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星期三, 8月 12, 2026
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $250,000 to Grow Massachusetts' Teacher Workforce
星期二, 8月 11, 2026
Following Report that New England Electricity Customers Overcharged Billions, Governor Healey Calls for Energy Affordability Legislation
Following Report that New England Electricity Customers Overcharged Billions, Governor Healey Calls for Energy Affordability Legislation
As basic service rates increase, Governor Healey’s legislation is needed to lower electricity bills
BOSTON – n response to a recent report finding that New England consumers have paid billions of dollars in additional electricity costs under the current system for purchasing power, and another increase in basic service rates, Governor Maura Healey is reiterating her call for the swift passage of her energy affordability legislation, which will lower energy bills, rein in utility spending and increase energy supply.
“It is unacceptable that customers are left paying billions of dollars in additional costs because of the way the current system is set up – especially at a time when so many people are already struggling to pay their bills,” said Governor Healey. “As President Trump continues driving up energy prices with his wars and attacks on American-made clean energy supply, we need to be laser-focused on lowering costs here in Massachusetts. That’s why I filed energy affordability legislation to change how utilities buy electricity, getting customers a better deal so we can bring down energy bills in Massachusetts. It is so important that we move quickly to get this legislation passed so my administration can implement these critical reforms, and we will keep working with the Legislature to get this done.”
Governor Healey filed energy affordability legislation in May 2025 to avoid big price spikes in basic service rates. Right now, Massachusetts customers are paying more because of the significant volatility in electricity prices. Electricity suppliers have an incentive to pass on those costs to customers. Her legislation helps shield customers from these price spikes by changing the timing and duration of basic service electricity supply procurements. Her legislation would also significantly rein in the predatory practices of competitive electric suppliers to stop overcharging customers and provide a more genuine alternative to basic service rates. These provisions are included in both the House and Senate energy bills.
Further, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has promoted municipal aggregation plans as a more affordable alternative to basic service. Municipalities can offer prices that remain stable for longer periods of time than basic service. One third of the 242 municipal aggregation plans have been approved since the start of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and new approvals are being issued at a much faster pace.
Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff Urges Higher Ed Leaders to Reject Trump Compact 2.0
憂心忡忡的猶太裔教職員工敦促高等教育界領導人拒絕“川普契約 2.0”
Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff Urges Higher Ed Leaders to Reject Trump Compact 2.0
Boston — Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff (CJFS), a membership organization spanning nearly 50 campuses throughout New England, urges our higher education leaders to stand together to reject and publicly repudiate the Trump Compact 2.0.
In a letter sent to university presidents and governing boards on August 3, the otherwise dismantled Department of Education issued a December 31 deadline to respond to a series of misleading and insulting questions. The very next day, the far-right Heritage Foundation released its own publication rehearsing similar talking points and inviting lawmakers to codify the Trump administration’s assault on higher ed.
“Just because the administration is asking rather than extorting doesn't make the substance of its demands any better,” said Harvard professor of government Steve Levitsky, whose books include How Democracies Die. “The federal government shouldn't be telling universities who to hire or how to discipline their students, and given its record of attacks on critics and the press, its calls for free speech ring hollow. Universities rejected this undemocratic intervention when Trump was stronger politically. They should certainly reject it now that he is weaker.”
The DOE letter, otherwise known as “Trump Compact 2.0,” is the latest phase of an ongoing pressure campaign to coerce universities to “align themselves with a far-right agenda at the expense of students’ education and the public’s well-being.” CJFS accordingly applauds organizations like the Alliance for Higher Education that reject the federal government’s divide-and-conquer tactics and urge a unified front to build the higher education sector that mulitiracial democracy requires.
The DOE letter claims to favor “an ethic of free speech” and a “collision of opposing viewpoints” on campuses but singles out “unruly and violent protestors” for blame. “The whole framing is bogus,” said Margaret Litvin, a Boston University professor and CJFS founding member. “Public trust in higher ed is doing just fine. The entity doing the most to ‘disrupt classes, research, public lectures, and campus operations,’ as they put it, is the federal government itself.”
Colleagues on other campuses echoed the criticism. University of Pennsylvania professors Serena Mayeri and Amanda Shanor, who have written about the Trump administration's attacks on knowledge institutions and constitutional democracy, called Compact 2.0 “legally and politically dangerous,” adding, “After faculty, staff, students and alumni around the country came together to defeat the unlawful and unconstitutional Compact 1.0, the government has tried to impose its ideological will on universities through threats and coercion, private agreements, and now Secretary McMahon's letter. When universities have united to oppose these efforts in and outside of court, they overwhelmingly have won."
Jonathan Feingold, a CJFS founding member who co-authored a key legal memo outlining the Trump administration’s unlawful attack on DEI, expressed disdain at the university administrators collaborating with the federal government. “How could it be,” Professor Feingold observed, “that among the university leaders aiding Trump Compact 2.0 are actual scholars of authoritarianism like Ronald Daniels, the President of Johns Hopkins University who in 2021 outlined ‘why authoritarian regimes attack independent universities’? History does not look kindly on those who collaborate with authoritarians.”
Governor Healey Launches Statewide Campaign to Help MassHealth Members Keep Their Health Coverage After Trump Cuts
Governor Healey Launches Statewide Campaign to Help MassHealth Members Keep Their Health Coverage After Trump Cuts
Outreach campaign will help eligible residents navigate burdensome, new Medicaid requirements imposed by President Trump's law
More information at mass.gov/
HAVERHILL – Governor Maura Healey today announced a coordinated statewide effort to help hundreds of thousands of MassHealth members understand and navigate new federal Medicaid requirements that will take effect over the coming months. Working alongside the Legislature, Health Care For All, and nearly 50 community-based organizations, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is launching an extensive outreach and education campaign to help eligible residents maintain their health coverage.
The Governor made the announcement at Make It Haverhill, a workforce and digital access program of Community Action, Inc., which is one of the community partners participating in the outreach campaign.
“President Trump is trying to kick millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of people here in Massachusetts off their health care coverage—not because they no longer qualify, but because of unnecessary paperwork and confusing new requirements,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These are working families who rely on this program to afford their health care. But we have their backs. We’re going to be here every step of the way to help people understand these changes and what they need to do to keep their coverage.”
“We are committed to helping eligible Massachusetts residents keep their health coverage,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Families have enough to worry about without navigating confusing new federal requirements or wondering whether paperwork is going to put their health insurance at risk. That’s why we are working with trusted community partners to reach people early and prove the support they need to keep their coverage.”
“I am grateful for the hard work that the dedicated staff at MassHealth and our partner Health Care For All have been doing for many months to prepare for these federal changes,” said Secretary for Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah. “This same team led the state’s successful Redeterminations campaign in 2024 and I know that they are building on that foundation to ensure Massachusetts residents get the help they need to keep their health care.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a federal law passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, requires states to implement significant changes to Medicaid programs nationwide. Beginning in January 2027, approximately 360,000 MassHealth members may face new work and education reporting requirements. Many of those members will also be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of every year, creating new administrative hurdles that could cause eligible residents to lose coverage because of missed paperwork or reporting deadlines.
National research, including a KFF report published last year, consistently shows that most working-age adults enrolled in Medicaid already work, attend school, care for family members, or live with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Studies of similar policies in other states have found that work reporting requirements primarily create additional paperwork and administrative burdens rather than increasing employment, often resulting in eligible people losing health coverage.
The campaign announced today is aimed at preventing unnecessary coverage loss by helping MassHealth enrollees and applicants understand what changes are coming, who is affected, and what steps need to be taken to keep their coverage.
"President Trump and Republicans in Congress have designed a cruel program intended to kick Massachusetts residents off of coverage that we know keeps people healthy and saves residents money in the long run," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Legislature prioritized funding this campaign because our people shouldn't lose their health care over red tape manufactured by the Trump administration. I applaud Governor Healey for implementing this campaign with the vigor that this topic demands."
“As the Trump administration works to prevent Americans from enrolling in Medicaid in order to finance their tax cuts for the wealthy, this statewide public awareness campaign is representative of the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that eligible Massachusetts residents are able to navigate the new Medicaid requirements and keep their coverage,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the work that we did in the Legislature to provide the funding for this important initiative, and I’m grateful to Governor Healey for her commitment to this effort.”
To support this effort, the Governor and Legislature invested $10 million to support Health Care For All and a statewide network of nearly 50 community-based organizations that will provide outreach, enrollment assistance and one-on-one support to MassHealth members. MassHealth estimates implementing these federally required changes will also require approximately $30 million in state investments for staffing, outreach and technology upgrades.
MassHealth has spent more than a year preparing to implement these federally required changes while minimizing the burden on members wherever possible. The agency will automatically identify members who qualify for exemptions using information already on file and use data matching to verify work and education requirements whenever possible, reducing the amount of paperwork members must submit. MassHealth will also contact impacted members directly through mail, text messages, emails and automated phone calls before they are required to take any action.
“MassHealth’s first and foremost priority is maintaining coverage for all eligible residents of the Commonwealth,” said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Ryan Schwarz. “MassHealth is required by federal law to implement these changes – but we will do so in a way that minimizes disruption if we can so that eligible members can keep their coverage. Where we cannot use available data to automatically exempt members from these new burdensome requirements, MassHealth will make sure that those who are impacted have someone they can reach out to who they trust is on their side to navigate these changes.”
