州政府250補助項目將撥款150萬元 慶祝麻州250週年

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Massachusetts 250 Grant Program to Support Projects that Commemorate American Revolution  

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a new competitive grant program to support projects that tell the diverse stories of the American Revolution in Massachusetts as the country celebrates its 250^th anniversary beginning in 2025. The Massachusetts 250 Grant Program, administered through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) within the Executive Office of Economic Development, will fund projects that highlight historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant "firsts" in Massachusetts history, and take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating the state’s past 250 years.   

“By investing in projects that celebrate Massachusetts’ rich history, we're honoring our past and creating a vibrant future for our state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants are a tangible example of how we can work together to strengthen our economy, support our communities, and showcase Massachusetts’ storied history as a global leader while commemorating the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution.”  

“The Massachusetts 250 grants will provide essential funding for projects that highlight diverse perspectives and stories, ensuring that everyone feels represented and valued in our revolutionary history,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants are a catalyst for creating a more inclusive and welcoming Massachusetts.”  

MOTT anticipates awarding up to $1.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 through the Massachusetts 250 Grant Program. Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $100,000 and funding can be used for both programming and marketing initiatives.    

“By stimulating tourism and supporting local businesses, these grants will create jobs, generate revenue, and strengthen our communities,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We are eager to see how these projects will connect with the public and drive visitors to our state to celebrate our nation’s 250^th anniversary with us.”  

“The Massachusetts 250 grants are fueling a wave of exciting new experiences that will make our state the ultimate playground for history buffs and adventure seekers alike,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “From revolutionary reenactments to hidden gem tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy.”   

Applications are due August 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Municipalities, public agencies, tribal entities and nonprofit organizations operating in Massachusetts are encouraged to apply. For more information, join MOTT for an informational webinar on August 6 at 2:00 p.m. or visit www.visitma.com/ma250-grants.  

麻州長簽署工資公平法 員工100人以上企業將須繳交薪資報告

Governor Healey Signs Wage Equity Legislation 

Bill requires employers to post pay ranges, improves data collection on gender and racial wage gaps  

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey today signed into law An Act relative to salary range transparency (H.4890), which increases equity and transparency in pay by requiring employers to disclose salary ranges and protecting an employee’s right to ask for salary ranges.  

“I have long supported wage equity legislation and, as Attorney General, I was proud to work together with the business community to implement the 2016 Equal Pay Act,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This new law is an important next step toward closing wage gaps, especially for People of Color and women. It will also strengthen the ability of Massachusetts employers to build diverse, talented teams. I want to thank the Legislature, advocates, labor unions, and the business community for their hard work to see this through.”  

“Massachusetts has always taken seriously our responsibility to ensure pay equity, from the 2016 Equal Pay Act to today’s wage equity legislation,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Not only is this the right thing to do for our workers, but it’s also going to strengthen our economy and ability to compete for the best talent.”  

“Massachusetts is among early adopters to lead on this effort, demonstrating how working together with government, businesses, labor, and advocates will move us forward in tackling gender and racial wage disparities and inequities within the workplace,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “As this policy is implemented, the Healey-Driscoll administration looks forward to working with employers to leverage this as a new tool to attract and retain skilled, diverse talent committed to growing their professions right here in Massachusetts.”  

The legislation requires public and private employers with 25 or more employees to disclose pay ranges in job postings, provide the pay range of a position to an employee who is offered a promotion or transfer and, on request, provide the pay range to employees who already hold that position or are applying for it. The Attorney General’s Office will conduct a public awareness campaign on these new rules.    

The Attorney General’s Office will also be given enforcement authority and the ability to impose fines or civil citations for violations of this law, and employees will receive protections against retaliation for asking for salary ranges when applying for a job or promotion. 

The legislation also requires public and private employers with 100 or more employees to submit wage data reports to the state, which will then be published through aggregate wage reports by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.  

"With the signing of this legislation, Massachusetts is one step closer to ensuring equal pay for equal work,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Pay transparency will not only make our workplaces more equitable, it will also make Massachusetts more competitive with other states. I’d like to thank Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka and Leader Gregoire, as well as all members of the House and the Senate, for their important work on this legislation.”  

