麻州今年發放5840萬美元給23,300退伍軍人 福利金額及人數雙創新高

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（4）日宣佈，州政府將在2026年度撥付5,840萬美元的免稅津貼給超過2.33萬名合格退伍軍人及家屬，總金額與受惠人數雙雙創下該計畫史上新高。

    每名符合資格的100%因公致殘退伍軍人、金星家庭（陣亡軍人親屬）及喪偶配偶，可獲得2,500美元的年度免稅津貼。今年受惠人數比去年成長10%，為歷年最大增幅。

    款項已開始透過直接匯款發放，紙本支票預計本週稍後寄出。現有領取者無須重新申請，新申請或需更新資料者，則須在2027年6月30日前向麻州退伍軍人服務部（EOVS）提出並獲核准。

    麻州得以擴大退伍軍人福利，基於早前通過的「英雄（HERO）法案」，不只把津貼額度提高到2,500美元，還放寬規定，允許喪偶配偶再婚後繼續領取。

    奚莉州長上任後成立麻州首個退伍軍人服務執行辦公室，並簽署麻州史上最大規模的退伍軍人福利法案。州政府也正在雀喜市（Chelsea）和霍利奧克市（Holyoke）興建全新的退伍軍人之家，預計今年秋季啟用，同時持續推動解決退伍軍人無家可歸問題。

    麻州副州長Kim Driscoll、退伍軍人服務部部長戈拉尼克（Eric Goralnick），以及麻州議會退伍軍人聯合委員會主席的眾議員麥岡納格（Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr.）和參議員維利斯（John C. Velis）都肯定、支持這政策。金星妻子協會與麻州退伍軍人服務官協會等團體也公開支持此舉。

 Governor Healey Delivers Record $58.4 Million in Annual Benefits to Massachusetts Veterans and Military Families

More than 23,000 disabled veterans, Gold Star families and surviving spouses to receive the state’s annual $2,500 tax-free payment

BOSTON– Governor Maura Healey today announced that a record number of Massachusetts veterans and military family members will receive the state's annual veteran annuity payment this year following historic investments in veterans' benefits.

More than 23,300 eligible disabled veterans, Gold Star parents and spouses, and surviving spouses will receive the annual $2,500 tax-free benefit, totaling $58.4 million in payments. The number of recipients increased by 10 percent last year, representing the largest ever year-over year increase in the program’s history. 

“From day one, we committed to making Massachusetts the best state in the nation for veterans and military families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're proud that a record number of veterans, Gold Star families and surviving spouses will receive this year's annuity payment. This increase builds on the HERO Act and the work our Executive Office of Veterans Services is doing to modernize services and expand programs for veterans and their families.” 

"This record investment reflects our commitment to standing by veterans and military families long after their service ends," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "We're proud to deliver this benefit to more recipients than ever before while continuing to strengthen the programs and services they rely on." 

The annual veteran annuity is a $2,500 tax-free benefit available to eligible 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans, Gold Star parents and spouses, and surviving spouses who live in Massachusetts.

The annuity increase was made possible by Governor Healey's signing of the HERO Act, the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in Massachusetts history. The law increased the annual benefit to $2,500 and further statutory changes expanded eligibility so surviving spouses of deceased servicemembers can continue receiving the benefit after remarriage.

Payments have begun arriving to recipients through direct deposit, with paper checks to be mailed later this week.

“Although we can never fully repay a Veteran or Gold Star family member who has made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, the annual annuity is one way in which the Commonwealth can begin to show our gratitude each year,” said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. “I’m proud that more Veterans and Military Families than ever will receive this benefit in 2026 thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership to ensure Massachusetts offers the best home in the county for former servicemembers and their loved ones.”

Governor Healey has made supporting veterans and military families a top priority. Since taking office, she has created the state's first Executive Office of Veterans Services, signed the HERO Act, the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in Massachusetts history, advanced the opening of two new state-of-the-art veterans' homes in Chelsea and Holyoke this fall, and continued leading efforts to end veteran homelessness.

To learn more about the state annuity payment and how to apply, visit mass.gov/eovs/annuity. New applications or updates for existing annuity benefits must be received and approved by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) by June 30, 2027. Existing annuitants do not need to reapply.

Together, these investments are expanding access to benefits, improving care and housing, and ensuring veterans and military families receive the support they deserve.

波士頓華商會和安良木蘭寨攜手推廣粵曲文化 華埠公園樂音飄揚

 

華商會及安良曲藝社「木蘭寨」樂師級演員合影。（周菊子攝）

（Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓華商會為豐富華埠居民生活，帶旺地方商機，今夏在波士頓華埠公園推出13場週日系列表演，8月2日由華商會及安良曲藝社「木蘭寨」擔綱，演出8段粵曲，吸引無數遊人駐足聆聽，欣賞，記錄，留住文化痕跡。

木蘭寨負責人陳海兒（左）、梅雪英（右）和波士頓華商會財政余麗媖（中）。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓華商會會長陳仕維在開場致詞中表示，這是該會每年一度，夏季週日，在陳毓禮公園(Chin Park)安排武術示範，音樂唱奏，卡拉ＯＫ等十分多元的文化活動，希望吸引更多人來到波士頓華埠，享受一個美好夏天。

安良工商會員老暨波士頓華商會會長陳仕維（右起）獻唱，安良幫辦鄧北海夫婦，
以及華商會的 Linda送花道賀。（余麗媖提供）

        2日這天的演出，在樂師伴奏中，依序有梅如珍 、劉雪梅演唱「劍合釵圓」，陳仕維和賴金鳳唱「鳳閣恩仇未了情」，賴金鳳和木蘭寨演唱「花田錯會」，傅慕萍和黃寶蓮唱「樓台泣別」，梅雪英和劉雪梅唱「胡笳十八拍」，溫陳美月和李小倫「夢會楊貴妃」，文潔蓉唱「再進沈園」，黃偉健和木蘭唱「天仙配」。

陳仕維為粵曲文化推廣活動致開幕詞。（陳海兒提供）

藝名「木蘭寨」的木蘭寨 3 名負責人之一陳海兒指出，該社團成立於2022年4月5日。次年的2023年10月16日，還在帝苑大酒樓舉辦過第一屆粵曲文化推廣活動，有展覽及演唱會，非常成功。她自己身為詞人，愛唱粵曲，平日還偏好文墨，事後還特地出版了一本書，紀念這一盛事。

「木蘭寨」負責人黃偉健（又）和陳海兒（左）壓軸演唱。（周菊子攝）

在這本書中，關於木蘭寨粵曲文化工作室的簡介是，該社團最初只是一個在網上學習及分享彼此對粵曲之愛好，知識的平台，成員來自中國，香港，加拿大，紐約，波士頓。期間經加拿大Vivian引介，得到廣州狀元坊戲服繼承人雅蘭女士的支持，分享了許多戲服方面知識，之後又得到甄雲龍、曹品慈鼓勵與協助，找到了一個聚會，練唱的場地，於是成立了實體的「木蘭寨粵曲文化工作室」，還請到早前詞是的梅炳鈿擔任曲藝總顧問，有一班熱心樂師以義工形式，為該社團唱家拍和。

