波士頓市議員 Ed Flynn 要求以「仇恨罪」調查南端 9旬華裔無故被人推倒在地事件

         （Boston Orange編譯）根據波士頓前鋒報（Boston Herald）報導，波士頓市議員愛德華費連（Ed Flynn）9 月 3 日發函給市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）及警察局局長Michael Cox，要求警方以「仇恨犯罪（Hate crime）」及侵犯民權罪，調查一名年近90華裔婦女在南端（South End）無故被人推倒在地事件。

        根據波士頓警方報告， 2026年9 月 2 日上午 9 點多，一名年近九旬的華裔婦女在西坎頓街（144 West Canton St.）過馬路時，突然有一名陌生人從背後把她推倒在地。所幸兩名年輕女路人及時把她扶了起來，才避免了老婦人躺在路中央可能遭過往車輛輾過的二次傷害。

        由於受害人只會說中文，市議員助理盧善柔透過電話協助翻譯。盧善柔表示，受害老婦人不認識攻擊者，但強烈感覺自己是因為種族而被針對。這名老婦人雙膝受傷，已被送往塔夫茨醫學中心（Tufts Medical Center）治療。

        市議員愛德華費連強調，從新冠病毒疫情以來，針對華裔居民的無故暴力事件不斷增加，市政府必須正視並採取「零容忍」態度。

        波士頓警查局根據目擊者影片，已逮捕疑涉毒品問題的38 歲無家可歸女子Kaitlyn Quick，並以「針對 60 歲以上或殘疾人士之傷害性襲擊與毆打罪」，把她移送法辦。

        愛德華費連議員持續施壓，要求市府民權小組等單位調查這事件背後的種族偏見動機。

麻州長Healey 譴責暴力襲擊俄亥俄州州長參選人Amy Acton行為

        (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）9月6日發表聲明，譴責暴力襲擊俄亥俄州艾米·阿克頓（Amy Acton）博士的行為。

        Amy Acton是一位知名公共衛生專家，曾任俄亥俄州立大學公共衞生副教授，並曾擔任俄亥俄州衛生局局長，目前正在代表民主黨競選俄亥俄州州長。

        9月6日她到俄亥俄州Canfield 參加地方市集活動，競選拜票時，一名體型健壯男子突然衝向競選帳篷區，疑似直接朝向Amy Acton發動攻擊，幸而有保安人員和警察反應迅速，壓制並逮補了這名嫌犯，還從嫌犯身上搜出2把槍。

奚莉州長表示，「今天在俄亥俄州發生，針對艾米·阿克頓博士的暴力襲擊事件令人震驚，這是絕對讓人無法接受的行為。得知她安然無恙，我感到欣慰；我為傷者祈禱，希望他們早日康復，同時也感謝執法部門的迅速反應」。

Governor Healey Denounces Violent Attack Against Dr. Amy Acton in Ohio

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement in response to an attempted act of violence against Dr. Amy Acton in Ohio:

“The violent attack against Dr. Amy Acton in Ohio today is terrifying and absolutely unacceptable. I’m relieved she is safe, praying for the recovery of those who were injured, and grateful to law enforcement for their swift response.

“Political violence has become far too common in our country, and all of us have a responsibility to reject it unequivocally. People enter public service because they want to serve their communities and make people’s lives better. No one should have to fear for their safety – or the safety of their loved ones and supporters – because they choose to serve.”

CITY OF BOSTON, MBTA RELEASE UPDATED DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR TRANSFORMATIVE BLUE HILL AVENUE PROJECT

CITY OF BOSTON, MBTA RELEASE UPDATED DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR TRANSFORMATIVE BLUE HILL AVENUE PROJECT

BOSTON - September 5, 2026 - The City of Boston and the MBTA shared an updated design for the Blue Hill Avenue project—a generational investment benefitting residents, visitors, workers, and businesses along one of Boston’s busiest corridors. 

