Senate Acts to Protect Consumers from Predatory Debt Collection

Senate Acts to Protect Consumers from Predatory Debt Collection

New law would lower interest rates, strengthen wage protections, and ban imprisonment for unpaid consumer debt.

 

(BOSTON—7/17/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed the Debt Collection Fairness Act to protect consumers and keep people from being pushed into financial ruin if they are sued for financial debt. The new law would make debt collection practices fairer, protect wages, and make clear that no person can be imprisoned for unpaid consumer debt.

 

The legislation, S.2537, would strengthen consumer protections to ensure that individuals can retain some financial security when they are sued for debts that are frequently old and potentially bought by debt collection companies for pennies on the dollar.

 

The bill would protect thousands of families across Massachusetts—including many in communities of color—by reducing the interest rate on consumer debt from 12 per cent to 3 per cent, exempting most wages and child support from garnishment, and establishing a five-year statute of limitations for legal claims.

 

The bill also prohibits employers from penalizing employees due to wage garnishment or personal debt, and adds further protections for individuals coping with financial hardship.

 

“Families already in the grip of debt should not have to choose between putting food on the table and paying the exorbitant costs charged by debt collection companies—or fear imprisonment,” saidSenate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It is a story we hear too often, and far too often in our communities of color. An equitable Commonwealth is one where we have people’s backs, and I’m proud that the Senate is taking action today to do just that. I am also thankful to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Feeney, and Senator Eldridge for their work.”

 

“I’m pleased the Senate has passed this commonsense consumer protection measure,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This long overdue legislation will protect individuals from being pushed over a financial cliff due to unsavory debt collectors who prey upon people experiencing financial hardship, with marginalized communities often being disproportionally affected. It’s more important than ever for the Commonwealth to stand up and protect these basic consumer rights in the wake of protections disappearing at the federal level. I thank Chair Feeney, Senator Eldridge, and Senate President Spilka for their determined effort to bring this important legislation to the Senate floor for passage.”

 

“Those caught in the grip of a debt cycle know all too well the often-predatory practices used by debt collectors, and the crippling reality of staring down a ballooning debt that seems insurmountable,” saidSenator Paul Feeney, Chair of the Joint Committee on Financial Services (D-Foxborough). “While the Debt Collection Fairness Act will not eliminate debt or an obligation to pay, the bill does provide a lifeline and opportunity for hope for those caught in the deepest depths of this spiral so that families have some room to breathe, to move forward and break this debilitating cycle. I am grateful to Senator Jamie Eldridge for championing this and for his strong advocacy, the many stakeholders and advocates who brought this bill forward, and for the leadership of Chair Michael Rodrigues and Senate President Karen Spilka for their commitment to empowering working people and protecting our constituents from shady practices.”

 

“President Trump is dismantling federal government agencies dedicated to protecting consumers,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), primary sponsor of the legislation. “Here in Massachusetts, I am proud that the state Senate is voting on my bill—the Debt Collection Fairness Act—to provide protections from the predatory practices of debt collectors for working class families. I’d like to thank Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Michael J. Rodrigues, and Financial Services Senate Committee Chair Paul R. Feeney for their steadfast support for this bill.”

 

The legislation was reported out of the Joint Committee on Financial Services on June 20, 2025, and from the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on July 10, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full summary of the legislation and a recording of the Senate’slivestreamed debate and vote on the bill.  

 

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

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES FREE ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMING COMING TO CITY HALL PLAZA

 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES FREE ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMING COMING TO CITY HALL PLAZA  Events will foster community connections, celebrate local talent, and strengthen Downtown Boston.

