LaGrange 街41號126戶有收入限制出租公寓剪綵啟用

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, LT. GOVERNOR DRISCOLL, ST. FRANCIS HOUSE, AND THE PLANNING OFFICE FOR URBAN AFFAIRS CELEBRATE OPENING OF 126 AFFORDABLE HOMES AT 41 LAGRANGE STREET 

New downtown development includes workforce housing and permanent supportive homes for people exiting homelessness 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday joined Lt. Governor Driscoll, St. Francis House, the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA), MassHousing, state and local elected officials, residents, and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of 41 LaGrange Street, a new 19-story affordable housing development in downtown Boston. The development creates 126 income-restricted rental homes, advancing the City’s work to provide Boston residents with safe, stable, and affordable housing.  

“Congratulations to St. Francis House, all our partners, and especially the new neighbors joining our community through the 126 homes in this transformational project. Over the last five years, homelessness has dropped by 19% in Boston, thanks to nation-leading partners working together on a vision for housing that serves every part of our community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Thank you to all our partners for their persistence, support and commitment, and to everyone who has helped bring this project forward. ” 

Of the 126 apartments, 70 are dedicated to individuals exiting homelessness and 56 will serve workforce, middle, and low income households. The individuals exiting homelessness will receive ongoing wraparound services through St. Francis House, connecting them with health care, employment assistance, behavioral health services, and other resources to support long-term housing stability. 

Building 41 LaGrange Street required an innovative approach to construction on one of downtown Boston’s tightest sites. The 19-story, all-electric Passive House building was constructed on a former surface parking lot with extremely limited space for construction equipment and staging. To make the project possible, the construction team placed a tower crane within the footprint of the new building and built around it as the structure rose. Crews also worked nights and weekends to manage the challenges of building in a dense downtown neighborhood. Using this approach, the project went from a surface parking lot to topping off all 19 stories in just seven months. 

"41 LaGrange Street represents the City of Boston's continued commitment to increase affordable housing opportunities for residents across every neighborhood," said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of Housing. "By combining affordable housing with comprehensive supportive services, this development creates lasting stability for residents while helping us build a more equitable Boston where everyone has the opportunity to succeed."

“Respect for the dignity of all people includes doing everything possible to provide every person with a safe home, " said Most Reverend Robert F. Hennessey, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston. Too many members of our community are either homeless or on the verge of homelessness for reasons that include the rising cost of housing and food. The 41 LaGrange Street Grand Opening gives us all hope that, working together, more unhoused men and women have access to a new apartment and the services they need to make this housing a stable home.”

The opening builds on Boston’s broader strategy to reduce homelessness by expanding permanent housing and supportive services. Since Mayor Wu took office, Boston has created 668 permanent supportive housing units for residents transitioning out of homelessness. In 2025, City efforts helped house 979 individuals and 1,071 families experiencing homelessness, representing 3,261 people. More than 200 unsheltered individuals also moved directly from the street into permanent homes. 

Boston’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count showed continued progress in addressing homelessness, with overall homelessness declining 19 percent since 2021 and unsheltered homelessness declining 31 percent. The City has worked to reduce homelessness through sustained investments in permanent supportive and affordable housing, homelessness prevention, expanded shelter-to-housing initiatives, and coordinated outreach. Boston uses the annual census to better understand residents’ needs, connect people experiencing homelessness with services, and guide investments in housing, prevention, and supportive services. 

"Today is a momentous milestone not just for St. Francis House, but for the entire city of Boston. We are incredibly proud to cut the ribbon at 41 LaGrange Street and finally watch our new residents walk through the doors of their forever homes," said Karen LaFrazia, President and CEO of St. Francis House. "This building is a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we work together. We are deeply grateful to our partners at the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, to Mayor Wu and the City of Boston, and the incredible coalition of partners whose shared vision, unwavering support, and dedication to ending homelessness made this dream a reality." 

The development was made possible with funding from the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing, including funds through the Neighborhood Housing Trust. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassHousing, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, and Bank of America provided additional capital funding. EOHLC and the Boston Housing Authority provided 70 project based vouchers creating the deeply affordable homes to those exiting homelessness.

“We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, regardless of their income, background, or circumstances, and that a lack of housing is one of the structural causes of poverty and community instability, and we must work together to effectuate change,” said Bill Grogan, President of the Planning Office for Urban Affairs. “We are grateful to amplify the impact of our affordable housing developments by partnering with service providers like St. Francis House, which provides much-needed permanent supportive and workforce housing in a neighborhood of Boston that has become unaffordable to most of its community.”

“MassHousing is excited for the residents of 41 LaGrange St. who have brand new apartment homes with an array of support services that will help them live and thrive in this new housing community in Chinatown,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “We were pleased to partner with POUA and St. Francis House in developing this mixed-income community that will allow its residents to live with dignity in safe, quality housing.”

 

Under Mayor Michelle Wu’s leadership, Boston has made historic progress toward creating and preserving homes that residents can afford. Since the start of her first term, the City has produced or begun construction on more than 18,000 new homes, including thousands of income-restricted units. The Mayor has launched new policies to make it easier, faster, and less expensive to build housing across every neighborhood. In addition to producing new housing, Mayor Wu has directed record levels of investment to expand affordable homeownership and support renters and homeowners who face housing instability.



