Greek Independence Day Celebrated at The White House
March 25, 2025
I’m exceptionally proud to be an American. As the grandson of Greek immigrants, I’m also proud of my family’s Greek heritage. And so, it was with immense pride and appreciation that I was honored to accept an invitation to The White House yesterday to help celebrate Greek Independence Day. Today is the 204th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day, and the White House has hosted an annual celebration of the event every year since 1987. Denise and I would like to thank President Trump for his very generous invitation, and the entire White House staff for their warm hospitality. In particular, I would like to thank Alexandra Veletsis, a young woman who organizes events for the White House, for her impeccable planning and her warm welcome during our visit. I was pleased to honor her work with a special citation from the State House, which she graciously accepted. In addition to meeting with other elected officials of Greek heritage from across the country, I was also deeply moved by a meeting I had with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who honored our family with prayers for my beloved Gold Star son, Nicholas. All in all, it was a quick day trip to our nation’s capital, but well worth it for all the special memories we shared. Being in Washington, DC always helps to remind you of how lucky we are to be Americans and to share the freedom we enjoy as citizens of this great nation.
Representative Xiarhos Appointed to Xylazine Commission
March 24, 2025
BOSTON – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) has appointed State Representative Steven George Xiarhos (R-Barnstable) to a special legislative commission tasked with addressing the growing public health and safety concerns surrounding xylazine.
Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that has been used by licensed veterinarians since 1971. However, its increasing presence in illicit drug mixtures has alarmed law enforcement and public health officials. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), “Fentanyl is increasingly being mixed with the veterinary sedative xylazine (‘tranq’), which continues to be detected in the state’s street drug supply and was present in 9 percent of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, up from 5 percent in 2022.” In addition to slowing breathing and heart rates, xylazine exposure can cause severe skin abscesses and ulcers, sometimes leading to amputation.
Representative Xiarhos is one of 13 members serving on the Xylazine Commission, which was created as part of the recently signed substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure bill. The commission will explore ways to strengthen oversight of xylazine’s production and distribution, ensuring that it remains strictly for veterinary use. It will also examine whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and assess appropriate penalties for its illegal production and distribution. Additionally, members will evaluate the availability of outreach and treatment programs for individuals exposed to xylazine and identify gaps in existing services. The commission is required to submit its findings and recommendations by June 30, 2025.
A former Deputy Chief of Police in Yarmouth, Representative Xiarhos brings over 40 years of law enforcement experience to the commission. He has a deep understanding of the dangers posed by illicit drugs and their devastating impact on communities. His career has included direct involvement in drug enforcement, community outreach, and policy development.
“Having spent over 40 years in law enforcement, I understand the severity of the public health risks posed by drugs like xylazine, which are wreaking havoc on our communities,” said Representative Xiarhos. “I’m honored to serve on this commission and will work tirelessly to develop solutions that help prevent the misuse of this drug and protect the people of Massachusetts. As a member of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, I’m deeply committed to advancing public safety and health, and I will bring that dedication to this important task.”
“The misuse of xylazine represents a significant public health and safety threat,” said Representative Jones. “Rep. Xiarhos’ law enforcement background will aid the commission’s efforts to develop recommendations to help stop xylazine abuse before it claims more lives. I am pleased to be able to appoint him to serve on this special commission and I look forward to receiving the commission’s report and recommendations this summer.”
First elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2020, Representative Xiarhos is currently serving his third term representing the 5th Barnstable District, which includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of Barnstable and Bourne.
###
Honored to Receive the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award
March 23, 2025
I was honored to receive the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award today from Falmouth Lodge No. 2380 and the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. This recognition for service to our community, state, and country is very meaningful to me.
A special thank you to Exalted Ruler Dennis Souweine, as well as the entire Falmouth Lodge, for this incredible honor and for all that you do to support our veterans, first responders, and families in need. The Elks have a long tradition of service—values that I hold close to my heart.
As a former police officer, a Gold Star father, and now a State Representative, I remain committed to making a difference in the lives of those around me, supporting those who serve, improving public safety, and advocating for the people of Massachusetts.
Thank you again for this incredible recognition!
Rep. Xiarhos: Fighting for Massachusetts Families & Communities
February 21, 2025
Dear Friends,
Like many of you who will read this post, I am growing increasingly worried about the direction our state appears to be heading. Each day brings with it a new set of headlines that give cause for concern on a number of fronts. The ongoing crisis involving migrant support and the skyrocketing cost of living (energy, groceries, housing, etc.) are top on the list, and they are frequent topics of calls and e-mails I receive at my office.
