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| 紐英崙中華公所在臉書上宣佈，博愛樓已有25戶人家入住，預定1月29日正式啟用。 |
星期日, 1月 12, 2025
星期六, 1月 11, 2025
波士頓市議員Ed Flynn傳已放棄角逐市長
(Boston Orange 編譯) 去年頻傳要角逐波士頓市長大位的波士頓市議員愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn)，現在改變主意，不選市長，繼續競選連任了。
愛德華費連在1月1日參加波士頓台山同鄉聯誼會的開年慶祝十。還不肯鬆口，現在波士頓前鋒報和波士頓環球報卻說，根據來自至少2名接近愛德華費連人士透露的消息，他周旋數個月，大聲批評吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 市長後，現在選擇繼續競選連任波士頓市第二區市議員。
即將生下第3個小孩的吳弭市長本人，雖未正式宣佈，但已經說過她打算競選連任。
早前傳說也要角逐波士頓市長大位的慈善家，也是億萬富豪，愛國者隊東家羅伯特卡夫特
(Robert Kraft)的兒子喬許卡夫特(Josh Kraft)，現在可以更無所忌憚的參選了。
卡夫特家族的政治顧問Eileen
O’Connor拒絕就愛德華費連退出市長選舉一事發表意見。
去年以來，愛德華費連多次公開反對吳弭市長的政策及倡議，最近還曾反對吳弭市長的關閉或合併數所波士頓公校的決定，其中包括南波士頓的Excel高中。
愛德華費連也反對花9100萬元市府經費，來和職業女子足球隊合作，重蓋白體育館 (White Stadium)，還批評吳弭處理城中區，以及麻州大道和Melnea
Cass 大道交界處治安的做法，抨擊吳弭市長去年推行的波士頓公校星期日試驗計畫，沒有把特許學校，私立學校，以及在家自學的學生們包括進這免費進文化機構的計畫。
吳弭市長後來擴辦該計畫，讓波士頓市內所有幼稚園到12年級學生都可享有這福利。
愛德華費連也是唯一一個，去年反對吳弭市長暫時把波士頓市物業稅負擔轉嫁到商業房地產上的市議員。
波士頓台灣影展協會介紹新會長莊子瑩、蔡景全 2025影展訂9月27、28舉行
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| 波士頓台灣影展協會2025幹部籌辦歡迎派對。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓台灣影展協會2025共會長，右起，林致中、蔡景全、莊子瑩。 (周菊子攝) |
莊子瑩指出，該會從2019年創辦以來，以介紹台灣的電影、導演為主要活動，每年放映台灣電影，並從台灣邀請導演，甚至演員來到波士頓交流，讓更多人有機會接觸，認識台灣文化。該會也和土耳其影展，阿靈頓影展等的主辦單位合作，擴大影響力。
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| 前右起，康麗雪、林致中、高家富、蔡景全、莊子瑩和出席 波士頓台灣影展協會2025歡迎派對的人合影。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓僑教中心主任高家富代表僑委會和波士頓經文處長廖朝宏送上祝福。(周菊子攝) |
紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥鈞則笑說，專協和影展協會過去這一年來互相支持，今年也依定繼續。
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| 波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中(中)今年續任共會長。(周菊子攝) |
法霍爾的妻子陳郁青透露，這天其實是她那還在耶魯念書的兒子法以安
(Kurt Fass)想要看台灣電影，他們才從車程距離將近一小時之遠的麻州市鎮趕過來參加活動。
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| 左起，陳郁青、法以安、法霍爾抱著支持台灣的一片心意到場。(周菊子攝) |
波士頓僑教中心主任高家富作為贊助單位代表，這天特地出席，代表僑委會期許影展協會日漸茁壯，帶領波士頓本地僑民、學生推廣台灣文化，藝術，讓美國主流社會看見台灣。他還代表波士頓辦事處廖朝宏處長送上新年問候，期許波士頓台灣影展協會今年更盛大。(更新訂正版)
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| 吳莉筠(左)、姚姿君(右)都是TFFB今年的幹部。(周菊子攝) |
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| 高名震加入波士頓台灣影展協會的募款小組。(周菊子攝) |
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| 黃郁婷卸任哈佛大學台灣學生會會長一職，加入TFFB公關組。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓台灣影展協會2025計畫。(周菊子攝) |
星期五, 1月 10, 2025
太陽馬戲團瑰麗演出重回麻州 屋斯特DCU六場12日結束
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| 太陽馬戲團謝幕。(周菊子攝) |
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| 「蛋」是這場室內巡迴表演的主題。 (公關公司提供) |
