耶穌受難經典劇「荊棘」 訂10/20、21來波士頓 Boch 中心演出

     (Boston Orange編譯) 描述耶穌基督受難故事，當年被譽為「太陽馬戲團遇見《受難記》」，累計觀看人數已逾百萬，今年慶祝30週年的「荊棘（The Thorn）」，將於10月20日至21日來到麻州波士頓的博赫中心王氏劇院（Boch Center Wang Theatre）。門票已於日前開售。

    「荊棘（The Thorn）」是約翰柏林（John Bolin）創作，向一群對耶穌受難故事所知甚少、但對自身透過割傷和自殘行為而感受的痛苦卻深有體會的年輕人，傳達基督犧牲之死意義的一齣戲。

    約翰柏林（John Bolin）表示，是上帝呼召他「在書頁、舞台和螢幕上說故事」，而如今他已透過「荊棘」的電影版本完成這項任務。他的著作包括小說「伊甸計劃（The Eden Project），」以及基督徒成長指南「如此深愛（So Loved）」、「天堂的兩扇門（The Two Doors of Heaven）」和「無限生命（Life Unlimited）」。

    約翰的妻子莎拉·博林（Sarah Bolin）協助創作了這齣戲，並擔任製作人，負責管理該劇的全國巡演劇團。當被問及為何長年參與巡演和《荊棘》時，莎拉說：「上帝要我們信靠他、張開雙手，而他應許要成就美麗的事。」多年來，莎拉親眼見證上帝在觀眾和劇組成員當中以具體的方式動工。

    過去30年來，一度被譽為「太陽馬戲團遇見《受難記》」的這齣戲不斷演變，是一齣巧妙融合戲劇、音樂、舞蹈、武術、空中雜技、情感充沛的表演，以超越時代的心靈視角來演繹從創世延伸至初期教會的建立，由「耶穌所愛的門徒」聖約翰來回顧他與耶穌之間許多令人驚奇的相遇。約翰柏林表示，「這是一個充滿愛、犧牲、屬靈爭戰和救贖的故事」。

    這齣戲將於2026年秋季重演，在九月和十月間舉辦23場演出，其中的10月20日至21日，在波士頓的博赫中心王劇院（Boch Center Wang Theatre）演出。

    門票已從6月26日起開售，購票可上網thethorn.com/tickets，欲了解更多《荊棘》資訊，請造訪 TheThorn.com。

2026秋季巡演日期及地點

• 俄亥俄州辛辛那提 | 阿羅諾夫藝術中心 | 9月11日與12日
• 印第安納州印第安納波利斯 | 克勞斯紀念廳 | 9月14日與15日
• 密蘇里州聖路易斯 | 史蒂菲爾劇院 | 9月18日與19日
• 愛荷華州錫達拉皮茲 | 派拉蒙劇院 | 9月22日與23日
• 威斯康辛州密爾瓦基 | 米勒高生活劇院 | 9月25日
• 內布拉斯加州奧馬哈 | 奧菲姆劇院 | 9月29日與30日
• 明尼蘇達州明尼亞波利斯 | 奧菲姆劇院 | 10月2日與3日
• 伊利諾州羅克福德 | 科羅納多劇院 | 10月6日與7日
• 密西根州底特律 | 福克斯劇院 | 10月9日與10日
• 賓州匹茲堡 | 彼得森活動中心 | 10月13日
• 俄亥俄州克里夫蘭 | 基銀行國家劇院 | 10月16日與17日
• 麻薩諸塞州波士頓 | 博赫中心王劇院 | 10月20日與21日

Governor Maura Healey Statement on Trump Administration’s Denial of Disaster Relief Request

Governor Maura Healey Statement on Trump Administration’s Denial of Disaster Relief Request 

  

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today issued the following statement in response to President Trump's decision to deny Massachusetts' request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe winter storm that impacted communities across the state earlier this year: 

 

"Massachusetts experienced one of the worst winter storms we've seen in decades. Our first responders, public works crews and local communities worked around the clock to keep people safe and begin recovery. They did their job, and now President Trump needs to do his. 

 

"I'm deeply disappointed by his decision to deny disaster assistance for Massachusetts. When communities are recovering from extraordinary disasters, the President should be focused on helping people—not turning his back on states that need support. We intend to appeal, and we'll keep fighting to secure every federal dollar Massachusetts deserves." 

