波士頓市府廣場8到10月有至少9場免費活動

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES A SEASON OF FREE FESTIVALS  AND ARTS EVENTS AT CITY HALL PLAZA Events will bring together Boston residents, spotlight local talent, and boost the revitalization of Downtown Boston.

BOSTON - Friday, August 2, 2024- Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Offices of Arts and Culture today announced a vibrant lineup of free arts and cultural events coming to City Hall Plaza. These events will highlight Boston’s diverse artistic community, offer essential support and performance spaces for local artists, and enhance City Hall Plaza as a vibrant and inclusive gathering spot for all residents. “Our vision is for City Hall Plaza to be a bustling center for the arts,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The Plaza was designed to be filled with residents from all over the City, and these arts and cultural events are a wonderful opportunity to see the space in full bloom. I encourage all residents to come and engage with your fellow Bostonians, and celebrate our artistic community at the Plaza in the coming months.” The season features a diverse array of events, from a dynamic hip-hop festival to an interactive light art installation, and a night of salsa.  “Our goal for City Hall Plaza activations this year is to take up space both literally and metaphorically,” said Billy Dean Thomas, City Hall Plaza Engagement Director. “We will be focusing on placemaking and have more recurring programs to build stronger community partnerships beyond a single event.”  In addition to curating these programs, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture has provided $461,500 in grants to artists and organizations, enabling them to produce over 25 distinct events. The lineup includes: FUTURE FEST: August 3 Transforming City Hall Plaza into an interactive playground, FUTURE FEST will feature multi-sensory live performances, participatory light art, and DJ sets by a cohort of multidisciplinary artists. 5 Days of Chess: August 4 and 11 A free, all-ages series offering workshops led by Boston-based chess masters and an unrated chess tournament open to the public. GLD FSTVL - August 10 This annual festival celebrates hip-hop culture with live music performances, DJ sets, and dance by both regional and national artists, promoting inclusivity and celebrating Black culture through music, art, and food. "if you can Feel it, you can Speak it": August 11, September 15, October 13 An open mic series dedicated to the voices of LGBTQIA2+ communities of color and allies, featuring performances, free food, and music.    Fiesta en la Plaza: September 15, 19, and 27 A three-day series of events celebrating Latinx heritage organized by Ágora Cultural Architects. The Fiesta kicks off with music and dancing with Puerto Rican singer Fabiola Méndez and her trio, the band of Columbian artist Manuela Sánchez Goubert, and the MetaMovements dance group. The second event features Afro-Latin film and a dialogue with Afro-Latino artists in Boston. The series will close with Cuban salsa led by the Clave & Blues Band and instruction by the dancers of El Bonche. Commonwealth Fest: October 12 Pioneered by Dorchester’s Cousin Stizz, this hip-hop festival celebrates both local and national artists, reflecting Boston’s diverse cultural tapestry and providing a platform for local talent. More than just an event, it's a cultural movement that connects Boston's distinct cultural identity with a broader audience, providing a stage for local talent to gain wider recognition and acclaim. To launch the season, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture hosted 617 Day with WERS Boston, 88.9FM, celebrating Boston’s rich music and artistry. The day featured music performances highlighting local artists in Folk, Rock, R&B, and Soul. Additionally, This is America presents Slam Theatre, took over the Plaza in July, featuring an evening of 10-minute plays, multimedia dance, spoken word, and improvisational jazz exploring themes of love, friendship, and what it means to be an American. “Visioning Future Fest has been an incredible opportunity to not only transform City Hall Plaza, but also highlight the incredible multimedia work that is being made in our city and beyond,” said Maria Finkelmeier, Artist and Creative Director of FUTURE FEST. “The plaza as a platform to perform and share art is the best sandbox we could ask for, there are so many hidden nooks and stages, we can’t wait for you all to be a part of it.”  Jha D Amazi, Founder & Co-Host of if you can Feel it, you can Speak it Open Mic, added, “We’re hyped to bring the FiSi [Feel it, Speak it] vibes to City Hall Plaza - the location and access allows us to welcome so many more people into our open mic family!”  Like many arts organizations, if you can Feel it, you can Speak it lost their performance space due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Last summer marked the first season that the newly renovated City Hall Plaza was open to the public for events and programming. The Mayor’s Office and Arts and Culture brought over 10,000 people to the plaza in 2023 and hopes to welcome even more this year. To learn more, visit boston.gov/cityhallplaza.