“This is simple: everyone deserves equal pay for equal work, regardless of your gender, race, ethnicity, or background,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It is far too common for women and people of color to be paid less than their coworkers nationwide, and Massachusetts is not immune. With the Governor’s signature, our state stands united behind every worker—and with every business—in our steadfast commitment to the fundamental principle that every person has the right to be treated and compensated fairly in the workplace. I’m thankful to Governor Healey for her signature, Senator Jehlen for her work on the conference committee, each of the conferees, Speaker Mariano, and our partners in the House for their work on this critical legislation.”  

“I’m grateful Governor Healey is signing this bill today. This was a priority for the legislature and the Governor. The 2016 Equal Pay Act was a huge step forward in closing pay gaps and it worked. Recent studies show significant increases in pay for women and people of color as a result of the act,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Middlesex). “This bill takes the next steps: job seekers, especially women and people of color, will enter wage negotiations with more information to secure better offers. With the data collected we’ll learn about inequities that persist and be able to identify ways to solve them.”  

“I am grateful that this crucial legislation, which provides critical updates to the Equal Pay Act of 2016, has been signed into law. Salary range transparency and improved wage and workforce data collection will help identify gender and racial wage gaps so that we may continue to do the work of leveling the playing field in the workplace,” said Floor Division Chair Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough). “I would like to thank my fellow conferees, especially my Senate counterpart, Senator Jehlen, and Representatives Brandy Fluker Oakley and Hannah Kane along with Speaker Mariano for their commitment to guiding this important legislation across the finish line.”  

"I am proud that we as a Commonwealth are taking concrete and nation-leading steps to close long-standing gender and racial wage gaps that persist across our economy," said Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough), Senate Conferee and sponsor of wage transparency legislation that was folded into the underlying bill. "These gaps not only erode the integrity of work in the Commonwealth but also continue to exacerbate an uneven economy for working people, especially women and people of color who have historically faced persistent and glaring inequities in the workplace. By bringing partners in labor, business and community together to establish common sense wage and workplace transparency, we will ensure Massachusetts can continue attracting and retaining diverse and skilled workers that enable our Commonwealth to compete and thrive. With the signing of this bill, workers are empowered and businesses are supported."  

"Making real progress toward justice and equality means we must not only see the importance of wage equity, especially for women and people of color, but also take action to achieve it," said Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley (D-Mattapan). "Now that the bill is on Governor Healey's desk, ready to be signed into law, we have a key opportunity to empower individuals and strengthen our communities. Ensuring wage equity will help everyone thrive and contribute to a fairer future."  

“I am very optimistic that this legislation which promotes equity and fairness within our Commonwealth has made it to the Governor’s desk. This law will solidify what the Massachusetts workforce is entitled to in accessing imperative information regarding salary ranges, fostering a job market which will offer increased inclusivity and transparency,” said Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth), a Senate Conferee. “Requiring employers to disclose pay ranges, alongside publicizing aggregate wage data information is an important step forward in closing the gendered and racial wage gap. I do look forward to the opportunity to continue working to advance important reforms in pay equity. Ensuring equal opportunity for all Massachusetts workers is beneficial not just to those employees of the state, but to our overall economy. I’d like to thank all members of the Conference Committee and Governor Healey for their combined efforts regarding this law.”  

“As the House Chair of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (MCWL), I am thrilled to see one of the Caucus’ legislative priorities signed into law by Governor Healey,” said Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “This bill is an essential step toward gender and racial equity in the workplace, and will help ensure that women, especially women of color, are paid fairly. On behalf of the MCWL, I thank House and Senate leadership, and the many advocates for this legislation, for all their work to make salary transparency the law in Massachusetts.”  

"I am grateful to my colleagues and the governor for getting this bill done,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D- Salem) and Senate Chair of the Women's Caucus. “This bill marks a crucial step forward for transparent advertising in job postings that will help close the equity gap in fair and open hiring practices, to assure applicants and prospective hires are treated equally as they make future career choices.” 

