“As a lifelong Massachusetts native and your state representative for the 2nd Essex District, I’ve always believed in showing up and fighting for what’s right, just, and fair. That’s the work I do every day on Beacon Hill.

I’m focused on driving progress, building our communities, and delivering for everyday North Shore families like my own.”

“Over the past four years, through collaboration and advocacy, I’ve helped deliver millions of dollars for our communities — supporting local economies, protecting the Great Marsh and our drinking water, and helping families and seniors manage the rising costs of everyday life.

We are a community of ingenuity, talent and possibility. I’m honored to represent you, to listen to your concerns, and to fight for the future we deserve. Let’s continue that work — together. “

Local shellfishers could now have up to 72 more harvesting days a year thanks to improved water quality in Plum Island Sound.

“Our region’s clammers and oyster farmers work hard to produce shellfish of the highest quality despite operating in an increasingly challenging regulatory landscape. This enables the Commonwealth to expand shellfish harvesting opportunities to preserve an industry that has been integral to the economic and cultural identity of our communities for generations.”

Broad economic-growth legislation advancing on Beacon Hill contains various local nuggets of note—among them $150,000 for downtown Wenham improvements, $100,000 for Hamilton Town Hall renovations, and land-development-review measures that have stirred debate in a North Shore state legislative race.

“These provisions are the result of collaboration with planners, municipal leaders, legal experts, housing advocates and development partners, and they create a clear, consistent framework for reviewing by-right projects.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

The Town of Ipswich has been awarded a $350,000 state grant to help fund the purchase of a conservation restriction on the former Candlewood Golf Course, a 26-acre property critical to safeguarding the town’s public drinking water supply.

“This grant is more than an investment in infrastructure — it is an investment in the long-term resilience of our region. It will expand our opportunities to safeguard drinking water, strengthen our ability to manage drought, and protect the natural resources that define and sustain our communities.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Wednesday was a big day on Beacon Hill as the House of Representatives passed H.5562 – An Act Relative to Economic Development in the Commonwealth by a vote of 148-2. This bill is the House’s version of the Mass WINS Act filed by Governor Healey in April, and authorizes over $500 million in spending along with a slew of policies designed to stimulate new housing production and economic growth across the Commonwealth. While there are several important provisions in this bill, we are particularly excited to see that Yes in God’s Backyard (YIGBY) and the codification of site plan review are included in the final bill.

State Representative Kristin Kassner (D-Hamilton) nominated Stehfest for the title as a part of the MCSW Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2026.

“In her work with the Health Connector, she cared for our residents, and she continues that same commitment as an engaged and active member of the Hamilton community. Nancy brings people together. Through her service on the Human Rights Commission, she works to ensure that every voice is heard.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Rev. Dr. Rebecca Pugh, senior minister of the First Church of Ipswich, was honored at the State House on Wednesday, June 17, as a recipient of the inaugural Commonwealth Pride Award.

“I was thrilled to nominate the Reverend Dr. Rebecca Pugh. Reverend Rebecca is a convener in the community, bringing so many together to celebrate each other, our earth, and the town.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Hamilton resident and Vietnam War veteran Leland McDonough was honored for serving both his country and community at the Massachusetts State House earlier this month.

“He became a helicopter pilot and flew 900 missions in Vietnam, at least half being medical evacuations. His heroism saved the lives of countless soldiers, allowing them to come home to their families. His bravery and dedication to duty earned Leland the Distinguished Flying Cross.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

State Rep. Kristin Kassner, D-Hamilton, along with BioConnects New England (BCNE), recently co-hosted a North Shore community leadership summit at New England Biolabs in Ipswich.

“A key part of planning for our future is bringing people together to learn from one another, to see what’s possible, to understand where our work intersects, and to identify opportunities to enrich, protect, and strengthen our communities and our region. This is the work that sparks new ideas, new collaborations, and new opportunities.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

New England Biolabs, in collaboration with Rep. Kristin Kassner and BioConnects New England, hosted the North Shore Community Leadership Summit on its Ipswich campus earlier this month.

“A key part of planning for our future is bringing people together to learn from one another, to see what’s possible, to understand where our work intersects, and to identify opportunities to enrich, protect, and strengthen our communities and our region. This is the work that sparks new ideas, new collaborations, and new opportunities.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

BioConnects New England, in partnership with New England Biolabs and the Office of State Representative Kristin Kassner, hosted a “North Shore Community Leadership Summit,” focused around expanding biotechnology throughout the North Shore region of Massachusetts.

“We want to ensure that any biotech development on the North Shore continues to be thoughtful, transparent, and aligned with the town’s goals, and having more of these conversations, and pursuing more of these collaborations, will make that possible.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Ipswich is slated to receive $678,789 in state funding for local road and bridge maintenance, Sen. Bruce Tarr’s office announced on Thursday.

“Investing in our roads, bridges, and public transportation through Chapter 90 is one of the most important tools we have to keep our cities and towns moving. This legislation strengthens the local infrastructure that residents rely on every day, supports local economies, and prepares our cities and towns for the challenges ahead.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Leaders from across the state gathered in Ipswich this week to brainstorm how to bring the biotech industry north of Boston.

“A key part of preparing for our future is bringing people together to learn from one another to see what’s possible and to understand where our work intersects, because it's where we intersect that we create new ideas.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Rep. Kristin Kassner has filed legislation intended to expand some seniors’ eligibility for state tax credits, eliminating a loophole that has prevented seniors who make use of one state tax-relief program from qualifying for additional savings under another.

"Seniors on a fixed income are struggling to pay for food, electricity, gas—and property taxes, which are also increasing across the Commonwealth. This bill would allow income-qualifying seniors to defer property taxes and still qualify for the Senior Circuit Breaker.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

Ipswich has received $254,583 in state funding to complete the design of a new water treatment plant, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced Thursday.

“These grants will provide the funding for water infrastructure investments required to address PFAS contamination and bring essential water supplies back online, crucial to the sustainability of our communities and the environment.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

On April 16, 2026, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey unveiled her proposed economic development bill dubbed the “Mass Wins Act.” Filed as Bill H.5386, the Mass Wins Act proposes a number of changes to Massachusetts law to attract economic development to the Commonwealth.

BioConnects New England is collaborating with State Rep. Kristin Kassner in an effort to encourage increased life sciences development on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

“The biotech sector and its affiliated industries have strong roots in the Commonwealth, provides many area jobs, and has helped to stabilize local economies. There is tremendous economic opportunity on the North Shore due to the strength of our existing companies, institutions, and talented workforce.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

BioConnects New England (BCNE) is collaborating with State Representative Kristin Kassner in an effort to encourage increased life sciences development within the North Shore of Massachusetts.

“The biotech sector and its affiliated industries have strong roots in the Commonwealth, provides many area jobs and has helped to stabilize local economies. There is tremendous economic opportunity on the North Shore due to the strength of our existing companies, institutions and talented workforce.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

The Ipswich Refugee Program took center stage on March 21 as it received the 2026 Community Service Award at the Ipswich Democratic Town Committee’s (IDTC) 17th annual breakfast.

“We will keep showing up. We will keep doing the work and, together, we will build a Massachusetts that is resilient and fair.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner

The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed bills regulating the use of artificial intelligence in political advertisements.

“Creating and spreading false information about an election undermines the foundation of our democracy by denying people the ability to make informed choices. Emerging technologies now make it alarmingly easy to fabricate voices and images, accelerating the spread of election misinformation.” - Rep. Kristin Kassner