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Welcome to the July 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 July comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect on another busy and meaningful month serving the people of the 18th Middlesex District. While summer is often a time for celebration, our work on behalf of our community continues every day.
This month brought many opportunities to celebrate. We joined communities across Massachusetts and the nation in recognizing the 250th anniversary of our Commonwealth and our country. We also enjoyed another incredible Lowell Folk Festival, which brought together thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate the rich culture, diversity, and spirit of our city.
At the State House, we continued making progress on legislation that strengthens our communities, supports working families, improves access to healthcare, expands housing opportunities, and invests in our future. I was also proud to help secure important investments for the City of Lowell that will improve public safety, strengthen our neighborhoods, and support local economic growth.
Whether I am meeting with residents and local organizations in the district or working at the State House to pass legislation that benefits our community, I remain committed to delivering real results for the people I have the honor of representing. Together, let's keep the momentum going, continue moving our district forward, and build a stronger future for everyone.
I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and the updates on the work we've accomplished together. As always, thank you for your continued support, and please don't hesitate to reach out if my office can ever be of assistance.
Tara Hong
State Representative
18th Middlesex District |
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July 1 - It was my honor to stand before the City Council alongside State Representative Rodney Elliott and State Senator Vanna Howard’s Chief of Staff, James Ostis, to present a commemorative Declaration of Independence in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our great nation. With the 250th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the 200th anniversary of the City of Lowell, we are reminded of the values of freedom, democracy, and service that continue to guide our communities. |
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July 3 - I was honored to serve as a mentor for the Project LEARN 2026 Externship – Law & Civic Group. It was inspiring to work with such an amazing group of interns who are passionate about improving our laws to better support teachers and our schools. They developed a thoughtful bill proposal that would provide teachers with greater financial support for classroom supplies, so they don’t have to continue spending their own money to meet their students’ needs. I look forward to working with them and will keep everyone updated as this legislation is formally filed. Great job to all of the interns on your hard work and dedication to making a difference! |
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Also on July 3 I had the opportunity to visit the IDEA Camp Showcase, and I was truly inspired by the incredible talent and creativity of our students! Amazing work to all! |
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LRTA is now offering service to Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua via Bus 19, and service all the way to Wilmington Station via bus 21.
The LRTA is running fare-free, so please take advantage of all their fantastic routes. You can find the latest schedule by clicking here. |
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July 9 - we had a great visit with over 80 folks from Arati Adult Daycare who traveled all the way from Lowell to Boston to visit the State House! Visitors got to see the sights in the building and sit at House Members’ desks in the House Chamber — taking plenty of pictures along the way. Arati Adult Daycare serves primarily older adults from the Cambodian Community, focusing on culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and care. |
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July 10 - it was great to gather at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell and celebrate DCR Summer Nights 2026! This year, DCR is partnering with 101 community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Angkor Dance Troupe, YWCA of Lowell, and many others! |
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Thank you to the staff and club members at the Boys and Girls Club for being fantastic hosts, and to Governor Maura Healey and DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle for taking the time to visit our amazing city!
Special shoutout to the Club Kids on the basketball court who played a great game as well!
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July 15 - Thank you to Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng for coming to Lowell yesterday to tour the Rourke Bridge project. It was great to see firsthand the incredible progress being made.
I also want to thank Skanska and the members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 for their hard work and dedication in making this project a reality. Your efforts are helping build a stronger and safer future for our community.
I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of our partners to keep this important project moving forward as smoothly and efficiently as possible. |
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July 30 - I had the chance to stop by The Fluffy Cake to welcome one of Lowell’s newest small businesses!
Located at 692 Middlesex Street in Lowell, The Fluffy Cake offers delicious Cambodian-style cakes and refreshing drinks—including Longan Iced Tea. It’s always exciting to see local entrepreneurs bringing new flavors and cultures to our community.
If you’re looking to try something new, be sure to check them out, and support a local small business. Wishing them continued success! |
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Economic Development Bond Bill |
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The Economic Development Bond Bill makes major investments to strengthen our economy, support workforce development, expand housing opportunities, help small businesses, and invest in communities across the Commonwealth.
I'm especially proud to have secured $1,050,000 in local bond funding for the City of Lowell to support our important community priorities.
As your State Representative, I'll continue working every day to deliver real investments and real results for our great city of Lowell. |
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A Special Thank You to Our Intern, Shelby Terry |
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This month our office said goodbye to our intern, Shelby Terry.
Shelby is a rising junior at Brandeis University and joined our office for 8 weeks as part of Brandeis's ENACT Corps Internship Program. Shelby, a film and interactive media major, was a huge asset to our office. Her creative video ideas enhanced our social media feed in a big way.
Thank you so much to Shelby for your contributions to our office, your work ethic, and your sense of humor. We know you'll go on to do great things!
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Check Out my Video Updates from the State House! |
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Things to Know, Things to Do |
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Saturday, August 1st, is Open Studios at Western Avenue! Take the opportunity to meet and support local artists, creatives, and craftspeople. From original artwork, jewelry, sculpture, textiles and more - there is truly something for everyone at Western Avenue. |
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Hosted by Senator Vanna Howard
Saturday, August 1 from 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Project Kompass Community Center
192 Appleton Street, Lowell
Stop by to meet Senator Howard, support children in our community, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about the Project Kompass Community Center. We will be collecting new clothing, shoes, and sneakers for school-aged boys and girls of all sizes—from kindergarten through high school.
The first-annual Project Kompass back-to-school event will take place on Saturday, August 22nd! |
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August 4th is National Night Out! |
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There are two locations you can enjoy National Night Out with your friends and family on Tuesday, August 4th! There will be games, food, raffles, music and more!
At the Morey School you'll even have the opportunity to dunk Rep. Tara Hong in the dunk tank! The Morey School is located130 Pine Street, Lowell.
Coalition for a Better Acre will be hosting at North Common where there will be bike giveaways and a Rainforest Reptile Show! Join the fun at North Common Park located at 413 Fletcher Street, Lowell. |
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The festival will be located at the JFK Civic Center at 50 Arcand Drive in Lowell.
There will be vendors, food, fun, dancing and music! |
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The Catmobile will be at Lowell Humane Society on August 5, 12, 19 and 26 providing low-cost spay and neuter services for cats.
Spaying/neutering cats helps them live longer, happier lives! |
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SUMMER EATS KICKS OFF JULY 8TH!
From July 8 through August 14, kids and teens can enjoy FREE healthy lunches at open Summer Eats sites across Massachusetts. Merrimack Valley Food Bank is proud to provide nutritious lunches at five sites right here in Lowell, helping ensure local children have access to healthy meals all summer long.
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The Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival will be on Saturday, August 15 at DCR Lowell Heritage State Park located at 160 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell. There will be food, vendors, boat races, music, dance and more! Come celebrate Lowell's vibrant Southeast Asian culture! |
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It’s back - the 2026 DCR Park Passport Challenge is here! From June 20 through November 1, the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation invites adventurers of all ages to discover the beauty and history of Massachusetts state parks, forests, and watersheds. Explore the outdoors, learn about the environment, connect with the Commonwealth’s nature and history—all while collecting stamps to earn a prize!
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Massachusetts residents with an active passenger vehicle registration can enter for free through the myRMV Online Service Center from June 15 through August 14, 2026.
A total of 237 low-number plates will be awarded through a random lottery. Winners will be notified by September 15, 2026.
To learn more and apply, visit the RMV website.
https://www.mass.gov/2026-annual-low-number-plate-lottery |
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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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Great news for Lowell and our region!
The Fare Free Transit Pilot Program has been extended through September 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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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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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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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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