黃鷹立、黃兆祥當選波士頓黃氏宗親會下屆主席

黃鷹立（右起）2014年出席社區活動時，和時任波士頓市長的Marty Walsh，
以及書畫家江天源合影。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

          （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓黃氏宗親會11月23日在華埠牌樓旁的黃氏公所大樓 六樓，舉辦新屆職員選舉，有130人出席投票。黃鷹立與黃兆祥依序以遙遙領先的81票和71票，當選為新年度的正副主席。

當天有4人角逐正副主席，在前述2人外，分別是曾經擔任財政的黃開洪，以及曾經擔任主席的黃光野。他們兩人的得票數，依序為43和41。票數和當選者之間的懸殊距離，和上一屆的選舉結果相似。

2名主席當選者中的黃鷹立，屬於中生代，年紀應僅50出頭，畢業於波士頓學院。

黃兆祥（右）和同門師兄胡炳超在今年的雙十節遊行中合影。（黃兆祥提供）

             他雖然是在美出生的第二代，但很小就跟隨父親黃仁炬參加公所活動，近年還歷任黃氏公所的英文書記和外交，這還是他第一次當選主席。他表示將

黃兆祥也在黃氏公所服務多年，歷任外交，財政，核數。現年77歲的他，曾於2003年擔任紐英崙中華公所主席，但這還是他第一次當選黃氏公所主席。

其他職位的選舉結果分別為，

中文書記3選2，黃忠鴻81票，黃納斯79票，黃紹培48票。

英文書記4選2，黃雄心79票，黃雅亭72票，黃協健44票，黃金漢2票。

財政4選2，黃啟智80票，黃碧華78票，黃梅38票，黃宏任26票。

核數4選2，黃永湛75票，黃傑彬71票，黃琴石47票，黃振群46票。

庶務只有黃達榮參選，26票。

議長一直，因黃國麟表示自己年事已高，不再參選，於是卸任主席的黃光沐在無需投票下，同額當選。

投票當天，包括選務人員，以及麻州眾議員黃子安等關心選務者，約有30人在現場。

有黃氏宗親笑說，黃氏公所內現在可能有三派人馬，具元老身份的黃官羨，黃國威是其中2派馬首是瞻的“頭目”，另一派，有人傳說是去年參選書記失利的本屆主席之父，黃仁炬。

這次選舉結果，除主席外，其他職位的當選者，新人佔多數，頗有黃氏要變天的味道。黃氏宗親會的婦女部，將另行擇期改選新屆幹部。

皇室宗親會新屆職員就職典禮，預訂在2026年1月4日。

紐英崙中華公所2026-2027年度職員選舉候選人政見篇 - 鄭慧民

中華公所主席候選人鄭慧民以“誠創闖幹”，表達施政理念。（周菊子攝）

                   （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導）紐英崙中華公所11月25日晚請下屆職員候選人發表政見。席間出現“獨裁”，“霸凌”，“黑社會”“票權不平等”等負面字眼，也有穩住中華公所龍頭大哥地位，承諾要說到做到等正面言詞，讓人驚詫之餘，又見慣不怪。

                  就如紐英崙中華公所現任主席雷國輝在他的10分鐘致詞中提到的，中華公所其實早從1890年代就已存在，嚴格來說，已有135年歷史，是個很老資格的社團。

                  在這135年中，早期事蹟已不可考，但中華公所網頁上列出相片的28名主席，應有至少一半以上，有會議記錄可查找。當然，且不說有誰會去細查，歸納，有心者恐怕還得先克服的障礙是，在這數位時代，仍須依循舊社會模式，親自到中華公所逐頁翻閱。

                  中華公所有5個職員位置，由於今年或提名參選的，除了主席一職有2名候選人之外，其餘4個職位，都將同額當選，25日晚的政見發表，只是過場。

                  由於獲提名參選中文書記，目前是中華公所現任核數的張青梅，報備感染病毒，不克出席，11月25日這晚，只有5人在中華公所本年度最後一次董事大會中發表政見。

主席候選人鄭慧民：

                  第一個發表政見的是競選2026-2027年中華公所主席一職，曾於2020-2021年擔任中華公所主席的鄭慧民。

                  鄭慧民時而激動，時而按捺情緒的說了15分鐘。

他一開頭就說，不知道中華公所董事們有沒聽說過，坊間有很多人在說，參選中華公所職位者，都為貪圖權力，虛榮，以及一千幾百元的收入，或者是有個停車位。但他要告訴大家，他自己一樣也不要。

