Governor Healey Breaks Ground on North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement

Governor Healey Breaks Ground on North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement

Major MBTA investment will improve safety and reliability, expand rail capacity and create more than 15,000 jobs

Photo by Chutze Chou

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today joined Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, labor leaders and local officials to break ground on the North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project, one of the most important rail infrastructure projects in Massachusetts history.

Photo by Chutze Chou

The project will replace nearly century-old rail infrastructure over the Charles River, increase the number of tracks and make critical track and signal improvements along the northside corridor. The project will more than 15,000 jobs and improve service for millions of MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak passengers each year.

Photo by Chutze Chou

“This is what it looks like when we invest in Massachusetts – thousands of good jobs, better and more reliable transportation, and infrastructure that will serve people and our economy for generations,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Draw One is nearly 100 years old and one of the most important connections in our rail system. We fought hard to win the federal funding, brought labor and industry together, and now we’re getting to work. This project is going to make a real difference for riders, workers and communities across Massachusetts.”

Photo by Chutze Chou

“Thousands of people rely on these tracks every day to get to work, school, appointments and home to their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This project is about making those trips safer and more reliable while creating thousands of good jobs and building the transportation system Massachusetts needs to compete and grow. It’s a major investment in the communities north of Boston and in the future of our state.”

Photo by Chutze Chou

“Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are delivering long needed infrastructure projects that are essential to ensuring our transit system delivers for generations to come. The North Station Draw 1 Bridge project is another commitment fulfilled as we begin the $1.2 billion replacement of this nearly century old facility carrying all of our commuter rail lines to the north,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “As this Administration is focused on pursuing every federal dollar available, I’m proud that we were able to successfully secure federal dollars that made our state dollars that the Legislature continues to support go further.  This project is just another step toward Regional Rail and offering the public more reliable and frequent service.  By expediting the delivery of this design-build contract, we are creating good paying and skilled labor jobs during construction. We are also facilitating long term economic growth, access to jobs, and housing for the communities and the public with improved service along these commuter rail lines.  Even though this is just the start of work, I’m proud of the workforce both at the T and in our industry for serving the public and demonstrating our ability to deliver major infrastructure projects that we all can be proud of.” 

The North Station Draw One Bridge carries MBTA Commuter Rail service on the Haverhill, Lowell, Newburyport/Rockport and Fitchburg lines, as well as Amtrak Downeaster trains. More than 11 million passengers travel across the bridge each year.

“The North Station Draw One Bridge serves as a vital artery for Commuter Rail riders from across the North Shore, and its replacement will keep riders safe and service running efficiently,” said Senator Brendan Crighton. “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for your leadership on this essential infrastructure project that will continue to make rail transit a strong and reliable option for riders throughout the Commonwealth.”

“The North Station Draw One Bridge is a critical piece of our region’s transportation infrastructure, and today’s groundbreaking marks an important investment in the safety, reliability, and future of our public transit system,” said Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator for the Third Suffolk District. “This project will improve service for thousands of Commuter Rail riders while strengthening connections throughout Greater Boston and beyond. I am deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Secretary Eng and the MBTA, our federal, state, and local partners, labor partners, advocates, and everyone whose collaboration and commitment helped make this project possible.” 

“Replacing the North Station Draw One Bridge is a critical investment in the future of our transportation network,” said Representative James Arciero. “This project will improve reliability, increase rail capacity, and strengthen connections for commuters and passengers traveling throughout Greater Boston and across Northern New England. I’m proud to see this project move forward and look forward to the lasting benefits it will provide to riders and our Commonwealth.”

Built in 1931, the existing bridge carries four tracks across the Charles River. The replacement project will construct new vertical lift bridge structures capable of carrying six tracks. At North Station, two additional station tracks will be connected to the rail network, increasing the total number of tracks from 10 to 12 and providing additional capacity for future service.

The project will also replace existing bridge approaches, build a new control and maintenance facility and make approximately 1.5 miles of track and signal improvements north of the bridge. The MBTA has developed construction strategies to reduce the project timeline from an originally estimated eight years to approximately six and a half years, with completion expected in fall 2032.

Earlier this year, Governor Healey announced that the project will be delivered under a Project Labor Agreement with the Greater Boston Building Trades. The agreement establishes consistent wages, safety standards and working conditions, supports workforce stability and is designed to help ensure the highly complex project is delivered safely and efficiently. The project is expected to create approximately 15,600 jobs.

In September 2024, the MBTA secured $472.3 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance, or MEGA, program to support the project. At the time, it was the largest federal grant award in MBTA history.

Since taking office, Governor Healey has made historic investments to improve transportation across Massachusetts and deliver safer, more reliable service for riders and drivers. The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched South Coast Rail, is advancing West-East Rail, secured more than $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod Bridges and has won hundreds of millions of dollars for major MBTA projects, including the North Station Draw One Bridge. The administration is also investing in roads and bridges across the state, bringing the MBTA into a state of good repair and making transit more affordable for riders. Together, these investments are creating good jobs, strengthening communities and building the transportation system Massachusetts needs to compete and grow.

