‘Partners’ but not pushovers. Mass. Senate GOP Leader Tarr ready for new session | John L. Micek

Key Takeaways:

• GOP Gains in the Senate: Republican members increase from four to five, marking significant growth.
• Kelly Dooner’s Historic Win: Dooner becomes the first Republican woman elected to the Senate in 20 years.
• Focus on Partnership: Tarr emphasizes the importance of being productive partners in government.
• Shelter System Reforms Proposed: Republicans suggest changes to address the emergency shelter crisis.
• Support for Legislative Transparency: Tarr backs initiatives to improve legislative efficiency and transparency.

GOP Optimism in Massachusetts

Bruce Tarr, the Gloucester Republican and Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader, is feeling optimistic these days. Re-elected to another term as the GOP’s floor leader, Tarr proudly notes that the ranks of his caucus have grown by 66% compared to last year.

“No one can say Republicans aren’t electable,” Tarr said during a wide-ranging interview in his third-floor State House office. The increase—from four to five GOP senators—signals potential for greater influence in the overwhelmingly Democratic 40-member chamber.

Kelly Dooner’s Historic Win

The source of this growth is Kelly Dooner , a first-term senator from Taunton. Dooner flipped the 3rd Bristol and Plymouth seat, previously held by veteran Democratic Sen. Marc R. Pacheco. She defeated Democrat Joe Pacheco (no relation) with a margin of 48.5% to 46.5% , making her both the first woman to hold the seat and the first Republican woman elected to the Senate in 20 years .

Dooner’s victory is a landmark for the GOP and reflects changing dynamics in Massachusetts politics. Her background as a former Taunton City Council member contributed to her appeal among voters seeking new representation.

Strategic Approach: Partners in Government

Tarr believes that for Republicans to make further gains, they must act as “partners in government” rather than mere opposition. “I think we have to be responsible about how we approach things and realize that if we are going to expect public support, we have a public obligation,” he said. “We have to be reasonable, we have to be respectful, and we have to speak to priorities in a way that’s productive, and not just obstructive.”

This approach aims to foster collaboration and productive discourse within the legislature, potentially leading to more bipartisan efforts on key issues.

Addressing the Shelter Crisis

On Tuesday, Republicans unveiled a series of legislative and administrative reforms targeting the state’s chaotic and costly emergency shelter system. Among the proposals is a change to the Right to Shelter law, requiring individuals to establish a “lawful presence” in Massachusetts for one year before accessing services.

“It’s very pressing, and if we don’t find action steps that can change the current situation, it will affect a lot of the other priorities that not only we have but that other legislators have as well,” Tarr stated. He emphasized that the shelter crisis impacts housing availability, public education funding, and the state’s overall economic competitiveness.

Legislative Transparency and Efficiency

Tarr expressed support for Senate President Karen E. Spilka ‘s plan to adjust deadlines for joint House and Senate committees to decide on pending bills. He believes this adjustment “should help get bills out of committee” and improve the legislative process.

However, Tarr cautioned that additional measures are needed, such as eliminating “serial extension orders” that delay legislative action. “I think that’s really important for the presiding officer of our body to identify that as a priority,” he said. “It is a shared priority, and one that we have held for a long time.”

Looking Ahead: GOP Rebuilding Efforts

As the state GOP continues its rebuilding process, Tarr remains hopeful. The re-election of GOP Chairperson Amy Carnevale provides continuity as the party looks toward future elections and strategies to engage voters.

“Going into 2025, I think the state party is in a process of rebuilding,” Tarr acknowledged. With a commitment to being effective partners and addressing critical issues, the Republicans aim to strengthen their presence in Massachusetts politics.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Future

Bruce Tarr’s vision for the Massachusetts GOP centers on collaboration, responsibility, and addressing pressing challenges like the shelter crisis. By prioritizing productive partnerships and advocating for legislative reforms, Tarr believes the Republicans can positively influence the state’s direction while gaining public support.