                  他說，大部分的董事或許還記得，大約4年前，他出過一次嚴重車禍，身體四肢有三肢裝了很多釘。有人告訴他，可以申請工傷賠償，十幾萬元跑不掉。律師小柳等人勸他這麼做，但他拒絕了。因為他不是為了錢就告人的人。

                  至於為什麼要參選，他有兩個目的。第一個是“我們”生活在一個泱泱民主大國，卻有一個獨裁、霸道的紐英崙中華公所。但有中華公所的職員再連任，連選後，又連任，再連選，和共產黨，北韓，古巴有什麼分別？

                  他指著中華公所董事們說，在座的有很多社會賢達，博學多才人士，也有成功企業家，虔誠教徒，或為人師表者，然而在中華公所章程內，有些僑團的出席代表是4人，有的3人或2人，但78%的僑團出席代表人數都是1人。為什麼會這樣呢？有沒人可以解釋給他聽呢？他為這議題花了2年時間，但是都沒有聲響（回應），（他只看到）霸權，霸道，現在還“霸連”。他好奇董事們到底有沒想過，自己4票，3票，2票，而人家只有1票，到底是怎麼回事。

                  再說回他自己的政綱，很簡單，就是對的多做，錯的不做。他歸納自己如果做主席，要做到「誠、創、闖，幹」這4個中文字。

                  鄭慧民拿出他事先寫好的字條，說他把誠字寫得最大，是因為他覺得中華公所嚴重缺乏這個字，而他作為主席，待人處事，問心無愧。

                  他說中華公所現在和20多年前不同，以前家徒四壁，現在腰纏萬貫，有如企業（Industry），就應該用企業方式來經營。他如果當主席，會聘請行政主任，甚至營運主任 （COO）。因為，他大膽地講一句，包括他自己在內，董事們對中華公所的財政，行政，或是項目運做，房屋發展，都是一知半解，需要專業人士來做事。

                  “我們”，因為大家年紀都“老化”了，應該勁量招攬，培養新一輩，年輕人，就算不請他們做董事，但是邀他們參加活動，讓他們發揮創意，接納這個社區。

                  鄭慧民說他曾要求自己的小孩出來參與，但得到的回答卻是，“那是黑社會”。他說，我們華埠在年輕人心中的形象就是黑社會。所以他需要年輕人來辦活動，而不是閉門造車的搞小圈子活動。他的構想是多和社區機構，例如主街，ACDC（亞美社區發展協會），BCNC（波士頓華埠社區中心），甚至是CPA，或者居民會，大家多合作，而不是等看到報紙，才知道中華公所在做什麼。

                  如果他當選主席，他希望像城市論壇那樣，在中華公所之內，每月辦一次“社會論壇”，邀請在地的企業東主，學術界人士，甚至中華公所董事也行的來反映社區到底發生了些什麼事，聽取更多人的意見，來做這些事。

                  鄭慧民接著說，中華公所現在，只是從大同村那兒，每月都有大概60萬元的收入。他覺得中華公所既然有那麼多錢，是不是應該回饋社會呢？如果他能夠做決定，他會拿出一部分前來為社區做事，例如清掃垃圾，冬天鏟雪，幫地方民眾拿回一些停車位。

                  他知道中華公所近年來在捐款給社區內非牟利機構上很大方，所有很多人認為他們是黃大仙，但他認為，中華公所的最大功臣是在座的40多位董事。他記得在他當主席的時候，或者是經由陳家驊董事的協助，他把中華公所春宴的價格由400元減半，年費也從200元減了一半。

                  如果他明年再做主席，鑑於中華公所的資產增加是所有董事的功勞，她將提議，在明年的馬年時，發給每位董事紅包500元，以後每年遞增。他認為這樣董事們才會更有做事的動力。

