Senate Addresses Prescription Drug Costs, Gold Star Benefits, Pediatric Care in Second Day of Debate

 Senate Addresses Prescription Drug Costs, Gold Star Benefits, Pediatric Care in Second Day of Debate 

Senate moves through 902 amendments in two days of debate 

(BOSTON—5/21/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today added provisions to the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget to lower prescription drug costs, expand benefits for Gold Star spouses, and increase funding for pediatric palliative care, among other amendments adopted during debate.

In total, the Senate has moved through 902 amendments during the first two days of debate. The Chamber has adopted 456 amendments and rejected 262 amendments. 156 amendments remain pending.  

“This is a budget to be proud of. In the face of federal threats, we are lifting up people and families around the entire state,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Amendments that were adopted today are only making this proposal stronger, and I look forward to continuing our work tomorrow.” 

“The Senate, continuing the substantive debate put forth on day one of the FY26 budget, added more beneficial and impactful amendments concerning equitable attorney fees for the Committee on Public Counsel Services, increased funding for trial court maintenance, and lowered the high cost of prescription drugs in the Commonwealth. I’m very impressed by the high level of debate and engagement by my colleagues, as we have thoroughly and efficiently reconciled over 80% of the 1,000+ amendments filed,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Addressing the escalating cost of health care in Massachusetts is one of the top priorities of this Chamber, and I’m pleased we have passed a major prescription drug cost control measure, an initiative seniors will especially appreciate.” 

Among the amendments passed by the Senate are:   

Amendment 541, Lowering Prescription Drug Costs 

Creates a process for the Health Policy Commission to monitor pharmaceuticals and apply an upper payment limit if they believe it substantially exceeds specific parameters.  Adopted on a roll call vote, 34-5. 

Amendment 803, Annuity Eligibility for Gold Star Spouses 

Following the Senate's leadership on supporting military families in Massachusetts, this provision would allow Gold Star Family spouses to remarry without the penalty of losing their annuity benefit. Adopted on a roll call vote, 40-0. 

Amendment 524, Pediatric Palliative Care 

Increases funding by $400,000 to help address workforce needs and help 200 children with life-limiting illnesses who are eligible for services and currently on the state’s waitlist. The successful amendment brings total funding to $10.8 million. Adopted on a roll call vote, 39-0. 

Amendment 559, ROCA Young Mothers Experiencing Acute Trauma Pilot Program 

$1.25 million to support the Young Mothers Experiencing Acute Trauma Pilot Program, a behavioral intervention program that works to stabilize and support young women, most of whom are mothers, who are traumatized survivors of abuse and neglect. 

Amendment 833, Income Eligible Fare Program 

$100,000 for a public awareness campaign to be administered by the MBTA, in consultation with municipalities and community-based organizations, to promote awareness of and increase participation in the income-eligible reduced fare program. 

Amendment 863, CPCS Admin and Private Attorney Fees 

$7 million to effectuate increases for attorney fees for cases involving murder, mental health, and Superior Court cases. 

Amendment 864, Trial Court Maintenance 

An additional $7.23 million to support workforce and lease expenses for the Commonwealth’s Trial Court. 

Amendment 908, Shannon Community Safety Grants 

A $542,000 increase in funding for the Shannon Grant Program, which provides funding to local communities around the Commonwealth to reduce gang and youth violence. This successful amendment boosts the program to $13.4 million.  

Amendment 428, Housing First Responders 

A $500,000 increase for Housing Consumer Education Centers in order to ensure that Housing First Responders can continue to provide support to those in need of housing assistance.  

Amendment 646, Civics Education 

A $500,000 increase to support civics education initiatives and programming in public schools. With adoption of the amendment, the Senate budget provides $3 million bolstering civics education for Massachusetts students during a critical period for American democracy.  

Amendment 508, Boys & Girls Clubs 

A $800,000 increase brings support for Boys & Girls Clubs across Massachusetts up to $3 million. Boys & Girls Clubs provide assistance to working families with after school programs and educational and recreational programming in many communities.  Adopted on a roll call vote, 39-0. 

Amendment 615, State Aid to Regional Public Libraries 

A $500,000 increase that brings total state aid to regional public libraries up to $19.5 million.  

