A Monthly Newsletter from Senator Julian Cyr
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June 2025
Dear Friends,

I know for a lot of people, June means one thing: the official start of summer. But at the State House, June actually marks the end of something else—the Senate budget process. Debate on amendments wrapped up just before Memorial Day Weekend, and for the past nine years, that’s been my personal sign that summer is here, more than any beach day or ferry ride (though I can’t wait for those too).

This year, the Senate passed a $61.4 billion budget that aims to meets the moment we’re in with clear-eyed investments in housing, mental health, and our coastal communities, while apprehensively bracing for what may come out of Washington. During debate, I led a series of initiatives to remove roadblocks to housing production, especially in high-need regions like the Cape and Islands. From tackling building inspection bottlenecks to exploring a sales tax credit for construction materials, we’re pushing hard on the levers we know will get homes built.

We also took another meaningful step in addressing the youth mental health crisis. I filed an amendment to create a statewide commission on children’s behavioral health, bringing together agencies, providers, and community voices to finally build a coordinated system of care. Careful readers will recall that I led the way on landmark mental health reform several years ago. The Mental Health ABC Act and the accompanying $192 million investment in Massachusetts’ behavioral health workforce have done a whole lot of good, yet barriers remain. For too long, families have been forced to navigate a fragmented maze just to get their kids basic support. That needs to change.

In the Senate FY26 budget and an accompanying $1.33 billion supplemental budget funded through the Fair Share Amendment, I secured a total of $1.4 million in targeted investments for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. That includes funding for shellfish propagation, medical transportation, stormwater management, ferry dock and maintenance, technical education, arts and culture, child care, and support for veterans and older adults. It’s a reflection of what we’ve heard loud and clear from communities: we need investments that are practical, rooted in place, and ready to deliver.

But while we’re making progress at the state level, the federal landscape is deeply unsettling.

We’re bracing for major cuts to health care that could strip coverage from tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents. Medicaid, subsidies, public health programs—all are on the chopping block. And while the current administration in Washington may seem chaotic or unserious, the harm they’re causing is intentional. On May 27, ICE agents carried out sweeping immigration enforcement on both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard—profiling vans, questioning people without cause, and detaining at least forty individuals. It’s shameful to see immigrant islanders, who fill critical roles that sustain our local economies be targeted. The impact was immediate: businesses didn’t open the next day out of fear. This was a brazen and indiscriminate act by federal authorities, disrupting lives and livelihoods and sending a chilling message to the very people who make the islands work.

And as we celebrate Pride Month, it’s hard to ignore the chilling message coming from the federal government: they’ve scrubbed the words gay, LGBTQ, and transgender from virtually every corner of their websites. They’re trying to erase us—not just from policy, but from public life. Here in Massachusetts, we won’t stand for it. Pride is about visibility, resistance, and resilience. I’m proud of the work we’re doing to uplift LGBTQ+ youth, support trans people, queer folks experiencing homelessness, and fund the grassroots programs that are holding our community together.

These are uncertain times. But we keep showing up. And we keep delivering.

Thank you for your trust, your advocacy, and your belief that we can build something better—together.

In solidarity,
Julian Cyr
Updates & Newsroom
Recognizing the Nauset State Champion Hockey Team!

It was my pleasure to bring a brief reprieve to the budget debate by calling the Senate to recess in order to recognize the Nauset Boys' Hockey Team in the Senate Chamber for their outstanding achievement of winning the state championship this year.
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Interview: Happy Hour A Happy Time For Bars? | Newsradio 95 WXTK ([link removed])

Housing

Persistent housing production woes attracting more remedies | Senate | statehousenews.com ([link removed]) - State House News Service

"We're really trying to look at how else we can advance housing production, how we can cut through red tape, how we can lower costs in a very uncertain environment," Cyr told reporters before Tuesday's session.

Housing experts provided advice to the state for possible funding and policy tools for seasonal communities | Local News | berkshireeagle.com ([link removed]) - Berkshire Eagle

“If we had this conversation 10 years ago, no one was talking about 150 percent AMI. I’m pretty confident that in five years, Nantucket’s going to come back to us and say that it’s going to need to go north of that,” Cyr said.

Spilka eyes sales tax exemption to encourage housing | Housing & Shelter | statehousenews.com ([link removed]) - State House News Service

"We're going to look to file an amendment to study that issue," Cyr told the News Service. "We want to really understand how that would make a difference in housing production, what the cost of that would be to the commonwealth."

