State Representative Manny Cruz, a former Salem Rotary scholarship recipient and longtime advocate for public service, joined the Salem Rotary Club and Salem Chamber of Commerce to share updates from Beacon Hill and reflect on his local leadership.

Now finishing his second term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Cruz serves on four influential committees: Education; Economic Development and Emerging Technologies; Cannabis Policy; and Ways and Means. He noted that this legislative session is especially busy, with more than 6,000 bills assigned to committees—including 43 he submitted himself.

Among the major topics on Beacon Hill, Cruz anticipates meaningful reform in the state’s cannabis industry and stressed the importance of economic competitiveness through investments in science and technology. Despite federal budget cuts, he assured the audience that Massachusetts remains fiscally cautious, with a $9 billion rainy day fund in place and no new taxes proposed in the current budget.

Cruz emphasized collaboration with local leaders like Mayor Dominick Pangallo and Governor Maura Healey to advocate for Salem’s needs. He highlighted goals for the Commonwealth that include building 200,000 new housing units, supporting clean energy initiatives, and expanding resources for small businesses—like those in the Salem community. He extended an open invitation to the local business community to attend a small business hearing in Boston and share their perspectives.

Transparency and modernization in the legislative process are also priorities. Cruz shared that efforts are underway to make committee votes public and streamline rules in both legislative chambers to prevent key bills from stalling.

In addition to his work on Beacon Hill, Cruz reflected on his final year serving on the Salem School Committee, a role he described as both challenging and deeply meaningful. He stressed the urgent need for a new high school, citing under-enrollment and facility conditions that place Salem students at a disadvantage. “Visit the high school,” he urged attendees, “and see for yourself why our students deserve better.”

Cruz closed with a hopeful story about a local fashion designer named Sabrina, who recently received a grant. After learning about apprenticeship programs and small business resources available to her, she expressed excitement—these were exactly the kinds of opportunities she had been searching for. For Cruz, it was a reminder that policy and funding decisions can make real, tangible impacts in people’s lives.

1. Ryan Guilmartin - President

2. Jason Lang – President Elect

3. Hannah Beth Hembree – Vice President

4. Carolyn Shapiro - Immediate Past President 

5. Bill Henning - Treasurer 

6. Secretary – Jen Close

7. Robyn Burns

8. Tim Clarke

9.  Leslie Levesque

10. Jane Stirgwolt

11. Dakota Russell

12. Matt Ingram

13. Marie Cardillo

14. Jason Consalvo

15. Tyler Hains

16. Claire Kallelis