                  他接著談自己的第二個目。他說去年，華埠社區鋪天蓋地的在說，雷國輝主席會下台，有另外一人出來競選主席。然後董事們都在問他，為什麼不參選，那會讓參選者自動當選。那時他自己想，如果雷國輝退出，他就參選，如果雷國會參選，他就不選。但是後來想，如果二年時間都修訂不了章程，中華公所將會明知是錯，仍會一路錯下去。他覺得自己在就此事發送電郵的來往過程中，遭受霸凌，於是有了“人爭一口氣，佛爭一爐香”念頭。他認為如果出來競選中華公所主席的人，只會令到中華公所越鬥爭，越獨裁，越分離，那他就義不容辭地要出來參選了。

                  他說“哪個吩咐他出來選的”，他已經完成了那催促者的使命，他參選是為社區，為正義，為平等。他知道“時不予我”，他會輸，但是他完全不需羞愧。希望2週之後，中華公所董事們會以清晰頭腦，做個鑒定。

（待續）

Healey-Driscoll Administration Invests $25 Million to Support the Behavioral Health Workforce in Massachusetts

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Invests $25 Million to Support the Behavioral Health Workforce in Massachusetts 

Additional scholarships and internship stipends are available to eligible behavioral health students, building on $20 million awarded to students last year 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they are investing $25 million to support the behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts. The investments include $12.5 million in scholarships for students completing graduate degrees and certificates in behavioral health fields and $12.5 million in grants to colleges and universities with eligible behavioral health programs, to be distributed as stipends to undergraduate and graduate students completing unpaid internships and field placements in behavioral health.  

 

Students completing behavioral health graduate programs should apply for the scholarships here by Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Undergraduate and graduate behavioral health students looking to learn more about the field placement and internship stipends should speak with their program advisor as soon as possible.  

 

“We need to strengthen our behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts so our residents can get the care they need, and these investments support students dedicating their time and talent into entering this field,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These scholarships and internship stipends benefit students and the members of our communities that they’ll serve.”  

 

“Our communities are stronger when residents can access behavioral health care, and that means we need to build a strong talent pipeline,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Whether students are preparing to enter the behavioral health field for the first time or growing their expertise, it’s crucial that we help those who are eager to help others.”  

 

A list of eligible graduate study areas for scholarship availability is available here, and it includes graduate degrees and certificates in areas such as social work, mental health counseling, substance use counseling, and mental health nursing programs.  

 

Undergraduate and graduate programs in behavioral health require internships or field experiences, which are often unpaid and can cause students to take time off from their regular employment. The stipends for unpaid internships and field placements help lift a cost barrier to meeting this degree requirement and gaining valuable work experiences that help make graduates career ready.  

 

“The behavioral health field needs the contributions of all residents who are passionate about this work,” said Secretary of the Executive Office of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “By lifting cost barriers to behavioral health degree programs, we’re strengthening a workforce that is crucial to our state’s well-being.”  

 

"Massachusetts is facing the same challenges that states across the country are facing: a waning healthcare workforce,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “Over the last several years, this administration invested in our pipeline of provides, starting while they are in school. In addition to deepening their sense of community, expanding their experiences in school through internships and field placements will eventually lead to more stability for staff and patients. I’m grateful we’re able to offer this second round of funding to behavioral health students to further their educational opportunities, and eventually gain more providers in Massachusetts.” 

 

“We want as many students as possible to be able to access the high-quality behavioral health programs offered by colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega.“These scholarships and internship stipends will help students earn their degrees and strong start in a crucial helping profession.”  

 

This academic year is the second in a two-year program designed to boost the behavioral health talent pipeline. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the state awarded $20 million to students across more than 30 colleges and universities in Massachusetts, including $10 million in behavioral health scholarships for 977 students and an additional $10 million in behavioral health internship stipends to more than 1,800 students.  

 

Under this scholarship program, students may be awarded up to $12,500 for tuition, fees, and stipends for each academic year in which they are enrolled, with a maximum of $25,000 per recipient across two academic years. Scholarship recipients must commit to working in the Commonwealth for up to two years. Students who received the behavioral health scholarship last year must re-apply to be considered for this year’s scholarship.  