川普政府有意加快遣返規模 4名麻州新法官缺移民法相關經驗

     （Boston Orange編譯）川普政府近來大規模重整全美移民法庭，撤換原法官，任命了包括在麻州4名的共十多名缺乏移民法經驗新法官，意圖加快審理速度並擴大遣返規模，引發各界強烈質疑此舉的司法公正與程序正當性。

    司法部（DOJ）上週宣布的這4名麻州新法官，過去分別在軍方、國稅局（IRS）及地方檢察機關任職，無人具備移民法專長。川普政府從 2025 年 1 月以來，已在全美解僱或逼退超過110名法官。包括先前曾撤銷大學生驅逐令的法官弗羅伊斯（Nina Froes），以及˙75%的Chelmsford法院法官，麻州也有至少 17 名麻州移民法官被撤職，所遺缺額大多由具有軍事、執法或檢察背景的「驅逐法官（deportation judges）」接任。

    批評者稱美國移民法庭在大規模撤換法官後，似乎已從「獨立司法仲裁」轉型為「行政執法機制的一部分」，未來的移民案件將面臨審理週期極短、勝訴門檻極高、驅逐率極高的嚴峻環境。

    在法庭實施「超級預備審理（mega master calendar）」機制，單日排審上百起案件並大幅壓縮庭期，把原本數月的準備期縮短至數週，壓縮被告尋求律師的時間等做法下，麻州今年 6 月發出的驅逐令高達 1,692 份，遠超 2024 年同期的 238 份。

    這種做法，大幅降低了積壓待審案件數量，全美降至 320 萬起，麻州則降至 15.2 萬起。

    司法部表示，重組法院系統是為消化積壓案件並恢復系統誠信。但移民法與政策專家奇什蒂（Muzaffar Chishti），以及被開除的前法官帕帕斯（George Pappas）痛批，川普政府是在打造聽命行事的人事團隊，讓獨立法庭淪為貫徹驅逐政策的執法工具。

駐美大使俞大㵢、羅德島州長麥基見證 台灣與羅德島州續簽3年教育合作

台灣教育部與羅德島州續簽「高等教育合作備忘錄」。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange周菊子羅德島州報導) 台灣教育部與羅德島州(RI) 9月3日續簽「高等教育合作備忘錄」。在駐美大使俞大㵢與羅德島州州長麥基（Dan McKee）見證下，雙方展開為期三年的新合作，深化語言教學與 AI 科技人才培育。

羅德島州州長Dan McKee（左）回憶訪台經驗。（周菊子攝）

        備忘錄由教育部國際司新任司長李毓娟預簽，3日再由羅德島州高等教育廳廳長吉爾基 (Shannon Gilkey) 代表雙方完成續約簽署儀式。

        「台美教育倡議」自2020年12月啟動以來，台灣已與全美24個州簽署教育合作備忘錄。台灣教育部在2023年7月和羅德島州的首度締約，更讓台灣成為第一個與該州簽署此類合作的外國政府。

羅德島州州長Dan McKee（左）致詞。（周菊子攝）

        駐波士頓辦事處教育組組長黃薳玉指出，在此合作架構下，羅德島大學（URI）與布朗大學（Brown University）已持續延聘台灣優秀華語教師與助教來美教華語；羅德島大學更與東海大學合作推動「優華語計畫」，每年定期派遣學生赴台進行沉浸式華語研習，產學交流成果斐然。

俞大㵢大使夫婦（右二、三）和波士頓經文處教育組組長黃薳玉（左一）、
經文處處長廖朝宏（右一）。（周菊子攝）

        羅德島州州長麥基致詞時強調，他上任以來的施政核心目標是在 2030 年前將羅德島州的公立教育水平推成全美第一，而與台灣的跨國合作正是實現此目標的重要推手。他溫馨回憶先前訪台時走訪各級學校的經驗，對台灣吸引全球學子前來學習語言的沉浸式模式大加讚賞，並直言：「這是非常棒的模式，希望羅德島州未來也能借鏡引進」。

俞大㵢大使夫婦（中）和經文處處長廖朝宏（左一）感謝羅德島州僑領
葉超（左二）、吳子平（右二），以及財政廳廳長James Diossa的代表出席。
（周菊子攝）

        駐美大使俞大㵢則指出，本次續簽除了延續雙語教育與華語推廣，更進一步聚焦於 STEM 關鍵科技與 AI 人力培育，為台美高科技產業鏈打造強韌的人才庫。他以蘋果公司（Apple）經典的「1984」廣告為例，強調科技應服務於人類福祉；並分析台美優勢互補——美國擅長創新設計，台灣精於精密製造，雙方在半導體與 AI 產業上的合作屬互利共贏。他亦幽默提及，三年前首份備忘錄由時任駐美代表、現任副總統蕭美琴見證，如今由他接棒續簽，象徵台美夥伴關係的傳承與深化。

簽約儀式現場。（周菊子攝）

        當天續簽儀式嘉賓雲集，台方由駐美大使俞大㵢夫婦、駐波士頓辦事處處長廖朝宏及教育組組長黃薳玉代表出席見證；美方則由州長麥基領軍，包括副州長瑪托斯（Sabina Matos）、參議會代議長兼教育委員會主席蓋洛（Hanna Galo）、眾議會代議長肯尼迪（Brian Patrick Kennedy）、眾議員布里恩（Jon Brien）及州高等教育委員會主席卡普里奧（David Caprio）等多位政要齊聚挺身支持。

波士頓經文處教育組在簽約廳旁擺設接待、展示台。（周菊子攝）

        此外，羅德島大學國際事務副教務長強森（Kristin Johnson）、布朗大學東亞系主任波斯勒（Beverly Bossler）率師生代表，以及在地僑領葉超、吳子平與黃浩源醫師等人亦到場共襄盛舉，展現台美產官學界對深化教育夥伴關係的高度共識。

波士頓經文處教育組擺出來自台灣的鳳梨酥，三杯雞，蛋塔，波霸奶茶等台灣美食
和華語文教學材料，供出席者品嚐，參閱。（周菊子攝）

羅德島州州政府大樓有小白宮之稱。（周菊子攝）

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Impact and Progress of SafetyWorks Initiative

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Impact and Progress of SafetyWorks Initiative

New data highlights workplace safety investments and resources that strengthen Massachusetts’ workforce and support employers

 

BOSTON — Leading up to Labor Day, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released data highlighting the impact and progress of the recently launched SafetyWorks Initiative, delivering resources to Massachusetts employers to proactively implement safety measures in the workplace.