Through innovative programs like the Housing Accelerator Fund, Welcome Home Boston, and the Housing with Public Assets initiative, the City is finding new ways to create housing on public land, convert vacant buildings into homes, and support residents in building wealth and stability. The Mayor’s focus on climate and health has also made Boston a national leader in green and energy-efficient housing. Together, these efforts are helping to make Boston a city where every resident can have a safe, stable, and affordable home, and where communities can grow stronger for generations to come

Governor Healey Opens Workforce Pell Applications to Expand Short-Term Job Training

Governor Healey Opens Workforce Pell Applications to Expand Short-Term Job Training

 Colleges, universities and eligible training providers can seek state approval by September 25; first programs could begin enrolling students in early 2027

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today announced that Massachusetts has opened the application process for colleges, universities and eligible training providers seeking state approval to offer short-term programs through the new federal Workforce Pell Grant program. Programs that receive both state and federal approval will allow eligible students to use Pell Grant aid for training that can be completed in as little as eight weeks and prepares them for high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs.

Workforce Pell extends Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term workforce programs that were previously too short to qualify. This will give students, career changers and working adults a new way to use federal financial aid to earn recognized credentials more quickly and move into good jobs without first enrolling in a longer degree program.

“Our administration is committed to helping people get the skills they need to land good jobs and build a strong future here in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Workforce Pell will make it more affordable for students and working adults to train for careers in health care, education, manufacturing, the skilled trades, and other growing industries. This is how we help people get ahead, support our employers and keep Massachusetts competitive.” 

“Whether someone is starting their career, looking to make a change or ready to take the next step, they should have a clear and affordable pathway to a good job,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Workforce Pell brings educators, workforce partners and employers together to give people the skills they need and strengthen the workforce in communities across Massachusetts.”

Workforce Pell builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to make education and job training more affordable and accessible, including free community college and significantly expanding access to Registered Apprenticeship opportunities over the next decade. Since Governor Healey took office, Massachusetts has registered more than 12,250 apprentices in programs that combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Together, these initiatives are creating more pathways for students and workers to gain the skills and credentials that lead to good jobs.

During the pilot year, programs must prepare students for occupations in priority industries that reflect workforce demand and existing training capacity. These industries include health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, education, information technology and hospitality. The full list of eligible pilot occupations is available on the Workforce Pell website.

 

“Workforce Pell provides another tool for people to gain the skills employers need and for pathways to careers essential to our economic growth,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “By working closely with education, workforce, research, and employer partners, we are building an approach that responds to real labor market demand, delivers strong outcomes for students and workers, and strengthens the talent pipeline in critical industries across Massachusetts.”

“Every learner deserves a pathway to a rewarding career and a future filled with opportunity,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “We have made historic investments to remove barriers to education and help more people turn learning into opportunity. Workforce Pell builds on those efforts by opening more doors for students and working adults to gain the skills and credentials they need to take their next step, whether they are starting a career, changing careers or building on the skills they already have.” 

To protect students and taxpayers and ensure that participating programs provide high-quality training connected to meaningful employment, eligible programs must:

• Last at least eight weeks but fewer than 15 weeks and include 150 to 599 clock hours, or the credit-hour equivalent
• Lead to a recognized credential or certification
• Prepare students for high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs
• Align with employer hiring needs 
• Demonstrate strong results in program completion, employment and earnings; 
• Meet federal standards for quality and value
• Have been offered for at least one year and met all applicable requirements during that period
• Meet all other state approval requirements
  
  

The application process now underway is for schools and training providers, not students. Once approved programs begin enrolling, students will apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA and work with their school’s financial aid office to determine whether they qualify. There is no separate federal application for Workforce Pell. For more information about Workforce Pell and the application process, visit Preparing for Workforce Pell | Mass.gov.

CITY OF BOSTON RELEASES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR NEW STREET FURNITURE PROGRAM

CITY OF BOSTON RELEASES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR NEW STREET FURNITURE PROGRAM  A once in a generation opportunity to reimagine what Boston’s sidewalks offer residents and visitors through upgraded and expanded public amenities

BOSTON - September 9, 2026 - The City of Boston today announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) procurement process to identify a business partner to upgrade and expand its network of bus shelters, wayfinding kiosks, and other street furniture elements in the City’s rights-of-way. These amenities serve transit riders, active transportation users and pedestrians. The City’s vision for its new Street Furniture Program is to influence how people travel and improve public spaces through functional, well-designed amenities that also attract advertisers interest. The program will be self-sustaining through advertising revenue. Street furniture has seen a resurgence in popularity since the pandemic, with programs worldwide increasing transit accessibility; offering relief from climate impacts, including reduce exposure to extreme heat; and fostering neighborhood identity while encouraging economic activity through advertising on program elements. “Every street block in our City has the potential to be more accessible and welcoming for everyone. With input from urban design partners, we developed an RFP that connects essential street amenities with public art to make street infrastructure more comfortable, inviting and accessible,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We look forward to selecting a partner who can help bring this vision to life, creating streets that are safer, easier to navigate and more inviting for residents and visitors alike.” Boston’s original Street Furniture Program, launched in 2001, was one of the first of its kind in North America. A pioneer in both design and delivery, the City entered into a public-private partnership that deployed hundreds of amenities throughout Boston. The program resulted in more than 360 bus shelters, six self-cleaning public toilets, and dozens of City information panels, all maintained through revenue generated by advertising sales. Over the 25 years since the original program began, street furniture has evolved significantly, incorporating digital and other technologies that deliver real-time information to transit riders and the public. Cities around the world use digital displays to provide emergency messaging and public information to residents and visitors. Advertising space on street furniture has also risen significantly in value, according to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), the trade organization for the out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry. OAAA recently reported that OOH advertising generated $2.12 billion in the first quarter of 2026, with street furniture advertising revenues increasing by 11.5% year over year—the second-highest revenue growth among major OOH formats. According to OAAA, more than $137 million was spent on OOH advertising in the Boston market in 2025. The City released the new RFP on September 7, 2026, through the City’s Procurement Department webpage. Interested and qualified parties must register through the Supplier Portal to access the RFP. The City will hold a virtual question-and-answer session regarding the RFP on September 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Meeting information will be posted on the City’s Procurement Department webpage. Responses to the RFP are due on November 4, 2026. Further information about the Street Furniture Program is available at https://www.boston.gov/departments/property-management/coordinated-street-furniture For information about this RFP, please contact pmdbidinfo@boston.gov.