波士頓市撥款30萬元資助42人或機構豐富波士頓夜生活

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES WAKE UP THE NIGHT GRANT RECIPIENTS The Office of Nightlife Economy awarding $301,581 to 42 grantees to support activations and programming aimed at revitalizing Boston’s nighttime economy

BOSTON - Friday, August 2, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Nightlife Economy announced the 42 grant recipients of the City’s inaugural Wake Up the Night Grant, which awards individuals and organizations up to $10,000 in support of nighttime activations. This funding will support 50 events spanning 13 neighborhoods from now through the end of the year. All events are free and open to the public. The Wake Up the Night Grant Pilot Program is using $300,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to revitalize Boston’s nightlife economy and foster safe, inclusive social spaces for residents, families and visitors.  "The Wake Up the Night grants are a critical effort to revitalize our nighttime economy and create opportunities for residents to enjoy activated spaces through the rest of the year,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled to announce these awardees from across the city. Their creative programming highlights our communities and supports residents and businesses in their efforts to make all of our neighborhoods safe and enjoyable.” All funded events align with one of the following categories:  Accessible Programming: Social events specifically curated for persons with diverse abilities (physical, cognitive, or emotional) Cultural Expression: Activations showcasing the many cultural interests and expressions of Bostonians. Intergenerational: Activations promoting multi-generational social interaction.  Spirit-Free Programming: Activations mindfully omitting the consumption and presence of alcohol. Weekday Activations: Events promoting social interaction Monday through Thursday, specifically in the Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Youth Programing: Activations aimed to serve persons 20 years old and younger. The complete list of grant recipients is as follows: A Trike Called Funk for Funk Fest Abilities Dance Boston for Fall Ballet ANIKAYA for Sacred Spaces Series at Night Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC) for Films at the Gate Festival Ball in the House, LLC for Family Sing! with Ball in the House Castle of our Skins: Intersecting Points for The Life and Music of Julia Perry Chills Diamond Ring Education Foundation for Teen Networking Socials Curation Agency, LLC for LITE it UP!: The Adult Playground Design Museum Foundation, Inc for Family Design Workshops with Minni & Design Museum Everywhere Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID) for Third Space Creative Showcase Series Dray Drinks LLC for Non-Alcoholic Beer Garden and Night Market Dunamis Inc. for One Night In Atlantis Edosa Osemwegie for The Ultimate Game Night: Wellness Edition Elizabeth DiCiaccio for Dyke Alley Elizabeth Tobin for Rocking Rozzie: A Celebration of Women Who Rock! Friends of the South End Library for Summer Jazz Concerts in Library Park HellaBlack LLC for Hella Black Trivia Night  Hoops Collaborative Youth Development Program for Hoops Collaborative EmpowerHer Basketball League Kahleil Blair for The Juice III Akou Diabakhate for Night Glow Series: Empowering Cultural Expression and Wellness KickBack Boston for One Day Only Fest Live Like a Local Tours Boston for Community Arts Showcase Longfellow Area Neighborhood Association for LANA Ice Cream Social Makeysha Montgomery for Nina Simone and Johanne Sabastian Bach "A Connection of Two Geniuses" Mariona Lloreta for ALTARS, A Live Experience Matthew Meyers for Night Cap Evening Cafe & Event Series Patrick Ly for Close the Circle Piers Park Sailing Center for Kayak the Night Pitch Black Media for Downtown Comedy Nights Richard Njoroge for AboveGround x Boston: UNIIQU3 + Conducta Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy (Greenway Conservancy) for Dewey Square Mural Opening Celebration & Drag Show Roxbury Cultural District for Nubian Nights, Part 3, The Arts, The Culture, The People of Roxbury Sadiq Ervin for The Blair B*tch Project Spontaneous Celebrations for Lantern Parade Substation Community Supporters for A Haunted Circus: A Halloween spectacle! The Little Cocoa Bean Company for Food is a Love Language The Record Co. for Boston Waves The West End Museum for A Confluence of Cultures: Immigrants, Music, and the Art of Cultural Enrichment Tony's Market for Pop-Up Opera in Roslindale United Dance for “Kick off the Holidays” Urbanity Dance for Urbanity Dance Fall Crawl Event Veronica Robles Cultural Center for Día de los Muertos Night “The Wake Up the Night Grants are a crucial part of our strategy to bring new energy to Boston’s nightlife,” said Corean Reynolds, Director of the Office of Nightlife Economy. “By amplifying community-lead solutions and supporting diverse and inclusive events across our neighborhoods, we aim to create a thriving nighttime economy that benefits all residents.”   "We're thrilled to have been given this grant!” said Roslindale resident Elizabeth Tobin. “It's so heartening to know that older women in rock and roll are recognized by the City of Boston as valuable and vital contributors to the Boston arts and nightlife scene. This grant provides a platform to showcase local talent while giving the community an opportunity to hear new music that they might otherwise not be exposed to."  "We're so excited to be able to share the magic and joy of the Boston Harbor with members of the Boston community through our ‘Kayak the Night’ events in August,” said Mela Villa Gomez, Piers Park Sailing Center Director of Partnerships and Inclusion. “The opportunity to host these events free of cost will allow us to provide substance-free, community programming at night so that youth and families have more safe and engaging options to enjoy the city."  Grant applications launched in April 2024. During the month-long application period, 198 residents, nonprofits, and businesses applied for the Grant. The Office of Nightlife Economy collaborated with a review committee of 14 City employees from various departments to select the winning applications. The Office of Nightlife Economy works to create a more robust and equitable nightlife economy to enhance the overall quality of life for residents of Boston. Recently, the Office also launched the Nightlife Initiative for a Thriving Economy (NITE) Committee, which meets regularly to discuss nightlife and provides recommendations to the City. The Committee consists of 26 residents, business, and civic leaders who represent 14 Boston neighborhoods. For more information about the Office of Nightlife Economy, visit boston.gov/nightlife. To explore additional funding opportunities offered by the City of Boston, visit boston.gov/grants. For questions regarding City of Boston grant programs, please email grants@boston.gov.