Spilka proposes lifting sales tax on construction materials to boost housing ([link removed]) - - The Boston Globe

Like Spilka, Cyr hinted that a number of other pro-housing policies could be coming from the State House, to augment the funding and policies included in last year’s bond bill.
Speech: Unlocking Housing Production Amendment
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Speech: We Can't Go Backwards on Housing
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Climate and Environment

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $800K to Support Dam Removal & Wetland Restoration Projects | Mass.gov ([link removed]) - Mass.gov

“Just take one look at the before-and-after pics from recent restoration projects and you see why this is so important,” said Cyr.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $916,000 to Improve and Protect Water Quality | Mass.gov ([link removed]) - Mass.gov

"Investments like this are critical to protecting the Island’s environment, economy, and public health. I’m grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency for making this work possible.”

Bills, Bills & Budget

Four things to watch as state lawmakers negotiate a new $61 billion budget | GBH ([link removed])

Sen. Julian Cyr, a Truro Democrat who sponsored the amendment, said the study would give “the Legislature sort of a menu around how this would work” to inform future deliberations about targeting a sales-tax credit.


Money earmarked for bike path repairs, ferry improvements - The Martha's Vineyard Times ([link removed])

“We’re talking about improving air quality for middle schoolers. Repaving bike paths that Islanders use every day. Keeping our ferries running smoothly. This is exactly what Fair Share was designed to do: deliver real returns for working families and communities in every corner of the Commonwealth,” Cyr said


Broken brokers’ fees: Mass. lawmakers try again for a fix | Bay State Briefing - masslive.com ([link removed])

"I think the good news is you have the Senate, the House and the governor all in agreement that we need to reform brokers’ fees,” Cyr said.
Speech: Anti-Book Ban Amendment
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Happy hour back in MA? Cape Cod senator says it could help offseason ([link removed]) - Cape Cod Times

“This is voluntary. And the real aim of it, especially on the Cape and the Islands, is to spur activity and foot traffic,” Cyr said.


The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News | From Tragedy to Advocacy, Vineyarder Pushes for More Access to Epinephrine ([link removed]) - The Vineyard Gazette

State Rep. Thomas Moakley, who introduced one of the three bills in February with state Sen. Julian Cyr, said that Ms. Shai Brown has been instrumental in organizing the event.


Massachusetts lags behind other states on student cellphone use restrictions – Fall River Reporter ([link removed]) - Fall River Reporter

Attorney General Andrea Campbell filed a bill (S 335 / H 666) with Sen. Julian Cyr and Reps. Alice Peisch and Kate Lipper-Garabedian that would ban cellphones and other personal electronic devices, like smartwatches, from when a student arrives at school until the end of the school day.


Calls intensify for SSA term limits - The Martha's Vineyard Times ([link removed])

Cyr, a petitioner of the bill, said while they don’t want to “upset the applecart,” the “common sense” term limits were introduced as a way to “balance institutional knowledge and longevity with having some fresh perspectives.”
Speech: Supporting our Community Health Centers
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Adjournment Order: Honoring Andrew Childs with Members of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus

On the first day of the Senate budget debate, I moved for the Senate to ceremonially adjourn in memory of John Andrew Childs—a beloved Somerville resident and longtime member of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, whose life was tragically cut short in December 2024. In his honor, members of the Chorus joined us in the Senate Chamber and delivered a deeply moving rendition of “Everything Possible.” It was a powerful tribute to a life filled with music, friendship, and love.
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Legislation Corner

FY26 Budget

In May, the Senate passed a $61.4 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget that makes bold but fiscally responsible investments in housing, youth mental health, and our local communities. This budget includes key statewide wins and $750,000 in local funding for the Cape and Islands.

In my still relatively new role as Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, I wanted to make sure we took some big steps towards our housing production goals. The Senate unanimously adopted my amendment to jumpstart several of the top recommendations from the recently released housing production report “Building for Tomorrow ([link removed]) ” from the Governor’s Unlocking Housing Production Commission. The amendment includes exploring a sales tax exemption for multifamily housing construction materials, piloting third-party inspections to speed up permitting, and studying a local option to exempt affordable housing from Proposition 2½ constraints. My Senate colleagues clearly agree that if we’re serious about solving our housing crisis, we must be serious about removing the barriers that stand in the way of building homes.

The Senate also adopted my proposal to create a special commission focused on transforming how Massachusetts delivers behavioral health services to children. The commission will bring together state agencies and community stakeholders to assess system gaps, improve coordination, and develop a five-year strategy to ensure that no child is left waiting for critical mental health care.