 

“UMass is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making these scholarships and stipends available for the second consecutive year to students who are pursuing careers in behavioral health, helping to address a critical shortage of professionals in the field. This scholarship funding enables students to meet requirements for internships and field experience, which are often unpaid, and eliminates a cost barrier for many students to allow them to obtain a degree in behavioral health,” said UMass President Marty Meehan.   

 

“As a university president with experience in nursing, public health, and education, I am deeply focused on the state of our healthcare systems. An aging population is driving up demand for healthcare, resulting in significant worker shortages across a variety of areas. How we reimagine our systems of care will shape our future. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s tuition subsidies through the Behavioral Health Trust Fund exemplify strong partnership between government, higher education, and the behavioral health sector. Our universities stand ready to close service gaps, improve outcomes, and work with the Governor’s Office, health agencies, and legislators to build the skilled workforce needed to ensure all residents receive the mental health support they deserve,” said Dr. Linda Thompson, president of Westfield State University, and Chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents. 

 

“We are thankful for the Healey-Driscoll administration’s ongoing support of students pursuing careers in behavioral health fields. This crucial investment addresses shortages in the state’s behavioral health workforce and comes at a time when the federal government is making it more difficult and costly for those who wish to pursue a graduate degree,” said Rob McCarron, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM).  

 

The two-year scholarship and internship stipend investment is funded by Massachusetts’ Behavioral Health Trust Fund, which was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and is managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Behavioral Health Trust Fund was a recommendation of the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission, which was comprised of 22 members from government and the behavioral health sector. Funds are being used to address barriers to the delivery of an equitable, culturally competent, affordable, and clinically appropriate continuum of behavioral health care and services. 

外國人250 美國人80 逛國家公園入場費明年大變動

 

     （Boston Orange編譯）美國內政部宣佈將推出全新的數位年票系統，並針對國家公園的收費結構做「數十年來最重大的現代化」改革，落實「美國優先」的定價策略：自 2026 年起，非美國居民的年票價格將大幅調漲至 250 美元，比美國居民多付 170 美元。

8 天的免門票日（從 2 月 16 日總統日開始）將僅適用於美國居民。

此外，針對 11 個最熱門的國家公園，未持有年票的外國遊客入場，需額外支付 100 美元附加費。此政策旨在增加營收並改善美國民眾的遊憩體驗。這些熱門公園為：阿卡迪亞 (Acadia)，布萊斯峽谷 (Bryce Canyon)，大沼澤地 (Everglades)，冰川 (Glacier)，大峽谷 (Grand Canyon)，大提頓 (Grand Teton)，洛磯山 (Rocky Mountain)，紅杉與國王峽谷 (Sequoia & Kings Canyon)，黃石 (Yellowstone)，優勝美地 (Yosemite)，錫安 (Zion)。

在「美麗美國（America the Beautiful）」政策下，美國居民的國家公園年票價格，維持在80美元。： 62 歲及以上的美國永久居民年票價格為 20 美元。美國四年級學生與軍人可免費獲得年票。一張年票現可涵蓋最多兩輛摩托車。

這些變動是美國內政部根據7月行政命令，以增加收入，提升公園體驗，強調「將美國家庭放在首位」為宗旨安排的。

根據一項黃石公園2024年夏季的遊客數量統計調查，約15% 來自美國境外，在2018 年時，這比率為30%。

泰國、坦尚尼亞、智利等國，都是向外國遊客收取較高費用的國家。

國會研究服務（Congressional Research Service）認為，因為國家公園管理局並沒有系統性地收集數據，向外國遊客徵收附加費的影響，很難估計。

波士頓公園局推出「永保青春」細目 鼓勵耆英冬季保持運動、社交

            （

Boston Orange編譯）波士頓公園與娛樂局宣佈「永保青春」老年人活動項目回來了。1月7日起每週三上午11:30至下午1:30，在波士頓哥倫布大道709號（709 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118）的室內卡特（Carter）遊樂場舉辦。

