吳弭市長在國會聽證會上的發言

MAYOR MICHELLE WU DELIVERS OPENING STATEMENT AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING HELD BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM  Please see below remarks as prepared by Mayor Michelle Wu, including translations into six languages.

 

Chair Comer, Ranking Member Connolly, and members of the Committee,  My name is Michelle Wu.   I am the daughter of immigrants, and since November of 2021, I have had the honor of serving as mayor of Boston.   I’m proud to be here on behalf of our city—the police officers, first responders, and city workers…the faith leaders, teachers, parents, and neighbors—who partner every day to make Boston the safest major city in the nation.   And I’m proud to work alongside the greatest Police Commissioner in the country: Michael Cox.  Every year since I took office, we’ve set a new record low for gun violence in Boston.   Last year, Boston saw the fewest homicides on record in the last 70 years.  Those are the facts.   And behind these record lows are historic highs:   The most-ever young people working paid summer jobs…the most pre-k seats at no cost to families…the most affordable housing built in a generation. We have invested in the kinds of opportunities that cultivate prosperity and eradicate crime.   And the laws on our books promote the kind of community trust that keeps all of us safe.  In Boston, our Police Department resources—and taxpayer dollars—go toward preventing and solving crimes.   And when it comes to criminal matters, Boston Police collaborate with state and federal law enforcement every day.   But Massachusetts State law and the Boston Trust Act make clear that immigration is federal law enforcement’s responsibility.  We are the safest major city in the country.  Because our gun laws are the strongest in the nation.  Because our officers have built relationships over decades.  And because all of our residents trust that they can call 911 in the event of an emergency or to report a crime. This federal administration’s approach is undermining that trust.   In the past month, I’ve met with residents and faith leaders in community centers and places of worship, asking my constituents what they want Congress to know.   And what I heard over and over again was fear and frustration:   I spoke with pastors whose pews are half-empty on Sundays.  Doctors whose patients are missing appointments.  Teachers whose students aren't coming to class.   Neighbors afraid to report crimes in their communities, and victims of violence who won’t call the police.  