We also delivered significant funding for statewide initiatives, including:
* Youth At Risk, including an increase of $500,000 for youth-at-risk programs to support youth development and mentorship services;

* Worker ownership and economic resilience, with $200,000 for the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership, an office I helped revive in 2019;

* The Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, with $75,000 to expand outreach and support; and

* LGBTQ+ youth, secured $500,000 for the Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) and their statewide network.

In addition to policy and statewide wins, I also secured local investments that reflect the unique needs of our region:
* $150,000 for shellfish propagation in Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties—creating jobs, improving water quality, and supporting a resilient coastal economy.

* $70,000 for Launch Transitions in Barnstable to purchase a handicap-accessible van, supporting job training and independence for students with disabilities.

* $60,000 for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce to support businesses impacted by the Cape bridges replacement project.

* $50,000 for the Museum of African American History of Nantucket to support the historic African Meeting House ahead of the America 250 commemoration.

* $50,000 for the Friends of Bass River as they work to address removal of the invasive species the Chesapeake Bay boring sponge.

* $100,000 for fire training and equipment in Barnstable County.

* $50,000 for Harbor Homes on Martha’s Vineyard to study a permanent shelter site.

* $50,000 for Helping Our Women’s micro-transit program.

* $50,000 for ADA accessibility improvements at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.

* $30,000 for a study on growing the regional kelp industry.

* $20,000 for veterans’ transportation services through the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center.

* $20,000 to support older adult transportation on Martha’s Vineyard.

Lastly, an amendment was adopted that seeks to restore local control over liquor licenses to individual municipalities, rather than requiring legislative approval from the Massachusetts General Court for each new license. My good friend and fellow Millennial Senator Jake Oliveira led this effort that will very much benefit the towns in my district, since every session we get a number of these cumbersome home rule petitions to issue new liquor licenses. As the final budget moves to conference committee negotiations, I’ll keep fighting to make sure all of these wins make it across the finish line.

Fair Share Supplemental Budget

Just before addressing the FY26 Budget, the Senate passed a $1.33 billion supplemental budget funded through the Fair Share Amendment, which Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly supported adding to the state constitution in 2022. These Fair Share dollars, which were raised through a surtax on the state’s highest earners, are being reinvested back into our communities, with a clear focus on public education and transportation. Through this process, I secured some meaningful wins, for both our region and the state as a whole.

Statewide, the Senate Fair Share supplemented budget includes:
* $248 million for special education reimbursements;

* $100 million for expanding career and technical education opportunities;

* $190 million for maintenance and upgrades at our public colleges and universities;

* $370 million for MBTA improvements;

* $105 million for regional transit, including ferry and microtransit systems;

* And $190 million for local road and bridge repair projects.

These are smart, one-time investments that meet the moment and honor the voters’ intent to close gaps and improve core infrastructure across Massachusetts.

Locally, I’m thrilled to share that we secured $2.75 million for high-impact projects across the Cape and Islands, including:
* $2 million for ferry service and dock maintenance to keep our island lifelines running safely and reliably;

* $300,000 for Cape Cod Regional Technical High School to support site development as it grows career training for our students;

* $175,000 for urgent repairs at the Cape Cod Collaborative, which serves some of our most vulnerable learners;

* $70,000 for Cape Cod Children’s Place for classroom upgrades and early education improvements;

* $25,000 to address mold and improve air quality at Monomoy Middle School;

* $100,000 to maintain and repair the Cape Cod Rail Trail; and

* $80,000 for the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to repave critical sections of the state forest bike path.

We also secured a big policy win to help with funding needs at education collaboratives in Massachusetts. Education collaboratives are regional public organizations that allow multiple school districts to pool resources and work together to provide specialized educational programs and services for students who may not succeed in traditional school settings. Because collaboratives often serve rural, small, or lower-resourced districts, they are a critical part of the state’s education infrastructure, especially for students with disabilities or specialized learning needs. Yet, unlike traditional public schools, they often lack stable funding for facility improvements and capital expenses. I therefore filed an amendment, which was adopted, to direct the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to assess capital needs at regional education collaboratives and develop a long-term funding plan - helping ensure rural and special education programs don’t get left behind. I’d like to extend
a public thank you to Cape Cod Collaborative Executive Director Hope Hanscom for alerting me to this need for a more sustaining funding model.