藝術愛默生2026/27藝術季 訂10/15以“酷兒歲月狂想曲”打頭陣

Taylor Mac and Matt Ray: Songs from Bark of Millions劇照。公關公司提供

     （Boston Orange編譯）藝術愛默生（ ArtsEmerson ）將於10月 15 日至 18 日在愛默生派拉蒙中心（Emerson Paramount Center）的 Robert J. Orchard 舞台，以5場震撼人心、跨越領域的歌舞奇觀——「泰勒·麥克與馬特·雷：歲月狂想歌曲集（Taylor Mac and Matt Ray: Songs from Bark of Millions）」，拉開2026/27 演藝季度。

    「歲月狂想歌曲集（Bark of Millions）」由當代美國劇場界最具代表性的創作夥伴——麥克阿瑟「天才獎」得主 Taylor Mac，以及奧比獎（Obie Award）作曲家 Matt Ray 共同打造。他們兩人合作的「240年流行音樂史（A 24-Decade History of Popular Music）」入圍普立茲獎並獲 HBO 改編為紀錄片後，這次再度深度合作，集結 17 位優秀藝術家組成龐大演出陣容。

Taylor Mac and Matt Ray: Songs from Bark of Millions劇照。

    這場表演把現場樂團演奏、劇場演出、變裝奇觀（Drag Spectacle）以及知名設計師 Machine Dazzle 打造的視覺服裝造型結為一體，模糊了演唱會與戲劇表演的邊界，呈現一場狂野、挑釁且極具感染力的視覺與聽覺饗宴。

    「歲月狂想歌曲集（Bark of Millions）」最初以包含 55 首原創歌曲的大型史詩搖滾歌劇姿態問世，曾於雪梨歌劇院及紐約布魯克林音樂學院（BAM）首演並獲得極高評價。這次在波士頓推出的演唱會版本，核心精神同樣存在於酷兒血脈與歷史尋根中。

    創作者 Taylor Mac 表示，「歲月狂想歌曲集」的靈感來自世界歷史上的酷兒人物，以好奇心與多元聲音，把酷兒歷史從人們遺忘與抹殺的記憶中解放出來。在美國建國 250 週年之際，來到自由發祥地的波士頓演出，意義更非凡。」

    音樂總監 Matt Ray 補充表示，這不僅是對歷史的回響，更是人們一同邁向未來的號角。希望觀眾在感受舞台張力的同時，能感受到美、希望與行動的力量。

    「藝術愛默生」推出的這場「歲月狂想歌曲集」演出，除了舞台上的震撼演出，還將由 Black Dog & Leventhal 出版兩卷精裝套書「歲月狂想：叛逆主題活體圖書館的酷兒歌曲（Bark of Millions: Queer Songs for the Living Library of the Deviant Theme）」，收錄歌詞、歷史人物隨筆及樂譜，讓「酷兒音樂庫」進入更多讀者與音樂人的生活中。這套書訂2026 年 9 月 29 日發行。

    「泰勒·麥克與馬特·雷：歲月狂想歌曲集（Taylor Mac and Matt Ray: Songs from Bark of Millions）」訂10月15至18日在Emerson Paramount Center (559 Washington St, Boston, MA) 推出，全長120 分鐘，無中場休息，內容包含成人主題。票價由 27.50 美元起，10 人以上團體購票可享最高 7 折優惠。即日起可至 ArtsEmerson.org 官網或致電 617-824-8400 洽詢購票細節。

中華表演藝術基金會第38屆音樂季訂9/26開幕 音樂家黃俊文、黃海倫擔綱演出

中華表演藝術基金會提供

    （Boston Orange）中華表演藝術基金會第38屆音樂季訂9月26日（星期六）晚上8點在新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳（Jordan Hall）揭幕，首場演出將由國際知名小提琴家黃俊文（Paul Huang）與鋼琴家黃海倫（Helen Huang）擔綱。

    小提琴家黃俊文（Paul Huang）有當代最具特色小提琴家之一的美譽，曾於2015年獲Avery Fisher 職業發展獎（Avery Fisher Career Grant），2017年獲林肯中心新銳藝術家獎（Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists），並於2011年贏得「青年音樂會藝術家（ Young Concert Artists）」國際選拔賽冠軍。《華盛頓郵報》曾評論道，黃俊文「擁有宏大而圓潤的音色、精確的音準，以及令人驚嘆的技巧，使最艱難的小提琴樂句聽來都如呼吸般自然。

    鋼琴家黃海倫（Helen Huang）曾獲1995年 Avery Fisher職業發展獎，是這享有盛譽獎項的最年輕得主。她也曾獲德 Arthur Rubinstein Prize 最高榮譽，並在 Teldec、Naxos 和 Delos 等唱片公司錄製唱片，廣受樂評界好評。在2008年至2022年間，黃海倫在茱莉亞音樂學院預科（Juilliard Pre-College）執教。

    9月26日這天，他倆的演出曲目排定為阿沃・帕特（Arvo Pärt）：《鏡中鏡》（Spiegel im Spiegel），貝多芬（Beethoven）：A大調第9號小提琴與鋼琴奏鳴曲，作品47，《克羅采》（Kreutzer），聖桑（Saint-Saëns）：D小調第1號小提琴奏鳴曲，作品75。