BOSTON – Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture today announced an expansive lineup of free cultural programming coming to City Hall Plaza, featuring over 25 events that will transform the iconic downtown space throughout the summer and fall. Now in its third year, this series is made possible through the City's innovative City Hall Plaza Engagement grant program, which showcases Boston's thriving artistic diversity while providing a vital platform for local creatives and organizations to reach new audiences in the heart of downtown.   “We are thrilled to welcome such talented artists and creatives this season, reflecting our city’s rich diversity and contributing to City Hall Plaza as a welcoming spot throughout the year,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We look forward to seeing everyone on the Plaza.” The season delivers an extraordinary range of programming, from an all-female hip-hop showcase to a celebration of Boston's culinary heritage to intimate spoken word performances and chess workshops led by local chess masters. Several of the events feature cross-cultural collaborations, with many organizations and artists coming together for the first time to create an even larger creative footprint. All of the events reflect the city's ongoing commitment to amplifying diverse voices and creating accessible cultural experiences for all residents. “I am so excited to step into a third year of successful programming at City Hall Plaza,” said Billy Dean Thomas, City Hall Plaza Engagement Director. “The momentum we have built in partnership with local artists, organizations, and vendors has created a new energy surrounding the Plaza. Folks are so excited about the lineup of free events that they travel from other cities like Springfield, Hartford, and NYC to attend! This year, we continue our commitment to support changemakers who are overlooked and underfunded, such as LGBTQ+ creatives, women of color, and our elders.” The programming emerged from a highly competitive selection process, with the City's open call drawing over 115 applications from local artists and organizations citywide. Each selected group received City funding along with comprehensive production support and technical assistance to bring their vision to life. “With this funding, we can ensure that our event is inclusive, accessible, and professionally produced — elevating the visibility of our neighborhoods and ensuring that every story is heard,” said Annie Le, Director of Boston Little Saigon. “City Hall Plaza is a symbolic and central gathering space that represents the heart of civic life in Boston. Hosting Boston Cultural Districts Festival: One Boston, Many Stories here sends a powerful message: that the cultural richness of neighborhoods like Roxbury, the Latin Quarter, Fenway, and Boston Little Saigon belongs at the center of our city’s narrative. For our communities, it means recognition, representation, and pride. It affirms that their histories, art, and voices are not only vital to the local fabric but also worthy of being celebrated on a prominent, public stage.” “Being awarded the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant supports our major goals and milestones by allowing us to provide a larger platform to Boston's incredible creative women,” said Sadiq Ervin, founder of The Blair Project.” The Blair Project has been highlighting creative women across the city of Boston for the past three years, so to be able to have our work be recognized and be permitted to inject more resources into our platform means the world to us.” This marks the third year of programming at the renovated City Hall Plaza, building on remarkable momentum that has established the space as a cultural cornerstone. Over the past two years, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture has presented over 50 events at the plaza, drawing over 21,000 attendees.  This year’s lineup includes:  Cultural Districts: One Boston, Many Stories Festival - July 20, 2025 A vibrant, city-wide celebration of the rich cultural heritage that defines Boston's neighborhoods. This dynamic festival brings together the heartbeats of four unique cultural districts — the Latin Quarter, Fenway Cultural District, Roxbury Cultural District, and Boston Little Saigon — for a day of music, art, food, storytelling, and connection. Slam Theatre - July 24, 2025 An outdoor Great American Variety Show featuring 10-minute plays, dance, live jazz, and spoken word performances featuring the new Poet Laureates of Boston and Massachusetts, Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah and Regie Gibson. Bridgeside Cypher - August 2, 2025 A freestyle rap cypher in the heart of City Hall Plaza, with the goal of building bridges between people of different backgrounds through hip-hop. Reclaiming Our Past, Building Bridges to the Future - September 7, 2025 Access Culture is partnering with the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB) and the Museum of African American History to highlight the important contributions of Black and Native communities to City Hall Plaza, formerly known as Scollay Square. The event will feature music, dance, and a ceremonial cleansing of City Hall Plaza. Fiesta En La Plaza - September 28 and October 12, 2025 Over two days, talented artists from across Latin America, who now call Boston home, will share their cultural roots through music, dancing, film, a panel on an Afro-Latin identity and more! Spicetoberfest  - October 18, 2025 A harvest-inspired cultural marketplace and festival celebrating spice, culture, and food! This family-friendly event showcases the city's rich culinary diversity through live cooking demonstrations by local chefs, a marketplace with spicy food vendors, and exciting spicy food challenges. Experience cultural storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and creative spicy mocktails and cocktails. Rock The Plaza - October 26, 2025 An intergenerational celebration featuring a lineup of performances highlighting senior women in rock music.  The Blair Project - October 31, 2025 Combining Halloween festivities with an all-women line-up of hip-hop artists and DJs, the Blair Project celebrates the rich cultural contributions of women to Boston's art, music, and entertainment communities. Boots With The Fur - November 2, 2025 An all-day dance convention from 617 Country featuring a mix of country western dance and soul line dance that provides space for queer folks of all ages. Visual Language: An evening of projection art and poetry - November 13, 2025 Artists for Humanity teens will be showcasing a series of portraits celebrating historical figures as 3D projections onto the facade of City Hall Plaza. Each projection will be accompanied by live music, poetry readings, and will celebrate inspirational leaders, trailblazers, and innovators throughout history.  Recurring Events: 3 Days of Chess: August 3, 10 and 17, 2025.  An all-ages series from Jamaica Plain Chess offering workshops led by Boston-based chess masters and an unrated chess tournament open to the public. "If you can Feel it, you can Speak it" - July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14, 2025 An open mic series dedicated to the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA2+ communities of color and allies. FREE VERSE Presents “Spotlight Sessions” - August 28, September 25, October 23, November 20, December 18, 2025 A series of dynamic, interactive, and community-driven events designed to foster integration of emerging youth artists alongside more established artists. Each event will create a space for mentorship, shared creativity, and engage in critical social conversations amongst local artists. Featuring open mic performances in poetry, music, visual art, dance, comedy, and more, the series will explore themes of social justice, personal growth, creativity, and cultural celebration. To learn more, visit boston.gov/cityhallplaza.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Disappointed by Supreme Court Decision Allowing the Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17, 2025

