Legislature Approves Major Transportation and Infrastructure Package to Support Municipal Roads, Transit, and Housing

Legislature Approves Major Transportation and Infrastructure Package to Support Municipal Roads, Transit, and Housing 

Package includes funding for pothole repairs, bridge modernization, rail improvements across Massachusetts 

  

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today approved over $2.7 billion in bond funding to help municipalities make local road and bridge repairs, invest in public transit infrastructure, and support transit-oriented housing development statewide. 

  

The package includes $200 million in bonding to spur new transit-oriented housing construction with capital projects such as stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure. 

  

Additionally, it authorizes $300 million to support departments of public works in local cities and towns as they fill potholes and strengthen bridges at a crucial time for many municipalities dealing with strained finances. 

  

“Today, the Legislature is taking action to fix potholes, repair local bridges, and build on the progress Massachusetts public transit has made,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the same time, this legislation will help ease serious financial burdens on cities and towns that are navigating a difficult financial landscape. I’m grateful to Chair Rodrigues for his leadership, Chair Crighton and Chair Cronin for their partnership, and Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for getting this across the finish line.” 

  

“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House for supporting this vital legislation, as well as our partners in the Senate for working with us to ensure that these important investments get to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

  

“Grateful that we can say the winter of 2026 is finally in the rearview mirror, the Legislature has moved forward in addressing long-term capital projects for roadways and bridges all across the Commonwealth. This sweeping $2.7 billion bond bill provides support for critical capital projects in transportation that will spur housing development, make our roads and bridges safer, and continue to build and improve upon the MBTA’s ongoing railway improvement projects,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This legislation builds upon our commitment to make Massachusetts the leader and a model for a safe and state-of-the-art public transportation system.” 

  

The bond bill—H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges—also contains $500 million in bonding to target and fast-track repairs to the roads that are in the worst condition, through MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program. 

  

“With all the important issues facing the state, we cannot lose focus on the basics like maintaining our roads and bridges,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “This substantial investment in cities and towns goes a long way to improve the everyday life of the people who use our local roads every day.” 

  

"I am proud to see another annual Ch. 90 bill fund the Commonwealth's immediate municipal roadway and transportation needs,” said Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “This year's legislation also gives the Administration the flexibility to deploy additional funds towards large-scale transportation investments which may arise over the next few years. I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their leadership, as well as Chair Arciero for his collaboration."  

  

“Municipalities across the Commonwealth are feeling the impact of a brutal winter, with roads, sidewalks, bridges, and culverts in need of serious repair,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “This funding addresses those immediate concerns, while balancing long-term investments in our DCR roadways and infrastructure of the MBTA so that people can travel safely throughout Massachusetts.” 

  

“This legislation represents a significant investment in the infrastructure that communities rely on every day,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “By providing critical funding for local roads, bridges, public transit, and transit-oriented housing, we are helping cities and towns address immediate transportation needs while also planning for long-term growth and economic development. These investments will ensure that Massachusetts continues to strengthen a transportation system that supports residents across the Commonwealth. I am grateful to House Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Finn and our Senate colleagues for their partnership and commitment to getting this important legislation across the finish line.”  

  

Support is included for all cities and towns through financing for the traditional Chapter 90 program, while a portion of the bonding would especially aid rural areas by distributing support solely based on communities’ road mileage. 

  

In addition to improving the condition of roadways and integrity of bridges across Massachusetts, the legislation supports commuter rail and public transit at the MBTA with $200 million for rail improvements, vehicle modernization, and procurement of new vehicles. 

  

It also boosts the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which is responsible for maintaining around 180 lane miles of roadway and more than 100 bridge structures, with $200 million for repairs and modernization. 

  

Having been passed by both chambers of the Legislature, the bill has been sent to Governor Maura Healey for her signature.  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces School Meals Terrific Tray Winner

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces School Meals Terrific Tray Winner 

Announcement comes on the 80th anniversary of the National School Lunch Program 

EVERETT – On the 80th anniversary of the National School Lunch Program, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is highlighting the work of Northampton Public Schools and other school districts that offer outstanding nutritious, locally-sourced free school meals with the help of federal and state support.

Northampton is the winner of the 2026 Terrific Tray of the Year award for its school lunch tray featuring the new field fritter developed by Commonwealth Kitchen with peas grown in Maine, accompanied by carrots grown in Hadley, apples from New York, lettuce from Shirley, and tzatziki and allergen-free hummus.
 
"Congratulations to Northampton Public Schools on being named this year's Terrific Tray of the Year winner and thank you to all of the school nutrition professionals across Massachusetts who work every day to keep students healthy and ready to learn," said Governor Maura Healey. "Massachusetts is proud to have made universal free school meals permanent in our state, which helps students succeed in the classroom and also creates opportunities for local farmers. This recognition highlights the incredible partnerships that make nutritious, locally sourced meals possible for children across our state."
 
"School meals do so much more than feed students. They connect children to local farms, introduce them to new foods, and help build healthy habits that can last a lifetime," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Congratulations to Northampton and all of this year's Terrific Tray winners for showing what is possible when schools, farmers, and communities work together."
 
Governor Healey and the state legislature made universal free school meals permanent in 2023. Since then, schools have seen increased meal participation and reduced stigma around school meals. Greater financial stability has allowed schools to use fresher foods and get creative with their menus.
 
In addition, DESE and Massachusetts Farm to School launched the Northeast Food for Schools Challenge, a statewide initiative that encourages schools to buy more regionally produced food and to participate in a new local food purchase tracking effort to track local food origins and enhance transparency of where school meal ingredients come from.
 
This school year, approximately 588,000 students ate lunch and 292,000 ate breakfast every day across the state. Over 12 million lunches and six million breakfasts were served each month.
 
“I want to thank all school nutrition teams across the state for their commitment to serving healthy lunches and breakfasts —which contributes to students’ readiness to learn. Congratulations to Northampton and the nutrition teams at all of this year’s Terrific Tray honorees,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Boston was one of the first cities to offer school meals in the early 1900s and Massachusetts is now one of several states that ended school meal debt and made universal school meals permanent. On the 80th anniversary of the National School Meals program, we want to lift up the critical importance of this program in supporting student food security and wellbeing.”
 
“Our school nutrition professionals have an important role in keeping our students ready for learning,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I’m impressed by the wide range of ingredients and meals that reflect local growers and local communities.”
 
Sponsored by DESE’s Office for Food and Nutrition Programs and Massachusetts Farm to School, the Terrific Tray competition invites school nutrition programs to submit a photo of visually appealing, culturally relevant menus that include foods sourced from regional farms, dairies and fisheries. Each month’s winner receives $2,500 from the Henry P. Kendall Foundation to reinvest in their school nutrition program and is featured on social media. The public votes on a winner from among the monthly honorees.
 
Members of Northampton’s school food service program, Freshampton, were presented with the Terrific Tray award at the statewide Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit last month.
 
“The Terrific Trays initiative represents the power of partnerships between farms, schools, and food system members,” said Ashley Randle, commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. “Students gain access to meals prepared with healthy, nutritious, and locally grown ingredients, produced by the state’s hard-working farmers and Commonwealth Kitchen provides the infrastructure and creativity to turn these ingredients into flavorful and exciting dishes for them to enjoy. Congratulations to the team at Northampton Public Schools and thank you for your commitment to sourcing local!”
 
"A huge congratulations to our incredible Freshampton team led by Mistelle Hannah," said Dr. Portia S. Bonner, superintendent of Northampton Public Schools. "The team's dedication to the Terrific Trays initiative ensures that healthy, locally sourced, and completely free school meals aren't just a district goal—they’re a daily reality for our students. We remain committed to nourishing our community’s future, one fresh, delicious tray at a time."
 
“Northampton Public Schools continues to be at the forefront of farm to school efforts across the Commonwealth,” said Lisa Damon, co-director of Massachusetts Farm to School. They are sourcing local foods, maintaining extensive school gardens, hosting regular taste tests in the cafeterias, and connecting students to where their food comes from through farm field trips. From the cafeteria to the classroom to the community, they have built something truly special, and we are thrilled to shine a light on their remarkable work.”
 
Today is the 80th anniversary of the National School Lunch Program, which was established under the National School Lunch Act that President Harry Truman signed in 1946. More information about the anniversary is available through the School Nutrition Association.

Senate Votes to Ban Cancer-Linked Chemical from IV Bags in Massachusetts

Senate Votes to Ban Cancer-Linked Chemical from IV Bags in Massachusetts 

Legislation would prohibit DEHP — linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer — from intravenous bags and tubing used in Massachusetts hospitals 

 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) Use of a toxic chemical which is commonly added to plastic intravenous bags and linked to cancer cases would be banned in Massachusetts under a bill advanced today by the Massachusetts Senate. 

 

Senators voted to pass the bill, which would phase out the use of DEHP—a toxic chemical—in IV bags and tubing in Massachusetts. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients. 

 

“When safer alternatives already exist, there is no reason to keep exposing patients to a chemical linked to cancer,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This legislation reflects our commitment to making sure that residents have access to care they can trust, from both their doctors and from the equipment itself. I applaud Chair Rodrigues and Chair Driscoll for their work on this legislation and am deeply grateful to Assistant Majority Leader Lovely for her leadership on this bill.” 

 

“Residents in Massachusetts should feel safe when they enter a hospital knowing that medical implements and equipment are free of harmful contaminants,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This bill will phase out the use of DEHP, a known harmful additive to IV bags. We need to do all we can to make our health care environment the safest possible for all patients in Massachusetts. I would like to thank Senator Lovely for her staunch advocacy in moving this legislation forward.” 

 

The legislation—S.3106, An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices—would prohibit the manufacture or sale of IV containers and tubing made with intentionally added DEHP. DEHP—Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate—has been linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. 

“When a patient is in a hospital bed receiving IV therapy, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether the equipment itself is making them sicker,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem), Assistant Senate Majority Leader and primary sponsor of the legislation. “DEHP is a known carcinogen. Safer alternatives already exist and are being used by major health systems right here in Massachusetts. This bill simply says we are going to catch up with the science. Patients deserve nothing less.” 

 

“We have a duty to keep patients and healthcare providers safe. As the Chair of Public Health and a family member with loved ones receiving the types of care that this legislation applies to, I am grateful to Senator Lovely for filing this bill,” said Senator William J. Driscoll Jr. (D-Milton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. “I want to thank the committee members and members of leadership that all played key roles in advancing this expeditiously to the floor for a vote, especially Senate President Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues. Today we are once again elevating the standard of care in the Commonwealth and we should all be proud of that.” 

 

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill to the full Senate with a 17-0 vote on June 1, 2026. A previous version was vetted and advanced by the Joint Committee on Public Health. 

 

The Senate passed the bill and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review. 

 

Senate Passes Bill to Give 6,500+ Teachers a Second Chance at Enhanced Retirement Benefits

 Senate Passes Bill to Give 6,500+ Teachers a Second Chance at Enhanced Retirement Benefits 

 Legislation would give teachers until mid-2027 to join RetirementPlus 

 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously passed legislation to allow longtime public school teachers the opportunity to buy into an enhanced savings program if they missed out when the program was first launched a quarter century ago. 

 

An estimated 6,500 to 8,500 current teachers in Massachusetts have been unable to participate in the RetirementPlus pension program because they missed the window to opt into the plan in 2001. 

