Governor Healey Signs Executive Order to Ensure Safe, On Time, and On Budget Construction Projects

Governor Healey Signs Executive Order to Ensure Safe, On Time, and On Budget Construction Projects  

Order signed at Mass Building Trades Convention promotes use of project labor agreements by state agencies for large public works projects 

SPRINGFIELD – Today, at the Massachusetts Building Trades 106^th Annual Convention, Governor Maura Healey signed an Executive Order to promote the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) by state agencies for large public works projects. The order aims to ensure that construction projects are successfully completed on-time and within budget, while increasing access to good-paying jobs for workers of all backgrounds. 

A PLA is a collective bargaining agreement that is executed between contractors and labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for all contractors, subcontractors, and craft labor employees performing work on a specific construction project. PLAs help to deliver high quality jobs for a diverse workforce and maintain competitive costs and project timelines. Studies have also found that PLAs do not add costs to construction projects, and in fact lower them. A recent analysis of a similar policy in Illinois found that PLAs increased competition and helped lower costs for taxpayers. 

The Governor’s order requires executive department agencies to review public works construction projects with estimated construction costs over $35 million to determine if a PLA is in the best interest of the projects, workers and community. That analysis will take into account factors such as: scope, complexity, proposed schedule, site conditions, and the size and nature of the construction workforce required. 

“There are so many critical construction projects underway all across the state – upgrading our roads and bridges, improving infrastructure for small businesses and more,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know that it’s really important that these projects are set up for success. This means ensuring that contractors have a trained and ready workforce to turn to and a plan for meeting deadlines, staying within budget and keeping everyone safe. In many cases, PLAs can help make that happen, while promoting good job opportunities for workers of all backgrounds, including veterans, women and minorities.” 

“Project labor agreements have been proven to result in successful construction projects in the public and private sectors – from the new Holyoke Veterans Home to Gillette Stadium and TD Garden,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re proud to take this action today that will make sure our agencies are paying close attention to ways in which they can maximize the success of their projects while supporting our incredible, diverse workforce in Massachusetts.” 

This Executive Order provides a framework for adhering to a section of the Mass Leads economic development bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Healey last year, which says that agencies may require a PLA on public works construction projects when doing so is in the best interests of Massachusetts. The order does not require a PLA for any construction project. It also does not limit any project to only union labor. Bids would be enlisted from union and non-union companies, opening opportunities for contractors to partner with a wide network of subcontractors to meet workforce needs.   

“Governor Healey’s Executive Order signals the use of PLAs for complex, large public construction projects when in the best interest of the Commonwealth—a workforce strategy that will generate good wages and benefits for Massachusetts’ construction industry and workers,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Our administration looks forward to leveraging this as a tool, when applicable, complemented by efforts to build a more diverse pool of apprentices and reduce barriers to attract more women and people of color as we work collaboratively with the industry to grow the workforce.” 

This action is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for good-paying jobs for all workers, including union members, veterans, women and minorities. This order builds on actions Governor Healey took in 2024 to create opportunities for more firms and people to work on state construction projects. Last year, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order creating a Public Construction Advisory Council to identify barriers to the participation of small, emerging, and diverse businesses on public construction projects. She also signed an Executive Order to increase the participation of women and underrepresented groups in construction. 

Ahead of Tax Filing Deadline, Governor Healey Promotes Savings for Families Under Expanded Child Tax Credit

 Ahead of Tax Filing Deadline, Governor Healey Promotes Savings for Families Under Expanded Child Tax Credit 

Massachusetts taxpayers can learn more about the ways Governor Healey lowered their taxes at Mass.gov/TaxCuts 

SPRINGFIELD – As Massachusetts residents are filing their taxes ahead of the April 15 deadline, Governor Maura Healey is raising awareness of the money that Massachusetts families will save on their returns this year because of the tax cuts package she signed in 2023.  

