Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day 

PITTSFIELD — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw and Elementary and Secondary Education Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo visited the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires in Pittsfield yesterday to highlight how Governor Maura Healey’s Gateway to Pre-k agenda and Literacy Launch initiative are expanding access to affordable high-quality preschool and evidence based early literacy instruction in local communities. 

 

During the visit, administration officials joined classroom activities, interacted with young learners, and spoke with Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti, Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips and community-based preschool programs about the successes and challenges of expanding access to high-quality preschool opportunities, including early literacy curriculum.   

 

“It was wonderful to be at the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires to see how the administration’s investments are expanding access to high-quality pre-k, including access to evidence-based early literacy instruction. The Pittsfield community is a model of how school districts and community-based preschools can work together to level the playing field for kindergarten readiness,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. 

 

“Yesterday we were able to visit one of our communities early education centers, highlighting the importance of education programming for some of our youngest learners,” said Mayor Peter Marchetti. “Every child deserves to have the same foundation either the necessary skills to succeed. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support for early childhood education.” 

 

"I always like to welcome cabinet members to meet with people doing the work on the ground,” said State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "That Secretary Zrike made Pittsfield one of the very first communities he visited says a great deal of his intention to serve the entire commonwealth. He and Commissioner Kershaw desire to understand the needs of a Gateway City in a rural county far from Boston will make a difference for our students." 

 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires is part of Pittsfield’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI). CPPI, a key component of Gateway to Pre-K, supports partnerships between public school districts and community-based early education providers to create more inclusive, coordinated preschool systems. Through these collaborations, CPPI aims to strengthen school readiness, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that every child in Massachusetts has the foundation needed for future success. 

 

Pittsfield’s CPPI partnership includes the Pittsfield Public Schools, Berkshire County Head Start, 18 Degrees, the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, Kid Zone, the Gladys Allen Brigham Center, Morningside Community School, and Williams Elementary School. Together, nine classrooms are serving 131 children in their first year of the grant, marking an exciting launch into early implementation and collaborative planning that strengthens early learning opportunities across the community. 

 

“During our visit to Pittsfield, it was clear how strong collaboration across agencies and community partners is driving real progress for families,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “The CPPI model is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can expand access to high-quality preschool while meeting the unique needs of local families, and Pittsfield’s commitment to this work shows what’s possible when communities come together with a shared vision.” 

 

“The partnership with the Pittsfield Public Schools, through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), has been a game changer for children 3 & 4 years old,” said Joe McGovern, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires. “It has increased equitable availability, provided new curriculum, purchased much needed supplies and offered staff trainings all to improve the quality of education for our children.” 

 

In addition to CPPI, Pittsfield is a recipient of the administration’s Partnership for Reading Success - Massachusetts (PRISM) II grant, funded through Literacy Launch. This grant supports school districts, in partnership with CPPI participating community-based preschools, with implementing newly selected English language arts materials or engaging in a structured curriculum evaluation and selection process. These efforts strengthen early literacy instruction, helping equip students with the reading and writing skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. The Pittsfield School District and several CPPI partners are rolling out new early literacy instruction this week, including at the Boys & Girls Club. 

 

“I'm grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to high-quality early literacy instruction starting in preschool,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We stand ready to continue supporting districts and partnerships by providing professional development, ongoing technical assistance, and grants through the Literacy Launch initiative.” 

 

“It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike, Commissioner Kershaw and Deputy Commissioner Woo in Pittsfield for a CPPI visit as part of 413 Day. Their time here reinforced the critical role that early childhood partnerships play in setting students up for long-term success. Through community collaboration, we are working to define and support kindergarten readiness across a mixed-delivery system so that all children, regardless of where they receive early education, arrive ready to learn and thrive. We are grateful for the recognition of the impactful work happening in our community and the ways our educators and community partners across early learning settings are working together to support children and families, ensuring strong early learning foundations for our children,” said Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips. 

