波士頓台灣人生物科技協會2025年會談人工智慧關心老化研究

BTBA第13屆年會合影。前排左起，楊明儀，羅維中，胡金儒，蔡孟勳，

Michael McKenna，吳佩蓉，蔡明儒，邱亮源。(周菊子攝)

        （Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導）波士頓台灣人生物技術協會（BTBA) 7月12、13兩日，以「創新及靈感的交流」為主題，在哈佛大學舉辦第13屆年度研討會，吸引了來自全美18州，以及台灣、加拿大的300人出席，盛況一時。

波士頓經文處科技組組長蔡孟勳（中）恭喜BTBA第13屆共會長羅維中（左），
胡金儒成功舉辦年會。(周菊子攝)

            BTBA今年的共會長，哈佛大學博士生胡金儒和莫德納（Moderna）製程開發科學家羅維中和50多名志工籌辦的這場為期2天年會，聚焦在人工智慧應用與精準醫療，有2場主題， 1場特別演講，1場申論趨勢座談，4場分論壇，以及一口氣請30人，分城學術和產業2大類別的職業發展圓桌會和早餐會。

BTBA第13屆共會長羅維中（前左），胡金儒（前右）感謝本屆志工
攜手舉辦年會。(周菊子攝)

          2場主題演講，請到禮來公司全資子公司Akouos聯合創始人暨首席外科長Michael McKenna博士，分享他如何從臨床實踐到成功研發首個治療先天性聽力受損的生物療法故事，以及達納法伯（Dana Farber）癌症研究所的國際著名乳癌專家Kornelia Polyak博士，談她從匈牙利來到美國麻州的個人成長經歷，以及她研究的乳癌前沿療法和早期預防策略。

左起，吳佩蓉，邱亮源、羅維中，胡金儒，陳映嘉、陳昇宏、蔡明儒，
周致宏等歷任會長相聚歡。(周菊子攝)

BTBA會長羅維中，胡金儒和主持人廖廷尉（右二）送感謝狀、
紀念品給Michael McKenna博士（左一）。（周菊子攝）

           Michael McKenna博士的講題是「聽力受損的基因療法：從實驗室到臨床(Gene Therapy for Hearing Loss: From Bench to Bedside)」。他先感謝有現代耳科之父稱譽的Howard P. House，當年對他多所提攜，以及William F. House, D.D.S., M.D.給他的幫助，繼而從耳朵的構造談起，解釋柯蒂氏器，以及基因治療正在成為治療領域的重要組成部分，FDA也在2024年批准了體內AAV載體基因療法。她說內耳的解剖學和生物學特性非常適合一次性基因藥物，也形成了開發眼部和腦部基因藥物的機會。他還舉出基因療法例子，包括基因轉移，基因剪輯，基因敲除，以及治療性蛋白質表達。

BTBA共會長羅維中（左一）、胡金儒（右一），以及主持人姚俊辰（右二）
送感謝狀、紀念品給Kornelia Polyak博士（左一）。（周菊子攝）

           Kornelia Polyak博士的講題是「乳腺腫瘤的演變（Breast Tumor Evolution）」。她指出，免疫系統會有年齡相關性變化，抗腫瘤免疫反應效力降低，轉錄組異質性隨年齡增加而增強等狀況，藉由大鼠模型重現人類導管原位癌特徵，觀察並驗證新療法後，週邊 TCR 克隆型多樣性和年齡有可能預測腫瘤確診年齡和腫瘤進展風險，而中期因子會透過活化 PIK/AKT-SREBF1 訊號軸，傳達老化相關變化，是乳癌風險增加的生物標記物，也是醫生對年輕女性病徵後期發展預測不良的原因之一。

BTBA共會長羅維中（左一）、胡金儒（右一），以及主持人何逸雲（右二）
送感謝狀、紀念品給周宏杰博士（左一）。（周菊子攝）

        她還分享了自己在匈牙利成長，到霍普金斯做博士後，1998年加入哈佛大學醫學院達納法伯癌症研究所，做乳癌衍變研究的一路走來歷程，包括她從很早開始就為自己設定目標，努力以赴，期間不斷重新評估，找到可以長期輔佐自己的導師，並與之維持良好關係。

BTBA給謝趨勢講座講者。（匿名者提供）

          史丹佛（Standford）大學醫學院兒科（內分泌與糖尿病科）及化學與系統生物學系副教授周宏杰（Danny Hung-Chieh Chou）應邀做特別演講，分享他的「躋身頂尖大學終身教職之路（The Path to Tenured Faculty at a Top University）」。

