麻州長Healey簽署560億元2024年度預算

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Sign $56 Billion Fiscal Year 2024 Budget 

First budget signed by the new administration makes historic investments in schools, higher education affordability, climate resiliency and local aid 

 

BOSTON – Gov. Maura Healey today signed a $55.98 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), making historic investments in schools, child care, workforce development, public transit, housing, climate resiliency and other key areas that will help make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable. The budget includes hallmark proposals from Governor Healey, including making community college free for students aged 25 and older through MassReconnect, expanding Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants for early education and care providers, increasing funding for Early College, Innovation Career Pathways, apprenticeships and other workforce development programs, and dedicating 1 percent of the budget to energy and the environment for the first time. 

 

The FY24 budget also solidifies the state’s partnership with its cities and towns, making historic investments in Chapter 70 school aid, unrestricted government aid, and student transportation. This spending plan fully funds another year of the Student Opportunity Act and dedicates resources to help cities and towns redevelop and revitalize their downtowns. 

 

The budget, for the first time, makes strategic use of $1 billion in new revenue generated from the voter-approved Fair Share income surtax and establishes a blueprint for how this revenue will be tracked and spent in future years on priorities in education and transportation, as directed by the voters. 

 

"Our administration is proud to deliver our first budget that meets the moment by making Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable. This budget makes significant investments in schools, child care, clean energy, the environment, and access to mental and physical health care,” said Governor Healey. “We are grateful to Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues and the entire Legislature for their hard work on this budget that reflects our shared values. We look forward to finishing the job by delivering a tax relief package that will put money back into the pockets of families, renters, seniors and more.” 

 

"This budget delivers many of the hallmark provisions proposed by our administration – including the MassReconnect program to make community college free for students aged 25 and older, grants for child care providers, support for critical workforce development programs like early college, and dedicating 1 percent of the budget to energy and the environment for the first time,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “It’s also a demonstration of our shared commitment with the Legislature to supporting cities and towns and our acknowledgment of the important role they play in serving the people of Massachusetts by making historic investments in local aid and school funding.” 

 

The FY24 budget is balanced and does not rely on any use of one-time funds from the state’s stabilization account, the balance of which will grow to an all-time high of more than $8.5 billion after an anticipated $525 million deposit. The bottom line responsibly reflects $200 million set aside to fund collective bargaining agreements for the new fiscal year. 

 

The plan also sets aside $580 million for the first year of a tax relief plan the Healey-Driscoll Administration filed in March that is pending final resolution with the Legislature, where each branch has approved their own versions of the bill. This tax package would put money back in the pockets of residents who need help with costs like food, housing and child care. Notably, the budget includes a section initially filed in the tax package to reauthorize Brownfields Tax Credits, which will allow for contaminated sites to be remediated and redeveloped for critical uses like housing. 

 

The FY24 budget includes key investments to help make Massachusetts more affordable. It invests in programs like the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) by adding 750 new vouchers for low-income tenants and providing $37 million for HomeBASE to connect Emergency Assistance (EA)-eligible families with more permanent housing opportunities. 

 

It funds and makes permanent universal lunch for public school K-12 students and dedicates $475 million to child care providers through the C3 program. The budget also uses $25 million to permanently support Food Security Infrastructure Grants and delivers more than $330 million in student financial aid, including $84 million to expand MASSGrant Plus scholarships for low-income, in-state, undergraduate students attending public higher education institutions. 

 

“This FY24 budget shows that Massachusetts can address critical needs like housing, college affordability and hunger while also remaining fiscally responsible,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “This spending plan is both affordable and necessary to meet the array of needs confronting our families, businesses and municipalities, and I am thankful to my partners in the Legislature for their collaboration to get this done.” 

 

Outside Sections and Vetoes 

 

Gov. Healey also signed 103 of the 112 outside sections included in the budget and has returned eight sections with amendment and vetoed one section. Of those outside sections signed into law, the administration is proud to support in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, universal school lunch, tenant protections and an expansion of ConnectorCare for low- to middle-income individuals earning up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level. 

 

Other outside sections returned with technical amendments, but supported by the administration, include: 

 

· Extending the implementation date for no cost calls for inmates at state and county correction facilities by five months to make sure the policy can be thoughtfully implemented and is affordable in FY24. 

· Giving employers and the Department of Family and Medical Leave more time to effectuate the section allowing workers to supplement their weekly PFML benefit amount with accrued vacation time, sick time, or other paid time off to collect their average weekly wage. 

 

In signing the FY24 budget, Gov. Healey has vetoed an outside section authorizing the use of $205 million in one-time funding from the Transitional Escrow account to support ongoing programming. To balance the budget, the Governor has also vetoed approximately $205 million in net spending from the plan. 