 

During its latest reporting periods, SafetyWorks provided free safety consultations that helped protect more than 42,450 workers and awarded $800,000 to support safety training for more than 6,550 workers.

 

“On Labor Day, we recognize the workers who power our economy and recommit to making sure they are safe and supported on the job,” said Governor Maura Healey. “SafetyWorks gives employers practical resources to protect their workers and build the strong, skilled teams they need to succeed.”

 

“Keeping people safe on the job is one of the most important ways we can support workers and businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “SafetyWorks gives employers practical tools to prevent injuries and invest in their people, helping build healthier workplaces, stronger businesses and a more competitive Massachusetts.”

 

Launched in December 2025 by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, SafetyWorks provides employers with a simpler, more accessible way to find workplace safety resources and support. Through SafetyWorks, both public- and private-sector employers can access free, confidential consultations through the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) to proactively identify workplace hazards and practical steps to address them. Employers can also apply for training grants through the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) to equip workers with the knowledge and skills to recognize hazards, prevent injuries, and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.

 

“Massachusetts’ greatest asset is our people, and EOLWD wants to ensure workers feel safe and supported on the job as we continue to also help people enter the workforce, grow their skills, and advance their careers,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The SafetyWorks Initiative is key to investing in our workers and workforce, providing employers with tools and resources to promote safety in the workplace spanning industries and regions across the Commonwealth.”

 

Key takeaways: 

 

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, SafetyWorks Consultation:

 

• Conducted 348 employer visits
• Identified over 2,400 safety-related findings
• Helped protect more than 42,450 workers through consultation and hazard identification 

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, SafetyWorks Training Grant:

 

• Awarded $800,000 to 160 grantees, representing a 15% increase in grantees over FY25
• Supported workplace safety training for more than 6,550 workers statewide 

For more information about SafetyWorks resources and the SafetyWorks Labor Day Highlight visit mass.gov/SafetyWorks.

Governor Healey Invests $4.2 Million to Grow Offshore Wind Workforce and Research

Governor Healey Invests $4.2 Million to Grow Offshore Wind Workforce and Research 

 

Workers will gain the skills needed for careers in offshore wind construction and operations, while advancing research to guide the industry's responsible growth

BOSTON – Governor Healey and the Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced $4.2 million in funding to 20 projects that will prepare workers for offshore wind and maritime careers, and support research on fisheries, wildlife, and the marine environment. The funding is awarded through two MassCEC programs: $1.7 million through the Offshore Wind Works program and $2.4 million through the Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis program. These awards are part of Massachusetts’ continued investment in the people, infrastructure, and science needed to support the state’s offshore wind industry.

“Offshore wind means good jobs, more clean energy and real economic opportunity for Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re investing in the workers who will build this industry and the research needed to develop it responsibly and protect our fisheries, wildlife and marine environment.”

“Massachusetts has everything it takes to lead in offshore wind: world-class ports, skilled workers and coastal communities with deep maritime experience,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help more residents prepare for good-paying careers and make sure we’re ready for the next generation of projects.”

“The clean energy transition doesn’t happen without the people doing the work,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We need skilled workers to build offshore wind and researchers who can help us better understand our ocean, fisheries, and wildlife. Investing in both is how we grow clean energy responsibly and make sure Massachusetts continues to lead.”

“These two efforts work in tandem: one grows the talent pipeline for offshore wind projects, the other expands the knowledge base the industry needs for the long haul,” said Ben Downing, Mass Clean Energy Center CEO. “Investing in both is how Massachusetts prepares the way for future accelerated offshore wind deployment.”

Through Offshore Wind Works, $1.7 million will support eight projects in building a Massachusetts workforce that is capable of planning, deploying, operating, maintaining, and manufacturing components for offshore wind projects. Many of the skills and credentials developed through these projects are transferable across clean energy, maritime, construction, and other port-based industries—strengthening workforce resilience beyond offshore wind alone. Since launching in 2018, Offshore Wind Works has awarded $22 million to 35 grantees, leveraging more than $11 million in additional cost-sharing.

“Massachusetts' clean energy future depends on having a skilled workforce ready to build it,” said State Senator Jake Oliveira, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Ludlow). “These investments will create pathways into good-paying careers, strengthen partnerships with organized labor, higher education, and workforce training programs, and give workers skills that can serve them across industries. By investing in our workforce alongside research and responsible development, we are positioning Massachusetts workers to benefit from the economic opportunities created by the clean energy transition.”

“The clean energy transition is also a workforce opportunity, and the Commonwealth must make sure our workers are positioned to lead it,” said State Representative Paul McMurtry, House Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee (D-Dedham). “From union trades and maritime workers to students and people exploring new careers, these investments are creating pathways into skilled jobs while building a workforce that can grow with the industry. That means more opportunity for Massachusetts workers and a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.”

This year’s awards will fund projects across three focus areas: Workforce Training & Upskilling; Training Equipment & Infrastructure; and Career Exploration & Education. The projects are expected to leverage an estimated $892,241 in additional cost-sharing and in-kind contributions from grantees and their partners.