這個免費項目將持續至2026年3月2日，由波士頓公園與娛樂局和波士頓青少年與家庭中心 (BCYF) 合作推出，旨在為老年人提供一個溫馨的室內娛樂健身空間，玩玩擲球、丟沙包、散步，參加每週的特別活動，好整個冬季都在溫暖舒適的環境中與人互動，保持活力。

這些活動無需提前註冊，全都在鼓勵老年人做些體能活動、體驗新鮮事物，結交新朋友，促進心理健康並參加社區活動。

查詢最新資訊、活動和建議改進措施，請致電 (617) 635-4505，或上網boston.gov/parks，加入郵件通知表單，並在 X、Facebook 和 Instagram 上關注 @bostonparksdept，在 Bluesky 上關注 @parks.boston.gov。

Boston Parks Department’s Forever Young Program for Older Adults Returns for Winter 

 

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the return of the Forever Young Program, now moving inside the Carter Playground Bubble for the winter to keep older adults active, social, and warm all season long. This free program, offered in partnership with Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), provides a welcoming indoor space for fun and fitness, featuring activities such as bocce, cornhole, walking, and weekly special events.

 

The program will take place once a week on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. starting January 7th at the Carter Playground Bubble located at 709 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118. Classes will run weekly until March 2, 2026. 

 

Each session is designed to encourage physical activity, mental well-being, and community engagement. Sessions are drop-in and pre-registration is not required. Join us to try something new and make a friend. 

 

To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, call (617) 635-4505, visit boston.gov/parks, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, and Instagram and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

哥倫布公園棚架5萬顆燈泡亮起 波士頓節慶亮燈儀式陸續有來

哥倫布公園棚架點亮5萬顆燈泡。（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)哥倫布公園之友會（Friends of Christopher Columbus Park）11月24日晚，在波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu），麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），波士頓市議會議長Ruthzee Louijeune的出席祝福中，點亮5 萬顆藍燈泡，拉開2025聖誕慶祝序幕。

波士頓市長吳弭（右二）和麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz，右一)，
波士頓市議會議長Ruthzee Louijeune（中）和小朋友們一起按鈕點燈。（周菊子攝）

            數以百計民眾，攜老扶幼的不到下午5點，就開始陸續湧進這大西洋畔的海濱公園，排隊拿取免費的咖啡，一旁Joe’s Waterfront餐廳提供的周打魚湯（或稱蛤蜊濃湯，試吃Clam Chowder），Hood奶製品公司的蛋奶酒，拿張折扣券，和聖誕老人及麋鹿拍照。

            在點燈儀式開始前，還有一個年輕女生組成的清唱團，唱歌助興。

吳弭市長（中）和麥家威，Ruthzee Louijeune，和聖誕老人合影。（周菊子攝）

            哥倫布公園之友會主席Joanne Hayes-Rines致詞時，感謝波士頓市府公園局等的協助，直言明年就是25週年了，簡直讓人難以置信。不過該會的個人及企業會員們，將繼續努力，為地方民眾把公園維護得更美麗，舉辦更多，更豐富的特別活動。這晚亮起的燈，將會一直亮到4月，接下來會有新年慶祝，以及二月份的“愛情隧道（tunnel of love）”活動，歡迎民眾提交照片。

聖誕老人率麋鹿和小朋友打招呼。（周菊子攝）

            位於北端的哥倫布公園之友會，是在2001年7月時，由北端（North End），以及水前區（Waterfront）的一些鄰居和商人創辦的，創辦人包括William Lee，Ｃhris Fincham等13人。

表演清唱的女子樂團爭相和吳弭市長合照。（周菊子攝）

            這公園原本豎立有哥倫布的石雕像，但在社會大環境變化中，人們對歷史，種族正義和文化認同出現更為分歧看法，有些人認為哥倫布是殖民主義，種族滅絕和奴役的象徵，紀念哥倫布是對原住民社群的巨大侮辱和痛苦的提醒後，2006年和2020年出現哥倫布雕像頭部被破壞的情況後，2020年10月，波士頓市政府宣佈，從公園移除，暫存倉庫的哥倫布雕像，將不會再被放回原來的位置，將來可能安置在哥倫布騎士會（Knights of Columbus）位於41 Margin Street的新址中。

