Senator Jason Lewis Files New Legislation to Revisit School Funding Formula

 Senator Jason Lewis Files New Legislation to Revisit School Funding Formula 

BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis filed new legislation last week to create a special commission to revisit the K-12 public school funding formula. The commission is tasked with making recommendations to the legislature for necessary updates and changes to the funding formula in order to ensure adequate and equitable funding for all school districts in Massachusetts. 

Senator Lewis was a strong advocate for the creation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission in 2014, and then helped lead the effort to pass the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) that was signed into law in 2019. The SOA is being implemented over seven years and once fully implemented will increase state funding for public K-12 education by more than $1.5 billion (in real dollars). 

Although the SOA is making a significant difference in closing equity gaps in funding and enabling school districts that serve large numbers of low-income students to make important new investments, many districts are facing fiscal challenges due to a variety of factors, including: the end of federal pandemic relief funds; high inflation in previous years; and the escalating cost of special education, student transportation, and other services.  

In her 2025 Inaugural Address earlier this month, Senate President Karen Spilka said, “At the K-12 level we have maintained our commitment to the Student Opportunity Act, providing record levels of funding to our public schools. But it has been some time since we closely examined some aspects of K-12 funding and policy, and so I hope to tackle that this session.” 

An Act to ensure adequate and equitable funding for public education (SD.1912) creates a special commission composed of a wide variety of education stakeholders and financing experts, and charges them with examining both the foundation budget and the local contribution components of the Chapter 70 school funding formula. The SOA requires that the foundation budget be revisited at least every 10 years. 

“The importance of public education and having high-quality, well-funded public schools for all our children is what first motivated me to run for elected office,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “I’m proud of the Student Opportunity Act and everything we’ve done in the legislature to support public education, but it is time to once again revisit the school funding formula and ensure that it continues to accurately and fairly reflect the needs and fiscal capacity of school districts and municipalities across the Commonwealth.” 

The commission will solicit public input from hearings held throughout the state and will publish a report with their findings and recommendations by the summer of 2027, which is when the SOA is expected to be fully implemented.

波士頓市長吳弭提醒市民本週防寒 注意風雪

 MAYOR WU URGES CAUTION AS BITTERLY COLD WEATHER ARRIVES THIS WEEK; ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF SNOWFALL THIS EVENING  

BOSTON - Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a cold weather advisory and winter safety tips ahead of the bitterly cold temperatures forecast for Tuesday, January 21 - Thursday, January 23. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the forecast for Boston includes wind chills that will reach below zero Tuesday-Thursday. Sub-zero temperatures are expected, with the lowest occurring between midnight and 6 a.m. during the cold weather advisory. Additionally, Boston is preparing for an anticipated six to eight inches of snowfall Sunday evening, continuing through the overnight hours, according to the NWS. Due to the anticipated frigid cold weather that will follow the snowfall, it’s important to clear snow before it freezes to avoid dangerous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. Mayor Wu is issuing these recommendations following a citywide meeting she held with the Office of Emergency Management Sunday morning to coordinate departments across the city to ensure proper preparedness ahead of the storm.  

The City of Boston will have approximately 650 pieces of snow equipment throughout the storm treating roadways before snowfall begins, as well as plowing during and after the storm. Operations will continue through the overnight hours so the streets can be clear by morning. 

“As temperatures drop and winter weather arrives, I urge all residents to take necessary precautions to stay vigilant, prioritize their safety, and look out for your neighbors,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our teams are working around the clock to prepare the city, and we advise our residents to help protect each other during these harsh conditions. With snow expected tonight, we are reminding property owners to please remember to shovel sidewalks, especially before the bitterly cold weather arrives and snow freezes over.” 

Due to the anticipated weather, please see below the rules for clearing snow:

• Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet, and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property. 
• Removal of snow and ice from private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited. 
• Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.
• Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston. Please follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

Safety tips for shoveling:

• Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency.
• Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.
• Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow.
• Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders, and be mindful of slippery surfaces.

Due to the anticipated forecast next week, the City is issuing a cold advisory. The City of Boston issues a cold advisory when there is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill. Due to the low temperatures and strong wind gusts, there is an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for those experiencing homelessness, older adults, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk individuals.

Mayor Wu is advising residents to take precautions, reminding them to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If you see an individual experiencing homelessness and individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, they are encouraged to call 911 as well. 

While the temperature forecast does not reach the threshold for declaring a cold emergency, Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ (BCYF) community centers will be open during their normal operating hours Tuesday - Thursday. The Boston Public Library will be open during normal operating hours Tuesday - Thursday and will be available for people in need of a place to warm up. 