波士頓市計畫長Arthur Jemison 宣佈9月13日離任 波士頓計畫發展局改組成效備受關注

波士頓市計畫長Arthur Jemison宣佈9月離任。  (市政府圖片，Isabel Le攝)攝)

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓市計畫長兼波士頓計畫發展局 (BPDA) 主任的Arthur Jemison，8月1日宣佈訂9月13日離任，遺缺將由BPDA副主任Devin Quirk暫代。

              2022年4月才被吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 市長指派為計劃長的Arthur Jemison，8月1日發信告訴BPDA員工，過去2年半來，他在遠離家人的情況下工作，如今必須面對2個小孩進高中，家人需要他回身邊的現實，所以決定離任回密西根州。

波士頓市經濟包容發展長Segun Idowu推特發文，稱許Arthur Jemison。

              該信提到在他任內，BPDA批准了170項，超過4000萬平方英尺的發展計畫，也批准興建1萬1千個新住宅單位，其中有3790個是收入有限制的單位。

              Arthur Jemison在宣佈即將離任的記者會上表示，離開其實是個很困難的決定，因為他深深相信大家一起在做的事，現在BPDA從半官方組織過渡為市政府部門的工作完成了，新學年要開始了，也是他卸任回家的好時候了。

波士頓計畫發展局副局長 Devin Quirk將代理局長一職。 (圖片來自領英)

