波士頓市麥特潘漢東波士頓2名新聯絡員上任

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES TWO NEW NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISONS  FOR MATTAPAN &  EAST BOSTON

BOSTON - Monday, July 22, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced new staff in the Office of Neighborhood Services, including Asiah Wotring as the Mattapan Liaison and Roberto Gomez as the East Boston Liaison. The Office of Neighborhood Services is integral in connecting residents to City services and resources, facilitating resident input in all aspects of local government, ensuring the appropriate City departments respond to constituent service requests, attending neighborhood meetings, and responding to emergencies such as fires to help displaced residents.  “Asiah and Roberto bring a wealth of experience working with Boston’s residents, from early education to fighting food insecurity at local community farms,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I look forward to working with both of them in strengthening community in Mattapan and East Boston to make Boston a home for everyone.”

Asiah Wotring  Asiah Wotring grew up in Lynn and Everett and has been a resident of Boston since 2017, initially settling in Mattapan for the start of her journey in the city. Her connection to Boston comes from her family members who have been born and raised in the city. One of her fondest childhood memories is attending her aunt’s annual cookout on Morton Street directly after Boston Caribbean Carnival. Wotring has a background in local government, education, and community service. She has her certification in Early Education and Care as a preschool teacher. She gained valuable experience during a legislative internship with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. She also worked with the United States Census Bureau. Before joining the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Wotring was a call taker for Boston 311 for close to two years.  Former Mattapan Liaison Eric James recently transitioned from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services to the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT). James is the new Community Engagement Specialist where he is leading the creation and maintenance of fostering strong relationships with neighborhoods and overseeing OPAT's youth engagement.  “I look forward to learning from the intergenerational neighborhood leaders of Mattapan to be an ally and uplift the youth in the neighborhood,” said Mattapan Liaison Asiah Wotring. “I am excited to connect with residents and always be a familiar face in the neighborhood to help better serve Mattapan constituents' needs.”

Roberto Gomez  Before moving to East Boston, Roberto Gomez lived in Texas, on the border between Mexico and the U.S. in Laredo, Texas. As a child of Mexican immigrants living in the U.S., Gomez grew up between two cultures and later in life developed a passion to embrace his upbringing and the cultures of those he now surrounds himself with in East Boston.  Prior to working for the City of Boston, Gomez worked at Eastie Farm. He spent his tenure working with other nonprofits and the city to combat food insecurity and to push forth environmental justice awareness into the community. In 2021, he received the Zumix Luminary award for his dedication to the community over the years, especially during the pandemic. “I look forward to getting to the root of any present issues that East Boston residents face and see how I can help,” said East Boston Liaison Roberto Gomez. “I am excited to listen to the diverse communities in East Boston and learn more about their varied needs and goals.” “Asiah and Roberto are two passionate leaders with strong connections to the neighborhoods they serve,” said Office of Neighborhood Services Executive Director Beata Coloyan. “I look forward to watching them continue the legacies of our former Mattapan and East Boston liaisons and strengthen our community engagement in their neighborhoods.”  Community members can meet with their designated neighborhood liaisons by attending weekly coffee hours in-person every Friday to receive guidance on how to navigate City services

波士頓慈濟服務華埠再掃街 歡迎志工加入各項善行

波士頓慈濟再為華埠掃街。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 波士頓慈濟7月20日再出動，為中國城華埠掃街，默默持續經辦教耆英做飯糰，為流民煮熱食，拜訪愛心商店等社區服務。接下來的每週二、週四早上10點至中午12點，慈濟在波士頓華埠社福站，將辦理的” 毛衣回收再利用” 等活動。

              慈濟波士頓為華埠掃街的公益活動，除了曾有幾次因傾盆大雨等天氣關係臨時「喊卡」之外，每月一次的已持續逾年。

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿介紹香積名稱由來。(慈濟提供)

              7月20日這天有陳裕逢，李豐，吳明真，蔡瑞理等十餘人，穿上慈濟背心，清掃乞臣街、必珠街、夏利臣街等波士頓華埠主要街道，希望藉此活動提醒人們環保意識，誘導民眾更愛惜華埠，加入保持波士頓華埠清潔美觀行列。

18名耆英學做包三角飯糰。(慈濟堤共)

