麻州政府撥款2000萬元濟助347農莊

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $20 Million in Disaster Relief for Massachusetts Farmers  

 

BOSTON –The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $20 million to farms impacted by several severe weather events this year. The Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Program for Agriculture provides immediate assistance to 347 farmers in Western and Central Massachusetts who experienced significant crop losses due to a deep February freeze, a late May frost event, and catastrophic flooding in July. 

 

“After seeing the devastating damage and listening to farmers who lost their livelihoods over the summer, we knew we had to do something to support the agricultural industry. That’s what this funding demonstrates – it provides direct aid to farms,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program is helping us put farmers first so they can recover, rebuild, and become more resilient in the face of climate change. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their partnership each step of the way to support our hardworking farmers.” 

 

“Farmers are on the front lines of an increasingly volatile climate. When the farming community is hurting, we are hurting. Our administration has been committed to helping these farms in their time of need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The agricultural industry is instrumental in our food system and the overall economy. We hope this funding will go a long way towards ensuring this sector remains resilient.” 

 

The arctic freeze that swept through the state in early February caused damage to the stone fruit crop in Massachusetts, wiping out this year’s peaches and plums. In May, the overnight temperatures fell to below freezing after most fruit blossoms had set, severely damaging to apple, pear, and grape crops. July’s unprecedented rainfall caused destructive flooding in Western and Central Massachusetts, impacting thousands of acres of crops cultivated by more than 110 farms across the region. For some farmers, the events meant a total loss of their crops for the season, and for others, it substantially reduced their harvest and, as a result, their revenue. 

 

“The natural disasters highlight the severity of the impacts that climate change has on our environment. Our farms are becoming more vulnerable, and it is important that we help them now in their time of need but also provide the necessary long-term support,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Massachusetts operates as a team, and we are dedicated to supporting this important industry in its resiliency and sustainability efforts as we anticipate continued weather events.” 

 

To receive funding through the NDR Program, applicants were required to be a Massachusetts-based agricultural operation growing field crops, hay and forage crops, or produce crops. Eligible farms had to demonstrate that they suffered losses of greater than 15% of their total planted acreage during one of the 2023 natural disasters.  

 

“Over the summer, it was heartbreaking to tour and see the destruction that the July floods caused on our farming community,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Combined with the prior frost and freeze events, our farmers suffered massive losses. After hearing from so many about what they needed in order to remain viable, we knew that immediate relief in funding was critical in order to assist in recovery efforts. We’re grateful to our partners in the Legislature for supporting the NDR Program as a meaningful way to help our agricultural industry overcome these recent challenges.” 

 

“It was devastating to watch this year’s weather decimate so many livelihoods in one of our state’s critical industries—especially knowing that such events will become more frequent as the effects of climate change become more severe,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate was proud to take quick action by proposing and advocating for these funds in the budget, and I’m heartened to see the NDR Program deliver relief.” 

 

“The funding awarded today will not only help farmers recover from the devastating impact of climate change, but it will also help to protect the products that they provide for Massachusetts families,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D – Quincy). “Massachusetts farmers play a vital role in our economy, and we’re proud to support them during these challenging times. I would like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and my colleagues in the House and in the Senate, for approving this critical support.” 

 

“I am pleased to see the $20 million that the Legislature funded, in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll administration, is going to assist beleaguered farmers who were devastated by several incidents of severe weather,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This aid will allow the Massachusetts Agricultural industry to rebound and recover for the upcoming planting season next year. We will always stand in support for our farmers, so they not only survive, but thrive going forward.”  

 

"Today, $20 million is being delivered to farmers state-wide to assist with recovering and rebuilding from natural disasters," said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). "I am grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, the Healey-Driscoll administration, MDAR, and many state agency partners who have grappled with the aftermath of three climate-related disasters and their impact on farms and the food system. Of the $20 million, nearly $6.7 million in aid will help farms in the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district." 

 

"The storm damage farms across the Commonwealth experienced over the summer was unfathomable,” said State Representative Natalie M. Blais (D-Deerfield). “This direct financial assistance will go a long way in helping to ensure the continued viability of our farms, thereby maintaining the bedrock of our local food system. I stand alongside our farmers in deep gratitude for the prompt response of the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll Administration.” 

 

Funds from the NDR Program will be distributed immediately in time for local farms to begin the work needed for next year’s growing and harvesting season. 