             周宏杰在台灣宜蘭出生，長大，到哈佛大學做辨識胰臟β細胞中細胞激素誘導凋亡的抑制因子等研究，取得博士學位，再到MIT的化學工程系做JDRF博士後，跟隨Robert Langer 和 Daniel Anderson開發葡萄糖反應性胰島素衍生物。

 分論壇中的「與看不見的敵人作戰：傳染病、全球威脅與下一代治療方法 
（Battling the Invisible Foe: Infectious Diseases, Global Threats,
and Next-Gen Therapeutics）」。（周菊子攝）

          2014年8月他到猶他州（Utah）大學生物化學系開始做治療一型糖尿病的蛋白質及胜肽療法等獨立研究，2020年轉往史丹佛大學繼續致力研發新型胰島素療法的相關研究，他帶領的實驗室還爭取到國家衛生署（NIH），國防部（DoD），青少年糖尿病研究基金會（JDRF），美國糖尿病協會等撥給經費。

這些年來，他得過許多獎項，包括美國胜肽協會初期講師獎，Vertex學者獎，美國糖尿病協會青年教師獎等等。

探討傳染病的分論壇。（周菊子攝）

            與此同時，他還是在臉書，IG，串串（Threads）等社交媒體上有6萬6千多名粉絲，專長於流行科學和職業發展議題的知名關鍵意見領袖。

          周宏杰用了一個時間軸來坦率分享他從台灣到哈佛、MIT，猶他州之間的轉輾，期間曾因身為家中獨子，有心照顧父母，又要兼顧自己的小家，一度美國、台灣兩地奔波，在親情與事業之間掙扎，不久前獲得史丹佛大學終身教授職的歷程。

主持人林致中（左起）和共會長胡金儒（右一）
送感謝狀給肇事者。（周菊子攝）

        BTBA的2025年會，在這3場主題演講之外，還安排了1場以人工智能為主題的趨勢座談，以及分別針對傳染病，個人化醫療，解碼老化，生物技術諮詢等議題的4場分論壇，邀專家分享看法。

分論壇「顧問：生物技術和製藥公司成功的無名英雄（Consultants: The
Unsung Heroes of Biotech and Pharma Companies' Success）」。

          趨勢座談的主題是「人工智慧驅動的突破：徹底改變藥物研發、基因組學和生物技術創新。（Al-Powered Breakthroughs: Revolutionizing Drug Discovery, Genomics, and Biotech Innovation.）」。

BTBA感謝顧問組的講者們。

         輝瑞（Pfizer）製藥人工智能主管段翀(Chong Duan)，Infocus療法共同創辦人兼技術長Dirk Tomandl，Profluent 蛋白質設計主管Jeffrey Ruffolo，谷歌深層智慧研究科學家翁瑋宏(Wei-Hung Weng)等4人，探討人工智能從蛋白質工程，RNA療法到數位生物標記，臨床實驗創新等方面，如何重塑了生物醫藥領域。

BTBA感謝口頭報講者。

         分論壇中的「與看不見的敵人作戰：傳染病、全球威脅與下一代治療方法 （Battling the Invisible Foe: Infectious Diseases, Global Threats, and Next-Gen Therapeutics）」，由貝斯以色列女執事醫療中心病毒學與疫苗研究中心主任Dan Barouch，麻省總醫院、麻省理工學院和哈佛大學 RAGON 研究所臨床科學家研究員Wilfredo Garcia Beltran，輝瑞製藥全球醫療事務主管Anne Wyllie，哈佛大學陳曾熙公共衛生學院全球衛生學副教授Nicolas Menzies等分別是疫苗開發，免疫學，診斷及醫療政策方面的專家們，分享干預下一代傳染病的看法。

BTBA頒獎給最佳海報得獎者。

         「客製化未來治療方案：個人化醫療的進展與挑戰（Tailoring Tomorrow's Treatments: Advances and Challenges in Personalized Medicine）」則有Sail 生物醫藥RNA科學主任徐培根（Pei-Ken Hsu），莫德納（Moderna）腫瘤生物資訊資深科學家王亮博（Liang-Bo Wang），BE 生物製藥資深主任Alan Gilbert以細胞和基因療法為重點，探討個人化醫療的衍進。

BTBA年會籌備委員會成員之一。

 

         「老化機制及延緩：機制、疾病與長壽的未來（Decoding Aging: Mechanisms, Diseases, and the Future of Longevity）」，有長壽科技基金（Longevity Tech Fund）科學主管Raghav Sehgal，中研院副研究員陳昇宏，史丹佛大學博士後應可鈞（Kejun (Albert) Ying）在麻省總醫院(MGH)講師林致中和貝斯以色列執事醫療中心兼MGB博士後Michael Sun