Another notable policy win from the Fair Share supplemental budget included changes to the fare-free pilot program, allowing regional transit authorities more flexibility in how they implement fare-free or reduced-fare service options. This change responds to lessons learned from early pilot efforts and gives local transit agencies, including the Cape Cod RTA, the ability to design programs that best serve their riders and communities.

Overall, the investments made through this Fair Share supp are tangible, targeted, and timely. As always, I’m grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for prioritizing regional equity and helping us deliver for our communities. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket get their fair share.
The Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act

I had the solemn honor of testifying in front of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security alongside Shannon Hubbard’s husband, John, and parents, Tim and Nancy Waldron, as well as Representative Luddy, in support of the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act. Their strength in sharing the painful details of Shannon and Maggie’s tragic loss was deeply moving—and a powerful message to all of the committee members. With grace and clarity, they turned their grief into a call for action, urging lawmakers to ensure no other family endures what they have.

Their testimony brought urgency and humanity to the conversation. It was a striking example of public service in its most personal form—transforming heartbreak into advocacy. I’m grateful for their courage and for Representative Luddy’s partnership in championing this commonsense safety measure. Together, we’re pushing for change that will save lives and honor Shannon and Maggie’s memory with real, lasting impact.
Housing Committee Introductory Hearings

This month, we convened two important introductory hearings of the Joint Committee on Housing. These sessions marked the start of what will be a busy and deeply consequential legislative session focused on one of the most urgent challenges facing our Commonwealth: the housing crisis.

We heard from a range of housing experts, advocates, and public officials — including Massachusetts Housing Secretary Ed Augustus — who painted a clear and sobering picture of the scale of the crisis. From rising rents and home prices to the loss of year-round housing in seasonal communities, the testimony underscored just how many residents are struggling to stay in the communities they love.

More importantly, we also heard about the policy solutions that can help us dig our way out - tools like zoning reform, public investment in housing production, and targeted support for renters and first-time homebuyers. These hearings set the stage for the critical work ahead, and I’m committed to ensuring that our committee advances bold, effective strategies to make housing more affordable and accessible across Massachusetts. I’m grateful to all of the experts who offered their perspectives during these hearings, and to my committee co-chair, Representative Richard Haggerty, for his partnership and collaboration as we begin this crucial work together.
Senate Art Committee Meeting

The Senate Art Committee had a productive meeting, which I was happy to chair, as it moved forward with plans to add two new busts to the Massachusetts Senate Chamber. Members revisited the exciting decision to honor Elizabeth Freeman and Abigail Adams and began mapping out the next phase of the project.

Susan Cross, Senior Curator at MASS MoCA, shared helpful insights on the artist selection process, sparking a thoughtful discussion around materials, eligibility, and project goals. The Committee agreed on clear next steps, including drafting a call for artists and preparing for a follow-up meeting in June. With strong collaboration and clear direction, the project is on a great path forward.
Project 351 Advocacy Day

I had the pleasure of welcoming students, educators, and supporters of Project 351 to the State House for their annual legislative briefing—a celebration of service, leadership, and the next generation of changemakers in Massachusetts.

Project 351 began in 2011 with a simple but powerful goal of uniting eighth grade “unsung heroes” from all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth through a yearlong journey of service and leadership. Since then, the movement has grown to engage more than 5,500 young people, who have collectively impacted over 1.4 million neighbors across Massachusetts.

Before I served in the Senate, I had the chance to support Project 351 in its very first year—not as a participant (I had *ahem* aged out), but as a volunteer bus captain, helping bring Cape Cod’s student leaders to the State House.

Now, fourteen years later, I was proud to host Project 351 Alumni—ninth and tenth graders who have continued their service journeys and are now mentoring a new generation of Ambassadors. Their stories and continued dedication are a testament to what happens when we invest in youth leadership: students who stay engaged, give back, and strengthen our communities.
Latest Events: In the District and Beyond!
Seasonal Communities Advisory Council meets on the Outer Cape

This month, Provincetown played host to the latest meeting of the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council—a council I was proud to help establish, and one that is already delivering meaningful insight into the housing challenges that seasonal communities face across Massachusetts.

We were joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Housing Secretary Ed Augustus, whose presence underscores just how seriously the Healey-Driscoll Administration is taking the issues that shape life in towns like Provincetown, the Berkshires, the Islands, and everywhere in between. Working groups from the Council presented detailed updates on their progress—each one informed by people who live and work in these places year-round. Every corner of the Commonwealth was represented, making this council a truly accurate reflection of the communities it’s meant to serve.

