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Welcome to the March 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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As April comes to a close, I am full of gratitude for all that we have accomplished together, and I'm energized for the work ahead in May. Every day I remain committed to bringing the voices of the 18th Middlesex District to the State House and making sure our community continues to be heard, valued, and represented.
This past month has reminded us that challenges continue to impact families across our district and throughout the country. From affordability, to access to resources, many people are feeling uncertainty in their daily lives. Yet even during difficult times, our community has continued to show resilience, compassion, and strength.
Real progress happens when people stay engaged. Change does not happen overnight, and it does not happen alone. Change takes neighbors supporting neighbors, families speaking up, and communities working together toward a collective vision. The work we have started here is meaningful, and it is important that we continue building on that momentum.
As your State Representative, I believe public service is about listening, showing up, and working alongside the people I represent. I remain focused on fighting for affordability, supporting our schools and students, strengthening access to services, and making sure every resident feels connected to the work happening at the State House.
I encourage you to stay involved, keep informed, and continue sharing your voice. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to engage as well. The more people who participate, the stronger our community becomes. Together, we can continue the great work we have started and keep moving our district forward.
There is still much to do, but I believe in what we can accomplish when we stand together with purpose and hope. Thank you for your continued support, your ideas, and your commitment to making our community better for everyone.
As always, my office is ready to listen and help. Please continue contacting us with your concerns, questions, and thoughts. Together, we will keep building a stronger future for the 18th Middlesex District.
Tara Hong
State Representative
18th Middlesex District |
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April 1 I had the honor to welcome and recognize the Greater Lowell Technical High School Varsity Cheer Team at the State House for their incredible achievement as Division 1 State Champions!This amazing team, along with their dedicated coach, has shown what commitment, teamwork, and hard work can accomplish. Their success is a true reflection of the time and effort they’ve put in to reach this moment. Congratulations again on this well-deserved victory — you’ve made Greater Lowell proud! |
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April 2 Thank you YouthBuild of Greater Lowell at Community Teamwork for visiting the State House. Your advocacy continues to keep this program strong and supported in Lowell and across our Commonwealth. As a State Representative—and even before taking office—I’ve seen firsthand how impactful this program is for young people in our community. It provides hands-on experience, valuable skills, and the knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers. Hearing your stories today gave me even more hope and energy to continue working with my colleagues to ensure this important program continues to grow and thrive. What an amazing group of students and such dedicated staff committed to our youth’s future. Thank you!
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April 6 We had two important conversations focused on expanding opportunity for our students and workforce. I was honored to join Lowell High School, Lowell MA in welcoming Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez to discuss Lowell High’s application to launch five new Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs: Culinary Arts, Marketing, Information Support Services and Networking (ISSN), Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology, and Multimedia Production and Broadcasting.I also joined leaders from across the Commonwealth at the UMass Lowell for the launch of a statewide initiative to expand work-based learning opportunities across public higher education, alongside the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. |
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April 7 I joined in celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new lounge at Taffeta Music Hall. It’s wonderful to see this space grow and continue bringing people together through music, arts, and community. You can check out upcoming shows and support their events here: https://www.taffetamusic.com/shows |
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April 9 It was great to see the Community Teamwork, Inc. team at the State House for their Lobby Day, advocating on issues that matter to all of us—from housing and Head Start to fuel assistance and more.Thank you for all your hard work. I look forward to continuing to work together to address these important issues in this upcoming budget session. |
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April 10 I joined the celebration of Khmer New Year event at Lowell High School! Thank you to the Khmer Club for always putting on such an amazing event each year! |
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April 14 Celebrated the ribbon cutting at the North Common baseball field—an exciting investment in our city and especially for the Acre neighborhood. |
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April 15 I visited Community Teamwork’s Lowell Collaborative Preschool Academy (LCPA) to read a book with the students. They were wonderful and so bright! Thank you for the opportunity to spend time in the classroom. |
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April 16- Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a major bill authorizing $4.58 billion in funding to expand the Chapter 90 Program and invest in transportation projects across the state.This funding will help meet regional needs and address the growing impacts of climate change on our local infrastructure—supporting safer roads, bridges, and communities for everyone. |
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April 18 I also got to stop by Opening Day for Lowell Youth Baseball & Softball League! It was amazing to see so many young athletes, families, and coaches come together to kick off the season. Wishing all the players a fun, safe, and successful season ahead! |
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April 21 - I had the opportunity to join the great partnership between Lowell Regional Transit Authority and Lowell Fire Department for their first emergency safety training focused on preparing for situations involving buses and passenger safety. I’m grateful to the LRTA team for partnering with the Lowell Fire Department and providing two out-of-service buses for realistic, hands-on training. This experience gave first responders the chance to practice emergency response techniques and better prepare to keep our residents safe. |
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Check Out my Videos Updated from the State House! |
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Here are some highlights from the FY27 House Budget passed yesterday, 149 YES - 9 NO. The budget now goes to the Senate for consideration. |
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Rourke Bridge Replacement
Project: Construction Update!
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Things to Know, Things to Do |
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The Points of Light Celebration is Saturday, May 2nd from 5pm - 10pm located at 282 Suffolk Street!
Enjoy music,performers, food, and beautiful lanterns lighting up the canal.
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Do you have questions about workplace rights or employer responsibilities? Take advantage of the Attorney General's upcoming office hours!
You can meet with the Attorney General's staff on Thursday, May 7th from 11am - 6pm at Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (465 School Street, Lowell).
Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also register by CLICKING HERE. |
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Join Dwelling House of Hope in Partnership with Project Bread for the 58th annual Walk for Hunger.
The three-mile walks begins at JFK Plaza in Lowell on Saturday, May 9th at 9am.
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Help LPS to better serve you! Please take a few minutes to fill out the LPS Family Survey. The results assist us in providing better communication and engagement opportunities to our most important partners - YOU - the families and caregivers of our students. The survey is available in several languages:
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Online Registration is OPEN for Lowell Red Raiders
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Summer will be here before we know it! Don't miss out on IDEA Camp at UMass Lowell, a opportunity for kids in grades 5-12 to dive into a variety of STEM activities including forensics, coding, engineering, medicine, and more! The camp is $150 per week and there are scholarships available.
Questions? Email Patti Adams at Patricia_Adams@uml.edu.
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Weekly Yard Waste Collection Is Back!
The weekly yard waste collection has returned. The frequency schedule will run as follows:
Weekly Pickup until May 22
June 1 - October 2 (Bi-Weekly Pickup)
October 5 - December 18 (Weekly Pickup)
Click Here to learn more about hard waste collection on the City's Facebook page. |
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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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The Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) provides free, 24/7, no insurance required, confidential support by call, text, or chat in 200+ languages for residents experiencing mental health or substance use concerns. BHHL provides warm hand-offs and follow-ups, identifying appropriate services to address a wide range of needs from crisis intervention to routine mental health support. The BHHL is staffed by trained mental health professionals with 24/7 clinical supervision. The BHHL connects patients to CBHCs, BHUCs, and other local providers, to reduce ED visits connecting people to specialized support faster.
How can Massachusetts residents’ access BHHL’s resources?
•Call or text 833-773-2445 (BHHL)
•Start a chat at masshelpline.com/chat
•Access online: masshelpline.com |
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DCR is looking for lifeguards for this summer!
Earn good money and work outside at a pool or waterfront all across the state!
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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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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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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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