BTBA年會籌備委員會成員之二。

的提問中，探討如何重新定義老化——從一種生物現像到臨床和技術前沿。

BTBA年會籌備委員會成員之三。

         「顧問：生物技術和製藥公司成功的無名英雄（Consultants: The Unsung Heroes of Biotech and Pharma Companies' Success）」，有賽諾菲（Sanofi）免疫學與發炎全球計畫負責人徐艾梅（Amy Shyu），Prime 醫藥企業發展主任葉韋希（Ariel Yeh），LCWANG法規顧問公司董事長詹勵君（Li-Chun Wang），Mythic Therapeutics臨床發展副總裁吳庭輝（Ting-Hui Wu）等人分享顧問有管理顧問和技術顧問等至少2種，以及剛從學校畢業的人如何為資深領袖或大公司做顧問。

經由康麗雪（中）的介紹，Syneos的台灣業務主管，親自從加拿大飛來
波士頓擺攤位。（周菊子攝）

BTBA頒發感謝狀。

              職業發展圓桌會部分，分成學術和產業2大類，6個組別，張邵聿，周宏杰談「成功申請補助經費策略」，林致中、蘇彥竹、廖廷尉談「為職業發展闖蕩會議」，余慈顏，蔡孟勳，許益祥談「台灣和美國的學術界」，謝欣康、Hong-Ren Wang談「職業途徑：個人貢獻者和經理區分」，盧怡蓁和陳映嘉，以及吳佩蓉和盧彥君分2組談「從裁員到升遷及面試：如何在競爭激烈的職場脫穎而出」，陳政儀，邱亮源談「財務規劃：福利，稅和第一次購屋」，許翠玲和Zoey Chou談「在多元團隊中有效的溝通」。

 

BTBA感謝導師導師項目的導師們。

            早餐會部分，分成10組，有吳庭輝和盧彥君的“顧問”，陳昇宏和余慈顏的中研院，曾文昇和蘇皓偉的醫療設備，Georgia Lin，吳詩盈，Erica Sun的產品管理，陳奕如，Yi-Jung (Jessica) Huang的企業發展和市場行銷，Yu-Han (Amy) Hung，Nelson Liy的臨床發展，張瑄玶，翟亮輝的臨床及轉譯藥理，盧怡蓁，杜荷州的研究和發展，蔡明儒，黃楷智的數據科學，吳尚錞、吳孟儒的學術首席調查者（Academia PI）。

           圓桌會和早餐會的講者們，有許多會長級人馬，包括BTBA前會長的蔡明儒，吳佩蓉，邱亮源，林致中，杜荷洲，陳映嘉，陳昇宏，曾任波士頓台大校友會會長的黃楷智，曾任紐英崙玉山科技協會會長的許翠玲，蘇皓瑋，現任會長許益祥，紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥君，波克萊台灣商會會長陳弈如。

 

            BTBA的前會長何逸雲，周致宏，朱治齊也側身志工團隊中，為年會出力。

         

            駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處科技組組長蔡孟勳，秘書楊明儀這代表經文處出席致意，還幾乎全程參與，十分支持BTBA的活動。

         會議結束時，胡金儒和羅維中還宣佈了今年收到17份研究綱要，其中3份獲選在大會中做口頭報告，會中也頒發了最佳海報獎，最受觀眾歡迎獎。感謝哈佛大學台灣學生會協辦，國科會，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處，藥華藥製藥公司，Metis，Syneos 等的贊助。

         BTBA這次年會的另一特別處是把闊別波士頓已七、八年，目前在台灣定居的創會會長，現在中研院分子生物研究所帶研究團隊的陳昇宏和第4屆會長，現任輝達（Nvidia）台灣解決方案架構師的陳映嘉夫婦，邀回波士頓，分享經驗，還把謝富凱，王志傑，孟憲薇等多名BTBA前會長都吸引回來敘舊。

 

         陳昇宏感慨表示，從創辦到如今，一晃眼13年，BTBA如今有那麼龐大的工作團隊，分工合作得井井有條，讓人很是欣慰。

波士頓慈濟再出動 華埠掃街耆英行

林碧華（右起）招呼陳淑瓊、黎月好、鍾玉娣等3為耆英參加掃街活動。
（周菊子攝）

                  (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 慈濟功德會波士頓聯絡處7月19日再次出動，為中國城掃街，人數雖然不多，成員卻十分特別，不只有3名耆英參加，還有一位韓裔太太帶著2名年幼子女來，響應慈濟號召，一起為社區服務。

                  波士頓慈濟發動慈濟人到華埠掃街的活動，已行之有年。最開始，掃街的人清一色是慈濟志工，後來有許多年輕人加入，現在暑假期間，換上耆英出馬。

這天來掃街的陳淑瓊、黎月好、鍾玉娣等3

慈濟志工掃街。

名耆英，是在參加慈濟波士頓聯絡處的耆英聚會時，經由林碧華師姐認識的，其中一人住在華埠康樂樓，一人家在

Medford市，他們本來相約週末聚會，得知慈濟有掃街活動，決定一起參加，來個一石二鳥，既回饋慈濟為他們提供的服務，也為華人社區略盡薄力。

                  韓裔太太Enya是慈濟志工，常和金花師姐等慈濟人一起到老人院慰勞耆英，知道這天有掃街活動，特地把7歲、10歲的孩子都帶來，以身作則的教孩子培養孩子正確人生觀。

                  慈濟波士頓服務站的負責人陳裕逢、李豐這天和齊明君把掃帚，畚箕，垃圾袋帶到華埠牌樓前，蔡瑞禮等掃街志工領取工具後，就分頭清掃乞臣街（Hudson），必珠街(Beach)，泰勒街(Tyler)，夏利臣街(Harrison)等街道，把散落四處的菸頭，紙屑，垃圾全都掃進垃圾袋。

                  慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿在夏利臣街65號5樓的波士頓服務站，準備了茶點，慰勞掃完街的志工們，匯報7月18日晚，慈濟才在劍橋服務站發放救濟金，援助尚莫維爾（Somerville）市火災難民，接下來7月22日要在波士頓服務站為老人家舉辦生日會，25日晚在劍橋服務站舉辦「秋葵濃湯蓋飯」蔬食夜，8月2日下午到昆士市中華頤養院探望老人家。長金滿表示，慈濟心懷社會，歡迎所有人加入行列，把世界變得更美好。（此文已刊載於僑務電子報：https://ocacnews.net/article/403674）

 陳裕逢（右一），李峰（右四）率領慈濟志工為波士頓華埠掃街。（周菊子攝）

陳裕逢（右ㄧ）等慈濟志工在華埠牌樓前集合，準備掃街。（周菊子攝）

慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿（左）和齊明君在波士頓服務站招呼志工。
（周菊子攝）

掃完街，志工們在慈濟波士頓服務站休息，聚會。（周菊子攝）

Governor Healey: Insurance Commissioner’s Actions Save $4.5 Million for Massachusetts Residents, Businesses

Governor Healey: Insurance Commissioner’s Actions Save $4.5 Million for Massachusetts Residents, Businesses 

Commissioner Also Disapproves Rate Increases from WellSense and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced that the Division of Insurance has negotiated down proposed rate increases from six health insurers, saving Massachusetts residents and businesses a projected $4.5 million in health care premiums for 2026.  

The Division of Insurance re-negotiated lower rates with Fallon Community Health Plan, Health New England, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Public Plans and United Healthcare. These efforts will result in savings for the approximately 421,252 Massachusetts residents and businesses who are enrolled in these plans in the Massachusetts merged market. 

Commissioner Michael Caljouw also disapproved rate increases for two health plans – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc. and WellSense Health Plan – for being excessive and inconsistent with his responsibility to Massachusetts consumers and businesses. These disapprovals are now subject to an administrative appeal process should the insurance companies choose to pursue appeals. 

“Health care costs are too high, and today’s actions will save families and businesses $4.5 million from what the insurers attempted to charge,” said Governor Healey. “Massachusetts is a health care leader in this country – and we need everyone to do their part to lower costs. While there is more work to be done, this is another important step that will better control costs for thousands of people and businesses. I want to thank the Legislature for passing new legislation that gave the Commissioner more tools to negotiate these proposals and save millions of dollars.” 

Earlier this year, Governor Healey signed legislation that increased the Division of Insurance’s consideration of affordability during his review of the merged market rate filings. The administration issued regulatory guidance in March that requires insurance companies to limit the growth of deductibles and co-pays for patients at the rate of medical inflation, which was the first time that Massachusetts has taken action to limit deductibles in this way.  

刮刮樂中獎1萬變100萬元 領獎女子好震驚

           (Boston Orange 編譯) 中獎了。Michelle Sloan買了10元刮刮樂，以為自己中獎1萬元，很高興，依指示來到麻州彩票局位於Worcester的區域辦公室領獎，結果，她以為的1萬元，竟是100萬元大獎。「太震驚了」，她這麼說。

她透過彩票局告訴外界，「中獎時，我很肯定那只是1萬元」，「我簡直不敢相信，我仍然覺得太震驚了」。

人家告訴她到彩票局在Dorchester的總部去領獎。彩票局人員說，她選擇了一次性領取獎金，除稅後拿到65萬元。

彩票局人員說，Michelle Sloan是在Mullbury的Village Knoll Variety這家店，買了可以贏200萬元的鑽石Cashword刮刮樂彩票。該店將因為售出這張中獎彩票獲得1萬元獎金。

大波士頓獨棟住宅中位價突破百萬元大關

             (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓的獨棟住宅中位價格6月時創歷史新高，打破100萬美元大關。

大波士頓地區房地產經紀人協會（Greater Boston Association of Realtors）週四（7月17日）表示，今年6月，大波士頓地區房價就已經達到7位數。在今年銷售高峰期最近這幾個月，售價已逐漸達到那個價位。

大波士頓地區房地產經紀人協會會長暨Reading鎮總理（Premier）房地產集團東主Mark Triglione說，如果有人還想要大波士頓是全美最多人想要住地區之一的證據，6月份的獨棟住宅中位價格就是最好的佐證。

這個本地房地產商協會把大波士頓地區定義為遠至495號公路，包括數以打計市鎮，但並不全在麻州東部5個郡縣（Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth 和 Suffolk）之內的地方。

另一方面，全美房地產經紀人協會 (NAR) 則從地理角度更廣泛地看待都會區，涵蓋全美五個縣。該協會估計，截至今年第一季度，都市區獨棟住宅的中位數為 73.4 萬美元。

這段時期尚未出現典型的季節性價格上漲，但這足以使其在各大都會區中排名第七，落後於矽谷、洛杉磯和西雅圖，但領先紐約、邁阿密和華盛頓特區。

政府官員試圖透過新的全州分區政策（例如《麻州灣交通管理局社區法》）和提供多餘的州財產來刺激新房屋增長。在波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 的領導下，過去幾年經濟適用房的供應有所增加，而劍橋市則在今年早些時候投票決定終止獨棟住宅分區政策，以增加新房供應。

根據沃倫集團 (Warren Group) 的數據，截至 5 月份，麻州獨棟住宅的均價為 666,125 美元。

Healey Creates Statewide Task Force to Prevent Hunger

 As Trump Cuts Food Assistance, Governor Healey Creates Statewide Task Force to Prevent Hunger  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey signed an Executive Order creating an Anti-Hunger Task Force that will work to prevent Massachusetts families from going hungry as President Trump cuts food assistance for children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. The task force is a public-private partnership that will bring together leaders from state and local government, food banks, non-profits and business leaders, as well as those who are directly impacted by federal cuts, such as SNAP recipients, farmers and small business owners. They will advise the Governor and produce recommendations for how Massachusetts can mitigate against President Trump’s cuts to SNAP and other food assistance programs and adopt long-term solutions to hunger. 

“President Trump’s cuts are going to force millions of people – children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities – into hunger. They’re also going to hurt local farmers and retailers who rely on these programs to support their business and create jobs. In Massachusetts, we won’t accept that,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why I’m bringing together the incredible leaders who work every day to provide food to families in need as well as those who will be directly impacted by these cuts to advise on how we can prevent hunger in our communities.” 

“We know that Team Massachusetts is full of leaders across the public and private sectors who are committed to ending hunger and who have valuable insights for how we can work together to mitigate the negative impacts of President Trump’s cuts to food assistance,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Their partnership will be invaluable as we navigate these challenges and do everything we can to support our residents, and we thank them for stepping up to join this task force.”   

Earlier this month, President Trump signed a law that cuts SNAP benefits, imposes new and burdensome eligibility requirements, and fundamentally alters its cost-sharing partnership with the states. As a result, thousands of Massachusetts residents who rely on SNAP to keep food on the table may lose this assistance. These cuts will also hurt farmers and small businesses by taking away business from them. President Trump has also previously cancelled $12 million in federal funding to provide local, healthy food to child care programs and schools, $3.4 million from a program that provided food to food banks, and another $6 million to a program that purchased food from local farmers to provide healthy local food to families in need. 

The task force will work in coordination with existing food security initiatives in Massachusetts, including Make Hunger History, a statewide, cross-sector initiative of 300+ organizations led by Project Bread to create a coordinated, community-informed roadmap to end hunger in Massachusetts. 