 

Earlier this year, Massachusetts requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following one of the most significant winter storms to impact the state in decades. The declaration would provide federal assistance to help eligible communities recover from the storm's impacts. 

Massachusetts Senate Cracks Down on Big Social Media Companies

Massachusetts Senate Cracks Down on Big Social Media Companies 

Legislation Prioritizes Children’s Health Over Corporations’ Addictive Algorithms 

 

(BOSTON—7/9/2026) The Massachusetts Senate stood up to big social media companies today by passing legislation that reins in how their platforms’ most addictive features target young people. 

 

The bill cracks down on settings that are engineered to keep minors perpetually on social media platforms at the expense of the health and wellbeing of users. 

 

Features such as autoplay, ‘infinite scroll,’ and intrusive algorithms that capitalize on users’ personal data would be turned off by default for minors. Minors would not be able to change those default settings, while adult users would retain control over their own settings. 

 

“The question isn’t whether young people should be online—they already are,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Social platforms can help children and teens learn, create, and stay connected. But it is our responsibility as lawmakers to shield young people from harmful features that are designed to hook them rather than help them. Today, the Senate put the wellbeing of our kids over the interests of social media companies. This bill would increase online safety and security, shield personal data and disable the most addictive features of social media for children and teens. This is a critical step in fighting the youth mental health epidemic and addressing the potential harms of constantly evolving technology. I applaud the leadership of Majority Leader Creem, Chair Rodrigues, and each Senator who contributed to this legislation.” 

 
“This legislation sends a clear message that children’s wellbeing must come before social media companies’ bottom line,” said Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton), lead sponsor of the legislation. “Features like autoplay, infinite scroll, and algorithm-driven feeds are intentionally designed to keep young people online for as long as possible, often at the expense of their mental health. This bill takes thoughtful steps to create a safer online experience for children while protecting privacy and free speech. I’m grateful to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and to everyone whose partnership helped bring us to this moment. I’m proud the Senate has acted on this important issue, and I look forward to continuing our work to protect children online.” 

 

“Our kids are glued to their phones, leading to real consequences for their education, mental health, and social interactions—but it isn’t their fault. They’ve been intentionally trapped in an addictive infinite scroll by corporations who stand to make a big profit,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This legislation fairly presses pause on addictive and intrusive settings that have taken control of our phones, our data, and our attention spans. Complementing our Senate’s cell phone-free schools legislation, this bill will help to create a safer and healthier environment for our children. Thank you to President Spilka for prioritizing these urgent issues, to Leader Creem for her tireless work on this legislation, and to all our colleagues who have called for action on behalf of their constituents.” 

 

Studies have linked prolonged daily social media use to increased depression and anxiety in children. 

 

The legislation—S.3164, An Act protecting children from addictive social media feeds—includes added optional safeguards for children, such as limits on the ability of ‘non-friend’ accounts—strangers—to contact minors’ accounts. 

 

Senators voted today to adopt an amendment (Amendment 24) that adds mandatory protection for minors’ precise location data. As amended, the bill now requires that social media platforms cannot allow minor children to share their precise locations with others. 

 

“The bill passed today by the Senate aims to restore for younger users the original purpose of social media—when platforms were truly a place to connect with friends, not an endless rabbit hole of doomscrolling, self-doubt, and misinformation,” said Senator Julian A. Cyr (D-Provincetown). “We know that social media apps today are engineered to be incredibly addictive, relying on sophisticated behavioral science and data collection to trap users in an infinite cycle of content curated by corporations. We also know that young people are especially vulnerable to having their mental health negatively impacted by these unending algorithmic feeds. Our bill walks a careful line of shielding minors from harmful features, while preserving their ability to find connections and support online. I want to thank Majority Leader Creem for her partnership on this bill, and applaud Senate President Spilka for advancing a commonsense approach to addressing the ills of social media.” 

 

“As the parent of two teenagers, I know firsthand how harmful and addictive social media usage can be on young people without proper guardrails in place,” said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston). “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate, who earlier this year unanimously voted to pass an amendment I filed to create a grant program within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to educate students on social media habits, and I am particularly grateful to Senate President Spilka who has put this issue front and center this session.” 

 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means redrafted and advanced the legislation with a 14-0 vote on July 2, 2026. 

