麻州首任退伍軍人服務廳廳長Jon Santiago 將於今秋離任

Governor Healey Announces Departure of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago After Transformative Tenure 
 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced that Veterans Services Secretary Dr. Jon Santiago will step down this fall after more than two and a half years leading the newly created Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) through the most historic period of reform in Massachusetts history. Santiago, who has chosen to return to his public health and medical career as a physician, will be succeeded on an interim basis by Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett until a permanent successor is named. 

Appointed in March 2023 as the first cabinet-level veterans secretary in Massachusetts history, Santiago took the helm at a moment when the state was called to fundamentally reshape how it serves veterans and their families. Born out of the devastating losses at the state’s veterans homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Santiago was charged with creating the first ever veterans cabinet secretariat, restoring accountability, rebuilding trust, and delivering the highest standard of care and services for more than 200,000 veterans and their families across Massachusetts. 

In just over two years, Santiago led an unprecedented transformation of the agency: modernizing operations from top to bottom, securing historic funding, enacting sweeping legislative reforms like the HERO Act, and fast-tracking construction of two state-of-the-art veterans homes in Chelsea and Holyoke. His leadership reaffirmed Massachusetts as a national leader in care for veterans and set a new benchmark for excellence nationwide. 

“Secretary Santiago stepped into this role at one of the most challenging moments in our state’s history for veterans services,” said Governor Maura Healey. “In just over two years, he turned that challenge into a success by rebuilding trust, driving transformative reforms and positioning Massachusetts as a national leader once again. His steady hand, strategic vision and deep commitment to our veterans have made a lasting impact. I am deeply grateful for his leadership, and for the compassion and dedication he has shown to every veteran and family he has served.” 

“Secretary Santiago’s leadership has been defined by his ability to listen, engage and deliver results,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “He built strong partnerships across government, communities and veterans organizations, ensuring every voice was heard and every concern addressed. His focus on innovation, accountability and collaboration has strengthened services for veterans across Massachusetts and will leave a lasting legacy.” 

“We set out to restore trust in the veteran community, and today, Massachusetts has become a national model in how a state cares for its veterans,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together and none of this would have been possible without the dedicated team at EOVS, our partners across the state, and the veterans who served. I leave confident that the foundation we’ve built will continue to serve veterans well for years to come.” 

Under Secretary Santiago’s leadership, EOVS has delivered historic progress across the veteran services landscape: 

Building a Cabinet-Level Veterans Secretariat 

• Established the Commonwealth’s first cabinet-level veterans secretariat, defining its mission and building the agency from the ground up. 

• Created core HR, IT, finance, and legal operations, implemented agency-wide policies, and integrated data systems that enhance service delivery and accountability, leading to rebuilt trust in the veteran community.  

• Veterans’ services funding has hit record highs two years in a row, including $202 million this year to support long-term improvements. 

Transforming State Veterans’ Homes 

• Overhauled Massachusetts’ two long-term care homes by restructuring leadership, instituting accountable management practices, and modernizing clinical standards to include the implementation of electronic medical records for the first time at both veteran homes. 

• Fast-tracked infrastructure upgrades to complete the new Veterans Home at Chelsea and secured $263M in federal funding toward a $500M new state-of-the-art Holyoke facility, scheduled to open in 2026. 

• Achieved landmark DPH licensure, CMS certification, and VA compliance at both Veteran Homes - all while modernizing clinical standards. As of July 2025, the Holyoke Veterans Homes is exceeding the average state long-term care facility in 6 of 7 CMS indicators and had a deficiency-free VA survey in 2025. 

• Veteran satisfaction at both Homes now exceeds national averages, according to Pinnacle Quality Insight surveys. In 2024–25, Holyoke reached 100 percent satisfaction and Chelsea achieved 98 percent. 

Expanding Benefits and Protections 

• Led the development, passage and implementation of the HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans’ legislation in state history. 

• This landmark law increased the Disabled Veteran Annuity for the first time in 17 years by 25 percent, allowed for behavior health treatment under Chapter 115 benefits, increased the Veteran Hire Tax Credit, broadened the definition of a veteran, expanded veteran RMV benefits, extended access for veterans to use the active-duty service buyback program, provides municipalities with the ability to increase property tax exemptions to veterans, established a military family advocacy program, etc. 

• Launched a broadscale effort to improve training and standardization among Veteran Service Officer through VA accreditation. More than 154 VSOs have been accredited, a 214 percent increase, allowing for the Commonwealth to better support veterans, families and survivors navigate the complex universe of VA claims, benefits, and services.  

Ending Veteran Homelessness 

• Launched a $20 million campaign to end veteran homelessness, the largest targeted veteran housing investment in Massachusetts history. Partnering with statewide organizations, the campaign placed 800+ veterans into housing and advanced new developments in under 15 months, putting Massachusetts on track to reach functional zero veteran homelessness. 

• Over Secretary Santiago's tenure, veteran homelessness in Massachusetts has decreased by 27 percent for unsheltered veterans per federal data, a clear outcome achieved even as overall homelessness statewide and nationally has increased. 

• Additionally, the office expanded its supportive services for housing insecure veterans to include food pantry, rental arrears, utility assistance, and emergency housing assistance. For the first time, EOVS tracked metrics for supportive services, delivering over 165,000 services to over 10,000 veterans during FY25. 

Innovating Veteran Engagement & Services 

• Created the first-ever Veteran Engagement Team, prioritizing outreach to women, justice-involved, and behavioral health–involved veterans.  

• A major emphasis place on constituency services: 98 percent of 6,500+ constituent cases since October 2023 resolved, providing faster and more responsive service. 

Workforce & Economic Mobility 

• Launched several workforce and economic mobility initiatives at EOVS, including a Veteran Ready Business Program (VRB) to educate businesses about the value of hiring veterans; a Veterans CARE program that is hiring disabled veterans while providing mental health treatment; and implemented and expanded the Veteran Hire Tax Credit to support employers and create pathways to sustainable jobs. 

Strengthening Federal Partnership 

• Advanced joint initiatives and secured major federal investments, including $263 million toward construction of the new Holyoke Veterans Home, nearly $5 million for a historic expansion of the Massachusetts Veterans Cemeteries at Agawam and Winchendon, and $300,000 to launch the state’s first Veteran Suicide Mortality Review Board.  

The Executive Office of Veterans Services will carry forward this momentum with major initiatives this fall, including the groundbreaking of multiple veteran affordable housing projects, the continuation of the End Veteran Homelessness campaign, and the opening of the new Holyoke facility in 2026. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Nation-Leading Plan to Protect Nature and Wildlife

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Nation-Leading Plan to Protect Nature and Wildlife 

The 25-year biodiversity initiative will help revive rivers, forests and habitats across Massachusetts  

BARNSTABLE – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration unveiled a 25-year plan to protect and restore nature across Massachusetts. The plan, known as the Biodiversity Conservation Goals for the Commonwealth, is designed to rebuild nature, sustain the health and well-being of residents, improve access to fresh food and enhance the overall quality of life and economy for everyone. 

Governor Healey made the announcement at Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, where local leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate this historic commitment in one of Cape Cod’s most valuable ecosystems, Barnstable Great Marsh. The Administration also announced Massachusetts’ intention to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) to deepen the state’s commitment to national and global leadership on conservation. Massachusetts will be the first state to join. Massachusetts is also one of three states to join in the United Nations High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.  

“Our lands, waters and wildlife are at the heart of what makes Massachusetts so special. They shape our identity, drive our economy, promote public health and support the way of life we value,” said Governor Healey. “Protecting them isn’t optional – it’s essential. This is Massachusetts’ opportunity to lead. Through partnership and innovation, we are ensuring that we stay competitive, attract new talent and create a strong future for our residents.” 

“Strong local economies are built on the foundations of healthy communities. When we protect our coasts, forests and open spaces, we help Massachusetts grow,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is about ensuring lasting opportunity and well-being for the people who live and work here.” 

"Nature is our first line of defense against the impacts of climate change — the more biodiverse our forests, wetlands, and marine environments are, the more resilient they are,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “With this plan, Commissioner O’Shea and his team are leading a model effort to protect the nature that protects us. We are also thrilled to be the first state to join the IUCN, and to be kicking off our innovative Biodiversity Partnership, with Audubon as our initial partner. Vision, collaboration, and innovation—that’s how Massachusetts leads and I could not be prouder of the Commonwealth’s leadership!” 

Launched by Governor Maura Healey’s Executive Order  No. 618, the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game engaged state agencies, municipalities, Tribes, and community partners to develop this whole-of-government approach. This is the first time a state has comprehensively set biodiversity targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050, including for coastal and marine habitats. Notably, this sets ambitious targets to restore 75 percent of our most important habitats for wildlife by 2050.  

“We are seeing real changes across the state – more flooding, longer droughts and growing strain on the natural systems that people rely on every day from clean water and fertile soil to healthy fish and wildlife,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “A long-term plan to protect these resources is essential. It’s how we keep our water safe, our farms productive, and our communities strong. Acting now helps us avoid much higher costs in the future and ensure a better quality of life.” 

"Biodiversity—the abundance and variety of life—is the foundation for life. Despite its critical value, it is declining at an unprecedented rate. It’s a quiet crisis—in just one generation, we have lost over 3 billion birds in North America, seen the decline of iconic species like Atlantic cod, and rarely see once common and beloved wildlife like the monarch butterfly in our backyards,” Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “The time for action is now—Massachusetts is proud to launch this nation-leading effort to protect and restore nature for the benefit of all.” 

The plan is structured around four key goals—Protect, Restore, Sustain, and Connect—each defining specific strategies for action by 2030, 2040, and 2050. The plan also includes governance and innovative funding models to drive action.  

Protect 

• Protect Land and Water: Preserve 30% of Massachusetts’ lands and waters by 2030 and 40% by 2050, focusing on the most important habitats for wildlife. 

• Safeguard Key Habitat: Protect over 425,000 acres of essential habitats.  

• Create Safe Wildlife Crossings: Establish natural corridors that enable safe movement and access to food for fish and wildlife.  

• Care for our Oceans: Support designation of Cashes Ledge National Marine Sanctuary, a vital habitat for fish and marine mammals.  

• Reduce Pollution, Pesticides, and Plastics: Implement community-driven initiatives to curb pollution, clean up plastics and marine debris, reduce pesticide use, and safeguard local ecosystems. 

Restore 

• Revitalize Essential Habitats: Restore 75% of the most important natural environments by 2050. 

• Enhance River Ecosystems: Remove over 10% of obsolete dams and restore fish passage in all coastal watersheds by 2050.  

• Safer Communities: Upgrade 2,500 culverts by 2050 to support wildlife, while also reducing flooding risks.  

• Restore Marine Habitats: Restore salt marshes, eelgrass, kelp, oyster, and artificial reef to support our blue economy and sustainable fisheries. 

• Accelerate Nature Based Solutions: Cut the green tape to fast-track projects that have immediate benefits for biodiversity and resilience through streamlining permitting and reduce costs. 

Sustain  

• Support Local Food Initiatives: Foster local farming, foraging, and fishing practices to strengthen food security.  

• Boost our Blue Economy: Invest in working waterfronts and marine habitat restoration to sustain and grow Massachusetts’ seafood industry.  

Connect 

• Nature in the Neighborhoods: Build community gardens, parks, and green spaces in every neighborhood to bolster wildlife and pollinator populations. 

• Inspire Future Generations: Launch Nature in the Schools initiative to engage young people in environmental stewardship through schools and community programs. 

• Nature At Work: Identify gaps, licenses, and trainings needed to launch the next generation of the conservation and restoration workforce. Develop targeted Career Innovation Pathways for high school and vocational-technical programs. 

To kick off this initiative, Massachusetts is launching a new public-private Biodiversity Partnership to protect the state’s land and water, with Mass Audubon as the first partner. Mass Audubon is making a $5 million investment to support Massachusetts in achieving the “30 by 30” goal of safeguarding 30 percent of our natural areas by 2030.  

"The release of the Healey Administration’s nation-leading biodiversity goals for Massachusetts is a huge and important step in protecting nature and addressing the dual threat of climate change and biodiversity loss. Nature is not only the lowest cost solution to clean our water and our air and address climate change, it’s also a joyful prescription to so many things that ail us,” said Mass Audubon President & CEO David O’Neill. “We are committed to working with Governor Healey and her Administration to drive this forward-thinking strategy to meet its ambitious goals, and to serve as a hopeful model for the nation.” 

Additionally, the state is investing $4 million from capital funding, part of which will go towards establishing the Local Biodiversity Grant Program. The program will provide funding for municipalities, Tribes, non-profits and community organizations to enhance conservation efforts as well as for marine habitat restoration. 

The Administration’s recently proposed Mass Ready Act also includes $370.5 million for land protection and biodiversity. It also includes $20 million dedicated to advancing the Biodiversity Goals for the Commonwealth.  The Mass Ready Act also includes $5 million to restore important marine habitats to support our blue economy, sustainable fisheries, coastal resilience, and carbon sequestration. 

最高法院裁定川普可刪8億NIH經費。麻州長Healey發聲明稱中國和其他國家受益

（Boston Orange 綜合編譯）美國最高法院8月21日以5比4票裁決，川普政府目前可以取消高達7.8億美元的美國國家衛生院（NIH）研究經費。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）立即發表嚴厲聲明，譴責川普總統這做法將傷害美國科研進展，讓中國及其他國家獲益。

川普政府麾下的NIH早前已宣佈過一次大規模的經費凍結。美國公共衛生協會（American Public Health Association）和16州的總檢察官於是提出訴訟，指川普政府的取消經費是「武斷且反覆無常」的行為，造成嚴重後果。例如，麻大學醫學院因此裁減了 209 名員工， 2025 年秋季入學的研究生人數也從 70 人 大幅縮減至 10 人。

今年6月波士頓的一名聯邦法官下令，NIH必須恢復891項生物醫藥研究補助。科學家們為此開心了一陣子。波士頓環球報(Boston Globe)稱，用「補助款觀察資料庫（Grant Watch database）」的資料分相，新英格地區大約有63項約1.26億元的補助款會恢復。

這回，川普政府揮刀要砍用於多元性，公平性與包容性（D.E.I.）、「性別意識形態」及疫苗猶豫性等主題的研究經費。

目前最高法院已將此案交回下級法庭再做實務性審理。

 Governor Healey Issues Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Allowing President Trump to Cut $800 million in NIH Funding  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump can cut $800 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding: 

“Donald Trump is blocking lifesaving cures and treatments for millions of families and eliminating jobs in every part of our country. The only ones who benefit from this are China and other countries who are now recruiting our entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists and researchers away from us. Massachusetts will always invest in research, science and innovation. People across the globe are saved by Massachusetts science, and we will continue to lead the world in the discovery of new cures - and create the companies and jobs that come with it.” 

華埠牌樓電影節 8/22-24放映「笑拳怪招」、「殭屍先生」、「白蛇：緣起」

           

笑拳怪招

(Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 亞美社區文化中心（ACDC）的華埠牌樓電影節(Film at the Gate)今年跨入第19屆，將於8月22日至24日晚上5點半至9點半，在華埠牌樓公園內，露天放映「笑拳怪招」、「殭屍先生」、「白蛇：緣起」等3部影片。

            

殭屍先生

“華埠牌樓電影節”是亞美社區文化中心從2006年起，每年夏天都能吸引六、七百人在華埠牌樓公園內排排坐，露天看電影的活動。過去這十幾年來，都由波士頓街道實驗室（Boston Street Lab）的Leslie & Sam Davol，和1970及1980年代曾為2家電影院當放映師的麥寶嬋徒弟Jean Lukitsh，以及ACDC贊助。

白蛇：緣起

            8月22日（週五）晚將放映「笑拳怪招」，第一部由成龍自編，自導，自演，於1979年發行的動作片。

            8月23日（週六）晚將放映1985年拍制的「殭屍先生」，由洪金寶監製，劉觀偉執導，許冠英，林正英，錢小豪主演，李賽鳳，元華等人一起演出，曾獲12項香港電影金像獎提名，但最終只贏得最佳音樂大獎的殭屍片。

圖片取自ACDC網站。

            8月24日（週日）晚將放映2019年在中國大陸和北美上映，是大陸地區第5部票房打破3億元，最後累計票房4.49億元的動畫電影。由追光動畫和華納兄弟聯合製作，黃嘉康、趙霽執導，大毛編劇的動畫電影，取材自中國四大民間傳說之一的「白蛇傳」，講述白素貞和許仙在前世的愛情故事。2021年和2024年陸續推出過2部續集。

            查詢詳情可上網，https://asiancdc.org/fatg。

首屆波士頓國際華語歌曲大賽5人得金獎

首屆波士頓國際華語歌曲大賽部分得獎者合影。（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange 勒星頓鎮報導）首屆波士頓國際華語歌曲大賽於2025年8月17日下午在麻州勒星頓鎮Cary 紀念廳舉辦“獲獎音樂會暨頒獎典禮“，宣佈16名金銀銅獎優勝者，並請得14名獲獎選手表演，為本屆比賽畫下圓滿句點。

金獎得主和宴美嬌（右二）和主辦人朱鴻（右一），評審James O'Dell(右三），
廉艷（左一），以及李建生（左二），Eugene hartigen合影。（周菊子攝）

            来自中國、美國、加拿大的39名選手參加了這次比賽，有25人進入決賽，其中18人於8月16日親自來到波士頓競比歌藝，14人於8月17日登上“獲獎音樂會”舞台高歌。

            本屆比賽獲得金獎的有5人，分別為流行類的兒童Ａ組Emma Li，青年D2組音樂專業Sofia Shkidchenko，成人Ｅ2組宴美嬌；民族類的少年Ｂ組Yiting Yin；美聲類成人E1組的Joe Yang。

銀獎得主吳皓（中）等人領獎。（周菊子攝）

                  銀獎得主有7人，分別為流行類的兒童A組Angela Yiyang Song，少年C组Ruinian Fu，青年D1组Becky Xinyue Zhang，成人E1组Xuefei Wang；民族類的青年D2組音樂專業Simin Fang，成人E1組吳皓；美聲類的成人E1組Yin Li。

              銅獎得主4人，分別為流行類的少年C組Crystal Fu，成人E1組Zhiming Zhang；民族類的青年D2組音樂專業Kayip Chen，成人E1組王志君。

主辦人朱鴻（右一）請廉艷致詞。（周菊子攝）

               這賽事是波士頓國際音樂大賽（BIMC）的子項目，由BIMC組委會主辦，華悅音樂（WeStar Music）承辦，有美聲、民族與流行唱法等3個類別，再依參選者年齡，從5歲到31歲以上，分7個年齡層的共有21個比賽組別。

              金獎得主之一的宴美嬌畢業於上海音樂學院，曾獲國際音樂比賽聲樂專業第一名。 當天她一開口唱「九兒」，台下觀眾聽著就覺得她確實音色美妙。

音樂會由王曉梅（右）等人主持。（周菊子攝）

            參加民族類成人組，得銅獎的王志君笑說，她來美38年，退休前經營Wonderful旅行社，如今高齡81，會參賽全因老師韓志彤極力鼓厲。

            17日表演的獲獎參賽者，分別表演了「小美滿」，「左手指月」，「故鄉的雲」，「浮生千山路」，「小背簍」，「我用所有報答愛」，「兩地曲」，「天路」，「七月的草原」，「我祈禱」，「再看一眼親人」，「歡顏」，「九兒」，「滾滾長江東逝水」等歌曲。

Emma Li演唱“小美滿”。（周菊子攝）

            Joe Yang壓軸演唱「滾滾長江東逝水」時，會場舞台還配合放映諸葛大軍萬馬奔騰，沙塵四起的場面，氣勢十足。

Zhengjia Yang演唱“故鄉的雲””（周菊子攝）

             主持人王曉梅指出，17日演出的歌曲大賽獲獎選手，年紀最小的10歲，最大的81歲，年齡跨越幅度之大締造了紀錄。

            大賽評委主席，波士頓音樂學院前副院長James O’Dell 代表評委致詞。他說華悅音樂的宗旨是要呈現來自世界各地最好的音樂人才，但這項比賽非常特別，是要展現每一個人都可以無休止的喜愛音樂，參賽者的年齡差距之大，就是佐證。他相信以後會有更多選手參賽，更多人表演。

                  這次的大賽，還有6名評委，分別是旅居美國多年的花腔女高音廉艷，以及音樂會那天不在現場的中國民歌演唱家張鳴杰，歌劇女高音Olga Lisovska，伯克利音樂學院教授Rebecca Perricone，女高音歌唱家徐晶晶，音樂博士曉冰。

                  大賽創辦人朱鴻當天還頒發了一個傑出貢獻金獎給他同為北大及哈佛校友的李建生博士，感謝他一路以來給大賽的支持。

            在金銀銅獎之外，這場波士頓國際華語歌曲大賽還頒發了最佳舞台表演獎，傑出成就獎，優秀成就獎。（所有圖片周菊子攝）（更新版）

“Becky Zhang演唱“浮生千山路””

YitingYin 演唱“小背篓” 。

Xuefei Wang唱“我用所有愛報答”。

吳皓演唱“兩地曲”得銀獎。

Simin Fang唱“天路”。

81歲的王志君唱“七月的草原”。

Zhiming Zhang唱”我祈禱“。

Yin Li唱“再看一眼親人”。

 Sofia Shkidchenko唱“歡顏”。

宴美嬌唱“九兒”。

Joe Yang唱“滾滾長江東逝水”。

81歲的王志君因老師韓志彤鼓勵而參賽。

麻州府撥款2000萬元支持30學區可負擔學前教育

            (Boston Orange摘譯)麻州政府宣佈，將透過「麻州學前教育合作夥伴計畫（Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative，簡稱 CPPI）」，向 30 個學區和 100 多個社區學前教育計畫撥款總計 2030 萬美元，以為全州來自公立學校、家庭托兒所、基督教青年會（YMCA）和啟蒙教育計畫（Head Start）等的大約3,200 名兒童擴大可負擔的學前教育機會，並提高品質。

            CPPI計劃將可藉著在公立學校和社區學前教育服務之間建立跨學區計劃，強化課程、政策、評估，專業發展，以及對教育工作者的支援，為學齡前兒童提供公平機會，幫助有需要的家庭獲得以低廉，或免費價格，讓兒童獲得全日學前教育，以及踏上成功之路所需要的基礎技能和知識。

            根據麻州早期教育和照護部（EEC）的數據，接受CPPI資助機構所服務的學生，背景多元，其中近三分之二是少數族裔，近三分之一為英語學習者，約四分之一在接受早期介入或特殊教育服務，更有三分之一是首次參加早期教育計劃。

            CCPI計劃將著重於關注資源匱乏的重點城市和農村等社區，有意藉由奚莉州長（Maura Healey）的「幼兒園之前門戶（Gateway to Pre-K）計畫，把受惠兒童人數擴大到兩年前的三倍。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $20 Million to 30 School Districts for Affordable Preschool Access 

New state data finds Governor Healey’s universal pre-k program is serving children with diverse backgrounds and needs  

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that 30 school districts, in partnership with over 100 community-based preschool programs, will receive a total of $20.3 million in Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) grants to expand access to high-quality, affordable preschool for children and families across Massachusetts. These grants maintain the state’s expanded access to high-quality preschool, supporting approximately 220 preschool classrooms and 3,200 seats for children across public schools, family child care, YMCAs, Head Start, and other community-based preschool programs.   

New data analysis from the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) finds that CPPI-funded classrooms generally serve children with diverse backgrounds and needs, including that just under two thirds of CPPI enrolled children are students of color and just under a third are English Learners. In addition, about one-quarter of children receive early intervention or special education services and about one third are in an early education program for the first time. A large portion of CPPI programs operate in communities with fewer resources available for children and families, as defined by the Child Opportunity Index. Through Governor Healey’s ‘Gateway to Pre-K’ agenda, the administration has expanded CPPI to serve more than three times the number of children compared to two years earlier, with a focus in Gateway Cities and rural communities. 

“We know that far too many parents are being held back from returning to the workforce because of the daunting cost of child care. That’s why we have been focused on expanding access to universal pre-k through our schools and community-based programs across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Access to high-quality pre-k helps close learning gaps before students enter kindergarten, leveling the playfield and setting children up for success in school. I am grateful to the Legislature for their partnership in this year’s budget, and our administration is committed to building on this progress and working toward expanding access to child care and pre-k in more communities.”    

“As a former Mayor, I know how important access to high-quality preschool is for children, families, businesses and communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This new data shows that our pre-k expansion in cities and towns where families are more likely to face gaps in access is having an impact – reaching children who need it the most.”  

CPPI establishes a district–wide preschool program across classes in public and community-based preschool programs, leveling the playing field for kindergarten readiness and promoting equitable access to special education. Through CPPI funding, participating families can enroll in a preschool classroom at no or low cost. Funding may also be used to provide full day/full year services to families who need it. CPPI further helps communities coordinate, intentionally align, and strengthen curriculum, policies, assessments, professional development and job-embedded supports for educators across settings. For example, community-based preschool programs in Pittsfield through their CPPI partnership can access evidence-based early literacy instruction and materials through the administration’s Literacy Launch PRISM II grants. 

The administration has been on a CPPI roadshow, visiting Framingham, Somerville, Northampton, Worcester and Sandwichto highlight innovative local universal preschool programs, with more visits planned for this fall. In Somerville, a full itinerant team provides multi-tiered supports at all CPPI programs and support for Individualized Education Plans occurs wherever children are enrolled, to educational disruptions for students. And in Northampton, mental health consultants provide parents and classroom teachers with guidance, behavioral health supports and connections to services. 

“Education doesn’t start at kindergarten – it starts at birth. Expanding access to early education and care is foundational to the rest of our education work and closing opportunity gaps. We know that universal pre-k is essential to improving literacy skills of our students, addressing mental health needs and setting students with disabilities up for success,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “It has been wonderful to visit CPPI programs across the state and I look forward to continuing the roadshow this fall and maintaining our commitment to affordable, accessible pre-k.” 

“These sustained investments in CPPI continue the Administration’s innovative approach to universally accessible preschool,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Across the state we are building lasting partnerships between School Districts and community-based child care programs to ensure that families have access to the choices and programs that meet their needs, while knowing their children are gaining the foundational skills, knowledge and experiences to prepare them for school and life success.”

“These investments set up our youngest learners to have the best possible start to their education,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Access to early education prepares students for success in the K-12 journey and beyond.” 