文潔蓉獨唱「再進沈園」。

       陳海兒指出，在粵曲演唱中，樂師的拍和，絕對很重要。他們很幸運，在高胡和揚琴上都技藝精湛，經常受邀前往紐約演出，自己有「和鳴樂社」的頭架師傅陳偉正，不但支持，還為「木蘭寨」組織樂師團隊，鼓勵、指導唱家班研習樂器。

傅慕萍擔任司儀，介紹演員及節目。（周菊子攝）

今年開始，由於陳仕維的支持，「木蘭寨」正式加入波士頓安良工商會這大家庭，在仍保有原名的安排中，成爲波士頓安良麾下的曲藝社，每週二、六的早上10點半至下午2點半，在安良會址練唱，會務由黃偉健，梅雪英，陳海兒等 3 名負責人統籌，網路平台由賴金鳳負責。

陳海兒表示，「木蘭寨」強調分享關於粵曲的文化知識，注重彼此精神契合，一度有成員30多人，目前經常相約練唱的約10人。這次和波士頓華商會合作，還要特地感謝余麗媖的細心招呼，全程支持。

木蘭寨的現場看板，介紹該社團負責人及成立緣起。 （周菊子攝）

余麗媖表示，波士頓華商會今年的夏季系列，從6月14日開始，共13週的每週日在陳毓禮公園安排演出。目前已有洪青兒童醒獅團，廣東音樂社，新節奏樂隊，木蘭寨等團體表演過。接下來的8月9日將是參加紐英崙中華公所的中秋節聯歡會，8月16日及23日早上9點至中午的洪青兒童醒獅隊表演及太極示範，

9月19日傍晚，該會將在華埠牌樓一帶，舉辦「第五屆波士頓台灣夜市」。

樂師們在現場伴奏拍和。（周菊子攝）

廣東音藝社創辦人溫陳美月也來獻唱。（周菊子攝）    

表演現場圍出一圈看板，介紹「木蘭寨」。（周菊子攝）    

經典名劇「六國大封相」中燕、趙、楚、魏、齊、韓、六大元帥武生。（周菊子翻攝）

木蘭寨現在是波士頓安良工商會麾下社團。（周菊子攝）

主辦單位為耆英及長者安排出許多座椅。（周菊子攝）

麻州長Healey宣布降低醫療開銷12項建議 簽行政命令提高初級醫療支出比重至12%

麻州州長Maura Healey探訪鱈魚角醫療護理，宣布降低醫療費用行政命令。

 （Boston Ｏrange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）8月3日在Barnstable鎮宣佈，為減輕家庭與企業負擔，「可負擔醫療工作小組」擬訂了12項降低醫療成本建議。她也簽署行政命令，要求麻州醫療補助計劃（MassHealth）在2028年底前把初級醫療支出比重提高至12%。

「可負擔醫療工作小組（Health Care Affordability Working Group）」是奚莉州長於2026年1月召集政府、醫院、保險商、企業與勞工團體代表成立的組織，旨在因應川普政府削減一兆美元醫療預算導致費用上漲、數百萬人失去醫療保險等危機，積極研議應對方案。

經過半年多討論，「可負擔醫療工作小組」提出分成5大優先領域的12項建議。

在「協助民眾與小企業」上，州政府將由保險局（DOI）訂定預設網外支付率，徹底杜絕突如其來的天價醫療帳單，並擬定新政策穩定保險市場以壓低保費。

在「適時適地恰當醫療」方面，麻州將擴大「住院轉居家」模型，修法簡化醫療代理人程序以加速病患出院，並由健康政策委員會（HPC）設立專家委員會，大刀砍向如下背痛過度做照影等無效益的低價值醫療。

在「投資人力」上，透過獎學金與免除學貸來吸引、留住醫護人才，擴建護理院校，並立法改善初級醫療從業者待遇。

在「政府領導」層面，將跨部會聯合採購壓低藥價，並設定州公務員醫療服務公平價格。

在「駕馭科技」上，則建構跨院所數據安全共享機制，並對AI在醫療審查與核保決策上的使用，建立嚴格監管規範。

奚莉州長強調，在聯邦政策動盪之際，「醫療費用正給家庭、雇主與整個體系帶來巨大壓力」，麻州將再次為全美樹立可負擔且高品質的醫療典範。副州長德里斯科爾（Kim Driscoll）亦指出，這項合作將把實用建議轉化為具體行動。工作小組共同主席——前衛生部長沃爾什（Kate Walsh）與公民銀行麻州總裁莫里（Lisa Murray）皆對跨界合作表示高度肯定。鱈魚角醫療機構的總裁勞夫（Michael K. Lauf）在記者會中更讚許，系統性解決醫療瓶頸是提升病患救治效果的關鍵。

12項建議改革藍圖，還設定了一些明確的時間表與量化目標，包括MassHealth 必須於2028 年底前達成初級醫療支出占 12% 的法定目標；HPC 已撥款資助 7 個「住院轉居家」試辦計畫，全力解套全州各大醫院每天超過 2,000 名病情穩定卻卡在醫院、無法順利轉至長照機構或回家療養的滯留病患。保險局與臨床專家委員會將在未來數月陸續召開聽證會並公佈具體減量指標，整套小組運作將持續深化至 2026 年底。

奚莉政府希望對抗醫療開銷暴漲現象的這最新一環政策，包括麻州早前已率先封頂藥品共付額與扣除額、取消常規慢性病事前審查，籌集資金保護了因聯邦補貼中斷而面臨保費暴漲的27萬名居民，推動立法，禁止將醫療債務列入個人信用報告等，展現出州政府抑止醫療開支的強烈決心。

第2屆波士頓華人排球邀請賽35隊參加 Rising Tide和Hurricanes Gold奪男女組冠軍

第二屆波士頓華人排球邀請賽在Everett市舉行。（阮鴻燦提供）

  (Boston Orange周菊子麻州綜合報導) 來自波士頓及紐約的共32組男女及青少年排球隊，8月1日及2日在埃佛里特市（Everett）河畔綠地公園舉行的第二屆波士頓華人排球邀請賽（Boston Mini）中熱戰2日，波士頓漲潮隊（Boston Rising Tide），波士頓颶風金隊（Boston Hurricanes  Gold）贏得冠軍。

男子組冠軍波士頓漲潮隊（Boston Rising Tide）。（阮鴻燦提供）

阮鴻燦（佐貳）和kevin Luke(右一）邀請Everett市長Robert Van Campen（中）

和他的特別助理Chris Connolly（右二）以及紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝出席。