CONTACT:
Aleisha Flores (DC) aflores@advancingjustice-aajc.org

Liana Liang (CA), lliang@ajsocal.org 

Grace Pai (IL), gpai@advancingjustice-chicago.org 

James Woo (GA), jwoo@advancingjustice-atlanta.org 

 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Disappointed by Supreme Court Decision Allowing the Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, the Supreme Court, without any explanation, allowed the Trump Administration to move forward with gutting the U.S. Department of Education (ED), a move that undermines Congressional authority and will effectively prevent the implementation of statutory requirements. 

 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation  of four independent civil rights organizations, issues the following statement in response: 

 

“We were deeply troubled by the President’s Executive Order directing the closure of the Department of Education back in March. The nation’s highest court permitting this to happen without an explanation and before a decision on the merits is especially alarming. The eradication of ED will be detrimental to students nationwide, especially the 2.7 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students we serve.  

 

“For the last forty years, the Department has provided equitable opportunities for students to learn and thrive. Without ED’s critical funding, civil rights enforcement, school environment guidance, language access support, and research—among many other services—the futures of millions of students, their families, and educators are uncertain. Without policies that protect and advocate for their success, AANHPI students will be vulnerable to discrimination and be at risk of being overlooked in the classroom. While we are disappointed by the Court’s shadow docket permitting the interim dismantling of ED, we can assure our community that we will continue to defend equitable and accessible education for all. We remain hopeful that a final decision on the merits will vindicate the rule of law and the rights of federal workers, allowing ED to continue serving the needs of students everywhere.” 

 

大波士頓文協2025 BBQ. 祖孫三代共聚締造200人盛況

大波士頓中華文化協會2025 BBQ近200人出席。（文協提供）

        （

文協野餐合影。（文協提供）

Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導）大波士頓中華文化協會（GBCCA）7月12日在Auburndale Cove公園舉辦的年度夏日野餐，在會長趙寧吆喝，熱心志工傾力相助中再創盛況，老中青幼近200人歡聚一處，寒暄敘舊，結交新友，開心十分。

文協會長趙寧（左起）用喇叭宣佈抽獎的中獎者。韓蓮芳，吳德惠坐鎮接待桌。
（周菊子攝）

       文協近年面對傳承挑戰，許多老會員退休後遷居，以至會員人數從最盛時期的數百人驟減至80餘人，會內分支雲鶴社，倒是由於多數活動在網上舉行，散居美國，甚至台灣的老友們都鼎力支持，頻繁辦講座，甚至比文協還活躍。

抽獎時忙得人仰馬翻。（周菊子攝）

12日這天會這麼熱鬧，則是一因會長趙寧決定與紐英崙青少年夏令營合作，加強長輩與後輩之間交流，於是有了43名年輕人參加，一是雲鶴社台柱如龍俐麗，湯耀武，葛佑梅，胡世沛，文協前輩如蔣宗壬，陳瑞虹，紛紛出席支持，以至於參加活動人數從100開始，不斷跳升至高達170多人。12日那天還又有波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如，活動組組長夏承賢等好多人臨時參加的來到會場。

文協會長趙寧在野餐會後發感謝文，直言這次活動，有近200人參加，能夠順利舉辦，全靠陳玉瑛、陳韻潔、韓咪咪、王豫靈、楊羅東、徐宗玲、吳德惠、吳宇懷、薩芝楠等文協幹部分工合作，甚至有人從台北提供問卷的來出點子，討論，分工，底定各項細節。

大波士頓文協今年的ＢＢＱ會場。（周菊子攝）

活動當天，又有副會長吳德惠和韓蓮芳、徐宗玲坐鎮接待桌，迎迓陸續抵達的參加者，前會長賴超強和楊曉華從文協運了十張長桌，許多椅子到現場，紐英崙青少年中文夏令營的營長Christopher率領了一批年輕力壯的「搬運手」，一下子就把會場佈置得有模有樣，從餐館訂來的素炒海帶，煮玉米，炸雞塊等中餐，配上熱狗，漢堡，燒烤，韓咪咪做的仙草茶，文協準備的檸檬茶，西瓜等等，讓參加野餐活動的人圍桌而聚，暢敘種種，開心非常。   

活動高潮之一是張越騎（前左）帶動跳。（周菊子攝）

吃喝得差不多時，現場還有譚繼欣、談宗儀母女示範耍棍，張越麒帶跳Zumba，文協合唱團團員周映秋打趣說，該請團長姜詮也帶大家唱唱歌。野餐快結束時，會長趙寧主持抽獎，其中一名抽中獎品的女士開心的說，是「東坡茶」耶。

會長趙寧說，這天最難得的是，有好幾家是祖孫三代出動。創辦「余心樂農場」的郭延鐸，這天就是和父親郭中一，女兒真真一起來參加，讓他感動，太感動的看到了文協永續發展的潛力無窮。

文協下一個大活動將是訂10月18日舉辦的開放日。（更新版，修訂標題）

譚繼欣（又）和女兒談宗儀示範耍棍。（周菊子攝）

文協志工負責分餐。（文協提供）

波士頓房東協會創辦人潘樹仁（右）當臨時義工，為波克萊台灣商會活動組組長
夏承賢（左）乘一碗仙草茶。（周菊子攝）

陳瑞紅（左起）和賴惠、鄒篤岑（右）。

蔣宗壬（右）在會場和老友寒暄。（周菊子攝）

葛幼梅。（周菊子攝）

周映秋（中）要文協合唱團團長姜詮（右）帶頭唱歌。（周菊子攝）

波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如（左起）和商會活動組組長夏承賢，
理事陳玉瑛、羅靖春來張商會合影。（周菊子攝）

左起，韓蓮芳，吳德惠、徐宗玲坐鎮接待台。（周菊子攝）

胡世沛（右一）等人圍聚一桌。（文協提供）

楊羅東（左二）、劉建靖（右一）等人圍桌聚談。（文協提供）

2026夏20多國高桅帆船將來波士頓遊行

高桅帆船來到波士頓時，萬人圍觀。「揚帆波士頓提供）

          （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導）「揚帆波士頓（Sail Boston）」這高桅帆船列隊，在海上遊行的盛事，將在2026年的7月11至16日，美國慶祝建國250週年之際，再回到波士頓，估計有28個以上國家將派船艦參加。

麻州州長Maura Healey慷慨激昂的期待2026。（周菊子攝）

         麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey），波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu），「會晤波士頓 （Meet Boston）」執行長Martha J. Sheridan，麻州港務局局長Richard Davey等人，今日中午，應邀來到Rowes 碼頭，出席宣佈會，為明年將來到的這一盛事，打氣，支持。

波士頓市長吳弭感謝所有合作夥伴。（周菊子攝）

              奚莉州長激昂地說，美國的一切都是從麻州開始的。在慶祝美國建國250週年之際，麻州當然要以獨一無二的方式大肆慶祝。她在強調所有一切，都來自團隊合作，麻州已經慶祝了茶黨250週年，保羅瑞維爾的午夜騎行，勒星頓鎮的砲戰重演，為慶祝250週年，麻州已經做了很多，到明年夏天時，麻州和波士頓會成為全球焦點。

「揚帆波士頓」執行主任 Dusty Rhodes坦言辦這活動，得和那麼多不同國家協商，
很不容易。（周菊子攝）

              波士頓市長吳弭，250週年慶將把幡然轉變人們對波士頓夏天的印象。她感謝波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox，波士頓急救服務長Jim Hooley，消防局局長Paul Burg等人協辦大活動，保護人民及遊客的安全，同時感謝麻州州長奚莉和麻州府團隊的合作。在那些來自世界各國的高桅帆船吸引數以百萬計的遊客時，那種輝煌高光時刻，將為許多人留下醫生難以忘懷的記憶。波士頓市明年還要接辦7場國際足聯世界盃（FIFA）比賽。往年「揚帆波士頓」為小企業帶來1億2000萬美元的經濟活動，人們的興奮之情已經在醞釀了。

「會晤波士頓 （Meet Boston）」執行長Martha J. Sheridan表示，
全球經濟狀況對旅遊業的確有影響，但麻州還很好。（周菊子攝）

              「揚帆波士頓」執行主任 Dusty Rhodes指出，「波士頓揚帆2026 (Sail Boston 2026)」將是「揚帆250」這慶祝美國建國250週年的活動之一。截至目前，已有阿根廷（Argentina）、巴西（Brazil）、智利（Chile）、哥倫比亞（Colombia）、庫克島（Cook Islands）、厄瓜多爾（Ecuador）、德國（Germany）、印度（India）、印尼（Indonesia）、義大利（Italy）、馬來西亞（Malaysia）、墨西哥（Mexico），荷蘭（Netherlands）、挪威（Norway）、阿曼（Oman）、秘魯（Peru）、葡萄牙（Portugal）、羅馬尼亞（Romania）、西班牙（Spain）、英國（United Kingdom），美國（

嘉賓們出席「揚帆波士頓」預告高桅帆船明年來波士頓的記者會。
（周菊子攝）

USA），烏拉圭（Uruguay）等22個受邀國家允諾參加。

         在這些國家中，只有馬來西亞是亞洲國家。這天應邀出席觀禮的日本駐波士頓總領事高橋誠一郎（Seiichiro Takahashi）透露，日本也收到邀請，但還未確定是否派船參加。