This federal administration is making hard-working, tax-paying, God-fearing people afraid to live their lives.  A city that’s scared is not a city that’s safe.   A land ruled by fear is not the land of the free.  Next month, Boston will celebrate 250 years of our nation’s freedom.   And in every one of those years, Boston has welcomed the world to our shores.   From the English immigrants fleeing religious persecution, to the Irish forced out by famine.  To the families from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cabo Verde, Vietnam, and so many more that call Boston home today.  We are the safest major city in the nation.   We are home to the greatest healthcare.  The greatest colleges and universities, the most advanced innovators, and the 2024 World Champion Boston Celtics. We are the cradle of democracy and the city of champions.  We are all these things not in spite of our immigrants, but because of them:    One in seven signers of the Declaration of Independence were immigrants. On the last four Red Sox rosters to win a World Series, one in five were immigrants. Of all the faculty at Boston University to have earned the Nobel Prize, all but one were immigrants.   Today, one in four Boston residents were born somewhere else. Most have jobs; many have kids.   All of them chose this country as home, because—like my mom and dad—they believed that, here, where you’ve been doesn’t limit where you’re going; the strength of your character has nothing to do with the color of your passport; and that how hard you work matters more than where you were born.   That—wherever you’re from—if you pitch in, look out for your neighbors, and cheer for the home team, you can build a better future here for the people you love.   So to every one of my neighbors back in Boston, know this:  You belong here; this is your home. Boston es tu hogar. Boston se lakay ou. 這是你的家. This is our city.   We are the safest major city in the nation because we are safe for everyone.  Thank you. 主席科默(Comer), 资深议员康诺利(Connolly)，以及各位委员会成员， 我的名字是吴弭 (Michelle Wu）。 我是移民人士的女儿，自 2021 年 11 月起，我很荣幸能成为波士顿的市长。  我很自豪能够代表我们的城市——我们的警察、急救人员、市府工作人员、宗教领袖、教师、家长与邻里——他们每天齐心协力，使波士顿成为全国最安全的主要城市。  我也很自豪能与全国最出色的警察局长米高·考克斯（Michael Cox）一起工作。 自我上任以来，每年波士顿的枪枝暴力事件都创下历史新低。 去年，波士顿创下了过去 70 年来 最少的凶杀案 数量。 这些都是事实。 而在这些历史新低点的背后，是前所未有的历史新高： 有史以来最多的年轻人, 获得有薪暑期工作机会……最多的家庭能够免费获得学前教育学位名额……这一世代以来，大多数建筑的可负担性房屋。 我们投入资源，创造机会，以促进繁荣并消灭犯罪。 我们的法律也促进了社区的信任，这正是保障我们所有人的安全。 在波士顿，我们的警察部门资源及纳税人的钱，都被用于防范和侦破犯罪。 在处理刑事案件方面，波士顿警方每天都与州级和联邦执法机构合作。 但麻州法律与《波士顿信任法》(Boston Trust Act) 明确规定，移民事务属于联邦执法机构的职责范畴。 我们是全国最安全的大城市…… 因为我们拥有全美最严格的枪枝法…… 因为我们的警察, 在社区建立关系超过几十年…… 因为我们所有的居民都相信及信任，在紧急情况下或需要报案时，他们可以拨打 911。 本届联邦政府的做法，正在破坏这种信任。   