（周菊子攝）

波士頓颶綠風綠（Boston Hurricane Green）和波士頓女子紅劍虹（Boston Lady Knight Red）依序贏得男子Ａ組和青少年組冠軍。

阮鴻燦（左二）和雷國徽（右二）送給Everett市長Robert Van Campen（右一），
以及他的助理Chris Connolly（左一）各一件九人排球賽T恤。（周菊子攝）

      上任甫7個月的埃佛里特市（Everett）新任市長Robert Van Campen，由特別助理Chris Connolly陪同，8月2日早上特地出席，和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝一起，為球員們打氣。當天下午，麻州參議員Sal DiDomenico 和雀喜市市議員kevin Brown也應邀出席，為球賽順利舉行致賀。

波士頓華人打9人排球，始於1944年，其後逐年擴大，成為固定於勞工節週末，每年輪流在波士頓、紐約、華盛頓、多倫多、三藩市、洛杉磯等地舉辦的北美華人排球邀請賽，每次都有逾千人參加，盛極一時。

從1988年開始，紐約陌生人體育會（NY Strangers Sports Club）為了在北美大賽前，給美東各大體育會提供熱身機會，開始舉辦迷你賽。

麻州參議員Sal DiDomenico （右一）頒獎給男子A組冠軍Boston Hurricane Green。
（阮鴻燦提供）

波士頓地區作為9人排球賽的發源地，繼當年黃述沾，阮浩鑾等人的努力已開花結果，波士頓出現颶風(Hurricanes)，劍虹（Knights），洪青（Chinese Freemasons），潮汐（Tide）等幾大在地體育會，麾下還各有3至5組球隊的發展下，阮鴻燦，Kevin Luke等人從去年開始，為波士頓地區球隊舉辦自己的迷你賽，定名為「波士頓迷你（Boston Mini）」。

比賽一景。（周菊子攝）

今年（2026）這第二屆波士頓華人排球邀請賽（Boston Mini）共有男子22隊，女子13隊參賽，其中18歲以下的青少年男子6隊，女子4隊，球員加觀眾至少七、八百人，場面甚是壯觀。

九人排球賽T恤。（周菊子攝）

     由於去年辦得成功，今年還有男5女2的共7組球隊從紐約過來參加。這些球隊分別為華埠龍（NY Chinatown Dragons），紐約白虎（NY NVNL Byakko），紐約玄武（NY NVNL Black Tortoise），紐約地平線ㄧ隊（NY Horizon Alpha），紐約劍虹（⁠NY Knights），紐約地平線彗星（⁠NY Horizon Comet）和紐約朱雀（⁠NY NVNL Vermillion Birds）等。

女子組比賽一景。（周菊子攝）

阮鴻燦透露，埃佛里特市（Everett）河畔綠地公園停車場屬於安可（Encore）波士頓海港酒店，由埃佛里特市管理。很幸運的，由於他和埃佛里特市（Everett）已建立良好關係，今年雖然市長換人，協商之後，仍能爭取到兩機構同意，這才能免費使用場地，為大波士頓華裔青少年們籌辦這比賽。

協助辦理賽事，大約5年前加入至孝篤親公所體育會的Helen Huang表示，9人排球賽是亞裔的傳統活動之一，近年發展蓬勃，最近成軍的還有這次未派隊參加的龍鯉會（Dragon Carp）。她覺得這些體育會吸引人的地方在於既讓人交到朋友，更得到文化支撐，有了個屬於自己的社群。（更新版）

女子組比賽一景。（周菊子攝）

比賽一景。（周菊子攝）

女子組比賽一景。（周菊子攝）

中華表演藝術基金會2026 夏日系列音樂會 8/6~22 在紐英崙音樂學院舉行

         （Boston Orange） 中華表演藝術基金會主辦，每年一度的夏日系列音樂會，訂8月6日至22日在紐英崙音樂學院（NEC）的威廉斯廳（Williams Hall）及喬頓廳（Jordan Hall）舉行，由26位音樂家以大、中、小提琴、及鋼琴免費演出15場，邀社區大眾一同欣賞。

        8月15、16兩日，傅聰國際協奏曲比賽在同一場地舉行半決賽及決賽。

        8月22日晚上7點30分這場，則是特邀余建寧（ Channing Yu ）指揮，有近百名團員，曾獲獎的水星（Mercury）交響樂團演出布拉姆斯「第二號鋼琴協奏曲」，由2026年傅聰國際協奏曲比賽第一名得主擔任鋼琴獨奏。

        今年的夏日系列音樂會，與以往不同的是，還將以多元編制與跨文化合作來展現豐富的音樂風貌。

        系列音樂會中的東風二重奏（Duo Chinoiserie）結合古箏與吉他，演出當代委約作品、世界首演、西班牙經典名曲及跨文化作品。Psychopomp Ensemble 帶來雙鋼琴音樂會「邁向永恆（Toward Infinity）」，演出巴赫、John Adams 等人的作品，以及由該團改編的霍爾斯特《行星組曲》雙鋼琴版本。

        中華表演藝術基金會表示，所有參加演出的音樂家們面對波士頓音樂素養極高的觀眾，嚴肅的樂評們，都在加緊排練，要以慎重敬業的態度將最好的呈現出來。

        今年參加演出的26位傑出音樂家，來自新英格蘭音樂學院、休士頓大學、波士頓伯克利音樂學院（Boston Conservatory at Berklee）、天津茱莉亞學院等許多知名音樂院校。

        另有來自北京中央音樂學院的教授，如駱奇偉、王寅飛、Dina Vainshtein、匡俊宏、勞黎，獲葛萊美獎（GRAMMY）提名的音樂家陳涵，得過Avery Fisher C職涯獎助的Evren Ozel、Julian Rhee，身為紐約大都會歌劇院管弦樂團團員的沈倩雯；林肯中心室內樂協會成員的Chelsea Wang等人。

        在這15場表演中，還有多項國際大賽獎項得主，包括范．克萊本國際鋼琴大賽與克里夫蘭國際鋼琴大賽的Evren Ozel、里茲國際鋼琴大賽的張凱閔、桑坦德國際鋼琴大賽的孫榆桐、克拉拉．哈絲姬爾國際鋼琴大賽的Magdalene Ho、傅聰國際協奏曲比賽的Kevin Ahfat等人。他們都已獲得或正在攻讀茱莉亞音樂學院、新英格蘭音樂學院等知名學府的音樂藝術博士（DMA）及／或藝術家文憑（Artist Diploma）。

        傅聰國際協奏曲比賽準決賽與決賽將分別於2026年8月15日及16日下午1時及晚上7時在新英格蘭音樂學院Williams Hall舉行。2026年的指定協奏曲為布拉姆斯《第二號鋼琴協奏曲》。