波士頓市各社區為慶祝聖誕節的亮燈儀式，將陸續在不同地點舉行。

11月29日傍晚5點到6點，在波士頓兒童博物館旁邊，紀念波士頓馬拉松爆炸案中殞命兒童Martin Richard的Martin’s公園，將有長7600英尺的白藍相間LED燈掛滿公園內的船隻。

住在北端的華裔居民甄碧鳳也來搶拍一張和吳弭市長合影。（周菊子攝）

12月1日下午4點到6點，是柯普利廣場 （Copley Square）的聖誕樹亮燈儀式。現場有聖誕老人和麋鹿魯道夫（Rudolph），點心及現場音樂演奏。

12月4日的波士頓廣場聖誕樹亮燈儀式，預訂從6點到8點舉行。來自加拿大Nova Scotia的白雲杉樹將在這晚亮起。然後麻州大道廣場（Commonwealth Avenue Mall）和阿靈頓街道查理士門公園（Charlesgate Park）沿路樹木，也都將在燈泡襯托中光亮起來。

哥倫布公園的璀燦棚架是波士頓節假日的打卡景點之一。（周菊子攝）

女子樂團清唱助興。（周菊子攝）

Governor Healey Signs Budget That Prioritizes Affordability, Vaccine and Health Care Access, and Public Safety

Governor Healey Signs Budget That Prioritizes Affordability, Vaccine and Health Care Access, and Public Safety 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Maura Healey signed a Fiscal Year 2025 closeout supplemental budget that prioritizes affordability, vaccine and health care access, and public safety in our communities. The $2.3 billion budget reduces costs for families, including through universal school meals and financial aid in higher education.  

This budget continues Massachusetts’ leadership to ensure access to vaccines, including childhood immunizations. It adopts Governor Healey’s proposal to expand flexibility for the Department of Public Health (DPH) to set immunization schedules and requirements in Massachusetts, including for the Childhood Vaccine Program. Now, if the federal government fails to maintain a robust schedule of vaccine recommendations, DPH can set independent standards for Massachusetts. 

The bill also protects health care access by supporting public health hospitals, abortion providers at risk of losing federal funding, and a new information campaign to educate MassHealth members about new federal work requirements.  

The budget also enhances public safety across the state. It criminalizes the false impersonation of a federal official, including ICE agents. It adopts Governor Healey’s proposal to support law enforcement officers – ensuring that State Police troopers permanently injured in the line of duty receive their full compensation as pension until they reach retirement age. 

Governor Healey also signed a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for federal workers who were impacted by the federal shutdown and took executive action to extend it for 75 days until Jan. 26, 2026. This was a proposal by Senator Lydia Edwards. 

“This budget represents our commitment to delivering for people on what matters in their lives,” said Governor Healey. “It will make things more affordable, promote vaccine and health care access for our kids and families in the face of attacks from the federal government, and protect public safety in our communities. While President Trump is increasing costs and cutting funding from states, this budget is balanced and protects taxpayer dollars. I’m grateful for the partnership of the Legislature as we continue to move our state forward.” 

“With the next fiscal year well underway, it is critical that we close the books on FY25 with a balanced budget that delivers for Massachusetts communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This bill reflects our commitment to responsibly managing state spending and stretching every dollar in service of Massachusetts residents.” 

"In Massachusetts, we are focused on fiscal responsibility,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “We appreciate the Legislature’s partnership in closing the books on FY25 with a balanced budget and helping to build reserves that set the state up for future budget sustainability."  

“This supplemental budget responds to actions at the federal level, makes timely investments across a wide range of issue areas, including for free school meals, for MassHealth, and for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and ensures greater accountability and efficiency across critical sectors of government,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, along with my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this legislation.” 

"This budget takes important steps to protect our residents and defend our values,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our message is clear: while the federal government plays games with people’s livelihoods and health, Massachusetts stands firmly on the side of providing our residents and communities the support they need, whether through funding success for our college students, protecting vaccine access, or shining a light on those hurt by state run institutions. I applaud Governor Healey for signing this legislation and I am grateful to Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues for his work, each Senator for their support, and Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for the collective effort to deliver this legislation for residents." 

