Healey 州長簽法案，設立塔斯克基飛行員紀念日

Governor Healey Signs Bill Establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day  

BOSTON – Yesterday, Governor Maura Healey ceremonially signed An Act Establishing the Fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, formally recognizing the service, sacrifice, and contributions of the African American military aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The Governor was joined at the signing by Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse and Dr. Harold May, both Massachusetts veterans and Original Tuskegee Airmen, as well as Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, MD,MS, Major General Gary Keefe, Senator Cindy Friedman and Representative Michelle Ciccolo.  

  

“This law honors and pays tribute to the extraordinary bravery and patriotism of the Tuskegee Airmen who served our nation with distinction and shaped our history,” said Governor Healey. “By establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in Massachusetts, we ensure that future generations understand their role in advancing equality and excellence in our service. Thank you to Senator Friedman and Representative Ciccolo and all of the veterans and their families for advocating for this important bill.” 

 

“This important commemoration ensures that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen remains a permanent part of our shared history,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It tells the full story of their service and recognizes the Tuskegee Airmen as an example of patriotism, excellence and perseverance.” 

 

Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, a bill sponsored by Senator Cindy Friedman and Representative Michelle Ciccolo, requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation on the fourth Thursday in March. The observance provides an opportunity for Massachusetts to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and reflect on the lasting impact of their service on the nation’s military and civil rights history. 

 

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots and aircrew in United States history, trained as part of a groundbreaking program during World War II at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Between 1941 and 1946, nearly 1,000 pilots graduated from the program, and more than 14,000 men and women served as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, nurses and support personnel. Today, fewer than a dozen Original Tuskegee Airmen are believed to remain living nationwide. 

 

"Establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day ensures that their achievements and unwavering commitment to our nation will be remembered for generations to come," said Secretary Goralnick . "It was a great honor to stand alongside Brigadier General Woody Woodhouse and Dr. Harold May — heroes whose lives embody the very best of our Commonwealth and our country.” 

 

“The Tuskegee Airmen embodied courage and an unshakable belief in a country that did not always believe in them," said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).  "By establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, Massachusetts affirms that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and that their fight for equality is inseparable from our ongoing work to build a more just Commonwealth. We are deeply honored to recognize their extraordinary legacy.” 

 

“Our Commonwealth has a strong dedication to recognizing and honoring the service of our veterans — and the Tuskegee Airmen should be no exception considering the remarkable bravery and fortitude these service members possessed,” said Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington). “I am incredibly proud of the work that the New England Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen – specifically the work of my constituent, Sean Osborne – does to shine a light on stories of residents who, while lesser-known, make up the rich history of Massachusetts and our nation. I thank Sean for working with me and Representative Ciccolo to bring attention to our Tuskegee Airmen and for getting this bill to the Governor’s desk.”  

"I was immensely proud to file this bill on the House side, especially as we witness repeated attempts to erase Black history throughout the country,” said Representative Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington). “Thank you to the advocates who brought this issue to my attention. This timely bill's passage will ensure that we recognize and remember the Tuskegee Airmen's history and legacy of excellence." 

 

“The Tuskegee Airmen are forever legends in American history,” said Representative Joe McGonagle, House Chair, Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (D-Everett). “I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice and service. I am also incredibly proud of Governor Healey and my colleagues in the Legislature for taking the initiative to cement their legacy in Massachusetts; to be honored year after year. This is what true patriotism looks like.”  

  

"As Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day approaches, Senator Velis and our office are grateful that Governor Healey has signed this important legislation into law today. Establishing this day of recognition ensures that Massachusetts will continue to honor the courageous Tuskegee Airmen whose bravery, service, and achievements broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black servicemembers," said a spokesperson for Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), who is currently on active duty with the National Guard.  

 

In March 2023, Governor Healey created the Executive Office of Veterans Services to serve veterans of all branches, eras, and backgrounds, supporting them from the moment they leave military service through every stage of civilian life. Through this work, the Administration has focused on expanding access to benefits, improving care at the state’s veterans homes, and strengthening mental health and suicide prevention services. 