过去一个月来，我走访社区中心和礼拜场所，与居民和信仰领袖对话，询问我的市民，想国会知道什么。 以及我一遍又一遍地听到的，是害怕与沮丧： 我与一些牧师交谈，他们星期天教堂的座位少了一半…… 医生说，他们的病人，错过了看诊预约，未能如期赴诊 老师说，他们的学生不敢来上课…… 邻居们害怕报案关于社区内的罪案，暴力受害者不敢报警，寻求警方的帮助。 这届联邦政府令勤奋工作，缴税，虔诚敬畏上帝的人民，害怕过自己的日常生活。 一座充满恐惧的城市，不是一座安全的城市。 一块土地 被恐惧所统治……不是一个 自由之地。  下个月，波士顿将庆祝国家自由的  250 周年。 在那些年里，波士顿 欢迎世界各地的人们 到我们的海岸。  从为了信仰自由而逃离英国的移民，到被大饥荒，迫使离开爱尔兰的人民…… 给来自海地家庭， 多明尼加共和国, 佛得角, 越南 和 还有更多人， 他们今天都把波士顿视为家。 我们是全国最安全的大城市。  我们这个家，拥有世界一流的医疗机构…… 最优秀的大学和学院……最先进的创新科技……以及 2024 年的世界冠军——波士顿塞尔特人队（Boston Celtics）。我们是民主的摇篮，也是冠军之城。 我们拥有这一切，不是尽管有移民，而是正因为有移民。 当年，签署《独立宣言》的代表中，每七人就有一位是移民。 在波士顿红袜队（Red Sox）过去四次夺得世界大赛冠军的阵容中，每五名球员就有一位是移民。在波士顿大学获得诺贝尔奖的教授中，除了一位以外，所有人都是移民。 今天，波士顿四分之一的居民，出生在其他地方。他们中的大多数人有工作，许多人有孩子。 他们全部 选择了 这 国家 作为家，因为——就像我的父母一样——他们相信，在这里， 你的过去不会 限制 你的未来; 这 你性格和力量 与你的护照颜色无关；你工作有多努力，比你的在哪儿出生地更重要。 在这里，无论你来自哪里，只要你愿意付出投入， 关怀邻里，为我们的本土球队打气加油，您就能为您挚爱的人， 创造更美好的未来。  所以，我想对波士顿的每一位邻居说：  你属于这里；这是你的家。Boston es tu hogar. Boston se lakay ou. Zhè shì nǐ de jiā. 这是我们的城市。 我们之所以是全国最安全的主要城市，是因为我们让所有人都感到安全。 谢谢大家。     主席科默(Comer), 資深議員康諾利(Connolly)，以及各位委員會成員， 我的名字是吳弭（Michelle Wu）。 我是移民人士的女兒，自 2021 年 11 月起，我很榮幸能成為波士頓的市長。  我很自豪能夠代表我們的城市——我們的警察、急救人員、市府工作人員、宗教領袖、教師、家長與鄰里——他們每天齊心協力，使波士頓成為全國最安全的主要城市。   我也很自豪能與全國最出色的警察局長米高·考克斯（Michael Cox）一起工作。 自我上任以來，每年波士頓的槍枝暴力事件都創下歷史新低。 去年，波士頓創下了過去 70 年來 最少的兇殺案 數量。 這些都是事實。 而在這些歷史新低點的背後，是前所未有的歷史新高： 有史以來最多的年輕人, 獲得有薪暑期工作機會……最多的家庭能夠免費獲得學前教育學位名額……這一世代以來，建設最多的可負擔性房屋。 我們投入資源，創造機會，以促進繁榮並消滅犯罪。 我們的法律也促進了社區的信任，這正是保障我們所有人的安全。 在波士頓，我們的警察部門資源及納稅人的錢，都被用於防範和偵破犯罪。 在處理刑事案件方面，波士頓警方每天都與州級和聯邦執法機構合作。 但麻州法律與《波士頓信任法》(Boston Trust Act) 明確規定，移民事務屬於聯邦執法機構的職責範疇。 我們是全國最安全的大城市…… 因為我們擁有全美最嚴格的槍枝法…… 因為我們的警察, 在社區建立關係超過幾十年… 因為我們所有的居民都相信及信任，在緊急情況下或需要報案時，他們可以撥打 911。 本屆聯邦政府的做法，正在破壞這種信任。    過去一個月來，我走訪社區中心和禮拜場所，與居民和信仰領袖對話，詢問我的市民，想國會知道什麼。 以及我一遍又一遍地聽到的，是害怕與沮喪： 我與一些牧師交談，他們星期天教堂的座位少了一半…… 醫生說，他們的病人，錯過了看診預約，未能如期赴診 老師說，他們的學生不敢來上課…… 鄰居們害怕報案關於社區內的罪案，暴力受害者不敢報警，尋求警方的幫助。 這屆聯邦政府令勤奮工作，繳稅，虔誠敬畏上帝的人民，害怕過自己的日常生活。 一座充滿恐懼的城市，不是一座安全的城市。 一塊土地 被恐懼所統治……不是一個 自由之地。  下個月，波士頓將慶祝國家自由的  250 週年。 在那些年裡，波士頓 歡迎世界各地的人們 到我們的海岸。  從為了信仰自由而逃離英國的移民，到被大飢荒，迫使離開愛爾蘭的人民…… 給來自海地的家庭， 多明尼加共和國, 維德角, 越南 和 還有更多人， 他們今天都把波士頓視為家。 我們是全國最安全的大城市。  我們這個家，擁有世界一流的醫療機構…… 最優秀的大學和學院……最先進的創新科技……以及 2024 年的世界冠軍——波士頓塞爾特人隊（Boston Celtics）。我們是民主的搖籃，也是冠軍之城。 我們擁有這一切，不是儘管有移民，而是正因為有移民。 當年，簽署《獨立宣言》的代表中，每七人就有一位是移民。 在波士頓紅襪隊（Red Sox）過去四次奪得世界大賽冠軍的陣容中，每五名球員就有一位是移民。在波士頓大學獲得諾貝爾獎的教授中，除了一位以外，所有人都是移民。 今天，波士頓四分之一的居民，出生在其他地方。他們中的大多數人有工作，許多人有孩子。 他們全部 選擇了 這 國家 作為家，因為——就像我的父母一樣——他們相信，在這裡， 你的過去不會 限制 你的未來; 這 你性格和力量 與你的護照顏色無關；你工作有多努力，比你的在哪兒出生地更重要。 在這裡，無論你來自哪裡，只要你願意付出投入， 關懷鄰里，為我們的本土球隊打氣加油，您就能為您摯愛的人， 創造更美好的未來。  所以，我想對波士頓的每一位鄰居說：  你屬於這裡；這是你的家。Boston es tu hogar. Boston se lakay ou. Zhè shì nǐ de jiā. 這是我們的城市。 我們之所以是全國最安全的主要城市，是因為我們讓所有人都感到安全。 謝謝大家。

Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism to Highlight Massachusetts 250, Conversation with Governor Healey and Bestselling Author Elin Hilderbrand

 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism to Highlight Massachusetts 250, Conversation with Governor Healey and Bestselling Author Elin Hilderbrand 

SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism will take place on March 18-19, 2025, at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. It will highlight the strength of Massachusetts’ tourism sector and the potential for additional growth over the next two years with major events like Massachusetts 250, FIFA and Sail Boston. The conference will include a highly anticipated conversation between bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand and Governor Maura Healey about how Massachusetts stories inspire tourism through books and film.  

“The Massachusetts story is one of revolution and innovation, health and education, and freedom and inclusion. This is the story we share through our travel and tourism sector, which drives billions in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As we celebrate Massachusetts 250 and prepare to host major events like the FIFA World Cup and Sail Boston, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase our revolutionary spirit and all that we have to offer here in Massachusetts on a national and global stage. I look forward to highlighting all of these exciting upcoming events at the Governor’s Conference, as well as join in conversation with bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand about the role of film tourism in telling Massachusetts’s story. We’re also proud to be hosting this important conference in Western Mass, a region that played an essential role in the American Revolution and contributes so much to our economy and communities, especially in arts, culture and outdoor recreation." 

“Massachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come together as a state and celebrate the places, stories, and revolutionary spirit that defines us,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By partnering with tourism leaders, we can amplify this moment—inviting visitors and residents alike to engage with our history in new and meaningful ways. Through collaboration and strategic storytelling, we can showcase Massachusetts as the birthplace of the American Revolution and a dynamic destination where history continues to inspire us all.” 

The statewide Massachusetts 250 campaign that inspires visitation and engagement with the state’s revolutionary history will be featured during the conference. As the nation approaches its 250^th anniversary, with many Massachusetts milestones happening in 2025, this initiative highlights the places and people that helped shape Massachusetts and the country. At the conference, a panel featuring experts from the Clark Art Institute, the Concord Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts will explore how destinations, museums, and tourism leaders can engage with Massachusetts 250 to attract and welcome visitors. Through a Museums 250 lens, panelists will present strategies for immersive storytelling, regional collaboration, and community engagement—ensuring this historic milestone creates memorable experiences for residents and travelers alike.  

This year’s conference will feature an eagerly awaited conversation between Governor Maura Healey and Elin Hilderbrand. The celebrated bestselling author is known for her captivating novels set in Nantucket and seaside New England, including “The Perfect Couple,” which became an incredibly popular Netflix limited series in 2024. Hilderbrand will discuss her writing career, her deep connection to Massachusetts’s coastal communities, and the role of storytelling in shaping tourism and regional identity.  

“When visitors step into the scenes of their favorite films and shows, they support local businesses, hotels, and cultural institutions—turning cinematic storytelling into a powerful engine for economic development and destination appeal,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We eagerly anticipate Elin’s insights into how narrative shapes cultural character and boosts tourism—fostering a sense of belonging that strengthens our communities.” 

FIFA events and Sail Boston are revenue-generating opportunities that position Massachusetts on the global stage. Both events, set for the summer of 2026, offer significant economic impact through international tourism, hospitality, and global exposure. The conference will discuss how these marquee events allow Massachusetts to capture the hearts and minds of international audiences. 

“Massachusetts is the ultimate place to root for the home team—and your own. From our hometown teams to global events like FIFA and Sail Boston, our state is where legendary teams and fans come together for world-class competition,” said Kate Fox, executive director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “As we roll out the welcome mat for these big international events, we are excited to offer unforgettable sporting moments and exceptional destination experiences that showcase the best of Massachusetts.”   

The conference will also feature discussions on destination marketing, sustainable development, and collaboration between the public and private sectors to support Massachusetts’s economic growth. It is expected to attract a diverse group of tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, and state officials, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into the future of Massachusetts tourism.  

“We are thrilled to welcome tourism these 300 plus professionals from across the Commonwealth to Western Mass,” said Mary Kay Wydra, president of Explore Western Mass. “This conference is also a great opportunity for local businesses to attend and learn more about how they can benefit from tourism marketing, the third largest industry in Massachusetts. We’re ready to welcome these 300-plus leaders to Springfield next month.” 

To learn more about the Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism, visit https://massgovernorsconference.com/.  

CENTRAL SQUARE THEATER, FRONT PORCH ARTS COLLECTIVE PRESENT MFONISO UDOFIA’S "HER PORTMANTEAU"

 CENTRAL SQUARE THEATER, FRONT PORCH ARTS COLLECTIVE PRESENT MFONISO UDOFIA’S "HER PORTMANTEAU"

Directed by Tasia A. Jones, this mother-and-daughters story follows a reunion between Abasiama Ufot and her two children raised in different circumstances.