    音樂會門票，7–13歲：$20, 一般票：$40、$60。學生可免費索票；非學生亦可登記申請免費贈票。主辦單位謝絕6歲以下兒童入場。

    查詢音樂會詳情與購票資訊，可上中華表演藝術基金會官網https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/season/20260926/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com。

麻州長Healey簽行政命令 建數據中心？先聽市鎮怎麼說

麻州州長Maura Healey 9月8日簽行政命令，規定建數據中心，得先取得市鎮同意。

         （Boston Orange綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）9 月 8 日簽署行政命令，規定新數據中心申建案若未取得地方市鎮同意並簽署社區利益協定，州政府將停止審理其許可申請，藉以賦予在地社區話語權，避免受到不負責任建案與高昂電價的傷害。

麻州長Maura Healey在臉書上貼出海報。

        奚莉州長指出，此舉旨在防止數據中心擴建引發的電費大漲，環境污染疑慮。主要針對尖峰用電需求超過 25 兆瓦（MW）的大型開發案，規定業者必須遵循州政府「數據中心框架」，全額支付營運所需的全新清潔能源與電網基礎設施升級費用，並承諾保護水資源與創造在地職缺。

        行政命令同時規定，禁止數據中心開發商和地方市鎮簽署保密協定（NDA），以確保審查透明，並設立「用電戶保護基金（Ratepayer Protection Fund）」，若業者無法為自己提供清潔能源，將必須繳納費用，補貼一般用電戶承擔的電費高漲支出。

        能源局長特珀（Rebecca Tepper）認為，數據中心絕對負擔得起清潔能源，州府不允許他們把成本轉嫁給一般用電戶。

麻州州長參選人Mike Minogue 9月8日在州政府大樓前，就數據中心發言，直批麻州
電費全美第二高，應設法改善。（周菊子攝）

        麻州 AFL-CIO 主席 Chrissy Lynch 與 IBEW 103 副主席 Mike Monahan 都公開力挺奚莉州長的新規定。他們表示，數據中心從施工到營運都必須聘用工會勞工、提供好薪水，且業者得自己解決水電問題，才能真正為地方帶來經濟好處。

        共和黨籍麻州州長參選人米諾格（Mike Minogue）強烈批評，稱麻州電費高居全美第二，帳單中高達三分之一費用為強制徵收的氣候公用事業費。他主張應廢除「淨零排放」法定目標、增建天然氣管線以降低能源成本，並將州有土地資源集中於住宅、高科技、生命科學及先進製造業，而非引進極度消耗電網的數據中心。 

        米諾格在回應是否應該由地方市鎮來決定建或不建數據中心時，他表示州政府應該保留綜合衡量權。

        為因應數據中心對地方市鎮造成的衝擊，事實上，州政府早前已停止接受數據中心的申請減免銷售稅。地方上也有Holyoke市已立法禁止新建數據中心，Westfield市和羅爾市（Lowell）則頒佈了一年暫緩期。

        在 Lowell，居民因反對 Markley 數據中心增設 8 台柴油備用發電機而提告，法官已發出禁令停工，判決書載明發電機運作造成了巨大的噪音、粉塵、柴油懸浮微粒污染、異味及隱私侵犯等生活煎熬。

        產業數據庫ServerCountry 及 DataCenterMap的統計顯示，麻州目前共有 18 個獨立數據中心開發案，總電力需求高達 503 百萬瓦（MW）。其中，現在營運中的 14 個數據中心多屬舊型中小型機房，總耗電僅約 58 至 100 MW。然而，目前正在規劃審理的新案，耗電量之高卻極為驚人： Westfield 的單一園區需求就高達 274 MW，直接超越全州數據中心用電量的現有總和；亞馬遜（AWS）也在 Westborough 與 Grafton 提出新建案，前者更引發了 4,500 萬美元電網升級成本應由誰負擔的爭議。這類爆發性的用電需求，正是州府緊急築起地方同意與民生電費防線的核心原因。

Governor Healey: No Data Centers Without Local Approval

Governor Healey is requiring data centers to receive local approval before seeking state permits, pay for their own clean energy or pay fees to ratepayers, and adhere to water, air and community engagement standards

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed an Executive Order giving communities a voice and protecting them against irresponsible data center development and higher energy bills.  Under Governor Healey’s Executive Order, if a data center doesn’t have local approval, state permitting agencies will not advance the project. 

The Governor also directed state agencies to require data centers to comply with her comprehensive Data Center Framework, including bringing their own clean energy supply, protecting water resources and engaging transparently with the surrounding communities. The Executive Order establishes a dedicated Ratepayer Protection Fund, under which data centers that do not bring their own clean energy would be forced to pay a fee that will be returned to ratepayers.

“Unless a community says yes to a data center, we are saying no,” said Governor Healey. “We’re giving communities a voice and laying out the rules for what needs to happen in Massachusetts. I’m also making sure these data centers use clean energy, and that we protect people from higher energy costs – including by returning money directly back to ratepayers.” 

 

“Data centers can afford to pay for their own clean energy and infrastructure, and we’re going to make sure they do,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “A data center should invest in Massachusetts – bringing new clean energy and paying for the infrastructure to get it there. And if not, they need to be accountable to ratepayers. We’ve seen ratepayers in other states foot the bill for data centers. That won’t be acceptable in Massachusetts.”

Under Governor Healey’s Executive Order, data centers will need a community benefits agreement with the host community that meets state standards before moving forward with any state permitting processes. Governor Healey is also prohibiting the use of non-disclosure agreements between state agencies and data centers to ensure a transparent and fair approval process.

Governor Healey’s Data Center Framework is one of the most comprehensive in the nation. The framework outlines expectations for data center developers, including that they must fund the full cost of the energy infrastructure and clean energy supply needed to support the project, protect the surrounding environment, water systems, and public health and safety, and ensure that local businesses and residents can benefit from job creation and other investments. 