        本屆比賽從中國、香港、以色列、馬來西亞、俄羅斯、南韓、臺灣及美國等地的35歲以下優秀參賽者中，已選出10位準決賽選手，將於8月15日（周六）下午1點，以每人演奏20分鐘獨奏曲目及5分鐘樂團片段（Orchestral Excerpt），進行準決賽。晉級選手訂8月16日（週日）晚上7點決賽。準決賽及決賽都將在中華表演藝術基金會的油管頻道（YouTube）上同步直播：https://www.youtube.com/@FCPA/videos

        2026年8月22日晚上7點30分，水星交響樂團（Mercury Orchestra）將在喬頓廳（Jordan Hall ）舉行閉幕音樂會，由 余建寧（Channing Yu ）擔任指揮，演出舒曼《第一號交響曲》及布拉姆斯《第二號鋼琴協奏曲》，並由2026年傅聰國際協奏曲比賽第一名得主擔任鋼琴獨奏。

        整個夏季共有15場音樂會，中華表演藝術基金會表示，音樂會入場免費，建議出席者在門口捐贈10美元。6歲以下兒童請勿入場。

紐英崙中華公所章程「執行董事不得連選連任」 中英文版不同爭議 9 月再談

紐英崙中華公所中文書記張青梅說明章程小組進展。（周菊子攝）

  (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所 (CCBA) 7月28日召開本年度第4次董事大會時，章程修改問題，再次爭論不休，關鍵點在目前章程的中文版內明確寫有「執行董事不得連選連任」，英文版卻沒有。爭論雙方未能研議出彼此都同意的解決方案，將延至9月再議。

張青梅闡述章程議題。（周菊子攝）

中華公所章程小組由中文書記張青梅為當然召集人，小組委員有陳秀珍，蔡倩婷，黃納斯，梁添光，關麗莎，鄺元傑，余立昌，陳建立，共9人。

董事梁添光強調中華公所章程應以中文版為準。（周菊子攝）

在紐英崙中華公所網站上，張貼有2005年12月18日生效的章程版本，其中關於會員的第7條，董事大會在2009年5月26日通過了修訂條文。中文版寫的則是2005年12月12日由「議員大會最後議決通過」，2005年12月18日「全僑大會通過」。

張青梅指出，這兩份中英文版本的章程，內容大致相同，主要差異在第20條細節內容。由於中華公所董事們對此爭議已久， 今年以來她也已召開過數次會議，請小組委員們商議，只是每次開會都有人缺席，迄今難有結論。

董事李奇舜贊成梁添光關於中華公所章程的論點。（周菊子攝）

在5月份的小組委員會議中，出席的7名委員中，有5人贊成，2人反對，通過了先照英文版，重新翻譯，讓中英文版本成為內容一致的章程後，再討論之前中文版有，但英文版漏了的「執行董事不得連選連任」，該如何修訂。沒想到7月份的小組委員會議，有小組委員不理會5月份的協議，再次要求以中文版為準。

董事陳仕維（左一）和余麗媖（左三）都認為關鍵在找出方法來解決問題。（周菊子攝）

張青梅指出，在現有的中英文版章程中，第32條都寫明，倘若中文版和英文版內容不一致，以英文版為準（controlling version）。

張青梅表示，基於這一條文，她已經把英文版章程翻譯成中文版，但這翻譯版本還需經由董事大會通過。由於7月7日小組委員會出現的有委員再提以中文版為準，因此她、在7月28日晚的董事大會中，請董事們討論，該以英文版，或中文版做為controlling version（主要版本）。

張青梅指出，章程小組委員會的委員們也都知道，修改章程的任何條文，都需要在董事大會中得到三分之二的董事支持，才可能通過。章程第20條一直沒能修訂，這三分之二關卡，也是原因之一。

董事梁添光起而發言表示，中華公所從創建開始就以中文為主，本就應該以中文版為準才對。但是他也明白，如今的中英文章程都寫明以英文版為準。他只是想表達自己「應以中文版為準」的看法。如今修改章程最重要的是解決中文版內的「執行董事不得連選連任」字樣，英文版卻沒有這問題，因為過去幾年來，就是因為以英文版為準這狀況，一再出現執行董事連選連任結果。

董事李奇舜表示，他贊成梁添光的說法，要解決的章程問題，是中文版有「執行董事不得連選連任」字樣，英文版卻沒有，然後中英文版內卻都明確寫有以英文版為準字樣。

董事陳仕維，余麗媖都表示，這些章程問題，已不知討論過多少遍，來來回回，說法都一樣，董事們該注重的是如何找出解決問題方法。

Joint Statement from Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano

 Joint Statement from Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano

(BOSTON—7/31/2026) Today, Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) and House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy), released the following statement. 

“As we enter the final months of lawmaking for the 194th legislative session, the Legislature’s results speak for themselves: proposals addressing the high cost of living, access to housing, and making state government more efficient and transparent—along with a number of initiatives designed to protect our residents from the harmful actions of the federal government—have either been signed into law, are on the Governor’s desk, or are in final deliberations.

By listening to a broad range of stakeholders and working in partnership, we have taken important steps to address many of the concerns, such as affordability and standing up to the Trump Administration, that matter most to Massachusetts residents. 

Throughout the process, we have reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s leadership in several areas, including creating some of the strongest protections in the country for our immigrant neighbors. We have also preserved meaningful access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, stood up for residents’ civil and human rights, supported public education at every level, cut costs in health care and housing, and taken steps to safeguard our fiscal health and economic vitality during a very volatile time. 

We are committed to continuing our work until January on issues that make our state stronger and make life more affordable for families. Our residents deserve nothing less.”

波士頓市訂 9月23、24兩日舉辦第二屆「全國城市鼠患防治高峰會」

     （Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）7月30日宣佈，今年9月23至24日將主辦第二屆「全國城市鼠患防治峰會（National Urban Rat Summit）」，將整合20多個市府部門與外部夥伴，透過跨部們合作，應用新科技、強化稽查與衛生管理等措施，系統性地應對鼠患問題。。

        這是在2024年推出「波士頓齧齒動物防治行動計畫（BRAP）」後，波士頓再次展現在城市鼠類防治領域的領導地位，將匯集全美及國際專家，交流以實證為基礎的創新防治策略，提升居民生活品質。

        峰會為期兩天，聚焦於創新、協作，並以數據為導向的分享城市鼠患管理的實務經驗。波士頓將在會中展示BRAP計畫的階段性成果，例如水務局和住宅單位合作測試下水道與地面陷阱等。整合20多個市府部門與外部夥伴來應付鼠患問題。

        包括波士頓檢查服務局（ISD）局長塔尼亞·德爾里奧（Tania Del Rio）及助理局長約翰·烏爾里希（John Ulrich）、營運長迪昂·艾里什（Dion Irish）等多名市府高層均強調，城市分享經驗，合作，有助於防治鼠患。波士頓住宅管理局局長白凱欣（Kenzie Bok）與公園局局長黛安娜·費爾南德斯·比博（Diana Fernandez Bibeau）也分別指出，已透過專責團隊與改善廢棄物管理等方式，在公共空間及住宅區有效減少鼠類活動。

