ISSUES

As your State Representative, I am committed to keeping residents of the 18th Middlesex District informed and engaged in the work we’re doing at the State House.

Here’s how I stay connected with you:

• Regular Office Hours: I host office hours so we can meet, talk about your priorities, and bring your concerns directly to the State House.

• Open Communication: Through social media, e-newsletters, and my website at reptarahong.com, I share updates on legislation, community events, and the work I’m doing on your behalf.

My goal is simple — to make life in our community better today and to build a stronger future for our children. This is the work I have been doing, and it’s the work I will continue to do: showing up, listening, and bringing your voice to the table.

I believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality education, no matter their skin color, heritage, or economic circumstances. A strong public education system is the foundation of a stronger community and a brighter future for our Commonwealth.

In my first term, I was proud to vote to increase Chapter 70 funding by 6.7% in FY26 compared to the FY25 budget, investing more resources into public education in our community and across the state.

However, the work to ensure equity and access in education is far from over. There is still much to do to secure additional funding and better resources for our public schools—both across Massachusetts and right here in Lowell.

As your State Representative, I will continue to advocate for fair funding, improved resources, and inclusive opportunities for all students, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Every student deserves the chance to succeed, and I am committed to making that a reality.

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Every Massachusetts resident deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care, regardless of income, background, or immigration status.

Massachusetts has led the nation in expanding health coverage through programs like MassHealth and the Health Connector, investing in behavioral health services, and strengthening protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care. But too many families still struggle with rising healthcare costs, navigating insurance, and accessing timely care—especially in low-income and immigrant communities.

We must continue improving our system by expanding outreach and education so people understand their coverage options, strengthening MassHealth, investing in mental health and substance use services, and addressing public health challenges before they become crises.

As your State Representative, I will work to make healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and more equitable for all people across the Commonwealth. You can count on me to stand with our community and to champion public health policies that put people first.

Every resident deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, stable, and affordable home—one that enables them to build a healthy, secure life. Yet, housing costs have risen far beyond what many families can afford, forcing too many individuals and families into housing instability or even homelessness.

As your State Representative, I have made affordable housing one of my top priorities. I have supported and filed legislation to expand access to affordable homes, protect tenants, and promote responsible development across Massachusetts. My commitment is to continue fighting for housing affordability for everyone—no matter who you are or where you come from.

However, the work is far from over. I will continue to stand up and collaborate with community leaders, housing advocates, and organizations such as the Lowell Housing Authority, Coalition for a Better Acre, and others to take a whole-community approach to addressing this crisis.

Moving forward, I will keep advocating for policies that:

• Increase affordable housing options across the district

• Require new projects to include affordable units.

• Support residents facing housing insecurity

Together, we can ensure that everyone in Lowell—and across the Commonwealth—has a safe and affordable place to call home.

Supporting local businesses is a top priority. Lowell, as one of Massachusetts’ 26 Gateway Cities, depends on strong small businesses—from Cambodia Town shops to Western Avenue studios—to fuel jobs and growth.

Massachusetts is investing in economic recovery, job training, and support for Gateway Cities, and I will ensure Lowell benefits from these programs. As your State Representative, I will continue meeting with local business owners, advocating for policies that help them thrive, and partnering with legislators to grow our economy for everyone in our community.

As your State Representative, I have committed myself to tackling our district’s transportation and construction challenges. I have worked closely with state and federal colleagues to address the serious issues surrounding the Rourke Bridge, including safety concerns related to the temporary bridge that impacted our community.

I have collaborated with state agencies and the federal government to advance this project, and I remain committed to keeping residents informed at every step. I will continue to push MassDOT to keep the project moving and ensure it is completed safely and on time.

In my first term, I was also proud to vote in support of Chapter 90 funding, which provides critical resources to cities like Lowell for road, bridge, and infrastructure repairs. Chapter 90 helps our city maintain safer streets, improve traffic flow, and address long-overdue transportation needs in our neighborhoods.

I will continue advocating for strong state investment in local infrastructure and holding agencies accountable so our community gets the safe, reliable transportation system it deserves.

Transparency is one of the most important values in public service. That’s why I am fully committed to being accessible, accountable, and open with the people of the 18th Middlesex District.

I uphold that commitment by sharing my voting record and keeping residents informed about the decisions I make on their behalf at the State House. This information is available on my website, and I will continue to ensure that my work remains visible and understandable to everyone in our community.

No matter what the issue, I will always show up, listen, and be present, because serving you means being honest, transparent, and available every single day.

The time to act on climate change is now — for our future and for the health of our communities. Transitioning from gas to clean electricity and expanding renewable energy are essential to reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment for future generations.

Massachusetts is moving forward with major climate legislation and clean energy planning. The Legislature recently passed a law to accelerate clean energy development, streamline permitting for solar, wind, and storage projects, and expand access to electrification and electric vehicle infrastructure. These reforms help us shift away from fossil fuels, protect ratepayers, and support environmental justice communities across the state.

I will continue advocating for strong state programs that make solar energy more affordable and accessible to residents and small businesses. I also support efforts to meet the Commonwealth’s climate goals — including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding clean energy jobs — while ensuring we build a resilient, equitable future for all.