在過去這40年中，「太陽馬戲團」雖然大起大落，但該團把馬戲雜耍變成無論是服裝、音響或節目，都讓人耳目一新的藝術表演，給觀眾留下深刻印象，成為世界級的表演團體。
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| 表演者的身體柔軟度令人驚詫。(周菊子攝) |
「蛋 (OVO)」是太陽馬戲團為慶祝成立25週年製作的室內巡迴表演，從昆蟲角度演繹人世間的摸爬打滾，吃喝玩耍，2009年首度推出後，中間一度收班，如今增添瓢蟲 (Ladybug)、旅行者 (Foreigner)、昆蟲世界領導人菲立普大師 (Master Flipo)等角色，修改戲碼，再次推出。
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| 走鋼索的場景造型，設計得非常有藝術感。(周菊子攝) |
整場表演長達2小時，有中場休息，觀眾入場不能攜帶大於平板電腦尺寸的隨身物品。
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| 平衡表演是馬戲的重頭表演，太陽馬戲團的服裝服裝為表演加分。(周菊子攝) |
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| 太陽馬戲團:蛋的節目開場擺設。(周菊子攝) |
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| 太陽馬戲團OVO演出海報。(公關公司提供) |
麻州副州長Driscoll加持紐英崙遊艇展 BCEC 12日前秀各色船隻
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| 麻州副州長Kim Driscoll(左二)和支持海域發展的州議員們。(周菊攝攝) |
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| 麻州副州長Kim Driscoll(右二)和Hanson Milone的家人合影。(周菊子攝) |
麻州副州長Kim
Driscoll指麻州海岸線長，水上活動對麻州經濟及人民的生活品質，都有特殊貢獻。這遊船展去年在5天之內為麻州提供了372個工作機會，創造了1380萬元的勞動收入，為麻州的年度毛營收帶來2800萬元。
Driscoll副州長還特地指出，這天早上，她出席了麻州州長奚莉 (Maura
Healey)的簽署法令活動，其中包括撥款一億元給海港協會 ，藉以整頓、維修海域，改善環境安全與韌性，還簽了Hanson
Milone安全划船法，規定所有划船者必須取得駕船證照，藉以確保麻州水路安全。
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| 波士頓會議展覽中心正在展出各種遊艇。 (周菊子攝) |
8日晚的開幕接待會收入，將捐給拯救港口/拯救海灣協會( Save the Harbor/Save the Bay)，以支持海域活動。
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| 現場展出的船隻，以中小型船隻居多。(周菊子攝) |
會場的裝飾品之一。(周菊子攝) 
Steve Robinson原本是學校的歷史老師，退休後陸續買了幾艘小型遊艇，
開起遊艇出租生意，成為Buzzards Bay區少數的遊艇業者之一。(周菊子攝)
麻州參眾議員提案自動封存紀錄 給人重生機會
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在麻州，目前已有11個組織加入了「清白紀錄聯盟」，包括:
· The Clean Slate Initiative
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· Greater Boston Legal Services
· Justice 4 Housing
· Massachusetts Competitive Partnership
· Neighbor 2 Neighbor
· New England Community Project
· Progressive Mass
· Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts
· Responsible Business Initiative for Justice
· Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
麻州2026會計年度預算估計上看436.14億元
Gorzkowicz, Michlewitz, Rodrigues Announce Consensus Revenue Forecast of $43.614 Billion for Fiscal Year 2026
Baseline state tax revenue growth expected to grow by 2.2 percent
BOSTON – Today, Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael J. Rodrigues agreed on a consensus revenue forecast for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) of $43.614 billion, including the income surtax.