Amendment 324, Department of Conservation and Recreation 

A $500,000 boost for the operation of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s state parks.  Adopted on a roll call vote, 39-0. 

A full list of amendments to the Senate’s budget and their status is available online.  

The Senate’s budget debate will continue tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and be livestreamed online.  

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO TITUS SPARROW PARK

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO TITUS SPARROW PARK

BOSTON – Thursday, May 22, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday joined Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett, the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park, elected officials, and South End residents during the South End Neighborhood Coffee Hour to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Titus Sparrow Park. The celebration marks a $2.4 million investment in the park, including colorful new play equipment, updated sport courts, improved lighting, and enhanced site drainage.  “The renovations to Titus Sparrow Park will make this beloved green space accessible for residents of all ages and introduce new play equipment for our youngest park-goers,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are excited to see these enhancements to keep Boston’s parks family-friendly and boost the community’s climate readiness.” Titus Sparrow Park is a treasured green space in the South End, just steps from the Southwest Corridor. The renovation preserves the park’s familiar charm while introducing a range of new features including updated play equipment for children ages 0–5 and 5–12, along with a new swing set and spinner. Sports amenities were enhanced with a resurfaced tennis court and a more accessible basketball court. Below the surface of the park, sustainable stormwater infrastructure was added using Stormtech infiltration chambers to improve drainage across the site. Additional upgrades include on-demand court lighting from dusk to 9:00 p.m. between April 1 and November 30, as well as new game tables for chess and dominoes. “Titus Sparrow Park has long been a vibrant community gathering space for the South End and these improvements ensure it will remain a welcoming, resilient space for generations to come,” said Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett. “With updated play areas, enhanced sports courts, and sustainable infrastructure, this project reflects our commitment to building parks that support community connection, equity, and climate readiness. We’re grateful to the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park and local residents whose voices shaped this project every step of the way.” “As a nearby resident and state representative, I am very grateful to the City of Boston and the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park for an outstanding end product that will further enable our magical South End community for years to come," said State Representative John Moran (D-South End).  The $2.4 million project included $255,000 for design and over $2.1 million for construction as part of the City’s five-year Capital Plan. Design work was completed by Halvorson Tighe & Bond Studio, and construction was carried out by ANJ Construction.  The design and development of Titus Sparrow Park were shaped by extensive community feedback collected during a series of public meetings beginning in May 2021. The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park were deeply involved in identifying neighborhood priorities and helping to address concerns.  “We are extremely happy the park and lawn are now fully open to the neighborhood and grateful to the Parks Department for their dedication and continued partnership,” said Shayna Keshian, President of The Friends of Titus Sparrow Park. “This isn’t just a park—it’s our backyard, where lifelong memories are made, children have taken their first steps, and even WNBA and NBA careers have taken root. Our mission has always been to bring neighbors together through free events, and we’re proud to continue that tradition in this beloved space.” For more information, please visit Boston.gov/titus-sparrow. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

緬因州參眾議會通過決議案。恭賀賴清德，蕭美琴就職週年

波士頓經文處廖朝宏處長（右一）、黃耀良組長（左一）和
決議案主提案人參議院農業委員會主席Rachel Talbot Ross
（左二）於緬因州參議院議場合影。

             (Boston Orange) 緬因州議會5月20日無異議通過恭賀中華民國總統賴清德、副總統蕭美晴就職週年決議案，肯定台灣的蓬勃民主發展，支持推動簽署台美《避免雙重課稅協定（ADTA）》，強化雙方經貿夥伴關係。

該決議明確指出，美國對台政策依據的是《臺灣關係法》，而不是聯合國大會第2758號決議案，緬因州支持台灣參加世界衛生組織(WHO)等國際組織。

這決議案由緬因州參議會農業委員會主席羅斯(Rachel Talbot Ross)和共和黨領袖史都華(Harold Steward)兩人聯名提案，緬因州參議會及眾議會在同一天內無異議通過。

新英格蘭地區，先有佛蒙特州、羅德島州及新罕布夏州等州分別通過友台決議案或連署聲明後，如今再有緬因州通過決議案，新英格蘭地區支持台灣力度，更見強大。

            駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏當天應邀觀禮，到緬因州參議會議事廳，見證決議案的通過，並分別拜會參議會議長杜特麗(Matthea Daughtry) 及眾議會議長費克鐸(Ryan Fecteau)等人。