 

The following farms are receiving payments from the program: 

  

Agric Organics, LLC, Wilbraham 

Agronomy Farm Vineyard, LLC, Oakham 

Albert Manzi, North Andover 

Allandale Farm, Inc., Brookline 

Allard's Farm, Inc., South Deerfield 

Almeida Farm, Rehoboth 

Alta Vista Farm, LLC, Rutland 

Amethyst Farm, LLC, Amherst 

Amherst Nurseries, Inc., Hadley 

Antonellis Farm, LLC, Deerfield 

Anything Grows, LLC, Salisbury 

Apex Orchards, Inc., Shelburne Falls 

Aponte Farm, Holyoke 

Arcadian Farms, Inc., Holliston 

Ashland Farm, New Braintree 

Atlas Farm, LLC, Deerfield  

Autumn Hills, LLC DBA Autumn HIlls Orchard, Groton 

Ayrhill Farms, Inc., Adams 

Baggott Family Farms Corporation, Longmeadow 

Bardwell Farm, Hatfield 

Barstow's Longview Farm, LLC, Hadley 

Bashista Orchards, LLC, Southampton 

Bean Farm, LLC, Westwood 

Belder Farm, South Deerfield 

Berberian Farm, Northborough 

Berry Hill Farm, LLC, Westport 

Berry Knoll Gardens, LLC, Ludlow 

Big River, LLC dba Big River Chestnuts, Leverett 

Black Birch Vineyard LLC, North Hatfield  

Blossoming Acres, LLC, Southwick 

Bob's Bogs, Inc., Berkley 

Boisvert Farm, LLC, Hadley 

Bolduc Farm, Westfield  

Bolton Spring Farm, Bolton 

Boston Hill Farm, LLC, North Andover 

Bradstreet Farm, Rowley 

Breezy Gardens, Leicester 

Broadlawn Farm, Adams 

Brookfield Orchards, Inc., North Brookfield 

Brox Farm, LLC, Dracut 

Bryan Murphy, Harwich 

Burnt Hill Blueberry Farm, Heath 

Calabrese Farms, LLC, Southwick 

Cape Cod Cranberry Realty Trust, West Barnstable 

Carlson Orchards, Inc., Harvard 

Carr's Ciderhouse, Hadley 

Carver Hill Orchard, Stow 

CAVU Farm , Cheshire  

Center View Farm, Spencer 

Chamutka Farm, West Whately 

Chenausky Farm, Orange 

Chickadee Hill Farm, Rowley 

Cider Hill Farm, LLC, Amesbury 

Circa 1638 Bartlett Farm, LLC, Salisbury 

Clark Brothers Orchards, LLC, Ashfield 

Clark Farm, Danvers 

Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Inc., Deerfield 

Clodhopper Farm, LLC, Medfield 

Clover Hill Farm, LLP, Gilbertville 

CN Smith Farm, Inc., East Bridgewater 

Coastal Vineyards, South Dartmouth 

Coldbrook Springs Winery & Stevens Farm, Barre 

Common Pastures, LLC dba Colby Farm, Newbury 

Connors Farm, Inc., Danvers 

Cooks Farm Orchard, Brimfield 

Cottage Grove, LLC / dba Sentinel Frm, Belchertown 

Coy Brook Farm, West Brookfield 

Cranberry Pond Farm, Brookfield 

Crow Farm, Inc., Sandwich  

Cucurbit Farm, LLC, Acton 

Cultivating Solutions, LLC dba Winter Moon Roots, Hadley 

D & R Farm, Hampden 

Daniel T Chunglo Jr DBA Chunglo Farm, Hadley 

Dartmouth Orchards, Dartmouth 

Dave's Natural Garden, Granby 

David G. Costa, Rochester 

David Mokrzecki Farm, Hadley 

Davidian Bros. Farm, LLC, Northborough  

Davis Carlson Farm, Ware 

Davis Farms Trust, Bolton 

Deershorn Farm and Taxidermy, LLC, Lancaster 

Derby Ridge Farm, Stow  

Devine Brothers Farm , Hadley 

Devine Farm, Inc., Hadley 

Dew-More Farms, Inc., Townsend 

Dick's Market Garden, Inc., Lunenburg 

DJ's Farm Fresh Produce, Shutesbury 

Doe Orchard, LLC, Harvard 

Drew Farm, Westford 

Dwight Arnold Farms, Inc, Southwick 

Dylan Fil, Hadley 

Earle M Parsons & Sons, Inc., Hadley  

East Village Farm, Amherst 