 

The bill was subjected to a public feedback process last year by the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. 

 

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

 

The Senate passed the bill on a 38-2 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

 

Statements of Support 

 

Dr. Jonathan Haidt, Author of The Anxious Generation 

“S.3164 doesn’t ask children to resist a machine designed by engineers to be irresistible, and it doesn’t put the burden on exhausted parents to individually negotiate their family’s relationship with trillion-dollar companies. It simply says that addictive designs are off by default for kids. Massachusetts should pass this bill without weakening it and then strongly enforce it to the full extent of the law.” 

 

Haley Hinkle, Policy Counsel, Fairplay For Kids 

“It is indisputable that social media platforms are designed to maximize profit at the expense of minors’ safety and wellbeing. S.3164 would provide significant new protections for minors by limiting the social media features that have directly contributed to so many online harms, including personalized feeds, autoplay, and geolocation sharing. We thank Senator Creem and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means for their leadership and thank the Massachusetts Senate for its leadership on this important legislation on behalf of the state’s kids and teens.”  

 

Holly Grossshans, Senior Counsel for Tech Policy, Common Sense Media 

“Common Sense Media applauds the Massachusetts State Senate for passing this very important social media safety bill. Parents across Massachusetts, and across the country, are demanding that lawmakers hold technology companies accountable for the products they build. Today, the state Senate answered that call by passing this bill. We commend Senator Creem and the Senate leaders for their commitment to protecting kids, and we urge House leaders and Governor Healey to join the Senate in supporting this bill to ensure that technology serves children, not the other way around.” 

 

Julie Scelfo, Founder and Executive Director, Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) 

“MAMA commends the Massachusetts Senate for taking the necessary steps to protect children from addictive social media algorithms. By disabling or limiting highly addictive features that social media platforms develop to continuingly engage users in harmful scrolling patterns, this critical legislation supports children’s safety, education, and mental health. For far too long, tech companies have exploited our children’s developing brains to maximize screen time at the expense of their mental health. We are grateful for Senator Creem’s leadership, urge swift passage of Senate Bill 3164, and look forward to ensuring that every child in the Bay State can have a healthy childhood centered around real-world interactions that are central for health and well-being.” 

 

Megan Iorio, Senior Counsel and Platform Governance & Accountability Program Director, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) 

“For too long, social media companies have relied on invasive data collection and manipulative design practices to drive engagement, often at the expense of young people's safety and well-being. The Senate bill’s requirement that social media companies design their products to be safe for kids is an effective and constitutional approach to protecting kids online. EPIC is proud to support this legislation.” 

 

Adrienne Principe, Founder, Turning Life On 

“The nation is facing one of the biggest public health threats in decades. Internal research reveals that social media companies prioritize profits over mental and cognitive health, especially the health of our youth. We are grateful for Senator Creem’s hard work and dedication and the Senate’s commitment to passing a law that does what these companies refuse to—protect social media users from features that are deliberately addictive and harmful.”  

Boch中心青少年領導力計劃 7/15將上訪州議會

 (Boston Orange編譯) 「博赫中心（Boch Center）」主辦的「城市焦點青少年領導力計畫（City Spotlights Teen Leadership Program）」，將於7月15日起，到州政府大樓辦「倡議日」，在波士頓街頭快閃表演，上舒伯特Shubert）劇院舞台展示藝術，舉辦一系列3場活動，展現學習成果。

「城市焦點青少年領導力計畫」是Boch 中心從2012開始，每年夏季舉辦，為青少年提供為期六週的有薪就業培訓，今年共有來自波士頓20所學校、11個不同社區的青少年參加。

7月15日上午10時30分，他們將前往麻州政府，舉行「倡議日」活動，直接和民意代表面對面晤談，為自身及社區的權益發聲。

7月22日，他們將走上波士頓街頭做快閃表演，並在社區主辦多場工作坊。

8月12日，他們將在歷史悠久的舒伯特劇院（Shubert Theatre）舞台上，發表各人的原創藝術作品，向大眾展現新世代改變社會的創意能量。

博赫中心副總裁柯瑞．伊凡斯（Corey Evans）表示，「城市焦點青少年領導力計畫」的核心是讓年輕人以創意為武器，向社會大眾就社區議題表達他們自幾的觀點。這計畫從2012年推行至今，已成功培育超過750名青少年領袖，更因完美結合藝術教育與實習就業，在2016年榮獲美國戲劇與教育聯盟（AATE）頒發全國性的「安佛萊格多元文化獎（Ann Flagg Multicultural Award）」，深受各界肯定。

牙買加平原偵測到蚊子含有西尼羅病毒

WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED IN MOSQUITO TEST SAMPLE IN JAMAICA PLAIN  

The risk remains low, but Boston Public Health Commission encourages residents to take precautions

BOSTON – July 9, 2026 - The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today announced that a mosquito test sample obtained from Jamaica Plain tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The virus is carried by mosquitoes and can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. 