波士頓經文處指出，決議案提案人羅斯參議員在參議會的會議中發言時，特地介紹廖處長時，全場35位參議員起立鼓掌歡迎，包括民主黨及共和黨的兩黨領袖在內，有多位友台議員趨前向廖處長致意，表示將繼續支持台灣的民主發展與國際參與。

波士頓市2025傳統企業獎名單揭曉 華埠小桃園、May's Cake House獲選

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES THE 2025 LEGACY BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the winners of the 2025 Legacy Business Awards. This year’s cohort of 30 businesses represent 18 of Boston’s neighborhoods, and, as a collective, have been in business for over 1,200 years. The awardees will receive recognition at a public awards ceremony, hosted in partnership with The Dorchester Reporter, on Tuesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. Awardees will also have access to grant support and wrap-around technical assistance. 

“Congratulations to Boston’s 30 new legacy business awardees. Our legacy businesses are a driving force of support, resources, and connection across our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am excited to recognize and celebrate the City’s third wave of Legacy Business awardees who make our communities strong, lively, and welcoming for all.”

This is the third year of the Legacy Business Program, the most expansive in the nation. Awarded businesses are longstanding, independent enterprises that make a strong contribution to the residents, communities, and neighborhoods of Boston. By recognizing and supporting Legacy businesses on an annual basis, the program builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a city for everyone.

“These businesses are the heart and soul of so many of Boston's neighborhoods, and these awards signal that importance," said City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4). "Ali's Roti Restaurant is one of those spots that is vital to the area, and I'm thrilled we can use this award to provide much-needed support for the entrepreneurs who power our districts."

On Tuesday, June 3 at 5:30pm, the City of Boston Office of Small Business, in partnership with The Dorchester Reporter, will honor the businesses at an Awards Ceremony and Reception. Mayor Wu, elected officials, City of Boston staff, and members of the Boston community will be in attendance at this public event, taking place at the Calderwood Pavilion. Those interested can register for the event here.

“The Dorchester Reporter is pleased to serve as the media sponsor for the City of Boston's Legacy Business Awards program,” said Hon. Linda Dorcena Forry, former state Senator and co-publisher of The Dorchester Reporter. “As a 2024 winner, The Reporter can attest to the exceptional resources that come with this award. Small businesses constitute the backbone and the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. We’re delighted to help highlight our fellow Legacy Businesses that serve and employ our residents and work relentlessly to keep Boston safe, lively, and prosperous.”

This year, the Mayor’s Office of Small Business, located within the Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Cabinet, received over 1,450 nominations. In total, community members nominated 320 qualified businesses. To be eligible, businesses need to be located in Boston and be in operation at their current location for at least 10 years. 

The selection process is robust, with residents submitting nominations that are then reviewed by the City Council and finalists selected by a committee that includes representatives from City departments and Boston Main Streets. Selections were based on application scoring and community support. 

“I am proud to continue this hallmark initiative of Mayor Wu that invites residents across the city to honor the commitment, investment, and impact that small business owners have made in our communities for decades,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “Because of the work of our Office of Small Business, this initiative continues to ensure the stability of these community bedrocks for generations to come.”

The list of awardees is as follows:

• Yoma, Allston
• Jacques' Cabaret, Bay Village
• Gary Drug Co., Beacon Hill
• Melvin Pharmacy, Brighton
• Warren Tavern, Charlestown
• May's Cake House, Chinatown
• Peach Farm Restaurant, Chinatown
• Ba Le, Dorchester
• Greenhills Irish Bakery, Dorchester
• The Ice Creamsmith, Dorchester
• Black Seed Cafe & Grill, Downtown
• Angela's Cafe, East Boston
• Italian Express, East Boston
• La Hacienda Restaurant, East Boston
• Rino's Place, East Boston
• Dance Academy, Hyde Park
• Gondres Bakery, Jamaica Plain
• Ali’s Roti Shop, Mattapan
• Boulevard Cleaners, Mattapan
• Penguin Pizza, Mission Hill
• Regina Pizzeria, North End
• Rialto Barber Shop, Roslindale
• Bay State Banner, Roxbury
• Cruz Companies, Roxbury
• Davis Funeral Home, Roxbury
• Merengue Restaurant, Roxbury
• American Provisions, South Boston
• Drydock Cafe, South Boston
• JJ Foley’s Cafe, South End
• The Corrib Pub, West Roxbury

