MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES THE SPACE GRANT PROGRAM TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES OPEN NEW LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT BOSTON

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES THE SPACE GRANT PROGRAM TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES OPEN NEW LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT BOSTON

Funded by American Rescue Plan, this opportunity will support Boston’s entrepreneurs looking to open new storefronts in vacant spaces Downtown and throughout the city

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of the SPACE Grant program in partnership with the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion (OEOI). The program will identify creative ways to bring people back to major commercial districts, revitalize the economy as we emerge from the pandemic, and close the racial wealth gap. Through this program, up to 50 local entrepreneurs will receive substantial grant funding to help them open new storefront businesses in vacant commercial spaces across Boston, with particular emphasis on major commercial hubs like Copley, Downtown, Fenway, and Seaport to increase the diversity of storefront businesses in these neighborhoods.   The SPACE (Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises) Grant program will provide grants of up to $200,000 over a three-year period to subsidize rents, upfront capital costs, and necessary infrastructure to help local, small, diverse businesses seeking to fill vacant storefronts. The City plans to collaborate with MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, Downtown Boston BID, Main Streets, local commercial banks and CDFIs, and property owners to ensure that participating small business owners have access to additional financial resources and assistance to open and thrive in their new locations. The City expects the first cohort will include approximately 10-15 businesses.  "The SPACE grant program is critical to bolstering our local economy and will help local, small, diverse businesses open new locations across our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This grant program addresses commercial vacancies by connecting entrepreneurs with crucial support and the chance to grow. I'm thrilled to launch this program and grateful to our Economic Opportunity & Inclusion Cabinet and all of our partners for their critical work to ensure that Boston's thriving, inclusive and equitable for all." OEOI has received preliminary interest from a range of entrepreneurs through a recent survey and the Boston Main Streets. This initiative will prioritize helping Boston small businesses that were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes, but is not limited to:  Arts, creative economy, and entertainment; Childcare; Fitness, recreation, wellness; Food service and production; Laundry services; Repair and maintenance;  Restaurants; and Retail The SPACE Grant program is funded by a $9 million investment from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to aid in Boston's local economic recovery, and will support both entrepreneurs looking to open their first brick and mortar storefront business, as well as current small businesses in the City of Boston looking to expand to new locations within the city.  Grantees will be matched with technical assistance providers that are part of OEOI’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program to set them up for success. In addition, grantees will benefit from workshops and one-on-one coaching to guide them through the operational steps of opening a new storefront location. These skills will include lease negotiation and other legal support, financial, marketing, or other areas of expertise. To assist interested entrepreneurs, OEOI will hold a virtual workshop in mid-January 2023 focused on how to write a business plan for entrepreneurs. For more information, sign up for the City’s small business e-newsletter. “The SPACE Grant program is a direct response to the immense need for innovative ways to fill storefront vacancies and bring vitality to our neighborhoods that we heard from business owners on the ground, whether through our weekly Main Streets walks, surveys, or our one-on-one engagement,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “I am grateful to our team and our partners who built this program, and am happy  to launch an effort that will bring about a more robust economy and greater diversity to our city.”  Businesses can apply to the SPACE Grant program online at: boston.gov/space-grant. Applications are available in multiple languages.  First cohort application deadline: February 17, 2023 Grantees chosen: April 2023 Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a SPACE Grant: Business must be incorporated in a Qualified Census Tract OR one of the prioritized business industries mentioned above. Business must have fewer than twenty-five (25) employees (not including the business owner). Business owners must provide proof of a Boston business address (e.g., a signed lease, business permit / license / title, utility bill in which the business is named directly, or other home office documentation).  Business and business owners must be in good-standing with the City of Boston. Business must provide a copy of its up to date Business Certificate. “The Wu Administration’s SPACE Grant Program is a gamechanger for Downtown Boston and our neighborhoods. Providing direct financial and technical assistance to those looking to activate our vacant retail spaces will reduce existing barriers that limit equitable access to these storefronts. This program will open economic opportunities downtown to a wider array of entrepreneurs, make our streets livelier and safer, and support wealth-building for small business owners from a diversity of backgrounds. The Downtown Boston BID and our members are prepared to fully support this effort and to help new businesses thrive and become long-term fixtures Downtown,” said Michael Nichols, President of the Downtown Boston BID. “As a Main Streets director, I am very excited for the SPACE Grant Program. This is a progressive push forward that meets the basic needs of our small businesses, while filling the vacancies that can plague our neighborhoods,” said Ginger Brown, Executive Director of JP/Centre South Main Streets. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted Downtown and its businesses, and the Wu Administration remains committed to its Downtown Revitalization plan, announced in April 2022 to address decreased foot traffic and consumer spending. As Boston aims to encourage people back to its commercial centers, the City is moving forward bold initiatives to increase consumer confidence and support small businesses. While Boston aims to activate spaces in all of our neighborhoods, the City is also seeking to ensure its Downtown core is flourishing. To learn more, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/space-grant