March 27-April 20 at Central Square Theater in Cambridge;

Press performance Sat., March 29 @ 7:30p

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Central Square Theater and Front Porch Arts Collective’s co-production of Mfoniso Udofia’s powerful play "Her Portmanteau" runs March 20 to April 20, 2025, at the Central Square Theater. This production is the fourth of Boston’s Ufot Family Cycle series, a city-wide performance festival of Udofia's nine-part story spearheaded by The Huntington Theatre Company.

"Her Portmanteau" is helmed by Tasia A. Jones, the acclaimed director and Boston University Assistant Professor who most recently led “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” at Boston’s Lyric Stage. The cast features Patrice Jean-Baptiste (below, l.) as Abasiama Ufot (Jean-Baptiste was last seen as Willetta in “Trouble in Mind” at Lyric Stage and understudying Abasiama in Udofia’s play “The Grove” at The Huntington), Jade Guerra as Iniabasi Ekpeyong (below c., recently in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s “The Piano Lesson”), and Lorraine Victoria Kanyike (below, r., recently in ASP’s “Emma,” and The Porch’s “Chicken & Biscuits”) as Adiaha Ufot.

"Her Portmanteau" delves into a story of betrayal and forgiveness, centering on a Nigerian mother in the U.S. and her two daughters who have lived vastly different lives. Iniabasi, given up at birth by her mother, Abasiama, returns from Nigeria embittered, in search of answers and a better life for her own child. Adiaha, the American-raised child of Abasiama’s second marriage, has had a starkly different upbringing. The reunion forces them to confront their past, navigating clashing traditions and a family legacy that spans time, culture, and generations.

Playwright Mfoniso Udofia, a Massachusetts-raised and Wellesley-educated artist, created the Ufot Family Cycle to share stories that reflect her own experiences and provide representation for African and African American families. Each play in the Cycle stands alone, but together, they weave a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives.

The "Her Portmanteau" production team includes Shelley Barish as Scenic Designer, Chloe Moore as Costume Designer, Emma Deane as Lighting Designer, Julia Wonkka as Properties Designer, Arshan Gailus as Sound Designer, and Emmanuel Sylvester as Language Consultant. Additional creative support is provided by Bibi Mama (Dialect Coach), Lauren Burke (Stage Manager), Matthew Breton (Lighting Supervisor), and Alexander Gentile (Technical Director).

Full cast and creative team bios are available on the “Her Portmanteau” page here.

DATES, TICKETS, AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

“Her Portmanteau” runs March 27-April 20, 2025 at Central Square Theater. Performances are Wed., Thu., Fri. @ 7:30p, Sat. @ 2p and 7:30p, and Sun. @ 2p.  

Performances on March 30 and April 2, 13 and 16 are captioned. The April 4 “Black Out” performance is reserved for individuals of the African Diaspora, inclusive of Black and Black American patrons of all identities. April 10 performance is College Night, with prices and outreach designed to attract college students.

Tickets start at $25; available from CentralSquareTheater.org or FrontPorchArts.org.

ABOUT THE UFOT FAMILY CYCLE 

Boston’s Ufot Family Cycle marks the first time all nine plays will be completed and performed in their intended order. “Her Portmanteau” is part of a larger city-wide festival driven by a partnership that includes universities, social organizations, nonprofits, and community activation partners. 

The Huntington’s productions of the first two plays of the cycle, Sojourners in fall 2024 and The Grove in winter 2025, have been highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike; the third play, runboyrun, will have live performances of the podcast in March and be available as a podcast in April 2025.

The Cycle is supported by The Huntington with funding from Amy and David Abrams, the Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation, the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation, the Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.

Partners in the Ufot Family Cycle include: AfroDesiaCity, ArtsEmerson, Boston Arts Academy, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, Boston Public Art Triennial, Boston Public Library, Boston Public Schools, Boston University, Central Square Theater, Coolidge Corner Theatre, DiasporaMass, Embrace Boston, Facing History & Ourselves, Front Porch Arts Collective, GBH, The Huntington, Kligerman Productions, McCoy Audio, Next Chapter Podcasts, Nigerian Professionals Group, Northeastern University, Prior Performing Arts Center, Reimagining Migration, Riverside Theatre Works, Roxbury Community College, Wellesley College, Wellesley Repertory Theatre, West End House, Wheelock Family Theatre and ZUMIX. More information about plays and performances in the Cycle can be found at bostontheatrescene.com/ufotboston

 

CALENDAR LISTING

WHAT: Central Square Theater and Front Porch Arts Collective present Mfoniso Udofia’s "Her Portmanteau." This is the fourth production in Ufot Family Cycle series, a city-wide festival of Udofia's nine-part story.

WHEN/ March 20 to April 20, 2025, Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts 

WHERE: Avenue, in Cambridge’s Central Square neighborhood.

INFO: Directed by Tasia A. Jones, "Her Portmanteau" is a story of betrayal and forgiveness, centering on a Nigerian mother in the U.S. and her two daughters who have lived vastly different lives. A reunion forces them to confront their past, navigating clashing traditions and a family legacy that spans time and culture. 

TICKETS: $32-$103, including fees. Student tickets $25 with current ID. Available online at CentralSquareTheater.org or FrontPorchArts.org, or by phone at the Central Square Theater Box Office 617-576-9278.

美倫基金展延Agora文化建築支持期 三年180萬元

The Mellon Foundation Awards $1.8 Million for BoriCorridor Expansion

Ágora Cultural Architects seeks cultural organizations that serve Boricuas in the U.S.

Boston, MA (Tuesday, March 4, 2025) – With a $1.8 million grant, the Mellon Foundation has renewed its support of Ágora Cultural Architects and its BoriCorridor project for three years, which will allow it to expand its search for cultural organizations that serve Puerto Rican communities in the United States and bring more performances by local artists to the diaspora.

In addition to more than 200 organizations in the Northeastern U.S. already in the BoriCorridor digital directory, Agora Cultural Architects will add others located in regions ranging from Washington D.C. to Florida, as well as Texas and Chicago, Illinois, where Puerto Rican communities are well established.

“This grant from the Mellon Foundation is transformative for an organization like Ágora, whose mission is to make our Puerto Rican and Latin American artists visible and strengthen their ties with communities outside the homeland. But it also represents a recognition of the impact and valuable contributions that Puerto Ricans have long made to the U.S. nation,” said Elsa Mosquera, founder of Ágora Cultural Architects and creator of BoriCorridor.

This is the second grant the main sponsor of the arts in the United States has awarded Ágora Cultural Architects for developing the BoriCorridor. The initial $700 thousand grant awarded by Mellon covered the launch of the research and artistic tour carried out in 2023 and 2024. 

“The call we make to those Puerto Rican cultural organizations or those that work with Puerto Rican communities in the United States is that we want them to be part of the BoriCorridor family, to highlight all that they do for our people, to achieve more artistic collaborations and to share our cultural richness,” Mosquera added.

The new grant will also help to continue producing the BoriCorridor Tour and bring more artists from the archipelago to perform on different stages in the United States. The first tour began last year when five groups presented their shows in New York City, Boston, and Hartford. This year, the second edition of the BoriCorridor Tour will extend to Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

The lineup of artists performing between March and October on the BoriCorridor Tour 2025 includes Marian Pabón, Haciendo Punto en Otro Son, Los Rivera Destino, and Josean Ortiz and his play Tite Curet Alonso: Lírica y Poesía. Tickets for all events are available at www.boritix.com. 

To register as a cultural organization in BoriCorridor, you can access www.boricorridor.com. 

Massachusetts Celebrates Women in Construction Wee

 Massachusetts Celebrates Women in Construction Week

Healey-Driscoll Administration highlights and promotes the role of women in the construction industry 

UPTON — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) joined Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) this week to celebrate Women in Construction Week, a national and state recognition to promote the role of women in the construction industry. 

 

“In Massachusetts, we know the importance of building a workforce that reflects the talent and potential of all of our communities. Women in Construction Week is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of hard-working women across the industry, from the skilled trades to project management, said Governor Healey. “By expanding access to training, registered apprenticeships, and career pathways, we are ensuring that more women can enter and succeed in these good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. A diverse and inclusive construction workforce is good for our families and our economy.”

 

“Our Administration is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week because expanding opportunities for women and historically underrepresented groups strengthens our workforce, fuels economic growth, and opens doors to sustainable careers”, said Lt. Governor Driscoll. “I'm grateful for the training programs dedicated to empowering workers and expanding opportunities. Their commitment helps ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead in building a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.”

 

During a visit to BVT, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones toured the school’s hands-on learning construction training programs and met with girls in the high school’s construction programs. Building on Governor Maura Healey’s signing of an Executive Order in December 2024 to promote Women and Diversity in Construction, today’s visit by Secretary Jones underscored the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to building diverse talent pipelines for the construction industry in Massachusetts. BVT is a partner of Massachusetts Girls in Trade, an organization that encourages girls to pursue careers in the construction trades.

 

“Women in Construction Week is an opportunity to showcase the amazing women in construction, celebrate increased exposure for girls to learn about careers in construction, and encourage women to join the industry,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Through the recent Executive Order, continued investment in Registered Apprenticeship, and great partnerships, we are working every day to increase access to training and career opportunities right here in Massachusetts for women and people of color.”

 

The Executive Order also establishes a Diverse and Equitable Construction Workforce Participation Committee within the Governor’s Office for facilitating interagency collaboration and identifies and encourages best practices for state agencies to encourage equitable workforce participation in construction, such as utilizing registered apprentices, hiring local businesses and those with a record of hiring women and underrepresented groups, and encouraging contractors to provide supportive services like child care. The Committee will also work with state agencies on data collection to measure the workforce participation of women and underrepresented groups. Secretary Jones serves as Chair of the committee, which will convene for its first quarterly meeting in March. 

 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been dedicated to opening doors, empowering women, and helping shape a stronger, more inclusive workforce,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “Massachusetts offers several educational pathways for construction careers, including pre-apprenticeship programs, Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, and registered apprenticeships. Women in Construction Week should be about broadening horizons and challenging stereotypes.”

 

"It was an honor to welcome Secretary Jones to our campus for an in-depth look at career technical education during Women in Construction Week," said BVT's Superintendent-Director, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick. "It was an ideal opportunity to visit programs in our construction pathway and meet female students in these trades. Our students demonstrate high-level technical training with modern tools and equipment acquired through the state's Capital Skills Grant program, which they will use in their construction industry career."

 

“As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, the Massachusetts Building Trades Union is proud to recognize the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead to ensure every woman who wants a career in the trades has the opportunity to succeed” said Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Union. “I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to expand opportunities, strengthen our workforce, and build an even more diverse and inclusive union membership.” 

 

Following her visit to Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational School, Secretary Jones toured the Blackstone Valley HUB for Workforce Development and met with learners in the Grafton Job Corps Advanced Manufacturing training program. The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development, established in 2018, provides a centralized location for students to gain the technical and employability skills needed to meet the needs of the region and beyond. The HUB partners closely with the MassHire Central Regional Workforce Board on many state-funded initiatives, including managing the YouthWorks summer and year-round youth employment programs for income teens and young adults in the Blackstone Valley area – helping support 116 youth in getting paid work experience with local employers and the School to Career Connecting Activities program.  

“BV Hub is thrilled to welcome Secretary Jones during Women in Construction Week as we highlight the critical role of women in the trades within our broader workforce development initiatives,” said Joscelyn Young, BV HUB Vice President. “BV Hub remains committed to strengthening workforce development and fostering economic mobility by providing vocational training, career exploration, and hands-on experiences to 21 regional school districts, regional organizations, various industry partners and the broader community. We deeply appreciate the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ investment in these initiatives, which drive meaningful and transformational outcomes for families, businesses, and our regional economy.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also made strategic investments in Registered Apprenticeship, a proven, effective model in construction and trades in Massachusetts that helps address skills gaps, recruit apprentices, and build a diverse pipeline for construction and other high-demand industries. In November, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $3.2 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW)  to 29 organizations to train and place 514 apprentices across the state. In January, Governor Healey’s FY26 budget proposal recommended $3.3 million for registered apprenticeship programming to increase its use in all sectors and build a coordinated set of pre-apprenticeship programs. 