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Sign $57.78 Billion Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

 Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Sign $57.78 Billion Fiscal Year 2025 Budget 

Sustainable, Balanced Spending Plan Delivers Transformative Education, Infrastructure, Transportation Initiatives   

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) state budget, a $57.78 billion plan that builds on the many strengths of the Massachusetts economy and addresses some of the state’s biggest challenges. The budget is balanced, responsibly controls spending growth and protects taxpayer dollars.    

The budget includes transformative investments to strengthen Massachusetts’ national leadership in education. It includes funding for Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch Initiative, a nation-leading strategy to expand access to evidence-based reading instruction for Massachusetts students. It continues to support $475 million in Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants for early education and care providers and makes this program permanent. Massachusetts is the only state in the nation to continue funding this vital program at the same level that the federal government did. The budget also makes community college free for all students through the MassEducate program. This builds on the success of MassReconnect, Governor Healey’s initiative to make community college free for students aged 25 and older, which drove a 45 percent increase in enrollment for this age group last year. The budget also fully funds the Student Opportunity Act. 

Additionally, for the second year in a row, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is dedicating 1 percent of the overall budget to energy and the environment. This investment further positions Massachusetts to be a global leader in the burgeoning clean energy economy and strengthens the state’s climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation efforts, including boosted funding for dams, culverts, and small bridges. The budget also creates a new Disaster Relief and Resilience Fund to improve the state’s ability to respond to natural disasters, such as the catastrophic flooding that impacted municipalities, farms and businesses last year. 

The FY25 budget also seeks to address some of the greatest challenges holding Massachusetts residents back, particularly through improvements to transportation and infrastructure. It directs the highest levels of funding in 20 years to the MBTA, including doubling operational support, creating a first-of-its-kind Low-Income Fares Program, and authorizing $250 million for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF) to unlock an estimated $1.1 billion for transportation capital projects, including for the MBTA’s Track Improvement Program. It also supports year-round, fare free service at the state’s Regional Transit Authorities.  

“Massachusetts is the leader in innovation and education, the best place to raise your family or grow a business. But we also face challenges, so we aren’t resting – we’re going on offense,” said Governor Healey. “This budget delivers on our shared priorities and drives our state forward with urgency and purpose. It invests in areas that we are already leading on and makes them better – including our #1 ranked schools and our nation-leading child care strategy. We’re also tackling our biggest challenges by lowering household costs and improving transportation. We’re doing all of this responsibly, staying within our means and in line with the rate of inflation. I’m grateful to Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues, and all of our partners in the Legislature for their hard work on this transformative budget.” 

“The investments in this budget will make it easier for people to afford to live and work here in Massachusetts, while also making us more a competitive place for employers to stay and grow here,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m also proud that this budget continues our strong support for municipalities, from local aid to fully funding the Student Opportunity Act.” 

By fully accounting for another year of the historic tax cuts enacted by the Governor and Legislature last year, the FY25 budget extends Massachusetts’s competitive advantage and supports seniors, families, renters, and others across the state struggling with high costs. 

The FY25 budget outlines $1.3 billion in strategic investments to improve transportation and education using the voter-approved Fair Share surtax. These include MassEducate, Literacy Launch, and funding for the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities. 

The FY25 budget supports the cities and towns that make Massachusetts a great place to live, raise a family, and run a business by growing unrestricted general government aid by 3 percent for the second year in a row.  

“We are proud to have worked with Chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues to deliver a balanced FY25 budget that controls spending and delivers crucial services,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “Collectively with our legislative partners, we understand the financial headwinds we are facing, and we are laying the building blocks now to ultimately make sure we can effectively manage spending and deliver the programs and services our residents expect within available resources.”  

“With historic investments in free community college, early education and care, and regional equity, Massachusetts has the tools it needs to provide hope and opportunity to each of our residents,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This budget is a vote of confidence in every Massachusetts resident going to school, raising a family, and working to make ends meet—as well as a blueprint for bringing equity and opportunity to every region and resident of our state. I’m grateful to Governor Healey for her signature, Chair Rodrigues, my Senate colleagues, Speaker Mariano, and our partners in the House.” 