The 2026 Offshore Wind Works awardees are:

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy: $260,000 for Workforce Training & Upskilling
• Funding will be used to establish the equipment, certifications, and instructional capacity needed to deliver Helicopter Underwater Escape Training.
• Partners: RelyOn USA

• TITAN Structural Group LLC: $500,000 for Workforce Training & Upskilling and Training Equipment & Infrastructure
• Funding will be used to equip trades workers with offshore wind safety and technical certifications.
• Partners: Ironworkers; IBEW; IUPAT union affiliates

• UMass Dartmouth: $250,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to add 30 paid internship opportunities to the offshore wind internship program.

• UMass Boston: $249,243 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to develop and deliver ten learning modules covering offshore wind topics ranging from engineering and aquaculture to ports and supporting infrastructure.
• Partners: Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW)

• STEAM the Streets: $209,330 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to launch a statewide campaign to increase public understanding of offshore wind and clean energy careers. 
• Partners: Environmental League of Massachusetts; Boston Public Schools; New Bedford Public Schools; MassHire South Shore; MassHire Greater New Bedford

• UMass Amherst: $141,427 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to expand the Career Access Scholarship Program, enhance workforce training with a focus on transferable skills, and foster new partnerships between Massachusetts and Nova Scotia.
• Partners: MANSA Consulting; Salem Alliance for the Environment; Spirit Advisory

• MANSA Consulting, Inc: $100,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to expand the WindWorks campaign to increase awareness of offshore wind career opportunities and connect participants to introductory offshore wind training.
• Partners: Bristol Community College; IWNL Energy

• Trustees of Tufts University: $40,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to publish findings on offshore wind workers' experiences, safety culture, and working conditions, while highlighting industry best practices through a case study.

Through the Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis program, $2.5 million will support 12 projects in advancing research that informs the responsible development and operation of offshore wind in Southern New England and the Gulf of Maine. Each project has a direct connection to a Massachusetts-based business or research institution, a Massachusetts-based intern, or both. Collectively, these awards will create at least seven paid internships for students attending Massachusetts universities, giving early-career researchers hands-on experience in offshore wind science.

This year’s awards will address five topic areas: Fisheries; Habitat & Wildlife; Regional Transmission Planning; Regional Monitoring; and Science Communication.

The 2026 Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis awardees are:

• New England Aquarium: $246,075 for Fisheries research
• Funding will be used to research how offshore wind development is affecting recreational and for-hire fishing activity in Southern New England.
• Partners: Pelagic Strategies

• UMass Dartmouth
• $280,501 for Fisheries and Habitat research
• Funding will be used to continue a study focused on understanding offshore wind impacts on cod spawning grounds in Southern New England.
• $199,589 for Regional Monitoring
• Funding will be used to create a regional data-collection strategy to guide future monitoring and inform responsible offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine.
• Partners: Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative & Northeast Regional Ocean Council (separate $30,000 award to support this project)

• Center for Coastal Studies: $284,642 for Habitat & Wildlife research 
• Funding will be used to evaluate the ability of ocean circulation models to predict zooplankton aggregations to inform methods for understanding potential offshore wind effects on North Atlantic right whale prey. 
• Partners: Integral Consulting

• atdepth MRV Inc.: $252,000 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to create a digital twin model of the Gulf of Maine to study potential effects of floating offshore wind turbines on ocean processes and North Atlantic right whale prey.

• Tufts University: $269,910 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to develop an implementation framework for incorporating nature-inclusive design into offshore wind projects.
• Partners: Outer Harbor Consulting; Responsible Offshore Science Alliance; Nomadic Foundry

• JASCO: $246,746 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to examine existing offshore wind wildlife protection measures using quantitative modeling to assess risk reduction and implementation costs.

• Ocean Tech Services, LLC: $77,414 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to install a Motus radio telemetry receiving station at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s Air-Sea Interaction Tower, re-establishing important offshore detection capability for migratory birds and bats.

• Power Advisory LLC: $186,995 for Regional Transmission
• Funding will be used to build on existing offshore wind energy transmission studies to investigate interregional transmission scenarios for New England, New York, and Atlantic Canada.
• Partners: Johns Hopkins University; UMass Amherst

• Responsible Offshore Science Alliance: $149,997 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to communicate results of existing offshore wind fisheries research to Massachusetts fishing communities and the general public.
• Partners: Fat Moon Creative

• Biodiversity Research Institute: $149,206 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to translate and communicate offshore wind science and research into accessible, stakeholder-informed materials for Massachusetts and beyond.
• Partners: Consensus Building Institute

• CBN Media, LLC: $125,000 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to increase public understanding of marine life interactions with offshore wind infrastructure in Southern New England.

For more information on Offshore Wind Works and Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis, visit masscec.com/our-focus/offshore-wind.

Governor Healey Announces First-Ever Student Loan Repayment Awards for 248 Early Educators

 Governor Healey Announces First-Ever Student Loan Repayment Awards for 248 Early Educators 

 First-ever awards help early educators pay down student debt and build long-term careers in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced approximately $1.8 million in student loan repayment awards for 248 early educators and staff across Massachusetts, marking the first awards through the state’s first-ever student loan repayment program dedicated exclusively to the early education and care workforce. 

The Early Childhood Educator Loan Repayment Program, a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) and Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), provides eligible recipients with up to $7,500 per year in student loan repayment assistance. The program is designed to help experienced early educators stay in the field, build long-term careers and continue providing high-quality care and education for children and families.