The Boston Public Health Commission’s Southampton Street Shelter and Woods Mullen Shelter will remain open 24/7 for those experiencing homelessness. Amnesty is in effect and anyone with a non-violent restriction may come in. Other overnight shelters and day spaces can be found online at this link or by calling 311.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) will make announcements on every shift for officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered homeless persons in distress. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers, and 911 dispatch as needed.  

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is reminding families to dress their students appropriately so they are safe and comfortable traveling to and from school. Anyone in need of winter clothing items can reach out directly to their school’s Family Liaison and School Leader. The BPS Facilities team will also monitor school building temperatures to ensure that classrooms are warm throughout the week.

Cold weather safety tips:

Dress for the weather:

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.
• Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.
• Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  
• Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.
• Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch for signs of frostbite:

• Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

• These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:

• Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.
• If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.

Heating safety:

• Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 
• Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, but it is poisonous and can be deadly.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people.
• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:

• The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their home's main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
• Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.
• Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up.
• Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight.
• If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.  

Emergency home repair resources: 

• Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).   
• In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.   

For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/snow and boston.gov/cold.

州政府官員懷疑禽流感影響到鵝和其他野生動物

(Boston Orange) 麻州政府環保及健康官員懷疑，一種高致病性禽流感 (HPAI) 是導致普利茅斯 60 多隻加拿大鵝、天鵝和其他鳥類死亡的原因。

麻州漁業及野生動物署 (MassWildlife)、麻州農業資源局 (MDAR)，以及麻州公共衛生廳 (DPH)忠告大眾，避免接觸病鳥或死鳥。

最近在普利茅斯比靈頓海爆發的疫情影響了 60 多隻加拿大鵝、天鵝和鴨子。最近幾週，該州其他地區報告了疑似 HPAI 的較小疫情，每個地點影響不到 15 隻鵝。官員們迅速做出反應，正在收集、檢測和安全處理死鳥。公眾及時報告病鳥和死鳥，將與多年來一直監測 HPAI 的州和聯邦合作夥伴合作，加快檢測和診斷。

州政府官員表示，人類很少感染高致病性禽流感，但與受感染鳥類密切接觸的人則有風險。寵物，尤其是貓，應飼養在室內，以避免接觸。

民眾如有疑慮，可訪問 DPH 的禽流感網頁，或致電 617-983-6800 聯繫流行病學部門（24/7 全天候可用）。

State Officials Suspect HPAI Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife 

PLYMOUTH — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick. 

 

• Reporting wild birds:  The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds. 

• Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795. 

• Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer.

• Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife. 

• Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.    

The recent outbreak at Billington Sea in Plymouth has impacted over 60 Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Smaller outbreaks of suspected HPAI impacting fewer than 15 geese at each location have been reported in recent weeks in other parts of the state. Officials responded quickly and are collecting, testing, and safely disposing of dead birds. Prompt reporting of sick and dead birds by the public will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years.  

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds such as foxes, can also become infected.  

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit DPH’s Avian influenza webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800.  

For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Urges Preparedness Ahead of Anticipated Winter Storm and Bitter Cold

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Urges Preparedness Ahead of Anticipated Winter Storm and Bitter Cold 

Weekend storm is expected to bring snow across much of Massachusetts, followed by hazardous cold and wind chills early in the week  

BOSTON – In anticipation of the winter storm expected to bring widespread snow across Massachusetts, followed by frigid temperatures early in the week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration advises that residents plan ahead and review winter weather safety tips. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of western, central, and northeast Massachusetts, with these areas expected to see the most significant snowfall. The heaviest snow is expected during the evening and overnight hours on Sunday, with total accumulations between 4 to 8 inches. The National Weather Service is also predicting bitter cold temperatures early in the week, with wind chills between 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit Monday through Wednesday night.   

“As we continue to monitor this storm, we want everyone to be prepared and plan accordingly, especially residents and visitors that may have plans to travel over this holiday weekend,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We advise you to use extra care on the roads Sunday into Monday morning and take the time to check in on your neighbors to make sure everyone stays warm and safe.”  

“We’re no strangers to the cold, but with these extreme temperatures, it’s important to take caution to avoid conditions like hypothermia and frostbite, which can occur during even short amounts of exposure,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Bundle up in layers of clothing, limit time outdoors and try to stay active while you’re inside.”  

How Residents Can Prepare  

Plan ahead and take care when traveling on the roads. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, hood and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd the plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. Prepare for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices before the storm. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets.   