Echo Hill Orchards & Winery, LLC, Monson 

Elmartin Farm, Cheshire 

Excalibur Farm, Groton 

Fairmount Fruit Farm, LLC, Franklin 

Fairview Farms, Inc., Whatley 

Fairview Orchards, Inc., Groton 

FARMER DAVES, LLC, Dracut 

Farmer Matt, LLC, N. Braintree 

Fay Mountain Farm, Brookfield 

Fini's Farm Produce, Holyoke 

Flat Hill Orchards, LLC, Lunenburg 

Flats Mentor Farm , Lancaster 

Fletcher Farm, Southampton 

Foppema's Farm, LLC, Northbridge 

Four Rex Farm, Inc., Hadley 

Four Town Farm, Inc., Seekonk 

Foxcroft Farm, LLC, Amherst 

Friends of Sholan Farms DBA Sholan Farms, Leominster 

Galenski Farm, South Deerfield 

Garbiel Farm, Montague 

Garcia's Farm, Holyoke 

Gardner farm, Tyngsboro 

Genaro's Farm, Holyoke 

George Hill Orchards, Inc., South Lancaster 

Gidley Farm, North Dartmouth 

Golden Hour Farms, LLC, N Dighton 

Gove farm, Leominster 

Grallert Farm, LLC, Millis 

Grand View Farm, Rowley 

Grannys Place, Agawam 

Grape Island, Inc.  DBA Mill River Winery, Rowley 

Gregory Pipczynski, Sunderland 

Guavate Farm, Holyoke 

Gulf Farms, Cheshire 

Hager Bros. Farm, LLC, Colrain 

Hagers Farm Market LLC, Shelburne 

Haley farm , Williamstown  

Harpers Farm and Garden, LLC, Lancaster 

Hart Farm, LLC, Conway 

Hawk Hill Orchard, Millbury 

Headwater Cider, Inc., Hawley 

Healthy Futures Farm, Westport 

Heavens Harvest Farm , New Braintree 

Hickory Lane Farm, LLC, North Brookfield 

Honey Pot Farm, LLC, Hatfield 

Honey Pot Hill Orchards, Inc., Stow 

Honey Pot Produce Co, Inc., Hadley 

Howes Farm and Garden, LLC, New Braintree 

Hunt Road Berry Farm, Inc., West Brookfield 

Idyllvale Farm, LLC, Littleton 

Indian Head Farm, Inc. dba Cordelia's Farm, Berlin 

Ioka Farm, LLC, Hancock 

Iron Ox Farm, LLC, S Hamilton 

J & J Farms, Amherst 

J&G Farms, LLC, Westfield 

Jaeschke's Orchard, Adams 

Jekanowski Farms, LLC, Hadley 

Joe Czajkowski Farm LLC, Hadley 

John G. Latham Cranberry, Brewster 

Jordan Dairy Farms, Inc., Rutland 

Josh Parker Farms, LLC, Southwick 

Just Roots, Inc., Greenfield 

Kelly's Family Farm, Inc., Upton 

Ken Mushroom, LLC, Leominster 

Kettle Brook Farms, LLC, North Brookfield 

Kielbasa Orchards, LLC, Hadley 

Kimball Fruit Farm, LLC, Pepperell 

Kolakoski Farm Stand, South Deerfield 

Kosinski Farms, Westfield 

La Arecibena Torres Family Farm, Springfield 

La Mela Allegra/The Happy Apple, Lancaster 

Laflamme's Garden Center, Inc., Granby  

Lakeside Organic of Hadley, LLC, Hadley 

Lakeview Orchard, Adams 

Land's Sake Farm , Weston 

Lanni Orchards, Inc., Lunenburg 

Laurenitis Farm, Sunderland 

Lawndale Farm, Tyngsboro 

Lilac Hedge Farm, LLC, Jefferson 

Little Mans Farm, Agawam 

Lone Birch Blossoms, Gilbertville 

Long Hill Orchard, West Newbury 

Long Plain farm, South Deerfield 

Long Run Produce, Medford 

Lookout Farm, LLC, Natick 

Luther Belden, Inc., Hatfield 

M A Wendolowski Farm, LLC, Hatfield 

MacArthur Farm, Holliston 

Manheim Farm , S.Deerfield 

Many Graces, LLC, Amherst 

Maple Acres Farm, West Chesterfield 

Maple Corner Farm, Granville 

Maple Hill Farm Grass-fed Beef, Inc., Hardwick 

Maple Row Farm, Shelburne Falls 

Maple Shade Farm, Inc., Sheffield 

Mapleline Farm, LLC, Hadley 

Marini Farm, LLC, Ipswich 