              波士頓慈濟自從在牛頓市會所之外，增設中國城社服站後，幾乎每週二都安排有各種活動，包括養生講座，教做手工藝，練十巧手操的拍打經脈等，其中每月還有一次是「銀髮族快樂時光」，針對耆英設計活動項目。

           在7月份中，7月2日是由波士頓慈濟香積組組長金花師姊教做三角飯糰。

金花師姊示範包飯糰。(慈濟提供)

                        波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿這天率領志工服務。她先介紹「香積」這名稱來自佛典，再現場派發資料，說明疏食與素食的分別，倡導多吃蔬食，愛地球。金花師姐接著把蘿蔔、素肉鬆、海苔調味料和紫菜等材料準備好，示範如何把材料和煮好的米飯一起揉成飯糰。18名參加活動的長者在當天到現場服務的志工童斐君等人從旁協助中學習包飯糰，然後品嚐自己做的成品，每個人都好開心。

波士頓慈濟香積組組長金花師姊(中)率志工為流民烹煮熱食。(慈濟提供)

              長金滿師姐表示，過去這一年，藉著申請到波士頓市政府補助，波士頓慈濟還推出了「長期陪伴志工」項目，招募了一群志工奉獻時間與愛心，關懷社區中的長者，幫長者解決了生活中的小困擾、羈絆。最近在善長仁翁支持中，他們還在籌備進劍橋市增設服務據點，希望能有更多志工加入服務行列，讓更多有需要的人得到照顧。

金花師姊現場炒蔬食。(慈濟提供)

7月20日早上9點多，波士頓華埠垃圾堆滿路旁。(周菊子攝)

波士頓慈濟志工掃街。(周菊子攝)

李豐(中)等波士頓慈濟志工掃街。(周菊子攝)

吳明真(左)、陳裕逢(右)等慈濟志工掃街。(周菊子攝)

必珠街上丟棄著裂開的垃圾袋。(周菊子攝)

波士頓華埠街道上到處都是暴露在外的臨時水管。(周菊子攝)

拜登總統宣佈退選 籲支持賀錦麗 民主黨面對誰來護盤大挑戰

拜登在推特上宣佈退選。

               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 美東時間7月21日，距離民主黨3939民主黨代表將於8月19日在芝加哥舉行年度黨代表大會，推舉2024年美國總統大選候選人會議的不到24天之際，民主黨原本矚目的候選人，美國現任總統Joe Biden，正式宣佈退選，呼籲改提名賀錦麗 (Kamala Harris) 為總統候選人。

              現年81歲的拜登 (Joe Biden) 總統，原本一路信心滿滿，表示有1400萬人投票支持他當下屆總統候選人，但是一連串狀況引發接二連三要他退選的呼聲。

              拜登宣佈退選，使他成為美國自1968年Lyndon B. Johnson以來，第一個放棄競選連任的在位總統。他還在宣佈退選後的不到30分鐘內，表示全力支持賀錦麗(Kamala Harris)成為總統候選人

拜登發表的退選公開信。

              不過接下來是否有其他人站出來挑戰賀錦麗的提名，還有待觀察。去年就有人說過可能代替拜登的加州州長Gavin Newsom，2020年時和拜登同台競選總統的現任美國交通部部長Pete Buttigieg，都已在21日表態支持1964年出生的賀錦麗競選總統。

              來自搖擺州，傳言可能成為賀錦麗競選副手的賓州州長Josh Shapiro，北卡羅來納州州長Roy Cooper，以及亞利桑那州參議員Mark Kelly也都已經表態支持賀錦麗。

              傳聞中有意競選總統的還有1971年出生，自認為是X世代的密西根州州長Gretchen Whitmer，1965年出生的伊利諾州州長暨凱悅酒店繼承人Jay Robert Pritzker。

              民主黨的全國黨主席Jamie Harrison發表聲明，稱民主黨會以井然有序且透明的流程來挑選一名能在11月大選時打敗川普的候選人。

              過去這一年多以來，質疑拜登是否應競選連任的聲音從未停過，最近這一個多月來的一連串情況，更是推波助瀾了這呼聲。

賀錦麗在推特上回應，稱許拜登。

先是6月27日，有5130萬人觀看的總統候選人第一場辯論，拜登在台上老態龍鍾，顯得軟弱，一度發言失序，在諸如墮胎，以及川普說了許多謊等重要議題上，也未把握機會抨擊。