 

The bill—S.3109, An Act relative to benefits for teachers—would provide another one-time opportunity to that group of longtime educators and give them until mid-2027 to choose whether they would like to join RetirementPlus. 

 

“Massachusetts teachers give everything to our children and communities, and they deserve to retire with the security and dignity that reflects that commitment," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Too many educators were shut out of RetirementPlus through no fault of their own. Today, the Senate is correcting that and giving these teachers the retirement they have earned. I thank Chair Rodrigues for his work on this bill and applaud Senator Miranda for her tireless leadership. I’m deeply grateful for the unmatched advocacy of AFT Massachusetts President Tang, and thank every advocate educator who raised their voice to make this day possible.” 

 

“Today, the Senate acted in a thoughtful manner to promote retirement security and protect the financial wellbeing of our hard-working teachers, providing them with a new pathway to opt into the RetirementPlus program,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I want to thank the Senate President, Senator Miranda, and Senator Brownsberger for their collective leadership, and many of my Senate colleagues for their unwavering support. With this action, we have passed a bill that will boost retirement benefits for teachers who have dedicated their time and energy to serve and teach kids in our communities and deserve to retire with the dignity they have earned.” 

 

Teachers who join RetirementPlus through this new opportunity would pay into the program as if they had joined at the outset, which would include interest payments, to ensure both fiscal stability and fairness for teachers and retirees who have been participating throughout the past 25 years. 

 

“This legislation will allow many educators who were disadvantaged by errors and poor communication to make themselves whole,” said Senate President Pro Tempore William Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “The Senate has taken a careful and deliberate approach to this legislation and reached a fair result for the teachers who have given so much for our children.” 

 

“For too long, teachers who missed the original RetirementPlus enrollment period because of confusing procedures, inadequate notice, administrative errors, or time spent on maternity or medical leave have been denied benefits they believed they were working toward,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston), lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. “In many cases, these educators have had to delay retirement, faced with the impossible decision between working well into old age and retiring without the security of knowing if there’s enough in the bank. This legislation creates a fair, one-time opportunity for these educators to enroll in RetirementPlus. I am grateful to my Senate colleagues for their partnership in bringing forward this bill. I also want to thank our labor partners and the many educators who shared their experiences and advocated for this change over the years. Their voices helped shine a light on this longstanding inequity and made this long-overdue reform possible.” 

 

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill to the floor with a bipartisan 17-0 vote on June 3, 2026. A previous version of the bill was engrossed by the House of Representatives. 

 

The Senate passed the bill today on a 39-0 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review. 

Massachusetts Senate Moves to Unlock New Opportunities for Commercial Interior Designers

Massachusetts Senate Moves to Unlock New Opportunities for Commercial Interior Designers

New registration framework gives commercial interior designers greater independence and economic opportunity

 (BOSTON—6/4/2026) New opportunities to grow the commercial interior design industry in Massachusetts would be unlocked through legislation passed by the Senate today.

 The Senate voted to advance a bill to create optional state licensure for commercial interior designers, a step that would empower smaller designers to bid individually for certain projects rather than having to contract with a larger firm.

 “Massachusetts is home to world-class interior design programs and deeply talented professionals, and they deserve a pathway to fully practice their craft here at home,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This legislation creates real economic opportunity, levels the playing field for smaller and independent designers, and ensures that our Commonwealth remains a place where creative professionals can build thriving careers. I thank Chair Rodrigues and Chair Payano for their leadership and applaud Assistant Majority Leader Lovely for her advocacy for this legislation.”

 “The Senate has long prioritized strengthening our consumer protections laws, ensuring residents of the Commonwealth engage in businesses that are required to conform to professional provisions and guidelines in their respective industries. That’s why I am pleased the Senate has passed this bill updating the commercial interior design industry, establishing the Board of Registration of Commercial Interior Designers,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to the Senate President for her leadership here, along with Senator Lovely, Senator Payano and my Senate colleagues for their advocacy, ensuring we bring this bill to the floor that empowers the field of commercial interior designers across our great state.”

“Massachusetts is home to five colleges with nationally accredited interior design programs,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem), Assistant Senate Majority Leader and primary sponsor of the legislation. “We are training talented professionals and then telling them they cannot fully practice their craft in their own state. This is not right, and S.3106 fixes that. It creates real economic opportunity, especially for women and minority-owned businesses, and it keeps our graduates here where they can grow their careers and contribute to our communities.”

The legislation—S.3107, An Act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design—would ensure flexibility for designers by making the new licensure process optional.

Currently, smaller interior design operations have to contract with larger firms that have architectural licenses in order to bid on certain projects.

“This legislation reflects what can happen when stakeholders come together to find common ground and strengthen a profession,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “By establishing a clear framework for the registration and oversight of commercial interior designers, we are creating greater clarity, accountability, and opportunity for practitioners across the Commonwealth.”

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the bill to the full Senate with a 16-0 vote on June 1, 2026. A previous version was vetted and advanced by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

The Senate passed the bill and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill to Remove Outdated and Offensive Terms in General Laws

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill to Remove Outdated and Offensive Terms in General Laws

Bill removes out-of-date and offensive terms related to persons with disabilities

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed a bill that removes outdated and offensive language in the General Laws to describe persons with disabilities.

The bill, S.2563, removes all variations of outdated terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the “r-word.”

The bill replaces these terms with current terminology such as “person with a disability.”

“As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices. I would like to thank Representatives Livingstone, Finn, and Garballey for their work on this important legislation, as well as our partners in the Senate for working with us to get these reforms to the Governor’s desk for her signature."

 “When dusty and dangerous relics of a bygone era darken our laws, it creates the potential for real harm to residents today,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Thanks to the voices of advocates like former Senate staff member Melissa Reilly and the leadership of Senator Jehlen and Senator Kennedy, the Legislature has acted to make our laws better represent who we are in 21st-century Massachusetts. With a White House that glorifies, and seemingly longs for, the days when many Americans were discriminated against because of who they are, now is the time to make sure our state laws respect and support the rights and dignity of our residents.”

“Removing out-of-date and offensive language from the Massachusetts General Laws to describe people with disabilities is an important step in ensuring that our values are also reflected in our statutes,” said Representative Jay D. Livingstone (D-Boston), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “As legislators, it is our job to help make sure that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities feel included, accepted and embraced for who they are, and this is an important step in doing so.”

“An Act Dignifying Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities represents a significant step forward—not only in how we talk about disability, but in how we affirm the value and dignity of every person across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester) Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. “This bill updates 346 sections that includes language that is not only outdated but deeply hurtful and replaces those terms with modern, person-first language that centers respect, humanity, and inclusion. While this may seem like a small step on paper, it is a powerful act of recognition and at a time when disability rights are facing growing challenges at the federal level, this bill is a clear and necessary stand from the Commonwealth.”

"I am proud to support H5474 and take this long-overdue step toward ensuring the laws of the Commonwealth reflect the dignity and humanity of every person,” said Representative Michael J. Finn (D-West Springfield), sponsor of the House bill. “Our General Laws still contain outdated language that demeans our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that language has no place in the statutes of a state that has always led on civil rights and inclusion. Updating these words is an affirmation that Massachusetts stands for the respect and dignity of all its people. I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their leadership in bringing this legislation forward."

“Today the House of Representatives takes a transformational step towards a more inclusive Commonwealth,” Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington), sponsor of the House bill. “By removing outdated words like ‘handicapped’, ‘disabled’, and the ‘R Word’ from MA General Laws, we make a collective statement that Massachusetts is a place for all. I’d like to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Livingstone, Chair Finn, Senator Jehlen and our partners at The ARC of Massachusetts, Special Olympics, and many other disability organizations for their steadfast advocacy and support.”

 “Language is constantly changing.  And it's changing because of the activism of people who were ignored and demeaned for too long,” said Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), the Senate’s primary sponsor of the legislation. “When people tell us they feel insulted and offended by the use of outdated words, we worked to change the legal language.  It took a long time, because we kept finding more examples of offensive language. Language and activism will continue to evolve, and there'll always be more work to do, but this is a gigantic step forward in respect. Thanks to the many, many people who made this possible.”

Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) as MassAbility, a change that defines the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently.

The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.

The Massachusetts Legislature approved the bill today and sent to the Governor for her signature.

羅德島州僑領葉超和財政廳長James Diossa聯袂到訪 波克萊台商會動議划龍舟建交情（圖片）

 

林肯實驗室慶祝75週年 麻州長Healey 暢談MIT科研重要性 （圖片）

 

悼念六四 37週年 波士頓天安門紀念碑前黃色雨傘處處（圖片）

六四37週年海報。

亞美會和Elevasia合作辦創業簡報賽 Reprise Health贏得現有企業第一名

創業簡報賽得獎者合影。（亞美會提供）

      (Boston Orange昆士市報導)亞美聯誼會（AAAB）和昆士市商會，ElevAsian（提升亞裔）合作，6月2日晚在伍沃德（Woodward）學校的「昆西創業簡報比賽」，林凱（Kai Lim）的Reprise Health和Alicia Arnold的Ellevate，依序贏得現有企業組和新事業組冠軍。6月7日將在Free Jacks主場比賽中頒獎。

昆士市長Tom Koch（左一）應邀出席致詞。（亞美會提供）

ElevAsian從2022年開始在亞裔社區舉辦創業培訓與比賽，迄今已辦過不下6場創業簡報賽，6月2日這場是首次進入昆士市，還和亞美聯誼會、昆士市商會合作，規模更為盛大的鼓勵創業活動。

昆士市市長柯奇（Tom Koch）這晚還專程出席致詞，感謝亞裔蓬勃了昆士市經濟，鼓勵有心者努力，直言昆士市是個可實現創業夢想的絕佳地點，昆士市府鼎力支持。

Reprise Health，贏得現有企業第一名。（周菊子攝）

ElevAsian創辦人Andrew Goldberg表示，這場比賽共有27人角逐15個參賽名額，角逐大賽提供的共11,500獎金，其中現有企業組和新事業組冠軍各得5000元。

ElevAsia創辦人Andrew Goldberg（後）和3名裁判。（周菊子攝）

入圍決賽，當晚在現場做簡報的企業，有零酒精益生元瑪格麗塔酒品牌、已獲得東方草藥保健認證的軟糖，以及融合神經科學和佛教的心理健康平台，幼兒瑜伽，印度奶茶餐車，建築設計規劃服務，音樂製作空間的錄音室，租代科技，婚禮攝影，生活風格品牌，威斯康辛州花旗蔘產品等，產業種類十分多元。

曾任麻州政府高官，越助中心主任的范文南也和妻子張瑪麗創辦了有4種不同口味的CAY'YA Hot Sauce (凱亞辣醬)參賽。

大合照。（亞美會提供）

比賽當晚，各參賽者在昆士市商會董事，Shiner地產集團的Helen Shiner，美國銀行的Nancy Rosedale，東方銀行副總裁Abby Nguyen-Burke等3名女裁判的面前闡述各自產品的優點，回答提問。