APIAVote and NCAAT Warn of Dangers Against Voting Rights Case of Moore v. Harper

APIAVote and NCAAT Warn of Dangers Against Voting Rights Case of Moore v. Harper

WASHINGTON D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week for Moore v. Harper, a case from North Carolina regarding an extremist legal theory referred to as the “independent state legislature theory” (ISLT). This theory asserts that state legislatures have the final say in election-related matters – a dangerous view that would threaten voting rights.    The case before the Supreme Court stems from a redistricting dispute coming out of North Carolina. Following the results of the 2020 Census, congressional district maps were redrawn to reflect the population increase and communities of interest. The state Supreme Court invalidated a congressional district map after finding it had unlawfully used partisan gerrymandering, and replaced it with a non-partisan court-drawn map. North Carolina state legislators appealed the state Supreme Court's decision and brought it to the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year.     North Carolina state legislators who are in favor of advancing the ISLT argue that under the U.S. Constitution, state legislatures have the sole authority to set the rules in federal elections, and therefore state courts cannot review the legislature’s decisions.    “State legislatures should not have the unchecked power to run U.S. elections or to set election laws,” says Chavi Khanna Koneru, co-founder and executive director at North Carolina Asian Americans Together. “That is not how our democracy works. Moore would grant state legislators the absolute ability to manipulate election outcomes with rigged voting maps and other discriminatory barriers to voting. If Moore succeeds, all voters would suffer and BIPOC communities would be disproportionately affected. This case is about upholding America’s system of checks and balances to ensure every vote is counted and every voice is heard.”   “If the Supreme Court adopts the extreme version of the independent state legislature theory, it would open the door to tragic consequences for our freedom to vote,” says Christine Chen, the Executive Director of APIAVote. “The ability of state courts to be a check on legislative actions is one of the key safeguards we have against legislators ready to diminish our ability to vote. If ISLT is made the law of the land, it will cut the state courts out of the equation and leave our democracy in the hands of state legislatures. The bottom line is that the system of checks and balances that we know well in the federal context will be eviscerated in the context of state government if the ISLT is allowed to prevail.”   A decision in this case is expected by June 2023.

法蘭克林公園2300萬元翻新計畫請民眾給意見

 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF FRANKLIN PARK ACTION PLAN

Strategic vision informs $23 million capital investment in the city's largest park; 60-day comment period to generate additional public input

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the release of the new Franklin Park Action Plan. The Action Plan is a comprehensive vision for the future of the 527-acre park, widely considered landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted's crowning achievement and the conclusion of a trilogy of great parks that includes Manhattan's Central Park and Brooklyn's Prospect Park.  With the release of the plan, the City of Boston is asking the public to share their perspectives on plan implementation by identifying community priorities among a slate of projects related to restoration of historic structures, improved circulation throughout the park for all transportation modes, dedicated spaces for cultural and recreational opportunities, and ecological considerations. The plan is now available on the Franklin Park Action Plan website along with a form to capture feedback during the 60-day comment period that ends on February 10, 2023. Highlights of the plan’s recommendations include restoring and activating the Bear Dens with new uses; reintroducing the Elma Lewis Playhouse to the Overlook with a new stage, restrooms, and seating; upgrading active spaces like trails, play areas, athletic fields, and picnic sites; creating a welcoming “front porch” for the Blue Hill Avenue entrance at Peabody Circle with terraced seating; and rehabilitating the landscape of the park by removing invasive plants, cutting back vegetation to reveal the park’s sweeping vistas, and planting new native species and trees. “Franklin Park is a treasured green space for our Boston residents and has played a crucial part in bringing our communities and neighborhoods together across generations,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With this Action Plan, residents and park users will have the opportunity to help the City shape the future of the park and to create a roadmap for preservation, maintenance, and public use of Olmsted’s historic landscape.”  The themes addressed in the park’s original design are paramount to the Franklin Park Action Plan. These include historical and cultural significance, access to open space, public health benefits, and opportunities for nurturing community relationships. “Our goal throughout the process has been to understand past planning efforts, learn what is (and isn’t) working in the park, and what park users would like to see in the future,” said Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the City of Boston. “With this new funding we’re able to abandon the piecemeal approach and make a real difference for the park and the people who love it.” Franklin Park has a long history of community stewardship and activism despite decades of underinvestment in the park. The Action Plan provides a vision for proactive investment in Franklin Park to restore landscape cohesion, support uses desired by the community, and keep the park accessible and welcoming to its neighbors. The plan’s scope covers park maintenance and management as well as cultural and recreational programming. The $28 million investment includes $23 million in capital funding and a $5 million maintenance trust that was created in 2018. Earnings from the trust can be applied to maintenance expenses related to the park. “We see this plan as a generational opportunity to fund needed maintenance and realize the park’s full potential, and at the same time, protect and enhance the environmental and public health benefits of this beloved green space,” said Ryan Woods, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. “We remain committed to developing creative new opportunities for events, activities, and recreation—in partnership with the Franklin Park Coalition, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and other local organizations.” The engagement process emphasized collaborating with neighboring residents and park users, uncovering rich and detailed information about the park’s historical past and present ecology, working with local community groups, and leveraging the expertise of a team of project managers, landscape architects, planners, ecologists, and community engagement specialists. The City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, supported by design firm Reed Hilderbrand, Agency Landscape + Planning and MASS Design Group, met with residents, community organizations, and local stakeholder groups in the adjacent neighborhoods of Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, and Roxbury. Over 26,000 individuals engaged in the planning process with more than 8,000 people providing direct input. Outreach included flyers in the community, signage in the park, email, direct mail, popup events, door-to-door canvassing, community workshops, neighborhood meetings, and communications with over 150 local organizations.  "The Franklin Park Coalition is excited to be a part of this release of the Franklin Park Action Plan. This plan is the result of the hard work of the Boston Parks Department and the City of Boston, in collaboration with other community groups and organizations. We have been involved from its inception and will continue to monitor its implementation, as we strive to make Franklin Park a destination for all," said Rickie Thompson, President of the Franklin Park Coalition. "We believe that activity and community involvement brings more people into the park to enjoy. That's why we are particularly interested in the restoration of the Overlook Ruins, the original site of the Playhouse in the Park created by Elma Lewis In 1966. We look forward to all of the wonderful improvements that the plan proposes." “We rediscovered Franklin Park through the memories and voices of the community,” said John Kett, managing principal of Reed Hilderbrand. “We have always understood this place to be of cultural consequence, because of the Olmsted legacy. But there’s more to this place, more stories, more experiences—Franklin Park has meant so much to Bostonians. The Action Plan recognizes them and seeks to follow their lead in guiding future investments to bring the park into the twenty-first century.”   Over the course of the three-year planning process, community members and park stakeholders identified a long list of needs and wishes for the park. Among the top community priorities were: elevating the standard of care across the park, restoration of and improvements to The Bear Dens, The Overlook, Peabody Circle, and Ellicottdale, as well as parkwide upgrades to lighting, drainage, signage, and circulation. Park improvements and enhanced programming have already begun with funding from the Franklin Park Endowment Trust and will be complemented with expanded capital improvements focused on community priorities.   For more information or to access the public comment form, visit the Franklin Park Action Plan website.

