麻州長要求川普展延醫保稅收抵免 稱34萬居民面對保費大漲壓力

          （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Haura Healey）今（10）日公開要求川普總統和國會共和黨人立即延長「可負擔醫療法（ACA）」的保費稅收抵免，以免大約34萬麻州居民明年的保費，平均每月增加1300元，農村居民和耆英的保費甚至可能漲到2萬5000元一年。

            奚莉州長說，一旦聯邦政府「可負擔醫療法」的保費稅收抵免到期，不再延續，麻州將有大約34萬居民會失去部分或全部的保費補助。川普總統和共和黨國會議員的不作為，威脅到這些居民獲得醫療服務的權利。

麻州健康連接者（Massachusetts Health Connector）的執行主任Audrey Morse Gasteier也證實，在醫療保險開放註冊期開始的第一週，已經有很多麻州居民感到困惑，擔憂保費的急劇上漲。

川普總統和共和黨籍國會議員通過的「一大美麗法案（One Big Beautiful Bill）」，使得保費上漲，也改變了「可負擔醫療法」的資格條件，導致大約8萬5千名麻州居民明年將失去「健康連接者（Health Connector）」保險。這些改變也將逼使更多人走進無補助護理市場的急診室，也更進一步地令到醫院和社區健康中心緊繃，造成每一個人無論有沒保險，醫療費用都將上漲的結果。

「麻州健康連接者」為包括小企業主，中低收入家庭及個人的大約40萬麻州居民，提供可負擔醫療保險。從明年1月開始的健康保險計劃，目前正在辦理註冊登記中。「麻州健康連接者」已發出通知給所有會員，告訴他們將看到哪些變化，以及為什麼他們的保費會上漲。

Governor Healey Demands President Trump and Congressional 

Republicans Take Action to Prevent Health Insurance Premiums from Skyrocketing 

340,000 Massachusetts residents could see premiums increase by up to $25,000 next year because of expiring ACA tax credits 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today demanded that President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans act to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to prevent health care premiums from skyrocketing for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents. 

Because President Trump and Congress let the ACA tax credits expire, nearly 340,000 Massachusetts residents will lose some or all of the help they were getting to afford their health insurance. Premiums will increase by an average of $1,300 a month next year. For some, including seniors and people in rural communities, the increase will be even higher and could reach $25,000 over the course of the year. 

“The price of everything has been going up under President Trump. His tariff taxes are impacting every single American, he chose to cut SNAP benefits, he’s forcing child care centers to close, and he’s taking away heating assistance. With the enrollment period now open, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are causing people’s health care premiums to skyrocket by thousands of dollars next year and kicking thousands of Massachusetts residents off their health insurance all together,” said Governor Healey. “President Trump and Congressional Republicans still have time to fix this. They need to act now to prevent these cost increases and protect people’s access to health care. Meanwhile, we are going to make sure that people in Massachusetts understand what they are facing and why.” 

“In the first week of Open Enrollment, our members are already reaching out to us with worry and confusion as they grapple with stark premium increases due to inaction around enhanced Premium Tax Credits,” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “It’s not too late for Congress to act. We are ready to move mountains when an extension is in place, and quickly deliver this vital support to our members.” 

“So many people we see are completely overwhelmed about how they are going to survive going forward,” said Tina Alu, Executive Director of the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee. “In a country this wealthy, people shouldn’t be put in the situation of choosing between paying rent, feeding their family or having health insurance.” 

These premium increases come after President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill which changes eligibility for the ACA and will result in 85,000 Massachusetts residents losing their Health Connector insurance next year. These changes will further strain hospitals and community health centers as more people go to emergency rooms in the uncompensated care market. It will also cause health care costs to increase for everyone, regardless of insurance. 

The Massachusetts Health Connector provides affordable health insurance for over 400,000 people, including small business owners and middle-income and low-income families and individuals. The enrollment period is currently underway for January 1st plans. The Health Connector has been sending notices to every member letting them know about upcoming changes and why their premiums are going up.  

Gabriela Coletta Zapata稱她將接任波士頓市議會議長

Gabriela Coletta Zapata。（圖片來自wikipedia)

         （Boston Orange編譯）代表東波士頓的第一區市議員Gabriela Coletta Zapata，今（10）日宣佈，已爭取到足夠的支持票數，將於明年一月接掌市議長大位。

波士頓市的市議員選舉在11月4日落幕，13名市議員，除了第7區因在位者未參選，有了新人之外，其餘席位，全由在位者連任。

選舉落幕後，有意爭取明年度市議長席位的市議員們紛紛開始表態，不分區市議員Julia Mejia 和第4區市議員Brian Worrell都積極運作。不過，為遞補Lydia Wdwards當選麻州參議員所留遺缺，在2022年5月當選為波士頓市第一區市議員，並於2023和2025順利連任的Gabriela Coletta Zapata，10日宣佈，她已取得足夠支持，明年將出任波士頓市議會議長。

被人認為是波士頓市長吳弭（Ｍichelle Wu）盟友的Gabriela Coletta Zapata表示，她相信市議會對市民生活的改善，能發揮重要作用，市議會議員之間，即使有分歧，也能保持互相尊重與團結合作，為服務居民取得更多成就。她感謝同僚們的支持與尊重。

在東波士頓長大，代表東波士頓、查理士城（Charlestown）、北區和碼頭區等第一選區的Gabriela Coletta Zapata，在上一屆議會中擔任政府運作委員會，以及環境正義、韌性與公園委員會主席。

進入波士頓市議會服務前，Gabriela Coletta Zapata當過時任波士頓市議員的Lydia Edwards的幕僚長，以及麻州眾議員Adrian Madaro的社區聯絡員，有豐富的社區服務經驗，她也曾在新英格蘭水族館負責對外關係，擔任過麻州婦女政治核心小組（Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus）副主任，一直致力賦權女性，輔佐女性從政，投入公共服務領域。

Gabriela Coletta Zapata的學歷包括畢業於波士頓公校的波士頓拉丁學院，以及麻州大學波士頓分校政治系，輔修人權。她和丈夫Sebastian Zapata住在東波士頓。

波士頓市議會副主席，已知將由不分區市議員Henry Santana出任。（訂正錯字版）

BOSTON CITY COUNCILOR GABRIELA COLETTA ZAPATA HAS SECURED VOTES TO SERVE AS NEXT COUNCIL PRESIDENT 

BOSTON - (November 10th, 2025) - Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata has secured enough support from her colleagues to claim the City Council presidency when the new term begins in January. 

“I’m proud to have had the privilege of serving the residents of Boston for eight years with the City Council. I deeply believe in this institution and in the vital role we play in improving the lives of Bostonians every day,” said Councilor Coletta Zapata. “The strength of this Council lies in our ability to respect one another, even when we disagree, and to work together with purpose and integrity. When we lead with respect and unity, we model the kind of civic leadership our city deserves – and we get more done for the residents who count on us. I’m honored to have earned the respect and support of my colleagues on the Council and I look forward to the work ahead.” 

Raised by community advocates in East Boston, Gabriela grew up attending civic association meetings, neighborhood events, and even multiple protests against airport runway expansion with her mom, Nina. Gabriela has dedicated her entire life working in public service to others and giving back to the beautiful, diverse neighborhood that has given her so much.

Gabriela was elected in a special election on May 3, 2022, to replace then-Councilor Edwards. She was re-elected in 2023 and again in 2025. 

Since her election to represent District 1—East Boston, Charlestown, the North End, and the Wharf District—Councilor Coletta Zapata has built on that foundation with a record of tangible results. As Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, she plays a central role in the City Council’s legislative process—overseeing the review, analysis, and negotiation of all ordinances, home rule petitions, and special laws before they advance to the full Council or the Mayor’s desk. This position serves as the final checkpoint for accountability, legal precision, and policy alignment across all city departments, ensuring that every law enacted reflects both community needs and sound governance.

In her additional role as Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks, she has led the Council’s efforts to advance local climate resilience, promote sustainability, and expand Boston’s parks network and urban tree canopy—strengthening the city’s commitment to equity and environmental stewardship.

Before her election to the Boston City Council in 2022, Gabriela built a deep record of community service and progressive leadership. She served as Chief of Staff to then-Councilor Lydia Edwards, where she amplified the lived experiences of her neighbors, and worked across the neighborhoods of Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End to address housing affordability, inequities in public education, and the climate threats facing Boston’s coastline. She later led the New England Aquarium’s external relations work, advancing a more resilient, inclusive, and accessible downtown waterfront.

Her dedication to empowering women in politics has been a consistent throughline. As Associate Director of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, she helped recruit and train women to run for office and manage campaigns, while building statewide strategies to elect endorsed candidates. She served as a frequent Emerge Massachusetts trainer, mentoring women entering public service. Her early political organizing includes managing Lydia Edwards’s groundbreaking 2017 campaign and serving as community liaison to State Representative Adrian Madaro, roles that cemented her reputation as a collaborative, grassroots leader.

Councilor Coletta Zapata is a proud product of Boston Public Schools and graduated from Boston Latin Academy. She received a degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Boston as well as a minor in Human Rights. She currently lives in East Boston with her husband, Sebastian Zapata. 

Councilor At-large Henry Santana will serve as Vice President. “I’m deeply honored to serve as Vice President alongside Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata. Gabriela and I first met when we were both staffers on the City Council, and from day one I’ve watched her grow, lead, and deliver for our City,” said Councilor Santana. “It’s been a privilege to partner with her in District 1—working shoulder-to-shoulder, listening to residents, and achieving real results in East Boston, Charlestown, the North End, and the Wharf District. I know she will be an exceptional President—thoughtful, committed, and determined to unite our Council and move Boston forward for every neighborhood. I look forward to the work ahead together.”

Dana-Farber贊助的2025半馬拉松有7200多人參加

 Race Report: 2025 Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund

 

7,200+ participants take part in New England’s signature half marathon

 

BOSTON – More than 7,200 athletes took to the roads of Boston for today’s 2025 Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, starting and finishing within Franklin Park. Champions were crowned, personal bests were set, and nearly $1 million was raised for Team Dana-Farber. 

 

At the front of the field, Fentaye Belayneh (Ethiopia), Isaia Lasoi (Kenya), Yen Hoang (USA), and Miguel Vergara (USA) were among the first to the finish, winning open and wheelchair division titles on a picture-perfect day for racing. Belayneh became the first woman since Joan Chelimo Melly in 2017-2018 to win in successive years. “I love Boston! I love Boston!” Belayneh proclaimed. 

 

Searchable results and leaderboards for today’s race are available here: https://bstnmar.org/25HalfResults

 

Belayneh knows what it takes to finish atop the podium in Boston. It came down to a sprint in Franklin Park for the second straight year, out-dueling friend and fellow countrywoman Melknat Wudu at the line 1:08:51 to 1:08:53.

 

“Every time when I come to Boston, I come to Boston with a lot,” she said smiling. “This is my fifth time here in Boston… it reminds me of all the training places, and it will never go away in my mind.”

 

Belayneh and Wudu were joined in the early miles by B.A.A. High Performance Team member Megan Hasz Sailor and former American record holder Keira D’Amato, as well as Kenyans Evaline Chirchir and Monicah Ngige. Through 10K in 32:27 and 10 miles in 52:21, the race would be decided over the final kilometers – where Belayneh’s kick is most potent. 

 

Beyond Belayneh and Wudu, Chirchir placed third in 1:09:01. Hasz Sailor was the top American for the second straight year, crossing in 1:09:39.

 

“It was super fun to get out there and see where I was at fitness wise,” said Sailor, who trains in Boston as part of the B.A.A.’s professional team. “I’ve built a lot of strength since racing here last year and especially over the last couple months training for my first marathon. I’m happy with how I committed to the race and was able to come away as the top American again this year and run a personal best on a pretty challenging course.”

 

On the men’s side, Isaia Lasoi came in laser-focused to earn a victory in his first B.A.A. race. Shortly after hitting 10 miles in 46:14, the Kenyan injected a surge to open a gap on challengers Andrea Kiptoo (Kenya) and Yemane Haileselassie (Eritrea). Lasoi didn’t let up, charging up and down the hilly final miles before breaking the finish tape in 1:00:59.

 

“I would say it was great, fast and challenging,” said Lasoi. “Right around mile ten is when I decided to make my move. I felt confident and was ready to go for the win.”

 

Santiago Catrofe of Uruguay came from behind to nab second (1:01:23), with Kiptoo third (1:01:30). Chandler Gibbens was the top American, fifth in 1:01:57.

 

“It was good, just putting myself up there with the top guys and being able to test myself against great competitors,” said the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier at 10,000m. He added: “Tons of fans, lots of screaming and it definitely made those last couple hills easier with a big crowd in my ear.” 

 

HOANG, VERGARA TAKE WHEELCHAIR DIVISION CROWNS

 

After finishing second the last two years, Yen Hoang used the course’s many hills and passionate spectators to her advantage. She won the wheelchair title in 1:01:02 ahead of Hannah Babalola (1:03:51) and Michelle Wheeler (1:04:18). 

 

“I really liked towards the end when I am going towards the finish, where the other runners are coming out and they are cheering you on,” said the Illinois racing star. “It's really cool. It's a mass of runners.”

 

Miguel Vergara returned to the winner’s podium, adding a second Boston Half crown to his 2019 win. He finished in 49:06, a full 5 minutes, 33 seconds ahead of runner-up Valera Jacob Allen. Wyatt Willand rounded out the podium in 56:49, followed by Boston’s own Delmace Mayo (57:47) in fourth. 

 

A complete list of open, wheelchair, and Para Athletics Division champions can be found below. Athletes from 98 countries and 44 states took part, running along an updated course featuring picturesque views of the Emerald Necklace Park System.

 

DIVISION	CHAMPION
Men’s Open Division	Isaia Lasoi, Kenya, 1:00:59
Women’s Open Division	Fentaye Belayneh, Ethiopia, 1:08:51
Men’s Wheelchair Division	Miguel Vergara, USA, 49:06
Women’s Wheelchair Division	Yen Hoang, USA, 1:01:02
Top American Men’s Finisher	Chandler Gibbens, 1:01:57
Top American Women’s Finisher	Megan Hasz Sailor, 1:09:39
Men’s T11-T13 (Vision Impairment)	Irwin Ramirez, USA, 1:30:44*
Women’s T11-T13 (Vision Impairment)	Lauren Weeks, USA, 2:23:29
Men’s T20 (Intellectual Impairment)	Thomas Cantara, USA, 1:16:20
Men’s T35-T38 (Coordination Impairment)	Joseph Drake, USA, 1:55:44
Women’s T35-T38 (Coordination Impairment)	Cristina Burbach, USA, 1:56:02
Men’s T45/T46/T47 (Upper-limb Impairment)	Atsbha Gebremeskel, Ethiopia, 1:29:26
Women’s T45/T46/T47 (Upper-limb Impairment)	Lisa Maciel, USA, 1:55:44*
Men’s T42-T44/T61-T64 (Lower-limb Impairment)	Peter Keating, USA, 1:25:48
Women’s T42-T44/T61-T64 (Lower-limb Impairment)	Kelly Bruno, USA, 1:35:28*
	* Pending Event Record

 

DANA-FARBER FUNDRAISING SOARS TOWARD $1 MILLION 

 

A group of 735+ athletes were part of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund’s team for this year’s event, having already raised $981,000 and counting. Those interested in supporting Dana-Farber’s team can make a donation here. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund have partnered with the Boston Half since 2003 as the race’s presenting sponsor and exclusive charity team. Through this relationship, Dana-Farber runners have collectively raised more than $12 million to support groundbreaking cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and enabled Dana-Farber scientists and clinicians to positively impact the lives of cancer patients around the world.

國際領袖基金會2026公民獎學金即起受理申請

獲獎的青年領袖們獲趙小蘭接見並合影。

歷屆獲獎的青年領袖們和華府聯邦機構政要、國會議員和各界領袖精英們合影。

（Boston Orange）國際領袖基金會（International Leadership Foundation, 簡稱 ILF）今（10）日宣佈， 2026 年公民獎學金計畫（Civic Fellowship Program）即起開放申請，2026 年 1 月 2 日（星期五）下午 5 點（美國東部時間）截止收件。

「公民獎學金計劃」是 ILF為 培養下一代亞太裔（AAPI）公共服務領袖而辦理的一個項目，每年從全國範圍挑選約30名優秀亞裔大學生，在暑假期間到華府，進入美國國會議員辦公室，各聯邦政府機構，知名智庫或非營利組織實習8到10週，藉以提升公民意識與參與公共事務能力。

獲選學員們不但可獲得獎學金，還將在實習期間，參加一系列特別為他們設計的專業與領導力發展研討會和工作坊，並可透過和傑出 亞太裔（AANHPI ）公共服務界領袖交流，深入了解美國政治、政策制定過程，以及公共服務在國家治理和社區服務中的核心作用。