The Greater Boston Food Bank recently released their Cost of Hunger in Massachusetts 2025 report, which found that 1 in 3 Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity in 2024. Rates of hunger in Massachusetts have steadily risen over the past five years, growing from 19 percent in 2019 to 37 percent in 2024. Programs like SNAP and school meals, which President Trump has targeted for cuts, have been proven to be effective in reducing food insecurity. 

Anti-Hunger Task Force members include: 

• Co-Chair: Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, or his designee 
• Co-Chair: Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper, or her designee 
• Co-Chair: Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, or his designee 
• Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, or his designee 
• Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson, of her designee 
• Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba, or her designee 
• Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones, or her designee 

• Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Synder, or his designee 
• Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt, or her designee   
• The Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources Ashley Randle, or her designee 
• The Commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw, or her designee 
• Commissioner of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, or his designee 
• Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education Noe Ortega, or his designee 
• Commissioner of the Department of Public Health Robbie Goldstein, or his designee 
• Commissioner of the Department of Transitional Assistance Jeff McCue, or his designee 
• Executive Director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants Cristina Aguilera, or her designee 
• Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg, or her designee 
• 2 members of the House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House 
• 2 members of the Senate designated by the Senate President 
• 1 designee from Project Bread 
• 1 designee from Greater Boston Food Bank 
• 1 designee from Worcester County Food Bank 
• 1 designee from Food Bank of Western Massachusetts 
• 1 designee from Merrimack Valley Food Bank 
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Law Reform Institute 
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Food System Collaborative 
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Association for Community Action 
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Municipal Association 

• 1 designee from the United Way 

And such additional members as the Governor may appoint from geographic areas across the state who represent interested constituencies, including but not limited to, SNAP recipients, farmers, fishers, food producers and growers, food manufacturers and retailers, statewide hunger relief organizations, legal services, faith communities, tribal organizations, veterans, philanthropy, municipal organizations, councils on aging, and business leaders.

1,100 More Mass Residents Gained Employment in June, Unemployment Unchanged

 1,100 More Mass Residents Gained Employment in June, Unemployment Unchanged

More than 131,000 Massachusetts residents have gained employment since 2023

 

BOSTON – Today, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for June, with preliminary data indicating 1,100 more Massachusetts residents gained employment, which includes individuals in private and non-profit jobs plus self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, while payroll jobs decreased by 1,900. Additionally, while more individuals entered the Massachusetts labor force in June, the labor force participate rate and unemployment rate remained unchanged. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

 

Payroll jobs did experience growth in some BLS categories including 1) Education and Health Services, 2) Construction, and 3) Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reports preliminary data that indicates 1,100 more Massachusetts residents were employed in June for a total 3,767,900; employed residents, this data includes individuals who are self-employed (e.g. contractors, physicians, and drivers) and are not captured in payroll job data.

 

“As more Massachusetts residents enter the labor force, it is vital that we continue to make investments in job training, reduce barriers to employment, and connect untapped talent to local career opportunities,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “We are encouraged that data shows job postings remain stable—and growing for some industries—and our administration is dedicated to helping employers build their workforce right here in Massachusetts.” 

 

This month, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced key investments in the state’s workforce, including a $10 Million Investment in Workforce Training for English Learners and $2.7 million in RISE workforce grants to fund ESOL services, career readiness wraparound supports, and job training and placement services to eligible participants.

 

Some other workforce highlights over the month include:

• The Executive Office of Education released new data in early July showing a 40 percent increase in students attending community college through MassReconnect, a major strategic education, workforce and economic investment.
• CNBC named Massachusetts the Most Improved State for Business.

 

Among recent company visits, Secretary Jones met with members of the Cape & Islands MassHire Workforce Board to tour SenCorpWhite, a leading advanced manufacturing company and provider of unique end-to-end automated solutions for the packaging and management of our client’s products.

 

“SencorpWhite is actively recruiting for multiple roles across our organization—including software engineering, information technology, customer service, field service, engineering and sales,” said SenCorpWhite Director of Human Resources Noelle Forde. “As a Massachusetts-based manufacturer located on Cape Cod, we continue to invest in local talent to support our innovation and growth.”