Marshfield Cranberry Company, Marshfield 

McCray's Farm, South Hadley 

McKinstry Market Garden, Inc., Chicopee 

McLaughlin Tobacco, Southwick 

Meadowbrook Orchards, Inc., Sterling 

Medicine Buddha Gardens and CSA, Great Barrington 

Medway Community Farm, Inc., Medway 

Melnik Farms, LLC, Deerfield 

Mills River Cranberry Co., Marstons Mills  

Mitchell Farm, Amherst 

Miz Pah Farm, Cheshire 

Montgomery Bogs, Lakeville 

Moon In The Pond Farm, Inc., Sheffield 

Morning Dew Farm, Worthington 

Morse Farm, Dudley 

Mountain Orchard, LLC, Granville 

Mountain View Farm, Lanesborough 

Mountain View Farm, LLC, Easthampton  

N. Riley Malinowski Farm, LLC, Hatfield 

Needham Community Farm, Needham 

New England Hay Supply, Cheshire 

NextGen Farm , Chicopee 

Nicewicz Family Farm, Bolton  

Niedbala Farms, LLC, Hadley 

Nihtila Farm, Holbrook 

Noquochoke Orchards, Westport  

North Hadley Sugar Shack, LLC, Hadley 

North of Boston, Boxford 

North Plain Farm, LLC, Great Barrington 

Northern Valley Farms, Inc., Northampton 

Nourse Farm, Westborough 

Ogonowski farm, Dracut 

Old Earth Orchards, LLC, East Taunton 

Old Friends Farm LLC, Amherst 

Orchard Made Products d/b/a Mann Orchards, Methuen 

Orr's Farm, Westport 

Owl Rock Farm, LLC, Harvard 

P & A Petruzzi Farms , East Brookfield 

Paquette American Harvest Farm, Shrewsbury 

Park Hill Orchard, LLC, Easthampton 

Parlee Farms, LLC, Tyngsboro 

Patterson Farm, LLC, Sunderland 

Paty Cranberries, Lakeville 

Pease Orchard, Templeton 

Pepin Farm, Easthampton 

Phoenix Fruit Farm, Belchertown 

Phoenix Organic Farm, Orleans 

Pignatare's Farm, Westfield 

Pine Hill Orchards, Colrain 

Plainville Farm, Hadley 

Pleasant Valley Gardens, Methuen  

Pomeroy Farm, LLC, Westfield 

Poplar Hill Farm, Inc., West Whately 

Porter Family Farm, Ashfield 

Potter Hill Farm, Grafton 

Prairie Orchard , New Braintree 

Quabbin Hill Farms, LLC, Pelham 

Quonquont Farm, LLC, Whately 

R & B Farm, Hadley 

Ragged Hill Orchard, West Brookfield 

Rattleroot Farm, LLC, Princeton 

Red Apple Farm, LLC, Phillipston 

Red Eye, Inc., Middleboro 

Red Fire Farm, Montague 

Red Shirt Farm, LLC, Lanesborough 

Rei's Farm, Chicopee 

Renta Family Farm, Holyoke 

Ridgeview Farm,

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $5 Million in IT Grants for Municipalities Through Community Compact

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $5 Million in IT Grants for Municipalities Through Community Compact

Funding will help cities and towns address cybersecurity, e-permitting and more

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced that $5 million in grants have been awarded to municipalities to upgrade and improve their information and technology systems through the Community Compact program.

This funding comes from one of four Community Compact grant programs being run this fiscal year and will benefit 68 municipalities and school districts, including 13 first-time recipients.

The 52 grants being awarded total more than $4.95 million and will go toward improving cybersecurity and e-permitting, centralizing financial systems, implementing records management systems and infrastructure needed for hybrid meetings .