              接著，拜登總統在白宮晤見包括麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 在內的民主黨籍州長們，7月11日，他參加在華府舉行的北約峰會記者會時，又不小心的把副總統Harris誤稱為川普副總統。

              然後，7月13日在賓州的競選活動中，出現嫌犯槍擊，川普總統右耳受傷這令人大為驚詫的事故，現年78歲的川普於是頓時成為英雄，一統共和黨的聲音。民主黨內開始有更多領導人透過公開，或私有管道表示，拜登該讓出黨派代表位置得時候了。

              電訊報 (The Telegraph)整理出過去這幾年來，曾經發生在拜登身上的六大失態事件，包括2021年在COP26氣候變遷峰會中，閉眼大約20秒，直到一名助理上前拍醒，他才跟著其他的出席代表一起鼓掌。川普還糗他為”昏睡喬 (Sleepy Joe)”: 2022年9月，在一場白宮會議中，拜登大聲地問”Jackie在哪兒”，但是這位58歲的共和黨議員Jackie一個月前才在車禍中喪生，拜登總統還向她的家人表達過最深切哀悼；2023年6月，在科羅拉多州美國空軍學校的畢業典禮上，拜登總統和最後一名畢業生握手後，突然跌倒，然後還得有3個人把他扶起來；2024年2月時，拜登在一場拉斯維加斯的競選活動中敘述法國總統馬克隆(Emmanuel Macron)在G7會議中回應他說的”美國回來了”的話時，竟把馬克隆說成了Mitterand，這位1981到1985年在任，1996年辭世的法國總統；2024年6月，拜登在這場90分鐘的總統候選人辯論中，顯得老邁，軟弱，困惑，思路不清，紐約時報2天後直接呼籲拜登退出總統競選；2024年7月12日，在北約會議的記者會中，他在介紹烏克蘭總統澤連斯基(Volodymyr Zelensky)時，竟然說的是普丁(Vladimir Putin)的名字，接著90分鐘之後，在第二場記者會中，當他被問到一旦必須，哈里斯( Kamala Harris)是否有資格接替他時，拜登總統竟說成副總統川普。

              早前已發表過質疑拜登是否應參選連任的麻州州長Maura Healey，21日立即發表聲明，感謝拜登致力重塑美國的靈魂，打敗了人們所曾見到對民主的最大威脅。拜登決定退選是把美國這國家放在第一位的最佳範例。

拜登總統退選 麻州長Healey、民主黨發表支持聲明

Statement from Governor Maura Healey:

Joe Biden ran for President to restore the soul of our country and defeat the greatest threat our democracy has ever seen. And that’s exactly what he did.

Few could have risen to the challenge the way Joe Biden has. He has restored our economy, defended our freedoms, and protected democracy at home and abroad. He has led with decency, empathy and brought Americans together.

President Biden’s decision today not to seek reelection is the ultimate example of putting the country first — something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service.

Thank you, Mr. President.

MassDems Statement On President Biden Dropping Out Of The 2024 Election

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Democratic Party released the following statement in response to President Joe Biden announcing he will not seek re-election in 2024.

“President Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the greatest leaders our nation has ever had. In the decades that he has spent in service to the American people, there has been no one more committed to decency, no one more fluent in compassion, no one more fervent in his dedication to each and every cause that might improve the lives of the people he represents.

It takes a man of great honor and breathtaking humility to commit his entire life to the service of others, and we are incredibly lucky to have a President who possesses perhaps the greatest trait of any leader; the willingness to relinquish a position of power and allow another to take his place.

The Biden Administration has been some of the most progressive years in our nation’s history. Joe Biden led us through a pandemic, codified same-sex marriage into law, championed student loan forgiveness, and passed a bipartisan infrastructure law that infused funds into countless communities. And he did it all with the same down-to-earth, empathetic style that caused the people of Delaware to elect him to the Senate back in 1972.

And now, by making the selfless choice to step aside, he has set the Democratic Party on a course for the future in which all of us, everywhere, are motivated not by preservation of the status quo, but by those bold, decisive, but necessary actions by which we change society for the better.

Joe Biden believes in a better world, in a world that views us all as equals and aims always to preserve our rights and freedom. Soon, there will be more to be said about the man he beat to take the White House, and the urgency of the work that must be done to ensure the poison he aims to spread across this country is resoundingly rejected. For now, though, our message is this: Thank you, President Biden.”