Manually check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the storm, check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.   

Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.  

Additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm can be found at Mass.gov/Snow.   

“The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at Steady State Monitoring and we remain in close coordination with our partners at the National Weather Service,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “We are prepared to facilitate any requests for assistance that may arise from communities impacted by this winter storm and encourage residents to stay informed of the latest conditions.”  

MassDOT  

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers that snowfall is expected to impact travel in many regions of the state, from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Travelers should allow for extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. With widespread snowfall amounts of 1-6” forecast, MassDOT crews will be pretreating roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal staff and equipment as necessary across the Commonwealth.  

“Safety is first and foremost, especially during severe weather,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.  “Plan and prepare for winter storms as conditions vary from region to region, and storms can lead to road hazards, power outages, and fallen trees and utility wires. Make decisions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.” 

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:       

• Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.                
• Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.      
• Follow @MassDOT on X, (formerly known as Twitter), to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.    
• 
  

MBTA For service updates immediately before, during, and after a storm, we strongly urges riders to ⁠subscribe to text or email T-Alerts before snowfall for real time notifications about service disruptions. We also encourage riders to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for information. During and after winter storms, the Commuter Rail and bus routes may need to reduce service and operate on storm schedules. The MBTA will update the Commuter Rail schedules and ⁠bus schedules to match. Riders can also visit the T’s Winter Travel Guide at mbta.com/winter.  

Crews will work to clear snow and ice throughout the system, but riders are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops.  

Massport 

Logan International Airport will remain fully operational throughout the storm. Passengers should anticipate delays or possible cancellations, and check with their airline for the most up to date information about their flight. With snowfall and potential slick

roadways, passengers should allow extra time to get to and from Logan. 

For any additional questions, passengers can contact othe Passenger Service team via our website, by calling 1-800-23-LOGAN or the FlyLogan app. 

Department of Conservation and Recreation   

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is monitoring the forecast and preparing its snow removal equipment for its roadways and properties in anticipation of a plowable event. The agency anticipates activating its statewide storm center on Sunday.  

With the frigid temperatures, DCR is also warning visitors to be safe near ice, know how thick the ice is and stay away from any cracks or melting ice.  

Learn more from DCR on how to can make your own more environmentally friendly liquid salt brine. Liquid salt brine – a mix of salt dissolved in water – serves as an anti-icing agent to prevent snow and ice from binding to the road surface, allowing for easier removal, fewer applications and faster return to a clean paved surface. This snow removal technique is more cost effective and environmentally friendly for municipalities, state agencies and consumers.     

Department of Public Utilities   

The Department of Public Utilities and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) continue to monitor the weather forecast. The DPU and EDCs remain in close communication as the storm develops. The EDCs conduct daily storm planning calls, provide regular updates to the DPU regarding storm preparation activities, and the companies will put in place their Emergency Response Plans if and when necessary to swiftly address any potential outages.   

Department of Environmental Protection   

To address the handling of excessive snowfall amounts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides Snow Disposal Guidance to local governments and businesses. The online guidance assists with snow disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options that are protective of wetlands, drinking water, and waterbodies. MassDEP also has an online mapping tool to help communities identify possible snow disposal options locally. 

CITY OF BOSTON AWARDED $3.16 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CRITICAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE PROJECTS

 CITY OF BOSTON AWARDED $3.16 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CRITICAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE PROJECTS

BOSTON - Friday, January 17, 2025 - Today, City of Boston officials joined Federal and State leaders to announce new funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for key coastal resilience projects. These projects, totaling more than $3 million in federal, state, and local investments, will help safeguard waterfront neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and affordable housing developments from the impacts of climate change. This funding will advance the design and permitting for the Lewis Street and Carlton Wharf area in East Boston and the Moakley Park area of South Boston.

“Boston’s neighborhoods need strong, sustainable protections from the increasing risks of intense storms and flooding,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These projects are clear examples of how Boston is leading the way for safe, prepared communities, and we’re grateful to FEMA for partnering to show what’s possible for a resilient future. Together, we protect residents, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure a more sustainable city for generations to come.”

"These funds will make critical improvements to housing, transportation, and infrastructure to better protect our communities from the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're grateful for the strong partnership of Mayor Wu, our Congressional delegation, and FEMA to secure these transformative awards." 

"As we continue to see extreme weather events take place across the country, our administration has been working hard to support our communities in their efforts to shore up infrastructure against the threats of climate change," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These awards will help us do just that, and I'm grateful for the work of MEMA, the MBTA, and our partners at FEMA for supporting our work to make Boston a more resilient, future-ready city."

