Talking with Tarsky
- Administrator
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
February 2026
One Year Ago
One year ago, I had the honor of being sworn in as a State Representative—a moment I will never forget, and a responsibility I carry with deep gratitude. The oath we take is more than ceremonial; it is a commitment to serve our communities with integrity, humility, and hard work.
Congratulations to all of the elected officials sworn into office across the Commonwealth in January, and especially here, in the 13th Norfolk District.
To those beginning your terms: I wish you every success as you step into public service. I look forward to continuing the work together on behalf of our communities.
Below are some photos from the swearing-in ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on January 1, 2025.
From Your Conversations to Our Work
This month, we heard from many constituents about ongoing issues, both nationally and in the Commonwealth, that deserve attention. Moving forward, I will be saving a section of the newsletter to reflect the concerns I hear most often from constituents and to share how my office is working to address them. Your emails, calls, and conversations directly inform the work we do, and I’m grateful for your engagement. In addition to our monthly office hours, which rotate between Needham, Dover, and Medfield, I also make time every Friday to meet constituents at local coffee shops and restaurants. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to meet, talk through an issue, or simply check in. I always appreciate the opportunity to connect.
Energy, Utilities, and Affordability
Energy costs remain a major concern for many households. The House recently held meetings focused on utility rates and energy affordability, where we examined the real pressures families are facing. I am committed to balancing affordability with our climate goals: holding utilities accountable, protecting ratepayers, and continuing to move Massachusetts toward a clean energy future. This is complex work, but it is essential that we pursue solutions that are both economically fair and environmentally responsible.
Immigration and Due Process
Many constituents have shared concerns about immigration legislation moving forward without sufficient resources to ensure fairness and due process. While immigration policy is largely federal, Massachusetts has an important role to play in protecting civil rights and ensuring access to legal support. I am closely engaged in work around several immigration-related bills, including measures that limit state involvement in federal immigration enforcement and proposals that would expand access to legal representation. My focus is on strengthening due process, ensuring people understand their rights, and advocating for the funding and support necessary to make these protections meaningful in practice.
Data Privacy and Personal Safety
I continue to hear strong concerns about data privacy, particularly the collection and sale of sensitive personal information such as precise location data. These issues have real safety implications for many people, including those seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, and members of law enforcement. I am supportive of legislation such as the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and related bills that would limit the collection, use, and sale of sensitive data and give residents greater control over their personal information. These efforts are about modernizing our laws to reflect how data is used today and ensuring that privacy protections keep pace with technology.
Vaccine Policy and Insurance Coverage
Constituents have also raised questions about vaccine policy and access. Recent legislative and budget actions have focused on ensuring that the Department of Public Health has the flexibility it needs to respond to public health needs, while keeping insurance coverage aligned and predictable for patients and providers. This work is intended to protect public health, reduce confusion, and make sure that recommended vaccines remain accessible without unnecessary barriers.
As always, I appreciate hearing from you. Your input helps guide my work at the State House, and I remain committed to addressing these concerns with transparency, care, and urgency.
If you need to get in touch with me before my scheduled office hours, please call 617-722-2582 or email me at Joshua.Tarsky@MaHouse.Gov
What We’ve Been Up To
I was honored to attend the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the new Boston Children’s Hospital Needham location. This facility is an incredible asset for families in our community, expanding access to high-quality pediatric care close to home.
I was glad to join Senator Becca Rausch, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robert Goldstein, and Needham Town Manager Katie King to celebrate this important investment in the health and well-being of our children and families.
Congratulations to Boston Children’s Hospital on this exciting milestone!
Click here for more information.
Legislative Gathering
I attended the Legislative Gathering hosted by the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS). MDS represents thousands of dentists across the Commonwealth and serves as a leading advocate for oral health, patient access, and sound public health policy.
