FIFA 足球世界盃地鐵專車票＄80 開售破紀錄1小時1.7萬張

                 （Boston Orange綜合編譯）麻州地鐵局（MBTA）9日宣佈，2026 年 FIFA 世界盃mTicket，也就是「波士頓球場火車票（Boston Stadium Train mTickets）」，開賣首日就賣出 17,450 張首五場比賽車票，刷新MBTA所有特殊活動的售票紀錄。

                  在波士頓南站（South Station）與波士頓體育館（吉列體育場）之間往返的足球世界盃專車，需求驚人，開賣後一小時就賣出將近 11,000 張票，其中 5,000多張更是在10 分鐘內賣出，銷售速率已逼近 2023 年泰勒絲（Taylor Swift）音樂會第二輪售票時的紀錄。

                    MBTA總經理暨麻州交通廳代理廳長伍偉華（Philip Eng）指出，需求如此龐大，MBTA 必須以創新思維提供前所未有的列車服務。他強調，在奚莉政府（ Healey-Driscoll）和州議會的領導下，交通局近年來致力於重建包括地鐵、巴士、渡輪、復康巴士（paratransit）以及人力資源在內的完整交通網絡。目前的服務水準與三年前相比已大幅提升，預計在世界盃期間的七場賽事中，每場 14 趟班車將為球場帶來約 2 萬名乘客，遠超過往友誼賽約 3,000 人或愛國者隊比賽約 2,000 人的運輸規模。

                 為確保賽事期間交通順暢，MBTA 已投入 3,500 萬美元提前更新 Foxboro 車站工程，並針對 6 月至 7 月賽事，制定了大規模配套措施。包括持有世界盃專車票者，在車票有效當日，可無限次搭乘地鐵及通勤火車（Commuter Rail）的所有線路及區間車輛，地鐵各線路及部分核心巴士路線將在比賽日延長營運時間至凌晨 2 點。海地對蘇格蘭的6 月 13 日賽事，營運時間更將特別延長至翌日凌晨 4 點。

                 這款mTicket火車票售價為 $80 美元，持有世界盃球賽有效的當日入場券乘客，才可購買。乘客必須遵循波士頓體育館有關規定，不可自行攜帶提袋上車。

                  查詢詳情可致電客戶服務，617-222-3200，或上網，MBTA.com/WorldCup，或在推特（X）上連接地鐵 @MBTA，@MBTA_CR，以及臉書 /TheMBTA，IG @theMBTA，Threads @thembta，或抖音（ TikTok）@thembta。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Requests Major Disaster Declaration Following February Blizzard

Healey-Driscoll Administration Requests Major Disaster Declaration Following February Blizzard  
If granted, the declaration would secure federal assistance for state agencies and local governments in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk and Plymouth counties 

FRAMINGHAM – Governor Maura Healey has requested a Major Disaster Declaration to support communities impacted by the February 22-23, 2026, blizzard, which brought whiteout conditions, record snowfall and hurricane-force wind gusts to much of eastern Massachusetts. If granted, this declaration would help reimburse state agencies and local governments in several counties for eligible snow removal and storm-related costs.  

The declaration request specifically seeks access to federal assistance programs for Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk and Plymouth counties, each of which reported storm-related expenses that exceeded the federal thresholds for assistance through Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)  Public Assistance Program. In addition, Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties may qualify for additional snow assistance after meeting or nearing record historical one-day snowfall totals maintained by the National Climatic Data Center. 

“I saw first-hand the devastating impacts this record-breaking blizzard had on communities across Massachusetts, especially in the southeast,” said Governor Maura Healey. “First responders and local crews worked around the clock to dig out residents, keep roads open, and protect public safety. Those efforts were extraordinary but came at a significant cost to communities. We are requesting federal assistance to help our cities and towns recover and make sure they have access every available resource to support recovery moving forward.” 

“This was one of those once-in-a-generation storms, comparable to the Blizzard of ‘78 and 2015’s ‘Snowmaggedon,’ that people remember for the rest of their lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “While the snow has melted, the financial impact of the tremendous state and local effort remains, which is why this Major Disaster Declaration is so important. It ensures that our communities can recover, rebuild and be reimbursed for the extraordinary work it took to keep people safe.” 