“This budget takes a fiscally responsible approach to making meaningful investments in areas of significant need. I’m proud of the fact that the FY25 budget allocates key funding to better support Massachusetts students and families, to increase access to affordable health care, and to provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for their hard work and critical input throughout this process, a collective effort that has helped to produce a strong and responsible FY25 budget.” 

“The Fiscal Year 2025 budget the Governor signed today makes transformative investments in education, regional equity, and builds upon the Commonwealth’s workforce economy. These historic measures enable residents to remain in the state, solidifying our economic future for generations to come,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The FY 25 budget is also a balanced and responsible plan, centered on sustainability and regional equity by maximizing revenues and building upon the progress we’ve already made in key sectors of the state economy. With a transparent and inclusive amendment process, we were able to improve our original budget and make even further strides in our education, economic development, environmental, and health & human services priorities. I would like to thank House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz for their collaborative efforts in helping to develop and shape this comprehensive budget plan.” 

“The Fiscal Year 2025 that is signed today is truly a reflection of the best and most critical initiatives that were contained in the various budget proposals that have been presented this year. Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, food security, or early education the initiatives contained in this budget are a reflection of our shared values,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means (D-Boston). “By reinvesting in the people of the Commonwealth we will continue to assist those in need while making our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come.” 

Governor Healey is also proud to sign 258 of the 261 FY25 budget outside sections. Included in those sections is the Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund and a provision to allow individuals to amend their marriage licenses and birth certificates to accurately reflect their gender identity.  

The administration also authorized the closure and redevelopment of the MCI-Concord prison, saving the state $16 million and unlocking the property for housing and other new uses that will benefit Concord and the nearby region. Additional outside sections require insurance carriers to cover fertility preservation services for individuals with conditions that impair fertility; modernize the examination process for uniformed members of the State Police; and legalize online Lottery games.  

While the Massachusetts economy remains strong, the administration recognizes the ongoing need for fiscal responsibility and active risk management in FY25. The administration is therefore vetoing approximately $317 million in gross spending to help ensure that FY25 ends with a balanced budget.  

The Governor’s signing letter, veto message and returns will be available here soon. 

FY25 Budget Highlights  

Fair Share 

• $761.5 million for education 
• $239 million total for higher education, including $93.5 million for Mass Educate to build upon the success of Mass Reconnect and make community free for all, and $80 million for MassGrant Plus scholarships   
• $244 million for K-12 education, including $170 million to guarantee access to free school meals for students across the Commonwealth and $20 million for Literacy Launch  
• $278 million for early education and care, including $65 million for provider rates and $175 million to help support C3 grants  
• $538.5 million for transportation  
• $250 million transfer to Commonwealth Transportation Fund to leverage over $1 billion in borrowing for transformative infrastructure investment  
• $20 million for Fare Equity at the MBTA  
• $110 million for regional transit grants and free fares   
• $45 million in supplemental Chapter 90 funding for municipal roads and bridges  
• $10 million for MBTA Hiring Academy and recruitment initiatives 

Education and Local Aid  

• Fully funds the Student Opportunity Act with $6.86 billion for Chapter 70 funding, a 4 percent increase over FY24 
• A $104 increase in per pupil minimum aid 
• Provides $475 million in C3 grants to early education and care providers 
• $15 million for early educator scholarships and loan forgiveness  
• $85 million for child care provider rates, $20 million over FY24 for new rate increases to continue better covering the true cost of care  
• A 3 percent increase to Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) 
• $39 million for local and regional library aid 

Housing and Homelessness  

• $326 million in Emergency Assistance to contribute to the state’s ongoing shelter response   
• $219.2 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher program for low-income tenants   
• $57.3 million for HomeBASE to connect EA-eligible families with more permanent housing opportunities 

Economic Development  

• $7.5 million for the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program  
• $7.6 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance program   
• $3.7 million for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism   
• $600,000 for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative for municipalities looking to revitalize their downtowns   

Health and Human Services 

• Fully funds the Chapter 257 rate reserve for human service providers at $390 million  
• Expands Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Emergency Aid to the Elderly Disabled and Children through a 10 percent benefit increase to $496 million and $183 million, respectively  
• $124.1 million for the Department of Developmental Services Turning 22 Program 
• $40.0 million to increase base rates for nursing facility providers 
• $14.7 million for maternal health services, including a new $1.0 million investment for a doula certification program at the Department of Public Health 
• $5.5 million for Children’s Advocacy Centers, a $550 thousand increase over FY24 
• $2.0 million to fully support the Massachusetts Youth Diversion Program at the Department of Youth Services 

