It is with a broken heart that we announce the loss of our dear friend and mentor Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, who passed away at the age of 53 after a long and brave journey with pancreatic cancer. Inquiries may be directed to Dru Tarr at [email protected].

Another Cape Ann family instilling a love of reading thanks to our local partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! If you live on Cape Ann with a child newborn to five, sign up through Pathways for Children at the link below to receive the gift of a book mailed to child every month.

The legislative Life Science Caucus recently visited Amgen's Cambridge campus, where we viewed their facilities and learned firsthand how their researchers and scientists are advancing groundbreaking therapies that make a real difference for patients.

Food producers and distributors are the foundation of our economy, food security, and community resilience. Cape Ann businesses and nonprofits received over $560k in the recent round of Food Security Infrastructure Grants to support our local food system, including over $127k for The Open Door.

Congratulations to the Gloucester High School Auto Shop, which held a ribbon cutting today to celebrate the newly renovated shop and brand new simulators that will help combine traditional auto training with new electric vehicle training.

Thank you to The Salem Pantry, Greater Boston Food Bank, Rep. Cruz, and Sen. Lovely for the invitation to visit the food distribution hub, which will allow local pantries to pick up their GBFB orders in Salem. By avoiding the trip to Boston, food get to where it is needed quickly and efficiently.

MassDOT will hold a virtual public information meeting to discuss the upcoming reconstruction of the Western Avenue (Route 127) Bridge over the Blynman Canal. 📅 Tuesday, December 2, 2025 🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 💻 Join online: mass.gov/orgs/highway-division/events

Thank you to Judge Talwani for feeding those in need in ruling that the USDA must use contingency funds to provide SNAP during the shutdown. AG Andrea Campbell’s leadership in this lawsuit ensured that MA stood up for families and upheld that no one should go hungry because of political gridlock.

Collaboration between Gloucester Public Schools, Pathways for Children, Cape Ann Y, and other early educators through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative helps educators meet students where they are and ensures that children have access to the services and support they need to thrive.

Tomorrow will be a day of pride for me. This daughter of Sicilian immigrants will be visiting Terrasini in an effort to further promote the relationship between Terrasini and Gloucester as sister cities. This visit comes on the heels of the Mayor of Terrasini’s visit to Gloucester this spring.

Gloucester, remember to vote in today's mayoral preliminary election!

Congratulation to the Town of Rockport and the Rockport Department of Public Works on the opening of the brand new DPW building! Our DPW workers do important work — often work that is not often recognized or talked about. I'm glad that they have this new facility to help them keep Rockport running.

Congratulations to the Sawyer Free Library on the ribbon cutting and grand reopening of the new, expanded library! Knowledge is the most precious gift that one can give. This library will be giving that gift to the residents of Cape Ann for generations to come.

Today, we pause to honor the memory of those lost in the senseless attacks on September 11, 2001. We stand with the families forever changed and give thanks to the first responders and service members who answered the call with courage — on that day and every other. #NeverForget

I am proud of our state for making sure that Massachusetts residents who want or need to receive vaccines will continue to have access to them, especially caregivers and people who have immunocompromising health conditions through no fault of their own.

Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make all the difference in their communities. I was honored to host a luncheon for the women that I nominated to be recognized as Commonwealth Heroines throughout my time in office so far.

Theater performances are drivers for businesses in our downtowns. As the lead proponent in the House for a live theater tax credit, I am glad that it was included in the Legislature’s economic development bill and is being implemented to support our theaters and the local economies that benefit.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Erika Brown from The Cricket to discuss how budget and policy decisions being made at the federal level will impact our state budget, cities and towns, and residents.

Melissa Hortman was a bright light in Minnesotan and American politics. I cannot believe her light has been extinguished over political disagreement. There is no room in this country for political violence. Political discourse should be — as our democracy intends — civil and respectful.

Congratulations to the 2025 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Small Business Persons of the Year awardees! 🏆 Joe Ciolino of The Weathervane 🏆 Allan Houle of Manchester Ace Hardware 🏆 Natasha Taylor of Essex Shipbuilding Museum 🏆 Kimberly Cameron Tibert of Sand Castles & Wharf Rat Trading Co.

Today, I spoke once again at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Lobby Day at the State House. Last year, volunteers advocated for two bills focused on detection and access to care. I’m proud to say that the breast cancer screening equity bill has since been signed into law.

On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We also must always remember and honor the families who live with that sacrifice every day.

Starting on July 1, Massachusetts residents will pay less out-of-pocket for their life-saving medications under a law passed by the House of Representatives. Signed by Governor Healey in January, this law places Massachusetts as a leader in ensuring residents have access to life-saving medications.

At a time when our partnership with the federal government is uncertain, the House recommitted to the values that make Massachusetts a leader in the nation, producing a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that strengthens public education and promotes economic and workforce development.