“This campaign is the antidote to the drastic federal cuts to health care programs that will have deep and lasting negative impacts on the people of Massachusetts,” said Jennifer Lemmerman, Executive Director of Health Care For All. “We are honored to be joining with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to ensure those who receive coverage through MassHealth, particularly adults ages 19-64 who will be impacted by onerous work and education reporting requirements, are ready for these changes to mitigate potential coverage loss.”
What MassHealth Members and Applicants Need to Know
Over the coming months, there will be changes to MassHealth eligibility because of a federal law passed by Congress and signed by President Trump.
Beginning in October 2026
- Some lawfully present immigrants will no longer be eligible for comprehensive MassHealth coverage because of changes required under federal law.
Beginning in January 2027
- Some MassHealth members ages 19-64 will be required to document that they meet new federal work or education requirements.
- Many of those members will also need to renew their MassHealth coverage every six months instead of every year.
Important Exemptions
Many members will not be required to meet the new work and education requirements. Exemptions may apply to members who are
- Pregnant
- Parenting children age 13 or younger
- Living with a disability
- Managing certain health condition
MassHealth will automatically identify members who qualify for these exemptions whenever possible using information on file.
What Members Should Do Now
- Make sure MassHealth has your current mailing address, email address and cell phone number
- Open every letter you receive from MassHealth, including your blue renewal envelope
- Watch for emails, text messages and automated calls from MassHealth
- Visit mass.gov/
MassHealthMemberChanges to learn more, determine whether these changes apply to you and find a community-based organization in your area that can provide free enrollment assistance.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $15.5 Million to Train Over 1,600 Jobseekers for In-Demand Careers
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $15.5 Million to Train
Career Technical Initiative connects adult learners with hands-on training for careers in the skilled trades,
New Bedford - The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently .png)
“Massachusetts employers need skilled workers, and people across our state are looking for good jobs that can support their families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Career Technical Initiative brings those needs together by giving people hands-on training for in-demand careers and helping our businesses find the talent they need to grow.”
“There are so many people who are ready to take the next step in their careers but need the right training and opportunity to get there,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These programs give adults a direct pathway to good careers while building the skilled workforce that keeps Massachusetts competitive.”
The CTI program partners with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD),
Last December, the Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated five years of the Career Technical Initiative (CTI). With yesterday's announcement, the Administration’s investment in CTI now totals $68.4 million since January 2023, bringing total investment in the program to $81.8 million since its launch in 2020. Across completed programs, 85 percent of individuals completed their training, and 84 percent of program completers went on to secure employment post-training. To date, CTI has served over 6,500 participants across the state and has engaged nearly 800 employers to inform curricula in partnership with CTE schools and provide participants with mentorship and career opportunities.
Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren
“The Career Technical Initiative is one of the strongest workforce development tools we have to connect untapped talent directly to job training that leads to industry-recognized credentials and employment
"Career Technical Initiative reflects our commitment to making high-quality career technical education accessible to more learners," said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. "By extending learning beyond the traditional school day, we're creating new opportunities for adults to gain the skills and credentials that open doors to rewarding careers and greater economic mobility for themselves and their families."
"Career technical education changes lives, and we are honored to extend that opportunity beyond our traditional high school student population through the Career Technical Initiative,” said Michael P. Watson (he/him) Superintendent-Director Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. “Working alongside Commonwealth Corporation, MassHire, our regional employers, and community partners, Greater New Bedford Voc Tech is proud to expand access to high-quality career technical education for adult learners. Through these programs, participants will gain industry-relevant skills, hands-on experience, and clear pathways to meaningful employment in some of our region's most in-demand fields. We are proud to leverage our exceptional facilities, outstanding instructors, and strong employer partnerships to strengthen the South Coast workforce, support local employers, and create new opportunities for individuals and families throughout our region."
“CommCorp congratulates the 24 awarded grantees and thanks them for their work connecting adult learners with hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways into high-demand careers,” said Molly Jacobson, President and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “The Career Technical Initiative continues to strengthen the workforce pipeline employers need to grow and compete – and expand access to life-changing opportunities across Massachusetts.”
The investment builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s broader efforts to expand career and technical education and create more pathways into good jobs. Earlier this year, Governor Healey announced $70 million to expand and modernize career technical education programs at 28 schools, creating 2,500 additional seats for students. Together, these investments are expanding access to technical education for both students and adults while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need.