Today’s Executive Order directs the state’s permitting agencies to require proposed data center projects with peak electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts to demonstrate they are in compliance with the Governor’s framework before granting their permits.

The Executive Order outlines major protections for ratepayers from data center energy use. Governor Healey calls for the establishment of a Ratepayer Protection Fund. Her order calls for data centers to meet their energy needs with clean energy and pay for the necessary energy infrastructure. If electricity costs are not fully covered by the company, it would be required to pay into the Ratepayer Protection Fund, which would be returned back to customers. 

Massachusetts Needs High Tech, Life Sciences, Defense, Energy, and Space Development, Not Data Centers

HAMILTON, Mass. — Massachusetts families pay the second-highest electric bills in the country. Data centers consume enormous amounts of power and put even more demand on our electric grid that already requires a massive infrastructure overhaul to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts families need lower electric bills.

That means:

• No expanded data centers in Massachusetts at this time. The Commonwealth should not invite data centers to increase demand on our grid, driving up costs for existing ratepayers. Existing data centers need to provide energy support to the community and water purification in their operations.

• Mike Minogue’s priority will be to lease or sell state land, not conservation land, to developers, builders, and companies, with a focus on affordable housing and manufacturing and investment in high tech, life sciences, defense, energy, and space development. With robotics, automation, and AI, Massachusetts can once again become a leader in manufacturing worldwide.

• Bring in natural gas pipelines. Massachusetts needs reliable, affordable energy suppliers, and expanding our natural gas pipeline capacity can help ensure we have adequate supply and lower energy costs.

• Eliminate unnecessary mandated climate utility fees accounting for one-third of the monthly bill. Families should not be forced to pay unfunded, unachievable Net Zero mandates that add fees and programs to their monthly utility bills. If we want to make electricity more affordable, we need to take costs off the bill.

• Eliminate the state’s Net Zero mandate. Energy policy should be driven by affordability, reliability, and common sense. Massachusetts should repeal costly Net Zero requirements that add additional taxes and costs to household budgets.

Massachusetts families should not be forced to choose between heating their homes this winter or paying other basic household expenses because of political energy policies that have made electricity unaffordable.

Massachusetts should not be building out its electric system to accommodate massive corporate data centers while residents are struggling with their monthly utility bills.

The priority is simple: lower electric bills for Massachusetts families now

Massachusetts Releases Full Investigating History Curriculum for Grades 3–7

Massachusetts Releases Full Investigating History Curriculum for Grades 3–7 Free, state-developed curriculum is already in use in more than 100 school districts EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the release of Investigating History, a free, comprehensive, social studies curriculum for grades 3–7 developed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).    The 2026–2027 school year marks the first time the full suite of materials is available, including newly published courses for grades 3 and 4 and a revised grade 5 course. The curriculum was developed and refined over six years in collaboration with educators, curriculum developers and history scholars from across Massachusetts.   “Massachusetts has always understood that history and civic participation go hand in hand,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Investigating History gives students the knowledge and critical-thinking skills to understand the world around them and participate in their communities. I’m proud that Massachusetts educators helped develop this free curriculum and that it is already reaching students in more than 100 school districts.”   “Great social studies lessons do more than teach names and dates. They challenge students to ask questions, examine evidence and understand different perspectives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Investigating History gives teachers engaging, high-quality materials to help students become informed and active members of their communities.”   “Making the complete Investigating History curriculum available gives educators a high-quality resource for building students’ knowledge and skills over multiple years,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “That is exactly the kind of learning we want to encourage through our Vision of a Massachusetts Graduate—learning that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills and supports our commitment to civic readiness.”    “As districts look for history and social science curricula that are aligned to Massachusetts standards, we’re pleased that many are already using Investigating History,” Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez said. “This resource helps teachers make history education engaging and meaningful.”  Aligned with the state’s 2018 History and Social Science Framework, Investigating History uses questions, primary and secondary sources, maps, images and other materials to help students develop a deeper understanding of the past and present.   The curriculum includes local history and government, American history, world geography and ancient societies. More than 400 educators piloted the materials, which are now in use in more than 100 Massachusetts school districts. Recent revisions also strengthened access for all students, including multilingual learners.   The curriculum is available online at no cost to schools and districts. DESE also provides implementation resources and connects educators with professional development opportunities to help bring the curriculum into their classrooms.   More information about Investigating History is available at the link above.

Governor Healey Demands Trump Administration Extend Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans

Governor Healey Demands Trump Administration Extend Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey demanded that the Trump Administration extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadoran nationals currently living and working in the United States, which has been in place since 2001 but is set to expire on Wednesday. Governor Healey emphasized to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that Salvadoran TPS holders play an essential role in the United States economy and workforce. There are more than 170,000 Salvadoran TPS holders across the United States currently authorized to work through their TPS Status, including nearly 8,000 in Massachusetts.

“Salvadoran TPS holders have been making Massachusetts their home for more than 20 years, fleeing dangerous conditions caused by earthquakes and instability. They have opened businesses, bought homes and become a strong foundation of our workforce,” said Governor Healey. “The sudden loss of their legal status will have devastating consequences for these families and our economy, as we have already seen with other groups that have had their status taken away by this President. This is another cruel step from the Trump Administration that makes no sense, and it needs to be reversed immediately.”

Thousands of Salvadoran TPS holders are deeply embedded in industries that are essential to the Massachusetts economy, including healthcare, hospitality, landscaping, construction and food services. The loss of their work authorization would create significant workforce disruptions, place additional strain on employers already facing labor shortages, and impact businesses statewide.