“These 30 businesses represent the cultural, and vibrant diversity that is Boston. This is the third year we have had the opportunity to honor 30 businesses that have played major roles in the lives of our communities,” said Aliesha Porcena, Director of Small Business for the Office of Opportunity and Inclusion at the City of Boston. “Through a community driven process, we as a city have identified what makes our neighborhoods and streets special.”

"Since 1921, Rialto Barber Shop has seen over a century's worth of customers from Roslindale and the surrounding areas," said Vicky Elias, owner of Rialto Barber Shop. "Bob Aliano himself has personally cut the hair of nearly seven generations of families since he began working at Rialto in 1959. Since I started working at Rialto in the early 1990s, I've realized that this is a true legacy business—a place where customers become part of a huge extended family that turns a business into a home."

“It is an honor to receive the Legacy Business Award,” said Cathy Spiropoulas, owner of Drydock Cafe. “To be able to remain a staple restaurant in Boston for 46 years is a privilege. Thank you to the City for the recognition and the future support.”

波士頓市撥款23萬元資助青少年免費學游泳

             (Boston Orange摘譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 宣布，為支持國際水上安全日，市府將撥款23萬美元，用於青少年的免費游泳課程。此外，另有1萬美元將啟動MBTA巴士宣傳活動，以提升水上安全意識。

「安全游泳」計畫自2023年夏季啟動以來，已讓8,100名兒童受惠，僅2024年就有6,000名參與者。此計畫旨在讓所有波士頓兒童學會游泳，並解決溺水這一公共衛生問題，尤其針對有色人種兒童。

這些資金將撥給包括大波士頓基督教青年會和青少年俱樂部在內的多個機構，並將協助夏令營納入初級游泳課程。

市府也正積極改善泳池基礎設施。Draper和Curtis Hall泳池已於四月重新開放，戶外泳池Clougherty和Mirabella預計六月開放。Condon泳池的翻修工程也即將完成。BCYF已成功招募足夠救生員，確保夏季泳池開放。

新的MBTA宣傳活動將提醒民眾水上安全重點：學習游泳、結伴游泳、在有救生員處游泳，以及緊急時撥打911並拋擲漂浮物。

Senate Addresses Housing Crisis, Reproductive Care, Mental Health with Budget Amendments

 Senate Addresses Housing Crisis, Reproductive Care, Mental Health with Budget Amendments

301 amendments added to FY2026 budget during first day of deliberations 

(BOSTON—5/20/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today added provisions to the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget to address the housing crisis and combat threats to reproductive and mental health care.  

In total, the Senate moved through 671 amendments during the first day of debate. The chamber adopted 301 amendments and rejected 208 amendments. 

“Few issues are more urgent than tackling our housing crisis and protecting reproductive freedom,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Amendments help ensure our budget reflects the values and priorities of communities across Massachusetts—and make a strong budget even stronger. I’m grateful to every member for their thoughtful contributions and look forward to continuing the debate tomorrow.” 

“The first day of substantive debate on the Senate Fiscal Year 2026 has seen the passage of impactful amendments concerning housing and addressing mental health and reproductive care in Massachusetts,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The budget is reflective of our values, and this budget is a strong example of the Senate’s compassionate and socially aware value system for the Commonwealth. We have long recognized housing access and affordability as one of the top priorities of this Chamber, and I’m pleased we continue to address that imbalance. We will always stand to safeguard mental health and reproductive freedom in our state.” 

Among the amendments passed by the Senate are:  Unlocking Housing Production — Amendment 249 To address the housing crisis across Massachusetts, the amendment kickstarts studies: for a sales tax exemption for multifamily housing projects stalled by federal tariffs; enabling third-party inspectors to expedite new housing inspections; and to incentivize new affordable housing developments when considering local tax levy requirements. 