Baker-Polito Administration Hits Milestone of Awarding More Than $200 Million in Skills Capital Grants to High Schools, Colleges, and Educational Institutions

 Baker-Polito Administration Hits Milestone of Awarding More Than $200 Million in Skills Capital Grants to High Schools, Colleges, and Educational Institutions

Latest round of grants totals nearly $51 million and includes funding to expand buildings
 

 

DANVERS –– The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded nearly $51 million in Skills Capital Grants to high schools, colleges, and educational institutions, which marks a milestone of awarding more than $200 million total over the past eight years to upgrade technology and lab spaces for students, expand career programs for young people and adults, and increase capacity in workforce training programs across the Commonwealth. Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Education Secretary James Peyser, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Labor Secretary Rosalin Acosta visited Essex North Shore Technical High School today to announce the awards and tour the school’s new Agricultural Museum, which is being built by students.

The awards announced today include two separate rounds of grants. Approximately $39 million was awarded to nine organizations to undertake major building construction projects, funded through An Act Relative to Immediate Covid-19 Recovery Needs, passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, which included $100 million in state resources to provide capital improvement grants to vocational high schools and public schools operating career and technical education programs. The second round of grants totals $11.7 million to 38 organizations for technology equipment upgrades, and is funded through the 2018 Economic Development Bill, which established $75 million in Skills Capital Grant funding over five years.

“We created the Skills Capital Grants to ensure young people and adults in every region of the Commonwealth could learn and gain skills on the most up-to-date technologies and equipment so they would be well-prepared for in-demand careers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud of these investments in vocational technical education and their long-term impacts that will positively affect thousands of Massachusetts residents for decades.”

“Our goal with the Skills Capital Grants was to align valuable state resources, build better educational opportunities, and increase access to workforce development training, and we have successfully accomplished those goals,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Since taking office, we expanded access to career training for both high school students and adults, launched the Career Technical Initiative - turning vocational schools into three shifts-a-day training facilities - and expanded STEM education opportunities for young people.”

Since 2015, 538 grants totaling $204 million have been awarded through the Skills Capital Grant program.

The Skills Capital Grants are awarded by Governor Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which was created in 2015 to bring together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Housing and Economic Development to align education, economic development, and workforce policies in order to strategize around how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in every region of the Commonwealth. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses, as well as align curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state.

“These grants are all about expanding access for more students,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “The funding awarded today for major expansion projects will have a significant impact on the spaces that are available to teach and train people and will enable new programs to open in communities and regions that currently do not have a program, giving more students opportunities that didn’t exist before.”

The Skills Capital Grant program has evolved into a crucial component of local workforce training efforts by expanding the number of young people and adults trained and experienced with the newest technologies used by local employers. Approximately 80,000 students across the Commonwealth will directly benefit from all the grants awarded over the past eight years. Investments made through the Skills Capital Grant program helped establish the Career Technical Initiative at 25 vocational-technical schools, as well as early career Innovation Pathways at 60 high schools.

"This continued investment in our vocational-technical schools and colleges has a direct impact on young learners and adults, opening up more opportunity for equitable access to the best equipment possible for training in high-demand industries," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. "Together, Skills Capital Grants and the Career Technical Initiative are creating more workforce training pathways for constituents across the Commonwealth, while helping employers address staffing shortages."

“Employer demand for skilled workers is high, and the $51 million in Skills Capital Grants we’re announcing today will help us support the space and equipment needed to expand training opportunities for young people and adults across Massachusetts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “The Baker-Polito Administration’s Workforce Skills Cabinet has provided an avenue to align policies and investments, like this one, to develop the skilled workforce needed to drive our economy forward.”

About two-thirds of the investments made with the grants are directly aligned to reduce skills gaps in high priority industry sectors, including health care, manufacturing, IT, and skilled trades. A percentage of the funding, about 5 percent, has been invested in multi-year strategic projects in manufacturing, healthcare and energy training programs which are projected to have significant regional impact.

The following nine organizations received facility awards totaling $39 million: 

Greater Lawrence Technical School, Andover - $4,000,000, Aviation Maintenance, Healthcare Assisting, Fiber Optics, and Robotics – The high school is planning a 7,900-square foot two-story addition to launch a new aviation maintenance technician program. The school will also enhance its existing healthcare assisting, robotics, and fiber optics programs by adding capacity to educate an additional 648 students over the next five years. The school’s industry partners include Straumann, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, EDI Telecommunications, Air Bear Aviation, and Northern Essex Community College.

Bristol County Agricultural High School, Dighton - $2,500,000, Horticulture and Landscaping – The high school will invest to modernize Keith Hall, a 10,000 square-foot facility, as well as update equipment, including refrigeration systems, operator simulators, and forestry equipment. The school plans to increase enrollment by approximately 100 students next year. Industry partners include MA Farm Bureau, Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, and the town of Dighton.

Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fall River - $5,000,000, Automotive Collision, Culinary, and Metal Fabrication – The funding will support the lab expansions for the automotive collision, culinary, and metal fabrication programs. The new facilities will be used by traditional high school students during the day and support the Career Technical Initiative (CTI) adult training program. Industry partners include MassHire Bristol Workforce Board, TACO Comfort Solutions, Bristol Community College and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

McCann Technical High School, North Adams - $ 3,110,000, HVAC – The high school will construct a 5,580 square-foot HVAC building to provide training to an estimated 100 students each year. Currently there is no HVAC technician training program in the county, and HVAC was identified by the Berkshire County Workforce blueprint as a critical workforce need. The new instructional labs will be used by traditional students as well as adult CTI students after hours.  Industry partners include MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board, Berkshire Career Center, Laureyns United Contractors, and Adams Plumbing and Heating.

