Senate Injects $1.33 Billion into Statewide Education, Transportation Projects

Senate Injects $1.33 Billion into Statewide Education, Transportation Projects

‘Fair Share' dollars would be sent to shovel-ready projects around Massachusetts

 

(BOSTON—5/8/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed a $1.33 billion plan to invest in public education and transportation across the Commonwealth. The Senate’s bill directs funding to expand career and technical education opportunities, bolster construction projects at local schools and college campuses, and support public transit, road and bridge funding for city and town governments.

 

The bill, S.2512, prioritizes regional equity by providing support statewide for K-12 school district special education programs, rural roads and bridges, capital improvements for public bus transportation, and infrastructure upgrades at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities.

 

The overwhelming success of the Fair Share amendment to the Constitution—voted for by residents in 2022—generated more than $1 billion over initial projections in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. This legislation contains restricted one-time investments in public education and transportation initiatives and primarily uses funds from that surtax, which is paid by households in Massachusetts earning more than $1 million per year. The Senate will debate its annual general budget later in the month.

 

“This bill answers the clear message that our residents sent us in 2022—to invest these dollars across the state to continue building the high-quality education and transportation systems Massachusetts deserves," saidSenate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “At a time of economic uncertainty, we are committed to supporting our schools and making sure that residents can travel safely, and these Fair Share funds allow us to do that. I am deeply grateful for the hard work of Chair Rodrigues and the Senate Ways & Means Committee for putting this bill together, and to each Senator for contributing their ideas and support.”

 

“I’m pleased the Senate has passed this Fair Share supplemental budget, prioritizing regional equity while also maintaining fiscal integrity during these highly uncertain times,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By utilizing almost $1.3 billion in one-time surplus surtax revenues, the proposal strengthens the Commonwealth’s economic foundation by making meaningful investments in education and transportation. This budget plan reaffirms the Senate’s strong commitment to educational excellence, provides significant resources for special education, and makes substantial investments in our transportation infrastructure. It goes above and beyond to give everyone a ‘fair share’.”

 

“Amid waves of uncertainty at the national level and devastating federal cuts, the Massachusetts Senate answered the call of residents to use surplus Fair Share Amendment funds to invest equitably in education and transportation across the Commonwealth,” said Senate Ways and Means Vice Chair Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “The Senate bill passed today will provide transportation solutions for small, rural towns, will begin addressing the debilitating backlog of deferred maintenance on public higher education campuses, will provide meaningful help to school budgets pushed to the breaking point, and more. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for leading the Senate to live our shared commitment to regional equity.”

“The quality of our nation-leading public education system and public transportation infrastructure often define who we are as a Commonwealth,” said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am proud that this supplemental budget represents a balanced, smart, forward thinking and common-sense approach that directly infuses funds into these consequential sectors to help address residents' most pressing needs amidst economic uncertainty and pinching budgets. I am grateful to Chairman Rodrigues and Vice-Chair Comerford for their thoughtfulness and collaborative approach in crafting this bill, and to Senate President Spilka for her continued leadership on our Commonwealth's priorities and shared values.”

“Our transportation system impacts nearly every part of our lives, from housing costs to economic mobility to climate change,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee. “This legislation secures funding to support infrastructure upgrades to the MBTA, capital investments in our regional transit, and improvements to our local bridges, roads, and culverts. Through these various initiatives, residents of the Commonwealth will experience safer, more reliable and more efficient travel.”

 

“These Fair Share dollars will provide critical support to municipalities struggling with growing education expenses by increasing state reimbursements for rising special education costs, providing additional financial relief for local school building projects, and investing in literacy and English-Language Learning programs,” said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I am proud to have been the lead Senate sponsor of the Fair Share Amendment. With this revenue from the state’s highest earners, we can continue to invest in the high-quality schools and innovative transportation projects that help make Massachusetts a top-ranking state to live in and raise a family.”

 

Education

Education investments in the supplemental budget include funding for:

 

• Special Education Costs. $248 million, including circuit breaker reimbursements to local school districts.
• Public Higher Education Deferred Maintenance. $190 million for higher education overall, including $10 million for lab resources for community colleges following the success of MassEducate.
• Career Technical Education Capital Grants. $100 million to expand capacity and accommodate additional career technical education opportunities.
• Local School Construction Relief. $50 million to support cities, towns and school districts experiencing extraordinary school construction increases due to inflation or the impacts of tariffs.
• Literacy Growth. $25 million to support accelerated literacy growth for students in kindergarten through grade 3.
• English Language Learning Programs. $10 million for educational grants to reduce the waitlist for services for speakers of languages other than English to learn English and subsequently help fill in-demand jobs.