        BRAP計畫自推動以來，除召開跨部門季度協調會議與試行創新捕捉技術外，亦擴大實施綜合害蟲管理（IPM），減少對傳統滅鼠劑的依賴，並加強數據分析以優先排序干預熱區。波士頓水務與下水道委員會營運長蔡斯·伯克利（Chase Berkeley）表示，透過下水道監測技術的測試，有助於更精確掌握鼠類動向，此一數據導向的合作模式是保護公共衛生與基礎設施的關鍵。

        多位鼠患防治權威學者，包括城市齧齒動物學家博比·科里根（Bobby Corrigan）博士、寄生蟲學家理查德·波拉克（Richard Pollack）博士及康乃爾大學教授馬修·弗萊（Matthew Frye）博士都指出，近年來城市在鼠患防治上已有顯著進展，峰會將是匯集全球頂尖智慧、分享新技術與實證策略的重要平台，有助於各城市攜手應對此項長久以來的都市挑戰。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST SECOND-EVER NATIONAL URBAN RAT SUMMIT

City will convene leading researchers, public health professionals, and municipal experts from across the country to share best practices around innovative urban rodent mitigation strategies

BOSTON – Thursday, July 30, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston will host the second-ever National Urban Rat Summit this fall, from September 23 to 24, 2026. The two-day summit will bring together leading experts, academics, researchers, public health professionals, and municipal officials from across the country and the world to advance urban rodent mitigation solutions.

“Boston is a home for everyone—except rats. We’re proud to host the second-ever National Urban Rat Summit this September, where we will share our progress, hear directly from residents, and learn from other cities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Since we launched the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP) in 2024, our rodent control team has been deploying new technologies to target rodent activity, better coordination of City services based on data and analytics, and tailored strategies to eliminate rodent populations in different areas. We look forward to bringing cities together to burrow under barriers, gnaw through nagging issues, and scurry toward solutions for the highest quality of life for our human residents.” 

The summit will focus on practical, evidence-based approaches to one of the most persistent challenges facing cities: managing and reducing rodent populations. Guided by the annual theme of innovation, collaboration, and data-driven action, the event will help cities exchange best practices and continue developing strategies that improve resident’s quality of life. 

"The upcoming Rat Summit is an important opportunity to bring together experts, municipal leaders, researchers to exchange ideas and strengthen our collective approach to rodent management," said John Ulrich, Assistant Commissioner of Environmental Services, Inspectional Services Department (ISD). “Rodent activity is a challenge that extends beyond city boundaries, making collaboration and the sharing of proven strategies essential. By learning from one another and building on successful practices, we can continue developing innovative, coordinated solutions that improve public health, enhance neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life for residents in Boston and communities across the region."

“Under Mayor Wu's leadership, Boston launched the Boston Rodent Action Plan in 2024 to  manage and reduce our rat population through improved coordination, data collection, community engagement and innovation," said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations.  This initiative has made significant progress by piloting innovative tools and technologies, improving systems that influence rodent populations, and collaborating with many city departments to help tackle this challenge. We're excited to host the second National Rodent Summit to continue to learn new strategies and share our progress.”

"Boston is proud to host the second National Rat Summit, bringing together experts to share strategies and advance the science of urban rodent control,” said Tania Del Rio, Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department. “Boston has emerged as a leader in developing practical, evidence based strategies to reduce rodent populations in dense urban neighborhoods. The Summit reflects our commitment to learning from others while sharing what's working in Boston." 

Boston hosting the second National Urban Rat Summit reflects the City's emergence as a national leader in urban rodent mitigation through the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP). Launched by Mayor Michelle Wu, BRAP is a coordinated, cross-departmental initiative that brings together more than 20 City departments, agencies, and external partners to address one of Boston's most persistent urban challenges.

The summit will also showcase the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), which has transformed how Boston manages rodent activity. Since its launch, BRAP has:

Quarterly meetings with City departments and partner agencies to coordinate on rodent mitigation and build a City wide integrated pest management system

Piloted innovative technologies, including sewer and surface traps in partnership with the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and Boston Housing Authority

Expanded integrated pest management practices while reducing reliance on traditional rodenticides.

Improved inspection, enforcement, sanitation, and construction coordination to address the root causes of rodent activity.

Installed rodent-resistant trash receptacles and advanced public education on proper waste storage and disposal.

Used data, mapping, and analytics to prioritize interventions and measure outcomes across neighborhoods.

Strengthened partnerships with residents, businesses, institutions, and community organizations to support long-term rodent prevention.

“Through the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), we are focused on improving quality of life for all residents by reducing rodent activity and addressing the factors that contribute to it, including how we manage waste, keep public spaces clean, and limit access to food sources,” said Mike Brohel, Superintendent of Basic City Services. “The 2026 National Rodent Summit builds on this work by creating a space for cities and partners to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen collaborative approaches.” 

“The Boston Housing Authority is proud to be a part of the multiagency effort to reduce rodent activity and improve public health and quality of life citywide,” said Kenzie Bok, Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority. “In our work under the Boston Rodent Action Plan, the Boston Housing Authority has transformed our rodent control protocols and technologies, creating dedicated teams that have reduced rat burrows and colonies at a rapid pace. The Boston Rodent Action Plan has brought together experts across our city, and we’re excited to share what works in Boston with partners nationwide.”

"Boston's parks are where residents gather to play, build community, connect with nature, and keeping them clean and welcoming requires thoughtful stewardship and innovative solutions," said Diana Fernandez Bibeau, Commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Deputy Chief of Open Space. "From proactive maintenance and landscape management to installing new rodent-resistant trash receptacles, the Parks and Recreation Department is helping reduce rodent activity in our public spaces. We encourage residents to join us in caring for our parks by properly disposing of trash and cleaning up after their pets. Through the Boston Rodent Action Plan, we're proud to work alongside our City partners to share what's working in Boston while learning new strategies to create cleaner, healthier parks and neighborhoods." 

“We’re excited to welcome leaders from across the country and around the world to address one of the biggest challenges facing cities today,” said Dennis Roache, Superintendent of the Waste Reduction Division. “Tackling rodent challenges requires collaboration, sharing what we’ve learned, and developing solutions that make a real difference for residents. This summit is an opportunity to learn from one another and advance strategies that help create cleaner, healthier communities.” 

"Boston Water and Sewer Commission is proud to partner with the City of Boston and other stakeholders on an innovative pilot program to address rodent activity through improvements to our sewer infrastructure. By testing new sewer trap and monitoring technologies, we are taking a proactive, data-driven approach to better understand and reduce rodent movement within the sewer system,” said Chase Berkeley, Chief of Operations at Boston Water and Sewer Commission. “This collaborative effort reflects our commitment to protecting public health, enhancing the reliability of our infrastructure, and supporting cleaner, healthier neighborhoods for Boston residents and businesses."