過去這些年來，許多畢業學員後來都進入美國財政部，公共衛生部，交通部，以及白宮亞太裔倡議等重要部門工作。

2025年入選ILF的優秀青年領袖們。

ILF 提醒申請者，雖然實習地點預計是在華盛頓特區，但實習形式可能因爲聯邦機構政策，部分或大部分會改採線上進行。相關變動將在申請和安置過程中隨時更新。

有志於公共服務領域的大學院校本科在讀學生，凡具有美國公民身份且最低 GPA 達 到3.0者，均可申請。所需文件包括正式成績單、履歷（CV）和至少一封推薦信。ILF 特別提醒，考慮到學校假期可能影響拿到文件的時間，申請者應提早規劃。

國際領袖基金會創會會長董繼玲表示，公民獎學金計畫旨在為美國培養一批具有公民意識、關注社區的青年領袖，並鼓勵他們積極參與公共事務。ILF作為致力於培養亞太裔公共服務領導人才的非營利組織，從 2000 年以來，已發放獎學金，給超過 10,000 名學生提供領導力培訓。

公民獎學金計畫現在還建立了有 500 多人的校友網絡。

為協助有意參加計劃者順利完成申請程序，ILF 將舉辦兩場線上 Zoom 資訊發布會。第一場將於 11 月 28 日星期五下午 9 點（東部標準時間）舉行，第二場則定於 12 月 23 日星期二下午 4 點（東部標準時間）。查詢詳情或提交申請可上網， www.ilfnational.org/fellowship 。 

美國退伍軍人會波士頓大遊行 328分會和波士頓榮光會搶鏡 （圖片）

波士頓市長吳弭（右三）抱著女兒Mira和正要聯袂為退伍軍人大遊行剪綵。
波士頓市議員Ed Flynn(右一），Sharon Durkan(左三），ruthzee Louijeune（左二），
和Henry Santana（後中）。（周菊子攝）

剪綵後開步走。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市議員Sharon Durkan陪著吳弭市長（右）遊行。

波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune和Henry Santana連袂出席退伍軍人遊行。

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會，由會長Geni Boland率隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會一早就在Boylston街上排隊等出發。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會也年年參加遊行。

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽（右）和波士頓經文處黃耀良組長，波士頓僑教中心
主任高家富，前秘書長陳家驊並列前行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會遊行，中華民國和美國國旗各帶一幅，非常搶眼。（周菊子攝）

Shaw's連鎖超市捐10萬元 大波士頓食物銀行連同政要為感恩節搬火雞 （圖片）

 

波士頓市府再傳人事變動 街道長Jascha Franklin-Hodge訂年底離任

波士頓市街道長Jascha Franklin-Hodge。

             （Boston Orange綜合編譯）波士頓市街道長Jascha Franklin-Hodge在11月7日證實，他將在今年底離任。由於10月初才剛傳出波士頓市市長的幕僚長朱為婷（Tiffany Chu）將於11月中離任，這意味著剛當選連任的波士頓市長吳弭，第二任期團隊有重大改變。

            Jascha Franklin-Hodge是2021年12月由吳弭任命，上位街道長這新創職位。他在任內推動了不少街道改造計畫，包括重新鋪設了102英里的道路，改善了垃圾收集和除雪工作，並現代化了停車計時器 等。

            推行吳弭市長大力支持的設立自行車道這事，卻毀譽參半，主要原因是騎自行車者固然大為讚賞，開車人士卻因車道變窄，有些道路出現擠塞情況而怨聲載道，也有些人對波士頓市道路基礎設施變化，尤其是重整藍山大道（Blue Hill Ave.）計畫的未來，感到擔憂。

            之前在開放移動基金會（Open Mobility Foundation）這半官方，為市區流動性研究標準與工具的機構工作，在馬丁華殊（Martin J. Walsh）市長任內擔任波士頓資訊長的Jascha Franklin-Hodge週五說，“感覺這個時候過渡轉換很自然”，在任何政府之中，都有轉換點，給人機會做將來的事。他期待著可以有更多時間和家人一起，同時想想自己的將來。

            吳弭市長在一份聲明中讚許Jascha Franklin-Hodge為波士頓市的持續改善和提供服務奠定了基礎。

            今年3月時，吳弭推出一項所有街道基礎設施改變的30天評估計畫，交由波士頓市的市府基礎服務總監Mike Brohel負責。結果在Mike Brohel交給吳弭的報告是，要聽取社區回饋，稱許多人認為他們給市府的回饋，沒有得到充分注意。

            吳弭在談及此事時表示，波士頓市府已經訂定更有野心的目標，要在2030年來到時，完全消除所有的交通死亡事故。