波士頓急救服務長Jim Hooley（右），消防局局長Paul Burg（左）連袂出席記者會。
（周菊子攝）

         根據歷史資料，「揚帆波士頓」這高桅帆船遊行活動最早是在1976年，為慶祝美國建國200週年時舉辦的，後來曾在1980，1992，2000，2017

的這幾年舉辦過，換言之，在過去的這50年間，只舉辦過5次，平均10年一次，許多民眾對這帆船遊行活動因而十分期待。

「揚帆波士頓」嘉賓合影。（圖片來自州長辦公室）

         Dusty Rhodes表示，1976年那次，意義重大，英國女皇也來了。但以參加遊行船隻和圍觀人群規模而論，1992年和2000年那兩次，規模最大。明年可能會有60艘船到訪。

日本駐波士頓總領事高橋誠一郎（Seiichiro Takahashi）（又）表示
他在爭取日本也派船來。（周菊子攝）

「揚帆波士頓」印製的宣傳卡片。（周菊子攝）

「揚帆波士頓」卡片印製時，已有22國允諾派出船隻。（周菊子攝）

高桅帆船齊聚波士頓海港盛況。（Sail Boston提供）

Massachusetts Receives Highest Rating for Special Education for Seventh Consecutive Year

Massachusetts Receives Highest Rating for Special Education for Seventh Consecutive Year Recent budgets signed by Governor Healey invest over half a billion dollars in special education EVERETT – The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has once again recognized Massachusetts with the highest rating a state can receive and awarded the state a “Meets Requirements” determination for the seventh consecutive year. The designation reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality educational services and support to students with disabilities.   Governor Healey proposed the highest-ever funding amount for the Special Education Circuit Breaker in her fiscal year 2026 budget and fair share supplemental budget, which the Legislature supported. This financial assistance to public school districts helps to offset the highest special education instructional and transportation costs. The 2026 budget fully funds it at $675 million. The historical increase in funding builds on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) efforts to improve educational access and experiences for students with disabilities, including strengthening the Individualized Education Program (IEP) form and process, updating Public School Monitoring and Problem Resolution System procedures and updating regulations on the use of time-out practices in schools to keep students learning with their peers as much as possible and increase communication with families.   “Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in providing high-quality education for all of our students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am proud of our work with the Legislature to fund special education at the highest level ever to support our students, educators and schools.”   “Receiving the highest rating for seven consecutive years reflects our unwavering commitment to helping every child receive the supports and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Congratulations to the incredible students, families and educators who made this possible.”   The federal Office of Special Education Programs assesses state educational agencies on their compliance with federal requirements and on outcomes experienced by their students with disabilities. This includes compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), student outcomes, student participation and achievement on statewide assessments and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), graduation rates, and equity in who is identified as having a disability.   “This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of our educators, administrators, families and students,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This designation is a point of pride, and we will continue to improve services for students with disabilities.”   “I am proud to join a state that demonstrates such a consistent commitment to serving students with disabilities. We will continue to build on this strong foundation by partnering with districts, educators and families to help students access high-quality services that meet their needs,” said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez.   The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports districts through targeted technical assistance, professional development, resources, and monitoring, including: Training and coaching for educators in evidence-based instructional practices; Comprehensive reviews of district policies, practices and procedures related to special education; and Stakeholder engagement initiatives to ensure families and community voices inform improvement efforts. “Today’s news is the result of years of dedication and investment by the Legislature, the Administration, local leaders, and—most importantly—our incredible educators,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate believes that when we support people with learning challenges, we strengthen our entire Commonwealth. This recognition shows that our efforts are making a difference, and I’m committed to continuing this important work for all our residents.”   “The Commonwealth is once again recognized for our strong commitment to special education priorities,” said State Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "We will continue to meet the needs of all of our students no matter the circumstance.”   “In Massachusetts, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that is right for them,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I am proud of the work that the Legislature has done alongside the Healey administration to increase our investment in special education, and we will continue to improve and expand these investments to support our students, families, and teachers going forward.”