As cities across the country look for more effective and sustainable approaches to rodent mitigation, Boston is proud to host the National Urban Rat Summit as a forum to share lessons learned, evaluate emerging research, compare innovative technologies, and strengthen partnerships that will help cities reduce rodent populations and improve quality of life for residents.

"Significant advances have been made in both the science and the practice of controlling rats in modern cities over the past several years. The 2nd National Urban Rat Summit of 2026 hosted by the City of Boston brings together the essential collaborations of rodent scientists, municipality specialists and local governments involved in urban rat management programs," said Bobby Corrigan, Ph.D. Urban Rodentologist. 2026 National Urban Rat Summit Planning Committee Member. "The goal of the summit is to bring the  perspectives of  national and international minds to share collective findings, new technologies, and innovations in city operations that promises collaborative cutting-edge updates towards the centuries-old challenge of controlling urban rats."

“Rats have increasingly become a plague on cities nearly everywhere,” said Dr. Richard Pollack, Ph.D Parasitology and 2026 National Urban Rat Summit Planning Committee Member. “Rat-centric municipal planners, regulators, practitioners, and academics will assemble in Boston for the second ever National Rat Summit to share experiences, scrutinize new research findings, and compare strategies aimed to protect the health of the public and the integrity of buildings and infrastructure.”

“The National Urban Rat Summit is a unique opportunity to convene the relatively small group of rodent experts that deal with rats at the municipal level,” said Dr. Matthew Frye, Professor at Cornell University. “The second of its kind, the Boston Summit will showcase innovative, practical strategies that city leaders and practitioners can take home and put into action immediately. Over two days, academics, industry leaders, and government professionals will exchange ideas, share lessons learned, and explore emerging approaches to rat mitigation, while building the relationships and partnerships that strengthen our collective ability to create healthier, more resilient cities.”

麻州長Maura Healey 譴責電力公司牟取暴利 陳述降低民眾能源賬單辦法

麻州州長Maura Healey（中）率副州長Kim Driscoll (左），以及能源廳廳長
Rebecca Tepper (右）日開記者會，聲言要為人民降低能源賬單。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）7月31日召開記者會，呼籲降低能源費率，公開譴責國家電網（National Grid）、永源（Eversource）等要求調漲費率最高達55%、發放數十億美元股東分紅，甚至上訴阻撓把大約15億美元的超額利潤退還給用戶。

        奚莉州長強烈要求麻州議會的協商委員會儘速通過能源負擔法案，賦予州政府砍除帳單附加費、強制審計業者財務、改革購電模式等權力，以終結「業者暴利、民眾買單」的現狀。

        希莉州長指出，聯邦能源管理委員會（FERC）已裁定能源業者多年來超收費用，應退還約15億美元，但業者不僅上訴，更在近期股東會議中表態將繼續對抗退費。她說，「在麻州民眾為支付能源賬單而苦苦掙扎之際，公用事業公司的支出、利潤及向股東支付的款項卻在急劇飆升，這簡直令人憤慨」。她直接喊話道，「立刻撤銷上訴，把錢還給麻州居民」。

        國家電網（National Grid），永源（Eversource），伯克夏爾天然氣（Berkshire Gas）和自由天然氣（Liberty Gas）都要求漲價，其中有公司甚至以基礎設施開銷巨大為由，要求漲價55%。

        奚莉州長還批評聯邦政府的對伊朗政策推升了全球石油及天然氣價格，卻又阻撓麻州的太陽能與風電開發，使麻州處境更加艱困。

        奚莉州長在2025年5月13日向麻州議會提交的「能源負擔、獨立與創新法案（Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act）」，在參眾議會中都已通過，目前在協商委員會中協調參眾兩議會之間的條文差異。

        該法案的核心改革包括：廢除每年約2,000萬美元，因能源公司參與新英格蘭電網而發給的「輸電獎勵（transmission incentives）」、取消清潔能源合約的各種附加收費、禁止將管理層差旅與遊說費用轉嫁用戶，限制業者在非必要的基礎設施上花費，並要求公用事業改變現行購電模式，必須在電價低點購電以降低成本，授權公用事業局（DPU）主動審計業者財務與成本。

        奚莉州長已暫停新資料中心（data center）稅務優惠，要求業者將來必須自行以清潔能源發電，不得大量消耗電網資源，否則不准興建。

        州長辦公室估計，「能源負擔、獨立與創新法案」在未來十年，可為用戶節省超過100億美元。

        希莉州長強調，她已反對每一件送交辦公室的漲價案，並呼籲議會切勿向業者妥協，應儘快通過法案，「人民和企業不能再等」。

Governor Healey Lays Out Energy Affordability Priorities 

As utility companies seek rate hikes and higher profits, Governor Healey calls for change and swift passage of energy affordability legislation

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today called for swift action and passage of her energy affordability legislation to lower energy bills and rein in utility spending. In a letter to members of the conference committee negotiating the final bill, the Governor demanded the utilities stop fighting customer refunds and urged lawmakers to move quickly after their initial meeting to deliver relief for Massachusetts households and businesses by changing how utilities do business, getting charges off bills, and building more local sources of energy. 

“It is absolutely outrageous that, at a time when the people of Massachusetts are struggling to pay their energy bills, utility spending, profits and shareholder payouts are skyrocketing,” said Governor Healey. “Enough is enough. Massachusetts ratepayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for unnecessary utility spending or excessive profits. And they shouldn’t be locked into paying high energy costs driven by President Trump’s Iran war. Passing my energy affordability legislation will ensure ratepayers are getting the best deal for energy, eliminate unnecessary charges from people’s bills, rein in utility spending and profits, and lower costs. Utilities also need to drop their legal challenges to our efforts to return money to consumers and stop seeking rate hikes that people simply can’t afford.”

“Our energy affordability legislation meets the moment we are in. We need to act as Trump’s war drives up energy prices worldwide and utility infrastructure spending raises ratepayer bills,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our administration is ready to act to implement this critical legislation. We’re ready to strike charges, procure more energy, and increase oversight over utility spending.”

Since Governor Healey filed her energy affordability legislation in May 2025, Massachusetts gas and electric utilities have continued seeking higher profits, increasing shareholder payouts, opposing efforts to rein in spending, and pursuing additional rate increases. 

As profits have risen, National Grid, Eversource, Berkshire Gas and Liberty Gas have all sought rate increases in the past year, some as high as 55 percent, driven in part by significant infrastructure spending that also increases utility profits. Governor Healey has opposed those increases, and her administration has consistently argued before the Department of Public Utilities for stronger oversight and lower utility profit levels.