“We know that the number one challenge facing the people of Massachusetts is the high cost of living. That’s why we cut taxes for the first time in 20 years – and we did it in our first year in office,” said Governor Healey. “Because of the strong partnership between our team and the Legislature to deliver these tax cuts, Massachusetts families, businesses, seniors and renters are all saving more money, including benefiting from the most generous Child and Family Tax Credit in the nation. And there's no additional paperwork required – every eligible Massachusetts taxpayer will automatically get more money back when they file their taxes this year.” 

“Massachusetts residents might not even realize that they are paying less in taxes because we passed this tax cuts package,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This means more money back in your pockets to use for groceries, energy bills, medicine or gas. We encourage everyone to visit mass.gov/taxcuts to learn more about how you are saving – and don’t forget to file your taxes!”  

“The House understands that affordability is a top concern for residents across Massachusetts, which is why the sweeping tax relief bill that we passed last session was so important. That legislation cut taxes for residents of all income levels and for businesses that are based in Massachusetts, one of several bills from last session that was designed to make the Commonwealth more affordable and more competitive,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House, and to our partners in the Senate and in the Healey-Driscoll Administration, for their continued focus on tackling the significant affordability challenges that continue to face residents here in Massachusetts.” 

"The Senate was thrilled to pass the largest tax cut in a generation in partnership with the House and the Healey Administration last session,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The tax relief bill was packed with meaningful savings for families, homeowners, renters, older residents and others, and it will make a difference when residents file their taxes this year. Together with our investments in early education and care, housing, and small businesses—and making community college free for all—this tax relief is part of the Senate’s commitment to lowering costs for residents and expanding opportunities for everyone.” 

“This is good news and we are happy to help share it with our community, especially as we are in the midst of tax filing season. I deeply appreciate the support and leadership from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll on signing this historic tax package that includes relief and savings for our residents and families, including updates to the Child & Family Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit that will benefit hundreds of thousands of families,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “We will also continue to work diligently on the city level to continue to provide tax relief while also being mindful of our credit and bond rating, and debt services, and while also maintaining vital core city services for our neighborhoods. I am proud of my administration’s efforts in providing much-needed tax relief for our residents. From our targeted tax relief initiative, working with the City Council on tax relief for our Veterans as part of the local option of the HERO Act signed by Governor Healey, utilizing the interest from our investment in the T-Bonds, and all of the existing tax relief programs, there are now multiple means for homeowners to seek tax relief and we want to be sure our residents are aware of these options.” 

The Governor visited Educare Springfield, a child care center that serves young children and their families with a full-day, year-round program, to highlight the expanded Child and Family Tax Credit, which is now the most generous in the nation. Governor Healey increased the benefit from $180 per dependent child, adult with disabilities or senior to $440 and lifted the two-dependent cap. This means that a family with three children will now receive $1,320 back each year, compared to just $360 two years ago. 

"Our mission is to give young families the foundation they need to be successful — academically, physically, socially, and financially,” Dawn DiStefano, President & CEO, Square One. “It starts with providing a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children to learn and grow, while their parents are at work. Adding in supports like workforce development, emergency diapers, food, and guidance on issues like tax credits and other financial supports, works to position our young families for long-term success in every way." 

Governor Healey’s tax cuts package included a number of other provisions to make life more affordable for Massachusetts families, seniors, renters, businesses and more. She doubled the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit so that senior homeowners will receive an extra $1,200 back each year and increased the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30 percent to 40 percent of the federal credit.  

Massachusetts residents can visit mass.gov/taxcuts to learn more about the credits and deductions available to them. Information about free tax assistance available through local community action agencies and non-profit partners is also available at findyourfunds.org.  

Clean Slate Massachusetts Gains Momentum with Endorsements from 70+ Leading Organizations

 Clean Slate Massachusetts Gains Momentum with Endorsements from 70+ Leading Organizations 

Boston, MA – Clean Slate Massachusetts is proud to announce the growing coalition of endorsing organizations that have joined the campaign since its official launch. These new partners reflect broad-based support for the movement to ensure automatic record-clearing for eligible individuals, removing barriers to employment, housing, and opportunity. A full list of endorsers is included below and available online.

Support for Clean Slate Massachusetts continues to grow across the state, bringing together advocates in public health, criminal justice reform, labor, business, faith-based communities, and more. These endorsements reinforce the urgent need to pass comprehensive Clean Slate legislation to provide a voice for those that need it most. 

"The strength of CSMA lies in our unity. By growing our coalition, we amplify our voices, expand our impact, and drive real change. With every new partner and endorser, our movement gains momentum, proving that together, we are a stronger and louder voice for second chances. We are thrilled to see our coalition expanding, and we know that with this collective power, we will make a lasting difference," said Rahsaan Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, and Chair of the Steering Committee for Clean Slate Massachusetts.

Clean Slate Massachusetts is urging lawmakers to take action in the upcoming legislative session. The coalition is welcoming additional organizations and individuals to join the movement and help remove unnecessary barriers for those seeking a fresh start. Interested parties can learn more at www.cleanslatema.org/getinvolved. 

Since launching on January 9th, Clean Slate Massachusetts has continued to build a diverse coalition of advocates, organizations, and leaders committed to advancing second chances and justice reform. The latest endorsing organizations include:

1. ACLU Massachusetts

2. Amirah, Inc.

3. A Year and A Day Foundation (Boston)

4. Boston Healthcare for the Homeless

5. Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Boston)

6. Bristol County for Correctional Justice

7. Casa Esperanza (Boston)

8. Center for Teen Empowerment, Inc. (Boston/Somerville)

9. Clean Slate Initiative (national)

10. Coalition for Social Justice Action Fund (Brockton/New Bedford/Fall River)

11. Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (Boston)

12. Committee for Public Counsel Services

13. Community Resources for Justice, Inc. 

14. Community Servings (Boston)

15. Community Work Services

16. Dismas House (Worcester)

17. Embrace Boston

18. Everyday Miracles

19. Fathers’ Uplift Inc

20. Follow Suit 2000

21. Fountain Fund

22. Fresh Start Wellness Center (Worcester)

23. Future Hope Apprenticeship & Recovery Program (Dorchester) 

24. Governor’s Council Member Tara Jacobs, District 8

25. Greater Boston Interfaith Organization

26. Greater Boston Legal Services

27. Harvard Defenders 

28. Harvard Law School’s Legal Services Center/Safety Net Project and CORI Sealing Initiative

29. Hearth, Inc. (Boston)

30. I have a Future (MCAN)

31. Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation 

32. Jane Doe, Inc.

33. Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action

34. JP Morgan Chase

35. Justice 4 Housing (Boston)

36. Lawyers Clearinghouse 

37. Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (Dorchester)

38. Lyme Disease Resource Center

39. Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition

40. Massachusetts Competitive Partnership

41. Massachusetts Bar Association

42. Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health

43. Massachusetts Community Action Network 

44. Massachusetts Law Reform Institute

45. Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association

46. Massachusetts UAW CAP Council

47. Massachusetts Organization of Addiction Recovery

48. Mass CultivatED

49. MassHire Holyoke

50. Men of Color Health Awareness (Springfield)

51. Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (Gardner)

52. More than Words (Boston & Waltham)

53. National Consumer Law Center (Boston)

54. National Lawyers Guild (MA Chapter)

55. Neighbor 2 Neighbor (Holyoke/Lynn/Springfield/Worcester 

56. New England Community Project (fka United 4 Justice)

57. New England Law-Boston/CORI Initiative

58. New North Citizens’ Council (Springfield)

59. Norfolk County Bar Association

60. On the Rise (Cambridge)

61. Point32Health Foundation

62. Progressive Massachusetts

63. Project New Hope (Worcester)

64. Prophetic Resistance

65. Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts

66. REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, Inc.

67. Responsible Business Initiative for Justice

68. Roca, Inc. 

69. Safe Exit Initiative

70. Strategies for Youth

71. Strive, Inc. (Boston)

72. UMass Law School, Human Rights at Home Clinic

73. Unitarian Universalist Mass Action Network

74. Urban League of Eastern MA

75. UTEC

76. Veterans Legal Services 

77. Volunteers of America of Massachusetts

78. Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts

亞美促進正義會為綠卡持有人被拘留、驅逐發聲明

(Boston Orange 編譯) 亞美促進正義會 ( AAJC) 對綠卡持有者 Mahmoud Khalil 被拘留和驅逐出境的進展情況以及美國法律保護目前面臨的威脅做出回應。