Because of the timing of our annual Town Meeting, Provincetown auspiciously became the first municipality in the state to almost unanimously vote to accept the new Seasonal Communities designation. This designation is more than just symbolic—it’s a real toolkit for unlocking housing solutions tailored to the needs of seasonal economies: workforce housing, homes for municipal employees who earn too much for traditional affordable housing but not enough to rent or buy at market rate, housing for artists, and more.
Inaugural Military Appreciation Day

I recently had the distinct honor of joining colleagues from across the Commonwealth for the first annual Military Appreciation Day, hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services at the Massachusetts State House. Held in the House Chamber, this event served as a tribute to the service members, veterans, and military families whose commitment and sacrifice strengthen our communities and our country.

As part of the ceremony, each legislator was invited to nominate an individual from their district whose service and character embody the spirit of this day. I was proud to nominate Tom Rooney of Barnstable—a Vietnam veteran, retired New York City police officer, swordfisherman, and tugboat captain.

Tom’s life is marked by a deep and unwavering sense of duty. From serving his country in Vietnam, to protecting New Yorkers on the force, to contributing to the working waterfront that defines so much of our region’s character, Tom has given his all. He remains a vital part of our community and a steadfast supporter of his fellow veterans.

Tom Rooney represents the very best of Cape Cod: resilient, grounded, and always willing to serve. It was a privilege to recognize him at this inaugural event, and I remain grateful for his decades of leadership and service.
Community Leadership Institute of Cape Cod

The Community Leadership Institute of Cape Cod and the Islands (CLI) is a resource for Cape Codders and Islanders seeking to develop and refine skills needed to be leaders today and into the future. Founded in 1992, CLI offers participants a six-month crash course where they learn from leaders in government, business, and nonprofits and deploy those skills on projects geared toward bettering our communities. This month, the spring 2025 CLI cohort joined Rep. Dave Vieira of Falmouth, myself, and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll for a visit in the Corner Office before coming to the floor of the Senate to be recognized for their commitment to our special corner of the Commonwealth. I was pleased to be able to honor the CLI and the work it is doing to build the bench of leadership we will need in the years to come.
Sustainable Nantucket Community Farm

During a recent visit to Sustainable Nantucket’s Community Farm Institute, I had the chance to walk the fields, meet with several of the farmers working the land, and learn more about the incredible work this organization has been doing to support local agriculture over the past 25 years.

Located on land owned by the Nantucket Land Bank and adjacent to the community garden off Hummock Pond Road, the farm is home to the Walter F. Ballinger Mentor Farmers Program. This innovative program was designed to train and support new farmers by gradually shifting responsibility for farming each of the eight-acre plots from experienced professionals to aspiring growers. It’s a hands-on, low-risk opportunity for individuals to learn how to grow food sustainably and build the skills needed to farm independently on-island.

The energy on the farm is palpable. You can feel the care these farmers bring to their work, and it's clear that the land is being stewarded thoughtfully and productively. In addition to fresh produce, honey, and flowers sold at the on-site farm stand, Sustainable Nantucket also offers educational programming, mentorship, and workshops aimed at empowering the next generation of island farmers.

This model—where mentorship, land access, and community investment come together—is a powerful example of how we can strengthen our local food systems and reduce our dependence on off-island imports. Sustainable Nantucket’s commitment to food equity, environmental resilience, and economic opportunity is as vital as ever, and I’m grateful to have seen their work in action.
Breaking Ground & Cutting Ribbons
Bringing New Life to Motta Field

I had the joy of joining Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, former Representative Sarah Peake (my dear friend and longtime colleague who now works in the Governor’s office), and town leaders in Provincetown to break ground on the long-awaited revitalization of Motta Field. As someone who grew up in nearby North Truro, I remember when Motta Field was more vibrant—and I’m thrilled to see it finally getting the attention it deserves.

Thanks to a $1 million grant from the state, an $11.7 million debt exclusion approved by Provincetown voters, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader $28 million investment in public parks across Massachusetts, we’re making meaningful investments in places that matter to working families, young people, and seniors alike. Not only will the pickleball courts be brand new, but I don’t think we could have found a spot for them further from the center of town without actually leaving town!

I want to especially thank Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for her leadership and for being back in Provincetown for her third visit since taking office. Governor Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll see our region not just as a beautiful place to visit in July and August, but as a community with real and pressing challenges—around housing, wastewater, and workforce. No one has rolled up their sleeves more than Kim Driscoll to help us tackle those issues. She’s been a tremendous partner to me, to Rep. Hadley Luddy, and to so many local leaders here.