This is the first sample to test positive for the virus in Boston this summer. BPHC partners with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project to protect Boston residents from mosquito-borne disease transmission. They collect mosquito samples from traps around Boston every week during the summer and early fall. The latest information on test results can be found at boston.gov/mosquito.  

While there are currently no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus among Boston residents and the risk of transmission is low, BPHC encourages all residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families. The best way to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus is by avoiding mosquito bites. BPHC recommends the following strategies:   

• Regularly empty out and clean bird baths, unused flowerpots, and other vessels containing standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Flip over unused kiddie pools and dispose of old tires, which are also known to collect rainwater that attracts mosquitoes for breeding.    
• Regularly clean out gutters and remove any debris or blockages.   
• Avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.  
• Wear long clothing and high socks to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.    
• Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.   
• Make sure screens in windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.    

“These test results are an important reminder that everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses this time of year,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “West Nile Virus can be dangerous, particularly for seniors and other vulnerable populations. Everyone should protect themselves and their communities by draining pockets of standing water where mosquitoes thrive and wearing insect repellent. BPHC will continue to work with our partners to monitor this situation and keep residents informed.”    

Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus do not experience any signs or symptoms of illness. In some cases, however, people will experience a headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and body aches which can last for a few days or several weeks. In most cases, individuals with mild symptoms recover on their own without needing medical assistance.    

People who are older than 50 years of age are at higher risk of developing serious symptoms, including high fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, confusion, lack of coordination, tremors, vision loss, and muscle paralysis or weakness. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, contact a health care provider immediately.  More information on WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses is available on BPHC’s website.  

婦女新運會、獅子會、中華公所合辦「如何保持大腦健康」講座 逾百耆英聽得津津有味

紐英崙婦女新運會和波士頓華埠獅子會、紐英崙中華公所合辦
「如何保持大腦健康」講座。（周菊子攝）

  (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙婦女新運會和波士頓華埠獅子會、紐英崙中華公所合作，7月8日舉辦「如何保持大腦健康」講座，邀麻省總醫院精神科醫師Felipe A. Jain主講。近百名耆英聽得十分入神，提點自己今後要睡得飽，吃得對，打打太極。

右起，余寶愛，丁慧明，李伍碧香，李盧蓮馨，湯偉雄，梅艷玲，張青梅，趙娟，
司徒月華，關美齡等人是這次講座的志工團隊。（周菊子攝）

Felipe A. Jain在問答環節中，回應老人家是否適宜喝咖啡時指出，其實即溶咖啡含有一種特殊元素，對人體的功效，甚至比研磨咖啡還好。最是讓人意外。

張青梅送小禮物感謝Felipe A. Jain醫師。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙婦女新運會會長張青梅開場後，Felipe A. Jain醫師在廣東話翻譯協助下，以數十張簡報片，闡述 了「什麼是正常老化」，「認知障礙的重要危險因素」，「心理健康與大腦健康密切相關」，「促進腦部健康的五大關鍵」 等這天講談的四大主題，幫耆英正確認識老化和大腦出狀況的分別，該「如何保持大腦健康」。

Felipe A. Jain醫師解釋道，偶爾忘記是正常老話，但是如果出現明顯的喪失記憶，表達困難，在熟悉的環境中也迷路，東西常放錯地方還找不回來，對原本喜歡的活動失去了興趣等症狀，就應該提高警覺。

張青梅透露，中華耆英會正在擴辦行為健康諮詢服務，和Felipe A. Jain等相關醫師合作。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓耆英局（Age Strong Commission）最近在積極協助老人家防止出現認知障礙（又稱老人痴呆症，或阿茲海默症），Felipe A. Jain醫師這天特地說明，如果吸菸，缺乏運動，患抑鬱症，長期感到焦慮，有壓力，孤獨，睡眠不足，營養不良，還酗酒或濫用藥物，都會讓人更容易出現認知障礙症，但這其實可以透過改變生活方式來預防，