Excluding the income surtax, the baseline FY26 consensus revenue estimate totals $41.214 billion, an increase of 2.2 percent over the current FY25 benchmark. The three parties agreed to an income surtax estimate of $2.4 billion, as well as a spending threshold of $1.95 billion for FY26, reducing the amount of revenue available for budgeting to $43.164 billion. This spending threshold represents $650 million in additional surtax available for spending compared to the FY25 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The establishment of a spending threshold will ensure that surtax spending in the budget is sustainable.
“This consensus revenue estimate for Fiscal Year 2026 responsibly reflects our current economic environment. While our economy and revenues over the past couple years have continued to grow, the post-pandemic rate of growth has slowed and our budgeting must adjust accordingly. This agreement will enable us to build a budget that delivers on our goals and values without the risk of creating further structural problems in future fiscal years. The increase in available resources from surtax is also critically important, aligning our estimates with the strong performance we saw in FY24 in surtax and making it possible to continue to use this resource for transformative investment in our education and transportation systems,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “I want to thank Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues, and the Ways and Means teams for their collaboration as we developed this responsible revenue forecast that will ensure fiscal stability for Massachusetts in the years ahead and I look forward to continued partnership through the FY26 budgeting process.”
“This Fiscal Year 2026 consensus revenue figure will allow the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll administration to collectively construct a reasonable and suitable budget for the upcoming fiscal year. By being ever watchful of the Commonwealth's finances and basing the budget on a judicious consensus revenue figure, we will be able to make fiscally sound decisions over the next few months as we work to make the critical investments that our constituents deserve,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston). “I want to thank Chair Rodrigues and Secretary Gorzkowicz for their partnership in working to reach this agreement. I look forward to continuing to work closely with both of them as we work towards a final budget for fiscal year 2026.”
“Rooted in sound fiscal decision making, the Fiscal Year 2026 consensus revenue estimate reflects our ongoing efforts to tighten our belts and further align state spending growth with tax revenue growth in response to increasing post-pandemic spending obligations and the challenges ahead. With this agreement, we are laying the groundwork for a balanced FY26 budget that prioritizes our state’s economic health, promotes stability and continues to shape a more affordable and sustainable path for the Commonwealth, “said state Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I want to thank our partners in the House, Chair Aaron Michlewitz and his team in the House Committee on Ways and Means, and in the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz and his team in the Executive Office for Administration and Finance for their continued collaboration. I look forward to working closely with both of them and their respective teams as we strive to build a responsible and fiscally sound budget plan for FY26.”
The consensus revenue forecast is the basis on which the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the House, and the Senate will build their respective FY26 budget recommendations. Pursuant to Section 5B of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, the Executive and Legislative branches convene every year to establish a joint revenue forecast. This process was informed by testimony given by the Department of Revenue, the State Treasurer’s Office, and independent, local economists from area foundations and universities during a public hearing held by the Secretary and Chairs on December 2, 2024.
Of the forecasted $43.614 billion in FY26 state tax revenues, an estimated $2.327 billion is projected to be capital gains tax revenue of which $666 million will be statutorily transferred to support long term liabilities, such as the Stabilization Fund, pension costs and retiree health insurance expenses.