「川普的持續行動引起了人們對他無視法治的嚴重擔憂，最近拘留並試圖驅逐綠卡持有人馬哈茂德·哈利勒就是一個例子。總統對其驅逐綠卡持有人的權力做不合情理的廣泛解釋，不僅破壞了正當程序原則，還打擊了所有合法的第一修正案表達，凸顯了將政治議程置於法律保護和個人自由的基礎上。

Advancing Justice – AAJC Calls Out Detention of Green Card Holder and Raises Concerns Over Lack of Due Process

Washington, D.C. — Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC responds to the unfolding situation of the detention and deportation of green card holder, Mahmoud Khalil, and the current threats to legal protections in this country.    

"Donald Trump's ongoing actions raise serious concerns about his disregard for the rule of law, exemplified by the recent detention and attempted deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder. The president's unconscionably broad interpretation of his authority to deport green card holders undermines the principles of due process but also chills all lawful First Amendment expression, highlighting a troubling trend of prioritizing political agendas over legal protections and individual freedoms. Such actions threaten the foundational values of justice and fairness that underpin our democracy."

推進正義－AAJC 呼籲拘留綠卡持有者並對缺乏正當程序表示擔憂

波士頓慈濟「家庭安全研討會」 邢敏傳授簡易準備法則

邢敏講解急難救災。(林遊嵐提供)

(Boston Orange 林遊嵐提供) 慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處3月9日在牛頓市會所舉辦「家庭安全研討會」講座，請來社區災難教育專業講師邢敏 ，以南加州野火燎原為例，詳細講解適用於災難的各種安全措施。40多名出席者會後都說收穫豐富。

「家庭安全研討會」。

這場講座由美國慈濟基金會主辦，加州Listos (西班牙語:準備好) 協辦，從加州請來在美國紅十字會有17年急難救助經驗的社區災難教育專業講師邢敏講解。

今年1月7日，邢敏參加了南加州火災救援行動，親眼見證事前準備的重要性，講解起適用於災難的各種安全措施時，讓聽的人有如親臨其境，對3個多小時的教學內容，救生演練，印象更加深刻。

邢敏擬定的簡易救災準備法則。(林遊嵐提供)

邢敏在這次的培訓中，主要講解遭遇五種災難的自救辦法。一是遇到地震，記住三個動作： 蹲下身子，躲在桌下，握住牢靠的東西，例如桌腳。二是遇到火災，立即放下手中工作，逃離著火處。如果身體著火，立即在地上滾動讓火熄滅。三是遭遇槍擊事件，立即逃離現場，找地方躲避。四是做人工呼吸前，先檢視傷患者有無意識，趕緊打電話呼救並給予適當的現場照應。五是使用滅火器，先拔去滅火器的”釘子”， 對準火源，擠壓滅火器把手，掃射火苗。

慈濟師姐及出席者認真聽講。(林遊嵐提供)

邢敏不斷重複強調準備的重要。他認為每個人都應該制定一套計劃，以保護自己和身邊的人，例如：準備好包括在外地的緊急聯絡人名單，擬定撤離行動計畫，以及緊急時的安全撤離方向與路線，事前準備好一個應急包，把身份證、現金、藥物清單等重要物品打包進去，隨時一拎就可帶走等。另外還要準備一個居家箱，儲存水和食物，作為緊急狀況發生，卻無法離家時的以防萬一準備。

當天的出席者聽完演講後紛紛表示收穫豐富，學到許多新知和技能，而且不但更加感到居安思危很重要，還記住了要時時刻刻維護自身安全，不要在災難臨頭時成為他人的負擔。