“The Community Compact program is an important tool for our administration to partner with cities and towns to advance best practices and meet the IT needs of the state’s 351 cities and towns,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These technology grants being announced today will help municipalities modernize their systems and better serve the people of Massachusetts.”

Since Fiscal Year 2016, the Commonwealth has offered grants to municipalities focused on driving innovation and transformation through investments in technology.  The Community Compact IT Grant program has provided 425 grants supporting over 300 municipalities/school districts projects totaling $24.2 million.

This year’s grants will support everything from cybersecurity, e-permitting and disaster recovery to GIS mapping tools, the purchase of hybrid meeting equipment and infrastructure, wireless networks, software enhancements, websites and records management.

“Whether it’s helping communities implement a records management system or ensuring the residents have virtual access to their local government, these grants demonstrate our commitment to helping cities and towns meet the needs of their residents. I’m excited to see this funding released so that municipalities can get started on this important work,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

 

The Information and Technology grant program is a competitive program focused on driving innovation and transformation at the local level via investments in technology. The goal is to make government more efficient, save taxpayer money, and make it easier for residents to interact and transact with their local government. Under this program, grants of up to $200,000 can be awarded to support the implementation of innovative IT projects by funding related one-time capital needs such as technology infrastructure or software. The FY24 program opened for applications on September 11, 2023 and closed on October 13, 2023.

“The Community Compact IT grant program is one example of how our administration is using its capital budget to support municipalities. The high-level of interest we saw in this program underscores the important work this funding will drive to ensure cities and towns can operate as efficiently as possible and be responsive to the needs of their residents,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz.

The full list of IT grant awards can be found here.

In addition to the information and technology grants, funding has been made available through both the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and the administration’s capital investment plan to support each of the following Community Compact programs:

• Best Practices - $2 million
• Efficiency & Regionalization - $600,000
• Municipal Fiber - $5 million

The application periods for the Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program and Municipal Fiber Grant Program open on Jan. 8, 2024 and March 11, 2024, respectively. 

以哈衝突持續延燒 美國冒出要求3大學校長辭職風波

               (Boston Orange 摘譯) 以哈衝突引發的要求大學校長辭職風波，12月10日繼續延燒。哈佛大學傳出400多名教職員簽署聯名信，支持校長Claudine Gay，呼籲學校行政當局抵禦外界政治壓力，護衛大學的獨立自主。

              來自紐約州，在美國國會眾議院排名第四的眾議員Elise Stefanik。在12月5日 (週二) 舉行的國會聽證會中質問哈佛的Claudine Gay，麻省理工學院的Sally Kornbluth，以及賓州大學Liz Magill等3名校長，呼籲種族滅絕猶太人是否違反學校政策的行為。3名校長的回答非常類似，都是如果那是針對個人的呼籲，就違反學校政策，如果只是公開聲明，就不違反。

              校長們的回答，引發許多批評，以及要求校長們辭職的呼籲。

              在哈佛大學，好幾名校友，包括億萬富翁的風險投資家Bill Ackman都尖銳批評Claudine Gay，要求她辭職。哈佛校內因為擔憂校園內反猶太主義興起，今年10月份才成立的哈佛猶太人校友協會 (Harvard Jewish Alumni Association)也發信給哈佛高層 (Harvard Corporation)，以及行政當局，譴責Claudine Gay在5日聽證會上的說詞。猶太牧師David Wolpe也在7日宣佈將從哈佛校長Gay召集的反猶太主義顧問委員會退出，以示不滿。

              Elise Stefanik 在12月8日時公佈了一封國會議員簽名信，上面就有大都是共和黨籍的70多名國會議員，要求前述3名校長辭職。

              上星期，賓大校園出現一輛卡車，帶著”開除Liz”字樣，在校園內穿梭。12月9日星期六時，哈佛校園上空，出現一輛飛機，尾巴掛著寫有”哈佛恨猶太人”字樣布條，繞行校園。10日星期天下午，哈佛校園又出現一輛卡車，上面掛著佈告牌，寫著”開除Gay”。

              哈佛學生校報Harvard Crimson 週五 (8日)發表了訪談哈佛校長Claudine Gay內容，描述Gay說”我很抱歉，字眼的確有關係 (Words matter)”。她說自己當時該說的是” 對我們的猶太社區動用暴力，威脅猶太學生的呼籲，在哈佛沒有容身之地，也永遠不會不受挑戰”。