It was great to connect with dental professionals from the Metropolitan District and hear directly about the issues impacting providers and patients. Thank you to Steven Spitz, DMD, Needham resident, and President of the Board of Trustees, and the MDS leadership for bringing legislators together for an informative and productive discussion.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
It was an honor to attend “A Personal Holocaust Story” by Dr. Alan Stern at the First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist, for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Dr. Stern—a longtime Needham resident, pediatrician, and instructor at Harvard Medical School—spoke movingly about intergenerational trauma, growing up as the child of a child Holocaust survivor, and his family’s history of survival, hope, and bravery.
Thank you, Dr. Stern, for sharing your family's story with us. Sharing oral histories like yours is so important because they honor the survivors, carry memories across generations, and help us better understand the lasting impacts of trauma, resilience, and courage.
State of the Commonwealth
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Governor Healey delivered her State of the Commonwealth address, and I’m energized by her vision for Massachusetts! From investing in education and public safety to addressing climate change and growing our economy, she’s focused on building a Commonwealth that works for everyone.
I’m proud to stand with her and continue fighting for policies that support families, communities, and a brighter future for all.
Gov. Healey's address starts around the 57-minute mark.
Legislative Happenings
H.4993, An Act requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events, requires sporting venues to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on the premises, and H.4994, An Act relative to preparing apprentices in the Commonwealth, mandates that public works projects which exceed $10 million utilize apprentice work throughout the process. These common-sense bills will make the Commonwealth stronger by protecting our athletes and creating opportunities for our trade workforce. I was happy to vote in favor of these bills and look forward to seeing them move through the rest of the legislative process to become laws.
This month, we filed two new pieces of legislation: HD.5590 and HD.5567, and will be working with my colleagues on the House Rules Committee to ensure both bills are referred to their appropriate committees for review.
TEACH-MA Act
HD.5590, known as the TEACH-MA Act, is legislation I filed to help train, support, and retain high-quality teachers in public schools across the Commonwealth. During my time working in schools, I saw firsthand the urgent and growing need for well-prepared educators, and the very real consequences for students when classrooms go unstaffed. Education sits at the center of many of the challenges we face as a Commonwealth, and few things are more damaging than students being denied the quality education they deserve because of teacher shortages.
Modeled after Teach For America, the TEACH-MA Act would create a statewide program to recruit, train, and certify teachers who commit to three years of service in Massachusetts public schools. The program would prioritize placement in high-need districts and provide participants with a stipend each year to support them as they enter the profession. Upon completing the program, participants would be eligible for a reduced-cost master’s degree through the UMass system, helping to build long-term capacity in our educator workforce.
I believe strongly in the mission of this legislation and will be working diligently with my colleagues to advance it through the legislative process.
I believe strongly in the mission of this legislation and will be working diligently with my colleagues to advance it through the legislative process.
Unemployment Insurance
HD5567. A significant portion of our office’s constituent work continues to involve unemployment insurance issues. Over the past year, many residents attempting to file for unemployment have experienced long delays, confusing processes, and limited communication. We have worked directly on numerous cases in which constituents waited months to receive benefits they were rightfully owed.
The Department of Unemployment Assistance has taken steps to address these challenges. In August, the department implemented a new adjudication system and increased staffing in an effort to reduce backlogs and speed up determinations. Following these changes, my aide Kyle and I initially saw a decrease in both the number of cases coming into our office and the length of time constituents were waiting for benefits.
However, this raised an important concern: are we only seeing improvement because constituents who contact our office receive additional support? When someone reaches out to us, we are able to work directly with DUA liaisons to help move their case forward, but that leaves a critical question unanswered. How many people are still waiting, unsure of where to turn, and unaware that our office can assist them?
Unfortunately, since August, we have once again heard from constituents who have been waiting months for updates with no clear resolution. In response, my colleague and officemate, Representative Hadley Luddy, and I filed HD.5567, legislation that would establish a commission to study systemic issues within the unemployment insurance system and develop recommendations to ensure timely, fair, and accessible benefits for workers across the Commonwealth.
Our goal is simple: to make sure the system works not just for those who know how to navigate it, but for everyone who depends on it.