右起，余寶愛，李伍碧香，梅艷玲（左ㄧ）請國泰銀行代表麥冬玲抽獎。（周菊子攝）

Felipe A. Jain醫師指出，心理和大腦的健康狀況是息息相關的。他勸耆英們要觀察自己，如果持續2週以上都感到情緒低落、絕望，睡眠不佳，注意力不集中，對什麼事都提不起興趣，常自責或內疚，食慾變了，容易生氣，甚至出現輕生念頭，就很可能染患抑郁症了，最好找醫生檢查一下。

鄺元傑（左）中獎，湯偉雄送上獎品。（周菊子攝）

如果是長期感到擔憂，失眠，害怕外出，覺得緊張，無法放鬆，那就是過度焦慮了。這些心理健康問題不但影響各人的生活質量，也會增加染患「認知障礙」症的風險。

Felipe A. Jain醫師提出，要促進腦部健康，有五大關鍵，包括飲食健康，規律運動，睡眠充足，保持社交與學習，管理壓力等。

約百名耆英齊聚一堂聽講。（周菊子攝）

他展示了一張“亞裔食物金字塔”圖案，向老人家們解釋，想要大腦健康，首先要吃得健康，飲食上要多吃蔬菜，水果，堅果，全穀類，魚類，以及適量乳製品，少吃甜食，紅肉，加工肉品，高糖飲料，反式脂肪。

至於運動，Felipe A. Jain醫師建議，至少每週做3次，每次30到60分鐘的有氧運動，例如快走、慢跑，游泳，騎自行車，打太極拳，練氣功，做瑜伽等。這些都有助於改善記憶力、專注力，以及整體的認知功能。

Felipe A. Jain醫師解說哪些食物該吃。（周菊子攝）

在睡眠上，Felipe A. Jain醫師建議養成良好睡眠習慣，作息要固定，白天適度運動，睡前壁面大量進食，喝咖啡或喝酒，保持臥室的安靜舒適。

在保持社交與學習上，Felipe A. Jain醫師建議耆英積極參與社區活動，當志工，和親友保持聯繫，多讀書，玩益智遊戲，學點新技能，都對維持記憶力和思考力很有幫助。

Felipe A. Jain醫師以年逾80的馬拉松跑者張亮友、商殿娥為例，
說明耆英也可以跑步。（周菊子攝）

最後是管理壓力，Felipe A. Jain醫師指出，人如果長期處於壓力之下，記憶力和心血管健康都會受影響，改善之道是接觸大自然，做放鬆訓練，冥想，學打太極，培養正念，學習壓力管理技巧等。

Felipe A. Jain醫師展示亞洲食物金字塔。（周菊子攝）

這場講座由紐英崙婦女新運會會長張青梅，波士頓華埠獅子會會長梅艷玲和中華公所財政余寶愛率十餘名志工，裝好麵包，柳丁的福利袋，瓶裝水，分送給出席者，還在明記鮮雞，唐朝餐廳，小南閣，國泰銀行等企業贊助下，送出25份抽獎券，讓出席耆英們收穫滿滿。

Felipe A. Jain醫師解說如何增加大腦儲存量。（周菊子攝）

Governor Healey Signs Budget That Lowers Costs with No New Taxes or Fees

Governor Healey Signs Budget That Lowers Costs with No New Taxes or Fees 

Budget enhances public safety by protecting survivors of sexual assault and strengthening tools to hold perpetrators accountable  

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today signed the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) state budget, delivering a balanced spending plan that lowers costs for families, strengthens schools and transportation, supports cities and towns, invests in housing and health care, and enhances public safety, all without raising new taxes or fees. The budget also includes key provisions proposed by Governor Healey to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual assault and hold perpetrators who commit those crimes accountable. 

“This budget is about lowering people’s costs, driving economic growth and supporting our kids, all without raising any taxes or fees,” said Governor Healey. “We’re helping families afford child care, health care and higher education, increasing support for our cities, towns and schools that we know are facing financial challenges, speeding up housing production to lower costs, and making health insurance more affordable. We’re also taking important steps to protect survivors of sexual assault and make sure anyone who commits these heinous crimes is held accountable. I’m grateful for the partnership of the Legislature, and we’ll continue working together to deliver results for the people of Massachusetts through a balanced, fiscally responsible budget with no new taxes or fees.” 