“We want Massachusetts to be the best place to raise a family and build a career, and supporting early educators is a big part of that,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we’re helping 248 educators pay down their student loans and keep more of their hard-earned money. When we invest in early educators, we strengthen our workforce, give children a strong start and help families get the care they need.”

“Early educators are essential to strong communities and a strong economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These awards will help more educators build lasting careers in the field while making sure families across Massachusetts can continue to count on the high-quality care and education their children need.”

The 248 inaugural recipients work across EEC-licensed and funded programs, including family child care, center-based early education and care, after-school and out-of-school time programs, residential programs and contracted family child care systems. 

Recipients were selected based on eligibility requirements and program priorities, with preference given to educators with five or more years of experience and those working in communities serving children and families with high needs or in regions experiencing shortages of early education and care seats.

“Supporting early educators is essential to expanding access to high-quality early education and care for families across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Steve Zrike. “This program connects two priorities that are critical to our state’s future: making higher education more affordable and supporting a strong, experienced early education workforce. Investing in these educators helps ensure our youngest learners have a strong start, while giving families the reliable early education and care they need to work and support their families.”

"Helping our early educators repay student loans will keep people in the field, so we can make early education more affordable and increase access for Massachusetts families," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Legislature made this investment because it directly benefits the providers, educators, families, and students across our state and will prove critical to our early education infrastructure. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for getting this money straight to the educators who need it."

To qualify for this first round of awards, applicants were required to have earned an eligible degree in a qualifying field from a public or private Massachusetts college or university after July 1, 2013, and to have worked in an EEC-licensed or funded program during the previous academic year.

“Educators working in early education and child care make an extraordinary commitment to the children and families they serve, and we want Massachusetts to be a place where they can build rewarding, sustainable careers,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This first group of recipients represents educators working across our early education and care system, and this investment is one more way we are supporting their professional growth and compensation, while recognizing their experience and strengthening the workforce.”

“These educators pursued higher education to build meaningful careers that give back to children, families, and communities across the Commonwealth,” said Department of Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “Investing in the success of our early childhood educators helps them build sustainable careers and strengthens the communities that benefit from their expertise.”

The loan repayment program is part of Governor Healey’s work to make high-quality early education and care more affordable and accessible for families while strengthening the workforce. Through the Inter-Agency Early Education and Care Task Force,  the Administration is working across state government to expand access to care, strengthen career pathways and help more educators enter and stay in the field. 

The Administration is also helping current and aspiring early educators afford the education and training they need to advance their careers. DHE and EEC jointly administer the Early Childhood Educator Scholarship, which helps eligible educators working in early education and child care to cover the cost of pursuing a college degree. The Administration has also invested in over 250 registered apprenticeships and other career pathway initiatives to recruit, develop and retain educators working in early education and child care. 

Governor Healey made historic investments to make higher education more affordable and support current and future educators across Massachusetts. State funding for financial aid programs has more than doubled to over $400 million, including making community college tuition and fee-free for students across Massachusetts. Current and future educators can also access dedicated financial aid programs and scholarship opportunities, such as the In-Demand Scholarship, Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, Early Childhood Educators Scholarship, and Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship, helping more students afford the education and training they need to advance in the profession. These investments are helping more people enter education careers, advance in the profession and stay in the workforce.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is investing approximately $15 million in the Early Childhood Educator Loan Repayment Program to provide student loan relief to early educators and support implementation of the program. The Program is expected to reopen for a new round of applications in spring 2027, providing another opportunity for eligible educators to apply for student loan repayment assistance. For more information, visit Mass.edu/ECELoanRepayment.

All chip and tap-enabled cards have been mailed statewide; clients should use their card within 60 days

All chip and tap-enabled cards have been mailed statewide; clients should use their card within 60 days

BOSTON – Massachusetts has become the fourth state in the nation to roll out chip and tap-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards statewide to enhance security and better prevent theft across the system, including for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

"Families across Massachusetts rely on DTA programs to afford groceries and other essential goods. We're focused on preventing fraud and theft so that these funds are going to the people who need and deserve them," said Governor Healey. "Massachusetts is proud to be leading the nation when it comes to the security and integrity of our EBT programs."

"Having a chip and tap-to-pay option on our EBT cards means a safer way to access benefits people use to keep their families fed and is one more tool in our arsenal that supports our ongoing commitment to safeguarding public funds," said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole.

To activate, clients should use their card within 60 days of receiving it. More information on the new chip/tap cards can be found online here. 

In order to have as little disruption to clients as possible, DTA has closely collaborated with retailers for months to ensure they are prepared for this transition, and the vast majority of retailers statewide are prepared to accept the new cards. As SNAP retailers update their systems to accept insert or tap transactions, some retailers may require customers to swipe their card. This does not mean that the card is broken or defective, but that the store has not yet updated its systems. More information for retailers is available here.

In addition to rolling out these cards, DTA has already implemented several features to protect EBT benefits, which include:

•       Card lock/unlock technology using the DTA Connect mobile application and the Cardholder Customer Service Line

•       Providing an EBT card safety flyer with every EBT card issued that contains information on how to lock/unlock your card

•       Encouraging clients to regularly change their PIN

Governor Healey Denounces President Trump’s Continued Denial of Disaster Relief for Massachusetts Communities

Governor Healey Denounces President Trump’s Continued Denial of Disaster Relief for Massachusetts Communities

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey is today denouncing President Donald Trump for yet again denying disaster relief for Massachusetts communities recovering from the February 2026 blizzard, which was one of the worst winter storms the state has seen in decades. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) previously denied Governor Healey’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal Public Assistance to state agencies and local governments in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk and Plymouth counties for eligible storm-related costs. The request also sought Snow Assistance for Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk and Plymouth counties, which experienced record-breaking snowfall. Governor Healey appealed in July, but yesterday, FEMA informed the Governor that it too had been denied.