The following is a list of the 24 grant recipients for Round 11 Implementation Grants:
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District, Upton: $880,000
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District will provide training for 84 participants for Carpentry, Automotive Collision, Automotive Technology, Cook/Culinary Arts, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Advanced Manufacturing. They will partner with Barrows Contracting, Inc., The Bogart Finish, Boston Showcase Company, D.L. Martin Repair, Vanworx, Mac Tools, Advantage Truck Group, Depot St Tavern, Val’s Corner Cafe, Braza & Mancini, Inc., T&J HVAC, Riverdale Mills Corporation, General Dynamics, Webstone, Super Mario Plumbing & Heating, Boucher Energy Systems, Inc., Primetals Technologies,
City of Attleboro (Attleboro Public Schools), Attleboro: $1,000,000
Attleboro Public Schools will provide training to 144 participants for Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding. They will partner with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Trustworthy Auto, Maynard Construction BRC, Inc., JM Bryson Construction Management Inc., Magnificus Inc., Orchard Cove Hebrew SeniorLife, Ingemi Electric, Inc., Wild Atlantic Energy Solutions, Inc., General Dynamics Electric Boat, All Climate Corp, Suburban Service Corporation, JR Balsan, Inc., Paldino Brothers Plumbing & Heating, K&N Supply Plumbing & Heating, Supply New England, New Bedford Welding Supply, Larson Tool & Stamping Company.
City of Boston (Madison Park Technical Vocational High School), Boston: $300,000
Madison Park Technical Vocational High School will provide training to 30 participants for Carpentry. They will partner with Bostonwood Furniture, Wooden Kiwi Productions, LLC, and North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund.
City of Everett (Everett Public Schools), Everett: $400,000
Everett Public Schools will provide training to 36 participants for Culinary Arts. They will partner with Rebel Restaurants LLC, Whitsons Culinary Group, and Wegmans.
City of Northampton (Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School), Northampton: $210,000
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School will provide training to 20 participants for Electrical. They will partner with PV Squared Solar, Paciorek Electric, and Easthampton Electric.
City of Salem (Salem Public Schools), Salem: $250,000
Salem Public Schools will provide training to 24 participants for Carpentry. They will partner with C. LeBlanc Contracting, Inc., Groom Construction Co., Inc., A&J General Contractor Inc.
City of Somerville (Somerville Public Schools), Somerville: $760,000
Somerville Public Schools will provide training to 72 participants for Electrical, Automotive Technology. They will partner with Bent Electrical Contractors, Inc., Local 103 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Boston, Argento Electric, LLC., McGovern Automotive Group, Pride Motor Group, Parkway Honda.
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District, Hathorne: $1,280,000
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District will provide training for 128 participants for Automotive Technician, Building Property Maintenance, Carpentry, CNC Machinist, Electrical, Electro Mechanical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding. They will partner with McGovern Automotive Group, Kelly Automotive Group, BMW of Peabody, Wolf Hill Home & Garden Center, SLS Outdoor Living, Mahoney’s Garden Centers, The Housewright Co., Windover Construction, Star Remodeling, Harmonic Drive, LLC., GE Aerospace, Innovent Technologies, Essex Electric Services Corp, Santo Electric, North Shore Tech Electric, LLC, Krohne, Inc., Microchip, Medtronic, Breen & Sullivan Mechanical Services, Inc., Davies Heating & Cooling, Swampscott Refrigeration, Inc., Magnifico Brothers Plumbing,
Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School District, Andover: $824,000
Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 88 participants
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford: $530,000
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 50 participants for Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, HVAC, Auto Body Collision & Repair, Diesel Technician. They will partner with Toyota of Dartmouth, Kia of Dartmouth, Guard Enterprises, Inc., NAPA Parts, Winsupply, Inc., Gould Construction Institute, DeMelo HVAC, SoCo Tavern, Farm & Coast Market, Moby Dick Brewing Co., Empire Ford Inc.
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District, Lexington: $360,000
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 36 participants for Carpentry, Plumbing, Welding. They will partner with North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund, Sweeney Drywall, Bradford White Water Heaters, F.W. Webb.
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg: $360,000
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School will provide training to 36 participants for Welding, Building & General Maintenance Technician, Cooks/Culinary Arts. They will partner with Great Wolf Lodge, Brady’s, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, LLC, Tim’s Fabricators, Inc., Steel-Fab, Inc., Fitchburg Welding Company, Inc., Capital Facility Services Corp., and Fitchburg State University.
Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Westford: $800,000
Nashoba Valley Technical High School will provide training to 80 participants for Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Welding. They will partner with J.C. Madigan, Inc., McGovern Automotive Group, Middlesex 3 Coalition, Nucar Honda of Westford, CBRE Property Management, Davco
Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District (McCann Technical School), North Adams: $626,694.36
Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 70 participants for Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Welding. They will partner with Adams Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Atlantis Corporation East, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Car Company, Inc., Hi-Tech Mold & Tool, Inc., Jack Miller Contractors, Johnson Ford, Lenco Armored Vehicles, Moresi & Associates, Sinicon Plastics, Inc., T&M Auto Sales, Inc., TOG Manufacturing.