The updated proposal reflects years of public engagement and incorporates significant changes in response to community feedback on the previous version of the design, including maintaining at least two general travel lanes in the majority of the corridor, a net increase in parking, including local parking solutions for high-demand areas like Morning Star Baptist Church. The updated design also reflects additional investment in Blue Hill Ave’s streetscape, with 6 miles of new sidewalks, 200 new accessible curb ramps, entirely new street lighting, and 200 new street trees.

“Community input has been critical to shaping a design that responds to the needs of the neighborhoods along Blue Hill Avenue. We look forward to getting the public’s input on these design details for a transformational investment in the beautification, safety and reliability of transportation, and infrastructure supporting small businesses along this key residential and commercial corridor,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are grateful to our partners at the MBTA and to every resident, small business, and community member who has helped guide this process. This is a true once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver on improvements that will enhance the quality of life and economic opportunity for our residents, small businesses, and community.”

“This important project in partnership with the City will deliver much-needed improvements to the residents and businesses along the Blue Hill Avenue corridor,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We have heard from the public about how important improving safety, pedestrian crossings, traffic signals, parking, sidewalks, and much more are to this community, and we look forward to more public engagement at the upcoming Town Halls and Open Houses. The updated plan balances enhancements for roadway users, pedestrians, and buses, and we are dedicated to ensuring we continue to listen to the public’s feedback as the project progresses. We will continue to work with our City partners on this design so that Blue Hill Avenue becomes the safer, accessible, more comfortable corridor for all who live, work, and play here.”

The investment includes center-running bus-only lanes to improve travel times for the 40,000 daily bus riders who travel on Blue Hill Ave and ease congestion for all road users. The design also includes a two-way, sidewalk-level bike path on the west side of Blue Hill Ave, separated from traffic, to provide neighborhood cyclist connections to Franklin Park. 

At upcoming community meetings from September 10 through September 30, the City and MBTA officials will present the updated design, creating additional opportunities for residents, businesses, community organizations and elected officials to review the details, ask questions and continue shaping the project. 

The Blue Hill Avenue Investment will bring long-overdue improvements to the corridor between Mattapan Square and Grove Hall, which connects Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury with Downtown Boston. More than half of all people traveling on Blue Hill Avenue throughout the day are bus riders, with 10 bus routes serving more than 40,000 riders and more than 20,000 people who start or end their bus trips in the corridor. To date, the project has secured more than $124 million in local, State and federal funding. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028.

“No amount of planning or design can succeed without doing the groundwork and listening to the community. Blue Hill Avenue is one of the busiest corridors in our City, serving pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, transit riders, residents and local businesses every day,” said Chris Osgood, City of Boston Interim Chief of Streets. “The design reflects years of community feedback, and this next phase is an opportunity to get into the details, hear from residents again, and ensure this investment responds to the needs of everyone who relies on this vital corridor.”

The later design incorporates community feedback and reflects changes in three key areas: beautification, safety and reliability and support for small businesses. During the upcoming community meetings, City and MBTA officials will review the project block-by-block, answer questions and gather additional feedback from residents and stakeholders.

“This updated design for Blue Hill Ave represents a generational opportunity to finally deliver for our neighborhoods,” said State Representative Russell Holmes. “I’m thankful to Mayor Wu, General Manager Eng, and the teams at the City and MBTA for their work to incorporate residents’ feedback and refine the design. I look forward to the upcoming community meetings that will help make the design of this critical project even better.”

The redesign features for the Blue Hill Avenue Investment include:

• 6 Miles of Rebuilt New Sidewalks
• 200 New Street Trees
• New Sidewalk-Level Bike Path to Franklin Park
• All New Street Lights
• More Parking Spaces than Today
• Restored General Travel Lanes
• Fully Reconstructed Road
• Bus Lanes that Benefit 40,000 Riders 

Parking

• Updated design has more parking than what’s available today
• Bus stops are moved away from curbs
• Use of rush hour regulations balances parking and travel lane needs
• Unique solutions at high-use locations, such as Happy Supermarket, Morning Star Baptist Church, Mattapan Square, and Mother Caroline Academy

Traffic Flow

• More than 70% of the corridor will have 2+ general travel lanes in each direction
• Some areas with overall low traffic volume have only 1 general travel lane while preserving space for the tree-planted center median, turning lanes, and/or parking

Bus Stops

• Center-running bus lanes will provide a 10-15 min reduction in travel time for the 28 bus between Mattapan Square and Grove Hall
• Additional benefits for people taking the 22, 29, 31 & other buses. 