The amendment was adopted by a roll call vote of 40-0.  

Affordable Homeownership Program for First Generation, First Time Homebuyers — Amendment 19 To support new homebuyers, the amendment allocates $500,000 to sustain a matched savings program for first-generation, first-time homebuyers in Massachusetts. 

Funding for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children — Amendment 543  The amendment explicitly designates $4.8 million for the Pocasset Mental Health Center for mental health services and operations and $31 million for the continued operation of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. 

The amendment was adopted by a roll call vote of 39-0.  

Abortion Access Task Force — Amendment 473 

The amendment requires the Department of Public Health to form a strategic task force to prepare recommendations for the continuity of abortion and abortion-related care in the Commonwealth in the event of loss of federal funding. 

Abortion Legal Hotline — Amendment 475 

The amendment adds $150,000 for Reproductive Equity Now Foundation, Inc. to operate a free and confidential abortion legal hotline for Massachusetts-based health care providers and helpers, as well as patients obtaining care in state. 

Return to School Bridge Programs — Amendment 533 

The amendment adds $500,000 for expansion of Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition programs, which integrate mental health and other services to support middle and high school students returning to school after extended physical or mental health-related absences. 

Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program — Amendment 564 

The amendment adds $500,000 for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Schools, providing funding to support a statewide program to improve access and strengthen child and adolescent mental health services in schools. 

Massachusetts School Building Authority Commission — Amendment 726 

The amendment creates a commission to review the Massachusetts School Building Authority and the needs of school facilities. 

Food Literacy — Amendment 625 

The amendment adds $1 million to support farm-to-school and food system literacy programming in public elementary and secondary schools and early education programs. 

Community-Based Perinatal Support Program Grants — Amendment 413 

The amendment adds $220,000 to fund new perinatal mental health support programs for new parents established in the 2024 maternal health act. 

A full list of amendments to the Senate’s budget and their status is available online.  

The Senate’s budget debate will continue tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and be livestreamed online.  

波士頓市府開除涉嫌家暴、襲警的2名員工 市議員Ed Flynn呼籲調查辦公室文化

推特上有不少人藉此新聞大做文章。

        （Boston Orange綜合編譯）出軌引發的吵架、打架，讓一對情侶斷送了工作，前途大受影響。波士頓市長辦公室一名發言人今（20）日表示，警察上週逮補，波士頓市府日前勒令留職停薪的2名年輕波士頓市府員工，已被開除。

            根據警察報告，5月15日（週四）凌晨2點09分左右，警察接到911電話，趕到波士頓華埠乞臣街（Hudson），發現27歲的Marwa Khudaynazar和26歲的Chulan Huang正在憤怒的互相鬥毆，叫囂。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn在推特上貼聲明，呼籲調查市府辦公室文化。

            他們兩人在波士頓市府的職位，依序是年薪83,769.77元的警察問責辦公室幕僚長，以及年薪$70,469.22的經濟機會及包容辦公室的鄰里企業經理。

            吳弭市長辦公室發言人表示，“在完成內部調查後，波士頓市府已終止了和這兩人的聘僱關係。調查並未發現有任何其他市府員工違反了市府人力政策法令”。

           波士頓地方法院上週四（15日）已提審了Marwa Khudaynazar和Chulan Huang。他們兩人都申訴無罪，並以個人名譽做擔保獲釋。

          法院已裁定，七月繼續聆訊此案。

            911報警電話是Khudaynazar 打的。她說她的男朋友拿走她的電話和車，然後跑掉了。不過在警察趕到現場時，事發地點的大門開著。警察敲門進去，看到光著牓子，胸膛和手臂有許多咬痕的Huang，以及滿身酒氣， 大喊著“讓我離開”的Khudaynazar。

            警察把他們兩人分開來問話後獲悉，Huang說女友和自己的上司約會，到酒店開房，然後跑到他住的地方炫耀。於是他拿走女友的電話去查看訊息。後來他把電話還給女友時，被女友啃咬。

            警察報告上寫著，看到Huang身上至少有4處咬痕，分別在兩條手臂，胸膛，以及左肩。

            Khudaynazar的說法是，Huang先出軌，她才報復的週三晚上和男友的上司約會。她還說Huang抓住她的手，不讓他走，咬人是自衛。她也告訴警察，她和Huang已約會一年，兩人並不住在一起，她是喝了幾杯酒，覺得開車回家不好，打算睡在車裡。