Transportation

Transportation investments in the supplemental budget include funding for:

 

• MBTA Improvements and Infrastructure Upgrades. $370 million for improvements and infrastructure upgrades across the MBTA system, comprising:
• $200 million to replenish the MBTA budget reserve after the MBTA’s recent use of reserve funds for operations support.
• $100 million in workforce and safety training to implement Federal Transit Administration improvement recommendations.
• $50 million for commuter rail system maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
• $20 million for the MBTA’s low-income fare relief program.
• Local Road Improvements. $190 million for shovel-ready transportation improvements to roads, bridges, and culverts.
• Regional Equity in Transportation. $105 million for regional transit initiatives composed of:
• $50 million for capital improvements to equipment and facilities at Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) that serve and connect all regions of the Commonwealth.
• $25 million for RTA workforce recruitment and retention improvement efforts.
• $20 million for ferry infrastructure improvements.
• $10 million for on-demand micro-transit shuttles and Last Mile grants to foster an innovative multimodal transit system.
• World Cup Preparations. $5 million for transportation improvements associated with the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Amendments

During debate on the Senate floor, members from around the state contributed to the initial proposal with amendments reflecting their priorities and district needs. Notable amendments adopted during the debate include:

 

• Amendment 128 from Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn). Sets aside funds for assistive reading technologies so local school districts can purchase resources such as audio books and voice-text format books to bolster struggling readers in Massachusetts, including children with vision impairments, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities.
• Amendment 213 from Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston). Supports nurses by allocating funds toward expansion of the facilities at UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the ninth largest nursing school in the country that offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs; also directs UMass Boston to study the feasibility of establishing a satellite campus at the site of Carney Hospital in Dorchester.
• Amendment 106 from Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). Directs funds for ferry services including pier and dock maintenance serving passengers between the South Coast, Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.
• Amendment 223 from Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston). Directs funds toward planning and construction of a ferry dock in the East Boston Designated Port Area, along with money for ferry terminal capital improvements in Winthrop.
• Amendment 15 from Senator John Keenan (D-Quincy). Edits the language regarding the bill’s supplemental grant program, which helps school districts deal with skyrocketing material costs for school building projects due to inflation, to also include projects with material cost increases due to tariffs.

A comprehensive fact sheet detailing the investments proposed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, including further investments and funding sources, is available in the Senate’s press room. Video of debate is publicly available on the Senate website for viewing, as is the full list of investments approved by the Senate.

 

Different versions having passed both chambers of the Legislature, the branches will now move to resolve their differences before sending a compromise bill to the Governor for her signature.

波士頓華埠再傳槍聲 A-1區警察請居民促夜總會續付警員加班費

波士頓華埠居民會月曆會有20多人在現場。

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華埠5月再傳槍聲。那是5月3日的凌晨3點45分，有人在乞臣街13號門外開了2槍，但無人受傷，警察趕到時，嫌犯已逃逸。

波士頓市警察局A-1區警察黃天輝(Frank Wong)報告。

          波士頓警察局A-1區警察黃天輝 (Frank Wong) 5月7日晚在波士頓華埠居民會 (CRA) 報告，5月3日晚凌晨3點45分，在乞臣街 (Hudson)13號門外街道上，有人開槍。警察接獲911報案電話，稱有人在尼倫街和乞臣街交界處向他開槍，但警察趕到現場，嫌犯已逃逸，事件受害者並未受傷。

             警察在現場找到2枚子彈頭，希望能從子彈頭上找到指紋。警察還從鄰近餐館的監控錄影中看到了嫌犯影像，已派警探調查。

唐朝餐廳老闆黃展唐說明申請換酒牌緣由。

黃天輝表示，這起開槍案發生在凌晨，原因不明，但是在夜總會關門之後，相信與黑幫衝突有關。他也說，自從上次發生開槍案後，警方已加派人手巡邏，但A-1區的範圍很大，警方人手不足，能做的有限。

至於上個月在龍鳳酒樓的開槍事件，嫌犯已被警方逮捕。

            警司Zachary Crossen補充道，波士頓華埠附近有大約6家夜總會，尤其是劇院區的夜總會，可容納500到1000人，以前輪流著支付加班費，請警方加強巡邏，但最近全都停止付款，這些加班費用就得由波士頓市府支付。警方認為，是這些夜總會的營運，導致警察需要加班來維護地方治安，因此希望這筆費用能夠繼續由夜總會支付，而不是由波士頓市政府承擔，變成是納稅人來付這筆費用。