              12月9日週六時，2022年3月才就任的賓大校長Liz Magill和該校校董會主席Scott L. Bok都辭職了。

              麻省理工學院的校董會則在12月7日時發表聲明，”毫無保留的支持Sally Kornbluth”。

              哈佛大學教職員公開信辯稱，來自外界要求Gay下台的政治性呼籲，和哈佛的學術自由承諾不相符，要求學校行政人員”捍衛大學的獨立”。

僑聲音樂社12/17表演粵曲 慶祝中華公所100週年

僑聲音樂社將於12月17日 (週日)中午12點至下午3點，假紐英崙中華公所禮堂演出樂曲，慶祝紐英崙中華公所註冊立案100週年。僑聲音樂社社長李伍碧香表示，歡迎各界攜眷到會欣賞演出，入場免費。紐英崙中華公所地址為 90 Tyler St., Boston, MA。

 

麻州民主黨為11月就業報告感到鼓舞

Massachusetts Democratic Party Statement on November Jobs Report

BOSTON - Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor announced that nonfarm payrolls increased by 199,000 jobs in November — bringing the total jobs created under President Biden’s leadership to more than 14 million.   “Despite all the hand-wringing from Republicans, President Biden has led an economy that has now created a record-breaking 14 million jobs. Unemployment is at near historic lows and the economy continues to grow. Once again, what Republicans are saying doesn’t align with the facts. Compare the success of the Biden-Harris Administration with that of the previous Administration and you see the stark differences. Trump pushed for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and left the middle class behind. President Biden and Vice President Harris are showing us what is possible when we build our economy from the bottom up and middle out.”   Here’s a look at how Bidenomics is delivering in Massachusetts and across the country: The US economy added 199,000 jobs in November — bringing the total number of jobs created since President Biden took office to a record 14 million. The unemployment rate has been under 4 percent for the longest stretch in 50 years. The share of prime working-age Americans in the workforce is at its highest level in over 20 years. All jobs lost during the pandemic have been regained, including an additional 4 million created. Wages are increasing at a 4.0 percent annual rate. Annual inflation is down by more than half since last summer.

Chelsea 嶄新退伍軍人之家剪綵啟用

 Healey-Driscoll Administration, VA Secretary McDonough, Senator Warren Unveil New Cutting-Edge Veterans Home in Chelsea 

 

CHELSEA– Governor Maura T. Healey, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago today unveiled the new, state-of-the-art Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea. The new facility is designed to foster community among residents, with private resident rooms organized around shared community and green spaces. It is also fossil-fuel-free and features geothermal wells and a rooftop solar array. 

 

“The new Veterans Home in Chelsea is what our veterans earned and deserve, and it represents a new era of care and commitment to our veterans in Massachusetts. It offers a sense of community for our veterans, allows them to have dignity and autonomy in a home-like environment, and makes sure that their physical, mental and emotional needs are met,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re thrilled to welcome Secretary McDonough to Massachusetts for this monumental occasion, and we are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, our Congressional delegation and the state Legislature for making this possible.” 

 

“From day one, our administration has been committed to revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts and making sure our veterans receive the resources, benefits, and support they deserve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From appointing Secretary Santiago and building up the Executive Office of Veterans Services, to filing the HERO Act, to leading transformational projects at our Veterans Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke, we are making sure that Massachusetts delivers world-class care to those who have heroically served our country.” 

 

“Supporting our veterans is personal for me. All three of my brothers served in the military. I pushed for oversight to address the failures of the old Chelsea Soldiers Home facility, and today's grand opening of the newly constructed veterans home in Chelsea is a new chapter to ensure our veterans get the care they've earned and deserve,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.  “I'm thankful for Governor Healey and her team and for Secretary McDonough for their tireless work to ensure this veterans home provides first-rate service to our vets.” 

 

The officials visited the home today and toured the state-of-the-art facility, exploring its features and amenities, including the rehabilitation room and environmentally sustainable elements. Additionally, the delegation visited veteran residents residing in the building. The day concluded with a speaking program and official ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

 

“Our mission is to honor those who have selflessly served our nation,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “Although we can’t change the past, we can shape the future. The Veterans Home at Chelsea represents a pivotal juncture in our ongoing mission to honor our veterans through top-tier care and support.” 