The blizzard, which dropped nearly three feet of snow on top of existing accumulation from a January storm, left extensive damage across the state. Hundreds of power lines and trees were downed, leading to outages that impacted hundreds and thousands of customers. Snowfall rates reached up to 4 inches per hour, made travel dangerous and prompting rescues of stranded motorists across the region. Governor Healey declared a State of Emergency, activated the State Emergency Operations Center and National Guard, and requested out-of-state assets from Connecticut, New York and Vermont to support snow removal efforts. 

Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the president can declare a major disaster for any natural event they determine has caused damage that exceeds the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond. A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, in this case through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to eligible local governments and non-profits for debris removal, protective measures (including emergency personnel, vehicles, and other resources), and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure. Counties that had record snowfall amounts would also be eligible for snow removal costs.  

Following a disaster like February’s blizzard, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) works directly with counterparts at FEMA Region 1 and impacted cities and towns to assess potentially reimbursable damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the state and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration. 

During initial damage assessments, MEMA also issued a survey to collect damage reports from private homes and businesses, the results of which indicated that Massachusetts would not meet federal criteria for direct aid to residents and businesses through the Individual Assistance program. The Governor’s declaration request includes statewide availability of hazard mitigation grant funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses. 

“This blizzard required coordinated, sustained effort across state and municipal agencies, alongside our partners in non-governmental and volunteer organizations,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) fielded more than 200 requests from impacted communities, and neighboring states answered Massachusetts’ request for assistance, providing critical equipment and support. As we move through recovery, I want to commend the commitment of the communities that dedicated significant time and attention to reporting the scope of damages while also facing the immediate challenges of storm cleanup.” 

The SEOC remained activated through February 27. Thirty-four municipalities declared local states of emergency. Throughout the week, 170 warming centers were opened across the state to assist people who didn’t have heat or electricity due to power outages, which topped 290,000 at the peak of the storm. Thousands of students missed days of class time as many schools remained closed throughout the week to allow for cleanup and power restoration. Many communities reported an increase in wellness checks needed for older adults who were snowed in and unable to go to scheduled medical appointments throughout the week because of closed roads and doctor’s offices. 

These efforts underscore the scale of the storm and the importance of securing federal support to help communities recover and rebuild. 

For more information about disaster response efforts and available support for communities, visit Mass.gov/MEMA.  

ArtsEmerson訂4/24-5/3推出「秘密分享者（The Secret Sharer）」全球首演

                (Boston Orange 編譯) 藝術愛默生（ArtsEmerson）將於 4 月 24 日至 5 月 3 日，在愛默生派拉蒙中心（Emerson Paramount Center）為DNAWORKS製作，改編自約瑟夫康拉德（Joseph Conrad）1909年著名短篇小說的引人入勝舞台劇「秘密分享者（The Secret Sharer）」，推出全球首演。

「秘密分享者」講述的是一名年輕船長從海中救起，並秘密收容一名被控謀殺逃犯後，兩人發展出一種超越言語，彼此深刻連結的故事，常被視為早期的酷兒文學作品。

DNAWORKS將把在傑基·李伯格特黑盒子劇場（Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theater）演出的這齣劇，從文學經典作品轉化為一場大膽的跨界實驗，融合現代舞、原創音樂、聲響藝術以及裝置藝術的來重新詮釋這段發生在海上、充滿心理張力的親密故事。

DNAWORKS共同創辦人 Daniel Banks 表示：「我們期待分享這部作品中的親密與溫柔，為酷兒群體及其支持者營造一個具有療癒力與韌性的空間。」

這齣本劇將採用 DNAWORKS 招牌的「故事圈（Storycircle）」形式演出，不但讓觀眾以旁觀者身份，圍繞場地形成船隻的「周界」，並在演出過程中邀請觀眾分享自身故事。這種創新的互動模式打破了傳統劇場邊界，讓觀眾成為一起創造海上環境的一份子。

ArtsEmerson 藝術節目總監 Ronee Penoi 指出：「這部作品提醒人們，了解自我的路徑往往始於遇見那個能像鏡子般、反映出自我內心恐懼與勇氣的人」。

「秘密分享者（The Secret Sharer）」，全長80分鐘，無中場休息，建議11歲以上才入場。將於 4/24 (週五)晚 8點首演，週末場次為 4/25, 5/2 (六) 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM；4/26, 5/3 (日) 2:00 PM，平日場次為 4/28 (二) - 4/30 (四) 7:30 PM；5/1 (五) 8:00 PM。