The utilities, which also earn profits from other arms of their businesses like transmission investments, have fought efforts to return exorbitant profit back to ratepayers. Earlier this year, FERC ordered the New England transmission owners to return approximately $1.5 billion in profits collected over the past decade after advocacy by then-AG Healey and current AG Campbell. FERC also cut the allowed return on equity going forward. The transmission owners appealed this ruling, called for a slower rollout of the refund, and doubled down on increasing transmission profits going forward. Governor Healey and AG Campbell opposed this proposal and rallied all New England Governors to oppose the proposal. 

Meanwhile, shareholder payouts keep going up. Last year, Eversource and National Grid shareholders received billions in direct payouts.

Governor Healey’s energy affordability legislation gives the state new tools to lower energy bills by bringing more affordable energy online, reducing unnecessary costs for customers, and holding utilities accountable for excessive spending and profits. In her letter to the conference committee, she highlights key provisions that should remain in the bill to reduce costs, strengthen oversight and help deliver more affordable, reliable energy across Massachusetts. This includes changing how energy is purchased to get the best deals, eliminating fees and profit adders paid to utilities, getting charges off bills, avoiding unnecessary utility spending, bringing more energy into Massachusetts faster and more affordably and allowing the DPU to initiate audits of the utilities.  Governor Healey also urged the committee to include protections for ratepayers, communities and the environment from higher costs and other negative impacts driven by data centers, in keeping with her recently released framework

美食網站Tasting Table 評選 Rubato 為麻州最佳中餐館

雷朗然

     （Boston Orange綜合編譯）美食網站「品嚐桌Tasting Table」日前公佈全美各州最佳中餐館名單，麻州昆士市（Quincy），以港式家常菜與創意炸雞料理獲評審青睞的Rubato HK Café，贏得麻州最佳中餐館評價。

        Rubato HK Café主打港式與粵式舒適美食，包括叉燒包、粥品，以及招牌脆皮炸雞三明治（以菠蘿包製成，稱作「bolo」）和包有鹹蛋黃奶皇餡的港式法式吐司。「品嚐桌（Tasting Table）」指出，該店展現了中餐文化的深度與多樣性。

        Rubato老闆兼主廚雷朗然（Laurence Louie）為華裔美籍廚師，曾參加實境節目「頂級大廚（Top Chef）」、「切（Chopped）」，並於2024年入圍詹姆斯比爾德獎（James Beard Award）半決賽。他在第23季「頂級大廚」比賽於6月28日舉辦的決賽中，以4道菜套餐贏得亞軍。

        贏得亞軍後，Rubato聲譽暴漲，7月份安排了在昆士市（Quincy）Le Madeline，在Allston的Foxglove Terrace，以及布魯克蘭鎮（Brookline）的Merai等餐廳舉辦的一系列「頂級大廚賽後巡演（Top Chef Finale Tour）」，由雷朗然親自掌廚，讓人有機會品嚐他贏得「頂級大廚」亞軍的4套菜套餐。

        由於7月份每場都很受歡迎，他最近在Allston 的The Atlas Hotel內，店名Ama為尼泊爾與母親意思的這家餐廳，又增加了8月10和11日共2場的「頂級大廚賽後巡演」。

        Rubato原本是雷朗然的母親陳秀華和曹勇經營了22年的麵包店「新節奏（Contempo）」。陳秀華退休後，雷朗然接手店舖，並轉型成為現在的Rubato。

        谷歌（Google）把Rubato的炸雞三明治形容為「完美—酥脆、多汁且風味十足」。Rubato位於昆士市興國街（Hancock）412號，營業時間為週三至週日，週一、週二公休。

麻州參議會通過決議 懷孕24週後仍可墮胎

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州參議會今（7月31）日表決通過H.5595號法案，明確允許懷孕24週後仍可進行墮胎，終止妊娠與否的決定權完全回歸孕婦與醫師，不受政府干預。該案已送交眾議院審議。

    麻州的原有法律禁止孕婦在懷孕24週後墮胎。倡議生育權的民間組織「Reproductive Equity Now」指出，每年有數十名孕婦因胎兒有致命性異常或母體生命危險，被迫遠赴外州就醫。新法將移除這些限制，讓孕婦不必憂慮政府干預，無須離開麻州，仍可合法獲得晚期墮胎服務。

    參議會議長凱倫·史皮爾卡（Karen Spika）表示，麻州居民不應在最艱難時刻被迫離開家鄉與信任的醫師。主要提案人參議員Robyn Kennedy指出，此舉旨在確保女性在孕期的任何階段都能獲得及時醫療。參議會法規委員會主席Joan Lovely則表示，參議會的投票非常清楚地顯示，這些非常個人的決定應由對自己最了解的孕婦最好的孕婦和醫生自己來做。

    這法案送交眾議會後，一旦通過並經州長簽署即可正式生效。

Massachusetts Senate Votes to Keep Government Out of Doctor’s Appointments

Ensures Access to Abortion Care is Allowed After 24 Weeks of Pregnancy

(BOSTON—7/31/2026) Today the Massachusetts Senate voted to expand reproductive healthcare for Massachusetts residents by removing restrictions on abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy. 

According to Reproductive Equity Now, under current law, dozens of Massachusetts patients each year are forced to leave the state to access abortion care after 24 weeks, even in cases involving devastating diagnoses or risks to the patient’s life.

 

The decision to terminate a pregnancy is often in response to a medical emergency or a diagnosis incompatible with life. The legislation—H.5595, An Act prioritizing patient access to care—ensures that the decision to have an abortion later in pregnancy remains between a patient and their health care providers, without interference from politicians or government.

“No Massachusetts resident should have to make the hardest decision of their life without the support and care of their own doctor,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today the Senate makes clear that if you need reproductive care in Massachusetts, you can get it close to your home, in the state with the best medical care in the world, with a health care provider you trust. I applaud Senator Kennedy for her unwavering advocacy for this legislation, Chair Lovely and Chair Friedman for their support, and all of the advocates who have raised their voices and made sure a continued commitment to reproductive freedom is a priority this session.”

“No family should have to leave Massachusetts to receive the vital medical care their own doctors recommend, especially in the most heartbreaking moments of a pregnancy,” said Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. “With this vote, the Senate makes clear that these deeply personal decisions belong to patients and the physicians who know them best. I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for her steady leadership and to Senator Kennedy for carrying this bill with such care. Today, we take another step to make sure every patient can get the medical care they need, close to the people who love them.”

“The Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act is a continuation of the leadership of Senate President Spilka and the Senate to ensure women in Massachusetts can make decisions about their medical and reproductive health care as the Dobbs decision loomed at the federal level. Massachusetts must continue closing gaps in care so that women have full autonomy over the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), primary sponsor of the legislation. “This bill ensures Massachusetts patients do not have to leave the Commonwealth to get care at any point, and empowers physicians to support their patients throughout their pregnancies. I am grateful to my colleagues for passing this bill.”