Losing health insurance benefits from a job? Join @healthconnector.bsky.social and MassHealth on May 7, 12-1 PM, for a live webinar to learn about coverage options, avoid gaps, and how to get application help. Save your spot at malink.co/webinar-050725

"This cancellation will cost lives." David Walt is a constituent and friend. He is also a head researcher at Harvard Medical School and has been calling out the problems with Pres. Trump weaponizing medical research funding to attack political enemies. Bad for our patients, bad for our economy.

I'm disappointed that Pres. Trump clawed back a $320k federal grant from Rockport to enhance coastal resilience. Lack of federal support will burden local taxpayers or leave the area undefended. Given the admin's position on climate change, this is sadly not the last time funding will be recinded.

I continue to hear from our school officials about the challenges that growing special education costs present to our schools. Today, I voted in favor of a budget that allocates $240 million to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker, which reimburses districts for costs over the threshold.

We are extremely fortunate to have such strong services for residents in need on Cape Ann, and The Open Door is at the heart of that network. Their dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to fight hunger and connect families with critical resources like SNAP.

At the first hearing on the FY26 budget, I raised concerns that a proposed tax on prescriptions would be passed to consumers by pharma companies, harming those most in need. I'm glad to report that the House will not include this provision in its budget proposal, which will be released next month.

Losing health insurance benefits from a job? Join Massachusetts Health Connector and MassHealth on March 19, 12-1 PM, for a live webinar to learn about coverage options, avoid gaps, and how to get application help. Register at at malink.co/webinar-031925

I believe that if we approach our challenges as opportunities, we can make a difference in people's lives. It is with that mindset that I have turned my experience with cancer into an opportunity to educate and advocate for policies that bring change to the lives of those touched by this disease.

The Enterprise Center at Salem State University will host the Massachusetts Health Connector for Business for a free presentation on health coverage options for small employers on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 9 to 10 am. Register here: enterprisectr.org/event/small-...

Blynman Bridge will be unavailable to open for marine traffic from 6am on March 16 through 6am on March 31. The channel will remain open to vessels that can safely pass under the bridge while it is closed. Mariners should radio the harbormaster on-site for guidance under these restricted conditions.

“New England fishermen say that between federal layoffs and a Trump-issued executive order to limit new regulations, it's unclear when — or if — they'll be able to fish this year.”

To all the women who inspire us everyday!

Hearings on the governor's budget proposal are the first steps in crafting the Commonwealth's annual spending. This week, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its first hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget, which will begin on July 1, 2025.

Time is running out - don't wait to get your REAL ID! Due to federal requirement becoming effective on May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by plane domestically or wishing to enter certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID or Passport. Additional information can be found at repamf.link/REALID.

I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Carol Doherty. She was a wonderful colleague and advocate for her district. My prayers go out to her family, friends, and constituents.

Want to spend your summer working outside? DCR is hiring lifeguards all over the state! Learn new skills and earn competitive pay and bonuses. Visit mass.gov/lifeguards for more information.

Hello, BlueSky! We’re Discover Gloucester, your go-to for everything Gloucester, MA—America’s oldest seaport! From breathtaking coastal views and rich maritime history to world-class seafood and iconic movie locations, there’s so much to explore. 📍 Plan your visit at discovergloucester.com

Congratulations to Christian Hassel on being sworn in as the new Essex Fire Chief by Governor Maura Healey! Chief Hassel follows Chiefs Reader and Doucette in a proud tradition of serving and protecting the town of Essex.

Today is the FINAL DAY of open enrollment for healthcare plans through Massachusetts Health Connector! Don’t miss your chance to get covered. Enroll today at mahealthconnector.org

MassDOT is warning residents of an increase in text message scams claiming to represent EZDriveMA and requesting payment for unpaid tolls. EZDriveMA will NEVER request payment by text or link to websites other than www.EZDriveMA.com. Please stay alert and contact EZDriveMA with any questions.

Surrounded by my family and colleagues in the governor's office, I was sworn in by Governor Healey to represent the community I grew up in. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. I can't think of a greater honor than having the privilege of representing Cape Ann on Beacon Hill.

The past two years have been extremely productive for the Massachusetts Legislature, with a number of major bills being passed throughout 2023 and 2024. Here are some highlights. For more information on these pieces of legislation, please visit repamf.link/193rd-recap

Thank you to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for highlighting my story! To all my fellow cancer survivors, I wish you the best of health for a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

As the daughter of a school librarian, reading is near and dear to my heart. That's why I spearheaded the establishment of a local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Families with children ages 0-5 can sign up to receive a free book each month. Sign up here: imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliat...

Congratulations to "Beauport Bob" Meehan, Zach Sears, Mary Kay Taylor, and John Orlando on being recognized by Discover Gloucester for their contributions to enhancing our tourism and cultural landscape. Each of you exemplifies the spirit of community and dedication that makes Cape Ann so special.

It’s Open Enrollment time! Take advantage of Massachusetts Health Connector plans with affordable premiums, no deductibles, and comprehensive coverage. See if you qualify and use the Plan Finder Tool to ensure your providers are in-network: mahealthconnector.org/connectorcare