演出場地在Emerson Paramount Center (Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theater)，地址為559 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111。門票27.50 美元起，10 人以上有7折優惠，查詢或購票可上官網官方網站 ArtsEmerson.org，查詢可洽617-824-8400 (週二至週六 12:00-18:00)。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Seeks Innovative Ideas to Strengthen Student and Educator Mental Health

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Seeks Innovative Ideas to Strengthen Student and Educator Mental Health 

Administration launches RFI to advance statewide birth-through-higher education  

mental health framework 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced it is looking for innovative ideas from educators, providers and community partners on how to strengthen mental health supports for students across Massachusetts, from birth through higher education.  

 

The Executive Office of Education (EOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to help shape a comprehensive, statewide framework for mental and behavioral health, including ideas for projects, programs and grants. This effort will inform what investments are needed to shift how the state’s schools and places of learning partner across the community to incorporate mental health and wellness into everyday practice. 

 

The administration is currently developing a framework that will guide a coordinated statewide strategy to strengthen mental health supports in Massachusetts, improving alignment among early education providers, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, families and community-based service systems. In collaboration with Health and Human Service agencies and other key stakeholders, EOE and its agencies will use this framework to identify, guide, and align collective efforts to better understand and address mental and behavioral health wellness needs among all students, from infants to adult learners, using common language, strategies, and metrics. 

 

“This is an opportunity for practitioners, community organizations, researchers and educators to help shape the future of student mental health in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. “We are looking for bold, thoughtful ideas that are grounded in evidence, centered in equity, and built to last.”  

 

The administration is interested in high-impact ideas that meet one or more of the following criteria: 

·       Expands, scales, or replicates a successful existing education-based program with developed metrics and measurable impact on mental health and wellbeing

·       Uses evidence-based practices to improve mental health at a particular developmental stage

·       Develops infrastructure for sustainability of mental health supports, including coaching and support for systems navigation and success planning

·       Supports the development of metrics in each of the educational settings

·       Deploys innovative tools or approaches including “proof of concept” projects for promising practices or technology to break down silos and integrate services

 

“Supporting mental and behavioral health from the earliest years is essential to helping every learner thrive,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “We know that strong early foundations are critical, and we’re proud to be part of this statewide effort to align partners and systems. By working together and inviting new ideas, we can build a more connected, responsive approach that supports children, families, and educators across Massachusetts.” 

 

“This administration is committed to supporting the mental health of students of all ages,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Developing a statewide framework for mental and behavioral health will allow us to better align and integrate supports throughout students' educational journey.” 

 

“Strong mental health support should be a throughline in a student’s educational journey, and I’m grateful that my colleagues in the administration are seeking a strong partner to make that a reality,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “I look forward to the Commonwealth establishing a cohesive approach that will support students’ mental health needs not only when they arrive at college, but well before.”  

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget invests $17 million in education funding to support student mental and social-emotional health, addressing the youth mental health crisis and ensuring students have the behavioral health care they need to balance their mental health and education. Key investments include $6 million to continue the development and implementation of a statewide birth-through-higher-education mental and behavioral health framework. In addition, the budget includes $5 million to maintain EEC’s Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation services, $2.9 million to fund DESE’s Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Grant and $648,949 to maintain Safe and Supportive Schools.   

 

Interested vendors can find the RFI on COMMBUYS. This RFI will inform future procurements, pending funding. 

波士頓藝術中心 4/11-7/11舉辦駐村藝術家群展

           （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓藝術中心（BCA）將於 4月11日至7月11日 在 米爾斯藝廊（Mills Gallery,  551 Tremont St.) 舉辦名為 「隨員（Attaché）」的駐村藝術家群展。4月10日 為工作室開放日， 4月18日 辦開幕招待會。

這展覽由 Meclina Gomes 策劃，把30名該中心藝術家工作室大樓（Artist Studio Building）駐村創作者，當作攜帶記憶、傳統與體現知識的「文化隨員」，藉由他們深受文化傳承、移民經歷與生活血脈影響的藝術作品，展示當代藝術如何轉化移民經驗與家族傳承。