              吳弭市長稱許Arthur Jemison為傑出領袖，上任以來，幫助波士頓市政府在第80章 ( Article 80) 改革，廣場和街道計畫及區域規劃，完整的區域規劃改革，以及把計畫重塑為波士頓市政府的核心功能等事務上，有極大進展。

             Arthur Jemison還協助批准了查理士城、東波士頓、麥特潘、新市場 (MewMarket) 等4個鄰里的計畫指南。

              Arthur Jemison其實和波士頓很有淵源。1990年代，他曾經是波士頓房屋局 (BHA)的計畫經理，在1998到2000年間擔任波士頓重建局 (BRA) 的區域經理，然後到底特律市從事計畫工作6年，再在聯邦房住局 (HUD) 工作18個月後，2022年5月回到波士頓。

              由於波士頓市長吳弭的房屋政策和地產發展商們的意願有差距，Arthur Jemison上任後成了房地產發展商和吳弭市長之間的緩衝者，房地產商普遍都很信任他。國家發展公司(National Development) 執行合夥人Brian Kavoogian還說，Arthur Jemison留下的大足印，繼任者不易追隨。

              波士頓市在2023年向麻州議會遞出家規法申請，要把半官方，營運經費來自BPDA所管理或擁有物業的租金收入，停車費，貸款費，出售物業，以及補助款，由5人董事會監管的波士頓計畫發展局，劃歸波士頓市政府，成為市府麾下的一個部門，意味著波士頓市的土地發展規劃完全由波士頓市政府管轄。2024年1月，波士頓市長吳弭特地出席州政府的相關聽證會，最終讓原本反對這作法的州議會批准了波士頓市這家規法。

BPDA原名BRA (波士頓重建局)，2016年9月27日改名為BPDA，以期改善形象，也更適切的描述機構功能。這是一個半官方機構，獨立營運，有麻州長和波士頓市長指派的5人董事會監管，但不歸波士頓市長管轄。麻州議會通過波士頓市提交的家規法後，波士頓計畫發展局 (BPDA) 從2024年7月改制成為波士頓市政府麾下的一個部門。波士頓計畫發展局以前獨立擁有的預算，也從2025會計年度開始，編入波士頓市政府的年度營運預算，由波士頓市政府決定。

麻州雜誌 (Commonwealth)在5月份的一篇文章中指出，在眾人申請或討論BPDA改制時，許多人都沒注意到，在BPDA獨立營運時，該機構任職6個月以上員工享有工作保護條款，除非有正當原因，若無員工本人同意，不得裁撤職位，辭退或降職。

該文指出，當年的波士頓計畫發展局主任，由前市長馬丁華殊 (Marty Walsh) 任命的Brian Golden就面對過這情況。新上任的吳弭市長無法辭退Brian Golden，於是以20萬元和解款，請他走路。該文提及，和波士頓市與時任波士頓公校總監Brenda Cassellius 的30多萬元同意辭職款相比，這筆款項其實不高，在BPDA的職位條款保護下，其實Brian Golden可以不同意離職。

              然而，如今改制落實，波士頓計畫發展局的所有員工，包括波士頓重建局的56名員工和經濟發展工業公司 (Economic Development Industrial Corporation)的159名員工，都將成為市政府員工之際，失去原有的職位保護。

              曾經在波士頓重建局有17年工作經驗的波士頓市議員John FitzGerald表示，他聽說BPDA的一連串變動，已經讓BPDA員工士氣低落，他擔心，一旦Arthur Jemison離職，BPDA士氣會更低落。

波士頓節慶交響樂團獻演「二黃」、「山魯佐德」 千人座音樂廳全場爆滿

波士頓節慶交響樂團創辦人王麗霞(右)和鋼琴家李若婷是這次演出的核心人物。
(周橘子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓節慶交響樂團 (Boston Festival Orchestra) 7月28日在新英格蘭音樂學院有1051個座位的喬丹廳，以慶祝中華藝術與文化為主題，為該團第四年的夏季音樂會系列畫下完美句點。