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $32 million for CPPI to meet the Governor’s goal of delivering universal, high-quality preschool funding for four-year-olds in all Gateway Cities by the end of 2026. That is an $11.5 million increase over current program funding. Her budget also includes $25 million for the third year of Literacy Launch.  

Four Lions Media Announces Integration of Norton Communications

 Four Lions Media Announces Integration of Norton Communications

Kate Norton Named Partner 

WASHINGTON, DC – Four Lions Media, a full-service communications and creative firm serving campaigns, labor organizations, advocacy groups, and mission-driven clients nationwide, today announced that Norton Communications will join the firm, with founder Kate Norton stepping into a Partner role as part of the integration.

Norton Communications, a Massachusetts-based strategic communications firm founded by Norton, has built a strong reputation for delivering high-impact strategic messaging, earned media, and campaign communications for clients across the Commonwealth and beyond. With this move, Norton Communications will be fully integrated into Four Lions Media, strengthening the firm’s strategic communications practice and expanding its presence in Massachusetts.

“This is an exciting step forward. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Norton Communications — we built this firm to win tough fights and tell powerful stories for clients doing meaningful work,” said Kate Norton. “Joining Four Lions Media means bringing that work into a larger team with deeper creative and strategic capacity, and being able to deliver even more for the clients and causes we all care about, continuing the values-driven approach and trusted relationships that have defined both firms.”

"But seriously, who writes their own press release?" she added.

Haley Norton will also join Four Lions Media as a Content Producer, continuing her work supporting clients through digital content development, messaging support, and creative execution.

“Kate and Haley have built something exceptional,” said Dean Levitan, Founding Partner at Four Lions Media. “Norton Communications has earned a strong reputation across Massachusetts and beyond, and we’re thrilled to welcome their team into Four Lions. This integration reflects the continued growth of our firm and strengthens our ability to deliver high-impact strategic communications for clients nationwide.”

“Kate brings the kind of political instincts, strategic discipline, and storytelling strength that elevates every campaign and client,” said Henri Makembe, Founding Partner at Four Lions Media. “Bringing Norton Communications into Four Lions is a major milestone for our team, and we’re excited about what this means for our clients as we continue to grow and expand our work.”

Clients will continue working with the same trusted leadership and team, with all work moving forward under the Four Lions Media name.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 413 Day with Major Investments in Housing, Workforce and Outdoor Economy Across Western Mass

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates 413 Day with Major Investments in Housing, Workforce and Outdoor Economy Across Western Mass 

New housing designations, workforce funding and regional equity initiatives highlight administration’s commitment to delivering for all 351 cities and towns 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today marked 413 Day with a series of major investments and policy announcements across Western Massachusetts, underscoring its commitment to supporting economic growth in every region of the state.  

“Western Massachusetts is essential to our state’s success, from its small business and farms to its outdoor economy and cultural institutions,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why we are making real investments in the 413 – building housing, supporting workers and strengthening local economies. We are committed to making sure every region of Massachusetts has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”   

“413 Day is a chance to celebrate Western Massachusetts, but more importantly, it’s a chance to deliver for the people who live and work here,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From housing to workforce development to outdoor recreation, we’re investing in the foundations that support long-term economic growth across the region.”  

First established in 2019 by Senator Adam Hinds, 413 Day highlights the culture, economy, and communities of Western Massachusetts. This year, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, joined by administration officials, visited all four counties to announce new investments and engage directly with local leaders and stakeholders.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a number of new investments in Western Massachusetts, including: 

 

Housing Investments and Pro-Housing Designations 

Rural Housing Choice 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias kicked announced 29 Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designations, expanding access to state resources for communities advancing pro-housing policies.  

These newly designated communities have collectively produced nearly 8,700 housing units over the past five years, demonstrating strong local leadership in addressing the state’s housing needs.  

This year also marks the first time every county in Massachusetts has at least one Housing Choice Community, with six new designations in Western Massachusetts: Bernardston, Buckland, Deerfield, Easthampton, Gill and Great Barrington. 

Neighborhood Stabilization Fund 

The administration also announced $8 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program awards through MassHousing to support the redevelopment or rehabilitation of 49 affordable homes, including 34 homeownership opportunities.  

Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has invested more than $342 million in housing production and preservation in Western Massachusetts, supporting over 800 homes and expanding access to housing across the region. Additionally, through the state’s HDIP program, the administration has supported the creation of 152 units of housing development in Western Massachusetts, totaling $9.6 million, about 21 percent of the state’s total investment. 
 

Investing in Young Workers Through YouthWorks  

In Hampden County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Labor and Workforce Secretary Lauren Jones visited the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield to announce $14.4 million in grants to hire nearly 3,800 jobs for young people across Massachusetts.  

The YouthWorks program provides teens and young adults with paid work experience, job training, and career development opportunities, helping them build the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Participants gain hands-on experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors while developing critical professional and interpersonal skills. They also learn how to take the next steps in their education and career pathways.  

 
Advancing Fairness Through PILOT Commission  

In Hampshire County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll swore in members of Governor Healey’s Commission on Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for State-Owned Land at the Pelham Overlook. The PILOT Commission was established through an Executive Order to evaluate potential reforms and ensure fairness in how the state compensates municipalities.  

The state owns over half a million acres of land, such as state parks and forests, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and state military campgrounds. To compensate municipalities for the loss of local property taxes related to this land, the state administers a PILOT program that provides them with funding. 

Western Massachusetts communities, which host a significant share of state-owned land, have long raised concerns about disparities in PILOT funding. The Commission will focus on ensuring communities are fairly supported for the land they host, with particular attention to geographic equity. Members of the Commission include: 

·       Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz 

·       Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer 

·       Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs designee Lisa Primiano 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Revenue designee Sean Cronin 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation designee Kate Preissler 

·       Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game designee Emily Myron 

·       Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi 

·       Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva 

·       Town of Marion Grants Administrator Amy Jackson-Grove 

·       Industrial Economics Incorporated Principal Dr. James Neumann 

·       The Trustees of Reservations Vice President Wendy Ferris 

·       Town of Orange Selectboard Member Jane Peirce 

Additional members of the Commission will continue to be appointed in the coming weeks. 

While in Pelham, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll announced additional funding through the administration’s Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance programs to help local and tribal governments apply for federal grants. To date, the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office has awarded $2,048,950 from the Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Program, and $1,000,000 from the Technical Assistance Program for Regional Planning Agencies.

 

Growing the Outdoor Economy 

In Franklin County, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll held a listening session at Berkshire East Mountain Resort with business leaders, tourism officials and state agencies to discuss continued growth in the outdoor recreation sector. 

Massachusetts’ outdoor economy has generated $14.6 billion in economic activity in 2024 and supported 108,000 jobs, growing at a rate of 6.9 percent, which is the fastest in the nation.  

The administration has made significant investments to expand access to outdoor recreation, including nearly $190,000 in grants last year to support community-based events and initiatives across Western Massachusetts. 

Following the roundtable, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll visited Berkshire County to experience the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, including taking a fly-fishing lesson at Zoar Gap. 

During her first year in office, Governor Healey appointed first Director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR). Since taking office, Governor Healey’s administration has prioritized regional equity and targeted investments across Western Massachusetts through the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and filed the Mass Ready Act which would invest $3 billion to strengthen infrastructure and protect Massachusetts communities against increasing extreme weather events.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP AS PART OF ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT BOSTON INITIATIVE’ TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN BUSINESS, DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS THE CITY

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP AS PART OF ‘YOU CAN’T BEAT BOSTON INITIATIVE’ TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN BUSINESS, DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS THE CITY

BOSTON – Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of a new business recruitment partnership as part of You Can’t Beat Boston, a public-private initiative designed to bring together leading companies, institutions, and public partners to attract global investment and support economic growth across the City and region. The new fund will be seeded by M&T Bank with support from the Boston Foundation. This announcement was made by Mayor Wu today at the U.S. - Spain Business Summit organized by ICEX, a state-owned agency that promotes the internationalization of Spanish Companies, and the Economic and Commercial Offices of the Spanish Embassy in New York and Chicago, powered by the Richi Foundation, M&T Bank, SMCU, and the City of Boston. The summit focused on strengthening business ties between Spain and the United States, particularly Massachusetts, and between Spain and the Boston innovation ecosystems.