麻州有望通過薪資公平法 雇主將須揭露職位薪資範圍

              (Boston Orange 摘譯) 凡是有25名以上全職員工的公司，都必須揭露工作職位薪金範圍的這一保障員工詢問權的「Frances Perkins工作場所公平法 (The Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act) ，在麻州參眾兩會於7月19日達成協議後，距離成為正式法令更近了。

              支持者認為，規定雇主列出招聘職位的薪資幅度，例如項目經理的薪資在8萬元到10萬元之間，可以減少婦女，有色人種在要求薪資上可能遭遇的不公平。

              這法案也將規定有100名以上全職員工的組織向州政府繳交關於勞動力人口統計的聯邦公平雇用機會報告。州政府將整合各行業數據，每年公布結果，以追蹤種族及性別帶來的不公平狀況。

              大波士頓商會，以及麻州的企業協會等企業團體和由80多個組織及公會組成的「現在工資公平(Wage Equity Now)」，以及波士頓基金會等攜手，致力推動這法案，已超過一年。

              AIM執行長Brooke Thomson表示，他們對這結果感到非常激動，這法案並不會帶給雇主負擔，但在薪資公平及透明上，可使麻州真正成為全國領袖。

              這法案仍需參眾兩會投票通過。商會等機構估計週三 (24日)時，參眾兩會將表決，一旦通過，就可交到麻州奚莉(Maura Healey)州長桌前。

              一旦這法案正式成立，將從明年開始生效，並由麻州總檢察長確保執行。不遵守這薪資透明新法的企業，將面對每案一千元的罰款。

支持巴勒斯坦聯盟7/20將上波士頓廣場抗議以色列總理Netanyahu到訪

BOSTON PROTEST AGAINST NETANYAHU’S DC VISIT 

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2 pm - Boston Common Bandstand. Station, Boston 

Boston - The Boston Coalition for Palestine is rallying in protest of Netanyahu’s planned speech to Congress on July 24th. For over 9 months, Netanyahu has led the genocidal assault and blockade of Gaza, which has been enabled by our politicians and public funds on the local and national levels. Public funds could and should be used for the benefit of people and communities here in Massachusetts and the United States as opposed to causing the unimaginable pain and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. 

Netanyahu has repeatedly acted in bad faith during ceasefire negotiations and has been accused of intentionally prolonging Israel’s war on Gaza for personal and political gain. Recent media reports also indicate that arrest warrants are expected to be issued against Netanyahu and others in his government in connection with war crimes they have committed and continue to commit in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 

President Biden and other U.S. officials, including Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, have committed the genocide in lock step with Netanyahu, approving arms deal after arms deal, despite promising the people that the invasion of Rafah - which has been ongoing for over two months - would be a red line. Instead of condemning Netanyahu’s brutal assault on Gaza and refusal to allow humanitarian aid to reach those who most need it, our politicians invited and are welcoming Netanyahu to our country’s capital to deliver a speech to congress and continue to vote, including Senator Warren and Senator Markey, to send billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to Netanyahu. The contradictions between the will of the people - who do not favor US funding of Israel  and the actions of the US government have never been more clear. Simultaneously, the conditions of massacre, starvation, and rampant public health catastrophe in Gaza could not be more urgent.

 Although the official death toll in Gaza has been hovering around 45,000 for several months now, a recent report by the Lancet, a respected medical journal, estimated that the actual death toll in Gaza is closer to 180,000 or about 8% of the population. These figures, along with Israeli officials’ rhetoric promoting violence against the Palestinian people, backed by the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the complete destruction of any civilian infrastructure is clear evidence of Israel’s genocidal intent in Gaza and against the Palestinian people. 

A portion of the U.S. aid to Israel is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which alone sends over $130 million to Israel every year. These funds could (and should instead) be used to provide housing for over 15,000 families or free or low cost healthcare to over 45,000 children. 

 On Saturday, Boston Coalition for Palestine will be rallying against Netanyahu’s visit to D.C. and U.S. aid to Israel and in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Despite the sweltering heat, the people of Massachusetts are taking a stand to let the world know that Netanyahu is not welcome in our country's capital. 