The denial comes after reports that President Trump overrode his own agencies to deny Massachusetts’ request, as well as requests from New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey. This happened in spite of FEMA previously confirming that Massachusetts far exceeded the threshold to qualify for federal disaster assistance, after determining the state had incurred approximately $45 million in eligible disaster costs.

“I’m outraged that President Trump has once again turned his back on Massachusetts. Our communities were hit by one of the worst winter storms we’ve seen in decades, and instead of helping them recover, he is refusing to provide the federal disaster assistance they deserve,” said Governor Healey. “Our first responders, public works crews and local officials worked around the clock to keep people safe and clean up after this storm. They did their jobs. We did ours. President Trump should do his. Instead, he’s leaving cities, towns and Massachusetts taxpayers to shoulder the costs of a major disaster on their own. This shouldn’t be about politics or what state you live in. It should be about helping Americans when they need it. President Trump may be willing to walk away from Massachusetts communities, but we won’t. We’ll keep standing with our cities and towns and fighting for the support they deserve.” 

The February blizzard, which dropped nearly three feet of snow on top of existing accumulation from a January storm, left extensive damage across eastern Massachusetts and required an unprecedented statewide response. Governor Healey declared a State of Emergency, activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Massachusetts National Guard, and requested out-of-state assets from Connecticut, New York and Vermont to support state and local snow removal efforts. Governor Healey also secured $100 million in Fair Share funding to help cities and towns recover from extraordinary winter storm costs while continuing to pursue the federal disaster assistance Massachusetts qualified for.

Governor Healey Announces Major Statewide Plan to Build Over 2,500 New Homes

 Governor Healey Announces Major Statewide Plan to Build Over 2,500 New Homes 

 Administration kicks off six-stop statewide tour on Thursday highlighting 29 developments across 20 communities 

WORCESTER — Governor Maura Healey today continued her work to build more homes and lower housing costs in the state by announcing $278 million in state and federal financing and tax credits for housing development. These homes will be built in 20 communities across Massachusetts.

These awards were made possible in part through the Affordable Homes Act and by Governor Healey’s tax cuts package, which significantly increased state support for housing production. Today’s awards are the largest single round of awards made from this housing program in in more than a decade. Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has created or preserved more than 10,000 homes through this program alone.

Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias and other administration officials are traveling across Massachusetts on Thursday to highlight the projects and the communities making them possible, with stops in Worcester, Erving, Northampton, Newburyport, Needham and Boston. 

“We’re on a mission to build more homes and lower housing costs in every part of Massachusetts, and today we’re hitting the road to show that work in action,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These awards will create more than 2,500 new homes in 20 communities across the state, and it’s made possible by the Affordable Homes Act that I proposed and signed. This is about making sure that Massachusetts is a state where teachers, nurses, firefighters and young people can actually afford to live.” 

“Communities of every size are stepping up with smart, creative plans to build the homes their residents need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These awards will turn underused properties into housing, modernize housing and preserve homes that residents already depend on. That means stronger neighborhoods, more vibrant local economies and more opportunities for people to stay and build their future in Massachusetts.”

“Housing needs look different across the Commonwealth, and this funding round responds with a wide range of solutions,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “These investments will deliver more than 2,500 new homes, while preserving existing communities and expanding opportunity for families, seniors, veterans and others.”

The awards include $154.7 million in subsidy financing from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, $61.8 million in state low-income housing tax credits, $47.9 million in 4 percent federal low-income housing tax credits and $13.2 million in 9 percent federal low-income housing tax credits. The state and federal tax credit awards are expected to generate nearly $500 million in equity for the developments.

Awarded developments include:

Athol

• Pequoig House: Preservation of 53 affordable homes for seniors. All homes will be supported by existing federal project-based vouchers.

Boston

• Fox Hall Senior: Construction of 65 homes for seniors in South Boston, with supportive services available to residents.
• 80 Shawsheen Road: Construction of 35 family homes in East Boston.
• 1198 Centre: Construction of 78 homes for seniors in Roslindale.
• Orchard Gardens: Preservation of 331 mixed-income homes near Nubian Square.
• 145-157 St. Alphonsus Street: Rehabilitation of seven homes in Mission Hill.
• 150 Centre Street: Construction of 72 family homes next to the MBTA’s Shawmut Station. The development will incorporate Passive House standards to support energy efficiency and climate resilience.

Brockton

• Chatham West I: Preservation and rehabilitation of 300 homes.
• Liberty on Legion: Construction of 54 family homes on an underused downtown property. The mixed-use development will also include retail space and a housing solutions center.

Brookline

• 10 Walnut Street: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 96 new family homes, including for veterans. 

Cambridge

• Redevelopment of Corcoran Park, Phase 1: Construction of 67 family homes in the first phase of a multiphase public housing redevelopment.
• 28-30 Wendell: Construction of 95 intergenerational homes in Cambridge’s MBTA Communities district.

Chelmsford

• The Residences at Bigelow Hall: Construction of 50 homes for seniors.

Chicopee

• Chicopee Village: Preservation and rehabilitation of 290 family homes following a sale process conducted under Chapter 40T. 

Erving

• Evergreen Circle: Construction of 26 ntergenerational homes. Evergreen Circle will be the first newly constructed tax credit development in Erving.

Fitchburg

• 470 Main Street: Rehabilitation of 31 existing homes and construction of seven new homes in downtown Fitchburg.