 

藝術愛默生訂3/5-8演出奇幻偶戲「滅絕如渡渡鳥（Dead as a Dodo）」

Adam Kissick for APAP.

            (Boston Orange編譯)藝術愛默生                            （ArtsEmerson）將於3月5日至8日在愛默生卡特勒大劇院（Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre）搬演5場國際知名劇團Ｗakka Wakka去年在紐約「雷達下藝術節(Under the Rader Festival )」中大放異彩的偶戲視覺劇「滅絕如渡渡鳥（Dead as a Dodo）」。

Ｗakka Wakka劇團曾獲戲劇桌獎（Drama Desk Award）提名，2024年在芝加哥國際偶戲節首演「滅絕如渡渡」這齣戲，2025

Richard Termine攝

年到紐約演出時，獲「紐約時報」盛讚為給人視覺震撼且充滿想像力傑作，結合了戲偶與原創音樂，把觀眾帶進一個關於生命與任性的奇幻世界。這回來麻州做波士頓的首演。

劇名中的“渡渡（Dodo）”是曾經生活在印度洋島嶼上，但不會飛行的奇特鳥類，在17世紀就已徹底滅絕，因而在西方文化中，「Dead as A Dodo」已經成為形容“徹底消失，無可挽回”的經典成語。

這齣戲也以此為引，講述一隻本應已“滅絕”的渡渡鳥和一名骷顱男孩，在一個古怪的地下世界，每日不斷挖掘骨頭，在這隻渡渡鳥意外重新長出羽毛，引發一場在冒險中自我轉變的逃亡。創作這藉著這樣的架構，以天馬行空的視覺創意，探討人類與遺失物種間的情感連結，感受混亂美學。

「滅絕如渡渡鳥（Dead as a Dodo）」獲有挪威藝術委員會、吉姆漢森基金會、挪威外交部、FFUK 和 Sea-Cargo AS等機構及組織的贊助。

David Zadig攝

       5場演出時間為，2026 年 3 月 5 日（週四） 19:30， 3 月 6 日（週五） 20:00， 3 月 7 日（週六） 14:00， 3 月 7 日（週六） 20:00， 3 月 8 日（週日） 14:00。演出地點在天滿街219號(219 Tremont St, Boston)的Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre 。演出日期為2026 年 3 月 5 日 – 3 月 8 日（共五場演出），門票$27.50 起（10 人以上團體購票享 7 折優惠）。購票可上網ArtsEmerson.org ，或電洽 617-824-8400 。

State Public Health Officials Announce First Two Confirmed Measles Cases in Massachusetts this Year

State Public Health Officials Announce First Two Confirmed Measles Cases in Massachusetts this Year Residents are reminded of the importance of MMR vaccine in preventing measles BOSTON (February 26, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed today that two cases of measles have been diagnosed in Massachusetts residents. The first case was reported in a school-aged Massachusetts resident who was exposed and diagnosed out of state and remains out of state during the infectious period. There are no known exposures to others in Massachusetts. The second case was diagnosed in an adult who lives in Greater Boston. The individual recently returned from international travel and had an uncertain vaccination history. During their infectious period, the individual visited several locations where exposures to others likely occurred. State and local public health officials are working with these locations to identify and notify those who were potentially exposed. These two cases of measles in Massachusetts have occurred in the context of a large national outbreak of measles and a very large international outbreak. Although there is no evidence of the spread of measles within Massachusetts at this time, additional cases could occur. View a 10-year table of vaccine-preventable disease reports in Massachusetts.  “Our first two measles cases in 2026 demonstrate the impact that the measles outbreaks, nationally and internationally, can have here at home. Fortunately, thanks to high vaccination rates, the risk to most Massachusetts residents remains low,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus and can cause life-threatening illness. These cases are a reminder of the need for health care providers and local health departments to remain vigilant for cases so that appropriate public health measures can be rapidly employed to prevent spread in the state. This is also a reminder that getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease.”  Early symptoms of measles occur 10 days to 2 weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold (cough, runny nose, and red eyes), usually with fever. A rash occurs 2-4 days after the initial symptoms develop. The rash usually appears first on the head and then moves downward. The rash typically lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order.  People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and four days after the day the rash appears. Measles is a potentially serious illness, with complications occurring in approximately 30 percent of infected individuals, including immune suppression, pneumonia, diarrhea, and encephalitis, which may be life-threatening. Those who were exposed to measles and develop symptoms should call their health care provider before visiting an office, clinic, or emergency department. Visiting a health care facility without calling in advance may put others at risk and should be avoided. Anyone who has had measles in the past or has received two doses of the vaccine is unlikely to develop measles, even if exposed. People who have had measles, or who have been vaccinated against measles per the DPH Guidance for Vaccines are considered immune. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection against measles and the serious complications associated with infection. The DPH recommendations for the MMR vaccination are: Children: Children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months. School-aged children need two doses of the MMR vaccine.  Adults: Adults should have at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Certain groups at high risk need two doses of the MMR vaccine, such as international travelers, health care workers, and college students. Adults born in the U.S. before 1957 are considered immune to measles from past exposures.  People who are exposed to measles and have not been vaccinated are at risk for developing measles and will need to avoid all public activities until they are no longer at risk of developing disease. This means that unvaccinated, exposed people will need to miss daycare, school, work, and other activities. Anyone concerned about measles is advised to contact their health care provider to confirm their immunization status and get vaccinated, if needed. For additional information, contact your local health department or DPH at 617-983-6800. To learn more about measles, visit the DPH website.