Nationwide, TPS-eligible Salvadorans contribute $5.4 billion annually to the U.S. economy. They pay taxes, contribute to Social Security and Medicare, and spend their earnings in local businesses. Many are homeowners and parents of U.S.-citizen children. 

Governor Healey’s full letter is available here.

Governor Healey has been a strong advocate for TPS holders, including Haitians, Syrians, Hondurans, and Venezuelans, and the employers who rely on them. In January, she urged then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, citing the critical role TPS holders play in Massachusetts' workforce, economy and health care system. She has also convened business leaders to discuss the impacts of President Trump's immigration policies, including the termination of TPS, on Massachusetts employers and the economy. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision allowing President Trump to end TPS for Haitians, she held a press conference with Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and community leaders to call for continued protections and called on Congress to pass legislation extending TPS for Haitians. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also provided guidance and training to hundreds of employers and directed state agencies to support impacted workers, employers and communities with information and resources while continuing to urge federal action.

The United Way of Massachusetts Bay has activated the United Response Fund to support community organizations providing emergency assistance to families impacted by the expiration of TPS. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting these efforts can learn more at United Response Fund - United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

麻州長頒佈新「保護法」指南 醫護，雇主、執法人員及州政府機構須遵循

        (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長希利（Maura Healey）今（8）日發布「保護法（PROTECTAct）」新指引，要求州政府、醫療機構、警察、雇主即日起配合執行，限制移民局（ICE）在非公共區逮捕移民，雇主接獲查驗通知也必須在48小時內書面告知員工。

        新指引明白規定，除非ICE人員持有法官簽發的令狀或面對立即性的健康或公共安全威脅，否則禁止在州政府建築物的非公共區域（如辦公區、員工通道）執行民事逮捕。

        麻州行政與財政辦公室（A&F）要求各機構盤點所屬物業，標示「非公共區域」，確保民眾使用服務時免於恐懼。醫療機構方面，衛生與公共服務部（EOHHS）及公共衛生部（DPH）發佈範本，規定醫院、社區健康中心、護理之家等場所須在10月4日前訂定內部應對流程，禁止沒有法院命令者在診療區、談話室等非公開空間執行移民法。

        警方訓練教材也同步更新，明確規定麻州警察不得過問或記錄民眾的移民身份，也不能動用州資源幫ICE抓人，更不得因移民拘留令而延長嫌犯羈押時間。

        雇主若接到ICE要查I-9員工身份文件的通知，必須在兩天內用員工看得懂的語言，個別書面通知每個人，貼公告不算數。勞工單位已提供通知範本供企業使用。

        麻州的這項法案被視為全美最嚴格的移民保護措施之一，州政府後續將持續輔導各單位落實。

Governor Healey Issues PROTECT Act Guidance for Health Care Providers, Employers, Law Enforcement and State Agencies

New resources provide clear guidance as additional protections against ICE tactics take effect

BOSTON- Governor Maura Healey today released new guidance and resources to implement the PROTECT Act, providing state government actors, health care providers, law enforcement agencies, and employers with clear direction as additional protections for residents under the law take effect.

The new guidance addresses protections for nonpublic areas of state property and in health care facilities, limits state and local law enforcement participation in civil immigration enforcement, and a new state law requirement for employers to notify workers in writing if ICE is going to inspect employee records.

“We passed the PROTECT Act to keep people safe from the dangerous tactics we are seeing from ICE here in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This guidance makes clear what officials across state government, health care providers, law enforcement agencies, and employers need to know and do if they come across ICE. The PROTECT Act is about keeping our communities safe, protecting people’s rights and preserving the trust that allows people to seek care, report crimes and access the services they rely on.”

“The PROTECT Act gives communities across Massachusetts important protections, and this guidance helps turn those protections into practice,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our employers, health care providers, law enforcement officers and state employees are on the front lines serving people every day. We want to make sure they have the clarity and support they need to do their jobs, keep people safe and continue providing the services that families and communities depend on.”

Governor Healey signed the PROTECT Act on August 5, establishing some of the strongest protections in the nation against abuses by federal immigration authorities. The law limits civil arrests in courthouses, schools, child care programs, nursing homes and nonpublic areas of health care facilities; restricts the use of state property for civil law enforcement; strictly limits state and local participation in civil immigration enforcement; strengthens protections for workers and families; and creates a state civil rights remedy for constitutional violations.

The guidance released today includes: 

State Property 

Governor Healey and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) issued statewide guidelines limiting civil law enforcement activity in nonpublic areas of state property.

Under the guidelines, civil law enforcement activities, including civil arrests, are prohibited in designated nonpublic areas of state buildings and other property, unless they are required by state or federal law or to administer a state or federally supported program, authorized by a valid judicial warrant or judicial order, or necessary to address a specific and immediate health or safety threat. 

The Act applies broadly to any property owned, leased, occupied, controlled by or used for business by the Commonwealth, except courthouses. The guidelines instruct state agencies and other Commonwealth offices to review their property portfolio and designate areas as “nonpublic,” with the goal of preserving access to essential public service and the ability to conduct business with the state, without fear or intimidation. 

“We, as an administration, take the health and safety of residents of Massachusetts seriously,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “No one should be afraid to access state buildings or the government services to which they are entitled. These guidelines will ensure people feel safe and protected by their state government.”

Health Care Facilities

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), Department of Public Health (DPH), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and MassHealth developed guidance and a model policy to help health care providers implement new protections for nonpublic areas of their service sites. The law requires covered providers to establish policies for interactions with law enforcement engaged in civil law enforcement, including federal immigration enforcement, within 30 days of today.   