              全場滿座的觀眾在音樂會結束時，報以如雷掌聲，還起立致意，指揮王麗霞 (Alyssa Wang) 率團謝幕3次，觀眾仍然依依不捨。

中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵(右)和新英格蘭音樂學院鋼琴系教授在
音樂會結束後，一起到後台恭喜王麗霞(佐一)、李若婷(右二)演出成功。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓節慶交響樂團是2020年2月成立的，緣起於王麗霞和Nicholas Brown在2019年的一個秋天，喝著咖啡，談起夢想，都想以一種有影響力的方式，服務社區，也讓更多人喜歡上古典音樂。

波士頓高齡逾百人瑞阮陳金鳳博士(中)，在子女陪同中出席。(周菊子攝)

             不巧的是，2020年正是新冠病毒開始肆虐世界的年份，樂團是成立了，第一季表演卻被迫推遲，直到2021年才安排出首季表演，先是1月到5月的5場免費線上音樂會，7月再在波士頓藝術中心(BCA)的Calderwood館現場演出3場，並締造了全部售罄的佳績。

              今年第4季，已具備501(c)(3)非牟利組織資格的波士頓節慶交響樂團，不但成長為有50名地方音樂家，成為波士頓音樂家協會一份子的組織，董事會及顧問的陣容也更為堅強。

阮陳金鳳和兒子Tim都為王麗霞的這場演出，竭力協助宣傳。 (周菊子攝)

              7月28日下午在喬丹廳的演出，分兩大部分，一是李若婷以鋼琴演奏陳其鋼創作，曾由鋼琴家朗朗首演，展現京劇戲曲腔調的「二黃」，一是由波士頓節慶交響樂團

王麗霞率樂團謝幕。(周菊子攝)

50多名團員上陣演奏Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov所創作，共有4段曲目的「山魯佐德 (Scheherazade)」。

              王麗霞在樂團演奏取材自阿拉伯民間故事「一千零一夜的故事」而創作的「山魯佐德」時，特地解說這部分的演奏，共分4部分，依序為”大海和辛巴德的船”，”Kalender王子的傳奇”，”年輕的王子和公主”，以及”巴格達的節慶-大海-船難”。

              王麗霞說，「山魯佐德」這一千零一夜的故事很奇幻，全曲既有許多獨奏片段，也有整個管弦樂團齊奏的壯闊。作為音樂家，他們需要人們傾聽，更希望人們支持該樂團把古典音樂帶進社區，藉由教育項目，走進尋常百姓家的夢想。

              波士頓華人社區僑領、人瑞，已高齡逾百的阮陳金鳳，這天在子女陪同中專程出席欣賞。阮陳金鳳直言，支持王麗霞和波士頓節慶交響樂團不只因為王麗霞是她的孫姪女，更因為他看到一名華裔女子，年紀輕輕就能組織出一個交響樂團，擔任指揮，這談何容易的事，王麗霞卻克服萬難做到了。

              常年在波士頓為音樂家舉辦音樂會，歷時逾30年，在波士頓古典樂界已是名人的中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵，這天也應邀專程出席。 (更新版)

                                                        波士頓節慶交響樂團提供，李若婷鋼琴演奏「二黃」。

麻州議會本屆會期落幕 大波士頓商會、Jane Doe有話說

 Statement from James E. Rooney, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

“The Chamber appreciates that legislators passed important bills related to tax reform, wage transparency, and housing this legislative session. These bills made vital progress on improving the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and affordability for residents and businesses. We thank the Governor and the Legislature for prioritizing these important issues.

There is still more work to do. As other states continue to attract talent, investment, and business away from Massachusetts, we must focus on our economic strengths and efforts to position the Commonwealth as the best place to live and do business. It is disappointing that the Mass Leads Act did not emerge from conference committee negotiations, which included critical investments in our leading life sciences industry, climate technology, artificial intelligence, and other economic development efforts. We also believe common sense clean energy siting and permitting reform, supported by both legislative branches and the Governor, should advance quickly given the broad support for action among many stakeholders.