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District, Wakefield: $540,000
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 50 participants for Plumbing. They will partner with Presidential Heating & Plumbing, Inc., Cummings Properties, Local 103 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Boston, Pipefitter’s Association Local Union 537, TJM Plumbing and Heating LLC.
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School District, Rochester: $310,000
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School District will provide training to 30 participants for Carpentry and Welding. They will partner with MAS Building & Bridge, Inc., Bigger Builders, Inc., Bachand & Lafleur General Contracting, BW Construction & Remodeling, Inc., Dockside Repairs, Inc., Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District, Palmer: $529,944.66
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District will provide training to 52 participants for Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing, Carpentry. They will partner with Pleasant Street Auto Body & Repair Inc., Fort Hill Collision Services, Nesco Sales, Inc., Lukasik Construction, ETL Services LLC, DRS Painting and Home Improvements.
Pittsfield Public Schools (Taconic High School), Pittsfield: $606,815.50
Pittsfield Public Schools will provide training to 60 participants for CNC Machine Operator, Welding, Auto Body Repair, Groundskeeping/Equipment Operator. They will partner with Oliver Auto Body, Haddad Auto Group, Lenco Armored Vehicles, Tanglewood, Berkshire Hills Country Club, Ryan Landscaping, Berkshire Fabrication Solutions, Hi-Tech Mold & Tool, Northeast Fabricators & Mechanical Services, LLC, OW Landergren, Pittsfield Plastics & Engineering, Spectrum Plastics.
Southern Worcester Regional Vocational School District (Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School), Charlton: $1,179,999.58
Southern Worcester Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 118 participants for Automotive Collision, Automotive Technology, Building and Property Maintenance, Culinary Arts, Diesel Mechanic, Electrical, HVAC, Manufacturing, Welding. They will partner with Center of Hope, Incom, Masonic Health System of MA, Inc./The Overlook, Lakeview Marine, Northeast Services, LLC., Long Auto, Worcester County Welding Corp., Atech Turbine Components, Table 3 Restaurant, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Kinefac, Hoyt Running Chairs, Long Run Property Solutions, Fuller Automotive, DCU Center, Honest Town Eats, Primetals Technologies, CK Smith Superior, MBTA, Long Subaru, Harr Motor Group, BAPS Auto Paint, Advantage Truck Group LLC., UMass Memorial Health.
South Middlesex Regional Vocational School District (Keefe Regional Technical School), Framingham: $480,000
South Middlesex Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 48 participants for Electrical, HVAC/Oil Burner Technology, Plumbing Tier 1. They will partner with Hatton Safety Consultants, LLC., Harvard Art Museums, Green Plumbing & Heating, Dirty Water Plumbing, R.C. Meany & Daughter Plumbing & Heating, Larkin Hathway, Inc., Littleman with Glasses Heating, Coan Heating and Cooling.
Taunton High School, Taunton: $210,000
Taunton High School will provide training to 20 participants for Construction and Culinary Arts. They will partner with Blue Spoon Community Kitchen, Home Plate Bay St. Grill, Stoneforge Restaurants, Griffin Maintenance Services, Inc., Taunton Public Schools, City of Taunton.
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District, Franklin: $1,000,000
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 140 participants for HVAC, Welding, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Plumbing, Auto Tech. They will partner with James’ Breakfast and More, Inc., Wright’s Dairy Farm & Tri-County Food Service, Town of Franklin, J. White’s Automotive, Michael J. Connolly & Sons, Environmental Systems, Inc., Suburban Service Corporation, American Tool Company, Mystic Scenic, Consigli, Vin Gadoury Construction, Shawnlee
Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational Technical School, Bourne: $1,209,987.17
Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School will provide training to 120 participants for Automotive, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology and Plumbing. They will partner with Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA), Figueroa & Sons Inc., Autoeuropa of Martha’s Vineyard Inc., Copeland Subaru, The Dobbert Companies, Inc., Corbett Plumbing, Inc., Carl F. Riedell & Son, Mark O’Banion Plumbing and Heating, Tellier and Sons Plumbing and Heating, TJG Plumbing & Heating, Air Pros MA, Allen Harbor Marine Service, Zecco Marina, Scallop Bay Marina and Wareham Marina, Arrowhead Marine, Fit Chef, Seafood Sam’s, American Culinary Federation Cape Cod & Islands.
Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill: $826,300
Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 100 participants for Advanced Manufacturing, Auto Body/Collision Repair, Welding, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Carpentry, Construction Craft Laborer. They will partner with CBI Terex, Boston Centerless, Fairview Machine, Smith Motors, Bradford Towing, Midnight Fleet Service, NAMC, Magellan, Sanford Electrical Contractor, Johnson Controls, Piquette & Howard Electric Service, Inc., Donahue & Son Electrical, Palmer Gas & Oil, Burke & Sons Plumbing & Heating Inc., Maffei Services, BLB Design/Build, M.L. Mazzotta Building & Excavation, W.C. Pepe Career Training, Whitsons Culinary Group, A Sweet Affair, Carolyn’s Farm Kitchen.
Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law Keeping Book Bans out of Massachusetts Schools and Librarie
Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law Keeping Book Bans out of Massachusetts Schools and Libraries
New law creates a clear, transparent process for reviewing library materials while strengthening protections for teachers and librarians
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The legislation ensures families and community members continue to have a voice when they have concerns about library materials, while establishing an open local process for reviewing book decisions. It protects librarians and educators who make library selections in good faith, reinforces local decision-making, and establishes consistent statewide standards so every community follows the same fair process.
“Massachusetts is home to the first public library, public school and university. We have always believed that our communities are stronger when people, especially young people, have access to knowledge and a free exchange of ideas,” said Governor Healey. “This bill is about protecting the freedom to read, to learn, to ask difficult questions and to encounter ideas we might agree or disagree with. It’s also about protecting our teachers and librarians and allowing them to do their jobs. At a time when President Trump is defunding education and trying to censor any ideas he doesn’t agree with, it is more important than ever that states step up to lead. That’s what we’re doing here in Massachusetts."
"Every student deserves the opportunity to discover books that inspire them, challenge them and help them grow," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This law protects that opportunity while creating a fair and transparent process for families to raise concerns and ensuring decisions remain in the hands of local communities."
“Books open doors for students to explore new ideas, deepen their understanding of the world and develop the critical thinking skills they need to succeed,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Our schools should encourage that curiosity and give students access to books that challenge them, inspire them and help them grow as learners. This law affirms that commitment and supports the educators and librarians who make those opportunities possible every day.”
"Students need books that reflect a wide range of perspectives," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “This legislation equips our fantastic librarians and teachers to continue doing their jobs and to provide students with a wide worldview rather than one that is restricted.”
The law establishes statewide standards for how public and school libraries select and review library materials. It requires libraries to adopt written policies for selecting materials and reviewing concerns and ensures books cannot be removed because of someone's personal, political or religious views.
“As Republican politicians across the country work to remove books from schools that don’t fit their strict ideological world view, this legislation is representative of the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that our schools remain a place where learning is valued above all else, and where students are exposed to the experiences of people from all walks of life,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing these critical protections into law, as well as my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for this important legislation.”
"With the Governor's signature today, we are protecting the values we hold so dear: the freedom to create, to think for oneself, to explore our world through books and art, and pass our American legacy of free expression to our children and grandchildren," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As our residents' constitutional rights face attacks at every turn from the federal government, this legislation protects the freedom to read a book of one's choice in order to learn and grow, free of political bias. I applaud Senator Cyr and Senator Oliveira for their leadership, all my Senate colleagues for their support, our colleagues in the House, and Governor Healey for signing this critical bill."
"The law signed by Governor Maura Healey today is a vital shield against the alarming rise in attempts to ban books in our schools and public libraries," said Senator Julian Cyr,. "Massachusetts is not immune from politically motivated attempts at book censorship, and threats against librarians have brought real harm to a treasured resource in our communities. With these significant protections now in place, we safeguard everyone's right to intellectual discovery and defend the people who make our libraries and schools such vibrant places of curiosity and possibility. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law; to Senate President Karen Spilka for her unwavering resolve to defend these values; to Senator Jake Oliveira and my House colleagues Rep. John Moran, Rep. Adam Scanlon, and Rep. Sean Garballey for their partnership on this legislation; and especially to the scores of librarians and authors who made this law possible. Today we send a clear message: in Massachusetts, we don't ban books, we champion them."
"Libraries are among the last truly open spaces where every person can discover new ideas, encounter different perspectives, and see themselves reflected in the stories that shape our communities," said Senator Jake Oliveira. "This legislation protects the freedom to read by ensuring that decisions about library collections are guided by professional expertise, not political pressure or personal ideology. At a time when intellectual freedom is increasingly being challenged, Massachusetts is reaffirming that access to knowledge, diverse viewpoints, and free expression are essential to a healthy democracy. I was proud to work alongside Senator Cyr, the Senate President, and our legislative colleagues to advance this important law and ensure that our libraries remain welcoming places for every learner, every family, and every community."
"As the House sponsor of this legislation with Rep. Adam Scanlon, I'm grateful to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz, and Chair Garballey for their leadership. I'm proud to stand with Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Senator Cyr, advocates, and colleagues from both sides of the aisle to protect our librarians and ensure every Massachusetts resident can access age-appropriate books and materials,” said Representative John Moran. “Libraries should remain welcoming sanctuaries that enrich lives, foster growth, and protect a core Massachusetts value: freedom of expression.
