opportunity, and capacity in Massachusetts vocational-technical education
- HD.935 - An Act relative to preventing fraud and establishing regulations on certain virtual currencies
- HD.948 - An Act relative to firearm industry accountability and gun violence victims’ access to justice
- HD.1054 - An Act relative to prevailing wages
- HD.1243 - An Act relative to transparency in private utility construction contracts
- HD.1482 - An Act relative to sexual assault counselor task force
- HD.1806 - An Act to improve pedestrian safety
- HD.3390 - An Act combating offshore tax avoidance
- HD.3991 - An Act relative to roadway excavation quality assurance
- HD.336 - An Act relative to a temporary possession ban of animals for animal abusers
- HD.947 - An Act relative to healthy youth
- HD.3369 - Act establishing a climate change superfund
Click here for other cosponsored bills
If there are any other bills you'd like me to support, please contact my office.
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February 1 I was honored to attend the raising of the Afro-American flag at Lowell City Hall, marking the beginning of Black History Month.
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February 5 I joined many of my colleagues at the State House to support the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, but many instances can be prevented through education and a healthy lifestyle
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February 12 Thank you to UMass Lowell College Democrats for inviting me to your General Meeting! It was a great opportunity to share my story, my experiences, and ways we can work together to uplift our community and our country. I truly appreciated seeing so many students engage in the conversation—thank you for taking the time to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and bring up important issues that matter to all of us. |
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February 13 I had the privilege to join Mass Cultural Council, the City of Lowell, and others from across the Commonwealth to celebrate exciting news: the announcement of Mass Cultural Council’s 2025 Cultural District Investment Grant recipients. 58 Cultural Districts, including Lowell, will receive $15,000 to support local arts and culture. In total, that’s $870,000 invested in our Commonwealth’s arts and culture communities! |
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It's always fantastic when community members and organizations from the District come to visit the State House. On February 11 folks from Community Teamwork at Beacon Hill for the Head Start Advocacy Day to support Early Learning Programs. On February 13 the Greater Lowell YMCA team was in Boston as part of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs Annual State Advocacy Day. |
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February 14 Lowell Housing Authority came to the State House to present their project to Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll! The project will being 118 affordable housing to the Acre Neighborhood. |
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February 20 Big congratulations to the new location opening opening of El Bunker. With amazing Colombian and Brazilian coffee, pastries and more, El Bunker will add to the myriad of cuisine options in the heart of Lowell’s Cambodia Town! El Bunker is located at 16 Branch Street, Lowell. |
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Michelle Bouchard is a resident of Lowell’s Acre neighborhood and a community activist. Before joining Representative Tara Hong’s office, she worked for two years as a legislative aide for Senator Ed Kennedy, focusing on constituent services. Michelle is honored to continue serving her community as a legislative aide for Rep. Hong.
In her free time, Michelle volunteers in the community, and enjoys sewing and making art. She is currently studying the Khmer language at Lowell’s Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA).
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Email: Michelle.Bouchard@mahouse.gov
Office Phone: (978) 226 - 8964 |
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The Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Dan Brown's Wild Symphony on Saturday March 15 at 2 p.m. at Fusion Church (125 Mt. Hope Street in Lowell) Students from around the Merrimack Valley will also be joining them for a string play-in piece (including two Pyne Arts Magnet School students).
The concert will be about an hour long.
Tickets for kids 17 and under are FREE with the code "Under17" (up to 4 tickets per purchase). |
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