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton - $5,000,000, Agricultural Mechanics, Automotive Technician and Horticulture – The school will rebuild the horticultural building, which was heavily damaged during a fire in May 2022. The funding will also provide a full spectrum of welding, hydraulics, diesel and gas engine equipment for instruction. The school’s Agricultural, Mechanics, Automotive Technician and Horticultural programs work with MassDOT’s pre-apprenticeship program to help train students for careers with MassDOT. IUOE Local 98 is another key industry partner providing training and career advisement to students.

Southeastern Regional School District, South Easton- $4,000,000, Electricity, Electronics/Mechatronics, Precision Machining, Robotics and Automation Technology – The school is planning a 6,800 square-foot expansion to support electricity, electronics, advanced manufacturing, and robotics programs. The school expects to serve additional students during the day as well as expand its current CTI adult training program. Industry partners include MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board, AccuRounds, Machine Inc., and Integra Life Sciences.

Franklin County Technical School, Turners Falls - $ 4,158,500, Aviation Technician – The high school plans to build a 12,000 square-foot instructional lab to launch a new Aviation Maintenance Technician program that will educate approximately 100 traditional day students and adult students each year. The school will meet FAA criteria to become an approved AMT Airplane Maintenance Technician. Turners Falls Airport Commission is one of the primary partners along with Gulfstream Corporation. The program will also create alliances with the Bridgewater State Aviation Science program and the newly established UMass Aviation & Research Center.

Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical School, Wakefield - $7,499,922, Biotechnology, Medical Assisting, Robotics and Culinary Arts -The high school is in midst of an expansion project that will serve 320 additional students, and launch new programs in Biotechnology Medical Assisting, Robotics, and Culinary Arts. Industry partners include North Shore Community College, Winchester Hospital, Whidden Memorial Hospital/Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), Glen Ridge Nursing Center/Genesis Healthcare, Fantini Bakery, The Produce Connection, Boston Conveyor & Automation, SMC Corporation of America, Amazon Robotics, and Boston Dynamics.

Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Westford - $3,750,000, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Programming-Web Development, and Engineering – The school will undertake an expansion and modernization project to add 8,750 square feet to the building to create a state-of-the-art manufacturing, robotics, and design training facility that will train more than 200 traditional day students and adults in the CTI program. Industry partners include Insulet Corporation, TÜV Rheinland, Keystone Precision, TRAK Machine Tools, RedHat, Middlesex 3 Coalition, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC) and Central/North Central Region Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, Mt. Wachusett Community College, Middlesex Community College and three MassHire Workforce Boards.

The following 38 organizations received a total of $11.7 million for capital equipment technology upgrades:

Agawam High School, Agawam - $146,690, Manufacturing and Information Technology - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support Agawam High School’s Manufacturing Innovation Pathway and Information Technology Innovation Pathway. 

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlborough - $250,000, Healthcare - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support updating Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School’s Cosmetology instructional lab. 

Attleboro High School, Attleboro - $250,000, Healthcare - Funding will provide technology and equipment to updated Attleboro High School’s Medical Assisting vocational program and launch of a new Environmental Science and Technology vocational program.

Bellingham High School, Bellingham - $150,000, Manufacturing/Healthcare - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support Bellingham High School’s Manufacturing Innovation Pathway and Healthcare and Social Assistance Innovation Pathway.

Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional High School, Upton - $1,250,000, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional High School technology and equipment to support modernizing the Construction Technology programs to meet regional employer demand for carpenters, electricians, and electronics technicians.

Boston Community Technical School, Braintree - $100,000, Healthcare - Funding will provide Boston Community Technical School equipment to support home health aides and community health worker industry credential training programs.

Boston Dearborn STEM Academy / Boston Plan for Excellence, Boston - $150,000, Information Technology / Manufacturing - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support Boston Dearborn STEM Academy’s Information Technology Innovation Pathway and Manufacturing Innovation Pathway.

Bourne High School, Bourne - $150,000, Business and Finance/Environmental and Life Science - Funding will provide Bourne High School technology and equipment to support the Business and Finance Innovation Pathway and Environmental Life and Science Innovation Pathway.

Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School, Taunton - $500,000, Manufacturing - Funding will provide technology and equipment, including updating CNC machines to support Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School ‘s Advanced Manufacturing vocational program. 

Brockton High School, Brockton - $75,000, Healthcare - Funding will provide Brockton High School technology and equipment including patient simulators to support the Health Care & Social Services Innovation Pathway.

Bunker Hill Community College, Boston - $135,799, Healthcare - Funding will provide Bunker Hill Community College technology and ultrasound equipment to support the General Sonography  and Cardiac Sonography programs.

Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable - $183,014, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide Cape Cod Community College technology and equipment to support the growth of the Marine Service Technology industry certification training program.

Carver Middle High School, Carver-$75,000, Environmental & Life Science/Manufacturing - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support Carver Middle High School’s Environmental & Life Science Innovation Pathway and Manufacturing Innovation Pathway.

Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Hathorne - $499,999, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School technology and equipment to support updating of the Groundskeeping and Equipment Operator vocational program.

Gloucester High School, Gloucester - $117,000, Manufacturing/Skilled Trade - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support updating the high school’s Advanced Manufacturing and Construction vocational programs as well as the Engineering afterschool “Maker Space.”

Gould Construction Institute, Woburn - $489,893, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide Gould Construction Institute, the training affiliate of Associated Builders and Contractors, technology and equipment including construction simulator learning systems to support updating the Plumbing, HVAC, and Construction Craft Laborer industry certification training programs.