The CPPI program has been instrumental in helping communities develop and sustain mixed-delivery preschool systems, offering families a range of options that meet their needs, whether in public school classrooms or community-based settings. This funding supports initiatives such as expanding full-day preschool seats, improving educator training, and strengthening family outreach to ensure that more children are ready for school success.  

“Every child in Massachusetts deserves access to high-quality early education, no matter their background or zip code,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today’s investments will help set children up for success from their very first days in school, support working families, and provide critical resources to the school districts receiving grants. I’m proud that the Senate prioritized CPPI in our budget, and I'm grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for swiftly distributing this funding for such an important priority.” 

“I’m thrilled the Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Legislature, has expanded access to high quality preschool for underserved children and families in the Commonwealth. The aptly named “Gateway to Pre-K” offers so many critical learning and social interaction opportunities and will enhance the skill sets for young children across the state. With the school year right around the corner, these 3,200 seats will have an immediate and lasting impact for these children and their families,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.      

“Access to high-quality, affordable early education and child care is essential for the healthy development of young children, as well as for the economic well-being of working families and employers in the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These grants will support thousands of families in Massachusetts and help provide a high-quality preschool experience for children at this critical age in their development.” 

"The Commonwealth continues to uphold its commitment to expanding access to early education and care" said State Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These CPPI grants help ensure more of our young learners can benefit from high-quality preschool supporting, not only their development, but also their families and the broader economy.” 

FY26 Early Implementation Grantees: 

• Chicopee Public Schools: $250,000  

• Fitchburg Public Schools: $250,000  

• Gateway Regional School District: $250,000  

• Pittsfield Public Schools: $250,000  

• Quincy Public Schools: $250,000  

• Taunton Public Schools: $250,000  

• Wareham Public Schools: $250,000 

FY26 Implementation Grantees: 

• Boston Public Schools: $670,000 

• Brockton Public Schools: $966,812  

• Fall River Public Schools: $494,000  

• Framingham Public Schools: $750,000  

• Gloucester Public Schools: $609,905  

• Haverhill Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Holyoke Public Schools: $566,800  

• Hoosac Valley Regional School District: $1,000,000  

• Lawrence Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Lowell Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Lynn Public Schools: $942,602  

• Malden Public Schools: $750,000  

• New Bedford Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• North Adams Public Schools: $316,000  

• Northampton Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Plymouth Public Schools: $494,000  

• Salem Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Sandwich Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Somerville Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Springfield Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Westfield Public Schools: $1,000,000  

• Worcester Public Schools: $750,000 

麻州政府斥資1000萬元 今日啟動商業改造稅收抵免計畫

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州政府住房和宜居社區執行辦公室 (HLC)今（20）日啟動商業改造稅收抵免計畫(Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative，簡稱CCTCI)，將斥資1000萬元，以每案250萬至300萬美元規模，資助符合條件項目，以直接緩解麻州日益嚴重的住房短缺問題，重振市中心活力。

這是麻州住房和宜居社區執行辦公室推出的一項新資助計劃，旨在幫助麻州把未充分利用的商業建築改造為住宅和多功能住房樓宇，把人流帶回主街及市中心。總計斥資1000萬美元，預計在2025財年透過單一競爭輪次發放。

每個符合條件項目，可獲得250萬至300萬美元的資助，最高可達支出成本的10%。建造50個單位以上的大型項目，已列入分區規劃，以及有地方資金參與的項目將優先獲得資助。

商用大樓改建住宅，很複雜，又昂貴，麻州政府去年因此和11名地方領袖合作，在他們的社區中找出可供發展，最適合重塑並轉型成為新大樓的商用場地，

商業改造稅收抵免計畫（CCTCI）來自2024年麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）所簽署的“可負擔住家法（Affordable Homes Act）”，是更進一步為地方領袖提供工具，賦予空置物業新生命，經由有針對性的資金補助，為居民帶來新住家。

今年春天，麻州政府為波士頓市中心2棟辦公大樓改建計劃提供資金的成功案例，為這次CCTCI奠定了基礎。