Pedestrian Safety

• The project includes a complete sidewalk reconstruction along the entire corridor, with nearly 200 new accessible curb ramps
• It adds 19 new signals for more frequent opportunities for pedestrians to safely cross, minimizing crossing time for safety and traffic flow

Streetscape

• Nearly 200 new trees will provide shade, cooling, and cleaner air
• All new lighting will make sidewalks brighter and safer

Bike Improvements

• Shared-use, sidewalk-level walking & biking path along Franklin Park
• Two-way, sidewalk-level bike path from American Legion Highway to Woodhaven St on west side

Next steps

Upcoming community meetings will focus on the updated, block-by-block design. Participants will be able to provide feedback on local conditions, including parking, travel lanes, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, streetscape improvements and business access.

Additional information on meeting dates, locations and materials will be shared by the City and the MBTA’s website. The roll plan can be found here.

麻州發現第六宗人類感染西尼羅病毒案例

State Health Officials Announce Season’s Sixth Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts    WNV risk levels high in 11 communities BOSTON (September 4, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the sixth human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year, in a man in his 70s who was most likely exposed in a part of Suffolk County outside of Boston. As a result of this additional case, risk levels have been elevated to high in Chelsea, Malden, Revere, and Winthrop.   “As we go into the holiday weekend, it is easy to think of backyards, barbeques, and fun. I also want people to think about mosquitoes,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “This is the time of year when people get exposed to the West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. When you are outside, remember to use mosquito repellent, wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, and empty anything that may be collecting water outside your home to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.”   The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this season were announced on June 16. So far, there have been 273 WNV-positive mosquito samples detected this year from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in 13 mosquito samples. No human or animal cases of EEE infection have been reported so far this year.   The risk for WNV is now high in 11 municipalities: Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown, and moderate in 250 cities and towns in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.   People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.   Avoid Mosquito Bites Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.   Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.   Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.   Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.   Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.   Protect Your Animals Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.   Learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, including all WNV- and EEE-positive results on DPH’s Arbovirus Surveillance Information page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

Governor Healey Breaks Ground on North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement

Governor Healey Breaks Ground on North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement

Major MBTA investment will improve safety and reliability, expand rail capacity and create more than 15,000 jobs

Photo by Chutze Chou

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today joined Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, labor leaders and local officials to break ground on the North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project, one of the most important rail infrastructure projects in Massachusetts history.

Photo by Chutze Chou

The project will replace nearly century-old rail infrastructure over the Charles River, increase the number of tracks and make critical track and signal improvements along the northside corridor. The project will more than 15,000 jobs and improve service for millions of MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak passengers each year.

Photo by Chutze Chou

“This is what it looks like when we invest in Massachusetts – thousands of good jobs, better and more reliable transportation, and infrastructure that will serve people and our economy for generations,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Draw One is nearly 100 years old and one of the most important connections in our rail system. We fought hard to win the federal funding, brought labor and industry together, and now we’re getting to work. This project is going to make a real difference for riders, workers and communities across Massachusetts.”

Photo by Chutze Chou

“Thousands of people rely on these tracks every day to get to work, school, appointments and home to their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This project is about making those trips safer and more reliable while creating thousands of good jobs and building the transportation system Massachusetts needs to compete and grow. It’s a major investment in the communities north of Boston and in the future of our state.”

Photo by Chutze Chou

“Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are delivering long needed infrastructure projects that are essential to ensuring our transit system delivers for generations to come. The North Station Draw 1 Bridge project is another commitment fulfilled as we begin the $1.2 billion replacement of this nearly century old facility carrying all of our commuter rail lines to the north,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “As this Administration is focused on pursuing every federal dollar available, I’m proud that we were able to successfully secure federal dollars that made our state dollars that the Legislature continues to support go further.  This project is just another step toward Regional Rail and offering the public more reliable and frequent service.  By expediting the delivery of this design-build contract, we are creating good paying and skilled labor jobs during construction. We are also facilitating long term economic growth, access to jobs, and housing for the communities and the public with improved service along these commuter rail lines.  Even though this is just the start of work, I’m proud of the workforce both at the T and in our industry for serving the public and demonstrating our ability to deliver major infrastructure projects that we all can be proud of.” 

The North Station Draw One Bridge carries MBTA Commuter Rail service on the Haverhill, Lowell, Newburyport/Rockport and Fitchburg lines, as well as Amtrak Downeaster trains. More than 11 million passengers travel across the bridge each year.

“The North Station Draw One Bridge serves as a vital artery for Commuter Rail riders from across the North Shore, and its replacement will keep riders safe and service running efficiently,” said Senator Brendan Crighton. “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for your leadership on this essential infrastructure project that will continue to make rail transit a strong and reliable option for riders throughout the Commonwealth.”

“The North Station Draw One Bridge is a critical piece of our region’s transportation infrastructure, and today’s groundbreaking marks an important investment in the safety, reliability, and future of our public transit system,” said Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator for the Third Suffolk District. “This project will improve service for thousands of Commuter Rail riders while strengthening connections throughout Greater Boston and beyond. I am deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Secretary Eng and the MBTA, our federal, state, and local partners, labor partners, advocates, and everyone whose collaboration and commitment helped make this project possible.” 

“Replacing the North Station Draw One Bridge is a critical investment in the future of our transportation network,” said Representative James Arciero. “This project will improve reliability, increase rail capacity, and strengthen connections for commuters and passengers traveling throughout Greater Boston and across Northern New England. I’m proud to see this project move forward and look forward to the lasting benefits it will provide to riders and our Commonwealth.”

Built in 1931, the existing bridge carries four tracks across the Charles River. The replacement project will construct new vertical lift bridge structures capable of carrying six tracks. At North Station, two additional station tracks will be connected to the rail network, increasing the total number of tracks from 10 to 12 and providing additional capacity for future service.

The project will also replace existing bridge approaches, build a new control and maintenance facility and make approximately 1.5 miles of track and signal improvements north of the bridge. The MBTA has developed construction strategies to reduce the project timeline from an originally estimated eight years to approximately six and a half years, with completion expected in fall 2032.

Earlier this year, Governor Healey announced that the project will be delivered under a Project Labor Agreement with the Greater Boston Building Trades. The agreement establishes consistent wages, safety standards and working conditions, supports workforce stability and is designed to help ensure the highly complex project is delivered safely and efficiently. The project is expected to create approximately 15,600 jobs.

In September 2024, the MBTA secured $472.3 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance, or MEGA, program to support the project. At the time, it was the largest federal grant award in MBTA history.

Since taking office, Governor Healey has made historic investments to improve transportation across Massachusetts and deliver safer, more reliable service for riders and drivers. The Healey-Driscoll Administration launched South Coast Rail, is advancing West-East Rail, secured more than $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod Bridges and has won hundreds of millions of dollars for major MBTA projects, including the North Station Draw One Bridge. The administration is also investing in roads and bridges across the state, bringing the MBTA into a state of good repair and making transit more affordable for riders. Together, these investments are creating good jobs, strengthening communities and building the transportation system Massachusetts needs to compete and grow.