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford - $212,333, Medical Assisting - Funding will provide diagnostic, treatment, and technology/training equipment to support Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School to update the Medical Assisting vocational program. 

Haverhill High School, Haverhill - $150,000, Environmental and Life Science/Manufacturing - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment to support the Environmental and Life Science Innovation Pathway and the Manufacturing Innovation Pathway.

Integrated Electronics and Photonics Advanced Manufacturing Consortium – Springfield Technical Community College/Western New England University – Springfield, $250,000, Manufacturing - Funding will provide the Integrated Electronics and Photonics Advanced Manufacturing Consortium comprised of Springfield Technical Community College and Western New England University technology and equipment to support Electronics and Photonics Advanced Manufacturing training and degree programs.

MassBay Community College, Wellesley Hills - $500,000, Biotechnology - Funding will provide MassBay Community College instructional lab technology and equipment to support scaling of Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing high school partnerships, industry credential training, certificate, and degree programs.

Medford Vocational Technical High School, Medford - $319,989, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide Medford Vocational Technical High School technology and equipment to update the Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies vocational program and to establish a new evening program for training adults. 

Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Lexington - $500,000, Agriculture - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment to support updating the Animal Science/Veterinary Science vocational program. 

New Bedford High School, New Bedford - $500,000, Healthcare - Funding will provide the high school equipment and technology to develop a simulated health sciences laboratory to support current healthcare CVTE program and the development of Health Assisting vocational program.

North Shore Community College, Danvers - $1,000,000, Healthcare - Funding will provide the college technology and equipment to modernize a healthcare simulation center to support Medical Assisting, Allied Health, and Human Services high school partnerships, industry credential training, certificate, and degree programs.

Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, Palmer - $491,905, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment to modernize the HVAC vocational program instructional lab for highs school and adult training programs. 

Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, Peabody - $240,836, Hospitality - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment to modernize the Culinary Arts program.

Quincy High School, Quincy - $145,500, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide Quincy High School technology and commercial grade equipment and simulators to support updating of the Electrical Technology vocational program. 

Salem High School, Salem - $169,000, Information Technology - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment to support updating the Programming & Web Development vocational program laboratory. 

South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School, Hanover - $250,000, Manufacturing /Transportation - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support the high school updating Advanced Manufacturing and Automotive Technology vocational programs for high school and adult training programs. 

Tantasqua Regional Vocational High School, Fiskdale - $131,454, Manufacturing - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment including CNC machines to support updating the Advanced Manufacturing vocational program. 

Taunton High School, Taunton - $500,000, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment including and excavator, skid steer, forklift simulator to support updating the Construction Craft Laborer vocational program.

Tech Foundry, Springfield - $100,000, Information Technology - Funding will provide technology and equipment to support updating Tech Foundry’s Information Technology adult industry certification training programs.

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School, Franklin - $500,000, Hospitality - Funding will provide commercial restaurant technology and equipment to update Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School ‘s Culinary Arts vocational program. 

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Bourne - $250,000, Skilled Trades - Funding will provide Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School technology and equipment to update the Electrical and adult training vocational program instructional lab.

Uxbridge High School, Uxbridge - $75,000, Innovation Technology - Funding will provide the high school technology and equipment including IT hardware, simulators, and lab equipment to support the Information Technology Innovation Pathway.

West Springfield High School, West Springfield - $150,000, Healthcare/ Manufacturing - Funding will provide technology and equipment including instructional simulators and VR equipment to support the high school’s Healthcare & Social Assistance Innovation Pathway and Manufacturing Innovation Pathway.

Westfield State University, Westfield - $250,000, Healthcare - Funding will provide the university technology and equipment to support elancing foundational Skills training for Healthcare Professionals including nurses, nursing assistants, community health workers, and physician’s assistants.

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill - $499,461, Healthcare/Transportation - Funding will provide technology and equipment to update the Automotive Technology and Health Assisting vocational programs.

波士頓市長吳弭申請設立參與預算辦公室

MAYOR WU FILES ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH OFFICE OF PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING Office of Participatory Budgeting will provide another opportunity for residents to engage with the City’s budget process

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday filed an Ordinance establishing the Office of Participatory Budgeting, amending the City of Boston Code. The purpose of this office is to provide the structure necessary to enhance public engagement and direct involvement in the City’s budget. The ordinance requires approval by the Boston City Council. “Creating opportunities for direct involvement in the City’s budgeting process ensures our residents’ voices and needs are represented in their local government’s departments and programming,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I look forward to working with the City Council to establish this office and its oversight board for direct civic engagement to shape our budget.” This ordinance establishes the Office of Participatory Budgeting, which will include a director and an external oversight board. The Office, working in partnership with the external oversight board, will establish and manage a Participatory Budgeting Process that will be an equitable and binding decision-making process open to all Boston residents during fiscal 2024 and in addition will create another opportunity for residents to both engage with the City’s annual budget process and to make recommendations for projects to include in the budget. The Office will work across departments and agencies, external organizations, and with communities to ensure year-round public involvement and engagement in the City’s budgeting. Working with the Office, the external oversight board will be tasked with submitting participatory budgeting project proposals to the Mayor for inclusion in the City’s budget. The board will also assist in the creation of a Participatory Budgeting Rule Book, which will outline the policies and procedures for the participatory budgeting process. The Board will be composed of nine Boston residents with varied experience and expertise, including community investment and development, public finance, open space, urban planning, community organization and outreach, affordable housing, public education, public health, environmental protection, and historic preservation. The Mayor will appoint five individuals directly to the oversight board, as well as appoint four individuals to the oversight board from a pool of eight applicants provided to the Mayor by the City Council. Board members will have two-year terms. In the 2021 Municipal Election, Boston’s voters approved a ballot measure to create an Office of Participatory Budgeting charged with furthering public engagement on how the City’s budget is created and how tax dollars are spent. Ahead of the FY23 budget submission, Mayor Wu worked with the Office of Budget Management (OBM) and Boston City Council to hold a Budget Listening Tour for residents to better understand the budget and to solicit public feedback. The direct feedback was aimed to empower constituents in working alongside the City, and allowed the City to further evaluate where resources might be most equitable and valuable. For those who were unable to attend the series of listening sessions, a budget survey was also available for constituents and residents to weigh in on the city’s future investments. Additionally, recently, in advance of the FY24 budget process, the Office of Budget Management (OBM) in partnership with ONS’ Office of Civic Organizing, hosted budget workshops with groups that were underrepresented during the FY23 winter budget listening sessions to help increase their understanding of the budget process and share how to engage with the City’s budget. For more information, go to boston.gov/budget.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $11 Million in 24 Grants through the Seaport Economic Council