“No one should have to weigh their health and safety against the fear of immigration enforcement,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “The PROTECT Act will help residents maintain access to services they need, and ensure that places where people go for care will remain a trusted resource.”

The requirements apply to a broad range of providers, including hospitals, community health centers, clinics, mobile clinics, nursing and rest homes, emergency medical services, adult day health centers, substance use disorder treatment programs, certain physician and advanced practice nursing practices, providers serving people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and certain MassHealth day habilitation providers.

Under the Act, certain covered providers must designate a point of contact for interactions with civil law enforcement, identify nonpublic areas where people receive care or discuss protected health information, or that are otherwise not open to the public, and establish procedures so staff, volunteers, and administrators know how to respond to requests from civil law enforcement. Civil arrests are not allowed in those designated nonpublic areas without a judicial warrant, except as otherwise required by law or to administer a state or federally supported program. Covered providers required to adopt a policy under the Act must do so by October 4. Today’s release of guidance and a model policy by the Healey-Driscoll Administrations is designed to assist in those efforts.

Law Enforcement and Civil Immigration Enforcement

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) and Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) developed new roll call training materials to help police officers, dispatchers, records staff and other law enforcement personnel understand the PROTECT Act’s requirements and how they apply to day-to-day public safety work. 

Beginning today, the law limits when state and local law enforcement may inquire about, record, share or act on a person’s immigration or citizenship status. It also restricts the use of state and local personnel, facilities, equipment and other public resources to conduct or participate in federal civil immigration enforcement and prohibits holding someone past the time they are otherwise eligible for release based solely on an immigration detainer.

The guidance makes equally clear what the PROTECT Act does not change. Massachusetts law enforcement can continue investigating and enforcing criminal laws, making lawful arrests with a judicial warrant, conducting booking procedures, keeping the peace, responding to emergencies and working with federal, state and local partners on criminal investigations. 

If a crime or breach of the peace occurs during a federal civil immigration operation, officers may respond to address the public safety issue while remaining separate from the civil immigration enforcement activity itself.

Notice to Employees of I-9 Inspections

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD), Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) and Attorney General’s Office issued guidance to help Massachusetts employers comply with a new state law requirement to notify employees of upcoming inspections of I-9 employment eligibility records by ICE.

Under the PROTECT Act, Massachusetts employers must provide employees with written notice within 48 hours of receiving a Notice of Inspection from ICE for I-9 forms or other employment records, except where otherwise required by federal law. 

The Administration is also providing employers with a sample notice that can be used or modified to comply with the law. Notice must be provided individually to employees and should be provided in the employee’s primary language; posting a notice at the workplace alone does not satisfy the requirement.

“This guidance gives employers clear steps to follow while ensuring workers receive timely and accurate information,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “By making sure employers and employees are informed, we are strengthening workplace protections and helping employers across the state understand and meet their responsibilities under the PROTECT Act.”

Today’s guidance builds on guidance released by Governor Healey last month to help K-12 schools and child care programs implement the PROTECT Act. Those resources provided model policies and procedures for responding to civil law enforcement, reviewing requests for access, protecting confidential information and communicating with students and families.

Earlier this year, Governor Healey also signed Executive Order 650 to protect access to essential state services and issued statewide guidance to schools, child care providers, colleges and universities, health care facilities and places of worship on interacting with federal immigration enforcement.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration will continue working with state agencies, employers, health care providers, law enforcement and communities across Massachusetts to fully implement the PROTECT Act and ensure its protections are carried out effectively statewide.

波士頓勞工節大遊行 數千人上街頭呼籲問責億萬富翁

圖片來自臉書

圖片來自麻州州長推特‘。

     (Boston Orange編譯) 數以千計工會成員，民主黨政要及民眾，在9月7日勞工節這天，浩浩蕩蕩走上街頭遊行，高舉各種標語牌，從柯普利廣場（Copley Square）出發，沿路呼籲保護選舉，紓緩經濟，問責億萬富豪。

    勞工節這天，大波士頓勞工協會（Greater Boston Labor Council）以前每年都公園廣場酒店（Park Plaza Hotel）舉辦早餐會，為勞工伸張權益，最近這2年卻在勞資糾紛漸多的情況中，改成了遊行示威。

圖片來自波士頓市府 ，John Wilcox攝

    今年的波士頓勞工節大遊行，共有50多個本地工會參加，議題焦點包括安可波士頓港賭場（Encore Boston Harbor）1,300多名員工上週五開始罷工，要求比照區域飯店標準調薪；麻省總醫院布萊根醫療系統（Mass General Brigham, MGB）護理師工會的4,000多名護理師，7月發動7天罷工，合約談判卻迄未落幕。今年首度以獲認可談判團體身份參加，代表麻州7萬多名司機的「外送與網約車司機工會（App Drivers Union）」，預計本月下旬將與Uber和Lyft展開第三輪談判。

圖片來自波士頓市府 ，John Wilcox攝

    麻州護理師工會（Massachusetts Nurses Association）成員們這天還聚集在Clarendon 街200號貝恩資本（Bain Capital ）門外，藉以向MGB董事，既是億萬富豪，也是貝恩資本董事會主席的John Connaughton喊話。護理師公會主席Katie Murphy説，這遊行其實有著更宏大的使命意義，因為這其實是寡頭政商正在危及民主。

    多位民主黨重量級政治人物，這天都現身力挺工會成員，包括聯邦參議員伊莉莎白華倫（Elizabeth Warren）、馬基（Ed Markey）、聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley，麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey），副州長Kim Driscoll，波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu），麻州AFL-CIO會長Chrissy Lynch，大波士頓勞工協會會長Darlene Lombos等人。

