|
Welcome to the June newsletter from State Representative Tara Hong's office! We're thrilled to share some exciting updates from June, and plans for the coming months. |
|
|---|
|
| |
June is a time of momentum—graduations, community gatherings, and the start of summer all remind us that change doesn’t slow down, it builds. June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and honor the ongoing fight for dignity, equity, and the freedom to be who we are.
This month, I’ve continued listening and learning from the people who make our district strong. From small business owners working hard to keep their doors open, to young and senior community members speaking out for a more inclusive future, I see the strength of our community in every conversation.
At the State House, we will be heading into the budget season again—reviewing policies, advocating for resources, and working to ensure our district’s priorities are heard loud and clear. That includes standing up for housing access, quality education, food security, and the rights of all our neighbors, especially those whose voices have been pushed to the margins.
Pride Month serves as an important reminder that progress is possible when we show up, speak out, and stand together. Let’s keep building that momentum—fight for with care and courage. It's all for our community.
Tara T. Hong
State Representative
18th Middlesex District
|
|
|---|
|
|
New Joint Rules Passed
On Thursday, June 26th, both the House and the Senate voted on the Joint Rules for this session, which included expanded transparency provisions.
To share this good news I joined my colleague, Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, to highlight some of the rule changes including: making committee votes public, providing plain language bill summaries, and making testimony publicly available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small Business Tour
My team and I went out to connect with small businesses in the district. I had a great time meeting with small business owners and hearing their stories and concerns. Whether someone is managing a business that has been in their family for generations, or they're a new entrepreneur who's just opened their doors, my office is here to support small business in any way it can.
Click here to check out a video from our first small business tour! |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
It was an incredible honor to attend the Lowell High School graduation on June 4 as the commencement speaker to Class of 2025. Big Congratulations to graduating class of 2025! I hope everyone had a wonderful celebration and I wish the graduates the best of luck on their next journey! |
|
|---|
|
|
|
I attended the 2025 MA Civics Project Showcase as a Community Advisor at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate. I got to witness students across the Commonwealth share their civic projects and visions for change. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
The annual Pride Flag raising at Lowell City Hall. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
Pride Flag raising at the State House organized by the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
Visiting the city of Fitchburg with my colleagues from the Gateway Cities Caucus. |
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
Things to Know, Things to Do |
|
|---|
|
|
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invites adventurers of all ages to discover the beauty and history our state parks, forests, and watersheds. This program encourages outdoor exploration, environmental awareness, and fosters a deeper connection to nature and history.
Click Here to learn amore about the Park Passport Challenge!
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
Want to learn more about the Rourke Bridge project? Coming up on Tuesday, July 15, MassDOT will be hosting a public information meeting from 6:30pm — 8:30 pm. The meeting will be at Collegiate Charter School of Lowell gymnasium (1857 Middlesex Street, Lowell).
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
Calling all Lowell creatives and artists! Did you know about these current open calls and opportunities?
Bus Stop Call for Art (with Mosaic Lowell) applications due July 11 to have your work wrapped on one of two bus stops in Lowell.
Winter Banners applications due July 18 to have your work displayed on winter lamppost banners throughout Downtown.
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
To get involved and help shape the future of sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails in your community:
Take the survey and share where you travel and what improvements would help you get there more safely—whether you're walking, biking, or using a mobility device.
Attend a public workshop
Date: Monday, July 8
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street
This workshop is an opportunity to learn more about the current walking and biking network, identify gaps, and help envision a more connected and accessible system across Greater Lowell. Click Here to register.
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
Call for Art - The summer solstice may have already come and gone, but we're already planning for colder months - and looking for winter banner designs to be displayed throughout Downtown Lowell!
Lowell-practicing artists are invited to submit concepts or existing work for reproduction on vinyl banners.
- Application deadline is July 18, 2025
- Display period - winter 2025 and early 2026
- $500 licensing fee to be paid to the selected artist
More information at
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
| |
As always, we love to hear from you! Please reach out any time.
email: tara.hong@mahouse.gov phone: 617-722-2080
|
|
|
|
|  |
|
|
|
|
|