Funding Will Support Commercial Fishing, Improve Waterfront Access, and Prepare for Future Dredging

PLYMOUTH – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced over $11 million in Seaport Economic Council grants for 24 projects. The grants will help 20 coastal communities advance projects that benefit commercial maritime industries, improve resident and visitor access to waterfront assets, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and advance future dredging. The grants were approved at today’s meeting of the Seaport Economic Council, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito at Plymouth Town Hall.   “I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and all of the members of the Seaport Economic Council for their tireless work advancing Massachusetts’ coastal communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Since taking office our administration has been proud to award over $87 million through the Seaport Economic Council to support 190 projects that promote economic development, recreation, and climate resiliency along our shoreline.”   “It has been an honor to serve as chair of the Seaport Economic Council, a role in which I’ve been able to learn from, partner with, and advance the work of local leaders in communities up and down our coast,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “At our final meeting today we are thrilled to invest over $11 million for projects aimed at protecting and improving our waterfronts.” The Seaport Economic Council was relaunched in August 2015 with a mission to deepen the maritime economy, promote economic development, and support resilient infrastructure in all 78 of the Commonwealth’s coastal communities. The Council awards grant funding to municipalities and other entities in support of projects that promote job creation and economic growth, transformative public-private partnerships, educational opportunities for young people, local economic development planning efforts, coastal infrastructure improvements, and the planning and permitting of saltwater dredging. With this latest round of grants, the Seaport Economic Council has invested over $87 million through 190 grants in 55 coastal communities since being relaunched in 2015. “Under the Baker-Polito Administration, the Seaport Economic Council has made significant investments to help our coastal communities stimulate economic growth now and in the long term,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Today’s awards will modernize and improve access to waterfronts in 20 cities and towns, boosting tourism and commercial activity in these communities.” “Grants from the Seaport Economic Council enable coastal communities to undertake important waterfront improvement projects, from rebuilding infrastructure to planning for future dredging,” said Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, Vice Chair of the Seaport Economic Council. “With Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito’s leadership, we have invested in 55 cities and towns with the resources they need to support economic growth and build resilience for the future.” "I am thrilled to see the Town of Plymouth receive this funding to make improvements to their municipal boat ramp,” said Representative Kathy LaNatra. “Plymouth Harbor is a vibrant hub of economic activity and this investment into such a crucial aspect of it will go a long way to continuing to grow Plymouth Harbor and the surrounding area." "We are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and Seaport Economic Council for investing in coastal communities and addressing climate impact," said Representative Mathew Muratore. "We are thrilled that Plymouth will receive much needed funding of $1,000,000 for reconstruction of our town boat ramp to provide options for launching and landing for commercial fishermen and aquaculture growers to better support our blue economy." “The Commonwealth’s $1 million grant for the Town of Plymouth Boat Ramp will expand the loading and unloading space for commercial fishermen including aquaculture growers. This project will ensure that the Town has the necessary infrastructure to support the industry and to provide stormwater controls which will improve the water quality in the harbor,” said Plymouth Town Manager Derek Brindisi. “The Baker-Polito Administration has supported over $8.1 million in grants for critical harbor infrastructure improvements in the Town of Plymouth. The Town is thankful for the Baker-Polito Administration for prioritizing our region’s Blue Economy”. Seaport Economic Council Grant Awards Town of Barnstable, $1 Million The Town of Barnstable will use grant funding to install approximately 675 linear feet of steel bulkhead, including anchors, timber piles, timber pier repairs, utility adjustments, and other associated work related to a replacement bulkhead at the Bismore Park Marina. This is essential to continued operations in the busy marina, which serves passenger ferries, commercial fishing, other commercial vessels, transient and recreational boating, and landside uses including parking, pump-outs, artist shanties, harbormaster office, and welcome center. City of Beverly, $560,000 The City of Beverly will use grant funding to support improvements to 4 Cabot Street, with the city using funding to demolish the existing building, regrade the parcel including adding fill, build retaining walls and a planting area, add necessary signage, and construct a parking lot. Additionally, the city will reconstruct the existing brick sidewalks on the roadways adjacent to the new parking lot to be ADA-compliant concrete sidewalks and work with a consultant to modify the current license and permitting on the property for future pier construction.   Town of Chatham, $235,000 The Town of Chatham will use grant funding to support the renewal of Chatham’s 10-year Comprehensive Town-wide Dredging and Disposal permit, which includes existing projects as well as expansion of dredging and disposal initiatives to other areas. The project will also identify and permit suitable beach nourishment sites throughout the town to provide erosion protection and coastal resiliency of public and private shorelines.  