波士頓市長吳弭 訂3/5晚首度進社區辦公

           （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）將於 2026 年 3 月 5 日（週四）晚上 6:00 至 8:00，在洛士百利（Roxbury）的布魯斯·波林市政大樓（Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building）舉辦首屆「市長辦公時間」，以更親民的和民眾接觸。

                吳弭市長表示，市政府最重要的工作就是為所有市民找出方法，改善生活品質，她期待3月5日這晚，能和大家見面，分享資訊，解決問題，促使更多人參與市政。

                 吳弭在今年1月的就職演說中承諾，要建立直接溝通管道，讓市民能夠向市長，以及各部門官員，當面述說問題。

                   3月5日晚的服務重點包括辦理選民登記、人口普查登記、列印出生與結婚證明等行政事務，也讓民眾繳交停車罰單、申請殘障停車位或公園活動許可。現場還將透過Great Starts 平台，讓民眾申請波士頓幼稚園到12年級（ Pre-K 及 K-12 ）的入學申請，同時歡迎民眾諮詢青年就業、小企業資源、房地產稅減免、住房穩定及社區安全等各方面問題。

                  波士頓警察局、公共衛生委員會、房屋辦公室及 311 團隊等超過 15 個波士頓市府部門將派員出席，為民眾辦理各項服務，解答提問。波士頓青少年與家庭中心（BCYF）將為兒童安排活動，並在現場提供茶點與免費贈品。

                 查詢詳情，可上官方網站 boston.gov/officehours，或撥打 311 與市長社區服務辦公室聯繫。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER OFFICE HOURS 

Office Hours with the Mayor will bring City Hall out of City Hall and directly to residents

BOSTON – Friday, February 27, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet announced the first-ever Office Hours, a family-friendly one-stop opportunity for Boston residents from across the city to connect directly with the Mayor, City services, and department staff to have their questions or concerns answered in real time. The event will take place on Thursday, March 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury.

Office Hours with the Mayor are designed to get City Hall out of City Hall and into neighborhoods, where constituents can meet with city staff to get assistance, ask questions, and connect with resources. During Mayor Wu’s inaugural address in January, she shared her goal of creating Office Hours as an opportunity to connect directly with residents, hear what’s working and what’s not, and unstick any city service issues in real time. 

 

“Our most important job at the City is to find solutions and deliver services to improve quality of life for all our residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at this first Office Hours to share information, address issues, and get even more people involved in city government.”

 

During Office Hours, residents will have access to several City services. This includes registering to vote, completing census registration, printing certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates, applying for handicap parking, paying for parking tickets, and submitting a permit for park usage to host sports or special events. Additionally, families will be able to complete applications for Boston Pre-K and Boston Public Schools (BPS) K-12 programs through the Great Starts platform, with staff available to guide residents through the process. Additional services and information from various City departments will be available.