Energy and the Environment 

• Funds the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at $555 million, which hits the administration’s target of 1 percent of total budget and includes:  
• $10 million for Food Security Infrastructure Grants   
• $20 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to support wind technology, decarbonized homes, and workforce training programs in the clean energy industry  
• $8.7 million for environmental justice   
• $42.3 million for emergency food assistance  
• $14 million in consolidate net surplus to support new Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund 
• $1 million total for Dam Safety Technical Assistance to assist communities in addressing vulnerable dams 
• $2.8 million to fund critical work on small bridges and culverts  

Workforce Development 

• Provides $15.9 million for Summer Jobs Program for At-Risk Youth (Youthworks) to subsidize wages and facilitate career development for at-risk youth  
• Provides $9.6 million for Career Technical Institutes 
• Includes $3.3 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program  
• $8.9 million for MassHire Career Centers to provide regional workforce training and employee placement services across 29 locations   

 

Serving Our Veterans 

• Funds the Veterans’ Services at $193.5 million, an 11 percent increase from FY24 GAA   
• Provides historic levels of support for the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers’ Homes with a combined $87.4 million   

Criminal Justice and Public Safety 

• Savings of $16 million through the closure of MCI Concord 
• $5.3 million for Non-profit Security Grants 
• $13.3 million for gang prevention grants   

Technology and Cybersecurity 

• Codifies the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board, and the position of Chief IT Accessibility Officer (CIAO)  
• $4.2 million for technology modernization and hardware maintenance contracts  
• $700,000 for advanced threat protection software and other upgrades 

麻州長Healey簽署未來科技法 州民聯繫州政府今後更容易

              (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey )7月29日簽署「未來科技法 (FutureTech Act)」，將以12億3千萬元債信，支持未來5個會計年度內的州政府資訊科技現代化。

              此外還授權動用預期可得的4億元聯邦經費，用於健康及人民服務辦公室所主導的主要業務應用程式項目。

              奚莉州長表示，「未來科技法」將使民眾、社區和州政府的互動更為容易，還可現代化州政府的業務功能，保護資訊安全，並在利用諸如人工智慧等科技後，運作得更有效率。

              麻州副州長Kim Driscoll也表示，「未來科技法」將容許州政府支持諸如”地方市鎮光纖  (Municipal Fiber)”和”社區契約資訊科技補助 (Community Compact IT Grants)，確保麻州351個市鎮居民更為安全，和政府有更好聯繫。

              麻州資訊長暨科技服務廳廳長Jason Snyder表示，麻州的前門現在數位化了。麻州已經來到絕大多數居民和州政府的第一次互動發生在網上的時刻了。

              這法案代表麻州為整合不同部門的民眾體驗，在資訊科技邁向人工智能化上的重大投資。

              其中一項投資是「麻州數位路線圖 (Commonwealth Digital Roadmap)」，要標準化跨部門的使用者經驗，讓民眾以單一身分取得相關資訊及服務。州政府「身分存取管理 (Identity Access Management, 簡稱IAM)」的單一登入，已爭取到150萬名使用者。一旦經由在線聊 (live chat)，短訊 (SMS)，以及聊天機器人 (Chatbot)服務等新的和民眾溝通方式，將促進蔗平台的採納及互通性。

              「未來科技法」也支持”就業現代化轉型 (Employment Modernization Transformation, 簡稱EMT)”，為雇主及申請失業保險者提供新入口網站，來辦理州政府所面對的聘僱活動，簡化申辦流程，以對移動設備友善的設計，增加途徑，來讓民眾更容易上傳資訊。這法案也支持托兒照顧財務援助(CCFA)現代化計畫。

Governor Healey Signs FutureTech Act to Modernize IT Across State Government 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today signed into law An Act to provide for the future technology needs of Massachusetts, known as the FutureTech Act.The bill was filed by the Governor in January to modernize information technology systems across state government over the next five fiscal years.  