“Our FY27 budget tackles some of the biggest challenges facing Massachusetts families by making smart investments that lower costs and strengthen our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From lowering the cost of child care and free school meals to public transportation, housing and mental health services, this budget delivers meaningful support for residents while remaining fiscally responsible and protecting taxpayer dollars.”  

 “This budget reflects the Senate's steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility while investing in what matters most to Massachusetts families,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We completed our promise to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act, delivered record local aid to every city and town across the Commonwealth, and made a historic investment in the MBTA and our regional transit systems. No matter where in our Commonwealth you call home, this budget works to lower your costs, expand your opportunities, and safeguard the services you rely on. I am deeply grateful to Governor Healey for her signing this budget into law, Chair Rodrigues and the entire Ways and Means Committee for their hard work on this bill, my Senate colleagues and staff for their thoughtful contributions, and our partners in the House for getting this done for Massachusetts.” 

 “As a result of the Trump Administration’s sweeping federal funding cuts, reckless trade policies, and war with Iran, this budget has come during a period of significant economic uncertainty. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of the investments that this budget makes despite those challenges, from funding for free school meals and for the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, to robust support for the MBTA, to nearly $10 billion for cities and towns across the Commonwealth – all without raising taxes,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for working diligently with the Legislature throughout the budget process, as well as Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for working to ensure that this budget delivers for every community across Massachusetts.” 

“Our FY27 budget protects the long-term stability of Massachusetts' finances while making targeted investments in the sectors that drive our economy and make our state the best place in the country to live," said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. "By keeping spending growth sustainable and strategically utilizing available resources including Fair Share surtax revenues, this budget ensures that Massachusetts will continue to thrive in FY27 despite ongoing national economic uncertainty. We are grateful to the Legislature for their partnership in putting Massachusetts on strong footing for the year ahead." 

Making Massachusetts more affordable 

The FY27 budget makes meaningful investments to lower costs for Massachusetts families in many ways, including: 

• Investing in housing to help build more homes and lower costs   
• Expanding access to affordable health insurance through ConnectorCare   
• Supporting public retirees by raising the earnings cap for part-time post-retirement work and providing a pathway to enhanced cost of living adjustments 
• Providing child care financial assistance for approximately 72,000 children    
• Continuing free school meals for all children  

 

Building on Massachusetts’ leadership in education and supporting students 

The budget also makes significant investments in Massachusetts students by fully funding the final year of the Student Opportunity Act with a $300 million increase in Chapter 70 school aid, totaling $7.66 billion, investing more than $11 million in student behavioral and mental health services, and expanding access to affordable child care. The budget also continues free community college and free school meals. 

Building on these investments, the budget reconvenes the Foundation Budget Review Commission to review the Chapter 70 formula and strengthen K-12 school financing. It also continues funding for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program and the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), helping more families access affordable child care and universally accessible pre-kindergarten. 

The budget continuescontinues to provide access to affordable higher education by making keeping public four-year colleges tuition- and fee-free for eligible students, reducing tuition and fees for middle-income students, and expanding SUCCESS wraparound supports to public colleges and universities, including UMass campuses for the first time.  

Upgrading roads, bridges and public transportation 

The FY27 budget continues Governor Healey's historic investments in transportation, advancing her $8 billion, 10-year plan to improve transportation networks across the state. It supports Regional Transit Authorities, including free fares, while making additional investments to stabilize MBTA finances and providing safer, more reliable service, and improves roadway safety through the deployment of new wrong-way detection technology that will identify wrong-way drivers and provide real-time alerts to transportation officials and law enforcement. 

Supporting cities, towns and schools 

It also delivers historic support for Massachusetts cities and towns, including a $40 million increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid, and $30 million in new funding distributed by population to better support small and rural communities. Combined with the recently enacted Fair Share supplemental budget, these investments provide historic support for cities, towns and school districts as they manage rising costs and continue delivering essential services. 

To help school districts meet rising special education costs, the budget provides a historic increase for the Special Education Circuit Breaker program. Combined with the recently enacted Fair Share supplemental budget, Massachusetts will provide a record $806.6 million for special education reimbursements in FY27. 