 

• EOLWD also released its second Apprentice Jobs Report to highlight job creation generated by the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s registered apprenticeship program, combining technical training and on-the-job training for employment in construction and expanded industries. For the first half of this year, the largest number of apprentice jobs were created in general construction and electrical apprenticeships, followed by refrigeration/HVAC, plumbing, and health care. Since April, the administration registered 595 new apprentices; the start of the administration, Massachusetts has added 9,394 new registered apprenticeship jobs. For more detailed information and to learn more about EOLWD’s registered apprenticeship program, visit mass.gov/apprenticeship.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE MONTHLY JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT REPORT

 

The Massachusetts labor force grew by an estimated 3,100 individuals in the past month, bringing the estimated labor force to 3,959,500. The state’s labor force participation rate remained at 66.9 percent. The state’s preliminary unemployment rate in June remained at 4.8 percent. Additional takeaways include:

 

• Estimated Employed Residents increased in June by 1,100, which include self-employed individuals. 131,413 more Massachusetts residents have gained employment since January 2023, a change of 3.6 percent compared to 2 nationally.

 

• Estimated payroll jobs decreased in June by 1,900. The largest gains were in Education and Health Services (+1,500 jobs), Construction (+1,000 jobs), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+400). This follows a revised increase of 3,700 payroll jobs in May.

 

• The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) remained at 66.9% and is 4.6 percentage points higher than the national average. Since January 2023, the Massachusetts labor force has increased by 190,322, a 5 percent change which places Massachusetts in the top 3 among states.

 

"The labor market shows continued signs of resilience in the face of heightened uncertainty,” said EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert. “Initial unemployment insurance claims were down in June compared to the previous year, and job posting activity remains steady. While the data suggests a slowdown in the pace of hiring due to economic uncertainty, employers continue to seek new talent, and a growing number Massachusetts residents are seeking employment opportunities.”

 

For a detailed overview of the BLS data, please visit mass.gov/economicresearch and June BLS Unemployment and Jobs Estimates. 

 

Labor Market Quick Links

 

Massachusetts Labor Market Data

Find labor market information for Massachusetts, including employment and wage data, unemployment and labor force participation rates, projections, industry and occupational statistics and other workforce statistical information by different labor market areas.

 

Labor Market Information 101

Learn about the different types of labor market information (LMI) resources offered by the Department of Economic Research.

 

2025 Massachusetts Workforce Data Report & Dashboard

Access workforce demographic data collected from Massachusetts employers, including race/ethnicity, gender, job title, and industry. View key insights or read the full report, plus explore an interactive dashboard and download aggregate data.

 

Employer and Jobseeker Resources

 

MassTalent

Massachusetts employers and residents can visit MassTalent and create a free MassHire JobQuest account, for employers to search for talent and for jobseekers to access job openings and explore opportunities like Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Clean Energy, Technology, and Health and Human Services. 

 

Employers looking to promote job openings, recruit for talent, or explore available job training programs to attract, retain, or develop their workforce can benefit from the menu of employer resources available through MassHire. Visit mass.gov/Workforce.

 

MassHire career centers and online services are available for jobseekers in between jobs, seeking a new opportunity, or aiming for career growth. MassHire’s comprehensive services include personalized career guidance, informative workshops, specialized training programs, valuable job referrals, expert resume assistance, and access to a wide array of job listings. Visit mass.gov/CareerCenters. Visit here.

Governor Healey Announces Immediate Measures to Enhance Safety in Assisted Living Residences

 Governor Healey Announces Immediate Measures to Enhance Safety in Assisted Living Residences  

BOSTON -- In response to the tragic fire at Gabriel House in Fall River on Monday, Governor Maura Healey today announced immediate steps to enhance the safety of residents living in Assisted Living Residences (ALRs).  

“What happened in Fall River is a horrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and to the first responders who saved so many others,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This is a moment to make sure that every Assisted Living Residence is prepared to respond to emergencies and to protect the safety of their residents.” 

Beginning Monday, July 21, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), the state agency tasked with ensuring ALRs are in compliance with state regulations, will launch a statewide Fire and Life Safety Initiative to ensure all 273 ALRs in Massachusetts are prepared to protect residents during emergencies. These proactive measures build on existing work and reflect the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and partnership with providers, municipalities and families. 

As part of the initiative, all ALRs must issue a letter to residents and families within five business days outlining fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures and key points of contact for questions or concerns. Additionally, ALRs are instructed to ensure evacuation instructions and exit routes are posted inside each resident’s unit and in common areas. 

Furthermore, AGE will distribute a fire safety assessment survey that all ALRs must complete and return within 30 calendar days, reaffirming compliance with fire safety requirements such as sprinkler systems, fire drills, evacuation protocols and maintenance of fire-rated doors and walls. Providers will also report the age and key systems within their buildings to help prioritize oversight. 

Finally, ALRs must also submit their current, site-specific Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plan to AGE within 30 calendar days, concurrent with the Fire Safety Self-Assessment Survey. 

