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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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,” Kassner said in her opening remarks. “This is the work that sparks new ideas, new collaborations, and new opportunities.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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,” Hamilton resident Kristin Kassner said at the event.

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.”

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.”

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.”

The towns’ state legislative delegation has secured over $1.3 million in funding for local road and bridge projects.

“Many of our rural towns have more miles of roadway than people or businesses and fewer resources to pay for their upkeep. This bill literally doubles the road and bridges maintenance funding for small towns and will be transformational for communities in our district.”

Gov. Maura Healey announced on Monday that her administration has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to help five communities along the Ipswich River enhance their public water supply.

“The Ipswich River is one of the most threatened in the country. These grants will be transformative toward regional water resiliency, water quality and treatment within the Ipswich River basin. I’m grateful to MassDEP for their commitment to addressing the water quality challenges faced by the residents of our region.”

Democrats from three towns and two cities will get together May 17 for their 17th annual breakfast.

They will host Congressman Seth Moulton, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, state Senator Barry Finegold, state Reps. Kristin Kassner and Dawne Shand, as well as, District Attorney Paul Tucker, Sheriff Kevin Coppinger, Register of Deeds Eileen Duff, Clerk of Courts Tom Driscoll, Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon, and MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan.