Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Improve Health and Nutrition in K-12 School Meals

Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Improve Health and Nutrition in K-12 School Meals

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released a series of recommendations from the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission, charting a path forward to improve the nutritional content of K-12 school meals across Massachusetts. The Commission found that universal free school meals have forever changed students’ meal experience, providing a stable source of funding that enables school nutrition programs to plan and invest in healthy meals.  

 

The Commission’s overarching recommendation is for school districts to pay attention to the amount of time that students have to choose and eat school meals and recommends that districts consider holding recess before lunch so that students are more likely to eat their entire meal. Research shows that when schools have strong policies about the minimum time for school meals, students eat more of their meals, which reduces food waste. 

 

 “School breakfast and lunch may be some of the only meals students get each week, and so it is essential that those meals are healthy to set students up for lifelong health and wellbeing,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We have seen incredible progress under universal free school meals, with districts incorporating more local products and participation increasing. I want to thank the Commission for their thoughtful work. These recommendations will not only make school meals more enjoyable but will also go a long way towards optimizing the short-term and long-term health of children.” 

 

"By investing in universal free school meals, we've shown families that, regardless of circumstance, their children can count on a meal at school," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. "I am incredibly grateful to the Commission for digging deeper and providing recommendations that not only detail what makes a healthy meal, but also how mealtimes can be structured to better support the health and development of students. Good food is foundational to good health, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners across Massachusetts to make it accessible to all children. " 

 

The School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission was co-chaired by the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Public Health (DPH) and included public health experts, school nutrition leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders. The group met from November 2024 through March 2025 and was charged with reviewing nutrition standards or guidelines used by K-12 schools, best practices and how to make the food offered in schools more nutritious.  

 

The Commission’s recommendations include:  

• A 30-minute lunch period with a minimum of 20 minutes of seated time to ensure students have enough time to eat high-quality meals; 

• Holding recess before lunch, which research has shown to increase school meal consumption and reduce food waste; 

• Using whole foods, including but not limited to offering beans, peas and lentils beyond the current minimal federal requirements of once per week with the goal of three or more times per week; 

• Clearly labeling and promoting vegetarian and vegan entrees and side dishes; 

• Expanding communication to students and families who request meal modifications and increasing the variety of modified meals, adapting a close equivalent to the main entrée; and 

• Sourcing more food items regionally. 

 

“Universal free school meals are a critical support for Massachusetts students, and these recommendations will help make those meals both healthier and more appetizing,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I’m grateful to the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission and the Department of Public Health for their partnership in this work.” 

 

“School meal programs are critical to preventing hunger, improving food equity and access, and enhancing students’ nutritional intake. This report highlights the impressive work already underway in our state and suggests areas where Massachusetts can continue to innovate to enhance students’ diets and prevent chronic disease,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "The Department of Public Health is proud to have been a part of these important conversations about nutrition and school meals, and I am grateful for the Commission’s hard work in the development of this report and for their contributions to improving children’s health across the commonwealth.” 

 

Massachusetts became the eighth state to provide universal free school meals when Governor Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Universal free school meals have led to major increases in student participation, with schools serving 87,000 more lunches and breakfasts per day in school year 2023-24 compared to 2021-22. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, 584,000 students ate lunch every school day, with 101.7 million total meals served, an increase of 8.3 million meals compared to prior school year. 

 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports healthy school meals in a variety of ways. In May, the administration awarded $220,600 to 16 school districts to buy kitchen equipment to store fruits and vegetables and offer better meal choices. Through Terrific Trays, DESE and Massachusetts Farm to School recognize a different school district each month of the school year for providing exceptional school meals that use local foods sourced from Massachusetts farms, dairies and fisheries. The Department also administers MA FRESH grants, which help schools expand their capacity to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system.   

 

“The implementation of permanent, universal, free school meals is one of the incredible initiatives that wouldn’t be possible without the success of the Fair Share Amendment, using a small tax on our wealthiest residents to feed hundreds of thousands of children each day,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education and a member of the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission. “I have long been an advocate for healthier school meals and the recommendations released today by the commission are a strong step forward to ensure that students receive nutritious meals and fuel their success in schools.” 

 

“It was an honor to serve on the School Nutrition Standards Commission alongside driven, dedicated leaders in the school nutrition space,” said Representative Andy Vargas, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses and a member of the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission. “The Commonwealth remains committed to supporting students and families through universal school meals, and I’m inspired by the innovation happening across Massachusetts to ensure every child has access to healthy, high-quality food. This report shows our efforts range from what is on the plate to how students experience meals, including having enough time to eat and ensuring options are clearly labeled and accessible.” 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES NEW BEER AND WINE STATE LEGISLATION AND PROMOTES UPCOMING LIQUOR LICENSE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES NEW BEER AND WINE STATE LEGISLATION AND PROMOTES UPCOMING LIQUOR LICENSE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES 

The legislation, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, will be introduced to the Boston City Council in the coming weeks.



BOSTON - Thursday, July 31, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and State Representative Aaron Michlewitz celebrated new legislation that will allow businesses with beer and wine licenses to upgrade to all alcohol licenses. In addition, the City of Boston Licensing Board today approved community space liquor license applications for American Repertory Theater, Boston Center for the Arts, and Sorrel & Lime. The approved applicants are located in Allston, the South End, and Dorchester, respectively. The Licensing Board is currently in the process of sending the applications to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for further review. Since the 2024 legislation, Boston has granted 61 businesses new liquor licenses, helping entrepreneurs bolster their businesses and build wealth citywide.

“These new, upgraded liquor licenses will help strengthen our economy and support the local businesses that anchor our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thankful to our state legislators who made this possible, to the City Councilors and advocates who advocated for more opportunity through expanding liquor licenses, and the City of Boston Licensing Board, Office of Small Business, and Office of Nightlife Economy for their countless efforts to support our local businesses and community spaces. I encourage local businesses across our neighborhoods to consider applying for an available liquor license and look forward to celebrating these new restaurants and community spaces as they continue to grow.”

The Fiscal Year 2026 Massachusetts State Budget gives municipalities the opportunity to allow businesses to trade in their beer and wine license for a restricted all alcohol license. To accept this option, Mayor Wu will introduce an order to the City Council in the coming weeks. Once approved by the City Council, the Licensing Board will adopt regulations and inform businesses about the steps of the upgrade process. This fall, the Licensing Board and Office of Small Business will host workshops and consultation hours to ensure beer and wine licensees understand the legislation and how it could potentially impact their business.

“Allowing businesses to upgrade liquor licenses while still respecting the neighborhood process will lead to great opportunities for restaurants and bars all across the City. This legislative change is a great opportunity for them to grow and prosper by upgrading from beer and wine to all alcohol licenses,” said State Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means. “I want to thank the Mayor for her support of this initiative and her unwavering commitment to the economic growth of the City."

“This new legislation is a game-changer for our small businesses, especially in Black and Brown neighborhoods that have been historically locked out of opportunities to grow and thrive,” said State Representative Christopher Worrell, 5th Suffolk District. “By expanding access to all-alcohol licenses, we’re giving local entrepreneurs the tools they need to compete, to build wealth, and to shape the future of our communities. I’m proud to have fought for these changes at the State House, and I’ll continue to champion equity and economic empowerment for every corner of Boston—especially the ones that have been left behind for far too long.”

“This latest step in liquor license reforms is a welcome change for our antiquated liquor license system," said City Councilor Brian Worrell. "We've already started seeing the benefits of adding 225 new ZIP Code-restricted licenses last year, and this upgrade of 300 more will further help our small business owners, add jobs, and spark business growth in our neighborhoods."

The beer and wine upgrade builds on last year’s legislation to increase availability of liquor licenses in Boston. After Mayor Wu and the Boston City Council filed a successful Home Rule Petition, Governor Maura Healey signed legislation on September 11, 2024, bringing 225 new liquor licenses to Boston. This new batch is the single largest addition to Boston’s liquor license quota since the end of Prohibition. With this influx, the City has the ability to support local entrepreneurs and boost economic growth. Specifically, the legislation created:

• 195 zip code-restricted licenses (both all alcohol and beer and wine) in Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, South End, and West Roxbury, to be granted to the City over three calendar years
• 15 all alcohol licenses for community spaces, including non-profits, small theaters, and outdoor spaces
• 12 transferable all alcohol licenses
• 3 all alcohol neighborhood restricted licenses in Oak Square, Brighton

“At the City, we have the privilege of serving the 18,000 small businesses that employ 125,000 people and generate $28 billion each year. More than 10 percent of those businesses are restaurants and bars, and we continue to work tirelessly to provide wrap-around support services, remove barriers, streamline procedures, and deliver as much information to make obtaining a liquor license and running a business as easy as possible,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “With small businesses continuing to bear the brunt of destructive national policies, liquor licenses can help increase an operator’s profit margin to keep them afloat and offer a chance to invest in growth. We encourage more entrepreneurs to seek out the remaining neighborhood restricted licenses, and remain dedicated to educating them on the new option to upgrade an existing beer and wine license to an all alcohol license. This latter option will provide the City with another tool to support the growth and sustainability of our restaurants, who bring vibrancy and a place to gather across our communities.”

In early 2025, the Licensing Board approved 37 new liquor licenses and in June, the Licensing Board approved another 21 licenses. Today the Licensing Board approved three community space licenses: American Repertory Theater in Allston, Boston Center for the Arts in the South End, and Sorrel & Lime in Dorchester. The City of Boston is encouraging businesses throughout the city—but particularly businesses located in 02119, 02121, 02122, 02124, 02125, 02126, 02129, 02132, and 02136—to apply.  

“We are happy to be part of a great collaboration with the City of Boston and State,” said Stephen Clark, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. “This is a great opportunity for new restaurants to open in certain neighborhoods and for those restaurants who want to upgrade their liquor license to do so. Opening new restaurants provides jobs and supports a bustling economic environment.”

"Mayor Wu has made a big difference for Boston businesses by listening to our ideas and working with her team to help us recover and grow after the pandemic,” said Helen Chen, Vice President of Chinatown Business Association. “This new liquor license program is another example of the administration finding new ways to make sure every neighborhood has successful, strong businesses."

“We appreciate the time and effort these community space applicants—and all 61 approved applicants—have put into their applications,” said Kathleen Joyce, Chair of the Boston Licensing Board. “We look forward to reviewing additional applications and encourage all potential applicants to engage with the Licensing Board throughout the process. We are here to help.” 

The businesses approved today completed their application and community process prior to May 23, qualifying them for the second round of the allocation process. 

When reviewing additional applications, the Board will continue to factor in evolving neighborhood needs, market realities, the strength and sustainability of an establishment’s business plan, and the applicant’s ability to further economic growth for surrounding businesses.

The Mayor’s Office of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Office of Neighborhood Services, and Office of Small Business staff will continue to support potential applicants, as well as beer and wine licensees interested in upgrading their license. 

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to make a drop-in appointment with the Boston Licensing Board at City Hall, Room 809 by contacting 617-635-4170 or emailing licensingboard@boston.gov. Beginning September 10, the Licensing Board will once again host bi-weekly office hours. 

Potential liquor license applicants are encouraged to start the process as soon as possible. To apply, business owners must be able to demonstrate a legal right to occupy the premises. This could be a deed, lease, or letter of intent from a landlord. Learn more about applying for a liquor license on the Licensing Board website.

麻州撥1.82億元資助建造1,245戶出租屋. 中華公所喜露街項目入選

麻州州長Maura Healey(前），副州長Kim Driscoll (左起）
和住宅及移居社區廳廳長Ed Sugusta等人到Winchester宣佈州政府
資助蓋可負擔出租屋。（周菊子攝）

        （Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉 （Maura Healey）今（7月31）日率州市政要在Winchester市政廳前宣佈，州政府將提供1.82億美元的低收入住房稅收抵免和補貼，資助21個出租屋開發案，估計可謂麻州增加1,245個住宅單位。

多名州市政要連袂出席發佈會。（周菊子攝）

麻州州長辦公室表示，自從奚莉州長於2023年1月上任，成立住宅和宜居社區廳以來，麻州政府已支持建造了6,071個住宅單位。

紐英崙中華公所的50 Herald Street發展計劃也獲資助，主席雷國徽
（右二）和阮鴻燦（右一），余寶愛（左二），房地產經理鄭欣豪（左一）
應邀出席發佈會，和麻州副州長Kim Driscoll合影。（周菊子攝）

麻州政府能夠撥出這筆款項，既是因為麻州州長在2024年8月26日簽署通過可負擔住宅法（Affordable Homes Act），授權州政府在未來5年內支持51.6億美元，支持包括「MBTA社區法」，「動量基金」，新的「州有土地建屋倡議」等50多項政策，還大幅增加住宅稅收抵免和補貼，取消租戶支付經紀人費用，來因應住宅需求高，供應少，建築成本上漲等問題，也是因為減稅方案，讓低收入住宅稅收抵免額度提高到了6000萬美元，比往年增加了2000萬美元。

奚莉州長表示，政府正在從多方面努力，建造更多價格合理的房屋，降低每個人的生活成本，尤其是這些撥款正在幫助建造數千個可負擔公寓，讓更多老人家能夠獨居，還住得靠近家人，也讓更多工薪階層負擔得起在他們所工作的社區內居住。

現場布告板展示獲得資助的開發項目。
中華公所名列其中。（周菊子攝）

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll則說，政府和開發商，社區夥伴合作建造麻州所需要的房屋是可行的，這一次的撥款，資助對象從修復公共住宅到擴建耆英大樓，展現了解決全州房屋問題方案的廣度和創意。

住房和移居社區廳廳長Ed Augustus指出，這次的撥款，不只是建房屋，更是關懷人民，無論是波士頓市以前的無家可歸者，Topsfield的老人家，還是Easthampton的工薪家庭，都可能因為這些撥款改善了生活。這些發展計劃體現了Healey-Driscoll政府的信念，也就是麻州的每個人都應該擁有一個安全，穩定和可負擔的住家。

獲得麻州政府這次撥款資助建造的房屋中，有大約420戶是為家庭收入低於地區中位收入(AMI)30%的家庭，以及正擺脫無家可歸狀態的個人和家庭所提供的深度可負擔住宅，大約1,143戶住宅是為年收入低於AMI 80%的家庭所提供的可負擔住宅。

麻州政府這次的撥款金額包括，3,220 萬美元的聯邦 4% 和 9% 低收入住房稅收抵免;  3,160 萬美元的麻州低收入住房稅收抵免; 1.182 億美元的住宅和宜居社區執行辦公室 (EOHLC) 直接補貼。

現場展示Winchester市的開發計劃。（周菊子攝）

麻州政府撥出的這筆投資，將促成大約4.5億美元的私人股權，支持城市、郊區和農村社區所迫切需要的可負擔住宅。

在這一輪撥款中獲得資助的社區有波士頓市，Foxborough、Hadley、Holyoke、Malden、New Bedford 和 Worcester 等。

            麻州州長奚莉，副州長Driscoll，住宅及宜居社區廳廳長Augustus ，今天是在 Waterfield Commons，位於Winchester MBTA 車站旁的一個新交通導向型開發案之旁。宣佈這大規模撥款消息，

Winchester市府和Causeway 發展公司，以及John Rudzinski 合作，將在這地點建造一棟有 56 個混合收入出租單位的樓宇，其中70%將為可負擔住宅。

麻州參議員Jason Lewis，眾議員Michael Day，Winchester市長等人都為這盛事致詞。波士頓市房屋長Sheila Dillon，波士頓房屋局局長白凱欣，劍橋市市經理黃義安等人都在現場與盛。

2025年可負擔住宅開發補助金發給了以下開發項目：

Devenscrest Village 是一個位於 Ayer 的現有入住項目。該項目有 37 棟建築，共 114 個單位。Devenscrest Village 租戶協會（Schochet Companies 的一個分支機構）將購買該物業，進行必要的翻修，並為多個 Devenscrest 建築中的多個單位增加負擔能力限制。

50 Herald Street 是紐英崙中華公所和Beacon Communities合作的開發項目，預計建造117個住宅單位，一樓有商業空間，竣工後將為社區內家庭收入低於AMI 80%、60%、50% 和 30% 者提供可負擔出租房。

68 Homes 是一個位於波士頓多個地點的保留和翻修項目。發起方是非營利組織 Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation。該項目涉及翻修多棟現有建築，作為經濟適用家庭住房。68 Homes 翻修完成後，67 個單位將保留給收入低於 AMI 80% 的家庭，其中 22 個單位將進一步保留給收入低於 AMI 30% 的家庭。

250 Seaver Street 是一個位於波士頓的翻修項目，旨在為無家可歸者提供服務。非營利發起方是Commonwealth Land Trust。翻修完成後，該項目將為無家可歸者提供 16 個單間房單位，這些個人將能夠獲得發起方提供的支持服務。

1392 House/19-21 Faulkner 是一個位於波士頓的已入住保留和再融資項目。發起方是 VietAID。再融資將穩定 1392 House 和 19-21 Faulkner，並允許 VietAID 繼續為 18 名收入非常有限的無家可歸者提供服務，包括青少年和家庭。VietAID 將為居民提供廣泛的支持服務。

Mildred Hailey 2 是一個位於 Jamaica Plain Jackson Square 社區的家庭新建築項目。發起方是非營利組織Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC)。Bromley Heath 公共住房綜合體的這一階段將有65 個單位，所有單位都將為收入低於 AMI 60% 的家庭提供經濟適用房。17 個單位將進一步限制為收入低於AMI 30% 的家庭。

New North 是一個位於波士頓的新建築項目。該項目將建在非營利無家可歸者提供者 St. Mary's Center for Women and Children 的現有校園內。St. Mary's 正在與城市事務規劃辦公室 (POUA) 合作。New North 旨在為無家可歸的家庭提供服務，他們將能夠獲得 St. Mary's 提供的多種支持服務。New North 竣工後，將為通常收入低於 AMI 50% 或 30% 的無家可歸家庭提供 71 個單位。

Walden Square II 是一個位於劍橋 Porter Square 附近的新建築擴建項目。該項目將建在現有且已入住的Walden Square I 旁邊。發起方是 Winn Development。Walden Square II 竣工後，將提供 95 個單位。竣工項目將包括收入低於 AMI 80%、60% 和 30% 的家庭可負擔的出租房層級。

Ferry Street 是一個將在 Easthampton 建造的新建築項目。非營利發起方是 Home City Development, Inc.。該項目將建在一個包含前磨坊建築的地點。竣工後，Ferry Street 將提供 96 個單位。91 個單位將保留給收入低於 AMI 60% 的家庭，其中 27 個單位將進一步保留給收入低於 AMI 30% 的家庭，在某些情況下，還包括正在擺脫無家可歸狀態的家庭。

Walnut Street Phase Two 是一個位於 Foxborough 前州和住房管理局擁有土地上的老年人新建築項目。發起方是非營利組織 Affordable Housing & Services Collaborative (AHSC)。Walnut Street 的第一階段正在建設中。新階段竣工後，將為老年個人或家庭提供 59 個單位。竣工後，所有 59 個單位都將保留給收入低於 AMI 60% 的老年人，其中 16 個單位將進一步限制為收入低於 AMI 30% 的老年人。

Carlson Crossing East 是 Framingham 一個主要公共住房重建項目的最後階段。發起方是 Framingham Housing Authority。Carlson Crossing East 竣工後，將提供 61 個單位，所有單位都將保留給收入低於 AMI 50% 的家庭，在某些情況下，還包括正在擺脫無家可歸狀態的家庭。

EconoLodge Redevelopment 在 Hadley 是將一家關閉的酒店改建為永久支持性住房。非營利發起方是Valley Community Development Corporation。竣工項目將包括 50 個單位，用於收入低於 AMI 60% 的個人或小型家庭，其中 31 個單位將進一步保留給收入低於 AMI 30% 的個人或小型家庭。竣工項目主要將為無家可歸者提供服務。

South Holyoke Homes Phase 3 是 Holyoke 的一個新建築家庭住房項目。發起方是 Housing Innovations and Programming, Inc.，與 Holyoke Housing Authority 合作。竣工後，該項目將提供 40 個單位。所有單位都將為收入低於 AMI 60% 的家庭提供經濟適用房。10 個單位將進一步限制為收入低於 AMI 30% 的家庭，在某些情況下，還包括正在擺脫無家可歸狀態的家庭。

Eagle Mill Phase II 是一個新建築項目，毗鄰 Eagle Mill Phase I，一個正在 Lee 進行的磨坊改造項目。兩階段的發起方是 Hearthway 和 Jon Rudzinski of Rees-Larkin 之間的合作夥伴關係。Eagle Mill Phase II 竣工後，將提供 44 個單位。24 個單位將保留給收入低於 AMI 60% 的家庭，其中 8 個單位將進一步限制為收入低於 AMI 30% 的家庭，在某些情況下，還包括正在擺脫無家可歸狀態的家庭。

213 Main Street 是一個將在 Malden 建造的新建築經濟適用住房項目。非營利發起方是 Asian Community Development Corporation。竣工後，213 Main Street 將為家庭提供 20 個單位。所有單位都將保留給收入低於 AMI 60% 的家庭，其中 5 個單位將進一步保留給收入低於 AMI 30% 的家庭，在某些情況下，還包括正在擺脫無家可歸狀態的家庭。

Temple Landing II 是一個將在 New Bedford 建造的新建築項目。該項目是一個大型公共住房場地重建的最後階段。該階段將提供 27 個經濟適用單位。非營利發起方是 Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)。所有 27 個單位都將為收入低於 AMI 60% 的家庭提供經濟適用房，其中 6 個單位將進一步保留給收入低於AMI 30% 的家庭。

HSL Stoughton 是一個位於 Stoughton 的老年人新建築項目。發起方是非營利組織 Hebrew Senior Life, Inc.。該項目將為老年人提供 96 個單位。所有 96 個單位都將保留給收入低於 AMI 60% 的老年人，其中 36 個單位將進一步限制為收入低於 AMI 30% 的老年人。

Emerson Homes 是一個位於 Topsfield 的老年人新建築項目。非營利發起方是 Caleb Foundation。竣工後，Emerson Homes 將提供 44 個單位。43 個單位將為收入低於 AMI 60% 的老年人提供經濟適用房，其中 11 個單位將進一步保留給收入低於 AMI 30% 的老年人。

Cranberry Manor Phase II 是一個位於 Wareham 的老年人新建築項目。非營利發起方是 NeighborWorks Housing Solutions。第二階段將建在現有且已入住的 Cranberry Manor Phase I 旁邊。竣工後，該項目將提供 40 個單位。所有單位都將為收入低於 AMI 60% 的老年人提供經濟適用房，其中 8 個單位將進一步保留給收入低於 AMI 30% 的老年人，在某些情況下，還包括正在擺脫無家可歸狀態的家庭。

Waterfield Commons 是一個位於 Winchester 的新建築交通導向型項目。發起方是 Causeway Development 和 Jon Rudzinski 之間的合作夥伴關係成員。該項目將在 Winchester MBTA 車站的停車場建造，竣工後將包括 56 個新單位，既有經濟適用房也有市場價格房。56 個單位中，40 個將限制為收入低於 AMI 60% 的家庭，其中 8 個單位將進一步限制為收入低於 AMI 30% 的家庭，在某些情況下，還包括正在擺脫無家可歸狀態的家庭。

Colony on Grove Beech 是 Worcester 的一個老年人拆除和新建築項目的第二階段，該項目共有四個階段。發起方是 Colony Retirement Homes, Inc.，與 Affirmative Investments, Inc. 合作。施工完成後，Colony on Grove Beech 將提供 48 個單位。所有單位都將為收入低於 AMI 60% 的老年人提供經濟適用房，其中 12 個單位將進一步限制為收入低於 AMI 30% 的老年人。

Massachusetts Legislature Strengthens Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Services

Massachusetts Legislature Strengthens Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Services

Legislation in response to federal threats bans data sharing, shields patients and providers

 

(BOSTON—7/31/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill known as the healthcare Shield Act 2.0, a bill that will fortify protections for those seeking and providing reproductive and gender-affirming care in the Commonwealth. The bill, S.2543, which was approved by both the Senate and House chambers on a bipartisan basis, continues the Legislature’s track record of ensuring patients are able to make decisions regarding their own health care.

 

The Shield Act 2.0 protects access to reproductive and transgender healthcare in Massachusetts. It also adds a layer of protection for patients and providers at a time when attacks on reproductive and transgender rights are escalating on multiple fronts, including executive orders from the Trump Administration, federal funding freezes for care providers, a Supreme Court decision ruling against transgender care, and other states’ lawsuits against physicians providing reproductive healthcare. It builds off the model legislation of the ROE Act and the original shield legislation enacted in 2022.

 

“Massachusetts will not back down when it comes to protecting our residents and defending our values,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our residents—indeed all Americans—deserve the right to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their providers. In Massachusetts, we do not discriminate based on the type of care you seek, and this bill strengthens protections for transgender people and those who have the ability to get pregnant. I applaud Senator Cindy Friedman and the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy for coalescing around this bill at this crucial time as part of the Senate’s Response 2025 initiative. I’d also like to thank Senate Judiciary Chair Edwards, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, and my Senate colleagues, along with Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House, for getting this bill to the Governor’s desk.”

 

"As the Trump Administration and Republicans across the country continue to target individuals for exercising their right to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their doctor, this legislation is representative of the Legislature’s commitment to preserving that fundamental right,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This Shield Act builds on the Commonwealth’s proud history of preserving and expanding access to reproductive and gender-affirming care by establishing new safeguards around patient data, and by protecting health care professionals who provide that vital care. I would like to thank Chair Michlewitz, Chair Day, and all my colleagues in the House, along with Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate, for their commitment to protecting the rights of our residents.”

 

“The Massachusetts Legislature is once again standing up to defend the rights of Massachusetts residents,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy, the committee tasked with leading the Senate’s Response 2025 effort. “Now, facing a wave of new threats on our autonomy from the federal government and other states, this legislation will enhance the protections for patients and providers we first put in place in 2022. In the Commonwealth, legally protected health care is just that, and we will always step up to uphold this and fight for our residents.”

 

“The federal government has made one thing clear: Massachusetts is on her own when it comes to protecting the privacy and constitutional rights of our residents. Today, we meet this challenge by ensuring that legally protected healthcare decisions made here in the Commonwealth do not become the basis for radical prosecutors in other states to exploit individuals or encourage corporations to profit off our personal data,” said Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “The Legislature will always protect our own residents and we will continuously re-affirm the fact that all of our residents have equal protections under our laws and have control over their own healthcare decisions.”

 

Several states have recently passed laws restricting access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare while threatening to prosecute individuals who seek those services in Massachusetts. The Shield Act 2.0 prohibits state agencies and law enforcement from cooperating with other states or federal investigations into legally protected reproductive or transgender healthcare provided in Massachusetts. Businesses that manage electronic health information would similarly be limited in sharing patient data connected to these services.

 

The bill also makes practical updates to protect providers, including: allowing prescriptions to be issued with the name of a healthcare practice rather than an individual practitioner; excluding certain reproductive and gender-affirming medications from the state’s drug monitoring programs; and limiting third-party access to related medical records. It also makes clear that healthcare professionals are free to provide legal care services in Massachusetts, and the Commonwealth will resist attempts by other states or the federal government to prosecute healthcare professionals for providing those services. 

 

Additional provisions of the bill include: 

 

• Enhancing license protections for anyone providing or assisting in the provision of reproductive or transgender care.
• Forbidding insurance companies from discriminating against or penalizing providers who offer reproductive and gender-affirming care. 
• Protecting attorneys licensed in Massachusetts from removal or discipline for advising or representing clients on the topics of reproductive or transgender care.
• Clarifying that Boards of Registration may not take disciplinary actions against practitioners for providing legally protected care and prohibiting boards from noting in a provider’s records any criminal, legal or disciplinary actions brought against them in other jurisdictions for providing care that is legally protected in Massachusetts. 
• Prohibiting courts from admitting or considering cases of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment brought against parents or caregivers because they support their child in seeking reproductive or transgender care.
• Mandating that acute care hospitals provide stabilizing health services—including abortion care when necessary—to any patient who is injured or seeking emergency treatment, in response to the Trump Administration’s rollback of Biden-era guidance on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)  that required hospitals to deliver abortion care in cases of emergency. 

Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the Shield Act 2.0, the legislation will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.

波士頓衛生局提醒民眾查理士河有藍藻污染

 HEALTH ADVISORY: CYANOBACTERIA ALGAE IN THE CHARLES RIVER

Avoid Contact with Water Downstream of Harvard Bridge - Broad Canal, Lechmere Canal, North Point Park, Lederman Park, Community Boating docks, and Storrow Lagoon

 

BOSTON – July 31, 2025 The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is alerting residents of a cyanobacteria algae bloom in the Charles River downstream of Massachusetts Avenue and the Harvard Bridge. Following visual assessment of the river, conducted by DPH staff, identified the presence of cyanobacteria cells at levels exceeding DPH guidelines for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts. Cyanobacteria produce toxins that can make people and pets sick. Residents are urged to avoid contact with the water and any areas of algae concentration, even on shore.   

 

Charles River downstream of the Harvard Bridge (Broad Canal, Lechmere Canal, North Point Park, Lederman Park, Community Boating docks, Storrow Lagoon) is temporarily closed to water activities. During the closure, park visitors cannot:   

 

• Swim, fish, boat or engage in other recreational activities on or in the water  

 

• Allow dogs to swim in or drink the water  

 

See the map with precise location at the bottom of the release.  

 

If you, your child, or your pet comes in contact with the water, rinse off immediately.   

Blue-green algae can form harmful blooms in lakes, ponds, and rivers that make the water murky, and can sometimes make the water look like pea soup or paint. Blue-green algae blooms can produce toxins that may make people and pets sick. Toxins may be present within the algae cells or in the water.   

 

For humans, the primary concern is ingestion of water containing blue-green algae while swimming.  Direct skin contact with the blue-green algae and inhalation of water droplets containing blue-green algae or toxins is a secondary concern. For dogs, the primary concern is the ingestion of water containing blue-green algae or scum that has washed ashore or gotten onto their skin or fur.   

 

Contact may cause skin and eye irritation, and inhalation can cause respiratory irritation and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions. Ingestion can cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If the blue-green algae are producing toxins, the health effects can be more serious, especially for children and small pets due to their smaller body weights. These health effects can include issues with the functioning of the liver, kidneys, and/or neurological systems.  In severe cases toxins produced by blue-green algae can result in death.   

 

Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog has been around an algae bloom and shows symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions. These symptoms present themselves soon after exposure. Dogs have been known to eat the scum that washes ashore and lick scum out of their fur. In Massachusetts and in many other states, canine deaths have been documented due to the ingestion of harmful algae.   

 

 When will this advisory be lifted?   

 

Algae blooms may last for weeks in the summertime or may disappear quite quickly. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) will continue to monitor cyanobacteria algae levels in this area. DPH will conduct sampling for laboratory analysis once the bloom has dissipated. DPH requires two rounds of samples collected a week apart that are below the threshold of 70,000 cells/milliliter of water to determine that the advisory can be lifted.    

 

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like more information, please call the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050.    

新冠疫苗巨頭莫德納（Moderna) 宣佈裁員500人

            (Boston Orange 編譯)由於新冠病毒疫情而崛起的醫藥研發公司莫德納 （Moderna）週四宣佈裁員，估計佔全公司10%的500多人將失業。

莫德納公司今年以來，已經致力削減研發、製造，以及其他開銷，以期2027年時可以減少15億美元的營運支出。裁員是該公司面對疫苗業務走下坡，川普政府政策不利生醫研發，競爭對手挑戰嚴峻等情況，為降低營運成本的做法之一。

莫德納公司執行長Stéphane Bancel在發給員工並與健康與醫學新聞網站STAT分享的說明中表示，不幸的是，裁員也是實現公司重組目標必需採取的措施。

Bancel寫道：“我們盡了一切努力避免影響工作崗位”，但裁員是必要的，這樣Moderna公司才能使其“成本結構與業務現實相符”。 “我知道這對公司來說是一個艱難的時刻。每當我們不得不與同事告別時，我們都會感到百感交集。”

莫德納表示，預計到今年年底，該公司全球員工總數將少於 5,000 人，低於 2024 年底的 5,800 人。

莫德納的核心疫苗業務在後新冠時代面臨重重挑戰，新冠疫苗的市場需求和銷售量都走下坡，儘管美國食品藥物管理局 (FDA) 已批准更新的疫苗，但有限制。由於競爭激烈，莫德納推出呼吸道合胞病毒 (RSV) 疫苗的難度也超乎預期。