            當警察要逮補Huang時，Khudaynazar說，“我不要那樣，我說謊了，我說謊了。我向上帝發誓，我說謊，我咬了他，他身上有咬痕。在一名警察要進入公寓時，她把門關上了，說著”我們兩人都在波士頓市府工作，我們都在市長辦公室工作“。

            警察報告上還詳細描述了Khudaynazar如何拒絕給警察身分證，以確認她的住址，也忽視警察命令她離開公寓，然後聲稱她的確住在那兒。接著她又用身體阻擋另一名警察離開，要警察用另一扇門出去。警察拒絕，她回應“那就把我搬開“。

            警察說了好幾次“不好意思“才開始動手搬開她的手。警察報告描寫到，Khudaynazar把自己的手從警察手中抽出來後，推了警察的右手，打了警察的胸口。在警察終於出去時，她還大罵髒話。

            在警察給Khudaynazar戴上手銬，押進警車時，Huangy在車輛後面說道，“我們兩人都為市府工作，這沒有必要”。

            在這案件中，Marwa Khudaynazar被控以家暴，襲警2項罪名， Chulan Huang被控以家暴罪名。

            根據麻州法令，這2項罪名可大可小，一般來說，初犯會是輕罪，若處理得當，可裁定無罪，並不留案底；若處理不當，可判處入獄2年半，罰款2500元。襲警罪比較嚴重，最高可判入獄5年，罰款5000元。

          波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn) 在推特上貼出聲明，指襲警行為不可接受，提出波士頓市府的警察問責辦公室，經濟機會及包容辦公室，市長的鄰里服務辦公室等市府重要部門，都應該就人事文化做獨立調查。

波士頓市長吳弭獲NEC頒給榮譽音樂博士學位

波士頓市長吳弭獲頒榮譽音樂博士學位。（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）在5月18ㄖ時，多了一個頭銜，音樂博士。新英格蘭音樂學院 （NEC）這天在第154屆畢業典禮中，頒給吳市長一個榮譽博士學位。

新英格蘭音樂學院校長Andrea Kalyn（左）和教授Bruce Brubaker (右）
頒發榮譽音樂博士學位給吳弭市長。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭音樂學院這天共頒發4個榮譽博士學位，其他3位分別為音樂家Chad Smith，指揮家Michael Tilson Thomas，以及作曲家Conrad Pope。

新英格蘭音樂學院2025年頒發4個榮譽博士學位。

          頒發榮譽博士學位給吳弭市長的人是曾在茱莉亞 （Juilliard）音樂學院任教，2004年才來到新英格蘭音樂學院執教的音樂家、藝術家，音樂會鋼琴家Bruce Brubaker。

他在頒獎前說，吳弭4歲就開始彈鋼琴，是波士頓市的第一位女性，也是有色人種的民選市長，曾經在北端 （North End）音樂及表演藝術中心的20週年慶，波士頓兒童合唱團的向馬丁路德金致敬音樂會，以及在「擁抱波士頓」的首屆六月節音樂會上，由擁抱合唱團陪伴中表演過。他還和波士頓交響樂團一起表演過。

吳弭市長要把波士頓變成每個人的家這使命，促成了「黃金大廳」的建造，給了黑人藝術機構「我們的皮膚堡壘（Castle of Our Skins）」第一個永久性空間；保護了多徹斯特Humphreys

新英格蘭音樂學院今年有241名畢業生。（周菊子攝）

街工作室，查理士城排練工作室，還把以前的Beasley 媒體集團大樓改成了給流離失所藝術家和音樂家用的排練室，錄音工作室。

在吳弭市長的領導下，波士頓是投資了數以百萬元計經費支持音樂表演活動，從法蘭克林公園的BAMS節到市府廣場上的免費活動，包括慶祝嬉哈50週年的GLD節。

作為波士頓市「連接、學習、探討」項目的一部分，波士頓和諸如波士頓交響樂團，波士頓社區音樂中心，米高梅音樂廳，以及新英格蘭音樂學院合作，確保波士頓公校的每一名學生，都有機會免費學習一種樂器，培養對藝術的喜好。