 

Located atop Chelsea’s iconic Powder Horn Hill, the Veterans Home at Chelsea is a long-term care facility dedicated to serving the Commonwealth’s veterans. Designed to optimize natural light and provide breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Boston and the harbor, this groundbreaking facility consists of 154 private resident rooms organized around communal spaces and embraced by expansive courtyards. The building fosters a more nurturing and dignified living environment than other nursing homes by prioritizing individual privacy and autonomy while cultivating a sense of community through shared living spaces and support areas. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration utilized federal funding in its Capital Investment Plan (CIP) to construct new veterans homes in Chelsea and Holyoke. The federal government is offering up to 65 percent reimbursement for these projects, while the state is contributing a 35 percent match, resulting in a total five-year state investment of $280.1 million. The Chelsea Home is a $200 million project, with a significant portion covered by substantial federal investment. 

 

The Home fulfills the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s pledge to climate resilience, achieving a 100% fossil-fuel-free status with 145 geothermal wells and a rooftop solar array. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the state's overarching sustainability objectives, striving to achieve LEED Platinum and Zero Net Energy certifications. 

 

In October 2023, the Executive Office of Veterans Services announced that the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea (CHE) was awarded licensure by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and certification by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

 

Currently, 22 residents have moved into the new home, and all residents are expected to be fully moved into the new home by early 2024.  

 

The opening of the new Veterans Homes in Chelsea builds on the progress the Healey-Driscoll Administration has already made to improve veteran services in Massachusetts. This summer, the administration broke ground on the Holyoke Veterans Home reconstruction project. Last month, Governor Healey filed the HERO Act to increase benefits, modernize services and promote inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans. This historic legislation marked the first time in 20 years that a Massachusetts Governor has specifically introduced a comprehensive and expansive legislative package dedicated to the welfare of veterans. 

麻州政府撥款1900萬元助187家企業加強人員競爭力

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $19 Million to Upskill Current Workers and Increase Workforce Competitiveness  

Workforce training funds will provide training for current and newly hired employees in areas like ESOL, Technology, and Project Management 

Worcester, MA – The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced $19.4 million in Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) Awards serving 187 businesses statewide. The grants, distributed by the Commonwealth Corporation, aims to address business productivity and competitiveness by providing funding to Massachusetts businesses to train current and newly hired employees.   

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement during remarks at the Worcester Chamber of Commerce. Central Massachusetts businesses received more than $2 million in grants to train 1,633 employees.  

“Massachusetts is a great place to live, work, and innovate. Our workforce and our business community are the heartbeat of our communities and economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants support both workers and businesses by providing the resources needed to help build a pipeline of skilled workers, allowing our businesses to remain competitive and to grow and expand.”  

“Investing in organizations that want to retain their current workers and provide them with the skills they need to succeed is a recipe for success,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These grants help expand our skilled talent pool for employers, strengthens our competitiveness, and allows our economy to prosper.”   

The Workforce Training Fund Program grants are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment to retain and upskill existing talent in Massachusetts’ current workforce. Grants announced today have served as a resource awarded by Commonwealth Corporation to businesses in regions statewide throughout the calendar year.   

“As we drive economic competitiveness throughout Massachusetts, we need to invest in our workforce to promoting existing workers to build the skills to grow a career and for employers to thrive,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “Workforce training fund grants are a critical tool in our toolbox for employers to upskill their workforce in vital areas such as ESOL, technology, DEI training, management, and many other areas that supports professional development and training for Massachusetts workers.”  

Workforce Training Fund Program grants are available for businesses of all sizes, with the greatest use applied by small to medium-sized businesses. The grants provide instruction on a variety of skills, including ESOL, project management, software and IT, and machine set-up and operation. Businesses can apply for two types of grants through the Workforce Training Fund Program: 1) Express program, which provides fast and flexible access to grant-funded training so businesses can respond quickly to change and emerging needs; and 2) General Program, which are typically used for large-scale training. Since fiscal year 2022, the Express and General programs have served more than 23,300 trainees and supported more than 1,300 businesses.   

The full list of the grant recipients, totaling $19,474,544 to train 12,010 individuals can be found here. 