華人前進會共同主席湯建華表示自己不是積極反對，但擔憂。

             波士頓市議員愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn)的助理盧善柔指出，有些夜總會其實設在華埠之內。她還請警察說明華埠附近到底有多少家夜總會。不過警察說，大多數的夜總會在劇院區，天滿街的城中區，或皮革區。

Zachary Crossen表示，雖然這些夜總會並不是開在華埠之內，但是那些夜總會顧客在夜總會於凌晨2點關門後，醉醺醺地到華埠，找開到凌晨3點，4點的餐廳吃東西，或者鬧事，所以希望華埠居民記住這些情況，一旦那些夜總會申請牌照，來到居民會陳情時，居民們能夠要這些夜總會承擔責任。

出席居民中有人用台山話表示，華埠內巷道有搶劫，行騙，青少年打架等事故，另有人說，公園內有人隨地小便。Zachary Crossen回應到，居民不打電話報警的話，警察無從處理，希望居民們信任警察，如果有語言障礙，警察會找人翻譯。

Jamie Chen報告，南北行舊址將開張"喜茶"。

波士頓華埠居民會的這5月例會，在警察匯報治安之外，另有3宗餐飲食舖的陳情案。

一是乞臣街(Hudson)14A號的唐朝 (Dynasty)餐廳有意申請烈酒牌。律師Chun Lee和餐廳老闆黃展唐在會中說明，該店從2年前開張起，一直有淡酒牌，但是最近波士頓市政府釋出12張烈酒牌，該店因而希望換成烈酒牌，以期將來可以承辦婚宴等大型餐飲訂單。黃展唐強調，該店開業二年多，從未出過事故，他希望居民們明白，就像遵守規則的開車者仍有可能出車禍一樣，規規矩矩營業的餐廳，也可能遇到意外事故。華人前進會共同主席湯建華和另一名出席者Maggie Chan則認為烈酒是華埠治安隱憂，不太願意支持這一申請。

另一是夏利臣街 (Harrison) 75號的南北行舊址，Jamie Chen報告刻正翻修中，預定四、五個月後開張”喜茶 (Hey Tea)”的奶茶店，營業時間預定為早上11點至晚上9點。

Koko Kwan代林姓老闆陳情，"友情客串"將改名為"奈哥酸菜鱼加盟店"。

              最後是Koko Kwan代表林姓老闆陳情，說明在必珠街 (Beach)上”友情客串”舊址，將更換業主，店名改為” 奈哥酸菜鱼加盟店”，但營業內容與之前相似，店內有54個座位，營業時間預定為早上11點至晚上11點，將來考慮申請酒牌。

              波士頓華埠居民會在會末宣佈，波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)與華埠的咖啡時間，訂5月30日的早上10點至11點，在公路村對面的公園舉行，如果下雨，就改到昆士高中舉行。

CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST YOUTH JOBS RESOURCE FAIR ON MAY 10

 CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST YOUTH JOBS RESOURCE FAIR ON MAY 10

Over 2,200 attendees have already registered for Saturday’s fair; more than 3,000 youth currently in the process of onboarding for a job this summer 

BOSTON - Thursday, May 8, 2025 - The City of Boston, in partnership with Roxbury Community College (RCC) and the Bay State Banner, will host a Youth Jobs and Resource Fair this Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center. This job fair, hosted by the City’s Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, will provide an opportunity for Boston youth and young adults, ages 14 - 24, to connect with over 150 employment and resource partners, attend early onboarding workshops, access career development resources, receive job application assistance, and open bank accounts. With over 2,200 attendees already registered for Saturday’s job fair, the City encourages interested young people and families to register to attend in advance here or visit boston.gov/futurebos. On-site registration and entry will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, over 3,000 youth are already in the process of onboarding for a job this summer. Youth ages 14-24 can still apply for a summer job at boston.gov/futureBOS.  

“With our Mayor’s Youth Summer Jobs Guarantee, we are engaging every young person and their families this spring to connect to summer opportunities for growth, professional development, and fun. As we approach the summer months, we are continuing to build on our historic progress and double down across departments to make sure every young person that wants a paid summer job has one,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are grateful to all of our employers and community partners for believing in, investing in and stepping up for our young people. I encourage families to register and attend this Saturday’s youth jobs fair at the Reggie Lewis Center and get connected to enriching opportunities.”