麻州政府駁回工傷賠償保險費率上漲提案

（Boston orange編譯）麻州保險局局長5月20日發佈決定，正式駁回勞工賠償費率和檢查局 (Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau) 所提，自2025年7月1日起勞工賠償保險費率上調7.1%的建議。麻州政府估計這可為麻州企業節省近8000萬美元。

麻州政府在2024年時把勞工賠償費率降低為14.6%，為麻州雇主節省了約8700萬美元。

根據規定，麻州企業必須為工作期間受傷的員工提供勞工賠償保險。保險局的監管機構對此次費率上漲提議進行了長達數月的審查和數據分析。自今年一月以來，相關部門舉辦行政聽證會，向有關單位交叉詢問，並提交答辯狀。保險局的費率局、總檢察長辦公室以及勞工賠償費率和檢查局都參與了這些行政程序。在審查所有相關信息後，保險局於今日發布了決定，認為此次提議的費率上漲沒有任何正當理由。

麻州州長奚莉 （Maura Healey）表示：「我們深知支持地方企業的重要性，川普總統的關稅政策，已經提高了他們的成本。麻州藉由今日的行動，拒絕任何針對麻州公司的勞工賠償費率上漲。麻州正在竭盡全力降低企業成本，本週還提出了旨在降低能源成本並限制患者和小型企業醫療自付額等的重大改革。」

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll補充說：「麻州政府將繼續專注於幫助麻州企業發展壯大。保險局的這項行動將為雇主節省額外成本，在當前的經濟環境下，這至關重要。」

保險局局長Michael Caljouw表示：「我對麻州費率局為支持今天的決定所做詳細工作感到高興。對於正在努力應對成本上漲的雇主來說，麻州傳來了好消息。」

消費者事務和商業監管副局長Layla D’Emilia說：「這項決定對麻州各地的企業來說都是個好消息。駁回勞工賠償保險費率上漲提案確保了企業的穩定性。」

今天的決定是在保險部門向健康保險公司發布監管指南，指示他們限制患者必須支付的醫療保健免賠額和共同支付的費用之後做出的。 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Rejects Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rate Hike, Saving Massachusetts Businesses Nearly $80 Million  

Follows last year’s action to decrease workers compensation rates by 14.6 percent, saving $87 million for employers 

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance issued a decision today rejecting a proposed 7.1 percent increase in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts for the period beginning July 1, 2025. This action by the Healey-Driscoll Administration is expected to save Massachusetts businesses nearly $80 million. 

This decision builds on action the administration took in 2024 to decrease workers’ compensation rates by 14.6 percent, saving Massachusetts employers an estimated $87 million. 

Massachusetts businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees injured in the workplace. Regulators at the Division of Insurance spent months reviewing the proposed increase and analyzing data. Detailed administrative proceedings have been held since January, including the cross-examinations of witnesses and the filing of responsive briefs. The Division of Insurance’s State Rating Bureau, the Attorney General’s office, and the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau all participated in these administrative processes. After reviewing this information, the Division of Insurance today issued its decision, finding no justification for the proposed increase.  

“We know how important it is to support local businesses that are already struggling with high costs made worse by President Trump’s tariffs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With today’s action, we are saying no to any increased workers compensation rates for our companies. We are doing all we can to reduce business costs, which is why this week we also proposed major changes to lower energy costs and limit health deductibles for patients and small businesses.” 

“Our administration continues to focus on ways to help businesses in Massachusetts grow and succeed,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This Division of Insurance action will save employers additional cost, which is critical in today’s economic climate.” 

“I am pleased with the detailed work that the State Rating Bureau has done to support today’s decision,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “The Commonwealth is delivering good news for employers struggling with rising costs.” 

“This decision is welcome news for businesses across Massachusetts,” said Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Undersecretary Layla D’Emilia. “Rejecting the workers’ compensation insurance rates proposal ensures important stability for business owners.” 

Today’s decision comes after the Division of Insurance issued regulatory guidance to health insurers directing them to limit the cost of health care deductibles and co-pays that patients are required to pay.