I want you to know that I am working hard every day to stand up for the people of Massachusetts and to fix the problems working families are facing in everyday life. Here are just some of the critical issues we are fighting for:
Fixing the Right to Shelter Law – I have filed and co-signed bills to stop the outrageous amount of money our state is spending to house and support migrants. I am a leading proponent in this state for an amendment to our Right to Shelter Law to ensure that Massachusetts taxpayers aren’t burdened by an unsustainable system anymore and to stop funding illegal immigrants here in Massachusetts.
Lowering The Cost of Living – I have authored and co-authored letters demanding action on skyrocketing energy bills and co-signed legislation to provide relief and fix this crisis. I have also filed a bill aimed at increasing government efficiency and to look at ways to lower the cost of energy, housing, groceries, and education here in our state. Moreover, smarter spending of our existing taxpayer dollars will provide more funds for services like better schools and help reduce the financial burden on small business owners and the people they employ.
Ending Sanctuary Cities – I have filed and supported bills to prevent sanctuary cities in Massachusetts and to strengthen cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. As a former Deputy Police Chief, I fully appreciate and support the importance of having local, state, and federal law enforcement communicate and cooperate with one another to keep our streets safe.
Stopping New Taxes – One way to keep Massachusetts affordable for working families is to oppose the imposition of new taxes. I strongly oppose the Governor’s recent proposal to tax vital prescription drugs that Massachusetts residents rely on.
Protecting Mental Health Care – I am actively fighting the closure of critical mental health facilities in Pocasset and Canton and working to expand and improve mental health care access statewide.
Securing Federal Funding for Cape Bridges – The solution is clear: both Cape Cod Canal bridges need to be rebuilt. I want to make sure these projects are completed – and I don’t want Massachusetts taxpayers or motorists stuck with the bill. So, I am continuing to push hard for the federal government to pay its fair share to replace the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges.
Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis – I am working to stop the illegal distribution of deadly fentanyl that is poisoning our communities, and I am working to strengthen relationships with community leaders to get the anti-drug message out.
Repealing Cash-Free Bail – The Legislature made a bad mistake when it allowed cash-free bail in a recent budget. I support repealing this failed system and stopping taxpayer dollars from covering bail for criminals.
Stopping Off-Shore Wind – I support alternative energy. But, I do not support projects that harm the environment and pose public health and financial risks to our communities. I’m looking for greater oversight of these projects, and unless and until there are adequate assurances that these projects are safe, I’m working to stop them from moving forward.
Standing Up for Freedom – I am also working hard to protect rights and freedoms here in Massachusetts, including the Second Amendment.
I believe Massachusetts needs strong and effective leadership that prioritizes taxpayers, public safety, and affordability. I will continue to fight for common-sense policies that protect our families and businesses! I also believe strongly in the principles of accountability and transparency. So, if you ever have a question or concern about any of these issues or any other topic, please feel free to contact my State House office.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Xiarhos
Representative Xiarhos Files Comprehensive Legislative Agenda for the 194th General Court on Beacon Hill
January 23, 2025
BOSTON – State Representative Steven G. Xiarhos (R-Barnstable) is proud to announce the filing of an ambitious legislative package for the 194th Legislative Session on Beacon Hill, addressing a wide range of critical issues affecting residents of Massachusetts. This comprehensive agenda reflects a deep commitment to public safety, mental health, veterans, education, economic development, and community infrastructure. Xiarhos says he is also pursuing opportunities to lower the cost of living for Massachusetts families and to make state government more accountable and efficient, including the state budget process.
“As your State Representative, I am honored to advocate for legislation that protects our citizens, supports first responders and veterans, enhances public safety, and ensures a better quality of life for all,” said Representative Xiarhos. “These bills are the result of listening to the concerns of my constituents and working toward practical solutions that benefit our communities.”
Key Legislative Highlights
Public Safety & First Responders
• HD465: An Act ensuring the safety and dignity of first responders (Halo Act)
• HD733: Dakota’s Law – Establishing a fund for the care of retired police dogs
• HD3862: Nero’s Law 2.0 – Providing advanced life support to police dogs injured in the line of duty
• HD747: Matt’s Law – Addressing the security of exercise equipment in correctional institutions
• HD753: Protecting healthcare personnel, school officials, and first responders from assault and battery
• HD2721: Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) legislation
• HD4197: Supporting disabled first responders
• HD571: Strengthening school security measures
Justice & Legal Reforms
• HD582: Ensuring state compliance with federal detainer requests (ICE)
• HD734: Eliminating cashless bail
• HD4171: Universal background checks for emergency housing assistance
• HD791: Right to Shelter Law – Emergency shelter assistance for Commonwealth residents
• HD1547: Tatiana’s Law – Addressing fentanyl arrests.