"As someone who grew up in this city and knows firsthand the impact of a first job, I believe every young person deserves access to opportunity. Youth employment isn’t just about a paycheck — it’s about building confidence, developing skills, and being seen as a valuable part of our community,” said City Councilor At-Large Henry Santana. “That’s why I’ve made youth a top priority in my first term, and why I’m proud to support the Youth Jobs Fair. We must ensure every young person who’s ready to work has the resources and support to take that first step."

The City partnered with RCC and the Bay State Banner to host Saturday’s jobs fair, attract employers and resource partners, and amplify outreach to young people. The fair will feature music from SeeFour – a rapper from Boston featured on the Netflix television show Rhythm and Flow, Boston Music Project and a youth DJ. In addition, the fair will engage youth with a meet and greet with Wally the Red Sox Mascot, and a branded backdrop for photo opportunities. There will also be refreshments, games and raffle prizes. Parents and guardians are also welcome to attend.

The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity has worked closely with various city departments and external partners such as RCC to coordinate logistics for this event, connect youth to available opportunities and resources, and ensure the jobs fair is a safe, family-friendly environment for all attendees. The entrance for youth and family attendees will be through the Gym Lobby doors on Malcolm X Boulevard. 

“We are proud to partner with the City of Boston and the Bay State Banner to host this important job fair for Boston youth,” said Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson, President of Roxbury Community College. “RCC is a longstanding employer and learn-and-earn partner with the City, and we share the same commitment to providing young people with experiential learning and the professional skills required for long-term success. We look forward to our continued collaboration in developing career pathways for young people in Boston, ensuring economic mobility for our shared community.”

"The Bay State Banner is pleased to partner with the City of Boston and Roxbury Community College to create opportunities that empower youth from around the city of Boston," said Ronald Mitchell, Publisher and Editor of the Bay State Banner. "Our hope is that the Youth Jobs and Resource Fair will connect young job seekers with employers who potentially will introduce them to career paths and lead them to enhanced skills, greater community responsibility, and financial independence.”

Led by the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, futureBOS recruits and hires Boston youth in engaging and meaningful employment experiences that advance their professional and personal development. The City’s youth summer jobs program continues to experience record highs with 10,427 youth being hiredlast summer, the highest in the program's history. 

"The youth jobs fair brings together employers, youth job seekers, parents and community resource partners to provide career opportunities for Boston's youth,” said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. “These connections are essential as youth will think about their careers in advance, job readiness skills, safe banking, financial education and other great resources the city has to offer. We are thankful for our employer partners and city agencies for making this possible." 

Last summer, Mayor Michelle Wu deepened her commitment to employing youth through the Mayor’s Youth Job Guarantee (MYJG), a pledge that any eligible Boston Public Schools (BPS) student who wants a summer job can get one. To further this goal, the City strengthened its partnership with BPS, and as a result, over 50% of the summer 2024 youth jobs participants were BPS students. YEO will continue to prioritize BPS students this summer through strategic outreach initiatives, including Pop-Up Career Fairs at BPS schools. 

“The Youth Jobs Fair represents the City of Boston and the district’s long-time shared commitment to ensuring that meaningful summer employment opportunities are available for our students without barriers to access,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “The job fair is an incredible resource for our young people, connecting them with real-world experiences to build confidence, mentor-mentee relationships, and skills, assets that will serve them well into the future.”

In addition to Saturday’s youth jobs and resource fair, the City will continue to hold community-based job fairs at various locations to directly connect youth to job opportunities and resources in various neighborhoods. Additionally, the City is also hosting BCYF Community Center onboarding opportunities which will help youth who have accepted job offers with getting onboarded, connected to resources, and receive support before their summer job starts. Please see below for a list of remaining community job fairs and BCYF Community Center onboarding dates. For more information, please visit boston.gov/futureBOS.

Community Job Fairs

No advance registration required

BCYF Perkins Community Job Fair:

• Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  

Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity Community Job Fairs:

• Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  
• Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

BCYF Community Center Onboarding Opportunities

No advance registration required

BCYF Mildred Ave  

• Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
• 5 Mildred Ave, Mattapan

BCYF Curtis Hall

• Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• 20 South St, Jamaica Plain

BCYF Martin Pino 

• Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  
• 86 Boardman St, East Boston

“Having the opportunity to gain real experience and explore a possible career in law enforcement was a game changer for me,” said Jakhi Jenkins, a current 12th grader at English High School. “The experience made me even more excited about this upcoming summer and the opportunities ahead.”