這展覽也把創意實踐框架為「遺產工作（legacy work）」，藉文化載體來致敬過去，形塑未來，揭示藝術家承擔起關懷責任，反映原鄉如何形塑身份，並透過物質、過程與形式，激活、轉譯文化，與重新想像。

在 30 名參展藝術家名單中，有至少2名華裔，約共4名亞裔創作者，分別為Lilan Yang，Yolanda Yang，以及越南裔的Ngoc Tran Vu和日裔的Yuko Okabe（岡部優子）。

「隨員（Attaché）」展覽，將於4月11日 – 7月11日，在波士頓藝術中心Mills Gallery （551 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02116）舉行，每週三至週六的下午1:00 PM – 6:00 PM向公眾開放。4月10日 (週五) | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM有工作室開放日，4月18日 (週六) | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM有開幕酒會。、

波士頓體育會喜報邁向達成減排42%目標

（Boston Ｏrange編譯）波士頓體育會會（B.A.A.）今（8）日發佈 2025 年永續發展報告，展示在減排、廢棄物管理及社會公益方面的正加速邁向 42% 的減排目標，並透過官方慈善計畫募得超過 5,040 萬美元，惠及172 個非營利組織。

波士頓體育會和在麻州擁有2200名員工，已連續兩年被《時代》雜誌評為「全球最永續企業」的施耐德電氣（Schneider Electric）合作，致力節能減碳，推動環保。施奈德北美總裁Aamir Paul表示，波士頓馬拉松賽這種世界級體育賽事，在帶動社區邁向節能減碳，保護環境上有深遠影響力。

兩機構合作，在節能減碳上的成果重點包括，升級 HVAC 系統，在賽事中擴大使用電池動力發電機，有效降低碳足跡。此外，賽事共捐贈了 20 噸衣物，回收了 7.7 噸的可堆肥水杯，減少垃圾填埋量，落實資源循環。賽事動員了逾萬名志工，並吸引超過 3,200 名青少年參與。

波士頓體育會執行長 Jack Fleming 強調，永續發展的核心在於「人」。透過各界的集體努力，波士頓馬拉松正轉型為一個更具責任感、以社區為中心的世界級運動。

Boston Athletic Association Reports Significant Progress on Sustainability Goals in Second Annual Report

Second-year report shows accelerating results across emissions, waste diversion, and community impact, powered by multiyear partnership with energy technology partner Schneider Electric

BOSTON - The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today released its 2025 Sustainability Report, showing accelerating progress toward a 42% emissions reduction target, waste diversion across events, and $50.4 million raised for 172 nonprofit organizations through the Official Charity Program.

Building on the B.A.A.’s inaugural sustainability report, the 2025 edition details how the organization and its Official Sustainability Partner, Schneider Electric, are embedding measurable sustainability practices into race operations, emissions reduction planning, and year-round community programming.

“Sustainability at the B.A.A. is about people, from our athletes, volunteers and staff to the communities we serve,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “This year’s progress reflects the collective effort behind our events, and we’re grateful for everyone who has helped us and continues to help us build a more welcoming, responsible and community-focused running environment.”

Key highlights from the 2025 report include:

• Advancing toward the B.A.A.’s 42% emissions reduction target, supported by upgraded HVAC systems and expanded use of battery-powered generators across events.
• Donating approximately 20 tons of clothing, and collecting 7.7 tons of compostable cups across B.A.A. events.
• Expanding inclusive race experiences, with 98% of runners reporting a sense of inclusion and more than 99% reporting overall satisfaction with their event experience.
• Raising $50.4 million for 172 nonprofit organizations through the Official Charity Program, while engaging the Greater Boston community through 3,200+ youth participants and 10,200+ volunteers.
• Enhancing organizational excellence with improved cybersecurity measures and updated leadership roles.

“As a proud member of the Boston community, Schneider Electric is inspired by what the B.A.A. is achieving,” said Aamir Paul, President of North America Operations for Schneider Electric. “From cutting emissions to diverting event waste, the B.A.A. is proving that world-class athletic events can also drive meaningful environmental and community impact. As an energy technology leader deeply rooted in Greater Boston, we are proud to support that work as the B.A.A.’s Official Sustainability Partner.”