 

“Office Hours reflect the Mayor’s commitment to meeting residents where they are and making City Hall more accessible and responsive,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of the Community Engagement Cabinet. “By bringing together City departments under one roof, we’re creating a space where community members can ask questions, share feedback, and connect directly with the resources and services that matter most to them. We’re excited to welcome residents from across Boston for an evening of meaningful conversation and on-the-spot support.”

 

Residents are encouraged to come prepared to ask questions and receive information on a broad range of city topics, such as youth employment opportunities, resources for small businesses, property tax relief and exemptions for older adults and homeowners, housing resources, and community safety initiatives. Community members will also be able to learn more about Boston Family Days, Community Safety, Boston Rodent Action Plan, and White Stadium, among other initiatives. Additionally, Boston 311 will be on-site to create and look up service requests, and residents can learn how to use the Boston 311 mobile app as a tool to stay connected to City Hall. Neighborhood liaisons will be present to engage with constituents. 

 

Departments attending Mayor’s Office Hours include 311, Age Strong Commission, Assessing, Boston Police Department, Boston Public Schools, Boston Public Health Commission, Inspectional Services Department, Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, Office of Housing Stability/Mayor’s Office of Housing, Office of Neighborhood Services, Streets, Public Works, Registry: Birth, Death, and Marriage, Veterans’ Services, Boston Water and Sewer, and Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA). 

 

During Office Hours, there will be engaging and fun activities for children led by The Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) City Hall Childcare Program. Refreshments and free giveaways will be available throughout the event. 

 

For more information and updates, visit boston.gov/officehours, contact the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services at 617-635-4500 or call 311.

麻州參議員Nick Collins舉辦馬年新春慶祝會

麻州參議員Nick Collins（中）和紐英崙養生舞協會合影。（參議員辦公室提供）

              (Boston Orange)麻州參議員柯林斯 （Nick Collins）和麻州議會亞裔核心小組合作，2月26日早上，在麻州參議會閱讀室，慶祝農曆馬年新春，50多人歡聚一堂。

            柯林斯議員不但親自在會場迎接到會民眾，送上馬年祝福，還帶大家參觀麻州參議會議事廳，邀紐英崙養生舞協會共同創辦人黃周麗桃，以及在州政府多個機構前後任職逾28年，剛退休的的阮鴻燦，站上參議會主席台，接受表揚。

麻州參議員Nick Collins（中）和他的華裔助理為馬年新春慶祝會致詞。

            紐英崙養生舞協會，台山鄉親聯誼會舞蹈團，楓葉舞蹈團這天也應邀婆娑起舞，為麻州參議會議事廳帶來難得一見的亞裔文化氣息。

            麻州的參眾議會，共有200名議員，其中40人為參議員，160人為眾議員。在過去這200多年來，亞裔一直是參眾議會中的“稀有人種”。

麻州參議員Nick Collins（中）和麻州眾議員黃子安（右）。

            從麻州議會於1780年分成參眾兩會以來，麻州參議會迄今只出過2名亞裔參議員，分別是2009年當選，2022年卸任，父親是有四分之一華裔血統太空人陳福林（Franklin Chang-Diaz）的陳翟蘇尼（Sonia Chang Diaz），以及2017年當選，2021年1月卸任的越南裔Dean Tran。

            麻州眾議會的亞裔議員人數多些，最早是2009年有陳德基和黃子安這2名華裔雙雙當選為眾議員，並連任迄今。

            麻州眾議會的亞裔核心小組，如今共有7人。在黃子安和陳德基之外，2025年有母親來自上海的Paul Schmid退休，有日華裔混血，代表牛頓市的馬惠美（Amy Mah Sangiolo），以及打敗Rady Mom，代表羅爾市（Lowell）的柬埔寨裔Tara Hong當選。

            連任在位的有代表somerville的Erika Uyterhoeven，以及代表羅爾市(Lowell)的柬埔寨裔Vanna Howard，代表安多福鎮（Andover）的越南裔Tram Nguyen。