 

“Leading companies—from Uniqlo and Hasbro to Dechra and Lovable to homegrown tech and life sciences leaders like Vertex, Gingko Bioworks, WHOOP, Klaviyo—are choosing Boston because it’s the best city to raise families and a place where talent, ideas, and innovation thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through this partnership, we will bring together Boston’s leadership across sectors to recruit even more companies, attract more investment, and drive economic growth. I’m grateful to our partners, M&T Bank and the Boston Foundation, for helping seed and launch this important initiative, and we look forward to working together to sustain these efforts long-term.”

 

The new fund is launching with initial seed funding of several million dollars from M&T Bank and will strengthen Boston’s position as a premier global hub for talent and innovation while supporting local and international companies seeking to scale in the City. The effort will create new pathways for innovation, investment, and job creation while expanding opportunities for residents and businesses. 

 

Through the You Can’t Beat Boston initiative, the City and its partners will: 

·       Champion global investment and inclusive economic growth 

·       Serve as the central point of contact for businesses considering growing in Boston

·       Build and maintain relationships with existing businesses to support retention and growth

·       Establish a strong foundation for international businesses to launch and scale in the City

·       Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies for Boston

 

“M&T Bank has a long history of investing in communities and helping businesses scale, grow and thrive,” said Jeff Carpenter, M&T Bank’s Regional President in Massachusetts. “Through this initiative, we are proud to support both local and global companies as they establish and expand their presence in Boston while reinforcing Massachusetts as a destination for innovation, ideas and investment.”

 

“In a changing world, it is vital for Boston’s public, private and philanthropic communities to work together to ensure that we are providing opportunities for everyone who calls this city home,” said Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “We thank our partners at M&T Bank and the City of Boston for their shared commitment to strengthening Boston’s connection to global innovation and its reputation as a hub for opportunity and growth.”

 

The “You Can’t Beat Boston” fund is a direct recommendation of the City’s Business Recruitment Taskforce, which convened in 2024 to advise the City on strategies to advance business recruitment and retention in Boston.

 

“I am very pleased that the City has created a new business recruitment fund, seeded by M&T Bank and the Boston Foundation,” said Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College and member of the City’s Business Recruitment Taskforce. “The creation of this fund reflects our recommendation to convene a new public-private entity that brings partners together to advance collective efforts for business recruitment and growth. This result reflects the deep listening and collaborative thinking of the taskforce and informed this new approach.”

 

"The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Michelle Wu on the new innovation and economic growth fund launching in partnership with M&T Bank, The Boston Foundation, and the Spanish government. This new strategic economic development initiative will accelerate the growth of companies while championing our workforce across the biotechnology sector in both Boston and Spain, sharpening our region’s competitive edge,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

 

In addition to providing seed funding, M&T Bank convened public- and private-sector leaders and engaged partners including the Finance Ministry of Spain and the Richi Foundation to help bring the initiative to life and strengthen global collaboration.

 

The announcement of this new fund and You Can’t Beat Boston initiative builds on the momentum of the Spanish Government opening a new trade office in Massachusetts and launching a new $200M million venture capital fund. Together, these new initiatives reinforce the City’s position as the global hub for talent and the premier destination for business growth and innovation. This strong partnership also builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to convene leadership across sectors to recruit more companies, attract more investment, and drive economic growth.   

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Affordable Career-Connected Learning Opportunities in Western MA During 413 Day

 

Administration officials visited MCLA and Franklin Tech to showcase the impact of state financial aid, early college and career technical education expansion

 

NORTH ADAMS/ TURNERS FALLS — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike visited Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams and Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls yesterday. These visits highlighted ways the administration is working to help students be career ready through cost-free opportunities to earn high-value industry recognized credentials and free and affordable higher education credits and degrees. 

 

“As Secretary, one of my focus areas is access to career-connected learning at all ages. In Massachusetts, we want to make sure that students are set up for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike. “It was a pleasure to visit MCLA and Franklin County Technical School to see how early college, career tech programs and financial aid expansion are supporting students to discover their career paths in affordable ways.” 

 

Secretary Zrike and Higher Education Deputy Commissioner Michael Dannenberg joined MCLA President Dr. James Birge for a roundtable discussion on higher education affordability. The conversation included students accessing higher education through Governor Maura Healey’s expansion of state financial aid, as well as local Early College students from Drury High School. Through this financial aid expansion, middle-income students have their cost of tuition and fees cut in half, and low-income students eligible for federal Pell grants have their tuition, fees, books and supplies paid for by state and federal financial aid. MCLA’s Early College partnership with Drury High School provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits cost-free while still in high school, expanding access and reducing the cost of a college degree.  

 

“The compelling numbers about Massachusetts’ growth in Early College and financial aid cannot convey the impact of these investments as well as student voices,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to the students who shared their experiences with DHE and administration colleagues, and I want to thank the partners who arranged for us to engage with those who are benefitting from our investments in higher education access.”  

 

"Affordability is not just a policy conversation, it is a deeply personal one for our students and their families. We are grateful to Secretary Zrike and Deputy Commissioner Dannenberg for coming to North Adams to hear directly from the people these programs are designed to serve. At MCLA, we see every day how financial aid and early college access change the trajectory of a student's life, and we are proud to be part of that story," said James F. Birge, Ph.D, MCLA President. 

 

"The difference between a college degree and a high school diploma is $1.2 million in Berkshire County. That's how much more college graduates make over the course of their career in vital employment sectors like Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance. The partnership between MCLA and the North Adams Public School has been a game-changer for the community, as we work to ensure that almost all of our Drury High School graduates leave high school with a significant number of college credits completed, making a low-cost, nearly-debt-free college degree a real possibility," said Timothy Callahan, Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. 

 

"I’m pleased that Secretary Zrike is making MCLA one of his first stops after being on the job for less than a month. His visit is a meaningful opportunity to speak directly with students and administrators about programs and resources that help shape the student experience. His focus on affordability highlights one of the most significant barriers many students face in pursuing higher education. Ensuring students have access to a quality, affordable education is critical in helping them succeed," said State Representative John Barrett III. 

 

Secretary Zrike and Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo toured Franklin County Technical School’s career technical education (CTE) programs. CTE programs equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market, including at least 900 hours of immersive learning time, co-operative education in partnership with local employers, and opportunities to earn high-value, industry recognized credentials.  

 

Franklin County Technical School received Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of their Aviation Maintenance Technology program this January and are working towards approval as a DESE designated CTE aviation program. Administrative officials toured their new 12,000 sq. ft. aviation hangar, flight simulator, and learned about their state-of-the-art aviation training modules. Certified aviation mechanics are in high demand and salaries can run from $50,000 to over $200,000. 

 

“Our goal is for students to know about the wide array of careers available here in Massachusetts and to take steps toward a career even before they graduate from high school,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I want to see more students finish high school with industry-recognized credentials, college credits, or both, giving them the opportunity to enroll in college or enter the workforce while continuing their training.”  