麻州議會通過2025年度預算580億元

Legislature Passes Fiscal Year 2025 Budget 

$58B budget agreement provides for significant levels of investment in education, regional equity, and transportation 

(BOSTON–7/19/24) Today, the Legislature enacted a $58 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), resolving differences between the versions of the budget passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this year. The FY25 conference committee report maintains fiscal responsibility while delivering historic levels of investment in every level of education, transportation regional equity, workforce development and health care, reflecting the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to delivering on affordability for residents and economic competitiveness for the Commonwealth. 

“At the start of this legislative session I called for a ‘Student Opportunity Plan’ that would build on our landmark Student Opportunity Act and expand access to quality public education to all our residents from cradle to career. With the adoption of this FY25 conference report, which includes universal free community college and comprehensive early education and care reform and funding, I’m thrilled to say that Massachusetts now has that comprehensive plan that will provide hope and opportunity to so many,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This budget is a vote of confidence in every Massachusetts resident going to school, raising a family, and working to make ends meet—as well as strong blueprint for bring equity and opportunity to every region and resident of our state. I want to thank Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Friedman, Assistant Vice Chair Comerford, the committee, and all my Senate colleagues and staff for their thoughtful and collaborative work on this great budget, and our partners in the House that worked to bring this vision into reality.” 

“This budget takes a fiscally responsible approach to making meaningful investments in areas of significant need. I’m proud of the fact that the FY25 budget allocates key funding to better support Massachusetts students and families, to increase access to affordable health care, and to provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for their hard work and critical input throughout this process, a collective effort that has helped to produce a strong and responsible FY25 budget.” 

“While this budget was the result of a lot of hard work, I would like to offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Senate President Spilka, whose stanch and compassionate leadership guided us through this process from the beginning. I’m glad to be able to work together as we endeavor to reshape our economy for the many challenges we continue to face in the new millennium. This agreement is reflective of a responsive final Fiscal Year 2025 budget that protects our long-term fiscal; health, makes substantial investments to move our economy forward, and centers regional equity,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The FY25 budget specifically makes targeted investments collectively in education, transportation, local aid, health care, housing assistance, and workforce development, while shaping an affordable and fiscally sustainable path for the Commonwealth. Thank you to my Senate and House conferees, and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz for his determination, resolve, and partnership to get the job done and produce a responsible budget we can all be proud of. I also thank all my colleagues in the Senate, whose advocacy, collaboration, and dedication helped to inform and shape this comprehensive budget plan. A special thank you to the Ways and Means staff, whose diligent work over the last several months was largely responsible for producing this budget, their tireless efforts do not ever go unnoticed.” 

“The $58.1 Billion Fiscal Year 2025 conference committee report is truly a reflection of the best and most critical initiatives that were contained in the various budget proposals that have been presented this year. Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, food security, or early education the initiatives contained in this budget are a reflection of our shared values,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “By reinvesting in the people of the Commonwealth we will continue to assist those in need while making our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come. I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his leadership during this budget process, as well as my fellow House conferees, Representative Ferrante and Representative Smola. I also want to thank my counterparts in the Senate, specifically my co-chair Senator Rodrigues, for their partnership in bringing this proposal over the finish line.” 

“The Commonwealth’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025 agreed to by the Legislature today provides for a high level of quality for the programs that our municipalities and residents rely on,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This is a budget that balances fiscal constraints with targeted, impactful investments that ensure statewide stability and regional equity. As we grapple with rising costs and access challenges within the Massachusetts health care system, I am especially proud that this budget utilizes tools to maximize our health care dollars for the facilities and providers that serve our most vulnerable residents. I am thankful to the leadership and my colleagues across the Legislature for their dedicated work to put forward a robust final budget that will benefit all of Massachusetts.” 

"As Massachusetts continues to compete for jobs and economic growth, the Legislature has produced a fiscally responsible budget that allocates funding in areas necessary to create pathways to lasting success for our residents," said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. "The budget emphasizes the need to make Massachusetts an attractive, competitive, and affordable place to live and work, making groundbreaking investments in housing, workforce development, education, and transportation. Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for your leadership and to my fellow conferees for your collaboration in getting this budget across the finish line." 