 

Schneider Electric is the largest clean energy company in Massachusetts, and its commitment to the Boston region spans more than 130 years. With its North American headquarters in Boston and ongoing partnerships with local institutions, Schneider Electric is a vital part of the community’s efforts to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. The company employs more than 2,200 team members in New England, with facilities in Boston, Foxborough, and Andover. Schneider Electric’s community and academic partnerships include programs with Boston University, Franklin Cummings Tech, Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber, and Essex County Habitat for Humanity. Schneider Electric was named the world’s most sustainable company by TIME Magazine for two consecutive years.

麻州文化會為EBT卡持有者提供了300萬人次欣賞文藝機會

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州文化委員會（Mass Cultural Council）今（8）日宣布，旗下的「持卡看文化」（Card to Culture）計畫達成兩大重要里程碑：合作文化機構已突破 600 家，累計為州內弱勢族群提供超過 300 萬次免費或低價的藝術文化入場機會。           該計畫旨在打破經濟門檻，確保藝術體驗不是特權，而是所有麻州居民都能平等享有的權利。麻州文化委員會代理執行主任大衛·斯萊特里（David T. Slattery）表示：「我們致力於讓每個人都有機會在社區中創造並體驗文化，這項成果證明了文化組織對平等願景的共同承諾。」             自 2017 年啟動以來，該計畫透過與麻州過渡援助部（DTA）、婦女嬰兒兒童營養計畫（WIC）及麻州健康連接器（Health Connector）的跨部門合作，讓持有 EBT 或相關卡片的民眾能走進劇院、博物館及各類藝文場所。           在600多家參與計劃機構中，亞裔組織有波士頓的包氏文藝中心 (Pao Arts Center)，波士頓華埠社區中心(BCNC)，亞裔劇作家集體 (Asian American Playwrights Collective)，大波士頓中華文化協會 (GBCCA)。 Card to Culture Program Surpasses 600 Participating Organizations, Delivering over 3 Million Admissions

BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council today announces that the Card to Culture program has reached two major milestones, with more than 600 participating cultural organizations that have provided more than 3 million free or steeply discounted admissions in total.   “The Card to Culture program is about ensuring that everyone in Massachusetts has the same opportunity to create, experience culture, and be part of a community,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Mass Cultural Council is proud of this program and is grateful to the cultural organizations that participate and share in our vision for access.”   As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.   First launched in 2017, Card to Culture is collaboration between Mass Cultural Council, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector. The program provides EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cardholders with free or steeply discounted admission to hundreds of cultural organizations across the state.   “More than ever, our mission at the Department of Transitional Assistance is to help children be fed in both body and soul,” said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole. “Card to Culture brings that mission to life by ensuring that access to arts and culture is not a privilege, but a shared opportunity. These experiences can inspire, build confidence, and open doors that might otherwise remain out of reach for low-income children. Beyond putting food on the table, we are helping to expand what is possible. I am grateful for this partnership and excited to see its continued growth.”   “We continue to be grateful for our ongoing work with Mass Cultural Council to offer Card to Culture access to WIC participants,” said Department of Public Health Nutrition Division Director Rachel Colchamiro. “Participants tell us that they truly value this component of their WIC benefits. We’re thrilled to partner with Mass Cultural Council to make the Commonwealth’s amazing cultural resources accessible and affordable, and maybe even support families to explore something new.”   "The Health Connector works every day to promote the wellbeing of the Massachusetts public through access to health coverage and health care. But we know a healthy life is about more than health insurance. It’s also about engaging fully in community and connecting to the diverse and life-enriching cultural experiences available here in the Commonwealth” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. "Having 600 institutions participating in Card to Culture means our 278,000 ConnectorCare enrollees have improved access to art and culture where they live, enriching their lives. We are proud of our Card to Culture partnership with Mass Cultural Council and we encourage all ConnectorCare enrollees to take advantage of reduced barriers to these cultural opportunities."   In its 9 years of operation, the Card to Culture program has steadily expanded its reach, both in the number of participating organizations and the breadth of communities served. The program continues to grow as more cultural organizations recognize the importance of accessibility and inclusion.   “It’s an honor to celebrate Mass Cultural Council and the 600 cultural institutions who have the vision and determination to make art, culture, learning, and discovery an integral part of everyone’s life, regardless of their economic circumstances,” said Carole Charnow, President and CEO, Boston Children’s Museum. “At a time when there is growing inequality, and many families are struggling to afford basic living expenses, the Card to Culture program gives individuals and their families this wonderful gift. They can treat their child to a play at their local theatre, or visit an extraordinary museum, zoom, aquarium, or historic site, or immerse themselves in a magnificent garden in glorious spring bloom. They can explore, learn, grow, and be inspired, and experience all the cultural riches that our wonderful state has to offer.” A full list of participating organizations is available online.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates GE Aerospace’s $42 Million Investment in Massachusetts Defense Manufacturing