主辦方很周到，當晚還闢出展覽攤位，讓已有產品的企業在現場展示，甚至讓人是吃，試喝。

亞美會董事及簡報賽志工。左起，羅一夫，謝樂兒，王重麗，伍振中，譚浩鏗，
甘渴為（右三），馮艾青（右二）。（周菊子攝）

亞美聯誼會董事中的見聞旅遊謝樂兒、王仲麗、甘渴為，澤遠南方房地產開發公司譚浩鏗以及龍舟博物館創辦人伍振中，這天都在會場全程參與。

ElevAsian創辦人Andrew Goldberg當晚宣佈，現有企業組贏得名字的有，冠軍林凱的Reprise Health，亞軍 Smita Netra的 Banyan & Birch，季軍Jackson Vo 和Shlomo Bowe的 Mass Music Radio。新興事業組冠軍Alicia Arnold的Ellevate。這些獲獎者將於6月7日在退伍軍人紀念體育場舉行的職業橄欖球隊Free Jacks的主場比賽中接受表彰。（訂正版）

共有12人參加創業簡報。

3名裁判簡介。

會場。（周菊子攝）

范文南(Nam Pham)和妻子攜手創辦了CAY'YA辣醬。（周菊子攝）

范文南（右二）和妻子及合作夥伴。

昆士市學校委員會委員梁錦輝（中）也來看簡報。（周菊子攝）

正在創業路上的末末和小于特地出席觀摩。（周菊子攝）

鄭麗文搭私人包機抵達 波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭率隊迎接黨主席

波士頓國民黨員趕到Hanscom Field 機場迎接黨主席鄭麗文。(周菊子攝）

 (Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導)國民黨黨主席鄭麗文在袁健生，秦日新等人陪同下，6月3日搭乘私人包機，將近晚上10點時抵達波士頓。國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭率同十幾名國民黨，拉出橫幅，高舉國旗，大聲歡迎。

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭（右二）率黨員們迎接黨主席鄭麗文。(周菊子攝）

鄭麗文略顯疲憊，但精神仍然很好，滿臉笑容地和歡迎她的黨員們一一握手，合影，就搭乘黨部事先安排的2輛大巴士，驅車進波士頓，為6月4日的行程做準備。

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭，書記鄭增壽，宣傳李美絨，總務陳新友，財務吳繼隆，僑運陳家驊，核數梁娜玲，以及黨員江嫡華，沈慶雲，陳台榮，韓幼文等等共十幾人，為了給鄭麗文打氣，加油，不辭夜深路遠的趕到Hascom Field機場去迎接。

波士頓國民黨歡迎隊伍在鄭麗文抵達前先排練。(周菊子攝）

鄭麗文說，看到僑胞那麼晚還趕到機場，揮舞國旗的歡迎她，讓她為大家的支持中華民國，愛護國民黨感動非常，他們一定會加倍努力，實現大家心目中“兩岸和平”，“國民黨重返執政”的共同願望。

波士頓國民檔黨員們見到鄭麗文本人，好開心。(周菊子攝）

談到訪問波士頓的行程，鄭麗文的說詞和在台灣出發前說的一樣，會和哈佛及MIT的重量級學者座談，也會跟學生一起有場大型演講會，整個行程會非常豐富。但鄭麗文仍然不願明說，會和哪些學者見面。

被問到是否已鬆口要參選總統時，鄭麗文嚇了一跳，連忙搖手說“沒有，沒有”。

江嫡華（右二）告訴鄭麗文，她是在鄭麗文當選國民黨黨主席之後，才加入國民黨的。
(周菊子攝）

鄭麗文此行訪波士頓，在6月3日晚抵達後，預訂6月6日就轉往紐約，期間的正式行程為6月4日和哈佛學者餐敘，到費正清中心座談，和甘迺迪學院學者交流，出席以“修昔底德陷阱”論著稱的哈佛教授艾利森（Graham Allison）主辦的演講。6月5日一大早9點半到紐英崙中華公所和僑胞座談，接著到麻省理工學院參訪，和學者，甚至校長晤談，晚上出席在波士頓龍鳳酒樓舉辦的僑宴。

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭表示，由於鄭麗文的行程安排有變動，中華公所的僑胞座談，時間由原定的9點半到11點，縮短半小時。晚上的僑宴，預訂300個座位席次，已全部售罄，許多人向隅，她也很無奈。（https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121468/9545082）