吳弭市長，Healey州長慶祝六月節重申自由意義 波士頓6/18-20安排有系列活動

波士頓市長吳弭（左）和聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley為六月節發言。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange綜合編譯）麻州議員、州長，波士頓市長及聯邦參議員等人，6月18日紛紛舉行升旗儀式，發表講話，闡述慶祝「六月節 （Juneteenth）」，黑奴解放，人民自由的重要性。

麻州州長Maura Healey抨擊川普政府試圖抹除黑人歷史貢獻。（周菊子攝）

    波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）這天(18日)還宣佈啟動全市「六月節（Juneteenth）」系列慶祝活動，將在6月18日至20日之間，於市內多處非洲裔歷史地標舉辦升旗、遊行與文化節，以結合慶祝美國建國250週年，重塑完整的美國自由論述。

波士頓市長吳弭和市議員等人一起慶祝六月節。（周菊子攝）

    吳弭市長是和聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley，以及薩福克郡檢察官kevin Hayden，波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune，Henry Santana，Brian Worrell，Benjamin J. Weber等人在市府大樓內，紛紛發表談話，強調這一節慶的重要。

    麻州議會的黑人及拉丁裔核心小組，這天特地邀請州長奚莉（Maura Healey），副州長Kim Driscoll，參議會議長karen Spika等人，也在州政府大樓前發表談話，遙望六月節旗幟冉冉升起。

六月節旗幟（下）在州政府大樓前升起。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭在市政府大廳舉行六月節慶祝會。（周菊子攝）

    「六月節」是個慶祝美國非裔奴隸制度廢除，黑人真正獨立自由的紀念日。Juneteenth是由六月（June）和十九日（Nineteenth）這兩個字組合而來。美國的國慶是7月4日，但對美國黑人來說，1865年6月19日，北方聯軍的Gordon Granger將軍進駐德州Galveston，正是宣讀聯邦命令，德州最後一批約25萬黑奴才知道，美國總統林肯，早在1863年就頒佈了「解放黑奴宣言」，他們其實早在2年半前就已經自由了。於是從1866年起，重獲自由的人們把6月19日這天，定為紀念日。

麻州黑人及拉丁裔核心小組在州政府大樓前慶祝六月節。（周菊子攝）

    2021年時，美國國會高票通過，把6月19日訂為「六月節國家獨立日（Juneteenth National Independence Day）」。總統拜登簽署生效後，這也成為1983年馬丁路德金紀念日以來，美國首個新增的聯邦法定假日。

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll為六月節簡短發言。（周菊子攝）

    吳弭市長在致詞時指出，過去160多年來，非洲裔美國人一直在扮演歷史教訓傳播者，而自由絕非紙上文字，真正的自由是經由社區內日復一日的組織與行動來創造和維持的。她誓言要打造一個公正、包容的社區。

    聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley呼籲民眾準確地講述複雜歷史。她說，「我們正站在被掠奪的土地（stolen land）上，享受著由被奴役的雙手（stolen hands）所建造的繁榮與建築」。

麻州參議會議長Karen Spika為六月節發言。（周菊子攝）

    她強調，非洲裔美國人是民主捍衛者，即使是在還未得到公民權，沒有自由的那些年代，黑人依舊是美國進步的建築師，解放者，民權捍衛者和愛國者。

    她向六月節旗幟的設計者班·希斯（Ben Haith，別名 Boston Ben）致敬，解釋該旗幟刻意採用與美國國旗相同紅、白、藍三色，寓意這面旗幟浸透了非洲裔祖先的鮮血，因為他們熱愛這個國家，才透過倡議、立法和組織來促使國家實踐其理想。

    Ayanna Pressley呼籲民眾在反思與紀念的同時，更要理直氣壯地快樂，「絕不要連你們的快樂也拱手讓人」。

請麻州詩人出列朗誦慶祝六月節詩句。（周菊子攝）

    她還分享了一則「美式愛國主義矛盾」的故事，述說在「1月6日國會暴動案」中，當白人至上主義暴徒試圖中斷和平移交政權並留下滿地狼藉後，是一群非裔清潔人員默默清理了現場。她說那些衝進國會的暴徒自稱為愛國者，但真正展現愛國行為的卻是這些清潔工。這一幕完美體現了「視美國為家」的矛盾。

    麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）在州政府大樓前的發言，強調六月節有雙重含義，暨慶祝非洲裔人民爭取到自由，更意味著歷史進步不會自動發生，人們必須透過組織，倡議，投票與拒絕妥協來維護，自由在每個世代都必須要被重新捍衛。

六月節旗幟解析。

    奚莉州長特別點名弗雷德里克·道格拉斯（Frederick Douglass）、索傑納·特魯斯（Sojourner Truth）及馬丁·路德·金（Dr. King）等引領自由進步的偉人。還指出州政府大樓對面的「第54步兵團紀念碑」，就誌記著麻州當年有黑人兵團，儘管他們自己還未享有完全的自由，仍挺身為國家的自由而戰。

    奚莉州長還嚴厲譴責川普政府過去18個月來試圖抹除非洲裔美國人的歷史貢獻，包括移除政府網站上的黑人退伍軍人資料，移除邦克山紀念碑（Bunker Hill Monument）上有關廢奴的引言，企圖剝奪黑人社區的投票權與發言權，試圖給「多元、平等、包容（DEI）」貼上負面標籤，忽視多元文化才是讓美國更強大的核心力量。

    奚莉州長呼籲人們拒絕操弄仇恨與分裂的政治手段，堅定重申「黑人歷史就是美國歷史，民權絕不容談判」。她很自豪，能和麻州議會、宗教界與牧師，以及支持在地發展的商業團體並肩作戰。

    她強調強調自由不僅關乎歷史，更關乎當下人民所擁有的機會、歸屬感與尊嚴；承諾將共同打造一個更強大、更公平且更具包容性的麻州。

    波士頓市的六月節系列活動以「六月節為美國自由慶典帶來平衡」為核心，涵蓋四大主題項目。活動透過公私協力模式，由波士頓市政府、社區領袖、信仰團體與非裔歷史博物館共同主辦，規劃包含傳統非洲奠祭儀式、社區和平步行、非裔地標免費開放及文創市集，藉此強化社區凝聚力。

    波士頓市長吳弭、權益與包容長索利斯·塞爾維拉（Mariangely Solis Cervera）以及種族正義高級顧問納爾遜（Lori Nelson）主導了一系列的活動策劃。

    波士頓是六月節的主要活動時間表如下：

6月18日12:00-14:00：於市廳廣場舉行六月節升旗典禮、宣讀官方公告並發表主題演講。

6月18日18:00-20:00：於多徹斯特哈蘭比公園（Harambee Park）舉辦鄰里和平「團結步行」（Unity Walk）。

6月19日10:00-15:15：於燈塔山（Beacon Hill）舉辦社區嘉年華，並免費開放非裔美國人歷史博物館、非洲裔聚會所及史密斯學校。

6月20日11:00-19:00：於富蘭克林公園（Franklin Park）舉辦年度自由日音樂與文化園遊會。

聯邦參議員Warren支持吳弭愛將Daniel Lander挑戰在位麻州參議員Brownsberger

聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren（中）公開支持Daniel Lander （左）挑戰在位的
麻州參議員William Brownsberger。（圖片來自Daniel Lander競選網站）

     (Boston Orange編譯)聯邦參議員華倫（Elizabeth Warren）18日宣佈，支持波士頓市長吳弭    （Michelle Wu）的前幕僚藍德（Daniel Lander）和麻州參議會代議長（President pro tempore）布朗斯伯格（William Brownsberger）競爭，為今年的州級選舉挑明兩大政治陣營開戰局勢。

    這是聯邦參議員華倫從政以來第一次公開反對現任的議會領袖，也是布朗斯伯格從2011年經補選，當上麻州參議員以來，第一次在競選連任的黨派初選中，遭遇競爭對手。

    吳弭市長有意透過向企業多收房地產稅，來幫一般老百姓減免房屋稅，因而推動「商業房地產稅率調升法案」，還爭取到波士頓市議會和麻州眾議會三次通過該案，卻在麻州參議會被布朗斯伯格和Nick Collins等人聯手，強行擋下。吳弭市長為此不但出動一名政治素人Latoya Gayle挑戰Nick Collins，派出前幕僚藍德和布朗斯伯格競爭，現在還把老師，聯邦參議員華倫拉進戰局，力挺藍德，擺明了要把和她對抗的議會大佬拉下馬。

    藍德曾是華倫2020年選總統的團隊大將，這次參選，主打議題為解決住房危機與改善地鐵。在位的布朗斯伯格進議會服務已快20年，今年競選連任，已於3月時獲得麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）背書支持，使得今年9月的麻州參議員初選，變成「市長、聯邦參議員」對決「州長、州議會大佬」的政治陣營世紀大戰。

Senate Passes Bill to Make It Easier to See a Primary Care Doctor

 Senate Passes Bill to Make It Easier to See a Primary Care Doctor 

 Legislation requires greater investment in primary care, fairer pay for community health centers, and a larger medical workforce, with aim of driving down health care costs 

 

(BOSTON—6/18/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today overwhelmingly passed landmark legislation to invest in primary care and make it easier for Massachusetts residents to get a primary care appointment. 

 

The bill simplifies finding a primary care clinician, reduces the amount of time providers have to spend on administrative paperwork, and aims to reduce health care costs. 

 

Currently, 43 per cent of Massachusetts residents have difficulty accessing primary care. Studies show that 40 per cent of emergency room visits in Massachusetts could have been prevented if treated in a primary care setting. 

 

The legislation—S.3116, An Act relative to primary care for you—requires health care providers and insurers to invest more heavily in primary care services. Additionally, it ensures fairer compensation for community health centers, which serve as the frontline of primary care for many residents, and grows Massachusetts’ primary care workforce by unlocking matching federal funds to train and recruit more primary care doctors. 

 

“Massachusetts has always led the way on health care, and today the Senate is doing it again. Too many of our residents are struggling to find a primary care doctor, or putting off basic care because of the cost,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “That's not acceptable, and it's not sustainable. This legislation takes direct aim at the problem: it requires greater investment in primary care, lifts up the community health centers at the heart of so many neighborhoods, and grows the workforce our residents need. When we get primary care right, everything else in our health care system works better. I want to applaud Senator Friedman for her tireless leadership and the years of dedicated work that went into crafting these policies, Chair Rodrigues for shepherding this legislation to the floor, and every Senator and stakeholder who helped shape a bill that will make a real difference for residents across the Commonwealth.” 

 

“After an exhaustive and thorough analysis of our primary health care delivery system, the Senate today acted on a comprehensive package of provisions informed by recommendations from the Primary Care Task Force, improving access to primary care for all Massachusetts residents,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This sweeping legislation supports residents of the Commonwealth by incentivizing significant investments into primary care, grows our health care workforce, assists community health centers, and cuts down on administrative bureaucracy. I’m pleased that this bill complements the Senate’s recent efforts in the Fair Share supplemental budget to support the primary care workforce and ensures we continue to foster the next generation of providers and strengthen our neighborhood health centers. Thank you to Senator Friedman for her collaboration, dedication, and hard work on bring this important bill forward, and to Senate President Spilka for her unwavering leadership.” 

 

“With this nation-leading approach, the Massachusetts Senate is confronting the primary care crisis head-on with the thoughtfulness and urgency it deserves,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “For far too long, our health care system has put too much emphasis on costly medical interventions, rather than incentivizing preventive care delivered in our primary care practices and community health centers. The legislation passed today delivers a historic increase in primary care funding in Massachusetts by reprioritizing and shifting how we spend our health care dollars to support our primary care providers, increases access to value-based care, and delivers better health outcomes for patients. I thank Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership in expanding access to care for all residents of the Commonwealth, Chair Rodrigues, my Senate colleagues, fellow Primary Care Task Force members, and the many stakeholders involved in this effort for their support of this transformational legislation.” 

 

This key health policy bill would create a more robust health care system in Massachusetts by requiring providers and insurers to invest a certain level of their annual spending on primary care services. 

 

In recent years, investment has surged in profitable ‘specialty care’ areas while only 6.7 per cent of total health care spending in Massachusetts has been on primary care. The resulting scarcity of available primary care doctors has left many residents searching for crucial basic, preventive care. 

 

Health care entities would now have to meet a new mandated level of primary care investment which would gradually step up to 15 per cent. The requirements would be overseen and enforced by the Health Policy Commission (HPC). 

 

The bill also lifts up one of the main settings where many Massachusetts residents access their primary care—community health centers (CHCs), which have been disadvantaged by receiving lower reimbursements than other providers. This legislation calls for fairness and sets dependable rates for CHCs by requiring commercial insurers to reimburse at least the same rates that MassHealth reimburses for the same services. 

 

The Senate’s proposal also doubles down on recent efforts to grow the size of the primary care workforce in Massachusetts. It would re-establish a Medicaid graduate medical education (GME) program, which the state can use to take advantage of matching federal funds to help cover the costs of fellowships and residency programs. When fully scaled up, the program would fund dozens of positions and help draw more primary care providers to Massachusetts in community-based settings. 

 

This builds on a Senate-led initiative that was signed into law earlier this month to address the shortage of primary care doctors by funding scholarships for UMass Chan Medical School students who pursue family medicine and pledge to practice in underserved communities in Massachusetts after they graduate. 

 

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

 

Senators proposed 72 amendments to the bill. During the course of today’s public debate, the Senate adopted a significant amendment to ensure access to timely and effective treatment for people with serious mental illness. The amendment (Amendment 64) eliminates prior authorization for medication to treat serious mental illness, keeping decisions between providers and patients. 

 

People with serious mental illness often have to try multiple combinations of medications in an effort to find the right treatment. Delays due to prior authorization can impede their ability to effectively treat their disease. Feedback on that amendment was solicited last year at a public hearing by the Joint Committee on Financial Services. It was also recommended by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and was further reviewed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. 

 

The Committee on Ways and Means advanced the underlying legislation to the Senate with a 14-0 vote on June 11, 2026, as a new draft of legislation previously advanced by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. 

 

The Senate passed the bill today on a 35-4 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review. 

PLANNING ADVANCES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ALLSTON, DORCHESTER, DOWNTOWN, AND SOUTH BOSTON

BOSTON – Thursday, June 18, 2026 – The Planning Department this month recommended approval of the final designation of a public parcel at 48 Townsend Street in Roxbury to become a community garden. In addition, staff recommended approval of five new development projects representing approximately 1,479,026 square feet (SF). All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 763 new homes, including 104 that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 1,255 construction jobs and 1,193 permanent jobs. The projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Real Estate Board awards final designation to the Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association for the redevelopment of 48 Townsend Street into open space The BPDA Board of Directors awarded final designation to the Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association for the redevelopment of 48 Townsend Street in Roxbury. The vacant land at 48 Townsend Street will be converted into a community garden. This space will provide opportunities to grow fresh food to address food insecurity in the community. The garden will serve local residents, families, seniors, and nearby students by providing opportunities to grow fresh produce, learn sustainable gardening practices, and participate in community programming. The garden will also host a variety of educational, cultural and recreational programs that reflect the diversity of the Roxbury community, including gardening workshops, healthy cooking demonstrations, cultural celebrations, music performances and community gatherings. Development Projects Flint Cleaners at 170-172 Western Avenue to be redeveloped, adding housing above and preserving the long-time community business Housing: 20 residential units, three income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 19 construction jobs Community: Close proximity to public transportation, public realm improvements Sustainability: Mass timber construction What is currently a family-owned and operated dry cleaning business in Allston will be redeveloped to include housing above the dry cleaners, and extra commercial space on the ground floor. This new mixed-use development will be eight stories, and include 20 homes, three of which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The ground floor will include the dry cleaners and a beauty salon. This development is consistent with the Western Avenue Corridor Study and Rezoning, which established a guide for new development to provide necessary housing and commercial space to create a vibrant Barry’s Corner. The project will also contribute to the public realm by providing updated sidewalks, landscaping, and bike lanes. In addition, the project will contribute $5,500 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system.  Addition at 24 Mt. Everett Street will add ten units of housing Housing: 16 residential units, two income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 16 construction jobs Community: Close proximity to MBTA bus and commuter rail lines Sustainability: LEED Gold, adaptive reuse of older building, open space, preservation of tree canopy An existing multi-family, six-unit building in Dorchester will be renovated and added on to with another ten units of housing. The exterior of the current building will remain the same, but they will add bike parking on the ground floor. The new units will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom units. In support of the bikeshare system, this project will contribute $4,400 to the Boston Transportation Department.  Office conversion at 11 Avenue De Lafayette to create 70 new homes Downtown Housing: 70 residential units, 11 income-restricted units  Jobs: Existing retail to remain on the ground floor, approximately 39 construction jobs Community: New residents Downtown Sustainability: All-electric building, adaptive re-use of existing building This Downtown project will convert the existing office space of a five-story building into 70 new homes, including 11 which will be income-restricted. These will be a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. This project is one of 26 applicants to Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to convert 31 buildings and 1.5M SF of former office space into 1,785 new homes. 662-666 East Broadway project to provide new housing in South Boston Housing: 21 residential units, four income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 30 construction jobs Community: Existing retail tenant to remain Sustainability: LEED Gold This project will bring 21 new homes to South Boston, four of which will be income-restricted. The new four-story building will have ground floor retail space, and is consistent with the neighborhood context while providing much needed housing. As a transit-oriented project, multiple bus routes in the area provide access to the MBTA Red Line. The project will improve the public realm with new bike parking spots and better sidewalks to prioritize pedestrian safety. In support of the bikeshare system, this project will contribute $5,775 to the Boston Transportation Department. 776 Summer Street Phase Two Development Plan will reimagine former power plant as waterfront destination  Housing: Approximately 636 residential units, 16 percent income-restricted developed in compliance with the City of Boston IDP policy, $8.9 million in Linkage funding for NHT Jobs: $20 million in community and workforce investment, $1.7 million in Linkage funding for the NJT, approximately 1,151 construction jobs, approximately 1,182 permanent jobs Community: Two acres of new open space, bikeshare station, $400,000 BTD contribution for “Vision Zero” improvements, waterfront activation  Sustainability: LEED Silver, Passive House, all-electric residential buildings, EV parking, adaptive reuse of historic Thomas Edison Turbine Halls Located in South Boston, this project is Phase 2 of a larger redevelopment and reimagining of the historic Boston Edison power plant into a waterfront destination. The Phase 2 development plan includes four new buildings and the rehabilitation of and adaptive reuse of the 1898 Turbine Hall along 6.8 acres of formerly industrial land. Those four buildings will include up to 636 residential units. Sixteen percent of these units will be income-restricted, developed in compliance with the City of Boston’s IDP policy and consistent with the PDA master plan. The buildings will also include a mix of: hotel and conference space, a bank and post office, healthcare facilities, offices, restaurant and retail space, as well as research and development space. This project will provide $8.9 million in Linkage funding towards affordable housing, and $1.7 million in Linkage funding towards job training. The Phase 2 development plan will deliver improvements to East First and Summer Streets including new sidewalks, roadways, landscaping, and other improvements to the public realm. Phase 2 will also include approximately 728 long-term bike parking spaces, 143 short-term spaces, and one new bikeshare dock on site. In addition, Phase 2 will include two acres of new public open space. This project will include employment and apprenticeship opportunities by working with local organizations to promote jobs in the construction trades to local veterans, as well as local high school students. In addition, there will be various efforts to ensure South Boston residents are aware and can apply for a range of employment opportunities created by the construction and tenanting of this site. Space will also be set aside for local South Boston businesses or other City-or State-certified disadvantaged small businesses to lease either for free for a discounted rate.  In addition to these projects, the Board approved: A contract with Weston & Sampson to restore the structural integrity of the Chain Forge Building in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and a separate contract with Weston & Sampson for environmental remediation of the site, paid in part by a $4 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. An RFP for the Little Mystic Harborwalk Extension to close the gap in the Boston Harborwalk and provide continuous access to the waterfront, as well as safe pedestrian transit, avoiding a busy truck route that lacks sidewalks. A contract with Mackay Construction Services Inc. for the realignment of Fid Kennedy Avenue in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park. The Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget.

波士頓市和蘇格蘭格拉斯哥市（Glasgow）簽署締結姊妹市意向書

波士頓市長吳弭簽署和蘇格蘭格拉斯哥市（Glasgow）締結為國際姊妹市意向書。
（波士頓市府照片，John Wilcox攝）

     (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今（18）日到牙買加平原（Jamaica Plain）的蘇格蘭小酒館「避風港（The Haven）」，在英國領事David Clay等人見證中，簽署合作意向書，要和蘇格蘭格拉斯哥市（Glasgow）締結為國際姊妹市。

    這是趁著FIFA世界杯足球賽正在波士頓舉辦球賽的熱潮，借機打鐵趁熱的要深化雙邊經貿及文化關係。

（波士頓市府照片，John Wilcox攝）

    意向書描述了兩市未來實質運作機制，將聚焦於經濟發展、教育與職訓、學術研究與創新、藝術文化、觀光旅遊、環境永續、公共衛生，以及舉辦大型國際賽事等關鍵領域。雙方將透過居民、企業、大學與公民領袖的實質互動，促進包容性經濟成長，並攜手應對氣候變遷等全球性挑戰。

    波士頓市政府在新聞稿中指出，波士頓市長吳弭和蘇格蘭行政首長(First Minister of Scotland) John Swinney，英國駐波士頓總領事David Clay，格拉斯哥市長Jacqueline MacLaren，格拉斯哥市議會領袖Susan Aitken等人都公開表示，歡迎兩市締結姐妹關係，並強調兩市在多元包容、淨零碳排與創新領域有著高度一致的施政願景。

（波士頓市府照片，John Wilcox攝）

    在美國慶祝建國250週年，FIFA世界杯足球賽來到波士頓之際，人們戲稱為「格子軍團（Tartan Army）」的蘇格蘭球迷，這幾天橫掃大波士頓街頭，已在社交媒體上製造不少風頭。

波士頓市和蘇格蘭格拉斯哥市（Glasgow）此前已在「碳中和城市聯盟」與「全球韌性城市網絡」中有過具體實務合作。

（波士頓市府照片，John Wilcox攝）

    兩市簽署意向書，特地選在波士頓地區唯一一家，2010年成立的正宗蘇格蘭餐廳及酒吧，座落在原本是Haffenreffer啤酒廠舊址的「避風港（the Haven）」。根據網路資料，這家餐廳提供非常道地的蘇格蘭傳統料理，例如傳統羊雜布丁（haggis），鹹派（Bridies），以及極具當地特色的惡魔甜點「油炸瑪氏巧克力棒（Deep Fried Mars Bar）」。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU SIGNS FORMAL DECLARATION OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIP WITH GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

BOSTON – Thursday, June 18, 2026 – BOSTON - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced plans to formalize an international partnership with the City of Glasgow, Scotland, to strengthen economic, cultural and institutional ties. Building on shared values and the collaboration during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the two cities will consider opportunities for cooperation in innovation, education, sustainability and tourism.  “The Scottish community has helped shape Boston for centuries, and today we're proud to build on those longstanding ties by establishing a sister-city partnership with Glasgow,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our cities share rich histories, world-class educational institutions, vibrant cultural communities, and a commitment to innovation and opportunity. We look forward to strengthening the connections between our residents, businesses, and institutions as we build a partnership rooted in shared values and collaboration.” “I warmly welcome the strengthening relationship between Boston and Glasgow, building on the long-standing ties between Scotland and the United States,” said Scottish First Minister John Swinney. “This partnership reflects shared commitments to sustainable and inclusive growth. As global cities, both Glasgow and Boston bring significant strengths across academia, business and civil society, creating strong foundations for closer collaboration. I am particularly pleased to see that cultural and people-to-people links are at the heart of this partnership. The warmth, friendship and good humour shown by the Tartan Army in Boston recently have been a powerful example of how our people act as great ambassadors for Scotland on the world stage.” Through a Letter of Intent, the two cities expressed a shared commitment to inclusive growth and global engagement, laying the foundation for a meaningful and mutually beneficial partnership. Boston will explore opportunities for collaboration across key areas, including economic development, education and workforce training, research and innovation, arts and culture, tourism, sustainability, public health, and major international events. “This is a fantastic gesture from our friends in Boston, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to build solid and lasting links between our two great cities. Boston and Glasgow have been central to the stories of our nations, we’re two global centres of learning, knowledge and culture, and we’ve both world-wide reputations as sports-mad cities with real personality,” said Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mayor Michelle Wu and I know that many of her priorities for her city closely align with those we have for Glasgow. We’re already looking forward to building on these common goals and forging a partnership of real substance. And, of course, as the leader of a city known for the warmth of its welcome, I’m delighted to see how well Bostonians have received the Tartan Army, who are again showing themselves to be tremendous ambassadors for Glasgow and for Scotland.” As Boston prepares to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and Glasgow continues to demonstrate global leadership in culture, sustainability, education, and innovation, both cities recognize the value of deepening collaboration among residents, businesses, universities, cultural institutions, and civic leaders. ”I warmly welcome Mayor Wu’s declaration and the opportunity to strengthen the already close ties between Boston and Glasgow,” said Lord Provost of Glasgow Dr Cllr Jacqueline MacLaren. “Given the strong historical, cultural, educational, and economic links between our two cities, we believe there is tremendous potential to cement a shared ambition to build an even stronger partnership for the future. In recent weeks, Boston has experienced a very Glaswegian welcome of its own. The Tartan Army and Scotland supporters have left a lasting impression on Bostonians during the FIFA World Cup, not just through their passion for the game, but through their warmth, friendliness, and unmistakable sense of humour. They have been true ambassadors for Scotland, and for Glasgow, showing the very best of who we are as a nation. There is also a strong alignment in how our cities are tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time. Glasgow and Boston are already working side by side to build more sustainable, resilient and inclusive futures for our communities. From climate action and our shared commitment to achieving net zero, to collaboration through networks such as the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and the Global Resilient Cities Network. That spirit of openness, shared purpose and international collaboration is at the heart of what we hope to grow between our cities, across academia, business and civic life, that benefit our communities on both sides of the Atlantic.” “As Scotland supporters have filled Boston this week, it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm with which Bostonians have welcomed the Tartan Army and Scottish visitors have embraced this great city. Those people-to-people connections are at the heart of the strong relationship between Scotland and Massachusetts,” said UK Consul General David Clay. “Glasgow and Boston share a spirit of openness, creativity, and international engagement, and this agreement provides an exciting platform to deepen cooperation across trade, innovation, culture, and civic leadership in the years ahead.”

Federal Court Allows Challenge to Executive Order Restricting Mail-in Voting to Proceed with Respect to the Midterm Elections

Federal Court Allows Challenge to Executive Order Restricting Mail-in Voting to Proceed with Respect to the Midterm Elections

  

BOSTON – A federal court today ruled that nonpartisan voting rights groups could continue with their legal challenge to President Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting ahead of the upcoming 2026 primaries and November midterm elections. 

In the ruling, the court recognized that the Trump administration and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are actively working to implement the executive order, which attempts to override state election laws, including by directing the Postal Service not to deliver certain mail ballots. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is moving to compile and distribute “citizenship lists” even though the Department of Justice’s own lawyers acknowledged in court that the lists will be underinclusive and incomplete. 

The executive order and current actions by DHS and USPS to implement it are confusing voters and harming voting rights groups just as they and state and local officials are preparing for the 2026 elections.  

Today’s ruling dealt only with a part of the federal government’s motion to dismiss the legal challenge to the executive order. The court has not yet ruled on other pending motions, including voting rights groups’ request for a preliminary injunction to block the U.S. Postal Service from carrying out the executive order. 

The plaintiffs and their counsel issued the following joint statement:

“We are grateful the court recognized the urgency and stakes of this case and allowed our lawsuit to proceed with respect to this year’s elections. 

“This executive order is plainly unconstitutional, yet the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Homeland Security are actively working to implement it. Their actions are causing chaos and interfering with the vital work that nonpartisan voting rights groups are doing to prepare for the coming elections. As we made clear in court, implementation of this order also threatens to disenfranchise untold numbers of American citizens, including elderly, disabled and student voters and voters of color who rely on mail-in balloting. 

“The court will now move to consider our preliminary injunction and other pending motions. And we will continue to fight to protect the millions of people who rely on mail-in voting and to ensure that every eligible voter is able to fairly cast their ballot.”

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, League of Women Voters, Association of Americans Resident Overseas, U.S. Vote Foundation, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

These plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Massachusetts, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC (Advancing Justice-AAJC), and LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

The ruling can be read in full here.

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill Strengthening Early Literacy Instruction

 Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill Strengthening Early Literacy Instruction 

The bill requires teaching of evidence-based reading instruction, supports school districts in adopting proven instructional materials and practices, requires consistent statewide literacy screening, and improves educator preparation 

  

(BOSTON—6/18/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed landmark literacy legislation that will transform how the Commonwealth teaches children to read.  

  

An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy establishes clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensures access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhances educator training and support, and creates new reporting and accountability systems. 

  

Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the bill now goes to Governor Healey for her signature.  

  

“As a former public-school teacher, and as someone committed to improving the future of our Commonwealth, the drop in reading scores that students in Massachusetts have experienced in recent years is simply unacceptable,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This bill reflects the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring that every school district in Massachusetts has access to the most effective early literacy instruction. The Commonwealth has a long and proud history of being a national leader in education, but in order to maintain that leadership, we must keep pace with what is proven to be effective in the classroom, which is exactly what this legislation does. I would like to thank Chairman Gordon, my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate for working to get this critical legislation to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

  

“We expect our kids to put in their best efforts when they go to school; in turn, our kids deserve our best efforts when it comes to teaching them how to read,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “My family has personal experience with reading struggles, so I understand what so many students and parents are dealing with when it comes to literacy education not making the grade. That’s why I’m proud that the Senate prioritized this issue—and I’m proud we are getting this bill to the Governor’s desk. I am extremely grateful to the members of the conference committee, our partners in the House, and all of the people who spoke up on the need for high-quality comprehensive literacy instruction in our schools.” 

  

“This legislation represents a bold move on the part of the Legislature to stand up for our young readers,” said Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Conference Committee and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “It is time that all young Massachusetts learners have access to high-quality, evidence-based reading curriculum, no matter their zip code or economic situation. This bill not only requires evidence-based education, but specifically excludes curricula that show students pictures or provide hints, rather than focus on the letters of the word.” 

  

 “This is a pivotal moment for children across our state as we advance the critical legislation, I filed to ensure every student gains essential literacy skills,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico (D-Everett), Senate Chair of the Conference Committee and the lead Senate bill sponsor. “We all recognize that teaching our kids to read and write is one of the most fundamental responsibilities we have, yet far too many students are still falling short of basic literacy benchmarks. As co-chair of the conference committee, I was proud to collaborate with many educators to craft evidence‑based policies that will strengthen early literacy instruction and set our students on a path to lifelong success. I want to express my gratitude to Senate President Spilka, my fellow conferees, my staff, the educators, and the committed advocates whose dedication helped carry this important policy across the finish line.” 

  

Although Massachusetts is recognized as a national leader in education and our students consistently test high among national peers, recent data confirms there is more work to do. English Language Arts (ELA) scores continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Almost 60 percent of all students in grades 3-8 are not meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA, and 50 percent in grade 10 are not meeting or exceeding ELA expectations. Additionally, achievement gaps among major racial and ethnic student groups and low-income students have widened when compared with 2019, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

  

High-Quality Early Literacy Education  

  

The bill defines evidence-based early literacy as instruction featuring phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness, and is demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. It prohibits curricula that are not evidence-based and curricula that rely on implicit or incidental word reading strategies, including MSV/three cueing. 

  

Many school districts in Massachusetts have already switched to evidence-based early literacy curricula, with some assisted by grants awarded through the state’s Literacy Launch program, administered by DESE and funded by the Legislature at $35 million. However, some school districts have yet to fully adopt evidence-based literacy curricula that have been proven to be most effective in improving reading outcomes. 

  

The bill requires DESE to extend its free, high-quality K-2 literacy curriculum, currently available to Massachusetts school districts through grade 2, to include grade 3. DESE will be required to continue its practice of maintaining a list of other evidence-based K-3 literacy curriculum options that is kept up to date with current best practices and new curriculum releases. The bill also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s approved list, provided DESE verifies that the curriculum utilizes evidence-based literacy instruction and meets quality standards. 

  

The bill requires school districts to assess students’ reading abilities and review their progress at least twice each school year from kindergarten through third grade. For students who perform significantly below established benchmarks, schools must notify families of the screening results and provide a plan to address the student’s needs. 

  

The bill also formalizes dyslexia and literacy screening requirements by requiring schools to develop protocols for identifying potential neurological learning disabilities, including dyslexia, and to report their screening practices annually. 

  

To track progress, DESE must collect, aggregate, and publish annual statewide data on districts’ use of literacy curricula and instructional practices. In addition, literacy curriculum requirements will be incorporated into the district’s improvement plans that school districts are already required to develop every three years, ensuring that implementation of and compliance with the new literacy requirements are regularly monitored and addressed. 

  

Teacher Preparation 

  

The bill supports educators by requiring DESE to provide tools and resources that help school districts offer professional development that is aligned with evidence-based reading curricula for kindergarten through third-grade literacy teachers, paraprofessionals, and reading specialists. In addition, the legislation expands upon a 2024 pilot program for paid teaching apprenticeships in high-needs districts by directing DESE to support participants’ wages and essential expenses, making the program more accessible and inclusive.  

  

DESE is also required to evaluate and report on the program’s outcomes, including licensure pass rates, hiring results, impacts on student achievement, and the feasibility of expanding the apprenticeship model statewide.  

  

Finally, the bill ensures that educator preparation programs are preparing future educators in alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction. 

Mass NOW hosts Third Annual Trans Period Pride Event

Mass NOW hosts Third Annual Trans Period Pride Event

BOSTON, MA - Mass NOW, in partnership with the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, hosted its third annual Trans Period Pride event on Wednesday, June 17, in Boston. The event brought together transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive community members and allies to discuss menstruation, share experiences, and build community in an affirming and judgment-free space. Attendees received dinner and free period underwear.

Launched in 2023, Trans Period Pride was created to address a frequently overlooked aspect of menstrual equity: the experiences of transgender and nonbinary people who menstruate. Held during Pride Month, the event celebrates inclusion, visibility, and the right of all people to access menstrual products, health information, and supportive communities regardless of gender identity. In addition to Trans Period Pride, Mass NOW organizes Period Product Drives, community education programs, and advocacy efforts to advance menstrual equity throughout Massachusetts. 

“Mass NOW is excited to continue its third annual Trans Period Pride event. It’s a safe opportunity to stop the stigma associated with discussing menstrual equity and erode barriers that prevent menstruating individuals from being included in the conversation around menstrual health. The term “menstruating individual” is used because all women do not menstruate, and all menstruators do not identify as a woman. Menstrual equity is an issue of economic inequality, social equity, public health, and gender equity. There is more power working together than apart, which Mass NOW will continue to do no matter what,” said Sasha Goodfriend, Executive Director of Mass NOW. 

Mass NOW’s impact is felt across the state. The organization has distributed over 800,000 menstrual products over the past six years and hosted dozens of community engagement events and menstrual equity training workshops. Mass NOWhas also advocated for the I AM Bill, legislation that would require Massachusetts to provide free menstrual products in schools, shelters, jails, and prisons. The bill has passed the Massachusetts Senate unanimously during each of the last three legislative sessions and continues to advance efforts to make menstrual products accessible to all who need them. 

Mass NOW works to advance gender equity across Massachusetts through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Building a more equitable Massachusetts requires ensuring that all voices are included in conversations about health, economic opportunity, and reproductive justice.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• U.S. Senator Ed Markey: “Every person deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to make decisions about their own body and live authentically without fear or discrimination. Access to health resources, support, and care is a human right, and I’m proud to stand in solidarity with Mass NOW and with transgender and nonbinary people. As the lead sponsor of the Transgender Bill of Rights and the Transgender Health Care Access Act, I will never waver in protecting those rights while Trump and MAGA Republicans try to erase trans and nonbinary people and strip away their health care and human rights.”

• Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07): “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. At a time when communities across the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District are under attack we must be exhaustive in our support of the transgender community. Access to gender affirming care is essential and we must do everything we can to ensure that everyone is able to show up fully and authentically as themselves safe from discrimination and with access to proper care.”

• Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell: “Creating spaces where transgender and gender-diverse people can speak openly about their experiences and access support is more important than ever. As attorneys general fight for access to health care and civil rights, we must ensure every person is treated with dignity and respect.” 

• State Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator for the Third Suffolk District: “Periods are natural, and access to menstrual health resources should be met with dignity, not stigma. I stand with women, with the trans community and with all who experience periods, because everyone deserves to live authentically. Periods have never stopped us from leading, creating, caring, achieving, and making a difference in the world. We work through our periods, succeed through our periods, and thrive through our periods. I want to thank Mass NOW for organizing events like Trans Period Pride to unite the community and uplift those who have too often been overlooked in conversations about menstrual equity.” 

• Senator Julian Cyr: “Across the country, LGBTQ+ people – especially our transgender siblings – are being targeted and threatened. Here in Massachusetts, our job is simple: to ensure that every person – regardless of gender identity – can access health care, live authentically, and know they are valued, protected, and loved." 

• Chair Aaron Michlewitz: “Everyone deserves the right to have the freedom to control the decisions about their own body and live with respect and free of discrimination. Massachusetts has a strong and proud record of standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and I will never waiver in supporting those hard-won liberties. I look forward to continuing to fight to strengthen those rights in the months and years ahead.”

• State Representative Jay Livingstone: "The annual tradition creating this space to affirm trans dignity and advance menstrual health is important particularly in this moment when the LGBTQ+ community is under increasing attacks.”

• State Representative Sam Montaño: “It’s disheartening that folks who are coming together in community have been attacked and threatened by people who this has no impact on. I’m glad the event is still happening and that the hate has been squashed by love and community.”

• Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn: "We must work together to ensure Boston remains a city where civil rights are respected and protected. LGBTQ+ rights are civil rights and all residents deserve to live openly without fear and discrimination."

• Boston City Councilor Henry Santana: “Every individual deserves to access healthcare and community support without facing threats to their safety. Access to basic healthcare – including menstrual health – is a fundamental human right, not an invitation for hostility. This backlash highlights exactly why visibility and structural protections for our trans community are so critical. I stand unapologetically with our trans neighbors, because true equity means ensuring that no one is forced to live in fear for simply seeking the care and dignity they deserve."

• Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta-Zapata: "At a time when we are witnessing an unacceptable wave of anti-trans hatred and misinformation, it is more important than ever that we affirm the dignity, humanity, and worth of every person while addressing period poverty, which remains heavily stigmatized and disproportionately impacts BIPOC communities. Everyone, regardless of their gender identity, deserves access to dignity, healthcare, and the support they need to thrive in their community." 

• Dana A. Alas, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement: “Our office’s work to promote universal access to menstrual products is part of a larger goal to ensure all people have what they need to stay clean and feel supported in public spaces. No one benefits from excluding anyone that needs access to safe and effective menstrual products. That is why at all standalone BCYF centers the City of Boston provides free menstrual products in every stall regardless of the gender posted on the door to ensure access for all residents. It is not the City’s job to discriminate and limit access based on someone’s gender. Every city resident deserves the dignity of having hygiene products accessible to them in public spaces.”

• Jullieanne Lee, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement: "Menstrual equity is a matter of health equity. Access to basic health resources and affirming spaces are key social determinants of health, which is why advancing health equity remains a core pillar of our office's work. It is another step in building a Boston for all, where every resident is seen, supported, and able to thrive. Every person deserves to move through the world with dignity and a sense of belonging. Supporting transgender people means more than standing against discrimination. It means actively creating spaces where people are affirmed, cared for, and able to access the resources they need.”

• Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion, City of Boston: “At the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, we welcome every opportunity to help people better understand the beautiful complexities that make our communities strong. Supporting transgender residents means affirming their dignity, humanity, and right to access the resources they need to thrive. We are proud to stand in solidarity with Mass Equality, Mass NOW, and all those working to build a more inclusive and equitable Commonwealth.”

• Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director, MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth: “Affirming and supporting transgender youth and ensuring their needs are met – saves lives. It is up to us to create a future where young people can envision themselves growing into the adults we all hope they will become. Too often, society silences young people by deciding for them what freedom should look like, when true and unshakable joy can only exist where liberation belongs to all. After 250 years, America should have learned that by now.”

• Dominique Lee, MBA, MPH, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts: "This event is a phenomenal example of inclusive community-driven care and breaking down stigma around menstruation and period products – which are for everyone. Trans and nonbinary people need and deserve quality, affordable sexual health care just like everyone else. As our health care providers affirm to our patients every day, your health care should be tailored to you, your gender identity, and your sexual health needs – not bound by an outdated binary view of gender."

• Tanya V. Neslusan, Executive Director, MassEquality: "Everyone who menstruates needs to receive the information that they need to navigate their reproductive health in a way that affirms their identity. There is so much disinformation and shame surrounding reproductive healthcare that holding events enabling people to get the resources they need is critical to our health."

• Aba Taylor, President & CEO, and Brianna Aloisio Savage, Director of Advocacy, YW Boston: “Pride Month reminds us about the beauty that can emerge from solidarity between marginalized communities, and the fight for menstrual equity is no different. As the trans community continues to be maligned and delegitimized, now is not the time to abandon trans people; it’s the time to double down and demonstrate our enthusiastic and unapologetic support.”