Ipswich

• Depot Lane: Construction of 5 intergenerational homes, with supportive services available to residents.

Lexington

• LexHAB ADU: Construction of eight accessory dwelling units under provisions included in the Affordable Homes Act.
• Lexington Woods: Construction of 40 family homes.

Lynn

• High Street Development: Construction of 107 family homes.

Needham

• Linden Terrace Phase One A: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 76 homes.

Newburyport

• Brown School Senior Housing: Adaptive reuse of the former Brown School to provide 29 homes for seniors.

Newton

• 793 Washington: Construction of 58 family homes.

Northampton

• 27 Crafts Avenue: Construction of 30 studio homes serving individuals with significant housing needs.
• Meadowbrook Apartments Phase 1: Preservation and rehabilitation of 120 family homes, including substantial energy-efficiency improvements.

Springfield

• New Court Rainville: Preservation and rehabilitation of 88 family homes.

Swampscott

• Veterans Crossing: Construction of 41 homes serving residents age 55 and older.

Watertown

• Willow Park Redevelopment: Redevelopment of public housing to provide 138 homes.

Worcester

• Lakeside Phase 3: Construction of 103 homes in the next phase of the Worcester Housing Authority’s Lakeside redevelopment.

Governor Healey created the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. Since taking office, she has signed the Affordable Homes Act, made statewide accessory dwelling unit reforms legal statewide, implemented MBTA Communities zoning, designated Seasonal Communities, launched the first-int-he-nation Momentum Fund and Commercial Conversion Tax Credit and expanded Housing Development Incentive Program awards to support new housing production across Massachusetts. 

Statements of Support:

Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista

“The federal and state low-income tax credits and subsidy funds provided by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for Worcester’s Lakeside Apartments – Phase 3 project are critical to its success.The redevelopment is part of the long-term transformation of the aging Lakeside public housing community that will offer hundreds of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for residents. This is exactly the kind of project we need to be developing in our city and I thank our state partners for their commitment to increasing our affordable housing supply.”

Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon

“Newburyport is proud to welcome Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to the Brown School as they announce another significant investment in affordable housing across Massachusetts. The transformation of the Brown School into 29 affordable units for seniors is exactly the kind of project we need, allowing longtime residents to remain in the community they helped build while giving an important public building new life. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the urgent need for more housing and for continuing to be a strong partner to Newburyport and communities across the Commonwealth.”

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra:

“Northampton needs more housing, at every level of affordability, and we need it now. Governor Healey and I agree that Massachusetts needs to build more housing, preserve the affordable housing we have, and move with urgency to do both. Today’s investment by the state in Northampton will preserve and rehabilitate 120 affordable family homes at Meadowbrook and help bring to life a project at 27 Crafts Avenue that I am particularly proud of. Northampton took an underused portion of a city-owned parcel in the heart of downtown and worked with Valley CDC to create 30 highly energy-efficient affordable homes, including 20 for people with extremely low incomes and a preference for people experiencing homelessness. We are also moving affordable housing forward at Cooke Avenue and at 33 King Street, where the Commonwealth transferred the former state courthouse property to Northampton and gave us another opportunity to turn public land into much-needed housing. I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Secretary Matias for being my partners in getting these much-needed Northampton homes built.”

Athol Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski

"Since 1895 the Pequoig building has stood sentinel as a landmark structure in Athol's central business district. First operated as a hotel into the mid-20th century, the building was renovated into affordable, senior housing in 1982. Today, the property owners will utilize these funds to make needed improvements to the historic building while ensuring the retention of 53-units of needed affordable housing for decades to come.  The Town appreciates the Healey-Driscoll administration's emphasis on supporting quality housing options affordable to a range of income."

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang

“We’re thrilled that new affordable housing projects in Cambridge have been awarded HLC funding. This recognition reflects the exceptional work of our affordable housing partners and affirms the effectiveness of the City’s policies and strategies. With this vital funding from the HLC, we expect construction on these projects to begin next year and look forward to delivering 162 new affordable homes for Cambridge families. In Cambridge, affordable housing has long been a top priority. We have made tremendous progress through innovative zoning reform and significant funding commitments, but none of it would be possible without crucial funding support from the Commonwealth.”

Ipswich Town Manager Brendan Sweeney

“Ipswich is grateful for this award, which helps bring 52 new, 100% affordable homes to downtown Ipswich in partnership with Harborlight Homes. This investment strengthens our downtown, expands housing options for residents, and reflects our community’s commitment to sustainable, transit‑oriented growth.”

Needham Town Manager Katie King:

“This award marks an important milestone in the Needham Housing Authority’s redevelopment of Linden Terrace, which will nearly double the number of affordable homes while replacing aging buildings with high-quality, energy-efficient housing. The Town of Needham is proud to have committed more than $6.8 million in Community Preservation Act funding to this effort and is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their investment and partnership in making this project possible.”

Senator Julian Cyr:

“These awards represent meaningful investments in creating and preserving affordable homes in Massachusetts, something our residents so urgently need. Massachusetts has long fallen behind in housing production, leading to the sky-high costs renters and prospective home buyers see today. With the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are making real progress on our housing crisis. Innovative policies that help unlock development, measures that make building more affordable, and significant investments like the Winter Rental Round grants are expanding housing opportunities for people across every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Representative Richard Haggerty (D-30th Middlesex District), who serves as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing

"I want to express my support to the Healey-Driscoll administration for providing much-needed, critical funding for housing all across the Commonwealth through this year's Winter Rental Round funding. "With high development costs, financial strains and high interest rates slowing our housing production, this funding is crucial to making sure we build the affordable housing we need for our lower-wage families, homeless and our seniors, all across the Commonwealth."

