As President Trump Defunds Planned Parenthood, Massachusetts Delivers $2 Million to Protect Access to Reproductive Health Care

 As President Trump Defunds Planned Parenthood, Massachusetts Delivers $2 Million to Protect Access to Reproductive Health Care 

 
BOSTON – As President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans defund the majority of Planned Parenthood clinics across the country, including in Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey, Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka announced that they are delivering $2 million in state funding to Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. The new federal law passed by Congressional Republicans and signed by President Trump prohibits federal Medicaid funds from being used to cover services provided at Planned Parenthood clinics.  

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor included $2 million for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Inc. to support continued access to sexual and reproductive health care and community needs. This funding will cover non-abortion services, such as cancer screenings, breast exams, pap smears contraception and STI testing and treatment, as state funds will continue to fully cover abortion services. 

“President Trump is continuing his assault on women's access to essential health care, including abortion, by cutting off federal funding for most Planned Parenthood clinics across the country. Massachusetts will continue to fully cover abortion services through our MassHealth program, and Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts will continue to offer that care,” said Governor Healey. “To support their efforts to provide high-quality reproductive health care for their patients in the face of these federal assaults, we are also delivering $2 million in state funding to Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. We want the people of Massachusetts to know that if you need reproductive health care services, you should continue to seek this care. I am grateful for the incredible team at Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts for their unwavering commitment to providing essential health care to all who need it. Massachusetts will always be a place that stands for a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions and protects these fundamental freedoms.” 

“Amid the Trump Administration’s attack on women’s rights, this funding is representative of the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting the rights of our residents, ensuring that Massachusetts remains a national leader in preserving access to reproductive health care,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The House is proud to have included this funding in our budget, and we remain fervently committed to ensuring that Trump’s cuts don’t result in our residents losing access to vital care. We are grateful to Governor Healey and our colleagues in the Senate for their continued partnership.” 

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ reprehensible and cruel decision to defund Planned Parenthood and women’s health care will hurt women, children and families in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “In Massachusetts, we reject that cruelty—and we will protect our residents and stand with women. With this funding for Planned Parenthood, we are stepping up to safeguard access to health care, because every person deserves reproductive care, no matter their background. I am deeply grateful to Governor Healey for signing this provision into law, and swiftly disbursing these funds.” 

"By defunding Planned Parenthood, the Trump Administration is preventing thousands of MassHealth patients from using their insurance to cover essential health care like birth control, STI testing and treatment, pap smears, breast exams, and hormone therapy at our health centers,” said Dominique Lee, CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. “Since we do not want to turn patients away, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is covering these services for patients on MassHealth or other Medicaid plans free of charge for as long as we can because no patient should have to go into debt or wait months for essential, time-sensitive sexual and reproductive health care. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Healey, Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, and Senate President Spilka for prioritizing sexual and reproductive health care access in the FY26 budget, and stepping up for Planned Parenthood patients when they need it most. The $2 million in state funding will help PPLM weather the immediate storm and ensure access to care is uninterrupted while we plan for the future." 

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts will continue to provide updates on their webpage and have developed a flyerfor patients to learn what these changes mean for them. 

Senate Approves Permanent ‘Blue Envelope’ Program Supporting People with Autism

 Senate Approves Permanent ‘Blue Envelope’ Program Supporting People with Autism

Bill codifies program that fosters safer interactions between police and persons with autism

 

(BOSTON—07/24/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder, which would make permanent the ‘blue envelope’ program first advanced by the Senate early last year.

 

Blue envelopes prevent miscommunication and promote better understanding during traffic stops that involve a person with autism spectrum disorder. The Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in January 2024, and the Massachusetts State Police then proactively implemented a blue envelope program last spring. This bill, S.2558, would write the practice into state law.

 

The outside of the envelope notes that the person has autism spectrum disorder. It also prominently features guidance about how to best interact with an individual with autism whose ability to communicate is likely to be negatively affected by a stressful situation. Inside the envelope, there are places to store the individual’s driver’s license and vehicle registration.

 

Individuals with autism, or their parents or guardians, can request the envelopes from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

 

“Something as simple as a blue envelope can increase the chances that interactions with police are positive, respectful and less stressful for our neurodiverse friends, neighbors, and family members,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have already seen the positive impact of blue envelopes in Massachusetts, and by making this a permanent program we are benefiting both drivers and public safety officials. I am grateful to Senator Comerford for tirelessly advocating for this important initiative, to Chairs Crighton and Rodrigues for their work on this bill, and to each of my colleagues for their support.”

 

“This legislation goes a long way towards increasing the communication, positive interactions, and trust between people with autism spectrum disorder and our local police departments,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The uniform blue color of these envelopes will be easily identifiable and make them a recognizable tool in our public safety system, leading to increased respect and dignity for all.”

 

“Earlier this year, at our Joint Committee on Transportation hearing, we heard resounding support for the ‘blue envelope’ bill,” said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Individuals with autism and their families, law enforcement agencies, and community advocacy groups voiced their support, and we are proud to take action today to codify this program that enables the promotion of better communication and safer interactions for both police officers and drivers with autism. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for prioritizing this initiative, Senator Comerford for her continued advocacy on this measure, and to all those who have spoken out in support of this program.”

 

“I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Transportation Chair Brendan Crighton and my colleagues for passing this important legislation,” saidSenator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “The ‘blue envelope’ bill makes our Commonwealth a safer place for people who are neurodiverse. It moves us closer to equal opportunity and access for people of all abilities.”

 

The legislation was reported out of the Joint Committee on Transportation on July 7, 2025. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced a redrafted version on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full bill summary and a recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and vote on the bill.

 

Senators passed the legislation on a 39-0 roll call vote. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration

Senate Scrubs Offensive Language from State Law, Acts to Repeal Discriminatory Statutes

 Senate Scrubs Offensive Language from State Law, Acts to Repeal Discriminatory Statutes

Legislation strikes unconstitutional laws that criminalize blasphemy, consensual sex acts

 

(BOSTON—07/24/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed two separate bills to bring Massachusetts laws into the 21st century by removing offensive language from state statute and repealing outdated, unconstitutional laws that hamper civil rights.

 

One piece of legislation, An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities, strikes the ‘r-word,’ a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, out of state law in the dozens of instances where it currently appears. This includes renaming an entire chapter of law that prominently includes the r-word.

 

The bill, S.137, also builds person-first language into state law, prioritizing terminology like ‘person with a disability’ that places the individual first. Other outdated references such as ‘handicap’ or ‘needy’ to describe people with disabilities are also erased from the law.

 

The Senate also passed An Act relative to archaic laws, which repeals outdated statutes that criminalized acts now understood to be protected under the Constitution. This update includes the repeal of centuries-old laws that criminalized sodomy as a ‘crime against nature’ and so-called ‘unnatural’ acts between consenting adults. The criminalization of sodomy, which was punishable by up to 20 years in prison, was used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ residents in the past. Any remaining sodomy laws in the United States were invalidated by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003.

 

The bill also creates a panel of experts—including bipartisan appointees from the Legislature, the executive branch, prosecutors, and public defenders—would search for any defects or anachronisms in state laws, aided by suggestions from the Judiciary and other officials. The commission would report proposed fixes to the Legislature at the close of every term.

 

The archaic laws bill, S.1034, would also repeal the 18th century law that calls for punishment of up to one year in jail for a person who utters a blasphemy, something now acknowledged to be covered under the fundamental freedoms of speech and religion. Moving forward, a permanent commission of experts established under this legislation would conduct periodic reviews to ensure state laws remain as up-to-date as possible.

 

“When dusty and dangerous relics of a bygone era darken our laws, it creates the potential for real harm to residents today,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Thanks to the voices of advocates like former Senate staff member Melissa Reilly and the leadership of Senators Jehlen and Brownsberger, we are on a path to making our laws better represent who we are in 21st-century Massachusetts. With a White House that glorifies—and seemingly longs for—the days when many Americans were discriminated against because of who they are, now is the time to make sure our state laws respect and support the rights and dignity of our residents.”

 

“This legislation is about respect and dignity—plain and simple,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “Removing archaic language and striking outdated laws sends a powerful message that Massachusetts stands with and uplifts people of all abilities, and all those who have been marginalized by harmful language and policies. Our laws should reflect our values. Today we took an important step toward justice and our committee knows there is more work to be done.”

 

“Words are important. Language changes. We should use language that respects the people it refers to, and listen to them,” said Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville). “Fifteen years ago, a friend told State Representative Denise Provost and me how disrespected she felt being called ‘handicapped.’ We filed a bill to remove ten sections of the general laws that used that word. Over the years, we have found nearly 400 sections with offensive words, including the r-word. We have changed the names of three offices because the people they serve asked for more respectful names: the Department of Mental Retardation is now the Department of Disability Services, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission is now MassAbility and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs is now the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, or AGE. But there are 362 sections of the general laws that still use offensive words. Today at last we move to replace them with language that is preferred by those it refers to.”

 

“This legislation is about dignity, accuracy, and justice. Words matter—and so do the laws we keep on our books,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston). “By removing harmful slurs and repealing outdated, unconstitutional statutes, we are sending a clear message that Massachusetts stands firmly for inclusion, equity, and civil rights. As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, I am proud to help lead the effort to modernize our legal code and ensure our laws reflect the values of a Commonwealth that respects all people—regardless of their identity, abilities, or beliefs.”

 

“I’m grateful to all of my colleagues for their strong support for bringing our laws into the 21st century and aligning them with the fundamental principles of freedom built into our Constitution,” said Senator William N. Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “This legislation is about respecting all individuals.”

 

In order to better support another community of Massachusetts residents, Senators during today’s debate adopted an amendment inserting the term “deaf or hard of hearing” in several sections of state law, replacing the outdated term “hearing-impaired.”  This further ensures that language in state law reflects the terminology that community members identify with.

 

The disabilities language bill was reported out of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on June 23, 2025, and was placed on the Senate Calendar for debate by the Rules Committee on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full summary of the legislation. The archaic laws bill was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on June 12, 2025, and was advanced for debate by the Rules Committee on July 17, 2025.Votes of both committees are available online together with a full bill summary. A recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and votes can be found archived on the public website.

 

The Senate passed both bills on 40-0 roll call votes. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 

麻州府大樓入口鐵柵門柱驚現塗鴉、噴漆 誰幹的？迄查無人

麻州政府大樓入口門柱、鐵柵驚現噴漆，塗鴉。（周菊子攝）

       （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)麻州州政府大樓入口（Bulfinch entrance）階梯和門柱，今（23）日遭不明人士塗鴉，噴漆，寫有Divest字樣。  

        麻州長奚莉（Maura Healey）參眾議會議長聯袂發表聲明，表示深感不安。麻州州警和聯邦調查局（FBI）人員仍在調查中。

聯邦調查局，州警都在現場調查。（周菊子攝）

         麻州州警是今（23）日凌晨3點半左右獲悉情況，趕到現場，被告知嫌犯逃進波士頓廣場 （Boston Common），路上有白色足跡。沒多久，警方又接獲舉報，波士頓廣場內發現一個小型白色圓柱似的可疑包裹，很可能是肇事嫌犯丟棄的。麻州州警為謹慎起見，派出拆彈小組，以及大批警力搜索，但並未抓到嫌犯，也未找到包裹。

麻州州政府大樓前，已被警方用黃色警戒線圍住。（周菊子攝）

           麻州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和參議會議長Karen Spika，眾議會議長Ron Mariano 為此聯名發表聲明，表示“得知州議會大廈昨晚發生破壞事件，我們深感不安。州議會大廈是一座歷史悠久的受人尊敬的建築，工作人員竭盡全力維護其原貌，以方便員工和遊客參觀”。

           今日中午時分，州政府大樓前圍著許多警察，好奇人士，以及抗議麻州通過“租客不需繳交中介費”的H336法案的房東們。波士頓廣場內也有一大片區域圍上了黃色警戒線。目前仍無嫌犯被捕，有關當局鼓勵民眾若有線索，立即撥打電話617-727-6780.，通知麻州州警。

 Governor Healey, Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka Issue Joint Statement on Vandalism at the State House  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey, Speaker of the House Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka issue the following statement on the vandalism at the Massachusetts State House last night:  

“We are deeply disturbed to learn about vandalism at the State House overnight. The State House is a revered building steeped in history, and staff works hard to keep it in pristine condition for employees and visitors alike. There is absolutely no excuse for vandalism, at the State House or anywhere. We are grateful to the Massachusetts State Police and their local, state and federal partners for their quick response and efforts to identify those responsible.” 

麻州長Healey提名3律師當區域法院副法官

 Governor Healey Nominates Three Attorneys to District Court 

Governor Healey has now nominated over 80 judges across the Massachusetts court system 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today nominated Hector Zumbado, Lauren Greene and William Powers to serve as Associate Justices of the District Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“Hector, Lauren and Bill will bring decades of legal experience to the bench and have the expertise, wisdom and unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law that is needed to serve on the District Court,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am grateful for the counsel of the Judicial Nominating Commission for helping me nominate an excellent group of judges to serve our residents across Massachusetts.” 

“I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to advance all three of these nominees, who have shown true dedication to the law and to justice,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Over the past two and a half years, I have appreciated the Council's due diligence on each of our nominees and their help in confirming the best judges.” 

The District Court Department hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state. 

Governor Healey has already nominated 22 attorneys to the District Court: Heath Antonio,   Patrick Burke, Lisa Core, Frederick DeCubellis, Brian Doxtader, Leo Fama, Stuart Hurowitz, Edward Kacasinas, Francis V. Kenneally, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Jr. Krippendorf, Cara Krysil, Courtney C. Linnehan, Hilary McCamic, Suzanne McDonough, Jerry Parisella, Polly Phillips, Joanna Rodriguez, Gegory Teran, Marjorie P. Tynes, Amanda Ward, and Liza Williamson.  

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage. 

 

About the Nominees: 

William Powers is a seasoned trial attorney with over 26 years of experience representing clients throughout Massachusetts’ courts. He has been a solo practitioner in Hampden County as well as a Bar Advocate for indigent clients. He also serves as the General Counsel and District Director for the First Congressional District, creating strategies for legislation, and spearheading the office’s regulatory reform efforts. His solo practice in Springfield focuses on criminal defense and immigration work. Attorney Powers previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted criminal matters. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and Juris Doctor from the Roger Williams University School of Law.  Attorney Powers lives in Franklin County with his wife and three children. 

Lauren Greene is currently the Clerk Magistrate of the Stoughton District Court where she is responsible for the ministerial and magisterial administration of the Court.  In this role, Attorney Greene presides over small claims matters and show cause hearings, conducts administrative and motor vehicle appeals, and reviews search warrants and arrest reports.  Attorney Greene formerly served as a Deputy Legal Counsel to Governor Charlie Baker and as the Executive Director of Governor Baker’s Judicial Nominating Commission.  Prior to that, Attorney Greene served as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, handling cases in both the Boston Municipal and Superior Courts.  She also supervised teams in both the West Roxbury Division and the Dorchester Divisions of the Boston Municipal Court.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University School of Law.   

Hector Zumbado is an experienced trial lawyer who runs a solo practice in Boston focused on criminal defense and personal injury cases. He also regularly serves as a mediator and arbitrator for civil matters and is an Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice at New England Law Boston. Prior to opening his solo practice, Attorney Zumbado spent over 25 years in private practice at law firms in New Hampshire and Massachusetts litigating a wide range of civil matters in both state and federal court. A native Spanish speaker, Attorney Zumbado holds a Bachelor of Science at the University of New Hampshire, a Masters in Business Administration from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law.   

亞美促進正義會等團體呼籲 取消重啟中國行動計劃條款

       （Boston Orange編譯）美國國會眾議院撥款委員會預定7月24日審議2026年度CJS撥款法案。亞裔美國人平等正義中心（AAJC）等多個團體，抗議該法案附加悄悄指示司法部重啟已廢止的「中國行動計畫（China Initiative）」措辭，將再觸發歧視性審查亞裔學者狀況。

         亞裔美人促進正義會（Asian Americans Advancing Justice，簡稱AAJC)，亞裔美國學者論壇（Asian American Scholar Forum）、停止仇恨亞太裔組織（Stop AAPI Hate），以及華人平權行動會（Chinese for Affirmative Action）等四大組織在內的的許多機構，刻正攜手呼籲，在「商務、司法、科學及相關機構（CIS）」撥款法案中，移除重啟「中國行動計劃」條款。

他們一致認為，重啟「中國行動計劃」，歧視性審查亞裔美國學者項目申請的行為將死灰復燃，並對許多人的生活和職業造成不公平的毀滅性打擊。

亞裔美人促進正義會主席兼執行長楊重遠（John C. Yang）指出，去年他們才成功阻止類似行為，如今又出現重啟「中國行動計畫」的提議，實在令人痛心。他強調，「中國行動計畫」並未有效解決國家安全問題，反而加劇社會分裂，顛覆了許多人的生活，也削弱了美國的全球競爭力。楊重遠呼籲國會議員們不要重蹈覆轍，應拒絕這種對亞裔美國社區的攻擊。

亞裔美國學者論壇執行長Gisela Perez Kusakawa則表示，重啟「中國行動計畫」會是失敗且短視的政策，將損害美國賴以維持全球競爭力的科學家和創新人才隊伍。她警告說，過去事例已證明，這計畫會錯誤地針對華裔科學家，破壞他們的職業生涯，煽動了恐懼，並阻止了頂尖人才為美國的研發做出貢獻。

停止仇恨亞太裔組織聯合創始人兼華人平權行動會聯合執行長崔貞文（Cynthia Choi）直言，以任何形式重啟「中國行動計畫」都將是一個危險的錯誤。她強調，這項計畫建立在種族偏見之上，而非國家安全，它摧毀了無數人的生活，侵犯了公民自由，壓制了學術自由，同時也削弱了美國的全球領導地位。崔貞文補充說，在當前反亞裔仇恨依然嚴峻的時刻，重啟這項計畫只會將亞裔社區置於更大的危險之中，還會合法化「亞裔美國人在自己的國家不值得信任」的種族主義觀念。

Coalition of Asian American Advocates Rejects the House Appropriation Subcommittee’s Bill Proposing Re-establishment of ‘China Initiative’ 

 

Washington, D.C. — Tomorrow, July 24, the House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to markup the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026. Buried in its accompanying report is language that directs the Department of Justice to effectively re-establish the now-defunct ‘China Initiative,’ a move that would revive the discriminatory profiling of Asian American scholars and unfairly devastate the livelihoods and careers of many. In response, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), Stop AAPI Hate, and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) come together to call for the removal of this provision from the bill. 

 

“It is disheartening to see the return of language proposing the reinstatement of the now-defunct China Initiative after we successfully countered efforts to include it in last year’s appropriations package,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC. “This language once again threatens to reverse the progress we have made and target Asian American and Asian immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars under the guise of national security. Let’s be clear: the first iteration of this program did not address national security. Instead, it fueled division, upended lives and curbed our country’s global competitiveness. We urge lawmakers not to repeat history and to reject these attacks on racial justice and equity by removing language in the report that targets Asian American communities.” 

 

“Reinstating the China Initiative would revive a failed and shortsighted policy that hurt the workforce of scientists and innovators that our country depends on to stay globally competitive,” said Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “We’ve already seen how this program undermined American innovation by wrongfully targeting scientists of Chinese descent, derailing careers, stoking fear, and deterring brilliant minds from contributing to U.S. research and development. In a global race for talent, we cannot afford to lose the very people driving advances in medicine, energy, artificial intelligence, and other critical fields that impact all Americans. Reviving this program would send a chilling message to the world’s top minds: that the U.S. values suspicion over science. We must not repeat a chapter that not only ruined so many lives, but also weakened our innovation ecosystem and compromised our national interest.”

 

“To bring back the China Initiative in any way, shape, or form would be a dangerous mistake,” said Cynthia Choi, Co-Founder of Stop AAPI Hate and Co-Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action. “It was built on racial bias, not national security – and fueled the wrongful targeting of Asian American scientists and scholars, often without evidence or due process. It shattered lives, violated civil liberties, and chilled academic freedom, all while weakening America’s global leadership. At a time when anti-Asian hate remains a serious threat, the China Initiative would put our communities into even greater danger — and legitimize the racist notion that Asian Americans can’t be trusted in their own country.”  

波士頓市選務局提醒市民8/30前登記成為選民 正招募投票站工作人員

（Boston Orange摘譯）波士頓選務局今（23）日發出通知，提醒市民本年度的選舉，選民登記8月30日截止，郵寄投票須在9月2日前寄達波士頓市府。

今年的選舉投票日期，已定初選9月9日（週二），大選11月4日（週二）。有意申請成為投票站工作人員者，可上網申請，查詢boston.gov/pollworkers。

波士頓市民可到麻州州務卿設立的網站，www.VoteinMA.com，登記成為選民，或更新選民登記。申請郵寄投票，必須先列印，填寫申請表，郵寄或親自送抵波士頓市選務局，或是設立在波士頓市政大樓3樓主入口的投遞箱。

申請郵寄投票，也可把簽了名的申請表，以電子郵件發送至election@boston.gov 或 absenteevoter@boston.gov的來申請。

查詢選舉相關資訊，可上網www.VoteinMA.com ，或撥打電 617-635-0905 聯絡選舉部。

波士頓市選務局目前正在為9月9日的初選招募投票站工作人員，獲選者可得160至200美元津貼，以及必要的培訓費用。波士頓市府鼓勵雙語人士申請。查詢可上網boston.gov/pollworkers ，或電洽 617-635-0905 ，或發送電子郵件至 pollworkers@boston.gov 聯絡選舉部。

CITY OF BOSTON ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT SENDS VOTE-BY-MAIL APPLICATIONS, ISSUES CALL FOR POLL WORKERS

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 23, 2025  - In order to increase access to and participation in local elections, the City of Boston’s Election Department is mailing vote-by-mail applications to Boston voters. Applications are being mailed to the address at which each voter is registered or has on file with the Election Department. These applications are non-forwardable, even if a voter has changed their address with the post office. Additionally, the Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming Preliminary Municipal Election on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

 

In order to vote-by-mail in the September 9 Preliminary Election, residents must (1) be registered to vote by Saturday, August 30th, and (2) the City of Boston must receive a vote-by-mail application by Tuesday September 2nd at 5pm. The following information and forms may be found at www.VoteinMA.com.

 

1. Residents can check their voter registration at www.VoteinMA.com and can update it if necessary in any of the following ways:

• On the Secretary of State’s website at www.VoteinMA.com;
• By printing a voter registration form and mailing it to the Boston Election Department located at City Hall, One City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201; or by dropping it in the City Hall Plaza drop box at City Hall - Main Entrance on 3rd Floor, 1 City Hall Sq, Boston, MA 02201;
• By coming in person to the Boston Election Department, located at City Hall.

 

2. In order to receive a vote-by-mail ballot, a registered voter’s application must reach the Boston Election Department by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2. Voters can do this in any of the following ways:

• By completing and returning a paper vote-by-mail application, which is mailed to all registered voters, or which can be downloaded here. Applications can be returned via mail to the Boston Election Department, City Hall, One City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201, or in person either at the Boston Election Department or in the drop box located at the Main Entrance to Boston City Hall on the 3rd Floor;
• By completing an online application on the Secretary of State’s website; 
• By e-mailing a signed application or letter to the Election Department requesting a vote-by-mail ballot for any or all elections in 2025, including the Preliminary Municipal Election on September 9, 2025 and the General Municipal Election on November 4, 2025 to either election@boston.gov or absenteevoter@boston.gov.

If residents have questions or need further assistance updating their voter registration or requesting a vote-by-mail application, they are encouraged to contact the Election Department at 617-635-0905.

Additionally, the Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming Preliminary Municipal Election on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Poll workers are paid a stipend ranging from $160-200 in addition to payment for required training. Being a poll worker is a meaningful way to give back, participate in democracy, and help neighbors vote in free and fair elections. Residents can request to be assigned a location close to their home. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged. Residents can apply online or get more info at boston.gov/pollworkers or reach out to the Election Department by calling 617-635-0905 or emailing pollworkers@boston.gov.

State Public Health Officials Announce Season’s First EEE-Positive Mosquito Sample

State Public Health Officials Announce Season’s First EEE-Positive Mosquito Sample   Residents urged to use bug spray when outdoors   BOSTON (July 23, 2025) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed in a mosquito sample collected on July 21 in the town of Belchertown in Hampshire County.   “This is around the time we would expect to find EEE in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, especially after an active EEE season last year with four recorded human cases,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “This is only a first finding and mosquito surveillance will be key to tracking any developing areas of increasing risk. Today’s finding is an important reminder for residents to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”   EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were four human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2024 with one death. There were also four EEE-infected horse cases last year. No human or animal cases of EEE have been detected so far this year.    “EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “When EEE is found in mosquitoes at this point in the season, the risk may increase throughout the rest of the summer. We rely on our mosquito surveillance program to monitor for the presence of virus to let people know when and where the risk is occurring.”   Avoid Mosquito Bites Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.   Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.   Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.   Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.   Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.   Protect Your Animals Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.   Learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, including all WNV- and EEE-positive results on DPH’s Arbovirus Surveillance Information page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.