剛贏得國會第六區民主黨初選的Dan Koh和波士頓市長吳弭，舊識喜相逢。
（圖片來自Dan Koh 臉書）

    奚莉州長發言時，砲轟共和黨籍州長候選人米諾格（Mike Minogue）是「脫節的億萬富豪」，質疑其政策損害勞工權益；米諾格則在社交媒體上祝賀勞工節，主張透過減少政府干預與發揮商業經驗來增加就業機會。

Dan Koh抓住機會和聯邦參議員Ed Markey交換意見。（圖片來自Dan Koh 臉書）

    吳弭市長在遊行後表示，這天是全國慶祝勞工貢獻的日子，在波士頓“我們每天都向勞工致敬”。她也藉此機會為她支持Daniel Lander挑戰在為麻州參議員William N. Brownsberger的行動喊話的「這遊行提醒了每個人，當我們組織起來，我們能送出更大的訊息，並為我們的未來而戰」。

“Workers Over Billionaires” March Draws Thousands to Boston on Labor Day

 

Greater Boston Labor Council’s second annual Labor Day Parade calls for election protections, economic relief, and billionaire accountability

BOSTON, MA – This Labor Day, thousands of union members, workers, and community allies marched through Boston behind a banner reading “Workers Over Billionaires.” They called for election protections, economic relief, and greater accountability for billionaires and corporations.

 

The event came amid significant worker organizing across Massachusetts. More than 1,300 Encore Boston Harbor workers began striking on Friday, September 4, for improved wages, benefits, and workplace protections. Earlier this summer, approximately 4,500 Brigham and Women’s Hospital nurses and Mass General Brigham Home Care clinicians participated in the largest coordinated strike of nurses and healthcare professionals in Massachusetts history.

“Despite rising costs and economic turmoil, worker organizing and worker actions are on the rise. Last July, 4,500 nurses at Mass General Brigham held the largest healthcare strike ever in Massachusetts! And last Friday, over 1,000 workers went on strike at Encore and are right now, as we speak, on the picket line,” said Darlene Lombos, President of the Greater Boston Labor Council.

“And for the first time in history, the App Drivers Union is now finally at the bargaining table, after years of hard work and dedication. In countless ways, workers are taking collective action to demand dignity at work and our fair share of an economy that’s enriching billionaires and tech giants at the expense of the people.”

“We march out of necessity, because organizing for our rights is a battle that never ends," said Tim Driscoll, President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. “Rights aren’t handed down as a charity by the powerful. They’re fought and won by working people, standing together for the common good. And right here in Boston we’re witnessing what happens when local leaders join with organized labor to build this common good.”

 

“Every right that we have on the job that we celebrate on Labor Day: the eight-hour workday, the weekend, the overtime, health and safety standards, healthcare, retirement benefits, job security, you name it. It was won by American people just like you,” said Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. “We ask for the rules to keep our jobs and our data and our privacy safe from greedy tech corporations, and they say, ‘Oh, no, you’ll stifle competitiveness.’ We say you make Massachusetts competitive by prioritizing working-class people.”

 

"Workers' rights are human rights. Because when we fight for that worker, that worker represents a family in a community,” said Chaton Green, General Agent of the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions. “Unions raise the standard everywhere we go, whether it’s on a job site, in a community, or all across this whole city.”

 

“We’re here today organized for what workers have earned. They’ve earned power,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey. “And even when times are tough, like right now, when our communities and our values are under attack, we stand up and fight back. America’s middle class was built by union families, like my family in Malden.”

   

“In Massachusetts, we are a union state, and I am a proud union, proud labor governor. That’s why I said we’re going to have PLAs on the biggest projects, because we know with PLAs the work is done. Highest quality, on time, ahead of schedule sometimes, and under budget. That’s a PLA,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “We don’t have an economy without strong support for labor, and the workers out there delivering and driving it every single day.”

 

“Our service workers, our building trades, our electricians, our educators, our custodians, our drivers, our carpenters. There is nothing that labor cannot do. This city needs you,” said U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. “This Commonwealth needs you. And no man, no self-proclaimed king, no nepo baby billionaire, no greedy fat cat — as long as I’m on the job — is going to stop you from getting what you deserve.”

 

“Today, we celebrate the power of the labor movement. Generations of courage and sacrifice and sheer grit that have given us so many of the protections we take for granted today. But we also gather here in historic space to remind ourselves and the whole world that the fight is still on,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “For housing affordability, for technology to serve people and not profits. For protections, immigrant neighbors, Black and brown workers, and all of our community members, all that is under attack right now. We stand together; we have each other’s backs.”

 

Massachusetts app-based drivers also achieved a historic organizing victory this year when the App Drivers Union was certified as the bargaining representative for nearly 70,000 Uber and Lyft drivers across the state.

 

As marchers gathered, the MGB Union Coalition rallied outside Bain Capital at 200 Clarendon Street. The coalition includes healthcare workers represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, 1199SEIU, the Committee of Interns and Residents, and the Doctors Council. Workers called attention to Bain Capital Billionaire Chair John Connaughton’s position on the Mass General Brigham Board as healthcare workers continue fighting for fair contracts and workplace protections.

 

“MGB clinicians are fighting for safe patient caseloads, reasonable productivity standards, and competitive wages so they can safely care for their patients in their homes,” said Katie Murphy, MNA President and Brigham and Women's Hospital Nurse. “What has MGB done since the strikes? The billionaires and multimillionaires who run MGB have repeatedly refused to negotiate. When working people stand together, we have the power to change the world for the better.”

 

Organized by the Greater Boston Labor Council (GBLC), Boston’s second annual Labor Day Parade replaced the city’s customary Labor Day Breakfast at the Park Plaza with a public celebration of working people and a demonstration of the labor movement’s commitment to protecting workers and democracy.