Andrew McKenzie-DeFranza, Executive Director, Harborlight Homes

“Harborlight Homes is grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued leadership in addressing the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. The funding awarded to our Depot Square development in Ipswich will help create much-needed safe, stable, affordable housing near public transit, meeting a local need and providing residents with greater access to opportunity. We are honored to partner with EOHLC in advancing housing solutions that make our state and North Shore region more affordable and equitable for all.”

David J. Hedison, Executive Director, CHOICE Housing

“For more than two decades, we have envisioned creating senior housing with supportive services at this site, and for the past six years, we have worked with particular focus to make that vision a reality. This EOHLC funding award marks an extraordinary moment for our organization and the Chelmsford community. Welcoming 50 seniors to the Residences at Bigelow Hall—and providing them with the support they need to live independently and age in place—will truly be a dream come true.”

Adam B. Scott, President and CEO of Hebrew SeniorLife

“For more than 60 years, Hebrew SeniorLife has called Roslindale home, and this award will allow us to build 78 affordable, service-enriched apartments where older adults can age with dignity in the city they know and love. We are grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for this investment, and to the City of Boston for its partnership and support. Together, we are meeting the urgent need for affordable senior housing.”

Monica Dean, CEO, Madison Park Development Corporation

“Madison Park Development Corporation has spent six decades strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunity, and preserving affordable housing in Roxbury. Through the Orchard Gardens Deep Energy Retrofit and Renovation, 331 households will benefit from long-needed improvements to their homes while making the community more sustainable for the future. Together with Trinity Financial, the Boston Housing Authority, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are proud to invest in Orchard Gardens in a way that protects affordability, supports housing stability, and helps families and longtime residents continue to thrive in the community they call home.”

Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)

“POAH is grateful for the Governor’s leadership on affordable housing and for helping us to advance both the production of new affordable homes and the preservation and revitalization of existing affordable housing.  Our current residents in Northampton and future residents in Watertown will greatly benefit from this critical state funding.”

Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities

“We are honored to be included in this amazing group of awardees and grateful for the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the entire Healey Administration. Massachusetts continues to set the standard for states across the country through its sustained commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing. This latest investment reflects the type of bold leadership and vision needed to address the housing affordability crisis and ensure that more residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable places to live.”

Kenzie Bok, Administrator and CEO, Boston Housing Authority

“At the Boston Housing Authority, we know that when we invest in public and affordable housing, we are investing in our residents, their families, and their futures. Residents of Orchard Gardens advocated for improvements to their community and helped set the bar for housing redevelopment several decades ago. Thank you to our state partners for making this renewed investment to preserve 331 affordable homes at Orchard Gardens and continuing to champion affordable and public housing.”

Tanya Hahnel, Co-Executive Director, East Boston CDC

“This funding unlocks the redevelopment of a site owned by the East Boston CDC since December of 2022.  With the help of federal and state low income housing tax credits and state affordable housing subsidies, East Boston will see 35 new apartments for low income families build on a formerly industrial site.  This project represents a true commitment to sustainable development.  The new apartments are one block from an MBTA train station, and the site design allows for new open space to serve the surrounding neighborhood thanks to a denser, more compact building footprint.  It is exactly the type of catalytic project that East Boston needs to help stabilize families who just need stable, affordable rents to help them remain in their neighborhood.”

Ben Stone, Executive Director, Brookline Housing Authority

“Brookline Housing Authority is ecstatic that the EOHLC and the Governor have awarded funding for our 10 Walnut Street project, which will create 96 deeply affordable and energy efficient apartments for families in a high-opportunity, transit-oriented area. We’re grateful for the support from the state, the Town of Brookline, our design team, and, especially, to BHA residents who all helped to get us to this point.”

Zeina Talje, Managing Partner, Zeta Insite

“We're honored to work on the adaptive reuse of a historic landmark like the George W. Brown School into senior affordable housing, giving residents who have been priced out a place to call home in the community they love. What sets this project apart is how deep sustainability and affordability are woven together, allowing us to include all utilities and shield seniors from escalating energy costs. Preservation projects like the  Brown School are only possible through strong partnerships, and we're grateful for the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the City of Newburyport. We are thrilled to bring this project to reality."

Timothy Johnstone, Interim Executive Director, NewVue Communities

 "We are very grateful to Governor Healey for directing this funding to help address the issue of affordable housing in Massachusetts. Addressing the housing crisis can feel like an uphill battle, but it is made easier by the financial support of the Governor’s Office, The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the City of Fitchburg. This specific housing expansion at our 470 Main Street location will provide beautiful living options for those that want to be downtown and take advantage of all the new restaurants, businesses and arts and culture activities that are now very much a part of Fitchburg. NewVue is proud to be a recipient of this award."

Sara E. Barcan, Executive Director, Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc.

“HRI is thrilled to accept this award of LIHTC and other resources to build 95 affordable rental homes in the Baldwin neighborhood of Cambridge. With the continued scarcity of affordable housing in Cambridge and throughout the region, we look forward to completion of 55 homes for families and 40 for older adults, plus a hub for supportive services. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for your continued support for housing and community development.”

Clara Fraden, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge Housing Authority

“Cambridge’s Corcoran Park is obsolete Federal public housing being replaced with twice the number of modern, sustainable homes for families. Cambridge Housing Authority is grateful for their longstanding partnership with EOHLC and their deep commitment to developing affordable housing. These transformative projects would not be possible without them.”