The agreement also includes several off-budget transfers that are mandated by current law, including:
·
$4.933 billion to be transferred to
the pension fund, a $432 million increase over the FY25
contribution that keeps the Commonwealth on schedule to fully fund its pension
liability by 2036
·
$1.426 billion to support the
operations of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
·
$1.265 billion for the Massachusetts
School Building Authority (MSBA), which will support school construction
projects across the Commonwealth
· $27 million for the Workforce Training Fund to support the Commonwealth’s workforce and business productivity and competitiveness
The Executive Office for Administration and Finance and the House
and Senate Committees on Ways and Means also determined the potential gross
state product (PGSP) growth benchmark for calendar year 2025, as required by
M.G.L. Chapter 29 Section 7H ½. The PGSP growth benchmark informs the
Commonwealth’s health care cost growth benchmark, established by the Health
Policy Commission each year. The three bodies have reached agreement that the
PGSP figure for calendar year 2025 will remain 3.6 percent. PGSP is a measure
of the “full employment” output of the Commonwealth’s economy and reflects
long-term trends in the economy rather than fluctuations due to the business
cycle and, as a result, is meant to be fairly stable from year to year.
預防藍線地鐵淹水 麻州政府爭取到1000萬元聯邦經費
Healey-Driscoll Administration Secures $10 Million in
Federal Funds to Prevent Flooding on MBTA Blue Line
MBTA flood mitigation project to support protection of the Blue Line Tunnel, a critical segment of public transportation infrastructure
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has secured more than $9.9 million in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. The funding, administrated by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), will support the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in preventing flooding impacts, strengthening the administration’s efforts to mitigate climate change effects, and build a more climate resilient transit system.
“Protecting our infrastructure and implementing new and innovative ways to mitigate and respond to the ever-changing effects of climate change is crucial to providing safe, and reliable public transportation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know that Blue Line riders have had to endure frequent flooding for years, and these funds will help put a stop to those service disruptions. We’re grateful to FEMA for recognizing the significance of this work and congratulate MEMA and the MBTA for their efforts to secure this funding.”
“People rely on the Blue Line to commute to work and school, visit Boston’s most famous attractions, and connect with the world through Logan Airport,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These infrastructure upgrades will improve flood resilience and help prevent water leaks and corrosion to protect this route for years to come.”
The project will fund a series of improvements to the Blue Line Tunnel portal, which connects the tunnel to the airport, to protect the transit line from flooding impacts.
Much of the MBTA's Blue Line is below sea level and at increasing risk of coastal and stormwater flooding. Portals like the Airport Tunnel Portal are large entry points for flood waters, which can then damage the Blue Line and connecting subway tunnel systems and disrupt service while repairs are made. The Blue Line Tunnel runs underneath the Boston Harbor from East Boston to downtown, carrying thousands of passengers each day and serving communities in the East Boston area.
Specifically, the project will include the installation of flood doors that will close off the two tunnel portal openings during a flood event. Work will include updates on the track, traction power, signal and pump rooms to accommodate the new flood doors. The project proposal accounts for increased flooding events related to climate change and is designed to provide protection against impacts as far out as 2070.
"The Healey-Driscoll administration has been proactive in taking steps to address the challenges of climate change, and this federal funding will position the Blue Line to withstand some of the worst weather that leads to flooding in the corridor area,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Our vision for the MBTA is to build infrastructure that supports reliable and resilient service, and this grant will help us protect assets, safeguard the fleet, and keep service running for customers.”
“At the MBTA, we are committed to making transportation infrastructure more resilient and adaptive to ensure that our transit system can continue to serve communities despite the growing challenges posed by climate change. This funding will not only help us protect the Blue Line Tunnel, a vital corridor connecting East Boston to downtown and Logan Airport, but it will also strengthen our long-term efforts to create a safer, more sustainable transit network,” said General Manager Phillip Eng. “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, FEMA, and MEMA for their partnership in securing these critical resources needed to help us maintain service for all and future proof the T.”
“As the state agency charged with administering BRIC grants, MEMA recognizes the importance of utilizing these funds to help cities, towns and the state mitigate risks to community lifelines such as transportation,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “The technical assistance and guidance that MEMA’s Mitigation Unit provides for these grant applications has been instrumental in successfully moving these grant projects forward in a nationally-competitive selection process. The team managed more than $300 million in hazard mitigation grant projects during 2024, which represents a single-year record for the agency.”