 

Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll believe strongly that the health of the state’s finances and its ability to continue to invest in its people depends on being fiscally responsible. That means keeping the budget structurally balanced by not tapping into one-time resources generated by prior year surplus to fund ongoing expenditures. 

 

FY24 Budget Highlights 

 

Fair Share 

· $524 million for education 

o $71 million for early education and care will increase childcare slots for income-eligible families and put the Commonwealth on a path to universal Pre-K 

o $224 million for K-12 education will guarantee access to free lunch for students across the Commonwealth, expand pathways for high school students to earn college degrees and fund clean energy infrastructure in schools 

o $229 million for higher education that will help make community college and a four-year degree more accessible through the MassReconnect program and financial aid expansions 

· $477 million for transportation will: 

o Preserve critical highway bridge infrastructure 

o Improve accessibility at MBTA stations 

o Initiate means-tested MBTA fares 

o Create a path for innovative service pilots and increased rural connectivity for regional transit authorities 

 

Education and Local Aid 

· Fully funding of the Student Opportunity Act, including a $594 million, or 9.9 percent increase, in Chapter 70 funding 

· $475 million for Commonwealth Cares for Children grants to early-education providers 

· $10 million for a career pathways program for early educators 

· Extends in-state tuition rates at the state’s public universities to immigrants without documentation 

· $172 million in permanent funding to provide universal school lunch for public school K-12 students 

· A 3.2 percent increase to Unrestricted General Government Aid 

· Major increases of $21.3 million for school transportation reimbursement and $9.5 million for rural school aid 

· Full funding of Special Education Circuit Breaker 

· Increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land by $6.5 million or 14 percent 

 

Housing and Homelessness 

· Supports the creation of the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities 

· Creates 750 new Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers for low-income tenants 

· Creates 150 new Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) vouchers for individuals with disabilities, including, for the first time, 50 project-based vouchers 

· Reauthorizes the Brownfields Tax Credit recommended in our tax relief package 

· $324 million for the Emergency Assistance Family Shelter (EA) program, representing a 48 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2023  

· $37 million for HomeBASE to connect EA-eligible families with more permanent housing opportunities 

· Addressing and preventing homelessness by making Chapter 257 eviction protections permanent for renters with pending EA applications 

 

Economic Development 

· $8 million for targeted initiatives at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to support workforce, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and the innovation economy  

· $5 million for Small Business Technical Assistance Grants to leverage the expertise of nonprofits to offer technical assistance, education, and access to capital for small businesses ​ 

· $600,000 for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative for municipalities looking to revitalize their downtowns​ 

 

Health and Human Services 

· $173 million for Chapter 257 rate increases for human service providers 

· $192 million from the Behavioral Health Trust Fund for one time programming aimed at recruiting and supporting a diverse behavioral workforce, including a​$100 million enhancement to the Loan Repayment Program for mental and behavioral health professionals  

· An increase of $44.6 million for behavioral health initiatives at the Department of Mental Health to expand inpatient and community capacity 

· Adds $6.1 million for immigrant and refugee services, including $1.8 million for health assessments and $1.5 million for employment programs 

· $2.75 million for Technology Forward to provide assistive technology and remote supports/monitoring 

· Supports a pilot to expand subsidized ConnectorCare coverage to individuals at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty limit 

· Expands access to contraceptives by allowing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives to individuals without previous prescriptions 

 

Workforce Development 

· $16.2 million for Summer Jobs Program for At-Risk Youth (Youthworks) to subsidize wages and facilitate career development of at-risk youth  

· $15.4 million for Career Technical Institutes 

· $3.8 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program to fund approximately 1,000 placements  

 

Serving Our Veterans 

· Funds the new Veterans’ Services at $185.6 million, a $11.4 million, or 7 percent, increase from FY23 GAA​ 

· Prepares for the opening of new Soldiers' Homes facilities:​ 

o Chelsea’s long-term care transition from the Quigley Building to Community Living Center will begin March 2023​ 

o Holyoke is set to replace its long-term care facility by 2027 and is in the design phase of the project with DCAMM​ 

· Invests in payroll and overtime costs for nursing staff at the Homes 

 

Transportation 

· $100 million for a new Municipal Partnership grant program for a road construction reserve 

· $28 million for implementation of the Work and Family Mobility Act, including extended RMV service hours 

· $200 million for MBTA capital investments including station accessibility and improvements and design for the Red-Blue connector. 