 

EOLWD’s Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) is responsible for promoting, developing, and servicing registered apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts. DAS maintains more than 800 apprenticeship programs with over 11,000 apprentices currently working with the vast majority in construction but a growing number of apprentices in the building trades, and expansion industries such as manufacturing, life sciences, and health care. 

 

More information about Registered Apprenticeship is available at Mass.gov/Apprenticeship.

麻州政府教育官員發聲明譴責廢除教育部言論

Healey-Driscoll Administration Education Officials Issue Statement Condemning Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration issued the following statements today in response to Linda McMahon’s confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Education and speech on the “Department's Final Mission”:  

Governor Maura Healey: 

"Massachusetts is home to the first public school in the United States, and we have the #1 schools in the country. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Linda McMahon’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education means students and schools would lose out on $2 billion in federal funding for our schools. That means bigger class sizes, fewer reading specialists and support for students with IEPs, less funding for poorer and rural school districts, and an end to after school programs. What Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Linda McMahon are doing is bad for children, bad for schools, and bad for our communities. Congress cannot let this happen."  

Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler: 

“Linda McMahon and the Trump administration’s ‘mission’ to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is dangerous and will have devastating impacts in Massachusetts and across the country. The Department plays a critical role in safeguarding equal access to public education through transparency and accountability. Without it, our most vulnerable students will suffer the most, gutting civil rights protections especially for students with disabilities.  

“The federal government already does not dictate what is taught in a classroom. Harmful efforts to dismantle the Department will lead to increased class sizes and teacher shortages, higher costs to attend institutions of higher education, putting it out of reach for middle income families, and will affect everyone – from families in urban and rural communities. In Massachusetts, we will continue to fight for every student to have access to a high-quality public education and equitable access to affordable higher education opportunities.”  

Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega: 

“Colleges and universities improve lives and have tremendous benefits for our society. Any efforts that restrict these opportunities are harmful to students and our democracy. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education remains dedicated to helping everyone access the career and earnings they seek through higher education. Massachusetts’ far-reaching financial aid programs are proof of this administration’s belief that the doors of opportunity should be open for all.”   

Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston: 

“Massachusetts has the strongest public school system in the nation, and it is built on a shared, bipartisan acknowledgement that steadfast investment in public schools is a public good. Significant federal funding is designed to support low-income students and students with disabilities in particular, and federal funds also help improve teacher effectiveness and the quality of education for all students. Removing those supports will harm students, moving our country backward, not forward.”   

Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw: 

“In communities across Massachusetts, partnerships between early education providers, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions are critical to delivering on the long-term academic success of our students, as well as economic opportunities for their families. Undermining long-standing structures that support access to high-quality learning environments and experiences for all children, especially those with special needs, will have destabilizing and devastating effects for families, communities, and our economy.”   

Massachusetts receives over $2 billion in federal education funding a year. The state is not able to fully replace these funds. The funding helps Massachusetts’ students, educators, schools, campuses, and communities: 

• That money is helping low- and middle-income students afford to go to college. 
• It gives districts in low-income areas funding to help pay for teacher salaries and benefits, school counselors, and homeless liaisons. 

It supports special education, including paying for assistive technology for students with disabilities, professional development and salaries for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and reading specialists, as well as transportation to help kids to get the services and programming they need and supports those services, like physical therapy, speech therapy, and social workers. 

吳弭市長訂3/19發表市情咨文

(Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 將於3月19日晚上7點，在芬衛區 (Fenway)的米高梅 (MGM) 音樂廳，發表2025年度的市情咨文。

              第七號電視頻道 WHGH將現場轉播，波士頓市有線電視也將從晚上7點到8點，在波士頓市政府的網路平台 (boston.gov/SOTC) 全做場質播。

              活動結束后，波士頓市拍攝的照片將在 Flickr 上提供。

              米高梅 (MGM) 音樂廳的地址為2 Lansdowne Street, Fenway。

MAYOR WU TO DELIVER 2025 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

BOSTON - Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - On Wednesday, March 19, Mayor Michelle Wu will deliver her third annual State of the City Address at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Programming will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the Mayor’s remarks beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. Mayor Wu will hold a brief media availability following the speech. Media planning to attend are asked to RSVP here.  WHEN: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Doors: 5:30 p.m. Program: 7:00 p.m. WHERE: MGM Music Hall at Fenway 2 Lansdowne Street, Fenway