"I am proud to see the Governor signing into law this legislation protecting free expression and the freedom to read in libraries across Massachusetts,” said Representative Adam Scanlon. “The First Amendment protects the free exchange of ideas, and students do not shed those rights at the schoolhouse gate. Protecting access to a broad range of ideas ensures that our libraries remain places where people can read, learn, and think for themselves.”
"Libraries are an invaluable space for learning, education, and in rural parts of the state, also a crucial hub for our communities," said Senator Paul Mark, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. "Protecting the integrity of free speech and expression is an important part of maintaining a thriving democracy. I applaud Governor Healey for her strong recognition of that cornerstone principle of our Commonwealth by signing this bill into law. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues and stakeholders from all over Massachusetts to quickly move this bill favorably from committee, to the Senate floor and over to our friends in the House, and now to the Governor's desk today."
"Every person and student within the Commonwealth deserves access to a strong and diverse selection of books professionally curated and set by national standards, not dictated by ideology or politics,” said Representative Sean Garballey, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “By ensuring librarians are protected when performing their duties, the Governor signing today's legislation protects what we pioneered here — the ability to freely access books and information in an ever-expanding world. I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Domb, Senator Cyr, and the sponsors of the legislation in both chambers for their dedication to passing this milestone bill.”
"This milestone represents the culmination of a journey that began right here in my office on June 14, 2023, with my Legislative Director, Tara Major — a Massachusetts Library Association member — when we took the pioneering step to author the foundational text of this legislation, Bill H.4005, and again as Bill 3591, An Act ensuring freedom to read in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Jim Hawkins. “I advocated staunchly as the bill's sponsor and mobilized the community of Attleboro. We brought dedicated local constituents to join me in testimony. In response to the rising tide of library censorship, we worked closely with Mary Rose Quinn and built a powerful coalition alongside the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) to architect this protective framework. Seeing our office's early drafts and collaborative efforts transform into the historic legislation Governor Healey is signing is deeply gratifying. We are proud to have helped lay the bricks for this victory for intellectual freedom, and we are thrilled to celebrate its enactment and acknowledge the contributions of Senator Cyr and Representatives Moran, Saunders, and Scanlon.”
"At a time when book challenges and censorship efforts are increasing across the country, Massachusetts is once again standing up for free expression, academic freedom, and the fundamental right to read,” said Representative Aaron Saunders.
For school libraries, decisions about library materials must continue to be based on educational value and age appropriateness. Challenged materials cannot be removed without a vote of the local school committee, and only current students, parents or guardians, and school staff may request that library materials be reconsidered.
The legislation also protects librarians and school employees from professional discipline or employment consequences for selecting library materials in good faith. It directs the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to develop model policies and resources for public and school libraries and requires annual reporting on challenges to library materials to help ensure transparency and consistency across Massachusetts.
Since taking office, Governor Healey has prioritized investments in education and literacy. She’s doubled education funding, created Literacy Launch and signed landmark literacy legislation to make sure teachers and students have access to the best evidence-based reading materials, launched high dosage early literacy tutoring in schools so that students can receive one-on-one tutoring at no cost, and proposed $100 million for local schools to help them retain the teachers and programs that help students succeed.