The bill signed today includes $1.23 billion in bond authorization to support current and future technology needs over the next five years, in addition to $400 million in authorization to spend anticipated federal funding for major business application projects led by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. 

“The FutureTech Act makes it easier for constituents and communities to interact with state government, while also modernizing our business functions and keeping our data secure. Because of this bill, state government can operate more efficiently and seize on the opportunity to engage with emerging technologies like AI,” said Governor Healey. “I'm grateful to the Legislature for passing this important bill and congratulate Secretary Snyder and his team for their hard work.” 

“The FutureTech Act plays a key role in our administration’s efforts to support our 351 cities and towns,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By supporting proven, highly effective grant programs like the Municipal Fiber and Community Compact IT Grants, we are ensuring that all our residents are safer and better-connected to government.”   

“The front door to government is now digital. We are now at a point where the vast majority of residents’ first interactions with state government are via the web,” said Massachusetts Chief Information Officer and Technology Services Secretary Jason Snyder. “This crucial legislation presents an opportunity to look forward and modernize the customer user experience to better deliver government services, while hardening our cyber defenses and making our residents and state IT systems safer.” 

The legislation represents significant IT capital investment to integrate the constituent experience across agencies, deliver on cybersecurity projects across the executive branch and fund future investments in Artificial Intelligence technology, while also providing funding and technical support to secretariats, agencies, public higher education institutions and municipalities. One such investment is the Commonwealth Digital Roadmap to standardize the user experience across state agencies with a single identity that proactively points users to relevant information and services. To date, the Identity Access Management (IAM) single sign-on has amassed nearly 1.5 million users around the state. Building out this platform to add more applications and launching new lines of constituent communication through live chat, SMS and chatbot services will promote increased adoption and interoperability of the platform.  

The FutureTech Act also supports the Employment Modernization Transformation (EMT), a project which will provide both employers and those seeking unemployment insurance with a new portal to conduct state-facing employment activities and facilitate a streamlined claims process for uploading information with a mobile-friendly design and increased accessibility features, making it easier to apply for unemployment assistance. It also supports the Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) Modernization project, which will update the business processes within CCFA to align with an updated user experience and replace or update the core technology systems managing the waitlist, application and eligibility determination, and payments. Updating the overall user experience will reduce barriers to families seeking assistance from the state, ease administrative burdens on child care providers and create greater operational efficiencies for the Department. Further, it supports the Enhanced Student Financial Aid Access project to simplify and streamline the state’s financial aid system, making it more user-friendly and accessible to apply for and receive the historic amount of higher education financial aid available. 

“I’m excited to see the Governor signing this bill into law. In partnership with Secretary Snyder and his team, the FutureTech Act will enable us to continue our important work with municipalities through Community Compact grants and take advantage of the opportunities that exist through the use of artificial intelligence to modernize, streamline and improve upon the delivery of government services to our constituents,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. 

“One of the main components to transforming Massachusetts’ education system includes updating our IT infrastructure to be more modern, flexible, accessible, and user-friendly. Today’s signing of the FutureTech Act will enable us to do just that for child care financial assistance and financial aid for higher education, helping families and students access the support they need to pay for education and care. I want to thank the Legislature for their partnership in this critical work,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.  

“It was an honor to join Governor Healey today as she signed the FutureTech Act. The administration has made transformative changes to child care financial assistance over the last year and a half that this investment will build upon, accelerating our efforts to create a safe, multilingual, mobile-friendly and simpler technology system. This is a win for children, families, and our child care providers,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. 

“Today with the Governor’s signature, we invest in a safer, more efficient, and modernized digital experience for residents and state employees alike,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our technology infrastructure is a lynchpin for nearly every service and resource our state delivers, and enhancing it is a fundamental step to increasing access and creating systems that work for everyone. I’m grateful for Governor Healey’s leadership on this legislation, the support of Senators, and to Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House.”  

“Ensuring that the Commonwealth is investing heavily in our technology infrastructure is critical, as protecting against cybersecurity threats, and enabling state agencies to operate with an increased level of efficiency, are vital aspects of our effort to make Massachusetts more safe, effective, and prepared in a world dominated by increasingly sophisticated technologies,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for filing and ultimately signing this legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and especially Chairman Finn for guiding this bill through the legislative process.” 