Town of Dartmouth, $40,000 The Town of Dartmouth will use grant funding to assess the feasibility for dredging of the Padanaram Harbor to improve the safety, navigability, and accessibility of the harbor for recreational, transient, and commercial boaters. Town of Dartmouth, $32,000 The Town of Dartmouth will use grant funding to hire a consultant to conduct an economic and fiscal impact assessment of the Padanaram Harbor. Town of Duxbury & Duxbury Bay Maritime School, Inc., $196,000 The Town of Duxbury and Duxbury Bay Maritime School, Inc. (DBMS) will use grant funding to conduct a feasibility study to explore a pathway towards achieving coastal resiliency against future climate change and sea level rise through improvements made to existing waterfront infrastructure, current facility operations, and surrounding areas. The town and DBMS waterfront facilities that will be the focus of the study consist of adjoining waterfront parcels located within Snug Harbor. Town of Edgartown, $292,000 The Town of Edgartown will use grant funding for engineering and permitting services required for its 10-year Comprehensive Permits for interchangeable dredging and beach nourishment activities that are set to expire in 2024. Town of Fairhaven, $1 Million The Town of Fairhaven will use grant funding for Phase 5B of the overall renovation of Union Wharf, the final phase of the 10-year planning and reconstruction effort to reconstruct the wharf to modern standards. Union Wharf provides the only public, commercial vessel off-load space available to the entire fleet within New Bedford harbor. City of Fall River & Fall River Redevelopment Authority, $640,822 The Fall River Redevelopment Authority proposes its next phase of City Pier development on the Taunton River at 600 Davol Street. Its multi-year plan is to install four floating dock systems parallel to City Pier for transient use by recreational boaters and will use grant funding to install a 475-foot-long dock on the north side in 2023. Waterside access will expand tourism and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the waterfront district. Town of Falmouth, $30,000 The Town of Falmouth will use grant funding for the engineering and permitting of repair and improvements at the Town Commercial Fishing pier in Great Harbor Woods Hole. Town of Gosnold, $457,720 The Town of Gosnold will use grant funding to replace the current bathroom facility serving the town-owned and -operated marina located on Cuttyhunk Island that was built approximately 20 years ago. Town of Gosnold, $510,000 Cuttyhunk Island has been without fuel for its residents and boaters since 2019. The Town of Gosnold will use grant funds to complete a fuel farm facility so that fuel no longer needs to be transported from other communities. The project includes installation of concrete foundation, two above-ground ConVault tanks, and electrical and piping as well as dispensing equipment, a containment sump, and a high-level alarm system. Town of Manchester, $568,250 The Town of Manchester plans to add 500 additional feet of transient docking space at Reed Park with water, electricity, and pump-out facilities to accommodate transient vessels, as the current facility is regularly at capacity and unable to serve all the boaters requiring dockage in Manchester. The town will use grant funding to engineer and permit the expansion and re-configuration of the transient docking facility, as well as a portion of the construction. Massachusetts Maritime Academy, $1 Million This grant will fund a dredging improvement project at Massachusetts Maritime Academy that will remove approximately 9,500 cubic yards of sandy material securing appropriate safe berths for the 550’ National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Training Ship Patriot State, Commonwealth’s 120’ tall ship Ernestina-Morrissey, and numerous support vessels. The project will also provide adequate safe refuge for emergency response and recreational boaters, and support marine hydrokinetic research projects.  Town of Marion, $300,000 The Town of Marion will use grant funding to support the construction of a new elevated Maritime Center / Harbormaster office, which will be out of the flood zone. These improvements are intended to better facilitate the use of the property by the public, boating community, and transient boaters alike while also addressing the inadequacies of the current facility and its vulnerability to storms and sea level rise. Town of Nantucket, $1 Million The Town of Nantucket will use grant funding to replace the existing public dock system with new concrete floats, including power pedestals and water service, and upgrade existing utilities at the Town Pier facility, which services commercial, recreational, and transient users.  City of New Bedford & Community Boating Center of New Bedford, $50,000 Partnering with the City of New Bedford, the Community Boating Center of New Bedford (CBC) will use grant funding to support a comprehensive feasibility study for its campus vision and expansion plans. CBC connects thousands of greater New Bedford youth, ages five to 24, to the water through a wide range of programs year-round, providing youth development, education, mentorship, and access to a network of community partners. New Bedford Port Authority, $880,000 Homer’s Wharf, a commercial fishing pier in the Port of New Bedford, needs full structural replacement. New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) will use grant funding to advance design, engineering, and permitting to the shovel-ready stage and make grant applications for future reconstruction more competitive. New Bedford Port Authority & Town of Fairhaven, $320,000 The New Bedford Port Authority and Town of Fairhaven will use grant funding to revise and update the 2010 New Bedford / Fairhaven Municipal Harbor Plan to support a broad mix of commercial fishing, marine construction, offshore wind support, and recreational uses. Town of Plymouth, $1 Million The Town of Plymouth will use grant funding to reconstruct the dilapidated town boat ramp adjacent to the Maritime Facility and the state boat ramp. Town of Provincetown, $120,000 MacMillan Pier is a vital piece of public infrastructure, providing capacity for public passenger ferry service, while supporting commercial fishing, public safety/harbormaster’s office, recreational fishing, charter fishing, whale watching, and local retail establishments including artist shanties and museums. The Town of Provincetown will use grant funding to conduct a feasibility analysis to evaluate alternatives to improve and enhance the existing site uses through a focus on the following areas: public safety, commercial fishing, infrastructure upgrades, ferry/transportation improvements, sea level rise resiliency enhancements, navigational dredging assessment, and recreational vessel accommodation. City of Salem, $300,000 The City of Salem will use grant funding to design and permit a passenger terminal building at Salem Wharf, located at 10 Blaney Street, to support the operations of the existing city-owned Salem Ferry, the Nathaniel Bowditch. The terminal building will replace an existing temporary structure put in place in 2011. City of Salem, $700,000 The City of Salem will use grant funding to support the replacement of the Salem Willows Pier, an iconic waterfront access point in Salem’s famed Willows Park. The project is being designed and funded jointly pursuant to a Land Management Agreement between the City of Salem and the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) through its Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and Office of Fishing and Boating (OFB) Access. Town of Scituate, $300,000 The Town of Scituate will use grant funding for construction costs associated with the next phase of the Cole Parkway Marina Rehabilitation project.

AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION IN SUPPORT OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS IN CASE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT

AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION IN SUPPORT OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS IN CASE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT  

BriefDefends the Right of Workers to Strike 

 

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that her office has joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a brief with the Supreme Court defending workers’ rights.  

In the amicus brief, filed in Glacier Northwest Inc v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union No. 174, the coalition of attorneys general argue that the case potentially threatens workers’ right to strike and the effectiveness of the National Labor Relations Act, which protects the rights of private sector employees to organize and collectively bargain for better workplace conditions including pay.   

“Workers need to know that they will be protected when they organize, unionize, or go on strike to improve their working conditions,” said AG Healey. “I am proud to join my colleagues in support of the workers involved in this case and call on the Supreme Court to uphold workers’ right to organize and advocate for themselves.”   

The case follows a 2017 labor dispute between Glacier Northwest, which provides construction services and building materials, and Teamsters Local 174. The union’s collective bargaining agreement had expired and, in the course of negotiating a new one, the union called a strike. When the strike was called, some Glacier drivers were in the process of delivering mixed concrete but left the job to participate in the strike. The mixed concrete became unusable, and Glacier later filed a lawsuit against the union arguing that its actions amounted to intentional destruction of property that is not protected by the union’s right to strike.   

The Washington State Supreme Court sided with the union, finding that the strike was arguably protected under the National Labor Relations Act, and therefore ruling that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) should determine whether the actions taken were reasonable and protected under the National Labor Relations Act. Glacier subsequently sought review from the U.S. Supreme Court, which accepted the petition in October.   

The states’ brief describes how numerous court and NLRB rulings protect strikes that exert economic pressure even if a strike causes product loss. The brief also argues that Glacier’s arguments undermine the National Labor Relations Act, which protects employees’ “concerted activities” and explicitly recognizes the right to strike. The right to strike is essential to a core purpose of the Act – restoring the bargaining power between employees and employers.    

The coalition further argues that a concerted withdrawal of labor is virtually the only way employees can exert economic pressure on employers when attempting to bargain collectively. They also claim that if strikes could not threaten economic loss to employers, they would be less effective, and employees would lose their most powerful legally sanctioned tool.  

AG Healey has consistently been an advocate for the rights and protection of workers. In June of this year, the AG’s Office joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in support of a federal rule that would empower workers and expand public awareness of on-the-job dangers. In the same month, the AG’s Office also joined an amicus brief that defended states’ authority to protect workers from retaliation when speaking up about unsafe working conditions and workplace violations.  

AG Healey is joined in the amicus brief, which was filed by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.   

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case in January 2023.  

麻州候任州長Maura Healey為「尊重婚姻法」簽署發聲明

   (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州候任州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 在美國總統 (Joe Biden)簽署「尊重婚姻法 (Respect for Marriage Act) 」後發表聲明，說明2009年她還是總檢察長辦公室民權處處長時，就成功領導了全美第一次的「婚姻保護法 (DOMA)」州級挑戰，為全美的婚姻平等鋪路。

剛締造歷史，當選為全美第一個女同性戀州長，也是麻州第一位女性州長暨同性州長的奚莉指出，「尊重婚姻法」廢止了「婚姻保護法」，也為同性戀伴侶編纂了其他保護。

奚莉說，「當我們起初挑戰「婚姻保護法」時，許多人都懷疑我們能夠成功。但是我們知道，那太重要了，我們不能不全力以赴。我們把這陳情案一路帶到最高法院去，而且我們贏了，為全國的婚姻平等鋪了路。我從來沒想到10年多之後，我們那麼努力爭取來的那些權益，會受到那些極端主義者的威脅，想要把我們所推動的進步倒退回去。

            「那就是為什麼「尊重婚姻法」是那麼要緊。它一勞永逸的廢止了「婚姻保護法」。它保證了你的婚姻會被承認，而且不論你愛的是誰，在全國都會受尊重，我感謝拜登總統和國會領導能夠堅持到最後。我更加感謝所有分享自己故事，大聲發言，從不放棄為真正平等奮鬥的同性戀夥伴。我也感謝我的聯合律師Mary Bonauto，一名帶領這場爭取平等婚姻戰鬥的開拓者，從Goodridge到DOMA，到Obergefell，以及其他。我們做到了。

Governor-elect Maura Healey Issues Statement on Signing of Respect for Marriage Act

Healey led the first successful state challenge to DOMA, was recently elected one of the first lesbian Governors in the country

BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor-elect and Attorney General Maura Healey, who recently made history when she was elected one of the country’s first lesbian Governors and Massachusetts’ first woman and LGBTQ person elected Governor, issued a statement following President Biden’s signing of the Respect for Marriage Act. As Chief of the Civil Rights Division in the Attorney General’s Office, Healey led the country’s  first successful state challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act in 2009, paving the way for marriage equality nationwide. The Respect for Marriage Act repeals DOMA, as well as codifying other protections for LGBTQ+ couples.

“When we first challenged the Defense of Marriage Act, many people doubted that we would be successful. But we knew it was too important not to give it everything we had. We brought that case all the way to the Supreme Court and we won, laying the groundwork for marriage equality nationwide. I never imagined that more than a decade later, those rights that we fought so hard to secure would come under threat by extremists who want to roll back the progress we’ve made.

“That’s why the Respect for Marriage Act is so essential. It repeals DOMA once and for all. It guarantees that your marriage will be recognized and respected across the country, no matter who you love. I’m grateful to President Biden and Congressional leaders for seeing this through, and I’m especially grateful to all of the LGBTQ+ couples who shared their stories, made their voices heard and never gave up the fight for true equality. I’m also thinking of my co-counsel Mary Bonauto, a trailblazer who has led this fight for marriage equality, from Goodridge to the DOMA challenge to Obergefell and beyond. We did it.”