The Chamber remains committed to working with the Healey- Driscoll administration and the Legislature to move forward legislation that will empower and uplift our workforce and businesses,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Statement from Jane Doe Inc., 

the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

"When state lawmakers officially brought their formal session to a close early this morning, dozens of critical issues remained unresolved, including a number of bills that are vital to protecting survivors, preventing sexual assault and domestic violence, and safeguarding communities across Massachusetts.

Among the bills that were not finalized were S. 2821: An Act Establishing a Prison and Jail Construction Moratorium, which would free up essential resources to address the root causes of violence and help curb the over-criminalization of survivors; S. 2694: An Act Relative to Healthy Youth, which would codify comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health and relationship education, including signs of unhealthy, abusive relationships; H. 3084/S. 1990: An Act Relative to Language Access and Inclusion, which would make state systems and resources more accessible to all survivors, including those who identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing (HH) or with limited English proficiency; and, H. 1918: An Act Relative to Employment Protections for Victims of Abusive Behavior, which would prohibit workplace discrimination against survivors.

In addition, Governor Maura Healey’s FY2024 supplemental budget request, including $20 million in critical funding to bridge the gap in federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, support service providers, and help ensure continuity of resources for survivors, remains in conference committee.  

These bills will be life-changing and life-saving. Survivors, their families, young people, and everyone in our communities deserve a Legislature that prioritizes the passage of these essential policies. JDI will continue working with the dedicated staff and programs that make up the statewide JDI Coalition, with survivors, and with our partners to advance policies that improve protections and prevent violence. We urge state lawmakers to find a way to get these bills over the finish line without any more delay.”

8月1日起搭乘麻州地鐵用手機、信用卡輕拍即可付費

麻州州長Maura Healey和麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華親自宣傳無接觸付費系統。
(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導

麻州州長Maura Healey和麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華說明無接觸付費系統
可加強地鐵營運效率，改善乘客體驗。(周菊子攝)

) 今天，8月1日開始，麻州地鐵乘客搭乘綠線、麥特潘線有軌電車 (Trolley)，進入有柵欄的所有地鐵入口處時，都可以用信用卡、手機或帶有通訊功能的手錶等，來無接觸的支付搭乘地鐵費用。

             麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 和麻州交通廳廳長Mpnica Tibbits-Nutt，麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華 (Philip Eng)，Cubic 執行長 Peter Torrellas今日一早，特地聯袂示範以無接觸付費方式，進入綠線地鐵站，還一路搭乘綠線地鐵，從公園街站 (Park Street) 坐到坎摩爾(Kenmore) 廣場站。

             麻州地鐵推出這新的付費系統，旨在為民眾提供更容易、方便，也更現代化的付款方式。

麻州州長Maura Healey (右起) 和麻州交通廳廳長Mpnica Tibbits-Nutt，麻州地鐵
總經理伍偉華一起搭綠線地鐵。 (周橘子攝)

             麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華表示，他看到過，也親耳聽到許多乘客描述無接觸付費系統在大眾運輸系統上，使用者的體驗有多好。去年推行這計畫時，有些需要修正的地方，現在他很高興和Cubic公司的合作，把麻州地鐵及巴士系統的付費系統帶進可以追上未來的21世紀，還可辦理最近通過的符合收入限制者減價票等功能。

             無接觸付費系統容許乘客藉由輕點無接觸的信用卡、現金卡，啟用了移動錢包的手機或手錶，來搭乘綠線地鐵，麥特潘線有軌電車，以及巴士，通過有柵欄的地鐵站入口。乘客不需要再為查理卡儲值而操心。

麻州地鐵的無接觸付費系統由Cubic公司承辦。 (周菊子攝)

              麻州地鐵入口柵欄，地鐵車廂內，都安裝有無接觸付費系統，乘客只需用自己的信用卡或手機等，輕拍系統設備，看到綠燈亮了，就可以進站，上車了。

             麻州州長奚莉還和麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華站在Kenmore地鐵站出口處的巴士站，拍了一小段宣傳片，告訴民眾，使用週票或月票的民眾，仍可繼續使用查理卡，並以其現在習慣的方式付費。