麻州長Healey提名Michelle Yee等3人出任遺產認證及家事法庭法官

 Governor Healey Nominates Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark and Michelle Yee for Probate and Family Court  

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey today nominated Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark and Michelle A. Yee for Probate and Family Court Justices. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.  

“These three attorneys have all shown a profound commitment to helping families and children over the course of their careers,” said Governor Healey. “Their work has come with the highest praise from colleagues across the state, and they each share an innate ability to navigate difficult cases with respect and consideration. We look forward to hearing from the Governor’s Council as they consider these nominations.” 

“Governor Healey and I are thrilled to submit these three attorneys for consideration to the Governor’s Council,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “They would each make great additions to our Family and Probate Court, and we are grateful for the work of the Governor’s Council as they review these nominees.”  

The Probate and Family Court Department handles court matters that involve families and children, like divorce, child support, and wills. The Probate and Family Court Department's mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable, and efficient forum to solve family and probate legal matters and to help and protect all individuals, families, and children impartially and respectfully. 

Earlier this year, Governor Healey recommended Stephanie L. Everett, Esq. as Suffolk Register of Probate and Family Court. 

For more information about the Probate and Family Court, visit its homepage. 

About the Nominees: 

Manisha Hemendra Bhatt has represented indigent clients in probate and family matters for the last 22 years as an attorney for Greater Boston Legal Services. In this role, she worked on divorce, paternity, guardianship and abuse prevention matters, often for limited English-speaking immigrants in communities throughout Massachusetts. Attorney Bhatt has taught and lectured for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) and served on committees for the Trial Court on Probate and Family Court issues. As the daughter of South Asian immigrants, she has been a leader in the South Asian legal community. Attorney Bhatt served as President of the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston and continues to serve on its Advisory Board. She was instrumental in creating their award-winning grassroots access to justice initiative, the “Know Your Rights” program. The program is a twelve-session, two semester, legal educational seminar for leaders in the South Asian Community intended to give such leaders the knowledge about fundamental legal rights they need to assist members of their communities. Attorney Bhatt has a B.A. from Boston College and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. 

Bernadette Stark has both substantial probate and family court experience and a broad background in civil litigation. Attorney Stark has represented private clients in complex financial matters, first at Goulston & Storrs as a corporate associate and later in private practice as a founding partner of Dinsmore Stark, Attorneys At Law, where she practiced primarily in the areas of domestic relations and immigration law. Attorney Stark also represented indigent clients over many years as part of Western Massachusetts Legal Services (now known as "Community Legal Aid"). She now represents student organizations and students as Director of the Student Legal Services Office at UMass Amherst, where she is also "Of Counsel" to the student governance bodies at the University. She is the recipient of Senior Partners for Justice’s 2010 Gideon’s Trumpet Award in honor of her extraordinary commitment to access to justice for all, as has earned recognition for her work and experience from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Super Lawyers “40 Under 40” and Boston Magazine. Attorney Stark brings significant lived experience to the role, making her especially well prepared to confront many of the difficult issues facing the probate and family courts. Attorney Stark was born and grew up in a neighborhood in New York City impacted by gang violence and drugs. Her mother immigrated from Puerto Rico and her home was multigenerational. As a result, she was often called upon to translate for her grandmother, who did not speak English, in interactions with government agencies and service providers. Motivated by her early experience, Attorney Stark has devoted much of her career and many pro bono hours to helping families who find themselves lost in a court system they don’t understand at a critical moment of personal or family crisis. Attorney Stark has a B.A. from Binghamton University and a J.D. from Cornell Law School. 

Michelle A. Yee has been a valuable part of the Probate and Family Court system for more than 18 years. She currently is the Senior Program Manager in the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court, where she has been instrumental in the implementation of the Pathways Case Management Initiative in all 14 divisions of the court. Attorney Yee was previously the Judicial Case Manager in the Essex divisions, where she was responsible for the management of the daily court operations. Prior to that, she was an Assistant Judicial Case Manager, Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (“MUPC”) Magistrate, Sessions Clerk, and Judicial Law Clerk in the Essex and Norfolk divisions. She also worked as an associate at a small firm prior to working for the Probate and Family Court. Attorney Yee has a B.S. from the University of Miami and a J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law. She is the daughter of Filipino and Chinese immigrants, and she grew up in Minneapolis, MN. She lives in Peabody with her husband of 22 years and two sons.