“I am very pleased with the outcome of the FY25 Budget Conference Committee and that our two respective legislative bodies have effectively reconciled the differences between House and Senate language in a way which reflects upon the fiscal responsibility and commitment that we have to the residents of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “The Budget agreement ultimately showcases an investment in our communities, is supportive of our education system, and will have an impact in strengthening our state’s economy. I believe that this compromise proves to be supportive of the priorities that both the House and the Senate have had throughout our respective budgets, and is a big step forward in the legislative process. As Ranking Minority Member of the Senate conferees, I have always taken pride in reaching across the aisle and working with my colleagues, regardless of our political affiliation, in concluding what will benefit the lives of those who live and work in Massachusetts the most.” 

“This was an exceptionally challenging budget year that brought some financial uncertainty along the way. We are mindful of those concerns and are closely watching the fiscal landscape,” said Representative Todd M. Smola (R-Warren). “Despite the challenges, this budget is a continuation of our commitment to communities by investing in local aid, and increases on all levels of education including funding free school meals for every child in our state. We do this without relying on tax increases, something that residents appreciate in the current climate. We are grateful for the hard work and advocacy of so many people across the commonwealth for important programs.” 

The FY25 budget recommends a total of $58 billion in spending, a $2 billion increase over the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) General Appropriations Act (GAA). This spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $41.5 billion for FY25, which is $208 million less than revenues assumed in the FY24 GAA. This represents nearly flat growth, as agreed upon during the consensus revenue process in January, plus $1.3 billion in revenue generated from the Fair Share surtax. 

As the Commonwealth adjusts to a changing economic landscape and ongoing tax revenue volatility, the FY25 budget adheres to disciplined and responsible fiscal stewardship. It does not raise taxes, nor does it draw down available reserves from the stabilization fund or the transitional escrow fund, while at the same time judicially utilizing one-time resources to maintain balance. The FY25 budget continues responsible and sustainable fiscal planning for the future by continuing to grow the Rainy Day Fund, already at a historic high of over $8 billion, to an anticipated balance of roughly $9 billion at the close of FY25.

Fair Share Investments to Grow Our Economy

Consistent with the consensus revenue agreement reached with the Healey-Driscoll Administration in January, the FY25 budget includes $1.3 billion in revenues generated from the Fair Share surtax of four percent on annual income above $1 million and invests these public dollars to improve the state’s education and transportation sectors. 

Notable Fair Share education and transportation investment highlights include: 

Education: 59% of Fair Share Revenues 

·       $170 million to fully fund universal free school meals programming for every public-school student in the Commonwealth. 

·       $175 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program to provide monthly grants to early education and care programs, which is matched with $300 million in funds from the new Early Education and Care Operational Grant Fund and the High-Quality Early Education and Care Affordability Fund for a total investment of $475 million. 

·       $117.5 million for MassEducate to provide free community college across the Commonwealth. 

·       $80 million to expand financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities through MASSGrant Plus, which is in addition to the $175.9 million for scholarships funded through the General Fund.

·       $65 million for early education and care provider rate increases, to increase salaries for our early educators.

·       $20 million for early literacy initiatives.

·       $14 million for grants to State Universities to provide wraparound supports and services.

·       $5 million for the CPPI Pre-K Initiative, matching $17.5 million in funds from the general fund, for a total of $22.5 million to support the expansion of universal pre-kindergarten, including in Gateway Cities. 

Transportation: 41% of Fair Share Revenues 

• $250 million for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF), which will leverage additional borrowing capacity of the CTF and increase investments in transportation infrastructure by $1.1 billion over the next 5 years. This $250 million includes: 
• $127 million to double operating support for the MBTA. 

·       $63 million in debt service to leverage additional borrowing capacity. 

·       $60 million in operating support for MassDOT. 

• $60 million for MBTA capital investments, including $10 million for resilient rail services.
• $36 million for the MBTA workforce safety reserve.
• $10 million for the MBTA Academy.
• $45 million for roads and bridges supplemental aid for cities and towns.
• $110 million for regional transit funding and grants to support the work of Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) that serve the Commonwealth, which together with general fund spending funds RTA operations at $204 million.  Fair Share funding includes: 
• $66 million in direct operating support for Regional Transit Authorities. 

·       $30 million for systemwide implementation of fare-free transit service. 

·       $10 million to incentivize connections between regional transit routes. 

·       $4 million to support expanded mobility options for the elderly and people with disabilities. 

·       $20 million to support implementation of a low-income fare relief program at the MBTA.  