Motta Field is coming back to life, and I can’t wait to see this space serve Provincetown for generations to come.
Cannery Wharf Park

Congratulations to Provincetown on the opening of Cannery Wharf Park—a new gem on our working waterfront, featuring green space, picnic tables, harbor access, and long-overdue public restroom facilities in the East End of town.

This park is here because of the collective efforts of a community that shows up. Voters supported it. Town Manager Alex Morse and his dedicated team at Town Hall delivered. The Select Board continues to lead on the tough stuff—whether it's securing public land, addressing housing, or taking on the climate crisis.

We also owe deep thanks to Elena Curtis Hall, who made the choice to sell this land to the town—knowing full well she could have gotten much more by selling it to someone who would have built market-rate condos or luxury units. That’s not who she was, and that’s not what she wanted Provincetown to become. Her values helped make this public space possible.

The state invested $400,000 in planning and another $750,000 to help bring the project to fruition. Cannery Wharf Park shows what’s possible when we work together as a connected, committed community.

And I want to recognize former Rep. Sarah Peake, who had a hand in many steps along the way. Her leadership and legacy are woven through so much of the progress we’ve made here on the Outer Cape.
Problem solving with Don Allen Ford

On a recent visit to Don Allen Ford, Nantucket’s only state-certified vehicle inspection site, I got an up-close look at one of the many logistical challenges of island life that often goes unnoticed—until it doesn’t. With only one site on the entire island performing vehicle inspections, even routine tasks become a puzzle requiring creative thinking and long hours.

Don Allen Ford runs 2 inspection bays five and a half days a week and sees between 80 to 90 vehicles daily. That’s an enormous load, and their staff—35 full-time employees, including 19 housed in employee housing—works hard to keep up. Recent changes to RMV policy around late inspection sticker deadlines have driven a sharp increase in demand, turning what was once a challenging flow into an urgent community concern.

Erick Evans and the team at Don Allen are working hard with local partners to identify and smooth the process to ensure all Islanders can safely and efficiently get their vehicles inspected. The truth is that there’s no quick fix here. The state is in the early stages of looking into ways to address the backlog, and I’m committed to working with both the Registry of Motor Vehicles and our local partners to explore sustainable options. In a place like Nantucket, we need solutions that reflect the Island’s unique circumstances.
Cannabis Control Commission meets in Provincetown

The Cannabis Control Commission convened in Provincetown Town Hall to discuss implementation of social consumption—something I’ve long supported and helped author the state law to give municipalities the choice to allow on-site cannabis use.

Some towns may want to open cannabis cafés or lounges, but there are still a lot of details to work through. Current rules don’t allow cannabis and alcohol in the same space, raising questions like: can a bar go dry for a night to host cannabis consumption? Where on a property can use happen—indoors, outdoors, or both?

The Commission is still redlining their draft regulations. We expect a public comment period to open around July and run for 45 days, with revised final regulations hopefully in place by the end of the year.

Not every town will want this, and not every business will opt in—but I’m glad we’re finally getting the ball rolling on a long-overdue piece of cannabis reform.
Big Queer Food Fest Celebrity Chef Dinner

The meal we enjoyed at the Big Queer Food Fest’s celebrity chef dinner at gastronomic hotspot Bar Volpe in South Boston was nothing short of spectacular—a joyful, delicious celebration of queer excellence in the culinary world. It was especially meaningful for me personally. Bar Volpe’s chef and owner, Karen Akunowicz, who you might know from her many appearances in the Top Chef cinematic universe, learned to cook Italian food from my dad, Adrian, who taught cooking at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts for 25 years. To see Karen now, leading with such talent and vision, is deeply moving—and a testament to the power of mentorship, legacy, and community.

The evening brought together three remarkable queer chefs—Karen, the ever-inspiring Melissa King, and the magnetic Gabriele Bertaccini—who curated four unforgettable courses. Each dish told a story, each bite honored the chef’s heritage, and each moment shared at the table reminded me how food can nourish both body and spirit.

Events like this one are more than just a meal—they are a celebration of identity, resilience, and joy. I’m grateful to the Big Queer Food Fest for creating a space where we can gather, uplift one another, and savor the talents of our community.

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Copyright © 2019,Senator Julian Cyr, All rights reserved.
A monthly newsletter from Senator Julian Cyr

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Senator Julian Cyr
Massachusetts State House, Room 111
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