· $20 million for the MBTA Workforce Safety Reserve, which can be used to support employee recruitment and retention 

· $5 million for implementation of means-tested fares 

· $15 million for fare-free pilot programs at Regional Transit Authorities 

 

Energy and the Environment 

· Funds the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at $557.9 million, 1 percent of total available funding for FY24 GAA 

o This represents a $119.5 million, or 27 percent, increase over FY23, including new environmental justice staff and funding to establish a Federal and Regional Strategic Planning Office to coordinate market reform, transmission, and hydropower 

· $25 million to permanently support Food Security Infrastructure Grants  

· $30 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to support wind technology, clean homes, and workforce training programs in the clean energy industry 

· $4.8 million for a decarbonization clearinghouse for energy efficiency, electrification, and storage 

· $5 million to address deferred maintenance at the Department of Conservation and Recreation parks and facilities 

中華專協哈佛建築導覽窺探歷史秘密 (圖片)

 

波士頓排球協會第四屆大賽 南加華排、紐約校聯奪冠 (圖片)

 

麻州民主黨慶祝晶片科學法一週年 讚揚拜登穩定美國經濟

(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州民主黨黨主席Steve Kerrigan 8日發表聲明，慶祝拜登 (Joe Biden) 總統簽署晶片及科學法 (CHIPS 和 Science Act) 一週年，穩定了美國經濟，加強了與中國的競爭力。 Steve Kerrigan列舉了4點理由，闡述拜登總統的晶片及科學法如何的投資了美國、增強經濟，讓製造業重回美國。 增強美國在半導體製造方面的領導地位： 晶片及科學法 (CHIPS 和 Science Act )解鎖了390億美元，鼓勵美國在半導體製造行業方面的領導地位，同時創造了成千上萬個高薪的工會建築業工作機會和數千個高技能制造就業機會，並催生了數千億美元的私人投資。 促進區域經濟增長和發展： 晶片及科學法授權100億美元，投資於全國各地的區域創新和科技樞紐。 加速我們對未來產業的投資： 除了為半導體製造提供資金激勵之外，晶片及科學法還在美國的半導體研究，開發和人力培訓上，另外提供了132億美元，確保美國人有良好能力在未來的產業中工作。 為更多的美國人提供STEM機會，參與高薪的技術工作： 為確保全美各地各種背景的更多人能獲益，並參與科學、技術、工程和數學（STEM）工作機會，晶片及科學法授權從幼稚園到12年級，以及社區學院、大學本科生及研究院的教育，在STEM上，採用新及擴大的教育及訓練。   Massachusetts Democratic Party Statement on CHIPS and Science Act Anniversary

 

BOSTON – Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan today released the following statement celebrating one year since President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law:   “Manufacturing is back in the United States because President Biden saw how it would provide a boom to our economy and then acted with urgency,” said Chair Kerrigan. “In the year since President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law we have strengthened our competitiveness with China and ensured our domestic supply chains are more stable than before. It is clear that the Biden Harris administration’s economic plan is hard at work and the American people are benefiting.”    Here’s how President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act is investing in America and strengthening our economy: · Bolstering American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing: The CHIPS and Science Act has unlocked $39 billion to encourage American leadership in the semiconductor manufacturing industry while creating tens of thousands of good-paying, union construction jobs and thousands more high-skilled manufacturing jobs — as well as catalyzing hundreds of billions in private investments. · Encouraging regional economic growth and development: The CHIPS and Science Act has authorized $10 billion to invest in regional innovation and technology hubs across the country.  · Jumpstarting our investments in industries of the future: In addition to providing funding for semiconductor manufacturing incentives, the CHIPS and Science Act has provided an additional $13.2 billion in American semiconductor research, development, and workforce development — ensuring that Americans are well-equipped to work in the industries of tomorrow. · Providing STEM opportunities to more of America to participate in good-paying skilled jobs: To ensure more people from all backgrounds across the country can benefit and participate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) job opportunities, the CHIPS and Science Actauthorizes new and expanded education and training in STEM from K-12 to community college, undergraduate, and graduate education.

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING ISSUED RELATED TO RECENT SEWAGE DISCHARGE

 PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING ISSUED RELATED TO RECENT SEWAGE DISCHARGE

BOSTON – AUGUST 8, 2023 – The following is a public health warning related to a recent sewage discharge, also known as a combined sewer overflow (CSO). State regulations require local public health departments to provide notice to the public when these discharges may create a risk to public health, including when a discharge lasts for more than two hours.  

 Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Outflow MWR023, located near the Charles River, experienced a treated discharge or overflow starting on Wednesday, August 8 at 11:36am, creating a potential public health risk. The overflow ended at 4:06pm on August 8, and this advisory will expire 48 hours after the overflow has ended according to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here. 