Making it easier to build housing and lower costs 

To help build more homes and lower housing costs, the budget includes policy reforms that create a more predictable permitting process, reduce unnecessary delays and provide greater certainty for housing developments moving through local review. These changes will help accelerate housing production while preserving local decision-making. 

Expanding access to affordable health care 

The budget continues Governor Healey's work to lower health care costs and expand access to care by extending ConnectorCare, a proposal championed by Governor Healey that helps more than 47,000 residents access affordable health insurance at a time when the Trump Administration is driving up costs. It also increases funding for home and congregate care for older adults by nearly $100 million and provides $1.34 billion for the Department of Mental Health to meet the growing demand for mental health services across Massachusetts. 

Protecting survivors and strengthening public safety 

The budget includes Governor Healey’s proposal to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape cases when DNA evidence identifies a suspect, ensuring offenders can be prosecuted regardless of when the crime occurred. It also requires Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits (SAECKs) to be preserved for a minimum of 15 years, helping ensure survivors have every opportunity to pursue justice. Additionally, the budget closes a loophole in the state's age of consent law by making it a crime for adults in positions of authority to have sexual relationships with 16- and 17-year-olds under their supervision. 

Strengthening Massachusetts’ long-term fiscal health 

The budget implements recommendations from the Stabilization Fund and Long-Term Financing Task Force, including multi-year budget forecasting and economic stress testing. It also allocates $51.2 million for the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund, a reserve account that enhances Massachusetts’ fiscal stability, and dedicates $20 million to the Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund, proposed by Governor Healey to help communities respond to significant and unexpected costs caused by extreme weather. 

Benefitting retirees, this budget would also increase the statutory limit on how much a post-retiree can earn if they come back to work by $10,000 and create a reserve to fund cost-of-living adjustments for retirees on pensions using excess pension fund investment gains. 

“Grounded in fiscal responsibility and focused on building a more affordable future, the FY27 budget is a sound spending plan that does not raise any taxes or fees on our residents and businesses who are feeling the weight of federal uncertainty. This budget emphasizes our strong support for all 351 cities and towns, completes our commitment to local education funding through the Student Opportunity Act, and unlocks much-needed housing production,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Gorzkowicz and their teams for demonstrating the collaboration and partnership key to getting this budget signed into law. Also, thank you to Senate President Spilka, my friend and partner Chair Michlewitz, and all of our colleagues in the House and Senate for their dedication and hard work in delivering this balanced budget plan to the Governor in a timely fashion.” 

“The FY27 budget will better position the Commonwealth for the challenges that lie ahead while also ensuring that we protect the programs that some of our most vulnerable populations rely on the most. Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, food security, or early education, the initiatives contained in this budget are a reflection of our shared values,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “By reinvesting in the people of the Commonwealth we will continue to assist those in need while making our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come. I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his leadership during this budget process, as well as my fellow legislators for supporting this initiative, specifically my co-chair Senator Rodrigues, for their partnership in bringing this proposal over the finish line. I also want to thank Governor Healey and her administration for the strong partnership throughout this process.” 

The full budget can be viewed here: www.mass.gov/gaa 

The $63.42 Billion FY27 Budget Includes:  

Fair Share 

• $1.73 billion for education  
• $585.5 million for the Student Opportunity Act 
• $375 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program  
• $244.3 million for child care financial assistance 
• $180 million for universal free school meals  
• $137 million for free community college  
• $85 million for MASSGrant Plus financial aid scholarships 
• $58.4 million for K-12 education transportation reimbursement 
• $38 million for student SUCCESS programming at public higher education campuses 
• $15.5 million for universally accessible pre-k access through CPPI 
• $5 million for public higher education scholarships in in-demand professions 
• $2.3 million for fee subsidies for AP exams, professional development and AP class resources 
• $2 million to support an early education through higher education mental health framework for students and wraparound supports 
• $2 million for Green School Works  
• $970 million for transportation 
• $465.2 million for MBTA operating subsidy 
• $220.2 million for MassDOT service investments 
• $184.8 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs)  

