紐英崙婦女新運會慶85週年 頒卓越領導獎表揚梅伍銀寬

紐英崙婦女新運會共會長張青梅（左），李盧蓮馨（右）頒發
卓越領導獎給梅伍銀寬（中）。（周菊子攝）

                   （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導）紐英崙婦女新運會8月2日晚在波士頓華埠帝苑大酒樓慶祝85週年，頒「卓越領導獎」表揚該會元老之一，執掌中華耆英會已逾50年的梅伍銀寬。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏（左起），紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，
波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（右一）應邀出席，祝賀紐英崙婦女新運會
85週年。（周菊子攝）

                  紐英崙婦女新運會共同會長張青梅，李盧蓮馨指出，當年中日抗戰，蔣宋美齡呼籲僑胞愛國抗日，該會為支持國家，響應募捐，始於1940年成立。如今該會秉承愛國愛家愛社區傳統，持續鼓勵婦女獨立自強，勤於慰問耆英，服務社區。

                  當晚出席嘉賓有波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，麻州稽核長（Auditor）Diana DiZoglio的代表Ｍatt Chilliak，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn等人。

                  廖朝宏處長以中英雙語致詞時，先稱許該會為社區所做貢獻，既而為該會元老李伍綺蓮早前辭世表達緬懷之意。波士頓僑教中心主任高家富讚揚婦女新運會歷史悠久，積極貢獻社區，並祝福該會會務昌隆。

紐英崙婦女新運會幹部們合影。（周菊子攝）

           紐英崙婦女新運會為慶祝成立85週年，特地印製了厚60頁的場刊。近300名出席嘉賓翻閱時都可以看到，上面印有蔣中正和蔣宋美齡以新生活運動促進總會會長及指導長身份，於中華民國30年5月發出，准許該會隸屬的證明書; 該會民國29年9月1日開幕的照片; 蔣宋美齡慶祝該會甲子金禧所送賀詞墨寶等，讓人感慨時光荏苒，當年種種如今都已成歷史文物。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn出席送上表揚狀給紐英崙婦女新運會。
（周菊子攝）

            這晚還頒發「卓越領導獎」，表揚該會元老之一，自幼在波士頓華埠成長，2020年時獲得塔芙茨大學（Tufts）頒給公共服務榮譽博士的梅伍銀寬。

紐英崙婦女新運會共會長張青梅（左起）、林黎輝，張瀠今（右三）和
陳余寶愛，翁宇才等人跳舞歡慶。（周菊子攝）

            梅伍銀寬婚後育有4名子女，與家人一起經營家族餐飲及房地產事業，1973年應邀出任中華耆英會（GBCGAC）執行主任，積極為華裔耆英爭取符合語言與文化需求的服務與福利，經營迄今，已擴辦有3個成人日間護理中心，每日供應4,000份熱餐，還提供就業與社交服務，2015年建成有75個住宅單位的可負擔住宅“康樂樓”，以因應耆英的居家照護需求。她也自行創辦了“中城家庭健康服務社”，參與創辦了中華頤養院，為亞裔長者提供中長期服務。

紐英崙婦女新運會共會長張青梅（左二起），李盧蓮馨，和司儀張瀠今，
林黎輝（右一）也到85週年慶氣球前合影。（周菊子攝）

            過去這些年來，梅伍銀寬還歷任塔芙茨醫療中心董事，麻州州長的耆英事務委員會委員，華埠社區議會共同主席，紐英崙婦女新運會主席及董事等職。

            紐英崙婦女新運會還藉由場刊，向甫於今年4月以97歲高齡辭世的該會元老之一，李伍綺蓮致敬，簡述她和丈夫李實卿曾攜手經營新翠樓，協助創辦波士頓內歷史最悠久華人餅店，必珠街(Beach)上的「桃園餅家」，歷任中華廣教學校董事長，國民黨波士頓分部常委，伍胥山公所和婦女新運會幹部等的一生經歷。

李伍碧香（前中）帶跳排舞。（周菊子攝）

           當晚的慶祝會簡單隆重，在致詞、頒獎後，安排有茉莉花舞蹈團小朋友表演了不下4支舞蹈，李伍碧香帶領跳排舞，譚達兒，黃國威，雷玉霞等人獻唱卡拉ＯＫ，就連波士頓僑教中心主任高家富都手開金口，唱了一曲「我只在乎你」，慶祝會最後在阮鴻燦和張青梅、李盧蓮馨等人大合唱「朋友」聲中落幕。

          紐英崙婦女新運會現任幹部包括，共主席張青梅，李盧蓮馨，中文書記林黎輝，英文書記兼顧問李廖認寬，英文書記張瀠今，財政兼顧問梅伍銀寬，財政崔健豪，核數鄧秋華，陳錦萍，李曹秀萍，伍劉小芸，福利關美玲，阮愛玲，總務郭若碧。（錯字訂正版）

茉莉花舞蹈團小朋友表演。（周菊子攝）

譚達兒率先獻唱。（周菊子攝）

曾任中華廣教學校校長四十餘年的湯鳳鳴，這天難得的
應邀出席宴會。（周菊子攝）

TANGLEWOOD MUSIC CENTER TO PRESENT AN EVENING OF SILENT FILM AT THE COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE

TANGLEWOOD MUSIC CENTER TO PRESENT AN EVENING OF SILENT FILM AT THE COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE

Tanglewood composers, conductors, and instrumentalists to perform live at Greater Boston’s iconic art deco cinema on Tuesday, August 12

Brookline and Lenox, Massachusetts (Monday, August 4, 2025) — Tanglewood, one of the country’s most acclaimed music festivals and summer home of both the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and the BSO’s summer academy for advanced musical training, the Tanglewood Music Center (TMC), will be taking the show on the road this summer with a performance of their beloved Silent Film Project at Brookline’s iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre (CCT) on Tuesday, August 12 at 7pm.

“An Evening of Silent Film with Tanglewood Music Center'' is a collaboration between the TMC and the Tanglewood Learning Institute (TLI) that features original music by TMC Composition Fellows – Caio de Azevedo, Baldwin Giang, Liann J. Kang, Joshua Alvarez Mastel, and Sofía Rocha  –  written during their summer studies at Tanglewood, to accompany short silent films. These completely new musical scores are performed live by TMC Conducting Fellows and members of the TMC’s New Fromm Players, who have distinguished themselves in the performance of new music.

This year's Silent Film Project includes selections from animated comedies Mutt and Jeff, Felix the Cat, and Koko the Clown. The evening will also feature the heartwarming Falling Leaves by Alice Guy Blaché, one of the first women movie directors, and several international newsreels from 1926.

Ed Gazouleas, Director of the Tanglewood Music Center, said “Young musicians come from all over the world to study at the Tanglewood Music Center and we are proud to send a group of creative young people to the Coolidge again this summer. The Silent Film Project brings together composers, conductors and instrumentalists in a cross-disciplinary exploration of film and original music. We can't wait to share this innovative program with Boston audiences.”

“Film and music are inseparable, and we are delighted to co-present visionary works of cinema accompanied by original compositions and performances by fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center, some of the most talented young musicians in the world”, remarked Katherine Tallman, Executive Director & CEO of the Coolidge Corner Theatre. “This program speaks to the vitality of both of our art forms, and we are thrilled to share it with audiences in Greater Boston.”

The Coolidge’s screens are accessible by elevators. All are also equipped with a variety of options for patrons that are hard of hearing, deaf, blind, and/or visually impaired. For questions about accessibility or to request any special accommodations, please email info@coolidge.org.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre is located at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA. Tickets for this event are $35 general admission and $32 for Coolidge members.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces No-Cost Early Literacy Tutoring for 272 Elementary Schools

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces No-Cost Early Literacy Tutoring for 272 Elementary Schools 

 
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that 272 schools in Massachusetts were selected to receive free, high-dosage early literacy tutoring this school year, designed to help students in kindergarten through third grade build foundational reading skills — with Grade 1 as the top priority. High-dosage tutoring provides one-on-one or small-group tutoring sessions multiple times a week for at least 10 weeks. This program was created by Governor Maura Healey as part of her comprehensive strategy to improve literacy for all Massachusetts students and is funded through a $25 million investment in Fair Share dollars. 

“It’s crucial for our teachers and schools to have access to the resources they need to support every young reader," said Governor Maura Healey. “This initiative will help bring high-dosage early literacy tutoring directly to students who need it most, giving them the foundational skills essential for long-term success. With the partnership of the Legislature, we are delivering schools the support they need to reach all their learners.” 

“Through Literacy Launch and other initiatives like high-dosage tutoring, we are advancing our commitment to improve literacy education in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This type of tutoring has been proven to be highly effective. We’re investing in early literacy practices to strengthen the foundation of our education system.” 

Offered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this initiative will provide participating schools and districts with tutors at no cost to the school or student. The tutoring will offer flexible models — including in-person and virtual formats — designed to meet local needs during and after the school day. DESE has selected qualified tutoring providers to partner with schools and work with students across the state. First graders are prioritized as this is a crucial year to solidify early reading skills. 

“When our schools have access to evidence-based, culturally sustaining tutoring options, students are more likely to achieve the critical milestone of reading proficiently by third grade,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This opportunity targets first grade, a crucial year for learning to read.” 

“Learning to read in first grade is a milestone on the pathway to future success in school, and in life,” said Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “It’s hard to overstate the importance of learning to read in the early grades, and we want each and every Massachusetts student to get the support they need to achieve that.” 

This opportunity was open to all Massachusetts public schools and districts, with priority given to those demonstrating a clear need for ELA/literacy support and a commitment to evidence-based early literacy practices. School districts were required to show in their application that they use a high-quality early literacy model, which tutoring will strengthen. Tutoring will use student-centered approaches grounded in diagnostic data, evidence-based methods led by highly trained tutors, and flexible service models to meet the unique needs of each district and accelerate student learning. 

“Every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader, and this investment in high-dosage tutoring will give thousands of young students the support they need to thrive,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate is proud to have championed Fair Share investments that directly strengthen our public schools, and I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making early literacy a top priority.” 

“Strong reading skills are key to the success of our students and their future contributions to the workforce,” said State Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "This initiative affirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to improving literacy for our young learners.” 

“High-dosage tutoring is one of many proven tools we are implementing in Massachusetts, along with tremendous investments in early education and childcare, to ensure our young students learn to read which will help them to succeed,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Thank you to the Healey administration for bringing free, high-dosage early literacy tutoring to 272 schools this year to support our children from the start and set them up for future success down the line.” 

In addition to this new tutoring initiative, Governor Healey also created Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative. Literacy Launch provides educator training, curriculum support, and district grants, such as the Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) grant awarded earlier this year to 15 school districts. This spring, the administration opened applications for additional school districts to apply for $5.5 million to help implement high-quality early literacy instructional materials that will be awarded soon. 

Awarded school districts and charter schools: 

• Chelsea Public Schools 

• Waltham Public Schools 

• Belchertown Public Schools 

• Holyoke Public Schools 

• Boston Public Schools 

• Plainville Public Schools 

• Lawrence Public Schools 

• Abby Kelley Charter School (Worcester)  

• Monomoy Public Schools 

• Malden Public Schools 

• Everett Public Schools 

• Norwood Public Schools 

• Worcester Public Schools 

• Match Charter (Boston)  

• Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District 

• Milford Public Schools 

• Revere Public Schools 

• Berkeley Public Schools 

• Fall River Public Schools 

• UP Academy Holland (Boston)  

• North Middlesex Public Schools 

• Lowell Community Charter School 

• Dudley-Charlton Regional School District 

• South Shore Charter  

• Quaboag Public Schools 

• Edgartown Public Schools  

• East Longmeadow Public Schools  

• Randolph Public Schools  

• Salem Public Schools  

• North Andover Public Schools 

• Hoosac Valley Regional School District 

• Wakefield Public Schools 

• Triton Regional Public Schools 

• Leominster Public Schools 

• Weymouth Public Schools 

• Ayer-Shirley Regional School District 

• Learning First Charter (Worcester)  

• Manchester-Essex Regional School District 

• Watertown Public Schools 

• Lowell Public Schools 

• Peabody Public Schools 

• Reading Public Schools 

• New Bedford Public Schools 

• Sharon Public Schools 

• Springfield Prep Charter  

• Springfield Public Schools 

• Tewksbury Public Schools 

• Dedham Public Schools 

• Taunton Public Schools 

• Danvers Public Schools 

• Ipswich Public Schools 

• Andover Public Schools 

大波士頓2025慶雙十. 訂10月4日遊行、升旗

大波士頓僑胞籌備慶祝雙十。前排左起，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，石家孝，池元真，中華公所主席雷國輝，
波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維，諮詢委員蔣宗壬，
紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖，波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭，大陳同鄉會創辦人周仙海。（周菊子攝）

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏感謝僑胞支持。（周菊子攝）

                  (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 大波士頓地區近50名僑團，8月2日在紐英崙中華公所禮堂和波士頓經文處，文教中心一起，籌備中華民國114年國慶，底定10月4日遊行到市政府廣場升旗，晚上餐會，後續還有書畫攝影展，乒乓球賽等慶祝雙十的系列活動。

紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖（右）說明今年慶祝雙十活動安排。（周菊子攝）

        駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，文教中心主任高家富，2名僑務委員郭競儒，陳仕維，紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖，僑務諮詢顧問蔣宗壬和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝並坐主席台，和僑胞們交換意見。

            廖朝宏處長感謝僑胞們歷年來的支持，更為鼓勵僑胞踴躍參加今年的雙十國慶乒乓球賽，當場允諾加倍贊助獎金。

波士頓僑務委員郭競儒致詞。（周菊子攝）

            高家富主任指出，波士頓台灣影展協會9月底在波士頓美術博物館等4家電影院舉辦的為期一週本年度影展，也是今年雙十國慶系列活動之一，歡迎僑胞們多多前往欣賞，更進一步瞭解台灣。

            雙十國慶籌備總策劃余麗媖說明，紐英崙中華總會將從9月14日起，在波士頓華埠街頭掛出中華民國國旗，揭開慶祝雙十序幕。10月4日是重頭戲，遊行，升旗之後，慶祝餐會今年將改回晚上舉行，地點仍在帝苑大酒樓。

波士頓僑務委員陳仕維致詞。（周菊子攝）

            雙十國慶書畫攝影展由波士頓中華書法會會長黃周麗桃統籌，訂10月4日至11日在中華公所展出。

            第四屆雙十國慶杯乒乓球賽由梅宇國負責，訂10月5日至12日在中華公所內舉辦。

中華書法會會長黃周麗桃（右一）報告書畫攝影展相關事宜。（周菊子攝）

   波士頓台灣影展共會長林致中，蔡景全在會中報告，今年的影展將從9月19日起至25日，依序在波士頓市的波士頓美術博物館，北車站AMC電影院，布魯克蘭鎮的Coolidge Corner電影院，劍橋市的Brattle電影院等4個不同地點，放映「女兒的女兒」、「飲食男女」、「姐妹」、「地獄催淚部」、「這是個關於愛的故事」、「七股光電啟示錄」、「當轟隆隆聲再響起時」、「Doubles Match」、「莎莉」、「Yen and Ai-Lee」等10 部電影，然後從9月26日到10月12日的半個月期間，轉往線上(Online)繼續辦影展，以期未能及時趕到電影院的人，也有機會欣賞優質電影，進一步瞭解台灣。

國民黨波士頓常委張韻蘭（中）說明刊登廣告事宜。（周菊子攝）

          經高家富主任催促，波克萊台灣商會會場陳奕如，波士頓台灣影展共會長林致中，蔡景全和紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥君等年輕人，還立即研議如何組隊參加乒乓球賽。

         高家富主任指出，今年這雙十籌備的一大特色是有許多年輕人參加，除了前述幾位會長，還有波士頓台灣人生物科技協會共會長羅維中出席。也是年輕人的波士頓北一女校友會前會長吳杏玫還將首次組織儀樂隊參加遊行，必將成為今年波士頓雙十慶祝一大特色。

梅宇國將負責籌辦乒乓球賽。（周菊子攝）

         國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭報告，依照往年慣例，將和紐英崙中華總會合作，在媒體上刊登廣告，有意參加聯名刊登廣告祝賀者，宜在9月20日之前向2個承辦組織報名，繳費，團體70元，個人30元。

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會周暢第一次參加慶祝雙十籌備會。（周菊子攝）

         這天出席的僑胞們，還包括波克萊臺灣商會創會會長游勝雄，大陳同鄉會創辦人周仙海，現會長梁娜玲，波士頓華埠退伍軍人會資深幹部周暢，黃國麟，陳志航，司徒焯榮，波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽，監事長池元真，前理事長石家孝，港澳之友社創會成員之一的謝中之，李氏公所主席李奇舜，李天生，李源沛，紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍，前主席陳文珊，伍胥山公所美東副總長伍輝民，鐘美貞夫婦，麻州養生舞協會會長鄭玉春，中華民俗藝術工作坊蕭靖穎，成大校友會會長王穆誠，勒星頓中文學校代表吳正江，以及關美玲等人。（訂正：關美玲並非港澳之友社社長）

李氏公所主席李奇舜。（周菊子攝）

               

高家富主任波士頓台灣影展協會共會長請林致中、蔡景全報告今年影展安排。
（周菊子攝）

籌備雙十國慶，僑胞出席踴躍。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍。（周菊子攝）

伍胥山公所主席伍振中（左）當天要出席海港區的試划龍舟活動，
但仍趕到會場打個招呼。（周菊子攝）

8月1日起房客不必支付經紀費

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey)發佈消息，提醒州民，從8月1日這天開始，租屋房客找房子時，除非是自己簽約請經紀代找房源，可以不必支付經紀費。

            奚莉州長在7月4日簽署的2026會計年度預算案，修訂了麻州總法第112章，第87DDD ½節，以及第186章的第15B節，規定持照經濟或銷售人員，只能和承租者或者房東簽約，然後代表簽約方和房東或者承租者協商承租或出租事宜。任何費用將只由最初和持照經紀或銷售人員簽約者支付。

            這新規定主要目的是禁止強迫承租者支付經濟費，並明白規定“聘僱方付費（Hiring Party Pays）”規則。Healey-Driscoll政府已發佈一份“常見問題 （FAQ）”，幫助承租者，房東及經紀了解這新政策。若有不當收取費用情況，可洽詢麻州總檢察官辦公室的消費者權益保護和回應組，617-727-8400。

            新法令只適用於8月1日以後簽署的合約，對波士頓市、劍橋市及尚莫維爾市(Somerville)這幾個過往一向要求承租者支付經紀費的城市，影響比較大。

            由於近年房租越來越貴，甚至貴到套房到3睡房的租金在3,000元到6,000元之間，在租房一般都得預繳第一個月和最後一個月的租金，以及一個月房租的押金，手頭沒有一萬元的人，就連想租房子都有問題。還要再付經紀費，那更是雪上加霜。

            麻州州長奚莉和麻州眾議會議長Ron Mariano等人相信，這新規定有助降低承租者租住房屋的門檻，減輕他們的負擔。

            不過不少房東們卻不贊成這規定，尤其是小物業主協會（SPOA）還二度上街抗議，呼籲房東們參與由說議員支持他們的看法。他們提出的3點理由包括，承租者不需付經紀費之後，只不過是會逼使房東把費用轉嫁到房租上，使得房租更貴而已，這筆錢最後還是房客付了。經紀費是幫助房東快速找到合資格房客的服務費，合法的企業開銷，就算州政府規定這開銷該由誰來付費，並不會廢除這開銷本身。這規定也擾亂了房地產市場和經紀的工作，此外這規定也並沒有解決“房荒”這真正問題。

麻州長宣佈所有旅館式收容所已關閉 可為納稅人節省數億美元

         (Boston Orange綜合編譯) 麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（8月1）日宣佈，正式結束2023年8月發出的緊急令，麻州所有的旅館式收容所現在都已關閉，比預定計畫提早了幾個月，估計可為麻州節省的經費，數以億元計。

大約是從2022年底開始，湧入麻州的移民人數陡增。奚莉州長表示，當她2023年上任時，麻州救已經在用旅館安置需要住所家庭，時間長度數以月計，有時甚至長達數年。那時也沒有任何因應陡增的需求，保護納稅人的錢，或者幫助家庭離開收容所的改革計劃。

奚莉州長說，大家都同意，旅館不是個適宜養家活口的地方，所以她麾下的政府採取了行動，如今麻州收容的家庭數量已經低於2023年1月她上任時的水平。她們為麻州節省了數以億計的經費，也讓家庭踏上自給自足道路。

為因應無家可歸的移民家庭陡增這種狀況，奚莉州長在2023年宣佈麻州進入緊急狀況，並訂定收容上限為7500個家庭。如果那時候不制定上限，估計到2024年夏天時，需要收容的家庭數量可能高達13,000家。

與此同時，奚莉州長還和議會合作，修改了“有權獲得庇護（Right to Shelter）”法，增加了收容期最多6個月，必須持有麻州居民證明，所有家庭成員都必須是合法移民等規定。

奚莉州長還為住在收容所的人擴辦人力培訓，就業安置，增加幫助家庭找到穩定居所的個案管理，規定所有成年人在進入收容系統前必須做犯罪背景檢查。

於是在7月31日的週四時，收容系統不再有旅館供作收容用途，系統內的家庭數量也比2023年1月少。從2025年以來，  脫離收容系統的家庭數量（約4,500家），有進入收容系統的家庭數量(約1,500家)三倍之多。

一直以來，當麻州的收容系統爆滿時，政府就會轉向旅館或汽車旅館來找收容場所。2014年時，就有1,500個家庭被安置在麻州各地。前任麻州政府也在2022年時開始用旅館做收容所，

最高峰時期，麻州曾動用100家旅館來辦理收容，平均每個家庭每個月要耗用麻州政府資源約1萬美元。7500個家庭就要耗用7500萬美元。

在旅館之外，座落在前灣州懲教中心（Bay State Correctional Center）的諾福克快速收容所(Norfolk Rapid Shelter)，以及雀喜（Chelsea）快速收容所，也都關閉了。

奚莉州長說，大家都同意，旅館不是個適宜養家活口的地方，所以她麾下的政府採取了行動，如今麻州收容的家庭數量已經低於2023年1月她上任時的水平。她們為麻州節省了數以億計的經費，也讓家庭踏上自給自足道路。

有報告稱，麻州政府關閉旅館收容所的行動，每年約可為麻州納稅人節省4.1億美元，或每月約3,400萬美元。

麻州參議會通過議案今秋起課堂無手機 下波討論還看眾議會

Senate Passes Legislation to Make Schools Cell Phone-Free

Bill removes ‘greatest distraction device ever created’ from classrooms, keeps students focused on learning

 

(BOSTON—07/31/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed legislation to create cell phone-free schools across the Commonwealth. By requiring school districts to prohibit student cell phone use during the school day, the bill aims to boost focus, improve mental health, and foster healthier learning environments.

 

S.2561, An Act to promote student learning and mental health, requires all public school districts to adopt cell phone-free school policies by fall 2026. Reasonable exceptions to the rule will be made for students who need their personal devices for treating medical conditions, off-campus travel requirements, individualized education plans (IEP), or to accommodate a disability. Districts must ensure that students and caregivers have at least one method of communication during school hours and that students and families can communicate during emergency situations.

 

“Massachusetts has a proud history of supporting and uplifting K-12 public education for our residents, but a device small enough to fit in a pocket presents a profound challenge to ensuring student success,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “That’s why I charged the Senate in May of this year to explore ways to make our schools cell phone free. This legislation delivers on that commitment and builds on the Senate’s mission of creating a statewide education system that continues to promote learning and growth. I am deeply grateful to Chair Lewis and Chair Rodrigues for their leadership on this bill, and each of the Senators who have contributed to addressing this challenge.”

 

“This impactful legislation will make many beneficial and lasting improvements in the quality of our public school education. Countless studies have shown the detrimental and distracting effects of cell phone usage both in the classroom, and for entire school day,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “While many school districts have already implemented some type of cell phone restriction, this bill takes a uniform approach to this problem, tasking the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a clear ban on cell phones and electronic devices for public school students. The results in the other states that have enacted similar legislation is startling; students are more engaged, become more proficient in their studies, and the student-teacher relationship is enhanced. This measure also greatly reduces the threat of cyber-bullying. I would like to thank Senator Lewis for working to craft this final bill, and Senate President Spilka for her leadership on this issue.”

 

“There are a myriad of negative effects linked to the growing issue of student cell phone usage at school and in the classroom, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship building and social skills, reduced safety during emergencies, and more,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “According to Pew Research, 72 per cent of high school teachers consider cell phones to be a ‘major problem’ in the classroom, and numerous studies have shown the many robust benefits to student learning and growth by removing cell phones from their educational environment. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka for championing this issue and to all the many students, parents, teachers, school administrators, researchers, and other stakeholders and legislators we've worked with while putting this bill together.”

 

To guide districts in crafting these policies, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will create model guidelines within 180 days of the enactment of the law. Districts will have the freedom to decide what works best for them, whether they decide on using pouches, lockers, or other storage options for electronic devices. Districts will also have the ability to adjust rules based on grade levels or the structures of their school days.

 

According to Pew Research Center, surveys have shown that 72 per cent of high school teachers report that cellphone distractions are a major problem in the classroom. The survey also reports that 68 percent of U.S. adults are in support of banning personal electronic use in the classroom, demonstrating the strong public approval of this bill. Research from KKF demonstrates a rising number of states implementing classroom cellphone bans to address youth mental health issues and eliminate academic distractions.

 

Approximately 80 school districts have already reported, through a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education pilot grant, that they have implemented student cell phone use policies, with even more districts likely putting similar measures in place outside of the grant program. Additionally, numerous states have enacted statewide bans or restrictions on cellphone use in schools, with another seven states having issued policies aimed at limiting student electronic use.

 

Each district will be required to notify families of their policy each year by September 1, beginning in 2026, and submit annual updates of their district’s current policy with DESE. DESE will then provide an initial report of implementation to the Legislature at the end of 2027.

 

Having passed the Senate, the bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Massachusetts Legislature Approves Road and Bridge Funding for Cities and Towns

Massachusetts Legislature Approves Road and Bridge Funding for Cities and Towns

Annual Chapter 90 legislation delivers funding for paving roads, easing traffic, and culvert and bridge improvements

 

(BOSTON—8/1/2025) The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed a bill to distribute $1.2 billion among cities and towns to maintain and repair roads and bridges across the state. The funding, derived from bonding, will expand the Chapter 90 program and help address transportation related improvements, road and bridge repairs, and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure.

 

The bill enacted today includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50 per cent increase over past funding levels. The bill also appropriates $885 million in additional funding that will help ensure the Commonwealth is able to achieve its long-term transportation goals.

 

“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding that it allocates for projects that will address congestion hotspots across the Commonwealth. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for supporting this vital legislation.”

 

“Today the Legislature acted to give our cities and towns the financial tools they need to improve the infrastructure residents use to get to work, school and home every day,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud that this funding will go to continuing to build 21st century infrastructure in our Commonwealth and make investments in projects that promote public transit and reduce emissions. I’m thankful to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Crighton, and Chair Kennedy for their work, and to Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for their partnership.”

 

“I applaud the Massachusetts Legislature for passing this bill and recognizing the need to be responsive to our cities and towns while also proceeding with caution due to the federal funding uncertainty,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Thank you to Speaker Ronald Mariano and Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership in the House. This bill leverages the Legislature’s strategically increased appropriations to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to expand our borrowing capacity and allow for additional transportation funding for our local infrastructure needs."

 

“This historic level of funding will help cities and towns improve their roads and sidewalks along with other transportation infrastructure.” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “As we are experiencing increasing traffic congestion and the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we prioritize investments that make it easier for our residents to travel safely. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership and commitment to transformative infrastructure.”

 

"This legislation strikes a balance between increasing funding for municipal roadways and transportation-related projects while maintaining outstanding fiscal responsibility,” said Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our decision to continue giving the Governor the authority to utilize either general or special obligation bonds enables us to capitalize on competitive interest rates, save money long term, and preserve general obligation bond capacity for the Commonwealth's most pressing needs. I am grateful to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz' continued commitment to smart, forward-looking investments in transportation."

 

“This legislation takes into consideration years of feedback from the Administration and our local partners,” said Senator Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “In addition to incorporating 50 per cent more funding to Chapter 90 than in previous years, these funds are supplemented by additional targeted resources that will improve the roads, bridges, and transportation related infrastructure in all types of communities in the Commonwealth.”

 

The one-year $300 million authorization in the Chapter 90 program funding represents a historic 50 per cent increase and includes:

 

• $200 million to be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula;
• $100 million to be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Funding for three additional critical programs to support various transportation related projects include:

 

• $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which supports non-federally aided roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.
• $200 million for a culvert and small bridge repair program for municipalities’ local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement.
• $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots, funding that will be available for projects such as shared use paths, intersection improvements, railroad grade crossings, and sidewalks.

Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the legislation, the bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.