            不過Vanna Howard已於2月3日民主黨初選中獲勝，將於3月3日為麻州參議員Edward James Kennedy Jr. 於去年10月辭世遺缺所辦的補選中，和同為柬埔寨裔的共和黨籍參選人Sam Meas競爭。

台山鄉親聯誼會舞蹈團和楓葉舞蹈團合影。

            代表安多福鎮（Andover）的麻州眾議員Tram Nguyen則是正和曾任波士頓市長幕僚長的高丹尼（Dan Koh）競爭，看誰能於9月的民主黨初選中，成為代表民主黨角逐麻州聯邦眾議員Seth Moulton席位的人。

            一旦Vanna Howard和Tram Nguyen當選，麻州就會陸續有2個眾議員席位出缺，又要辦補選了。

台山鄉親聯誼會舞蹈團陳晶年（左二）等人合影。

            柯林斯的這場慶祝會原本安排在2月24日舉行的，只是很不巧，23日一場超大風雪襲捲麻州，降雪將近20英寸，迫不得已改期後，由於各地積雪很嚴重，道路又濕滑，華人前進會組織專員鄺寶蓮透露，許多老人家原本想藉這機會，參觀一下麻州參議會，為了怕摔倒，只好放棄。  （所有圖片由Nick Collins辦公室提供）

紐英崙養生舞協會共同創辦人黃周麗桃致詞。(黃周麗桃提供）

紐英崙養生舞協會共同創辦人周美桃（前中）等人合影。

Nick Collins助理介紹表演團隊。

Nick Collins馬年新春慶祝會出席民眾欣賞表演。

麻州參議員Nick Collins（前右一）和紐英崙養生舞協會起為扇舞擺姿勢。
（黃周麗桃提供）  

麻州和谷歌合作取得10000個名額 州民及小企業可免費學AI專業證書課

麻州長Maura Healey宣布和谷歌合作，為民眾免費提供「谷歌AI專業證書」課程。
（周菊子攝）

                (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）2月26日在谷歌(Google) 的劍橋市辦公室宣佈，麻州已成為全美第一個和谷歌合作，為州內小企業，求職者及州民提供免費“谷歌AI專業證書（Google AI Professional Certificate）“課程的州政府。

麻州長Maura Healey在谷歌的劍橋辦公室宣布和戰略夥伴關係。（周菊子攝）

             麻州勞工和勞動力發展廳廳長Lauren Jones在宣佈會中表示，麻州已爭取到10,000個免費學習授權（Licenses），將經由麻州科技合作（MassTech）下的MA AI Hub，優先分發給失業，轉業、 以及長期被科技產業邊緣化的小企業。民眾還可向MassHire 查詢。

            奚莉州長表示，250年來，麻州在教育上一直處於領先地位，甚至促使AI崛起的科技也源自麻州，所以麻州當然要充分利用谷歌提供的資源，造福所有州民。

谷歌Grow with Google全球副總裁Lisa Gevelber闡述谷歌的教育計劃。（周菊子攝）

            麻州勞工和勞動力發展廳廳長Lauren Jones在宣佈會中表示，麻州已爭取到10,000個免費學習授權（Licenses），這些資源將優先分發給失業，轉業，以及長期被科技產業邊緣化的小企業。

麻州勞工廳廳長Lauren Jones強調，將以失業及轉業者為優先照顧對ㄒㄧ。（周菊子攝）

            Lauren Jones指出，根據州政府的調查數據，麻州僅有17%的職業培訓機構把AI納入了課程，有40%完全沒有相關資源，有60%都希望政府能夠支援，麻州政府和谷歌旗下的「與谷歌一起成長（Grow with Google）」合作，正好提供了資源，輔佐麻州人才。

            「與谷歌一起成長（Grow with Google）」全球副總裁Lisa Gevelber表示，根據Ipsos調查，有70%的企業經理認為AI技能對企業成功很重要，但只有14%員工能在工作中得到AI培訓，小微企業更是不到10%，谷歌為此特地設計了這「AI 專業證書」課程，教人如何運用AI來把工作做得更好。