Education and Local Aid  

• Fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act with $7.66 billion in Chapter 70 funding 
• $160 per pupil minimum aid  
• $1.2 billion in child care financial assistance in total to help families pay for child and before and after school care 
• $806.6 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker 
• $475 million in total for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program 
• Over $400 million for state financial aid 
• $150.7 million for school transportation reimbursements, including $114.2 million for regional school transportation  
• $44.9 million to Reimagine High School through programs like MyCAP, Early College and innovation career pathways  
• $16 million in rural school aid 
• $13 million to support student behavioral and mental health and help school districts educate students on safe, responsible and healthy social media use 
• $500,000 to support food security on college campuses 

Housing and Homelessness  

• $278.3 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) 
• $259.9 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelter and Services 
• $209 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)  
• $117.8 million for subsidies to Local Housing Authorities 
• $114.1 million for homeless individual shelters, supporting 2,800 shelter beds 
• $82.3 million for HomeBASE 
• $19.3 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) 
• $5 million to support front door diversion services  

Economic Development and Workforce Development 

• $15.6 million for summer jobs program for at-risk youth (Youthworks) to hire youth and young adults for summer and year-round jobs through the state’s YouthWorks program. 
• $9 million career technical institutes to train unemployed and underemployed individuals in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors across Massachusetts. 
• $8 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to train, upskill, and hire untapped talent in industries including health care, life sciences, education, information technology and more. 
• $8 million for MassHire career centers to provide workforce services, resources, and support to job seekers and employers. 
• Establishes the Workforce Productivity Sub-Fund to provide grants to help small businesses manage workforce needs related to employees taking paid family or medical leave. 
• $5.1 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance grants  
• $3.5 million for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative  
• Expands the Workforce Investment Trust Fund to support workforce programs and sector-specific training while preserving services for low-income and underserved populations.  
• $1 million for Social Enterprise Operating Grants to invest in nonprofit social enterprises that create employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work. 
• $600,000 for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative for technical assistance to help communities revitalize downtowns   
• Creates a steady revenue source for the Sports & Entertainment Events Fund to support major sports and entertainment events that drive tourism and economic activity. 

Health and Human Services 

• $3.35 billion for the Department of Developmental Services, to support elevated post-pandemic caseload and service needs  
• $1.10 billion for the Department of Public Health, supporting hospital staffing, drug purchasing, and core public health priorities  
• $17.3 million for maternal and child health  
• $828.2 million for the Department of Transitional Assistance’s main cash assistance programs to preserve historic benefit levels 
• $175 million for new Chapter 257 rates for human service providers, as well as $131.6 million to annualize FY26 rate increases  

Energy and the Environment  

• $159.8 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 
• $56.2 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, to enhance support for food banks and help combat hunger 
• $15 million for Hazardous Waste Cleanup  
• $195,000 to expand shellfish testing in Buzzards Bay and reduce the duration of harvest closures 

Serving Our Veterans 

• $85 million to fully fund increased benefits for veterans under the HERO Act 
• Supports the launch of a Western Massachusetts office to improve regional access to programs and services for veterans  
• $46 million to effectuate the successful transition of the Chelsea Veterans Home 
• $39.8 million to open and operate the new, state-of-the-art Holyoke Veterans Home, providing world-class long-term care for up to 234 veterans. 

Criminal Justice and Public Safety  

• $10.6 million for Shannon Grants prevent youth and gang violence through community-based intervention and prevention programs 
• Approximately $9.7 million for reentry initiatives, including $7 million for the pre- and post- release services grant program  
• $5.5 million for nonprofit security grants 
• The FY27 budget creates enhanced protection for:  
• Young people by making it a crime for a mandated reporter (e.g., Teacher, Clinician, Police Officer, Clergy, etc.) to engage in sexual contact with a person between the ages of 16-18 over whom they have exercised custodial or supervisory authority. Before this legislative action, the age of consent loophole prevented prosecutions of this conduct. 
• Victims of Sexual Assault by allowing DNA-based exceptions to the statute of limitations where forensic analysis positively identifies perpetrators from evidence collected at the time of the crime. This change applies to sexual assault offenses contained within M.G.L. Chapter 265.  

Technology and Cybersecurity 

• $1.4 million for state matching funds for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program 
• Improves access to digital services while strengthening cybersecurity, through: 
• Continuing to advance state government AI adoption through centralized guidance, secure solutions and partnerships with higher education 
• Continuing to consolidate IT services for executive branch departments