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Outflow MWR201, located in the Charles River upstream of the Boston University Bridge, experienced a treated discharge or overflow starting on Wednesday, August 8 at 11:56am, creating a potential public health risk. The overflow ended at 3:00pm, and this advisory will expire 48 hours after the overflow has ended according to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here. 

Note that this data is preliminary and may be revised. Additional discharges of durations shorter than two hours have also occurred. Check the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website here and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission here for current updates.  

The public is advised to avoid contact with affected water bodies for at least 48 hours after a sewage discharge or overflow, during rainstorms, and for 48 hours after rainstorms end, due to increased health risks from bacteria or other pollutants associated with urban stormwater runoff and discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater.   

A combined sewer overflow occurs when a large storm overwhelms the combined sewerage system causing rainwater to mix with wastewater and discharge to a nearby water body. This prevents sewage backups into homes and businesses.  

More information about CSOs and public health is available at www.boston.gov/cso.  

麻州政府指定西部3社區為綠社區

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Designates Three Western Massachusetts Towns as Green Communities  

East Longmeadow, Hadley and Southwick Now Eligible for $445,000 in Grants 

89 Percent of the Commonwealth’s Population Now Resides in a Green Community 

SOUTHWICK – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the towns of East Longmeadow, Hadley, and Southwick as designated Green Communities. The three new Green Communities commit to clean energy and energy efficiency goals to reduce energy usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions and are now eligible for grants totaling more than $445,000. 

 With today’s designation, 291 of the Commonwealth’s municipalities hold a Green Communities designation. Since the program began, the Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) Green Communities program has awarded more than $166 million in grant funding to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns through designation and competitive grant rounds. 

 “The Green Communities program is an essential partnership with cities and towns to help them lower carbon emissions and energy costs, strengthen local economies, and help move Massachusetts to a clean energy future,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We commend East Longmeadow, Hadley, and Southwick for their commitment to implement clean energy projects and reduce building and transportation emissions.” 

 “An important part of our clean energy transition will happen at the local level, and we are excited to welcome East Longmeadow, Hadley, and Southwick as designated Green Communities,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “The hard work and dedication of our communities to reduce their energy consumption and lower their greenhouse gas emissions will create healthier living spaces across the state and help Massachusetts meets its ambitious climate goals.” 

 The 291 Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent each. East Longmeadow, Hadley, and Southwick commit to reducing their energy consumption amounts to a savings of 23,188 MMBTUs in five years, the energy use equivalent to heating and powering 179 homes, and a greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction of 1,635 tons, equivalent to taking 344 cars off the roads. 

 Proposed projects for the three new Green Communities include weatherization improvements in schools and municipal buildings, electric vehicles for town and school fleets, and renewable thermal technologies, such as air source heat pumps. 

 DOER will award the following funding for projects in these newly designated Green Communities: 

 

Municipality	Award
East Longmeadow	$160,170
Hadley	$139,250
Southwick	$146,220

 Under the Green Communities Act, DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can provide up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns. The goal of the Designation Grant Program is to support communities’ investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the clean energy goals determined by the designated communities. Initial designation grants are based on a $125,000 base for each designated Green Community, plus additional amounts tied to per capita income and population. 

 “To combat the urgent climate crisis, that state must support cities and towns to develop climate resiliency, transition to clean energy, reduce energy usage, and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said State Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “I am thrilled Hadley has chosen to become a Green Community and I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Department of Energy Resources for leading the Green Communities program and awarding Hadley $139,250 in initial grant funding.” 

 “Reaching our climate goals here in Massachusetts means working together towards a shared vision and maintaining a strong commitment to change. Becoming a Green Community reflects that shared commitment. I'm grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and DOER for recognizing and supporting East Longmeadow's investment as we work together to achieve our shared climate goals for the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Jacob R. Oliveira (D-Ludlow). 

 “I am thrilled to have East Longmeadow join Hadley and Southwick as the newest designated Green Communities,” stated State Representative Brian M. Ashe (D-Longmeadow). “The grants available through this designation will allow East Longmeadow to fulfill an important part of the town’s Resilient Master Plan as it relates to energy efficiency, climate change resiliency, and other green initiatives. I would also like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration and DOER for continuing to find ways to assist municipalities in reducing their energy consumption and help the Commonwealth meet its climate goals.” 

 “Congratulations to Hadley on receiving their Green Communities Designation. This designation shows the town’s commitment to clean energy and a sustainable future. The hard work it takes to become a Green Community is already paying off with $139,250 in state funds coming to Hadley to pursue energy efficiency goals. Thank you to the Healey administration for their partnership and commitment to the entire Commonwealth, including western Mass,” said State Representative Daniel R. Carey (D-Easthampton). 

 Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).