“I think it’s awesome that students have the chance to get paid and gain real world experience at companies across Boston and I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of it,” said Aliyah Philippe, a current 12th grader at English High School. “Last summer I worked at Teens in Print and the summer before at the Roxbury District Courthouse. It was a cool experience for me to make connections and see what it takes to start a career as a lawyer. "

The summer youth employment program starts on June 23 and ends August 29, 2025. Job applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but youth are encouraged to apply early. There is a step-by-step guide available online to help youth navigate the application process. Youth can also visit the office in person, Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury, or call 617-635-4202 for additional assistance. For more information, visit boston.gov/futureBOS

Healey州長揮大筆推新猷要把麻州變成全美最佳退休州

麻州長Maura Healey簽署行政命令。（州長辦公室提供）

 (Boston Orange 摘譯)麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey) 今日（5月8日）簽署行政命令，發佈『對年齡友善州』計劃，成立州長的“對年齡友善政策及做法顧問小組”，將在收集人們的回饋意見後，制定麻州各局處改善服務耆英措施大綱，要把麻州變成全美最佳退休州。

 麻州州長奚莉和副州長Kim Driscoll，老年及獨立廳（Aging & Independence）廳長Robin Lipson 今日聯袂探訪普利茅斯積極生活中心 （Plymouth Center for Active Living），討論全州各社區可以如何實施新的麻州計劃，並公佈未來5年的麻州對年長者和失智症患者友善措失計劃-『重新想像老齡化2030: 麻州計劃（ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan）』。

 麻州有大約170萬居民年齡在60歲以上，佔全州人口約四分之一，麻州政府因而致力研議讓老年人可以在麻州生活得更舒適的各種相關措施。

 麻州早在2019年就制定有相關計劃， 2024年還舉辦了一系列的社區公聽會，以了解耆英居民看未來時的優先考慮。

 麻州政府從系列公聽會整理出來的為耆英服務6大工作目標，包括“經濟機會與安全“，要確保全麻州每個老年人都能因應各自的基本財務需求; “人與社區”，讓老年人和家庭藉由和社區有著有意義聯繫，成為有能力的做決定者; “場所與空間”，通過自然的和建造的環境，加強老人家的移動性和宜居性; “健康與福祉”，讓老人家享有最佳健康及高品質生活; “所有政策中的老齡化”，在所有的地方，區域及全州政策中考慮對老年人的影響;“信息、溝通與框架”，使信息易於獲取，並重新定義老齡化以重視老年人。

 奚莉政府強調優先投資在讓老人家們生活更可負擔，健康及福祉得以改善等方面，包括奚莉州長簽署了20年來第一次的減稅法案，倍增耆英的抵減稅額，讓符合資格的耆英們今年可以領回2730元。這一減稅法案還包括這世紀以來最慷慨的兒童及家庭睡抵減，讓每個家庭享有扶養一人，包括65歲以上老人，可減稅440元的優惠。

 奚莉州長簽署的另一法案，提議把老人事務廳改名為老年及獨立廳，以更好的反應麻州老年人的價值。

 奚莉州長把當志工耆英可享有的房地產稅最高減免額從1500元提高到2000元ㄡ

      從奚莉州長上任以來，她和州議員們每年都增加耆英委員會經費。 

      奚莉州長擴大醫療保險儲蓄計劃(Medicare Saving Program)的資格限制，以容許更多耆英居民可以享有福利，在醫療保險上節省更多開銷。新指南允許更多麻州居民註冊參加計劃，每年節省可高打3000元。

 今年稍早，麻州政府宣佈了580萬元補助款，擴大耆英，殘障人士及低收入個人的出行能力。許多收受補助者是耆英委員會，以及/或者其應服務切入點。

Governor Healey Signs Executive Order, Releases Updated State Plan for Supporting Older Adults in Massachusetts   

PLYMOUTH – Today, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order and released a new age-friendly state plan which will outline improved ways for Massachusetts agencies to serve older adults, following feedback gathered from across the state. In recognition of Older Americans Month, Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson visited the Plymouth Center for Active Living to discuss how communities across the state can implement the new state plan. 

The Executive Order directs all offices across the executive branch to identify areas where age-friendly policies and practices can be embedded in their work to improve the health and wellbeing of aging adults in Massachusetts. The Executive Order also establishes a Governor’s Advisory Group on Age-Friendly Policies and Practices to gather stakeholder and expert input on relevant areas such as transportation, housing, regional planning, economic security, retirement and other issues affecting older adults and aging populations.    