“This important legislation takes major steps towards improving the Commonwealth’s digital infrastructure,” said Bonding Committee Senate Chair Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell). “Because of these investments, the residents of Massachusetts will benefit from a safe and modern informational technology environment in all state agencies. I'm grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka and my colleagues on the conference committee for their collaboration in developing a final version of this legislation.” 

“Today's signing of the FutureTech Act marks a pivotal step forward in modernizing Massachusetts' IT infrastructure. These advancements will streamline state processes and significantly enhance the user experience for everyone interacting with state government,” said Bonding Committee House Chair Michael Finn (D-West Springfield). “I extend my gratitude to Governor Healey, Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for their steadfast commitment towards seeing this bill get accomplished this session.” 

In addition to meeting the current IT capital needs of state government, this legislation looks forward, funding future capital projects in artificial intelligence for state business and constituent experience improvement, in a secure ‘sandbox’ environment that is overseen by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS). In concert with the ongoing work of the Governor’s Strategic AI Task Force, this authorization gives Massachusetts a chance to widen its lead in the responsible development and use of AI technology in government. 

Finally, the FutureTech Act supports mission-critical grant programs to for municipal government, authorizing $30 million and $25 million respectively, for the Municipal Fiber and Community Compact Grant Programs. These programs allow municipalities to partner with the state to advance their IT infrastructure. The grants have funded municipal projects to improve connectivity within underserved areas, modernize cybersecurity systems, create new electronics records management systems, allow for e-permitting, and city and town website updates.  

“As our state advances in the digital age, it is crucial to maintain our digital infrastructure to support all regions, particularl rural communities that are often overlooked,” said Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi. “The FutureTech Act will improve the way government engages with residents online, ensuring that everyone has access to essential benefits for a healthy life in Massachusetts.”  

"The Governor's understanding of the importance of helping communities across the Commonwealth modernize their informational technology systems is demonstrated even further with the signing of the Future Tech Act,” said Oxford Town Manager Jen Callahan. “I can personally attest to the ongoing partnership between the State and municipalities and how critical it is in order to keep pace with the constant evolutions in IT infrastructure and systems security." 

As the state’s lead technology secretariat, EOTSS is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the Administration’s information technology activities and ensuring that all executive department agencies adhere to its published standards, policies, and procedures. This enterprise approach provides a single, comprehensive framework and ensures that the state is in alignment on all technology needs, including data privacy, cybersecurity risk management, and digital accessibility and equity. 

波士頓華埠牌樓公園今夏多姿采 華商會和華埠主街週末搬演節目

紐英崙養生舞協會表演擊鼓後合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓華埠社團和綠路保護會合作，一整個夏季秋初，在華埠牌樓旁安排有一系列活動，吸引人潮，促進華埠商機，更為華埠豐富休閒生活。7月27、28日這個週末，華埠主街和波士頓華商會就分別安排了紐英崙養生舞協會的舞蹈表演，以及譚達兒主持的卡拉OK演唱。

紐英崙養生舞協會表演扇舞。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓華埠牌樓在接下來的夏季秋初中，將推出的幾項大活動，分別為8月11日早上10點至下午5點，紐英崙中華公所主辦的華埠中秋節聯歡會，8月23至25日，下午5點至10點，由亞美社區發展協會 (ACDC) 主辦的牌坊露天電影節，以及華埠主街將於9月7日早上11點至下午5點半舉辦的中秋燈節 (Lantern Festival)。

              7月27日這天有華埠主街主辦的牌坊舞獅表演，這天由華林派演出，紐英崙養生舞協會也表演了擊鼓及扇舞。

華埠主街董事何遠光(左) 說明當天活動內容。(周菊子攝)

              7月28日下午2點開始，有波士頓華埠商會派出譚達兒主持，陳國航負責音響，湯瑞雲安排場地佈置的卡拉OK演唱。

              綠路保護會是一個非牟利組織，負責維護長1.5英里，佔地17英畝，橫跨華埠、金融區、水前區及北端，「大挖 (Big Dig)」工程拆除John F. Fitzgerald 快速道路後所建，2008年10月正式啟用的綠路。