“We are engaging every assisted living provider in this process. By requiring clear communication with residents and detailed reporting to the state, we are making sure resident safety is front and center – today and every day,” said Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “Our entire team is committed to strengthening emergency readiness and improving standards across the assisted living sector in Massachusetts.” 

“These immediate actions underscore our administration’s commitment to protecting our vulnerable populations. We are working closely with providers, local officials and families to put safety first and provide the peace of mind that residents deserve,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. “This coordinated response is about ensuring every building has the resources, knowledge and support they need to keep residents safe in the event of an emergency.” 

ALRs in Massachusetts are subject to existing safety requirements under 651 CMR 12, including certification and recertification, compliance with building and fire codes, written emergency preparedness plans, staff training, and coordination with municipal emergency services. 

AGE is also in the process of finalizing proposed amendments to strengthen regulatory requirements for ALRs. These proposed updates predate the Gabriel House fire but will be reevaluated in that context to ensure they meet current safety expectations. 

AGE will issue detailed instructions to all Assisted Living Residences on Friday, July 18, outlining these new requirements and timelines. 

麻州將失去3.27億元交通經費 麻州長Healey誓言設法因應

             (Boston Orange摘譯) 麻州州長辦公室今（18）日發出聲明，稱麻州交通廳 (Mass DOT)已確認，川普政府將終止支持Allston 90號州際公路多式聯運計畫 (Allston/I-90 project)，不再支付聯邦政府允諾撥款中還未發出的3.27億元。麻州政府將保留已拿到手的800萬元。

            麻州交通廳是在2023年時爭取到聯邦政府同意，支持麻州在7年內完成Allston 90號州際公路計畫。2024年3月時，拜登（Biden）政府批准撥發3.35億元，然而川普總統在今年（2025）1月4日簽署了「大而美」法案，終止了「社區通行和公平計畫（Neighborhood Access and Equity Program）」，麻州當年根據這計畫獲得的撥款，因此也受影響。

            麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey)表示，麻州是為支持社區和經濟才贏得這筆聯邦撥款，川普總統必須恢復這筆撥款。她質疑美國總統怎麼會反對一個能夠改善居民和遊客交通狀況、創造數千個建築崗位、支持當地企業並為新住房創造空間的項目。

            奚莉州長表示，麻州人民理應得到聯邦政府更好的照顧。然而，儘管這是錯誤且令人沮喪的決定，但大家知道這一天終將到來。麻州政府將繼續竭盡所能，與優秀的項目合作夥伴攜手，讓Allston多式聯運項目成為現實。”

 President Trump Cancels $327 Million In Transportation Funding for Massachusetts 

MassDOT undergoing strategic review of Allston Multimodal Project to determine path forward 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement after the Massachusetts Department of Transportation received confirmation that the Trump Administration is terminating $327 million that Massachusetts won in 2023 for the Allston Multimodal Project. Massachusetts will retain $8 million from the grant. This comes after President Trump signed a law that ended the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, the funding program under which Massachusetts received this award. 

“Massachusetts won this funding to support our communities and our economy – and the Trump Administration needs to restore it. Why would any President of the United States oppose a project that will improve transportation for residents and visitors alike, create thousands of construction jobs, support local businesses and create space for new housing? We all benefit from that,” said Governor Healey. “The people of Massachusetts deserve better from their federal government. However, we have known that this day was likely to come, as wrong-headed and frustrating as the decision is. We remain committed to doing everything we can, working with our incredible project partners, to make Allston Multimodal a reality.” 

“Our team at MassDOT has done incredible work along with our partners to move this essential project along despite uncertainty at the federal level,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Under the leadership of Secretary Tibbits-Nutt and Megaprojects Director Luisa Paiewonsky, we are committed to getting this project back on track and delivering for the people of Massachusetts.” 

“The loss of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant does not change our commitment to the communities that are counting on this investment,” said Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We will move forward with a strategic review of the project, both analyzing the project costs and consulting with an outside engineering firm to assess the project. We believe in the Allston Multimodal Project and will stay engaged and in communication with the Task Force, project partners and elected officials as we chart our path forward.” 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to the Allston Multimodal Project, which will expand travel options for the Allston neighborhood, improve highway, commuter and passenger rail service to residents of Metrowest, Central and Western Massachusetts, and unlock Beacon Park Yard for future redevelopment. MassDOT is launching a strategic review to evaluate how to deliver the project’s transportation goals efficiently and within the constraints of available resources. MassDOT will use the results of these efforts to propose a revised path forward for the project, in close collaboration with the City of Boston, elected officials, institutional partners Harvard and Boston University, and members of the Allston Multimodal Project Task Force.