In East Boston, the Lewis Street and Carlton Wharf project will elevate sections of the Harborwalk to protect the Blue Line, residential areas, and Maverick Square. FEMA has awarded $1,987,500 through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to advance the design and permitting of this project, which will be matched by $662,500 in City funding. This is the first phase of funding towards this project with a second potential phase of funding for construction. 

The MBTA was also awarded a separate Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) grant of $9.9 million from FEMA to fund the construction of Blue Line Airport tunnel portal protection and resilience improvements. This grant will support the construction and installation of flood doors that will close off the two tunnel portal openings during a flood event. The total project cost is $20.8 million, with $1 million in funding for design from the state’s ResilientMass Implementation Funding and the remainder funded through the MBTA’s Capital Investment Plan. Together, these projects will help protect critical neighborhood and regional infrastructure from coastal flooding.

The Moakley Park project, part of a larger park improvement initiative, focuses on building flood resilience infrastructure to protect affordable housing developments, neighborhood areas, and key transportation systems in South Boston. This effort has been awarded $1,170,000 from FEMA to advance the design and permitting. Similar to the Lewis Street project, this is the first phase of funding towards this project with a second potential phase of funding for construction. Through this initial funding, the City will be refining the design of the project in collaboration with residents and other stakeholders.

“Today, we celebrate more than $50 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and millions from the City and the Commonwealth to build a Boston where the places we love most—our homes, our local businesses, our public parks, and our public transit—are protected from flooding that is becoming more extensive and more frequent due to the climate crisis, as sea levels rise and storms intensify,” said US Senator Edward J. Markey. “I was proud to advocate for the federal funding to invest in coastal resiliency projects across the City of Boston—from Moakley Park to East Boston and Dorchester—to shore up our neighborhoods, community spaces, and critical transportation infrastructure.”

“This event underscores the unwavering commitment of the City of Boston and our entire region to prepare our communities for the pressing challenges of climate change,” said FEMA Region 1 Deputy Regional Administrator Jarrett W. Devine. "It highlights the power of collaboration among federal, state, and local partners, working alongside communities to create innovative solutions that enhance our resilience."

"Today's awards are the result of close collaboration across municipal, state, and federal government to safeguard our infrastructure and residents proactively," said Director of Federal Funds Quentin Palfrey. "Thank you to Region FEMA 1 Administrator Lori Erlich, Deputy Administrator Jarrett Devine, and all of our federal partners for helping us make the necessary investments to ensure our infrastructure is resilient to future challenges."

“MEMA partners with communities to reduce our state’s vulnerability to weather events through hazard mitigation, which creates safer, more resilient communities, reduces loss of life and property, and reduces the cost of recovery to individuals, cities and towns, and the state,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director for Recovery and Mitigation Simon van Leeuwen. “The approval of these grant applications is a testament to the sustained, collaborative efforts between the city, FEMA Region 1, and the state and we believe this success sets a strong example and paves the way for other Massachusetts communities to achieve similar success in the application process."

“As we continue to improve and deliver safe, reliable service, climate resilience is vital to that goal. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is laser-focused on ensuring safety and quality of life for all residents and visitors in Massachusetts. Under their leadership, we in public transportation are doing all we can to safeguard everyone from climate-related impacts. The MBTA is thankful to FEMA, MEMA, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for all the support and critical role public transportation plays in Boston,” said General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We're excited to use this grant funding to continue supporting and collaborating with the City of Boston to protect infrastructure in local neighborhoods and within the MBTA system.”

These projects exemplify the City of Boston’s proactive approach to climate resilience under Mayor Wu’s leadership. The establishment of the Office of Climate Resilience last year marked a significant step forward, centralizing efforts to address the City’s adaptation efforts. This new office has already spearheaded initiatives such as the green roof retrofits for bus shelters and the citywide Deployables Day, which demonstrated the deployment of temporary flood protection measures. Additionally, Boston’s first Climate Council was convened to guide the next phase of the Climate Action Plan, ensuring an inclusive and community-driven approach to tackling climate risks.

Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting, “These investments represent the future of urban resilience—projects that not only protect people and infrastructure from increasing climate hazards but also enhance our public spaces and ensure equitable access to our waterfront. We are thrilled to take these next steps with FEMA’s support.”

Chris Osgood, Director of the Office of Climate Resilience, highlighted the collaborative nature of the work: “Climate resilience is a team effort, and these projects show the power of partnerships across local, state, and federal levels. Together, we’re delivering real solutions to address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s risks.”