“This supplemental budget will close the books on FY25 in a balanced and fiscally responsible manner. By making critical investments into much needed programs in healthcare, education, and housing to name a few, the Commonwealth will be in a strong fiscal position for FY26 and beyond,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank Speaker Mariano, and all my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this initiative. I also want to thank Governor Healey for her timely approval of this critical funding package." 

“With the Governor’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 closeout supplemental budget, we have effectively closed the books on FY25 with a fiscally responsible $2.31 billion spending plan,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The budget addresses several outstanding health care deficiencies, most notably $1.67 billion for MassHealth, with a net cost of $303 million after accounting for federal reimbursements. We also satisfy Steward hospital payment obligations, and provide $10 million for Health Care For All, funding that will launch an important public awareness campaign informing vulnerable populations on new Medicaid work requirements. This plan also reins in county sheriff spending and provides $10 million to support the 2026 World Cup. I would like to thank my colleagues in both branches of the Legislature, and the Governor and her team for working collaboratively on this budget that meets the needs of all residents of the Commonwealth.” 

“Massachusetts has taken an important step forward with the passage of this historic legislation,” said Senator Lydia Edwards, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and original filer of the Federal Worker and Service Member Civil Relief Act. “This is more than a policy win — it is a promise to thousands of federal workers and service members that we see them, we value them, and we will protect their dignity during any future shutdown. My sincere thanks go to Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Chairs Rodrigues and Michlewitz, and Governor Healey for their unwavering support. Their leadership reflects the best of state government: bipartisan, thoughtful, and centered on fairness.” 

Additionally, this budget bill deploys $100 million in excess Fair Share funds for the Student Opportunity Act in schools across Massachusetts. It also invests $18.3 million for financial aid and stipends for public higher education students in FY26.  

The budget also includes a proposal by Governor Healey to make state institutional records that are over 75 years old public. This language aligns with recommendations from the Special Commission on State Institutions, and it will make these records easier for loved ones and historians to access while respecting patient privacy concerns. 

Additional investments in the budget include: 

• $60.7 million for snow and ice removal 
• $50 million for housing preservation and stabilization 
• $18.5 million for public health hospital operations 
• $18.3 million for student financial aid assistance 
• $14 million for Section 35 treatment services for Western Massachusetts 
• $12 million for Universal School Meals 
• $10 million to support operations at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to ensure access to anti-hunger programs by responding to changes made by the federal government to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program. 
• $10 million to support a Health Care for All information campaign on Medicaid work requirements and vaccine policy changes made by the federal government 
• $10 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to support the implementation of the Life Sciences Initiative 3.0, which invests in the Massachusetts life science research and innovation ecosystem 
• $10 million to support costs and tourism associated with hosting the 2026 World Cup 
• $7.2 million for Department of Correction (DOC) Facilities operations 
• $5 million for direct supports to reproductive health providers at risk of losing federal funding 

2026新英格蘭新聞獎學金即起接受申請

2026 New England Journalism Scholarships Now Open — Up to $2,000 Available Woburn, MA — The Journalism Education Foundation of New England (JEFNE) is once again opening the door for the next generation of reporters, editors, photographers, and multimedia storytellers. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 New England Journalism Scholarship Program, offering scholarships of up to $2,000 to outstanding student journalists across the region. Administered by the New England Newspaper & Press Association, this annual program supports up to ten high-potential students who are committed to pursuing a career in journalism or a related field. The program also includes the prestigious MacGregor Fiske Award, presented each year to an exceptional student journalist who demonstrates great promise in the profession. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and undergraduate students who are residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Applicants will be required to submit a cover letter, transcript, résumé or biography, letter of recommendation, and a portfolio of at least three published or class-produced journalism pieces. Full application details and links are available on the NENPA website.  To be considered, a completed application must be submitted by March 27, 2026. Please review the qualifications below. For any questions or more information, contact students@nenpa.com.  Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your journalism future — apply and take the next step toward shaping the news landscape in New England.  Journalism Scholarship Program Information https://www.nenpa.com/scholarships/  Journalism Scholarship Application: https://www.nenpa.com/scholarship-application/

Qualifications for JEFNE Scholarships  Must be a resident of New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, or VT). Applicants may attend a college or university outside New England — residency determines eligibility, not school location. Must be a high school senior or undergraduate college student planning to attend college in Fall 2026, studying journalism or a related field. Currently, we do not accept graduate students. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Must demonstrate a strong interest in a journalism career by submitting: Cover letter Transcript Résumé or biography Letter of recommendation Must submit a minimum of three pieces of published or class-produced journalistic work. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application, including a link to a Dropbox folder where you will upload your materials.