川普政府有意加快遣返規模 4名麻州新法官缺移民法相關經驗

     （Boston Orange編譯）川普政府近來大規模重整全美移民法庭，撤換原法官，任命了包括在麻州4名的共十多名缺乏移民法經驗新法官，意圖加快審理速度並擴大遣返規模，引發各界強烈質疑此舉的司法公正與程序正當性。

    司法部（DOJ）上週宣布的這4名麻州新法官，過去分別在軍方、國稅局（IRS）及地方檢察機關任職，無人具備移民法專長。川普政府從 2025 年 1 月以來，已在全美解僱或逼退超過110名法官。包括先前曾撤銷大學生驅逐令的法官弗羅伊斯（Nina Froes），以及˙75%的Chelmsford法院法官，麻州也有至少 17 名麻州移民法官被撤職，所遺缺額大多由具有軍事、執法或檢察背景的「驅逐法官（deportation judges）」接任。

    批評者稱美國移民法庭在大規模撤換法官後，似乎已從「獨立司法仲裁」轉型為「行政執法機制的一部分」，未來的移民案件將面臨審理週期極短、勝訴門檻極高、驅逐率極高的嚴峻環境。

    在法庭實施「超級預備審理（mega master calendar）」機制，單日排審上百起案件並大幅壓縮庭期，把原本數月的準備期縮短至數週，壓縮被告尋求律師的時間等做法下，麻州今年 6 月發出的驅逐令高達 1,692 份，遠超 2024 年同期的 238 份。

    這種做法，大幅降低了積壓待審案件數量，全美降至 320 萬起，麻州則降至 15.2 萬起。

    司法部表示，重組法院系統是為消化積壓案件並恢復系統誠信。但移民法與政策專家奇什蒂（Muzaffar Chishti），以及被開除的前法官帕帕斯（George Pappas）痛批，川普政府是在打造聽命行事的人事團隊，讓獨立法庭淪為貫徹驅逐政策的執法工具。

駐美大使俞大㵢、羅德島州長麥基見證 台灣與羅德島州續簽3年教育合作

台灣教育部與羅德島州續簽「高等教育合作備忘錄」。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange周菊子羅德島州報導) 台灣教育部與羅德島州(RI) 9月3日續簽「高等教育合作備忘錄」。在駐美大使俞大㵢與羅德島州州長麥基（Dan McKee）見證下，雙方展開為期三年的新合作，深化語言教學與 AI 科技人才培育。

羅德島州州長Dan McKee（左）回憶訪台經驗。（周菊子攝）

        備忘錄由教育部國際司新任司長李毓娟預簽，3日再由羅德島州高等教育廳廳長吉爾基 (Shannon Gilkey) 代表雙方完成續約簽署儀式。

        「台美教育倡議」自2020年12月啟動以來，台灣已與全美24個州簽署教育合作備忘錄。台灣教育部在2023年7月和羅德島州的首度締約，更讓台灣成為第一個與該州簽署此類合作的外國政府。

羅德島州州長Dan McKee（左）致詞。（周菊子攝）

        駐波士頓辦事處教育組組長黃薳玉指出，在此合作架構下，羅德島大學（URI）與布朗大學（Brown University）已持續延聘台灣優秀華語教師與助教來美教華語；羅德島大學更與東海大學合作推動「優華語計畫」，每年定期派遣學生赴台進行沉浸式華語研習，產學交流成果斐然。

俞大㵢大使夫婦（右二、三）和波士頓經文處教育組組長黃薳玉（左一）、
經文處處長廖朝宏（右一）。（周菊子攝）

        羅德島州州長麥基致詞時強調，他上任以來的施政核心目標是在 2030 年前將羅德島州的公立教育水平推成全美第一，而與台灣的跨國合作正是實現此目標的重要推手。他溫馨回憶先前訪台時走訪各級學校的經驗，對台灣吸引全球學子前來學習語言的沉浸式模式大加讚賞，並直言：「這是非常棒的模式，希望羅德島州未來也能借鏡引進」。