               麻州地鐵在七月初宣佈將推出這新系統時表示，乘客搭乘前述地鐵交通工具時，需查察車上的無接觸付費機在哪兒，付費後，不要離付費設備太近，以避免意外的多付款項。

             使用減價票的人，如耆英、學生，以及TAP，可選擇把享有的憂患和無接觸信用卡或手機、手錶等綑綁連結。不希望把所享有的減價福利和新式的無接觸付費系統連起來的人，可以繼續使用其原有的付費方式。乘客也可使用線上查理卡帳戶在網路上管理使用無接觸付費系統的記錄，或撥打617-222-3200，向客戶服務中心查詢。

             查詢MBTA無接觸付費系統者，可上網mbta.com/ContactlessReducedFares。

Governor Healey Signs Legislation to Support First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty

 Governor Healey Signs Legislation to Support First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty 

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey signed into law An Act relative to disability pensions and critical incident stress management for violent crimes. This legislation ensures that first responders who are seriously injured in the line of duty can receive their full compensation until retirement. This applies to police officers, firefighters, public and municipal EMTs, and public and municipal licensed health care professionals.  

“Our first responders go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and respond to mergencies. That’s why it’s critical that we support them when they experience emergencies of their own,” said Governor Healey. “This legislation ensures that first responders who are injured in the line of duty have access to the pay and health care, including mental health care, that they need to support their families and their road to recovery. I’m grateful to the Legislature for prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of our first responders and proud to sign this bill.”  

“First responders always have our backs – we need to make sure we have theirs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This legislation sends a clear message that our heroes aren’t alone when they sustain serious injuries. Massachusetts will make sure they have the resources and support needed to get through this difficult time.”  

“We depend on our emergency responders to bravely run toward danger when others are running away. It is imperative they have our full support in the event they are seriously injured while performing their duties,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “This legislation is representative of our deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of our first responders and their families.”  

“This legislation is about ensuring that we support our first responders during a time of significant need, just as they do for us every single day,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank all my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for sending this legislation to the Governor’s desk for her signature.”  

“Every day when our first responders leave for work, they do so not knowing what the day will bring,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today, with the Governor’s signature, we have acted to ensure that our first responders and their families have financial security if the unthinkable does happen before they return home. I’m grateful for the Governor’s signature, the support of my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House.”  

“I have fought to authorize full disability pensions for first responders violently injured on duty dating back to my time working with and for my predecessor, Senator Ken Donnelly,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington). “As a former firefighter, there was no bigger advocate of honoring the service and sacrifice of first responders of Massachusetts than Ken, and I am honored to have been able to play a role in getting this bill signed by the Governor, further cementing Ken’s incredible legacy. This legislation will change the lives of first responders and their families who have had to suffer through tremendous hardship.”   

“By Governor Healey taking this step, we send a powerful message that we value the sacrifices made by those who serve on the front lines. As the daughter of a retired Police Sergeant, I know all too well the risks that our police officers face every day when they begin a shift,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Suffolk). “When I first met with advocates to discuss this legislation, and they shared with me that their families would have been better off if they did not survive each accident, it stayed with me. No family or police officer should ever carry that burden. I am thankful for Speaker Mariano and his leadership getting this bill over the finish line.”  

The legislation allows first responders who cannot perform the essential functions of their job due to a violent act injury to receive a disability pension equal to 100 percent of their regular compensation. This amount will be reduced to 80 percent when they reach the mandatory retirement age.   

A first responder is eligible if they sustained a catastrophic, life-threatening or life-altering and permanent bodily injury due to a violent attack. Retirement boards will be charged with determining if an employee is physically unable to perform the essential duties of their job due to a violent act injury, and whether it is likely to be permanent.       

The legislation also requires employers to provide education about critical incident stress management debriefing programs, included mental health supports, to impacted first responders.