• $7.5 million for water transportation funding and operational assistance for ferry services.   

Education: Early Education and Care, K-12 and Higher Education

The FY25 budget supports students across the full spectrum of the Commonwealth’s education system, shaping polices to make high-quality education more accessible and by making significant investments in the education system, from our youngest learners to adults. 

To create a new funding source for EEC initiatives, the budget allows the Massachusetts Lottery to sell its products online. A portion of the new revenue collected from online lottery sales, estimated to be $100 million in FY25, would fund C3 grants, which provide long-term stability for high-quality and affordable care for families. 

The budget report delivers significant levels of investment in education, including: 

• $6.9 billion in Chapter 70 funding, an increase of $317 million over FY24, as well as increasing minimum Chapter 70 aid from $30 to $104 per pupil, delivering an additional $37 million in resources to school districts across the state.
• Over $1.55 billion investment in the early education and care sector, including:
• $475 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants.
• FY25 is the second fiscal year in a row which the annual state budget includes a full year of funding for C3 grants, signaling a historic commitment to maintain this crucial lifeline for our early education and care sector.
• The FY25 budget also makes the C3 program permanent, while including provisions to direct more funds from the C3 program to early education and programs that serve children receiving childcare subsidies from the state and youth with high needs.
• $117.5 million for free community college across the Commonwealth, covering tuition and fees for students.
• $493.2 million for the special education (SPED) circuit breaker.
• $99.5 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, representing an 85 per cent reimbursement rate.
• $18.5 million for Head Start grants.
• $16 million for rural school aid assistance.
• $6 million for Social Emotional Learning Grants to help K-12 schools continue to bolster social emotional learning supports for students, including $1 million to provide mental health screenings for K-12 students.
• $5 million for grants to support implementation of the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Higher Education law, including $3 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative to help high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 access higher education opportunities; and $2 million for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Trust Fund.
• $3 million for genocide education grants to facilitate teaching students the history of genocide.
• $1 million for hate crimes prevention grants to support the prevention of hate crimes in public schools. 

The FY25 budget codifies several provisions that transforms the early education sector by improving affordability and access for families, increasing pay for early educators, and ensuring the sustainability and quality of early education and care programs. 

In K-12 education, the FY25 budget follows through on the Legislature’s commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) by Fiscal Year 2027, investing $6.9 billion in Chapter 70 funding, an increase of $319 million over FY24, as well as increasing minimum Chapter 70 aid from $30 to $104 per pupil, delivering an additional $37 million in resources to school districts across the state. With these investments, the Legislatures continues to provide crucial support to school districts confronting the increasing cost pressures that come with delivering high-quality education to all students.

In addition to the record levels of investment in early education and K-12, the FY25 budget removes barriers to accessing public higher education by codifying into law MassEducate, a $117.5 million investment in universal free community college program that covers tuition and fees for residents, aimed at supporting economic opportunity, workforce development, and opening the door to higher education for people who may never have had access. The FY25 budget permanently enshrines free community college into law in an affordable and sustainable manner across the Commonwealth, while leaving no federal dollars on the table. 

Health, Mental Health and Family Care

Investments in the FY25 budget allow more than two million people to receive continued access to affordable and comprehensive health care services. Health care investments include: 

• $20.36 billion for MassHealth, representing the largest investment made in the state budget.
• $2.9 billion for a range of services and focused supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• $622.4 million for Department of Mental Health (DMH) adult support services.
• $625 million for nursing facility Medicaid rates, including $40 million in additional base rate payments to maintain competitive wages in the Commonwealth’s nursing facility workforce.
• $390 million for Chapter 257 rates to support direct-care providers across the continuum of care.

• $212.7 million for a complete range of substance use disorder treatment and intervention services.
• $131.4 million for children’s mental health services.

• $33.8 million for Family Resource Centers to grow and improve the mental health resources and programming available to families.
• $30.9 million for Early Intervention services, ensuring supports remain accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.
• $29.6 million for grants to local Councils on Aging to increase assistance per elder to $15 from $14 in FY 2024.
• $27.9 million for family and adolescent health, including $9.2 million for comprehensive family planning services and $6.7 million to enhance federal Title X family planning funding.
• $20 million to recapitalize the Behavioral Health, Access, Outreach and Support Trust Fund to support targeted behavioral health initiatives.
• $14.7 million for maternal and child health, including $10.4 million for pediatric palliative care services for terminally ill children and a policy adjustment to ensure that children up to age 22 can continue to be served through the program.