俞大㵢大使夫婦（中）和經文處處長廖朝宏（左一）感謝羅德島州僑領
葉超（左二）、吳子平（右二），以及財政廳廳長James Diossa的代表出席。
（周菊子攝）

        駐美大使俞大㵢則指出，本次續簽除了延續雙語教育與華語推廣，更進一步聚焦於 STEM 關鍵科技與 AI 人力培育，為台美高科技產業鏈打造強韌的人才庫。他以蘋果公司（Apple）經典的「1984」廣告為例，強調科技應服務於人類福祉；並分析台美優勢互補——美國擅長創新設計，台灣精於精密製造，雙方在半導體與 AI 產業上的合作屬互利共贏。他亦幽默提及，三年前首份備忘錄由時任駐美代表、現任副總統蕭美琴見證，如今由他接棒續簽，象徵台美夥伴關係的傳承與深化。

簽約儀式現場。（周菊子攝）

        當天續簽儀式嘉賓雲集，台方由駐美大使俞大㵢夫婦、駐波士頓辦事處處長廖朝宏及教育組組長黃薳玉代表出席見證；美方則由州長麥基領軍，包括副州長瑪托斯（Sabina Matos）、參議會代議長兼教育委員會主席蓋洛（Hanna Galo）、眾議會代議長肯尼迪（Brian Patrick Kennedy）、眾議員布里恩（Jon Brien）及州高等教育委員會主席卡普里奧（David Caprio）等多位政要齊聚挺身支持。

波士頓經文處教育組在簽約廳旁擺設接待、展示台。（周菊子攝）

        此外，羅德島大學國際事務副教務長強森（Kristin Johnson）、布朗大學東亞系主任波斯勒（Beverly Bossler）率師生代表，以及在地僑領葉超、吳子平與黃浩源醫師等人亦到場共襄盛舉，展現台美產官學界對深化教育夥伴關係的高度共識。

波士頓經文處教育組擺出來自台灣的鳳梨酥，三杯雞，蛋塔，波霸奶茶等台灣美食
和華語文教學材料，供出席者品嚐，參閱。（周菊子攝）

羅德島州州政府大樓有小白宮之稱。（周菊子攝）

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Impact and Progress of SafetyWorks Initiative

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Impact and Progress of SafetyWorks Initiative

New data highlights workplace safety investments and resources that strengthen Massachusetts’ workforce and support employers

 

BOSTON — Leading up to Labor Day, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released data highlighting the impact and progress of the recently launched SafetyWorks Initiative, delivering resources to Massachusetts employers to proactively implement safety measures in the workplace.

 

During its latest reporting periods, SafetyWorks provided free safety consultations that helped protect more than 42,450 workers and awarded $800,000 to support safety training for more than 6,550 workers.

 

“On Labor Day, we recognize the workers who power our economy and recommit to making sure they are safe and supported on the job,” said Governor Maura Healey. “SafetyWorks gives employers practical resources to protect their workers and build the strong, skilled teams they need to succeed.”

 

“Keeping people safe on the job is one of the most important ways we can support workers and businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “SafetyWorks gives employers practical tools to prevent injuries and invest in their people, helping build healthier workplaces, stronger businesses and a more competitive Massachusetts.”

 

Launched in December 2025 by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, SafetyWorks provides employers with a simpler, more accessible way to find workplace safety resources and support. Through SafetyWorks, both public- and private-sector employers can access free, confidential consultations through the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) to proactively identify workplace hazards and practical steps to address them. Employers can also apply for training grants through the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) to equip workers with the knowledge and skills to recognize hazards, prevent injuries, and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.

 

“Massachusetts’ greatest asset is our people, and EOLWD wants to ensure workers feel safe and supported on the job as we continue to also help people enter the workforce, grow their skills, and advance their careers,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The SafetyWorks Initiative is key to investing in our workers and workforce, providing employers with tools and resources to promote safety in the workplace spanning industries and regions across the Commonwealth.”