“Massachusetts isn't just the best state to go to school or start your career – it’s also the best state to retire and live your happiest,

healthiest life. But we know that far too many of our older residents are facing challenges, especially with affordability, housing and health care,” said Governor Maura Healey. “To help ensure older adults in Massachusetts can live longer, healthier lives on their own terms, we are taking steps to make Massachusetts even more age- and dementia-friendly. We want all of our residents, as well as those who are making decisions about where to spend their retirement, to know that we are working every day to make life easier and more affordable for people of all ages.”  

“1.7 million adults over the age of 60 call Massachusetts home — nearly a quarter of our population,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to making our state more affordable, competitive and equitable, and a key piece of that strategy is to empower our residents to make the best decisions for themselves when it comes to work, retirement and living a happy and healthy life right here in Massachusetts.”   

Additionally, Governor Healey today unveiled the state’s updated age- and dementia-friendly state plan, which provides a framework for both communities and state agencies to guide their age- and dementia-friendly actions for the next five years. “ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan” articulates the state’s vision and aspirations for growing older in Massachusetts. The plan, which includes an in-depth analysis of the state’s aging population, identifies challenges older residents face when aging in Massachusetts. Additionally, the plan outlines strategies and specific actions that state agencies, local communities, community-based organizations, and the private sector can implement to ensure Massachusetts continues to be a great place for everyone to grow old.   

The plan has been updated from the previous 2019 plan to reflect the most current priorities, needs, and aspirations of Massachusetts communities. This refreshed plan was developed with significant community and stakeholder input. Throughout 2024, the state hosted a series of community listening sessions to understand our residents’ priorities for the future. The following goals emerged from these sessions:   

1. Economic Opportunity & Security: Every older individual across Massachusetts can meet their basic financial needs  

2. People & Communities: Older adults and families are empowered decision makers with meaningful connections to their communities  

3. Places & Spaces: Natural and built environments enhance older adults’ mobility and livability  

4. Health & Wellness: Older adults have optimal health for a high quality of life  

5. Aging in All Policies: All local, regional, and statewide policies consider the implications for older adults  

6. Information, Communication & Framing: Information is broadly accessible and reframes aging to value older adults  

“Since Massachusetts released its first age-friendly plan five years ago, the Commonwealth – and country – have changed significantly, and some of the needs and goals of our older residents have changed with it,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “As we spoke to older adults to create this plan, we learned what matters most to today’s residents: serving them in their communities whenever possible, clear and effective communication, preventative care and mental health resources. This new plan is a guide to help us accomplish that.”  

“This plan is a fantastic resource for our municipalities and regional agencies to refer to when applying for age-friendly grants,” said Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration and legislature continue to increase investments to Councils on Aging and senior centers, enabling our communities to innovate and expand their age-friendly actions. Our hope is that this plan will be used as a roadmap to guide these projects.”  

 "With 47% of Plymouth’s population aged 50 and older—compared to approximately 38% statewide—it is essential that we remain dedicated to initiatives that support older adults in our community," states Plymouth Town Manager Derek Brindisi. "We appreciate the ongoing commitment of the Healey-Driscoll administration to fostering age-friendly policies that enhance the quality of life for Plymouth’s seniors."  

The purpose of this plan is to align the partners around a shared vision and provide a framework for our efforts over the next five years (2025-2030). A full digital version of the plan was also launched today and can be accessed here.   

Earlier this year, Massachusetts was named the top destination for older adults moving to a new state specifically for retirement in 2024. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized investments to make life more affordable for and improve the health and wellbeing of

has older residents, including:  

• Governor Healey signed the state’s first tax cuts in 20 years, which included doubling the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. Under this expansion, seniors were eligible to receive up to $2,730 this year. The tax cuts package also created the most generous Child and Family Tax Credit in the country, which provides families with $440 per dependent, including those who are 65 and older.  

• Governor Healey signed legislation that she had proposed to rename the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence to better represent and reflect the values of older adults in Massachusetts. 

• Governor Healey increased from $1,500 to $2,000 the maximum property tax abatement available to seniors who perform volunteer services.   

• Each year since Governor Healey took office, she and the Legislature have increased funding to Councils on Aging. 

• Governor Healey expanded Medicare Saving Program eligibility to allow more older residents to take advantage of benefits and save money on health care costs. The new guidelines allow for more Massachusetts residents to enroll in the program and save up to $3,000 per year. 

• Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5.8M in grants to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Many grant recipients were Councils on Aging and/or Aging Services Access Points.