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Welcome to the January newsletter from State Representative Tara Hong's office! We're thrilled to share some exciting updates and plans for the coming months. |
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Governor Healey's press conference to protect immigrants. Photo credit:Governor Healey's office. |
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Hi Everyone,
As we near the end of the first month of 2026, I want to acknowledge the feelings many people in our district, across the Commonwealth, and around the country are experiencing right now, especially in light of what we’ve been seeing in Minnesota.
Let me be clear: the actions the Trump administration are taking in no way reflects the values on which our country was founded. No matter who you are, what you look like, or where you come from,
all people are entitled to fair treatment, to live freely and without judgment. Targeting people in their homes, involving children in arrests, and intimidating families is not what America stands for.
As an immigrant, a U.S. citizen, and your State Representative in Massachusetts, I am deeply concerned about the direction our country is heading under the current administration. Moreover, I am angry that people are living in fear, and that American citizens are being harmed or killed simply for expressing their First Amendment rights. This is not what democracy looks like, and it is not the vision our founding fathers had for this nation. The actions taken by the Trump administration violate the Constitution we all swore to uphold as elected officials.
Despite these challenges, I see hope in the young leaders of our communities and in the countless people across Massachusetts, and the country, who continue to show up, protest, and fight for justice and peace—without fear. This courage inspires me. I urge everyone to keep doing the same: show up, speak out, reach out to your federal delegation, and share your story.
As your State Representative, I will continue to advocate for you, use every tool at my disposal to support justice and safety, and work to ensure that your voices are heard at both the state and federal level. This is not a time to walk away from tough issues. It is a time to stand firm, support each other, and fight for democracy, peace, and safety for all.
WE THE PEOPLE—have the power. Together, we can make sure our country lives up to its promise.
Yours in Service and Solidarity,
Tara Hong
State Representative
18th Middlesex District
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Check out my highlights and updates from my first year as your state representative.
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On January 12, I joined the Zoning Board of Appeals to show my support for Coalition for A Better Acre's New North Canal project. The project will not only bring more affordable housing to our city, but it will also help beautify the Acre neighborhood. Congratulations to CBA on receiving approval from the board!
I also attended the Highland Neighborhood meeting and was really glad to see such a great turnout for the first meeting of the year. There were many important topics shared, and it was also great to hear from all of the State Senate candidates as they shared their stories and ideas. Thank you Ryan Faria and Nancy for always keep the meeting run smoothly. |
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On January 23, I had the opportunity to visit the new space for YouthQuake Access Center in Lowell, and I was truly inspired by the work they are doing.
YouthQuake serves young people ages 16–26, providing support, resources, and a safe space for youth who need help navigating life’s challenges. Their team is doing incredible work meeting young people where they are and connecting them to the services they need to succeed.
The center is located at 40 Church Street, 3rd Floor, in Lowell
Hours:
• Monday: By appointment only
• Tuesday–Friday: 12–5 PM
If you know a young person who may need support, YouthQuake is an amazing resource right here in our community. I’m grateful for their commitment to uplifting and empowering our youth.
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I got the opportunity to share my story about how I got to where I am today. From arriving in Lowell as an immigrant youth, unsure if I belonged, to learning how community, education, and advocacy can transform lives. Being surrounded by young leaders was a powerful reminder: you don’t have to wait for permission to lead.
I was also inspired by the words and all the work that Senator Robyn Kennedy shared with all of us in the room.
This is the time to continue supporting each other and to uplift our young generation to have a voice in the fight back against the chaos in our country now. Let us continue to stand and support each other!
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Thank you to Congresswoman Lori Trahan for your leadership and for always being there to support our community. This morning, I had the opportunity to join the Congresswoman and the CTI team to visit the new family shelter in our city. The shelter will support families by providing them a safe, supportive environment, and will help them stabilize as they search for permanent housing. Because of Congresswoman Trahan’s leadership in securing $3 million to support CTI’s purchase of the building, CTI can continue its critical work serving our community. |
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I was proud to join my colleagues in signing a letter to the Department of Public Utilities opposing efforts by Eversource and National Grid to charge interest on the Governor’s 10% winter utility bill relief. That proposal was meant to help families — not add extra costs.