星期一, 8月 10, 2026
第56屆波士頓華埠中秋節聯歡會 波士頓市長吳弭闔家五口全來賀
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| 中華公所主辦第56屆華埠中秋節，嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝） |
（Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）在氣溫一度高達華氏91度的大熱天中，紐英崙中華公所8月9日舉行的第56屆華埠中秋節聯歡會迎來波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）一家五口，和12名州市官員、議員，波士頓經文處嘉賓和僑胞同歡。
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| 波士頓市長吳弭一家五口，全員出席。（周菊子攝） |
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| 洪青體育會為第56屆華埠中秋節聯歡會開場。（周菊子攝） |
波士頓市長吳弭致詞時，先以中文問好，歡迎大家，再說非常榮幸能夠慶祝中秋節，表示在波士頓“我們”每天都想要讓所有的文化與傳統融合再一起。
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| 洪青體育會舞獅。（周菊子攝） |
吳弭的一家五口，這天也全員到齊，連她妹妹和妹夫也都帶著小孩來到會場，彷彿身體力行著慶中秋，要全家團圓一般。
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| 洪青體育會的幼獅上場。（周菊子攝） |
吳弭市長也籲請民眾支持華埠本地商家，直言那是新英格蘭的文化樞紐，一個特別的地。感謝中華公所和所有的組織，夥伴為波士頓舉辦一個這麼有意義的節慶。
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| 中華公所主席雷國輝（左起），英文書記阮鴻燦，中文書記張青梅主持開場。 （周菊子攝） |
中華公所中文書記張青梅貼心的補充介紹，波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，這天也應邀出席。
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| 洪青體育會展示疊人舞獅功力。（周菊子攝） |
曾御宸沒提到的是，近代人查“嫦娥奔月”歷史故事，會發現竟然有秦，漢，唐宋，明清等4個版本。
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| 巾幗醒獅隊由創辦人陳清音親自操鼓。（周菊子攝） |
應邀出席，站上講台，但未發言的有波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩，以及情報分析局副總監陳定良，獲麻州州長提名為波士頓地方法院副法官的現任波士頓消防局副局長黃瑞瑜等人。
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| 中華公所主席雷國輝說明有兩個舞台表演不同節目。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓市長吳弭稱許中秋節傳承文化。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏（左）介紹新到任的波士頓僑教中心主任康雅雄。（周菊子攝） |
舞蹈節目有9個社團演出，包括紐英崙養生舞協會，波士頓元極舞聯誼會，波士頓鄉土舞蹈團，茉莉花舞蹈團，台山聯誼會，中華廣教學校，余風采堂，三益公所，世界旗袍會波士頓分會等。
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| 中華公所主席雷國輝為強調中秋節，送月餅給廖朝宏處長。（周菊子攝） |
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| 麥德福市議員曾御宸從中秋節想到嫦娥、后羿。（周菊子攝） |
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| 麻州眾議員黃子安。（周菊子攝） |
潘譓如把她在牛頓市開張寶島（Fomosa）店的生煎包，韭菜鍋貼，現場煎炸，吸引了一條長長人龍。在夏利臣街上經營中藥鋪的中華公所董事阮偉昌，也在會場擺中藥銷售攤位。
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| 麻州參議員Nick Collins。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓市議員Ed Flynn和Erin Murphy出場致詞。（周菊子攝） |
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| 中華公所正在蓋喜露街50號，少不了波士頓房屋長Sheila Dillon的支持。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓是耆英局（Age Strong)局長Emily shea。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓新任消防局局長Rodney Marshall。（周菊子攝） |
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| 左起，中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn，波士頓消防局局長 Rodney Marshall，波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩，波士頓市長吳弭 抱著小女兒Mira，波士頓是華埠聯絡員林天琪，中秋菊節目主持人談達兒。 （周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓市消防局副局長黃瑞瑜，最近被麻州州長提名出任波士頓是地方法院法官。 （周菊子攝） |
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| 陳定良今年四月才上任波士頓警察局情報分析副總監。（周菊子攝） |
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| 慈濟波士頓聯絡處分批駐守攤位。（周菊子攝） |
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| Formosa bun & dumplings 現場做台菜，大腸包小腸。（周菊子攝） |
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| 寶島水煎包（Formosa bun & dumplings ）的生煎包也是現場煎。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓華埠獅子會派出驗眼車位人免費驗眼。陳寶萍（右二）今年 擔任33K獅子會的驗眼車主任。（周菊子攝） |
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| 璞石中華文化工作坊今年由黃明嘉（左一）擔任會長。黃周麗桃（左三）特來探望。 （周菊子攝） |
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| 亞美聯誼會創辦人甄雲龍（白衣者）這天不僅揮毫，還現場演奏小提琴， 宣導他倡議的生活沙龍。（周菊子攝） |
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| 亞美聯誼會董事現場獻唱。（周菊子攝） |
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| 周美桃（前中）率紐英崙養生舞協會表演扇舞。（周菊子攝） |
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| 美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠823分會擺出歷史圖片，展示華裔退伍軍人對美國的貢獻。 （周菊子攝） |
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| 中秋節主持人譚達兒介紹陳耀祥的武術協會。（周菊子攝） |
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| 陳耀祥武術協會的徒弟們示範功夫。（周菊子攝） |
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| 波士頓洪門致公堂主席朱耀鍾（左）和資深會員Wilson Wong 為洪清演出打氣。 （周菊子攝） |
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| 阮伯疇擅畫蝦，吸引老外駐足。（周菊子攝） |
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| 陳松均（左）和劉裕鵬為中華書法會攤位揮毫。（周菊子攝） |
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| 中華耆英會白禮頓樓主任梅麗梨（右四）和擺攤同仁。（周菊子攝） |
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| 中華公所財政余寶愛（又）和中文書記張青梅駐守服務台，協調60多名義工的工作。 （周菊子攝） |
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| 仙藝曲藝社演唱。（周菊子攝） |
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| 僑聲音樂劇社的陣容最龐大。（周菊子攝） |
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| 廣東音樂社演唱粵曲。（周菊子攝） |
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