• $5.5 million for Children Advocacy Centers to provide critical supports available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused.
• $2 million for grants for improvements in reproductive health access, infrastructure, and safety.

 The FY25 budget, for the first time in Massachusetts’ history, allows an individual to be identified with a non-binary ‘X’ sex designation on their birth certificate and enshrine into law the current practice of allowing an individual to select a non-binary ‘X’ gender designation on their driver’s license. This step ensures that all residents—including trans and nonbinary people—can secure government documents that accurately reflect who they are. 

Additionally, the FY25 budget recognizes that the cost of fertility preservation should not be a barrier to starting a family for Massachusetts residents with cancer or other serious medical conditions. It therefore requires health insurance carriers to cover fertility preservation treatments for individuals who have a medical diagnosis or who are going through medical treatments that may impact fertility. It also includes coverage for the procurement, cryopreservation, and storage of gametes, embryos, or other reproductive tissue. 

Housing

The FY25 budget invests $1.15 billion in housing, dedicating resources for housing stability, residential assistance, emergency shelter services, and homelessness assistance programs, ensuring the state deploys a humane, responsible, and sustainable approach to providing families and individuals in need with an access point to secure housing. 

The budget prioritizes relief for families and individuals who continue to face challenges brought on by the pandemic and financial insecurity, including $326.1million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters, in addition to the $175 million in resources passed in the recent supplemental budget, to place the Commonwealth’s shelter system on a fiscal glidepath into FY25. Housing investments include: 

• $231.7 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), including $12.5 million in funds carried forward from FY24. 
• $197.4 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT).
• $113 million for assistance to local housing authorities.
• $110.8 million for assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• $57.3 million for the HomeBASE program.
• $27 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), including $10.7 million in funds carried forward from FY24, to provide rental assistance to people with disabilities.
• $10.5 million for assistance for unaccompanied homeless youth.
• $10.5 million for Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs).
• $8.9 million for sponsor-based supportive permanent housing.
• $8.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including funding to support homeless LGBTQ+ youth. 

The FY25 budget includes important consumer protections, including ending the practice of home equity theft, a practice where cities, towns, and even private companies can foreclose on a home for taxes owed, sell it, and pocket the profits. With this crucial step, the Legislature strikes a balance to ensure equity is returned to homeowners and taxpayers, while municipalities will be made a whole and protected moving forward. 

Expanding and Protecting Economic Opportunities

The budget includes a record investment in the annual child’s clothing allowance, providing $500 per child for eligible families to buy clothes for the upcoming school year. The budget also includes a 10 per cent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels compared to June 2024. Other economic opportunity investments include: 

• $496.2 million for Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and $183.2 million for Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) to provide the necessary support as caseloads increase, and continue the Deep Poverty increases.
• $59.8 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce.
• $42.4 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program.
• $15 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to maintain access to healthy food options for households in need.
• $10.4 million for Career Technical Institutes to increase our skilled worker population and provide residents access to career technical training opportunities.
• $10 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs.
• $10 million for a community empowerment and reinvestment grant program to provide economic support to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system.
• $5.4 million for the Innovation Pathways program to continue to connect students to training and post-secondary opportunities in STEM fields. 

Community Support

The FY25 budget further demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to partnerships between the state and municipalities, dedicating meaningful resources that touch all regions and meet the needs of communities across the Commonwealth. This includes $1.3 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), an increase of $38 million over FY24, to support additional resources for cities and towns. 

In addition to traditional sources of local aid, the FY25 budget includes the following local and regional equity investments:

• $204 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support regional public transportation systems, including $110 million from Fair Share funds to support our RTAs that help to connect all regions of our Commonwealth.
• $53 million for payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land, an increase of $1.5 million over FY24. PILOT funding is an additional source of supplemental local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve access to essential services and programs during recovery from the pandemic.
• $52.4 million for libraries, including $19 million for regional library local aid, $20 million for municipal libraries and $6.2 million for technology and automated resource networks.
• $26.9 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture, and creative economic initiatives. 

Having passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, the FY25 budget now moves to the Governor’s desk for her consideration.