I’m encouraged to see the utilities step back and support the affordability plan. This is a win for our community.
I will continue working to make gas and electric bills more affordable for our neighbors in the 18th Middlesex District and will keep advocating for real relief as new energy legislation moves forward. |
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I was proud to stand with the Black & Latino Legislative Caucus at a press conference in support of their hard work to keep our immigrant communities safe.
HD.5608 – An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment ("The PROTECT Act"), filed by Rep. Andy X. Vargas and Rep. Judith García. This Bill includes protections for immigrant communities, safeguards our courts, and ensures consistent due process and equal protection under the law. |
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Photo credit: Boston Herald |
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I was proud to stand with Governor Maura Healey at her press conference announcing strong action to keep ICE out of our communities and across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
We must continue moving legislation that keeps our communities safe, so families can go to courthouses, schools, and child care programs, hospitals, and places of worship without fear. People deserve to seek justice, education, medical care, and spiritual guidance safely and with dignity. |
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First Formal Session of the New Year! |
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Things to Know, Things to Do |
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Lowell WinterFest 2026 is coming up on Feb. 28!
I am looking forward to celebrating. I hope to see you there!
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Calling all youth ages 16–20!
The Governor’s Youth Advisory Council is hosting Governor Healey’s 2nd Annual Youth Summit on Monday, February 9 at 3:00 PM at the Massachusetts State House (Great Hall).
This is a great opportunity for young leaders from across the Commonwealth to come together and discuss issues that matter most to youth — including mental health, education, and healthcare.
Hear from special guest speakers
Participate in engaging programming
Connect with other civically engaged young people
Registration is required by February 2 at 5:00 PM. Click Here to register.
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HEAP funding is officially here to help families stay warm this winter.
Need heating system repairs or a replacement? HEAP also supports HEARTWAP, which provides free repair or replacement for qualifying households.
Apply online: toapply.org/MassHEAP
Learn more about HEARTWAP: mass.gov/HEARTWAP
Scan the QR code in the graphic to get started. Please share so neighbors who need support can apply! If you have any other questions, reach out anytime! |
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First Day Hikes are a long-standing cherished Massachusetts tradition. The signature DCR initiative started right here in Massachusetts in 1992 when 400 hikers gathered to welcome the new year at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton and it has since grown into a national movement.
As Massachusetts and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, First Day Hikes offer an opportunity to connect to the landscapes that have shaped our shared history.
For details on all First Day Hike offerings, please visit the DCR First Day Hikes webpage.
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As we gear up to celebrate the City of Lowell’s Bicentennial in 2026, we’re inviting you to share your memories with us! Whether it’s a family story, a moment from growing up in the city, your time working or serving in the community, or any Lowell connection that’s meaningful to you—we want to hear it!Select stories will be featured on the new Lowell Bicentennial website as part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
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Applications are OPEN for the 2026 Empower Program! |
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Join Coalition for a Better Acre and Lowell Alliance for a 9 week grassroots leadership program to hone your leadership skills and meet other engaged community members. This year's programs will run on Wednesdays from 6-8pm from March 25th-May 20th on the second floor of Coalition for a Better Acre.
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The School Bus Lookup Tool is now updated and live. (Note: charter and private school students are not included in the bus lookup tool). Student bus passes will be mailed out.
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Great news for Lowell and our region!
The Fare Free Transit Pilot Program has been extended through June 30, 2026 on the Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA)! This means more accessibility, more savings, and more opportunities for our community to get where they need to go.Public transportation should be affordable and accessible for everyone—and this program is a big step forward.
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On January 20th, 2026 Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell launched a new Federal Accountability Dashboard, and an online Storytelling Portal for residents to share how the Trump Administration’s actions have impacted their lives.
The Federal Accountability Dashboard will also provide information about the Attorney General’s Office (AGO)’s various lawsuits to protect Massachusetts residents against attacks on their civil rights, wallets, health and wellness, safety, public infrastructure, education, housing, and environment.
The new Storytelling Portal will allow Massachusetts residents to share their experiences and assist the AGO in identifying emerging trends and urgent needs across the Commonwealth and can inform its legal response to certain federal actions.
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As always, we love to hear from you! Please reach out any time.
Email: tara.hong@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2080
Cell: 978-421-5079
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