In addition to these grant awards, the Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Boston are pursuing a FEMA BRIC grant for Tenean Beach in Dorchester. The project will focus on raising portions of the park and roadway to reduce chronic flooding risks in an area that regularly floods today. The application is for $11.2 million in FEMA BRIC funding, with $3.7 million in combined contributions from the City and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). If awarded, Tenean Beach will receive $1.8 million for design and permitting funding, with a potential award for construction to follow.  

The City of Boston is committed to advancing climate-ready projects that protect residents, create opportunities for economic growth, and strengthen community resilience. These projects are vital components of Boston’s broader climate strategies and Green New Deal.

Governor Healey Establishes a Massachusetts K-12 Statewide Graduation Council

 Governor Healey Establishes a Massachusetts K-12 Statewide Graduation Council 

Council will recommend new vision for setting high school graduates up for success 

BOSTON – On the heels of her State of the Commonwealth, Governor Maura Healey has signed an Executive Order to establish a Massachusetts K-12 Statewide Graduation Council to be led by the Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Council will include a broad range of stakeholders, including students, parents/caregivers, educators, school counselors, labor, education advocacy organizations, higher education representatives, legislators, and the business community. The Council will be tasked with making recommendations on how Massachusetts can ensure that all students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life, regardless of their background or location, and demonstrate these qualities through a consistent statewide set of expectations.   

“Massachusetts has the best schools in the country, and we want to stay that way,” said Governor Maura Healey. “To keep this high standard of excellence, I believe that students, families, schools and employers should know exactly what a diploma earned in Massachusetts represents. We’re excited to bring together a broad group of stakeholders to make recommendations for a new high statewide standard.” 

“We believe that a high, statewide standard for high school graduation is important to promote equitable education opportunities for all students in Massachusetts, particularly for historically marginalized students,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I look forward to the robust recommendations this Council of diverse stakeholders will develop to ensure that every student in our state graduates with the skills and knowledge to be successful.” 

“Massachusetts has an opportunity to bring the definition of what it means to graduate from high school to new heights, ensuring that all students are equipped for today’s workforce and postsecondary education opportunities,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I look forward to engaging with this Council, particularly students, to continue and expand our efforts to reimagine high school.”  

"Students, families and educators need a strong signal about whether students are ready for college and a career after high school," said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. "The work of this council will be critical to redefining a shared understanding of what that should look like." 

“Massachusetts must establish a standard graduation requirement to ensure that every student, no matter where they live, is prepared to succeed after graduation,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I'm grateful to Governor Healey for her focus on fostering equal access to quality education across the state, and I look forward to reviewing the Council's recommendations.” 

“A uniform graduation standard across districts ensures equitable learning opportunities for all students. I commend Governor Healey for establishing this council to ensure that the Commonwealth does not return to the pre-1993 days of low expectations for our high-needs students, and I look forward to reviewing its recommendations,” said Assistant Majority Leader Representative Alice H. Peisch (D-14th Norfolk). 

The Council will hold regional listening sessions to gather feedback directly from communities. Recommendations will be presented to the Governor and Legislature after engaging in the following key areas: 

• Review current practices across the country and assess existing local variations in graduation requirements.  

• Gather feedback from diverse stakeholders, including students, families, educators, administrators, higher education experts, the business community, and the public.  

• Consider what skills and knowledge Massachusetts students need to thrive in college, careers, and civic life, including exploring potential course requirements, examinations, and alternative methods of demonstrating student achievement. 

Council members, or designees, include: 

• Speaker of the House of Representatives 

• President of the Senate 

• Minority leader of the House of Representatives 

• Minority leader of the Senate 

• Massachusetts Teachers Association 

• AFT-MA 

• Boston Teachers Union 

• Massachusetts School Counselors Association 

• Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents 

• Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators 

• Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association 

• Massachusetts Association of School Committees 

• Massachusetts Charter Public Schools Association 

• Teacher representative 

• Public school student representative of Governor’s Youth Advisory Council 

• Public school student representative from State Student Advisory Council 

• Three additional geographically diverse public school students identified by the co-chairs 

• Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges 

• State Universities Council of Presidents 

• Commissioner of Higher Education 

• Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education 

• Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation 

• Massachusetts Business Roundtable 

• Non-profit organization whose work involves access to postsecondary opportunities 

• Five additional representatives appointed by the co-chairs on behalf of the Governor who shall represent a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, including experience with the education of students with disabilities and English learners