Veterans & Military Affairs
• HD3921: Extending Chapter 115 Veterans benefits
• HD4208: Establishing an Air Medal license plate
Economic Development & Competitiveness
• HD3926: Promoting business competitiveness and affordable living in Massachusetts
Renewable Energy & Environmental Concerns
• HD756: Establishing a special commission to study the risks associated with offshore wind energy infrastructure
Retirement & Benefits
• HD2976: Fair and equitable retirement benefits for POST-certified police officers on public higher education campuses
• HD3846: Reclassifying Barnstable County 911 dispatchers as first responders, granting them access to the same retirement benefits as police officers and firefighters
• HD750: Granting retirement parity for Massachusetts Port Authority officers.
“These bills reflect our shared values and priorities as a Commonwealth,” added Representative Xiarhos. “I encourage residents to stay informed and engaged as we work to advance these critical initiatives on Beacon Hill.”
According to Xiarhos, bills filed at the beginning of the session await an assignment of permanent bill numbers as well as their referral to the appropriate legislative committees. Those committees will then be charged with reviewing the bills and holding hearings for input from members of the public in the coming months.
[Editor’s Note: This page will be updated with more detailed information once bills are assigned permanent bill numbers and assigned to committees.]
###
XIARHOS OUTLINES AGGRESSIVE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 2025-2026
January 14, 2025
BOSTON – Just a few weeks into his third term of office, State Representative Steve Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) has been busy filing legislation to oppose state sanctuary and migrant spending policies and to make Massachusetts safer.
Xiarhos has been a vocal critic of the state’s use of the “Right to Shelter Law” to backstop hundreds of millions of dollars of state spending to fund migrant housing and support. According to Xiarhos, the law never was intended for such purposes, but rather to provide protections to Massachusetts residents in time of need. He has re-filed legislation this session to require that the law only be used to provide benefits to United States citizens.
In addition, Xiarhos has filed legislation to require that state and local officials honor detainer requests for inmates in their custody when requested by federal immigration enforcement officials. He also is pushing for enhanced vetting of migrant populations to weed out known violent criminals who pose a public safety risk, including background checks for those who receive state housing benefits, and he is pushing to require better data sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement.
“As a grandson of immigrants myself, I emphatically support legal immigration into this country. But, I strongly oppose illegal immigration and the sanctuary policies here in Massachusetts that condone and enable it,” Xiarhos said in a statement. “Due to an open border and callous neglect, immigration into these United States is broken. A palpable sign of that is the number of rapists, violent criminals, and drug dealers who have crossed our border and entered our cities and towns — including right here on Cape Cod. We need smarter state policies to fix the problem, and I am going to fight for better policies on behalf of the Cape Cod residents demanding them.”
As a former Deputy Police Chief, Xiarhos also is pushing for measures to enhance public safety in Massachusetts. New this session, Xiarhos has filed a bill modeled after a recently-passed Florida law, known as the “Halo Act.” The bill would provide greater protections to first responders who are harassed in the line of duty, establishing a 25-foot buffer zone around them if they are threatened and in need of safety measures. Xiarhos also has issued a call to revoke a cashless bail system established statewide last year. In addition, Xiarhos is re-filing several bills to help protect first responders, school officials, and school sports referees on the job, as well as a bill to provide greater protections to corrections officers (“Matt’s Law”). And, he is continuing his push to provide greater protections to police dogs on the job through enhancements to “Nero’s Law,” and to provide care for police dogs in their retirement years (known as “Dakota’s Law”).
“I’m proud of these bills and I look forward to pushing for their passage later this legislative session,” Xiarhos said. “I am also keenly interested in exploring ways to make Massachusetts a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family, especially as we approach the upcoming state budget process. As a Gold Star Father, I am always looking for ways to help our veterans. As a former Deputy Chief of Police, I am also always seeking ways to support our first responders. I want to make sure we are supporting public education and protecting our fragile environment, especially our coastal areas and our drinking water. I am pushing for greater state oversight of projects that aim to place infrastructure supporting offshore wind energy in residential neighborhoods on Cape Cod. And, I am always looking for opportunities to promote fiscal transparency and accountability within state government.”
Steve Xiarhos was re-elected to a third term as State Representative in the 5th Barnstable District in November 2024. The district currently includes the Town of Sandwich and portions of Barnstable and Bourne. As a Gold Star Father, Xiarhos is well known throughout Cape Cod for his civic and charitable work. In particular, he is known for his sponsorship of Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen, an annual charitable motorcycle ride organized in memory of Xiarhos’ fallen son, United States Marine Corps Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos, who was killed in action in 2009. Xiarhos also served as a law enforcement officer in Yarmouth for four decades before retiring as Yarmouth’s Deputy Chief of Police in late 2019. As a State Representative since 2021, Xiarhos has been recognized for his zealous advocacy on behalf of first responders and veterans, and for his support for fiscally-responsible state policies on behalf of taxpayers.
###
Other Recent Posts:
