Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights $2 Million to Expand Child Care Options for Working Families

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights $2 Million to Expand Child Care Options for Working Families

 

New partnerships with employers are testing innovative approaches to make child care more accessible and support Massachusetts’ workforce

GARDNER- The Healey-Driscoll Administration today highlighted nearly $2 million in investments through the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund to expand access to affordable, reliable child care for working families and help employers attract and retain workers. 

 The four inaugural projects bring together employers, child care providers and community organizations to test new approaches including expanded infant care, care during nontraditional work hours, employer-supported child care assistance and new technology to connect families with available care. 

“Every parent deserves access to affordable, reliable child care so they can go to work knowing their kids are safe and supported,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments are bringing employers and child care providers together to create new options for working families, while helping businesses attract and keep the workers they need.” 

“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to child care, which is why we’re giving communities and employers the flexibility to try new ideas,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These partnerships will help us learn what works, expand successful approaches and make it easier for families across Massachusetts to find the care they need.” 

“Child care can look different across families, communities and industries, which is why it is so important to test new approaches and learn directly from the people putting them into practice,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Today, we heard how these inaugural projects are responding to the needs of working families and employers, and how what we learn from them can help identify promising approaches that could be adapted and scaled across Massachusetts.” 

Launched in 2025 as a $2.5 million pilot, the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund supports employer-driven approaches to addressing child care and workforce challenges. In July, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $1.9 million to four inaugural grantees testing approaches including expanded infant care, care during nontraditional work hours, employer-funded child care assistance, and new technology to connect families with available care. The pilot is designed to identify effective approaches that can be adapted and scaled across the Commonwealth. 

 "The Healey-Driscoll Administration appreciates the collaborations forged through this initiative, bringing together employers and community partners to expand access to affordable, quality child care services in Massachusetts," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. "Visiting Heywood Hospital with the United Way of North Central MA illustrates one of the many partnerships we celebrate through this grant funding to deliver an essential infrastructure that supports working families in this region and regions across Massachusetts." 

“Any parent knows there’s truth to the saying that it takes a village to raise a child; making sure working parents have a village around them strengthens families, businesses and our economy,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “These partnerships are testing creative, locally driven solutions that support working families, strengthen child care businesses and help Massachusetts remain a great place to build a career and a business.” 

“The innovative approaches we heard about today provide an important opportunity to learn directly from employers, providers and families about what can work in their sector,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Employers have an important role to play in addressing child care challenges, and their engagement will help us continue to build a system that better supports families, strengthens the workforce and meets the needs of communities across Massachusetts.” 

"Building a child care system that works for every family in Massachusetts requires more partners at the table, and employers are essential among them," said Board of Early Education and Care Chair Paul Belsito. "What makes this fund so valuable is that it generates real evidence about what works — in different industries, in different regions, for different families. The Board looks forward to learning from these grantees as we continue strengthening a system that families, providers and businesses all depend on." 

"These grants show that child care is part of our economy's infrastructure," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate was proud to invest in this work because it reflects the innovative, creative thinking that we need to make sure every child has a leg up, and every parent can jump back into the workforce. I applaud Governor Healey and her administration for prioritizing this program for Massachusetts residents. 

“In Massachusetts, we understand how essential access to affordable, high-quality child care is for both our families and our workforce,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “This program will expand access to early education, giving more of our youngest learners the opportunity to thrive while supporting working families by helping parents return to the workforce.” 

The four inaugural grantees are: 

• Berkshire United Way: $400,000 
• Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, Inc. (dba The Community Group): $550,000 
• Seaport Orthodontics (dba Seaport Smiles): $150,000 
• United Way of North Central Massachusetts: $800,000 

Today’s event was hosted by Heywood Healthcare, a partner in the United Way of North Central Massachusetts project, which is working with regional employers and community partners to expand employer-supported child care options for workers in North Central Massachusetts. 

The Employer Child Care Innovation Fund advances the work of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Inter-Agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force, which is focused on making high-quality child care more affordable and accessible across the state.  

The initiative complements broader state investments to strengthen the child care system, including continued support for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) operational grants, the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership initiative (CPPI), and $1.2 billion in child care financial assistance to help approximately 72,000 children and their families afford care. 

Governor Healey Celebrates New Law to Make Medical Devices Safer for Patients

 Governor Healey Celebrates New Law to Make Medical Devices Safer for Patients

New law will phase out cancer-linked chemical from IV bags and tubing used in Massachusetts

BOSTON– Governor Maura Healey today hosted a ceremonial signing at the Massachusetts State House to celebrate a new law that will phase out di (2-ethylhenyl) phthalate, a cancer-linked chemical known as DEHP, that is used to make plastic flexible, from IV bags and tubing sold in Massachusetts. 

Governor Healey signed An Act Relative to toxic-free medical devices on July 25. The law will prohibit the manufacture and sale of IV solution containers made with intentionally added DEHP beginning January 1, 2030, followed by IV tubing beginning January 1, 2035. This timeline gives health care providers and manufacturers time to transition to safer alternatives that are already in use at hospitals in Massachusetts.

“Patients deserve to know that the tools being used to care for them are safe,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This law phases out a harmful chemical from IV bags and tubing and moves our health care system toward safer alternatives. Massachusetts will continue to follow the science and put the health and safety of patients, families and health care workers first.”

“When someone enters a hospital, they should be able to focus on getting better,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This law puts patients first while giving health care providers and manufacturers a clear and responsible timeline to transition to safter alternatives. It’s another example of Massachusetts leading with science and protecting public health.”

DEHP is commonly used to make plastic medical devices more flexible. The chemical can leach from plastic products and has been linked to cancer and other serious health risks.  Health advocates and medical professionals have raised concerns about patient exposure, particularly because safer alternatives are already available.

“These are common-sense reforms that will protect patients in Massachusetts from toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing these reforms into law, as well as Leader O’Day, Chair Decker, and all my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for these important protections.”

"No patient in Massachusetts should have to wonder whether the equipment keeping them alive is also putting their health at risk," said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate made this legislation a priority because it's imperative that we remove this known carcinogen from common hospital equipment and replace it with safer alternatives that are already available. I applaud the Governor for signing this bill into law and ensuring that people who rely on these devices in Massachusetts are protected."

“The Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act was filed because patients should never have to worry that the tools meant to heal them are exposing them to a cancer-linked chemical, especially when safe alternatives already exist and are already in use at hospitals here in Massachusetts,” said Senator Joan Lovely. “I am grateful to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law and for recognizing what it means for patients and their families. My thanks as well to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and to my colleague Representative James O’Day for his partnership as House sponsor. This is a real step forward for safer medical care in the Commonwealth.”

“Massachusetts has always been a leader in health care, and we here in the Commonwealth have a responsibility to continue advancing innovative policies that ensure patients safety,” said Representative Jim O’Day. “This legislation reduces unnecessary exposure to DEHP in medical devices while giving hospitals and providers the flexibility needed for a responsible transition to safer alternatives. I’d like to thank Senator Lovely for her partnership, Speaker Mariano for his leadership, and all the advocates, stakeholders, and colleagues who worked together to bring this important public health measure across the finish line. I’m especially grateful to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law and delivering a win for both patients and health care providers”

The law includes exemptions for certain specialized products, including human blood collection and storage bags and specified apheresis and cell-therapy products. It also permits limited trace amounts of DEHP that are not intentionally added.

40歲波士頓男子被控醉駕海港船隻狂飆造成1死2傷

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓薩福克郡地方檢察官辦公室今（25）日宣佈，40歲波士頓男子Lawrence Shieh於今年5月時，未經授權，私自駕駛船隻入港狂飆，撞到碼頭，造成一死，2重傷結果，將以過失致死，酒駕等多項重罪控訴，預定週三上午提訊。

    根據薩福克郡地方檢察官辦公室公佈的資訊，事故發生於2026年5月13日深夜11時20分左右。被告當晚在 Freedom Boat Club 結束營業後，未經授權私自將船屋位於海港區的船隻開出港口。當時船上載有24歲女子 Elizabeth Dankert 及兩名同為23歲的女性友人。

    導航數據與警方調查顯示，Shieh 當時在波士頓港靠近羅根機場（Logan Airport）的禁航限制區內狂飆，船速高達每小時36英里。事故發生前，同船乘客的手機影片記錄，顯示 Shieh 在船上跳舞，並在撞擊前約6秒雙手完全離開方向盤。船隻隨後幾乎正面高速撞擊洛根機場的跑道延伸碼頭。

    這一事故造成來自安多福（Andover）、2024年畢業於紐約聯合學院（Union College）的24歲女子 Elizabeth Dankert 當場死亡，船上另外兩名女子受重傷。檢方做的的毒理檢測，顯示Shieh當時的血液酒精濃度（BAC）高達0.20%，已超過法定限制的兩倍以上。

    薩福克縣地檢官 Kevin Hayden 在記者會上痛批：「Elizabeth Dankert 今天無法站在這裡，完全是因為 Lawrence Shieh 危險且致命的行為」。

    大陪審團起訴 Shieh 的罪名包括：一項過失致死罪，一項酒後駕船致死罪，兩項酒後駕船致重傷罪，一項未經授權使用船隻罪，一項羅根機場安全違規罪。

波士頓華人排球協會第七屆邀請賽 波士頓順昇、芝加哥、紐約中美玻璃依序獲青年、中年、元老組冠軍

波士頓華人排球協會第七屆排球邀請賽，贊助名單好長。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導）波士頓華人排球協會第七屆九人排球邀請賽，來自6州的15支排球隊分青年，中年，元老等3組，共200多人，8月23日在黃述沾公園熱戰一日，依序由波士頓順昇海鮮酒家，芝加哥隊，紐約中美玻璃等3隊，贏得各組冠軍。

中年組第一名芝加哥。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

波士頓華人排協邀請賽負責人梅健興表示，今年的15支球隊，成員分別來自紐約、伊利諾州芝加哥、康州、俄勒岡州，加州三藩市，麻州波士頓等六州，青年，中年，元老等3個組別各有5隊的共200多人參賽，在黃述沾公園龍虎鬥了30場，晚上在帝苑大酒樓舉行了頒獎典禮。

中年組第二名波士頓排協隊。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

梅健興指出，波士頓華人排球協會現有108名每年100元繳費的會員，大都為廣東省台山、開平人，以及餐館從業人員，但也有來自各行各業許多愛打排球專業人士。現任幹部有會長雷海，伍達慈，李建新，以及財務雷活，另有數名理事。

今年波士頓共有7隊參賽，波士頓華人排球協會派出3隊，分別為得到第2名的中年組，得到第3名的元老A組，以及元老B組。其他來自波士頓的參賽隊伍有青年組的順昇隊，漲潮隊，開平隊，以及中年組的波士頓雙喜隊。

紐約有地利之便，組隊來賽的隊伍數量最多，包括紐約華體會，校聯隊，友聯隊，端芬隊，紐約中美。芝加哥有青年組，中年組各一的共2隊。康州有1隊。

中年組第三名紐約校聯隊。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

波士頓華人排球協會會長雷海表示，該會每年有2次大比賽，一為慶祝新年，在昆士高中室內球場舉型的會內賽，一為邀請平日互相來往球隊參加的邀請賽，礙於場地與比賽時間限制，比賽規模也沒法做大，但是球員很熱情，企業很支持，捐款很熱絡，每次籌辦得花三、四萬元，也都總能自行募得。

根據比賽現場貼出來的大海報，今年的這場比賽，共有不下27家餐館、企業，以及至少34名熱心個別人士，捐款贊助。

元老組第一名 中美玻璃隊。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

由於紐英崙中華公所在取得場地使用牌照，提供流動廁所等事務上，已提供許多協助，波士頓華人排球協會並未向中華公所申請贊助。

元老組第二名 紐約端芬。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

今年的青年組，中年組，元老組比賽結果，冠亞季軍依序為：
        青年組的波士頓順昇海鮮酒樓，波士頓漲潮隊，紐約華體會。
        中年組的芝加哥隊， 波士頓排協隊，紐約校聯隊。
        元老組的紐約中美玻璃，紐約端芬和波士頓排協A隊。

        波士頓華人排球協會設址於9B Hudson St., Boton, MA 02111，有意加入者，可洽會長，或發電郵至volleyballclub18@gmail.com 洽談。（訂正版，波士頓共有7隊參賽，華人排球協會只派出3隊。）

元老組第三名 波士頓排協A隊。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

青年組第一名 波士頓順昇海鮮酒樓。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

青年組第二名波士頓漲潮隊。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

青年組第三名 紐約華體會。（波士頓華人排球協會提供）

波士頓華人排球協會會長雷海（左），前會長黃矩躍（右）。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華人排球協會元老組。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華人排球協會中年組。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華人排球協會老年組。（周菊子攝）

波士頓漲潮隊。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華人排球協會中年組比賽現場。（周菊子攝）

波士頓漲潮隊擋球。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華人排球協會元老組殺球英姿。（周菊子攝）

所有人的注意力都集中在球上。（周菊子攝）

比賽現場。（周菊子攝）

擋球。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市將發放1500張附專業導覽的家庭日免費票

        (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）今（25）日宣佈，將發放1,500張免費門票，讓500多戶波士頓公校學生家庭參加升級版「波士頓家庭日（Boston Family Days）」計畫，享受專業導覽，深度探索波士頓市的歷史與文化，藉以豐富「波士頓250週年」慶祝。

波士頓市將和聯合創新之路（Innovation Trail）、波士頓徒步遊（Boston By Foot）、ReIdren - 波士頓鮮為人知的黑人歷史（ReIdren - Boston's Hidden Black History）、水岸海灣保護會（Save the Harbor/Save the Bay）、像當地人一樣生活（Live Like a Local）、女性歷史足跡不到（Women's Heritage Trail）及自由之路基金會（Freedom Trail® Foundation）等七大在地機構合作，帶學生從課堂走入街頭與水岸，實地研習波士頓的在地美國革命、黑人與婦女歷史、創新發展、社區文化、建築及波士頓港灣等。

        「波士頓家庭日」是波士頓市府和亞馬遜（Amazon）、巴氏基金會（Barr Foundation）等公私立單位合作辦理的項目，計畫開放給幼兒園至12年級（K-12）學生，以及他們的最多兩位親友，在每月前兩週的星期天，免費拜訪23家文化機構與觀賞演出，優惠持續至2026年12月。民眾可至官網（www.boston.gov/boston-family-days）登記參加。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU EXPANDS BOSTON FAMILY DAYS WITH FREE, PROFESSIONALLY GUIDED TOURS AS PART OF BOSTON 250 More than 500 Boston Public Schools families will explore the City’s neighborhoods, history and cultural landmarks through free guided tours

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the 2026 Boston Family Days program now includes free, professionally guided tours across the city, giving Boston students and their families new ways to explore the neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories that have shaped Boston for generations. Running from August through early October as part of the City’s Boston 250 commemoration, the new partnership brings together local tour organizations to make Boston’s history and culture more accessible this fall for families.  "Boston's history lives in every neighborhood, on every street, and in each of our communities," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "Through Boston Family Days, we're helping more young people and their families discover the stories that shaped our city, from the American Revolution to the movements, innovators, and communities that continue to make history." Through an initial offering of 1,500 free tickets, more than 500 Boston Public Schools families will receive access to guided tours across the City. The tours offer families a broader view of Boston’s history, highlighting Revolutionary history, Black history, women’s history, innovation, neighborhood culture, architecture, and Boston Harbor. Participating organizations include the Innovation Trail, Boston By Foot, ReIdren - Boston's Hidden Black History, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Live Like a Local, the Women's Heritage Trail, and the Freedom Trail® Foundation.  As Boston 250 invites residents to reflect on the city’s role in the Revolution, the commemoration is about more than looking back; it is about ensuring the people, places, and stories that define Boston are accessible to everyone. Building on Boston Family Days’ mission of providing free access to world-class cultural experiences, the initiative extends learning beyond museum walls and into the streets, neighborhoods, and waterfront where Boston’s history unfolded and continues to be written.  “Boston’s Black history does not sit beside Boston history; it runs through it. Our tours – 400 years in 100 minutes – bring families onto the streets where Black Bostonians lived, organized, built institutions, resisted enslavement and exclusion, and shaped the civic and cultural life of this city. We’re proud to partner with Boston Family Days to make that history visible, local, and freely accessible to Boston’s young people and families,” said Joel Mackall, Educator & Public Historian, ReIdren – Boston’s Hidden Black History. "Boston By Foot has been sharing the stories of Boston for more than 50 years, and we are thrilled to bring that tradition to Boston Family Days families. Walking the streets where history happened is a uniquely powerful experience, and we can't wait to help young Bostonians discover their city's rich and diverse past," said Samantha Nelson, Executive Director, Boston By Foot. "We're excited to be part of Boston Family Days! Boston's 400-year history of innovation builds on our revolutionary roots — a legacy shaped by many, including immigrants, women, and communities too often left out of the narrative. At the Innovation Trail, we bring that legacy to life for visitors, residents, students, and teachers, lighting the path for young people to envision themselves as creators of tomorrow's breakthroughs. Through Family Days, we're showing Boston's students that they can be the next generation of innovators," said Alham Saadat, Executive Director, Innovation Trail. “Boston Family Days’ are fantastic as they offer local children and families opportunities, like official Freedom Trail® Tours, to learn about and experience arts and culture citywide,” said Suzanne Segura Taylor, Executive Director of the Freedom Trail® Foundation. “We are excited to welcome more Boston residents to the Freedom Trail with 18th-century costumed interpreters bringing over 250 years of history to life for everyone.” “Live Like A Local Tours offers a different kind of Boston experience—one that goes beyond downtown and invites visitors into the heart of neighborhoods like Roxbury. Our tours are unique because they center local history, culture, public art, and community stories that are often left out of traditional Boston tours. Boston Family Days is a great opportunity for families to explore the city in a more meaningful way and connect with the people, places, and small businesses that make Boston special,” said Collin Knight, Founder & CEO, Live Like A Local Tours Boston. "We are so proud to be a part of the Boston Family Days program, bringing Save the Harbor's brand of fun and education to a whole new audience of Boston families," said Save the Harbor Executive Director Chris Mancini. "Boston Harbor is where we achieved freedom from the monarchy in 1776, and freedom from sewage, pollution and environmental degradation in the last 40 years. We're delighted to share stories from both those battles on our free Island Explorers cruises in partnership with the City of Boston this year." “Boston Women's Heritage Trail is thrilled to be a part of this important new initiative: adding curated tours to the rich offerings of Boston's cultural Family Days. Offering students and families the opportunity to learn about the hundreds of impressive women who have contributed to the growth and success of our city in every professional sector is a privilege, and we look forward to both guiding and learning during our time together,” said the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail Team.  Boston Family Days is a public-private partnership between the City of Boston, corporate and philanthropic partners, and 23 of the city's leading cultural institutions. The program provides Boston students in grades Pre-K through 12, along with up to two guests, free access to participating museums, cultural institutions, and select live performances throughout the year. The addition of guided tours expands that commitment by inviting families to experience Boston itself as a place of learning, discovery, and connection. Boston Family Days is a public-private partnership supported by the City of Boston, Amazon, Barr Foundation, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Jim and Cathy Stone, and Michelle and Bob Atchinson. The program is open to all Boston children enrolled in school between kindergarten through Grade 12. Boston 250 is a public-private partnership supported by the City of Boston, Meet Boston, State Street, The Boston Foundation, John Hancock, Eastern Bank, Liberty Mutual, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and PNC Bank. Anyone interested in enrolling in Boston Family Days can register through www.boston.gov/boston-family-days. The pass allows free admission for a child and up to two guests at participating institutions on the first and second Sunday of each month through December 2026.

波士頓華人協選會支持 4 民主黨籍候選人 呼籲民眾積極參加初選投票

波士頓華人協選會支持Daniel Lander （中）。（協選會提供）

        (Boston Orange) 波士頓華人協選會響應麻州初選的提前投票日從8月22日開始，當天發動數十居民出席兩場助選活動，為該會支持的四名候選人打氣，強調麻州民主黨居多，在州級選舉中，將有許多席位初選就分勝負，9月1日務必出席投票。

波士頓華人協選會，吳弭市長（左一），湯建華（前右三）支持
Latoya Gayle （前右二）。

        8月22日這天，波士頓華人協選會和多切斯特 (Dorchester) 及奧斯頓-布莱頓（Allston-Brighton）的社區領袖、工會團體，以及盟友如勞工之家黨（Working Families Party），倡議團體如家計會（Planned Parenthood） 等，出動逾百人，支持“提早提票”的宣傳活動，攜手聲援第一薩福克區 （First Suffolk）州參議員候選人拉托亞·蓋爾 （Latoya Gayle），以及薩福克與米德爾塞克斯區（Suffolk and Middlesex）麻州參議員候選人丹尼爾·蘭德 （Daniel Lander）。

        波士頓華人協選會表示，今年的麻州初選，從8 月 22 日開始，選民就可以提早投票了。由於過去這一年來，聯邦政府大幅削減預算，人民生活成本不斷上漲，移民社區遭遇越來越嚴重打壓，使得今年的選舉結果格外重要。

        波士頓華人協選會工作人員莫如善指出，由於麻州是個民主黨居多的藍州，大多數候選人都是民主黨籍，因此9月1日的初選，就決定了很多席位花落誰家，根本不必等到11月3日的大選投票日，選舉結果就等於已經揭曉了，所以初選十分重要。該會希望提醒選民，9月1日初選時，務必出席投票，能夠提早投票更好，以期把握主動權，用選票發生，選出他們支持的真正為民服務者。

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）22日也出席了支持候選人的活動。波士頓華人協選會表示，該會肯定吳弭市長在對抗聯邦政府打壓移民社區時展現的勇氣，以及她通過地方行動保護移民的努力，該會希望在州政府層級，也選出和吳弭市長有同樣決心的領袖。

        長年住在波士頓華埠，既是華人前進會前共同主席，也是華人協選會首領之一的湯建華在支持Latoya Gayle的活動中表示，「工人階層所承擔的壓力一直未減少，可負擔性問題更成為一場危機…我們需要一位真正代表勞工階層的民選領袖，一位與我們理念相同、從一開始就與我們並肩作戰的人。拉托亞就是這樣的領袖」。

        波士頓華人協選會今年支持4名大波士頓地區候選人，認為這4人正為工薪階層最關心的經濟正義、可負擔房屋、全民醫療、移民權益，以及維護重要的公共服務，決策參與權等議題奮鬥。這4名候選人分別為競選MA-08選區（包括昆士市）聯邦眾議員的帕特里克·羅斯（Patrick Roath），競選第一薩福克區（包括華埠、南端）麻州參議員的拉托亞·蓋爾（Latoya Gayle），競選薩福克（Suffolk）與米德爾塞克斯(Middlesex) 麻州參議員的丹尼爾·蘭德（Daniel Lander），競選第五米德爾塞克斯區（包括摩頓市）麻州參議員的凱里·麥當勞（Carey McDonald）。

        波士頓華人協選會表示，各席位候選人有不同背景與工作經歷，但一樣都呼籲改變，並堅信現在正是州和聯邦領袖應該為多數民眾服務、而不是照顧富有企業及億萬富翁的時刻。

        查詢提早投票的時間及地點，可上波士頓市府選舉部門網站查詢，波士頓華埠居民可在8月25日（週二）的中午12點至晚上8點，到昆士小學社區室（885 Washington Street, Boston）提早投票。（所有圖片均由華人協選會提供）

麻州政府發佈中小學因應 ICE 新版指南 明確規定持法院搜索令才可抓人

     （Boston Orange編譯） 2026–2027 學年要開學了，麻州政府發佈執行「保護法（PROTECT Act）」的新版模範政策、程序和指導意見，明確禁止聯邦移民執法局（ICE）在沒有法院簽發的搜查令情況下進入中小學及托兒場所逮捕民眾，以保障移民家庭與學童的安全。

    新版本的「保護法」指南，為托兒所，幼稚園到12年級中小學等機構制定ICE上門或索要資訊時應該依循的標準應對步驟，包括規定校方必須指定單一專責人員來統一處理；明確指出只有法院簽發的搜索令（Judicial Warrant）才具有效力，ICE 自行簽發的行政命令一律可以拒絕；並強制規定執法過程須聯繫法律顧問、全程記錄及第一時間通報家長。

    新指南也嚴格限制中小學等機構向ICE提供學生的學籍與地址等敏感資訊，同時輔導家長預先指定「備用監護人」。若確認 ICE 出現，校方可在保護隱私下發布社區預警。中小學教育局（DESE）與早期教育局（EEC）也將和難民及移民辦公室（M ORI）合作，推動實用培訓，確保教職員熟悉應變機制。

    麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今年1月才簽署的第 650 號行政命令，限制ICE在州有設施內執法，5月發表泉州指南，協助學校與機構保護基本服務獲取權，8月5日再把「保護法（PROTECT Act）」簽署成為正式法令，現在則是進一步落實因應細節。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases New Guidance to Implement PROTECT Act in Schools and Child Care Programs 

 New model policies give educators and providers clear steps to protect children and families from civil immigration enforcement

BOSTON - The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released new model policies, procedures and guidance to help K-12 schools and child care programs respond to civil immigration enforcement, protect confidential information and implement the PROTECT Act ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. 

The resources provide school districts, charter schools, educational collaboratives and licensed or state-funded early education and care programs with clear steps to follow if ICE agents arrive on site or request access to a student, child or their information. They address designating staff points of contact, reviewing and responding to requests, involving legal counsel when appropriate, documenting interactions, notifying families and protecting confidential information.

“As families prepare for the new school year, every child should feel safe walking into their classroom and every parent should feel confident dropping them off,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The PROTECT Act makes clear that schools and child care programs are places for children to learn and grow, not places for ICE to target families. These resources give educators and providers the clear guidance they need to put those protections into practice.”

“Schools and child care programs are at the heart of our communities, and local educators and providers deserve to feel prepared as they welcome families back,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These model policies give them clear, practical steps to follow so they can support children, communicate with families and put the PROTECT Act into practice.”

Under the PROTECT Act, civil arrests are generally prohibited on school grounds and on the premises of covered child care programs without a judicial warrant or judicial order. The law also requires covered schools and programs to adopt policies governing interactions with civil law enforcement.

Those policies must be in effect by September 1, 2026, or the first day of the 2026–2027 school year, whichever is earlier. The law’s protections apply regardless of whether a school or program has completed its required policy.

“Every child deserves to learn and grow in a safe, welcoming environment – and every family deserves to know that we will protect them from aggressive tactics employed by ICE that do nothing to enhance public safety,” said Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for releasing guidance that informs schools and childcare centers of their rights and obligations under the PROTECT Act. My office will continue to work with our partners across the state to ensure these important protections are understood and upheld across the Commonwealth.”

"Today we are putting a core principle of the PROTECT Act into action: no family should fear that a normal day at school or day care can be disrupted by President Trump's ICE agents," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate led on this legislation to protect Massachusetts students and families, and today's guidance does exactly that. I applaud the Governor for implementing the PROTECT Act quickly and efficiently."

“Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, dangerous and illegal actions taken by federal immigration agents have immigrants in Massachusetts living in fear as they go about their daily lives, including when they bring their children to school,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “These measures are about ensuring that the Commonwealth is doing everything it can to preserve schools as safe spaces for learning, rather than allowing them to become opportunities for warrantless harassment and detainment. I’m grateful to Governor Healey, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and to all my colleagues in the Legislature for working to make these practical protections a reality.”

“Students, children and families across Massachusetts deserve to feel safe when they walk through the doors of their school or child care program,” said Education Secretary Dr. Steve Zrike. “These new resources give schools and early education and care programs clear, practical guidance to implement the PROTECT Act and ensure educators and providers know how to respond to civil immigration enforcement. We will continue working with schools and programs across Massachusetts to support them as they put this law into action.”

Earlier this month, Governor Healey signed the PROTECT Act, landmark legislation establishing some of the strongest protections in the nation against overreach by federal immigration authorities. The law limits civil arrests in courthouses, schools, child care programs and nonpublic areas of health care facilities. It also strictly limits state and local participation in civil immigration enforcement, strengthens guardianship options for families if a parent is detained or deported and creates a state civil rights remedy for constitutional violations.

For K-12 schools, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released model policies and procedures for school districts, charter schools and educational collaboratives. The resources establish steps for designating school and district points of contact, involving legal counsel, reviewing judicial warrants and orders, documenting interactions with civil law enforcement and notifying a parent or guardian if an agent requests access to a student or their information.

The resources also provide procedures for alerting school communities when civil law enforcement agents are confirmed on school grounds while protecting individual privacy, updating student emergency contacts and sharing the policies with students and families.

"This important work builds on guidance that the administration issued last year, clarifies how schools should respond, and reinforces the need for communication with families," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I know that our school communities want to keep students safe, and we will work with districts to help them implement the PROTECT Act."

The Department of Early Education and Care also released policies and guidance for licensed and EEC-funded child care centers, family child care homes, school-aged child care programs and group care facilities. The resources provide procedures for designating a staff point of contact, responding to requests and documenting all interactions with civil law enforcement.

“Children and families deserve to feel safe and supported when accessing high-quality early education and care,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “The PROTECT Act reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s and EEC’s continued commitment to supporting safe, welcoming early education environments and ensuring programs have the resources, guidance, and support they need.”

EEC has also partnered with the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants to provide Know Your Rights training for the early education and care community. The training includes information about immigrant and refugee rights, available legal resources and interactions with immigration and law enforcement officers. The Attorney General’s Office has provided additional guidance to early education and care programs on protecting child, family and employee information.

“Every child in Massachusetts should be able to go to school or child care feeling safe, supported, and focused on learning, and every family should be able to access these essential services without fear,” said Cristina Aguilera, Executive Director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants. “By making sure early education and care providers have clear information and practical tools, we can help them better support immigrant and refugee families and respond appropriately when immigration enforcement issues arise. Our office is committed to supporting the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to implement the PROTECT Act and ensure that families across the Commonwealth understand their rights and can continue to access the essential services their children rely on.”

The new resources build on actions the Healey-Driscoll Administration has taken to protect Massachusetts communities from civil immigration enforcement. In January, Governor Healey signed Executive Order 650 to protect access to essential state services, limit civil immigration enforcement in nonpublic areas of state facilities and prohibit new 287(g) agreements unless there is a public safety need. 

In May, the Administration issued statewide guidance to help schools, child care providers, higher education campuses and other organizations protect access to essential services, understand their rights and responsibilities, and prepare staff to respond appropriately if federal immigration officers arrive on site. 

“The Massachusetts Legislature is committed to protecting our schools and communities from the cruel, misguided, and inhumane immigration policies of the Trump administration,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “As school districts establish new policies and procedures in line with the PROTECT Act, I appreciate the quick work of the Healey-Driscoll Administration in releasing these model policies.” 

“In Massachusetts, we know how critical it is for students to feel secure, supported, and able to focus on learning,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The PROTECT Act will help ensure that our students are not targeted in the very place where they should feel safest, at school, so they can focus on their education.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration will continue working with schools and early education and care programs across Massachusetts to fully implement the PROTECT Act and make sure its protections reach the students, children and families they were designed to protect.

波士頓市長盃園藝賽結果揭曉

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES 2026 MAYOR’S GARDEN CONTEST WINNERS  BOSTON - Monday, August 24, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu announced the winners of the 30th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest in a ceremony celebrating the exceptional efforts of Boston’s urban gardeners. The competition recognizes residents who have transformed their yards, balconies, rooftops, and community gardens into vibrant green spaces that enhance the beauty of the city’s neighborhoods. “The love, care, and pride residents bring to their gardens are what make our neighborhoods so special. From porches and balconies to storefronts, native and distinctive plants transform everyday spaces into vibrant green places that bring joy to our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we mark the 30th anniversary of this treasured event, I’m proud to celebrate all of this year’s winners and extend special congratulations to the recipients of the Golden Trowel award. Thank you for your hard work and for helping make our neighborhoods beautiful.” First place winners received the coveted “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor Wu while second and third place winners were awarded certificates. Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years were automatically entered into the Hall of Fame. These distinguished Hall-of-Famers are no longer eligible to enter as contestants but are invited to return as judges. “Gardening is one of the things I love most about the work we do in our parks, and it’s especially meaningful to celebrate the gardeners who bring that same passion and creativity to their own corners of Boston,” said Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Deputy Chief of Open Space. “For 30 years, the Mayor’s Garden Contest has recognized the incredible care our residents put into making our neighborhoods more beautiful, vibrant, and connected. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank you to our longtime sponsors, JetBlue and Mahoney’s Garden Centers for helping us celebrate Boston’s gardeners and sustain this wonderful tradition.”    First place winners were also entered into a drawing for a JetBlue Grand Prize consisting of roundtrip flights for two to any nonstop destination from Boston. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply. Mahoney’s Garden Centers provided gardener’s gift bags to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates for the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees.    This year’s winners include:   Pollinator Garden 1. Franco Campanello - South End 2. Kimba McDonald - Hyde Park 3. Stephanie Fletcher - Beacon Hill Vegetable or Herb Garden 1. Suzen Holohan - East Boston 2. Toya Walker - Mattapan 3. Jayde Lantz - Roslindale Age Strong 1. Richard Macmillan and Alex McCray- Jamaica Plain 2. Arlene Simon - Dorchester 3. Daniel Satinsky - Jamaica Plain Small Yard Garden 1. Beverly Christians - South End 2. Tara Kuglen - South End 3. Katherine Bielec-Steveson - Roslindale Porch Balcony or Container Garden 1. Peter Cahn and Donald Hess - Back Bay 2. Paul H. Belanger - West End 3. Doug Gifford - South End Medium Yard Garden 1. Rui Almeida & Ernesto Falcon - Roslindale 2. Annie McHugh - Jamaica Plain 3. Tom Bessette and Ike Colbert - Dorchester Shade Garden 1. Ellen Scalese - Hyde Park 2. Peter Gelhaar - Back Bay 3. Sharon Gentges - East Boston Large Yard Garden 1. Shoma Haque - Jamaica Plain 2. Molly Duggan - Mattapan 3. Greg Tyo & Jorge Serrao - Dorchester Community Garden  1. Jenny Li & Mark Springel - Berkeley Community Gardens 2. Joe and Dolores Fazio - Fenway Victory Gardens 3. Lillian Dukes - Fenway Victory Gardens Storefront, Organization, or Main Street District 1. The Boston Home - Dorchester 2. Recreo Coffee and Roasterie - West Roxbury 3. Beacon Hill Garden Club - Beacon Hill Pollinator Garden - 1st place Franco Campanello - South End

Vegetable or Herb Garden - 1st place Suzen Holohan - East Boston

Age Strong 1st place Richard Macmillan and Alex McCray- Jamaica Plain

Small Yard Garden 1st place Beverly Christians - South End

Porch Balcony or Container Garden 1st place Peter Cahn & Donald Hess - Back Bay

Medium Yard Garden 1st place Rui Almeida & Ernesto Falcon - Roslindale

Shade Garden 1st place Ellen Scalese - Hyde Park

Large Yard Garden 1st place Shoma Haque - Jamaica Plain

Community Garden 1st place Jenny Li & Mark Springel - Berkeley Community Gardens

Storefront, Organization, or Main Street District 1st place The Boston Home - Dorchester

For more information, please contact the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505. Stay updated with news, events, and park improvements by signing up for our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and following our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.