民調指麻州州長Healey擠身全美最受歡迎行列

麻州州長Maura Healey今日協助宣傳高桅帆船2026將到訪波士頓。
（周菊子攝）

         （Boston Orange編譯）麻州民主黨今（16）日指出，根據晨間諮詢公司（Morning Consult）的最新民意調查，麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）是全美最受歡迎的州長之一。

            59%的麻州選民對奚莉州長的工作表現，給予高度評價，不滿意的選民只有39%。這讓她穩居全美最受歡迎州長之一。

            麻州民主黨黨主席Steve Kerrigan表示，「這些對奚莉州長來說，是壓倒性的積極支持率」。 “麻州人民知道，奚莉州長正在盡職推動對民眾生活至關重要事務——降低成本，通過投資學校、住房和交通來推動經濟發展，並對抗川普（Donald Trump）造成的損害。” （訂正錯字版）

Maura Healey Among Nation’s Most Popular Governors in New Poll

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey is one of the most popular Governors in the nation, according to new polling from Morning Consult.  

 

An impressive 59% of Massachusetts voters gave Governor Healey high marks when asked whether they approved of her job performance, compared to only 30% who disapproved. These results place Governor Healey firmly among the top echelon of the nation’s most popular Governors.

 

"These are overwhelmingly positive job approval numbers for Governor Healey," said Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan. "The people of Massachusetts know Governor Healey is delivering on the things that matter in their lives - lowering costs, moving our economy forward by investing in our schools, housing and transportation and standing up to the damage Donald Trump is doing.”

波士頓歡迎回家計畫跨入第3期。2025秋將動工蓋144單位

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES WELCOME HOME BOSTON, PHASE 3, PROVIDES PROGRESS REPORT ON HOMEOWNERHIP PROGRAMS AND THE CREATION OF NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES

Homes Built by BIPOC Developers Support Racial Equity BOSTON - Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Yesterday, Mayor Michelle Wu joined new homeowners, BIPOC-owned development teams, community members, and local leaders in Dorchester to celebrate first-time homebuyers and the launch of phase three of Welcome Home, Boston. The homes visited were built on City-owned land by development teams led by people of color and supported by City programs, including the Boston Home Center. The event took place at new homeowner Genesis’ home on Elmont Street in Dorchester, developed by Norfolk Design & Construction. “Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools we have to build generational wealth and keep neighborhoods strong,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m proud to celebrate these new homeowners alongside the local developers who have partnered with the City and the Boston Home Center to help more families afford to make Boston home.” Welcome Home, Boston Phases 1, 2 & 3 The Mayor announced the Welcome Home, Boston program at her State of the City address in January of 2023. To date, phases 1 and 2 of the program have resulted in 28 parcels being developed into 144 future homes, many of which are now under construction or currently in closing and will begin construction in the summer and fall of 2025. Welcome Home, Boston is part of Mayor Wu’s strategy to close the racial wealth gap by increasing the number of homeowners in Boston and supporting local developers of color. Phase 1 and 2 development teams include Dorchester Design Collaborative, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, Boston Neighborhood Community Land Trust, African Community Economic Development of New England, and many others. By providing developers with City-owned land, capital, and technical help, the City is creating more affordable homes and building community wealth.  Yesterday, the Mayor announced the next phase of the Welcome Home, Boston (WHB) program: WHB III will make 12 City-owned parcels available to create more than 30 new homes for first-time middle-income homebuyers in Hyde Park, Roslindale, Dorchester, and Roxbury. The BPDA Board will vote on the release of an RFP to redevelop these parcels this Thursday. Developers are encouraged to utilize efficient and cost-effective construction methods that could reduce costs, shorten construction timelines, minimize the impact on surrounding neighborhoods, and meet Boston’s carbon neutrality and sustainability goals. Staff will give preference to proposals that demonstrate how innovation can help build a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient housing delivery ecosystem. “We are excited to be able to offer this public land to address the need for more middle-income housing in our city,” said Chief of Planning Kairos Shen. “We are leveraging every tool available to us to help alleviate the housing shortage, and this initiative is another way we can work towards those goals.” “The Wu administration has made increasing homeownership rates in Boston a reality. Through the development of affordable homes, increased downpayment programs, and lower interest rate mortgage products, we are helping our residents own a piece of the City that they love,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “By ensuring that our programs are serving both BIPOC families and development teams, we are also investing in a more equitable Boston.” “As co-founders of a veteran-and minority-owned firm, Duane and I take great pride in delivering quality homes and driving economic opportunity across Boston,” said Adler Bernadin, President of Norfolk Design & Construction. “Developments represent more than just buildings—they’re an investment in families, a commitment to this community, and a critical step toward a more equitable future.” “This work supports the Office of Black Male Advancement’s mission to advance equity and increase wealth-building opportunities for Black residents living in Boston,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement. “Homeownership is a vital tool that helps us close the racial wealth gap and break cycles of systemic inequality. By empowering emerging developers of color and supporting first-time homeowners, we’re helping build a stronger, more connected Boston.” "Today is about more than just new keys and new doors — it’s about new beginnings,” said Tito Jackson, Chair of the Black Men and Boys Commission. “The Black Men and Boys Commission is proud to support efforts like Welcome Home, Boston that provide opportunities for emerging developers of color to build on City-owned land while also ensuring that Black families have equitable access to affordable homeownership opportunities. This is how we close the racial wealth gap — one home, one family, one neighborhood at a time.” “Welcome Home, Boston exemplifies the modern approach we need for the future of housing in our city,” said City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “Combining community-driven development with intentional investment in our Black and Brown neighborhoods."  "The short-term benefits of more housing from Welcome Home, Boston are desperately needed, but it's the intentionality of this program that is going to deliver for generations of Bostonians," said City Councilor Brian Worrell. "We're giving BIPOC-led development teams a chance to grow their business, and we're helping dozens of Bostonians buy their first-home, creating long-term stability for them in their neighborhood." Part of a Larger Homeownership Strategy The Welcome Home, Boston program is one of the many ways that the City is supporting homeownership. The Boston Home Center, working closely with a network of non-profit partners, is providing homebuyer classes, financial support for downpayments and closing costs and One+ Boston mortgages. The goal is to help families build stability and wealth while strengthening neighborhoods across the city.  In the first 3-plus years of the Wu Administration, more income-restricted homeownership opportunities were created than during any comparable time period in the last 25 years: 836 new homes were completed or moved into construction during this time. But it’s not just about new units; it’s also the people who will call them home. Under Mayor Wu’s leadership, 1,000 Bostonians have become first-time homeowners through financial assistance in the form of downpayment and closing cost assistance, access to lower cost mortgage products including the One+ Boston program, and/or purchase of income-restricted homes. More than 65% of homebuyers assisted through City of Boston initiatives are BIPOC.  “Homeownership builds stronger communities and helps create long-term generational wealth,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “MassHousing is proud to support investments in new homeownership opportunities as part of our work to make Massachusetts a more affordable place to live and raise a family.” “As a first-time homebuyer, my experience working with the City of Boston has been both transformative and deeply meaningful. From the initial stages of education and guidance through the affordable housing lottery to the final steps of securing a home, the process was thorough, transparent, and supportive,” said new homeowner Genesis. “I felt supported and informed at every turn, and I am truly grateful for the City’s dedication to making homeownership accessible to families like mine. This opportunity has allowed me to establish long-term stability for my children and build a future rooted in the city we love. I am honored to share my story and extend my sincere appreciation to all those who made this possible.” To learn more about affordable homeownership opportunities and support for first-time homebuyers in Boston, visit the Boston Home Center website.