波士頓市長吳弭訂12/4點亮波士頓廣場聖誕樹

MAYOR MICHELLE WU TO HOST 84TH ANNUAL BOSTON COMMON TREE LIGHTING ON DECEMBER 4

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and The Province of Nova Scotia will host Boston’s signature holiday celebration, the 84th annual Boston Common Tree Lighting, on Thursday, December 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Boston Common, adjacent to the Visitor’s Information Center at 139 Tremont Street. Mayor Wu will be joined by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, marking the 54th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917 explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor. Within 24 hours of the disaster, a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel traveled from Boston to Nova Scotia to aid in recovery efforts. Earlier this month, Mayor Wu visited Nova Scotia to highlight the partnership between the City of Boston and the Province of Nova Scotia. During her visit, Mayor Wu participated in the annual Tree for Boston tree cutting ceremony as the first Boston Mayor to attend and participate in the event.  “Each year this special gift from Nova Scotia reinforces the neighborly bond that our communities have shared for over a century, and reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday spirit,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I look forward to joining families from across Boston and our guests from Nova Scotia on Boston Common for a spectacular celebration of holiday cheer and this beloved tradition.” WCVB Channel 5 Chronicle co-anchors Anthony Everett and Shayna Seymour will host a live broadcast of the event beginning at 7:00 p.m. Headlining the show will be the iconic American female vocal group, The Pointer Sisters, performing hits including “I’m So Excited.” This year’s lineup also features Nova Scotia blues sensation Matt Andersen, Disney on Broadway’s Belinda Allyn performing “Beauty and the Beast”, songs from Nova Scotia’s alternative-pop singer-songwriter Maggie Andrew, and a heartwarming performance by the Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses.  Pre-show entertainment will kick off at 6:00 p.m., setting the stage for a magical night on the Common with performances by Boston Police Officer Stephen McNulty, Taste of Ireland’s A Celtic Christmas, Origination, and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Joelle James. The official holiday season kick-off in Boston includes the lighting of the City of Boston's official Christmas tree with approximately 5,000 lights, and the lighting of more than 50,000 lights throughout the Boston Common and Public Garden. This year’s historic Tree for Boston is a 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Ronald and Claire Feener of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.  The holiday lights throughout both parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8:00 p.m. when Mayor Wu will be joined onstage by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The show will close with a pyrotechnic display by Pyrotecnico. The annual tree lighting on Boston Common is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and The Province of Nova Scotia. The event is supported by presenting sponsor Amazon, signature sponsor Meet Boston, key sponsors Constellation Power and JetBlue, media sponsors WCVB Channel 5 and the Boston Globe, and hotel partner Hilton Boston Park Plaza. A sampling village will feature giveaways and refreshments from H.P. Hood, Drakes Cakes, New England Coffee, Meet Boston, and Globe Santa while supplies last. Sponsors of the “Make the Common Glow for the Holidays” who make the lighting of the Common and Public Garden possible include The Lynch Family Foundation and Greystar.  "Amazon is honored to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Boston Common Tree Lighting, a cherished tradition that brings our community together during the holiday season. This event embodies the spirit of joy and connection that makes Boston such a special place to live and work,” said Jerome Smith, Head of Community Engagement, New England & Canada, Amazon. “We're proud to support the City of Boston in creating magical moments for families across New England.” At approximately 8:15 p.m., immediately following the celebration on the Boston Common, Mayor Wu will join the Friends of the Public Garden and the Committee to Light Commonwealth Avenue Mall to flip the switch to light up Commonwealth Avenue Mall in the Back Bay. The lights on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall will be lit from Arlington Street to Charlesgate. Please call (617) 635-4505 or visit boston.gov/boston-common-tree-lighting for more information about the festivities. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.