麻州經濟發展廳廳長Eric Paley。（周菊子攝）

            谷歌早從2017年開始，就藉由Coursera陸續在網路上提供六大職業證書課程，幫助沒有相關背景的人，在3到6個月內，取得“數據分析 （Data Analytics）”、”IT支援(IT Support)“、”專案管理(Project Management)“、”UX設計(UX Design)“、“數位行銷與電子商務(Digital Marketing & E-Commerce”、“網路安全（Cybersecurity）”等領域的入職技能。

麻州人工智能樞紐（MA AI Hub）主任Sabrina Mansur。（周菊子攝）

            谷歌已從今年2月19日推出的「谷歌AI專業證書（Google AI Professional Certificate）」課程，內容包括谷歌最新的Gemini模型應用

麻州科技（ＭassTech）執行長Carolyn Kirk。（周菊子攝）

，主要是教人學習生成式AI的職場應用，精準提問（Prompt Engineering）等5門子課程，還得完成20多個動手實作練習，一旦取得證書，就可獲得包括沃爾瑪（Walmart）、德勤（Deloitte）等150多家大企業認可，直接掛在領英（LinkedIn）上，作為爭取工作機會的技能。

            Lisa Gevelber還指出，數個月前，谷歌推出了「谷歌AI教育加速器（ Google AI for Education Accelerator）」，和麻州大學等教育機構展開深度合作。2月19日推出「谷歌AI專業證書」課程時，谷歌也宣布了全美所有員工500人以下的小微企業，均可為其企業內的每一名員工申請免費培訓。符合資格的小企業，還可獲得3個月的Google AI Pro和google Workspace Business Standard的免費使用權，讓員工在學習時直接使用最強大的商業AI工具。

            谷歌的職業證書課程和AI 專業證書課程，任何個別人士都可以每月$49元的費用，自行上網學習。

            26日在會上發言的還有麻州科技（ＭassTech）執行長Carolyn Kirk，麻州人工智能樞紐（MA AI Hub）主任Sabrina Mansur，麻州經濟發展廳廳長Eric Paley等人。

            Sabrina Mansur指出，麻州人工智能樞紐最近才和位於Holyoke的麻州綠化高效能計算中心（Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center，簡稱MGHPCC）合作，宣佈劍橋電腦（Cambridge Computer）和戴爾科技(Dell Technologies)，輝達（Nvidia），以及VAST攜手在MGHPCC製造人工智能計算資源（AICR）環境，作為麻州人工智能樞紐的支柱，為新創公司、公司、研究人員和教育工作者提供人工智慧創新所需的永續高效能運算資源。

              查詢相關資源可上網，小微企業可上 google.com/smb，麻州民眾可經由MA AI Hub上網https://aihub.masstech.org/google-certificates，查詢相關資料。一般民眾也可自行付費，上網學習，獲取谷歌職業證書google.com/ai-cert。

Massachusetts Senate Passes the BRIGHT Act to Modernize and Invest in Public Higher Education Facilities

 Massachusetts Senate Passes the BRIGHT Act to Modernize and Invest in Public Higher Education Facilities 

Invests in Vital Repair Projects, Lab and Vocational Training Facilities, Campus Supported Housing Development 

 

(BOSTON—2/26/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously passed the BRIGHT Act, a $3.28 billion bond bill that will invest in upgrades to public higher education campuses across Massachusetts and strengthen the learning experiences of students at community colleges, state universities, and UMass campuses. 

 

The legislation—S.2962, An Act to build resilient infrastructure to generate higher-ed transformation—will update facilities and address the backlog of deferred campus maintenance by harnessing the power of ‘Fair Share’ revenues to back a new state bond issuance.  

 

The generational investment package builds on recent Senate-led policies to make public higher education more affordable and accessible, including tuition-free community college and historic increases to financial aid. Recent advancements make a tuition- and fee-free education possible for all Pell-eligible students attending four-year universities, and allow students from moderate-income families to attend at half the cost. 