“Massachusetts residents deserve reliable access to the care they need, as determined through consultation with trusted, trained medical professionals, without interference from individuals wholly separate from the care of patients and the practice of medicine,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “The bill passed today reaffirms and clarifies the intent of our law: sensitive and serious medical decisions should be made solely between a patient and their provider. No one should have to leave Massachusetts to receive essential reproductive health care, and I am proud that we are taking action to strengthen our state’s longstanding commitment to protecting reproductive freedom.”

The bill was heard and reported favorably by both the Joint Committee on Public Health and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing earlier this session. 

Having passed the Senate, the legislation now will be sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Governor Healey Lays Out Energy Affordability Priorities

Governor Healey Lays Out Energy Affordability Priorities 

As utility companies seek rate hikes and higher profits, Governor Healey calls for change and swift passage of energy affordability legislation

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today called for swift action and passage of her energy affordability legislation to lower energy bills and rein in utility spending. In a letter to members of the conference committee negotiating the final bill, the Governor demanded the utilities stop fighting customer refunds and urged lawmakers to move quickly after their initial meeting to deliver relief for Massachusetts households and businesses by changing how utilities do business, getting charges off bills, and building more local sources of energy. 

“It is absolutely outrageous that, at a time when the people of Massachusetts are struggling to pay their energy bills, utility spending, profits and shareholder payouts are skyrocketing,” said Governor Healey. “Enough is enough. Massachusetts ratepayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for unnecessary utility spending or excessive profits. And they shouldn’t be locked into paying high energy costs driven by President Trump’s Iran war. Passing my energy affordability legislation will ensure ratepayers are getting the best deal for energy, eliminate unnecessary charges from people’s bills, rein in utility spending and profits, and lower costs. Utilities also need to drop their legal challenges to our efforts to return money to consumers and stop seeking rate hikes that people simply can’t afford.”

“Our energy affordability legislation meets the moment we are in. We need to act as Trump’s war drives up energy prices worldwide and utility infrastructure spending raises ratepayer bills,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our administration is ready to act to implement this critical legislation. We’re ready to strike charges, procure more energy, and increase oversight over utility spending.”

Since Governor Healey filed her energy affordability legislation in May 2025, Massachusetts gas and electric utilities have continued seeking higher profits, increasing shareholder payouts, opposing efforts to rein in spending, and pursuing additional rate increases. 

As profits have risen, National Grid, Eversource, Berkshire Gas and Liberty Gas have all sought rate increases in the past year, some as high as 55 percent, driven in part by significant infrastructure spending that also increases utility profits. Governor Healey has opposed those increases, and her administration has consistently argued before the Department of Public Utilities for stronger oversight and lower utility profit levels.

The utilities, which also earn profits from other arms of their businesses like transmission investments, have fought efforts to return exorbitant profit back to ratepayers. Earlier this year, FERC ordered the New England transmission owners to return approximately $1.5 billion in profits collected over the past decade after advocacy by then-AG Healey and current AG Campbell. FERC also cut the allowed return on equity going forward. The transmission owners appealed this ruling, called for a slower rollout of the refund, and doubled down on increasing transmission profits going forward. Governor Healey and AG Campbell opposed this proposal and rallied all New England Governors to oppose the proposal. 

Meanwhile, shareholder payouts keep going up. Last year, Eversource and National Grid shareholders received billions in direct payouts.

Governor Healey’s energy affordability legislation gives the state new tools to lower energy bills by bringing more affordable energy online, reducing unnecessary costs for customers, and holding utilities accountable for excessive spending and profits. In her letter to the conference committee, she highlights key provisions that should remain in the bill to reduce costs, strengthen oversight and help deliver more affordable, reliable energy across Massachusetts. This includes changing how energy is purchased to get the best deals, eliminating fees and profit adders paid to utilities, getting charges off bills, avoiding unnecessary utility spending, bringing more energy into Massachusetts faster and more affordably and allowing the DPU to initiate audits of the utilities.  Governor Healey also urged the committee to include protections for ratepayers, communities and the environment from higher costs and other negative impacts driven by data centers, in keeping with her recently released framework.

Massachusetts Senate Acts to Defend Free Press as Attacks on Journalists Mount Nationwide

Massachusetts Senate Acts to Defend Free Press as Attacks on Journalists Mount Nationwide

New law would shield reporters and their sources from compelled disclosure

(BOSTON—7/31/2026) Amid federal subpoenas of journalists and FBI raids of reporters’ homes, the Massachusetts Senate has passed legislation that would defend Massachusetts journalists’ constitutional right to report facts and hold institutions accountable.

If signed into law, Massachusetts would join 41 other states in the country in making it illegal in most cases for the government to compel journalists to reveal their sources. The law would apply to all journalists in local newsrooms, state outlets, and national news organizations.

At the federal level, no equivalent protection exists. Until Congress acts, journalists reporting in Massachusetts are protected only by state law, leaving federal investigations, federal grand juries, and national security cases outside its reach.

“A free press is absolutely essential to a healthy and thriving democracy,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Defending our residents from the Trump Administration means we must protect their right to access reporting that holds institutions accountable and promotes the public good. It also means we must protect journalists and news organizations—as well as their sources. I applaud Senator Rausch for her leadership on this important amendment to our public records bill, Majority Leader Creem for shepherding the underlying legislation, and each of my Senate colleagues for their support.” 

“A free and independent press is essential to a healthy democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “As attempts to undermine the press continue at the federal level, we have a responsibility to act here in Massachusetts. This legislation ensures that journalists can do their jobs without fear that confidential sources will be exposed, strengthening government accountability and protecting the public's right to know. I am grateful to Senator Rausch for leading this effort, and I am proud that the Senate took this important step to safeguard press freedom in Massachusetts.”

“As Trump and his Administration accelerate and intensify their attacks on journalism, and sources are increasingly afraid to speak up, the Massachusetts Senate takes an historic stand to strengthen our free press and fortify our democracy,” said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), who filed the amendment. “The need for a statutory press shield law in our Commonwealth has never been more urgent. By passing this legislation, we show the federal government and our constituents that we will defend the First Amendment and support a free press, without which our democracy cannot survive. I want to thank Senate President Karen Spilka, Majority Leader Cindy Creem, Ways and Means Chair Mike Rodrigues, Senator Cindy Friedman, Senator Lydia Edwards, our staffs, the bipartisan group of cosponsors, and the coalition of experts and advocates behind this effort. Our collaboration brought us to this moment.” 

The measure, passed unanimously as an amendment filed by Senator Rausch to broader legislation that would open the Legislature and Governor’s office to public records requests, would include an exemption in certain limited circumstances and only with clear and convincing evidence that the source disclosure is necessary and there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure.

The amendment was modeled after legislation filed this session that was heard and approved by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.