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates GE Aerospace’s $42 Million Investment in Massachusetts Defense Manufacturing   

LYNN – The Healey-Driscoll Administration highlighted GE Aerospace’s $42 million investment in its Lynn manufacturing facility, which is strengthening Massachusetts’ defense industry, supporting local jobs and advancing the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Economic Development Undersecretary Zenobia Moochhala, and CEO of Mass Tech Collaborative Carolyn Kirk toured GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn to mark the investment, which will upgrade machinery, expand test capacity, and modernize operations. The project is part of GE Aerospace’s broader $1 billion investment to expand manufacturing across the United States during 2026.  

"Massachusetts' defense sector plays a critical role in our national security and our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic impact,” said Governor Maura Healey. "That’s why we launched our Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD) Initiative, to bring together advanced manufacturing, applied research and emerging technologies in a unified strategy. GE Aerospace’s investment strengthens our manufacturing base, supports good-paying jobs, and ensures Massachusetts continues to lead in building in the technologies that keep our countries safe."  

“Here in Massachusetts, we have the tools, science and talent to help safeguard the nation. We have the innovative and coordinated ecosystem to ensure we’re protecting our servicemen and women, while also creating a lot of great jobs in our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Through SHIELD, we are aligning advanced manufacturing, applied research and emerging technologies into one cohesive strategy. With partners like GE Aerospace, who are leaders in defense manufacturing, we’re building the next chapter of our legacy.” 

Massachusetts plays a pivotal role in the nation’s defense ecosystem as the home of leading research institutions, advanced manufacturers, and a highly skilled workforce. The industry supports more than 130,000 jobs, contributes $15.2 billion in annual labor income, and generates $48.6 billion in annual economic output, underscoring the state’s critical role in national security and innovation. 

This investment builds on Massachusetts’ continued momentum in advanced manufacturing and defense innovation, as the state attracts new investment, expands workforce pipelines, and strengthens partnerships between industry, government, and research institutions. 

Governor Healey’s SHIELD initiative is designed to strengthen the state's defense leadership and accelerate the development of cutting-edge national security solutions. Through an Executive Order, Governor Healey directed state agencies to identify ways to increase support for defense sector initiatives across the administration, and established a SHIELD Working Group, led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), to advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on advancing the defense sector in Massachusetts.   

“GE Aerospace’s investment in Lynn is a strong signal that Massachusetts remains a leader in advanced manufacturing and defense innovation,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “We have the talent, infrastructure, and ecosystem that companies need to grow and compete. Through initiatives like SHIELD, we are continuing to invest in that foundation and make it easier for companies to build and scale here.” 

Governor Healey has also invested in Massachusetts advanced manufacturing through the Mass Leads Act, which provides more than $300 million in capital authorization for new and existing programs at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to support advanced manufacturing, robotics, the Massachusetts TechHub Program, as well as for Small Business Technology Grants at MassVentures. 

“At GE Aerospace, we are proud of the work that the Lynn team does every day to ensure the mission readiness and safe return of the warfighters,” said Paul Ferraro, Vice President & General Manager of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace. “To meet their critical mission demands, we continue to invest in our people and our facilities to further strengthen our manufacturing capabilities to deliver to our customers. Today’s visit by the Lieutenant Governor was an opportunity to talk about our shared commitment to advance manufacturing in Massachusetts, and we look forward to working together on these key initiatives.” 

GE Aerospace’s Lynn facility has a history that dates back more than 130 years and is recognized as one of the founding sites of the General Electric Company. The site is home to the first U.S. jet engine and continues to design, produce, assemble, and test military aircraft engines and components. 

To further spur interest in manufacturing careers, the GE Foundation has funded $2.5 million in grants that established an Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program (AMTEP) focused in Lynn and the North Shore. The program has helped address the skills gap in the region by supporting and coordinating advanced manufacturing training for 600 individuals since 2020 and connected them to full-time employment to meet the needs of manufacturing employers.