“BRIC is more than a grant program; it’s a commitment to strengthening our nation’s ability to withstand and adapt to the challenges of tomorrow, empowering communities to build a safer, more sustainable future,” said FEMA Region 1 Deputy Regional Administrator Jarrett W. Devine. “This grant award highlights the strength of teamwork and collaboration between federal, state, and local partners, coming together to create innovative solutions—such as safeguarding the MBTA Blue Line from flooding—that make our communities stronger and more resilient.”
As detailed in the state’s hazard mitigation and climate adaptation plan, ResilientMass, the MBTA has completed climate change vulnerability assessments and flood screening reports of its entire operations to better understand the risks and vulnerabilities to natural disasters and take measures to increase resilience. This project advances implementation of one of MBTA’s priority actions in the ResilientMass Plan, the Tunnel Flood Mitigation program.
The cost for construction of the Blue Line Tunnel project is estimated at $13.4 million. The BRIC grant will cover approximately 75% and the state will contribute $3.3 million. The total project cost is $20.7 million. The project has also received a $1 million grant for design through EEA’s ResilientMass Implementation Funding.
波士頓市訂2月22日為14-19歲青少年舉辦高峰會
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES 2025 MAYOR’S YOUTH SUMMIT The City of Boston will host the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit on February 22 – featuring entertainment, food, celebration, and youth performances – for teens ages 14-19. |
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BOSTON - Friday, January 10, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Engagement (OYEA) today announced free tickets are now available for the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit (MYS), an annual, citywide celebration of the contributions of young people to Boston’s culture. With support from many local, youth-serving partner organizations and City departments, the 2025 Summit will be held 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 at the Artists For Humanity EpiCenter, a vibrant arts center for youth, located in South Boston. The Mayor’s Youth Summit, which resumed last year under Mayor Wu’s leadership, builds on her commitment to making Boston a home for everyone and ensuring our city’s youth have the tools to reach their fullest potential. “Boston’s future is in our young people, and we’re lucky to have their leadership and energy to build a city for everyone. We were so excited to bring back the Mayor’s Youth Summit last year for the first time in decades, and this year we will be expanding it based on high demand,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I look forward to another exciting summit held in partnership with local organizations doing great work with our youth.” The 2024 Summit, which was held by the City for the first time in 20 years and marked 30 years since its inception, brought over 200 youth attendees from around the city. This year, the Summit is expanding to 500 free tickets available for teens ages 14-19 and 100 tickets for adult providers in the youth work space. It will feature free food, speakers, giveaways, and live performances from local youth of Beat the Odds and 617Speaks, among others. “The Mayor's Youth Summit is more than just a gathering—it's a platform to celebrate young people, showcase their talents, and build connections,” said Pedro Cruz, Executive Director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement. “Together, we are shaping a city that reflects the dreams and ambitions of our future leaders.” “This annual event is a testament to the power and potential of Boston's young people and I’m thrilled that we are able to expand our capacity this year,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “We invite every young person to join us and enjoy the space, while helping drive the change they want to see in Boston." Two awards will be given at the 2025 Summit. The Youth Leader Award will honor two Boston residents between the ages of 14 and 19 years old who demonstrate high levels of leadership among their peers and/or a commitment to civic engagement. The Youth Organization Award will be given to two organizations who demonstrate exceptional dedication to empowering and supporting Boston's youth. "We are honored to offer Artists for Humanity as the venue for this important annual event, which celebrates and brings together youth voices and leadership. We hope the space inspires creative collaborations,” said Anna Yu, Artists for Humanity Executive Director. “We are so grateful that the City of Boston continues to invest deeply in youth engagement and youth employment." To learn more about and reserve free tickets for the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit, please visit boston.gov/youth-summit. |
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