 

“Massachusetts students deserve campuses that match the quality of their ambition,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The BRIGHT Act will deliver just that: safe, modern, and energy-efficient classrooms that provide a strong foundation for academic and professional success for every student at every public institution in the Commonwealth. I applaud the education leaders who helped shape this bill, the faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to educating our residents, and the students who choose to pursue a world-class education at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities. I am especially grateful to Chair Comerford for her leadership on this issue, and to Chair Rodrigues and Chair Mark for their stewardship.” 

 

“The Senate has always made strategic investments in higher education a top priority, as we know that advanced education leads to a more highly skilled and compensated Massachusetts workforce. This comprehensive bond bill will help modernize aging college infrastructure and spur housing development in underutilized campus properties, providing a gateway for higher enrollment,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I have long been advocating for a higher education deferred maintenance bond bill, and this proposal is the result of a strong working collaboration between the Legislature, the Administration, and the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities. This initiative also requires smart investment in climate resilience, ongoing decarbonization, and pursues other energy efficient priorities. I thank Senate President Spilka and Higher Education Chair Comerford for their leadership and work to move this legislation forward.” 

 

“Today, the Senate advanced urgently-needed legislation to transform public higher education infrastructure by leveraging Fair Share dollars to address deferred maintenance, modernize classrooms, and decarbonize campuses,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “I am grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for their steadfast leadership and commitment to investing in every facet of public higher education. With the BRIGHT Act, Massachusetts is choosing not to retreat in the face of federal attacks on higher education, but to build forward—creating healthier, more sustainable campuses that reflect the future we are preparing our students to lead.” 

 

An expected $2.5 billion worth of projects over the next 10 years will help cover deferred maintenance, repairs, and major capital projects through a mix of bonding and cash investments. Projects include lab modernization, workforce development facilities, and climate resilience and energy efficiency priorities. The bill will also provide support for public colleges and universities to turn unused campus property into housing or mixed-use developments, and simplify the process for selling or leasing surplus land. 

 

To finance BRIGHT Act projects, the legislation would dedicate $125 million per year from the ‘Fair Share’ surtax on high-earning households to create and back a new special revenue bond. The state collected roughly $3 billion in total Fair Share revenues in 2025. 

 

“The BRIGHT Act makes crucial investments in our public higher education campus facilities that will improve our competitive edge as a state, support equity, workforce development, and long-term growth, and promote increased economic activity including good paying jobs in the building trades, while also ensuring that our students, whether they live in the Berkshires, Boston, or anywhere in between, have access to high quality affordable public higher education,” said Senator Paul W. Mark (D-Becket), Acting Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. 

 

Looking beyond the funding and bonds that would be issued over the next 10 years, the bill ensures the state will permanently bolster the resources that are directed toward higher education capital projects. It requires that the annual $125 million stream of Fair Share surtax revenue continue to be directed toward higher education capital projects in perpetuity. 

 

Originally filed by the Governor, versions of the bill have been heard by the Joint Committee on Higher Education, reviewed by the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, passed by the House of Representatives, and redrafted by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The Senate version of the legislation was reported to the full body by the Committee on Ways and Means with a 16-0 vote on February 19, 2026. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature’s website. 

 

The $3.28 billion that the state would be authorized to issue in support of public higher education capital projects includes: 

 

·          $1.25 billion for projects on state university and community college campuses; 

·          $1.25 billion for projects on University of Massachusetts campuses; 

·          $120 million to support well-equipped laboratories at public higher education institutions, modern facilities to foster career-oriented collaboration between community colleges and vocational technical schools, and health facilities to promote students’ wellbeing; 

·          $100 million toward the creation of housing and mixed-use developments on campus properties; 

·          $100 million to advance regional economic and workforce development through a competitive grant program for equipment and facilities for career technical education and training programs; 

·          $275 million for the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) Tower Building, where high priority critical repairs are needed; 

·          $80 million for campus energy efficiency and decarbonization; 

·          $50 million for a competitive grant program for capital improvements at public higher education campuses, including climate resilience upgrades; 

·          $30 million for campus master planning; and 

·          $20 million for technology improvements that support students and facilitate remote and hybrid learning. 

 

Additional details of the bill are available in a fact sheet in the Senate Press Room. 

 

The Senate passed the bill on a 38-0 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.