 

“We were honored to welcome Steve Zrike to Franklin County Technical School to mark an important moment for our region. His visit to our new aviation hangar and the newly approved FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician program strategically located along the boundary of Franklin County Tech and Turners Falls highlights the Commonwealth’s commitment to building a highly skilled, career-ready workforce,” said Franklin Tech Superintendent Rick Martin. “It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike alongside distinguished guests from the Executive Office of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as local and regional state representatives, town administrators, selectboard members, and our school committee. The tour provided a valuable opportunity to showcase how initiatives like the state’s Skills Capital Grants are directly impacting students by expanding access to high-demand, high-skill career pathways. This investment in aviation education reflects a broader vision one that aligns education with workforce needs and creates meaningful opportunities for students across Franklin County and beyond. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from the Commonwealth as we prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.” 

 

“I was so pleased to join Secretary Zrike and Assistant Secretary LePage at Franklin County Tech during 413 Day. The new Aviation Maintenance program offers a pathway to innovation and success for our students. Congratulations to FCTS for always raising the bar when it comes to education and opportunity,” said State Representative Susannah Whipps.  

 

In Governor Healey’s third State of the Commonwealth address, she set new goals of enrolling 100,000 students in Early College in 10 years. Since taking office, Governor Healey has been expanding Early College and Career Innovation Pathways so that more students can get started on their college degrees while still in high school – for free. The administration has also doubled state financial aid, made community college free and with the Board of Higher Education, approved new regulations recently that allow public and private colleges and universities to propose pilot programs that include the option to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees. These efforts make Massachusetts more competitive, lower costs, and support students and our workforce. 

 

Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $53 million for the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, which supports programs like Early College and Innovation Career Pathways. It also invests $103 million to sustain financial aid expansion and other financial aid. 

慶祝麻州醫療健保法改革20週年 五名麻州長齊聚芬紐廳

5名麻州州長齊聚芬紐廳，慶祝麻州健保法改革20週年。左起，Maura healey，
Deval Patrick, Mitt Romney, William Weld，Michael Dukakis。（周菊子攝）

             （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和4名前州長，米特·羅姆尼（Mitt Romney）、派區克（Deval Patrick）、威廉·威爾德（Bill Weld）及麥可·杜卡基斯（Michael Dukakis）等人，4月13日在芬紐廳（Faneuil Hall）慶祝麻州醫療保健法改革20週年。

5名麻州州長齊聚，慶祝麻州醫療健保法改革20週年。（周菊子攝）

            奚莉州長指出，20年前的2006年，又稱「第58章（Chapter）」的這法案，就是在芬紐廳由共和黨籍州長米特·羅姆尼（Mitt Romney）簽署通過的，並創立了「麻州健保交易平台 (Massachusetts Health Connector)」。2007年民主黨籍州長Deval Patrick接任州長後，認真執行，不但讓麻州成為全美醫療健保改革模範，更彰顯了當政府不分黨派，齊心為民眾著想時，可以做得多好。

左起，Maura healey，Deval Patrick, Mitt Romney, William Weld，
Michael Dukakis。（周菊子攝）

            奚莉州長表示，「麻州健保交易平台 (Massachusetts Health Connector)」迄今協助了150多萬麻州居民獲得醫療保險，使麻州居民的投醫保率高達97%，幾乎已是全民健保了。她指出，在當前川普政府掌政中，民眾擔心的不再是“有沒醫療保險”，而是“能不能負擔得起”。她推出歷史性的削減共負額（copayment）和自付額（deductibles），和保險商合作，取消多項常規醫療的預先授權（prior authorization

麻州州長Maura Healey表示麻州將繼續領先全美。（周菊子攝）

）等政策，都是為了幫助民眾解決實際面對的醫療保險問題。最近麻州還成立了「醫療負擔能力工作小組」，因為「麻州不能等華府來解決問題」。

Deval Patrick笑言執行不易，這法案應該叫做Patrickcare。（周菊子攝）

            米特·羅姆尼（Mitt Romney）2025年才從猶他州聯邦參議員職位卸任，目前以猶他州為主要居住地。他把麻州醫療健保法改革的得以成功，歸功於3大要素，包括當年的參議會議長Robert E. Travaglini的務實，抱持「選戰已經結束，現在是處理人民事物的時候」，儘管州政府內領導層黨派政見不同，但每週一固定聚會，以建立信任，其中愛德華甘迺迪更起到關鍵的協調作用，此外則是談判法案細節的幕僚與官員們都十分優秀。他還特露，「全民健保」的最初構想，來自Staple創辦人Tom Stemberg的直言建議。