譚達兒為波士頓華埠商會主持卡拉OK。(周菊子攝)

陳國航(中)為波士頓華埠商會活動管音響。(周菊子攝)

                      綠路保護會共有19名董事，其中至少4名為亞裔，包括書記Rebecca A. Lee，董事Wilson Sonsini的合夥人Jennifer Fang，畢馬威執行董事Linda See，以及日裔的道富集團企業公民主管Midori Morikawa。

根據該會網站，在這條路上共有18處公園，其中3個就在波士頓華埠牌樓旁，包括司徒麗英公園 (Mary Soo Hoo)，陳毓禮叔叔及黃杏蓉阿姨公園 (Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin)，以及一個觀賞花園 (Viewing)。

                      綠路保護會和波士頓華埠多個機構合作，在夏季秋初的長達3個月期間，安排有許多活動。

華埠主街負責籌辦的有牌坊舞獅表演，從7月13日起，由胡炳超師傅及Sorat Ly主掌的超武館揭開序幕後，直至8月31日，每週六的中午12點，都安排有舞獅表演。

                    根據綠路保護會公佈的活動總纜，每月有兩個週六的上午10點至下午1點，還有唐人街農夫市場。8月的10日、24日，9月的14日及28日，10月的5日及19日，華埠牌樓那兒都將有農夫市場。

                    在活動表上，還有由AVOYCE這亞美社區發展協會 (ACDC)麾下青少年組織負責，在下午1點至3點舉行的歡樂星期六。這活動共計3場，7月27日之後，8月休息，再在9月28日，以及10月26日將各有一場。

波士頓綠路保護會請藝術家陳可意(左二)在華埠公園擺出裝置藝術龍。(周菊子攝)

                 波士頓華埠商會安排的下午2點到4點週日音樂活動，預定有3場，在7月14日的木蘭寨粵曲演唱之後，7月28日是譚達兒主持，歡迎路人加入的卡拉OK演唱會。接下來8月25日還有一場。 (更新版)

波士頓華埠牌樓今夏活動表列。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市推廣參與式預算 邀市民提想法 200萬元怎麼花

波士頓市網站上有中文的如何花200萬元預算構想收集說明，
波士頓市參與式預算 (boston.gov)

               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 波士頓市2025年度預算中有200萬元要交給市民決定用途，市府的參與式預算 (Participatory Budgeting) 辦公室為鼓勵市民提交構想給「落實想法 (IDEAS in ACTION) 」計畫，收集想法的截止日期現展延至8月15日。

波士頓的第一個全市參與式預算(PB) 計劃已於2024 年7 月啟動，一直持續到2025 年1 月。波士頓市居民將有機會決定，市府預算的一部份要如何花。波士頓市請市民們提交構想，然後投票決定，那些構想有助改善城市，可以成為200萬元預算考慮資助的對象。

波士頓市參與式預算辦公室為協助市民了解如何提交構想，和社區機構合作，辦有構想收集工作坊，從7月10日起，排定了約20場。7月29日晚上6到8點，「越助 (VietAID)」將在其會所(42 Charles Street, Suite E, Dorchester, MA 02122)；7月30日的晚上5點半至7點半，Allston Brighton 健康合作，將在網上 ( Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88998026204) 各舉辦一場收集構想工作坊。

華人社區並無任何機構，為如何花200萬元的市府預算，舉辦收集構想工作坊。

波士頓市參與式預算辦公室在市府網站上列舉了符合資助條件的構想範例，包括加強波士頓市青少年精神健康的項目，把市府的免費WiFi網路擴辦進更多低收入地區，為耆英舉辦學習上網，使用智慧型手機等數位技能課程，藉由基礎設施項目改善公共空間等。

波士頓市府七月份推出這項目，將於8到9月間檢視社區最想要做的市有哪些，然後10到11月，舉辦願景論壇，12月研擬提案，2025年1月辦理票選，最後在2025年2至4月間資助獲選項目。

有意提交構想者，可經由波士頓市參與式預算辦公室網站 ( boston.gov/participate)提交。