Joint Letter to Secretary Noem, Senator Thune, and Representative Johnson
On January 27, I co-signed a letter along with over 65 of my colleagues, addressed to Secretary Noem, Senator Thune, and Representative Johnson, expressing urgency for extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals currently living in the United States. I am proud to stand for the Haitian community living, working, and raising families in the Commonwealth. The full letter and all those who co-signed are below.
"The prospect of terminating TPS for Haiti would place more than 300,000 individuals nationwide at risk of return to a country that the United States government itself continues to recognize as unsafe. The U.S. Department of State has issued its highest-level travel advisories for Haiti, citing widespread gang violence, political instability, kidnappings, and the collapse of basic infrastructure, including health care and public safety systems. Humanitarian organizations report that large portions of the country remain inaccessible and that conditions necessary for safe return do not exist. Forcing individuals to return under these circumstances would expose them to serious harm."
What’s Next?
Though I enjoyed the holidays, it has been great to be back in the swing of things at the State House. Kyle and I have been busy preparing for Year 2 - having a year under our belts has given us insights into workings of the building that we’ll act upon moving forward. We’re hoping to see a vote soon regarding cellphone usage in schools, and as we get to warmer weather in the spring, budget season will take center stage.
Governor Healey released her recommendations for FY27 last Wednesday; with the current administration in Washington, the budget pressures that exist will require informed and spirited debate.
Yours in Community,
Josh
As always, if you need anything from my office, please reach out to me at joshua.tarsky@mahouse.gov or Kyle kyle.mcgrath@mahouse.gov or by phone at (617) 722-2582
Resource Highlight—Mass211 Expands Access to In-Person Assistance
On Monday, January 12, Mass211, the Commonwealth's official Information & Referral line, expanded its services by offering in-person assistance to help residents connect with essential health and human services. This new service aims to support individuals who may need more personalized guidance in navigating available resources.
Until now, Mass211 has been accessible solely through electronic means; by calling 2-1-1 from any phone in Massachusetts or visiting Mass211.org online.
On January 12, residents in MetroWest were able to meet face-to-face with a trained Information & Referral (I & R) Specialist at the United Way of Tri-County’s Pearl Street Cupboard & Café, located at 46 Park Street in Framingham. In-person access will be available every Monday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and move to Tuesdays when there is a Monday holiday. No appointments are necessary; anyone seeking assistance can simply walk in.
I & R Specialists, well-versed in local programs and resources, will be on hand to help individuals directly connect with the services they need, saving time and reducing the frustration of navigating multiple phone calls or online searches.
For 20 years, Mass211 has been a vital resource for thousands of individuals and families seeking help, but unsure where to turn. With a database of over 40,000 regularly updated resources across the state, Mass211 connects residents to a wide array of services, including employment and job training, financial coaching, emergency shelter, elder care, utility support,
mental health and addiction programs, veteran services, and more.
In-person support is especially critical for vulnerable populations who may require more than just a referral. Not everyone has access to a phone, text, or the internet, and many individuals may benefit from direct assistance with forms or applications needed for vital programs. This initiative also provides access for individuals facing language barriers, with services available in both Spanish and Portuguese.
www.mas
More about Mass211:
Free and confidential: Mass211 is a no-cost service for all residents in Massachusetts.
Trained professionals: Calls and in-person visits are answered by experienced specialists.
Efficient and easy: One call or visit connects you with the resources you need quickly and effectively.
Always Available: Mass211 operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with translation services in more than 150 languages.
Reliable: Mass211 eliminates the guesswork of finding the right resources, ensuring no more wrong numbers or wasted time.
Mass211 continues to be a trusted lifeline for residents in need, offering the support and resources necessary to help individuals navigate challenging times. Dial 211 from any phone in Massachusetts or visit mass211.org.
About Mass211
Mass211 is Massachusetts’ statewide information and referral line, providing free, confidential assistance to residents seeking help with health and human services. Mass211 is a public-private partnership between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United Ways of Massachusetts and is available 24/7, with translation services in more than 150 languages. By dialing 2-1-1, Information & Referral Specialists connect individuals and families with local resources that promote stability, health, and overall well-being.
If you found this newsletter informative, please consider sharing it with someone in the district!