共和黨籍，現居猶他州的Mitt Romney在麻州州長任內簽署麻州醫保改革法。（周菊子攝）

            米特·羅姆尼還引用了愛德華甘迺迪當年幽默形容兩黨在麻州為醫保改革的合作，「當米特羅姆尼和愛德華甘迺迪再一起慶祝同一法案時，證明了一件事：我們當中有一個人沒看過條文」。以及Tom Stemberg當初說的，「如果你真的想要幫助人民，你就會找到方法讓每個人都擁有醫療保險」。

共和黨籍的William Weld(右起），Mitt romney和民主籍的Deval Patrick
這幾位前任麻州州長，難得共聚一堂。（周菊子攝）

            派區克（Deval Patrick）在致詞時開玩笑的說，麻州的醫療健保改革法應該叫做「派區克保險法（Patrick Care）」，因為在落實，執行這第58章法案時，他面對著如何化願景為實務的課宴，執行團隊必須定義何謂「可負擔（affordable）」，以及「最低達標保險（Minimum credible coverage）」，並舉行了無數次的基層座談來和民眾溝通。

麻州眾議會議長Ron Mariano笑說當年討論醫保法改革，先談覆蓋率，現在要考慮成本。
（周菊子攝）

為了讓那些自認不會生病年輕人也投保，以擴大保險池，州政府甚至找紅襪隊，賽爾提克隊（Celtics）來協助宣傳。後來聯邦政府推出「可負擔醫療法（ACA）」，麻州平台一度癱瘓，民眾怨聲載道，但政府團隊堅持著醫改核心是人，不是網站的初衷，在網站維修期間還繼續提升了投保率。

派屈克說，政策在觸及人民的那一刻，才具有最重要的意義。黨派合作從來都和完美，意識形態或黨派純度，或者在一起做事前，要達成完全共識無關，而是在於使命。

右起，Sal DiMassi和Robert Travaglini和Ron Mariano 從議會議長角度談麻州醫保改革。
（周菊子攝）

這場紀念活動大約有300人參加。麻州眾議會議長Ronald J. Mariano，2003到2007年的麻州參議會議長Robert E. Travaglini，以及2004到2009的麻州眾議會議長Salvatoro F. DiMasi也應邀出席，從議會角度做分享。

Ronald J. Mariano形容當年的協商會議枯燥、漫長，給人極大壓力，外界也普遍認為醫保改革是“不可能的任務”，但在友誼潤滑下，“沒有什麼問題是去北端（North End）吃一頓美味晚餐解決不了的“。

現場有約300多人。（周菊子攝）

Robert Travaglini笑說，處事成功的關鍵，在於讓所有領導人都能放下個人光環，黨派背景，為公共利益而合作。愛德華甘迺迪對麻州醫保的成就感到無比自豪，因為那是他在華府努力一生，卻未達成的理想。

麻州慶祝醫保法改革20週年。（周菊子攝）

Salvatoro F. DiMasi以自己在沒有熱水的貧民窟成長，又是癌症倖存者為例指出，醫保改革對他來說，從來都不抽象。他指出人際關係在政治中有極高價值，讚許Mitt Romney高度尊重民主黨佔絕大多數的議會，展現對話意願。

另外的2場座談，主題分別為「為歷史性改革鋪路：意想不到的夥伴攜手合作(Setting the table for historic reform: Unlikely Partners coming together)」，以及「確保實施得當：審慎決策與深遠影響（Getting implementation Right: Careful Decisions and lasting impact）」。

芬紐廳內老鷹矗立。（周菊子攝）