 

Key takeaways: 

 

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, SafetyWorks Consultation:

 

• Conducted 348 employer visits
• Identified over 2,400 safety-related findings
• Helped protect more than 42,450 workers through consultation and hazard identification 

From July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, SafetyWorks Training Grant:

 

• Awarded $800,000 to 160 grantees, representing a 15% increase in grantees over FY25
• Supported workplace safety training for more than 6,550 workers statewide 

For more information about SafetyWorks resources and the SafetyWorks Labor Day Highlight visit mass.gov/SafetyWorks.

Governor Healey Invests $4.2 Million to Grow Offshore Wind Workforce and Research

Governor Healey Invests $4.2 Million to Grow Offshore Wind Workforce and Research 

 

Workers will gain the skills needed for careers in offshore wind construction and operations, while advancing research to guide the industry's responsible growth

BOSTON – Governor Healey and the Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced $4.2 million in funding to 20 projects that will prepare workers for offshore wind and maritime careers, and support research on fisheries, wildlife, and the marine environment. The funding is awarded through two MassCEC programs: $1.7 million through the Offshore Wind Works program and $2.4 million through the Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis program. These awards are part of Massachusetts’ continued investment in the people, infrastructure, and science needed to support the state’s offshore wind industry.

“Offshore wind means good jobs, more clean energy and real economic opportunity for Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re investing in the workers who will build this industry and the research needed to develop it responsibly and protect our fisheries, wildlife and marine environment.”

“Massachusetts has everything it takes to lead in offshore wind: world-class ports, skilled workers and coastal communities with deep maritime experience,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help more residents prepare for good-paying careers and make sure we’re ready for the next generation of projects.”

“The clean energy transition doesn’t happen without the people doing the work,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We need skilled workers to build offshore wind and researchers who can help us better understand our ocean, fisheries, and wildlife. Investing in both is how we grow clean energy responsibly and make sure Massachusetts continues to lead.”

“These two efforts work in tandem: one grows the talent pipeline for offshore wind projects, the other expands the knowledge base the industry needs for the long haul,” said Ben Downing, Mass Clean Energy Center CEO. “Investing in both is how Massachusetts prepares the way for future accelerated offshore wind deployment.”

Through Offshore Wind Works, $1.7 million will support eight projects in building a Massachusetts workforce that is capable of planning, deploying, operating, maintaining, and manufacturing components for offshore wind projects. Many of the skills and credentials developed through these projects are transferable across clean energy, maritime, construction, and other port-based industries—strengthening workforce resilience beyond offshore wind alone. Since launching in 2018, Offshore Wind Works has awarded $22 million to 35 grantees, leveraging more than $11 million in additional cost-sharing.

“Massachusetts' clean energy future depends on having a skilled workforce ready to build it,” said State Senator Jake Oliveira, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Ludlow). “These investments will create pathways into good-paying careers, strengthen partnerships with organized labor, higher education, and workforce training programs, and give workers skills that can serve them across industries. By investing in our workforce alongside research and responsible development, we are positioning Massachusetts workers to benefit from the economic opportunities created by the clean energy transition.”

“The clean energy transition is also a workforce opportunity, and the Commonwealth must make sure our workers are positioned to lead it,” said State Representative Paul McMurtry, House Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee (D-Dedham). “From union trades and maritime workers to students and people exploring new careers, these investments are creating pathways into skilled jobs while building a workforce that can grow with the industry. That means more opportunity for Massachusetts workers and a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.”

This year’s awards will fund projects across three focus areas: Workforce Training & Upskilling; Training Equipment & Infrastructure; and Career Exploration & Education. The projects are expected to leverage an estimated $892,241 in additional cost-sharing and in-kind contributions from grantees and their partners.

The 2026 Offshore Wind Works awardees are:

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy: $260,000 for Workforce Training & Upskilling
• Funding will be used to establish the equipment, certifications, and instructional capacity needed to deliver Helicopter Underwater Escape Training.
• Partners: RelyOn USA

• TITAN Structural Group LLC: $500,000 for Workforce Training & Upskilling and Training Equipment & Infrastructure
• Funding will be used to equip trades workers with offshore wind safety and technical certifications.
• Partners: Ironworkers; IBEW; IUPAT union affiliates

• UMass Dartmouth: $250,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to add 30 paid internship opportunities to the offshore wind internship program.

• UMass Boston: $249,243 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to develop and deliver ten learning modules covering offshore wind topics ranging from engineering and aquaculture to ports and supporting infrastructure.
• Partners: Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW)

• STEAM the Streets: $209,330 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to launch a statewide campaign to increase public understanding of offshore wind and clean energy careers. 
• Partners: Environmental League of Massachusetts; Boston Public Schools; New Bedford Public Schools; MassHire South Shore; MassHire Greater New Bedford

• UMass Amherst: $141,427 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to expand the Career Access Scholarship Program, enhance workforce training with a focus on transferable skills, and foster new partnerships between Massachusetts and Nova Scotia.
• Partners: MANSA Consulting; Salem Alliance for the Environment; Spirit Advisory

• MANSA Consulting, Inc: $100,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to expand the WindWorks campaign to increase awareness of offshore wind career opportunities and connect participants to introductory offshore wind training.
• Partners: Bristol Community College; IWNL Energy

• Trustees of Tufts University: $40,000 for Career Exploration & Education
• Funding will be used to publish findings on offshore wind workers' experiences, safety culture, and working conditions, while highlighting industry best practices through a case study.

Through the Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis program, $2.5 million will support 12 projects in advancing research that informs the responsible development and operation of offshore wind in Southern New England and the Gulf of Maine. Each project has a direct connection to a Massachusetts-based business or research institution, a Massachusetts-based intern, or both. Collectively, these awards will create at least seven paid internships for students attending Massachusetts universities, giving early-career researchers hands-on experience in offshore wind science.

This year’s awards will address five topic areas: Fisheries; Habitat & Wildlife; Regional Transmission Planning; Regional Monitoring; and Science Communication.

The 2026 Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis awardees are:

• New England Aquarium: $246,075 for Fisheries research
• Funding will be used to research how offshore wind development is affecting recreational and for-hire fishing activity in Southern New England.
• Partners: Pelagic Strategies

• UMass Dartmouth
• $280,501 for Fisheries and Habitat research
• Funding will be used to continue a study focused on understanding offshore wind impacts on cod spawning grounds in Southern New England.
• $199,589 for Regional Monitoring
• Funding will be used to create a regional data-collection strategy to guide future monitoring and inform responsible offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine.
• Partners: Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative & Northeast Regional Ocean Council (separate $30,000 award to support this project)

• Center for Coastal Studies: $284,642 for Habitat & Wildlife research 
• Funding will be used to evaluate the ability of ocean circulation models to predict zooplankton aggregations to inform methods for understanding potential offshore wind effects on North Atlantic right whale prey. 
• Partners: Integral Consulting

• atdepth MRV Inc.: $252,000 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to create a digital twin model of the Gulf of Maine to study potential effects of floating offshore wind turbines on ocean processes and North Atlantic right whale prey.

• Tufts University: $269,910 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to develop an implementation framework for incorporating nature-inclusive design into offshore wind projects.
• Partners: Outer Harbor Consulting; Responsible Offshore Science Alliance; Nomadic Foundry

• JASCO: $246,746 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to examine existing offshore wind wildlife protection measures using quantitative modeling to assess risk reduction and implementation costs.

• Ocean Tech Services, LLC: $77,414 for Habitat & Wildlife research
• Funding will be used to install a Motus radio telemetry receiving station at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s Air-Sea Interaction Tower, re-establishing important offshore detection capability for migratory birds and bats.

• Power Advisory LLC: $186,995 for Regional Transmission
• Funding will be used to build on existing offshore wind energy transmission studies to investigate interregional transmission scenarios for New England, New York, and Atlantic Canada.
• Partners: Johns Hopkins University; UMass Amherst

• Responsible Offshore Science Alliance: $149,997 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to communicate results of existing offshore wind fisheries research to Massachusetts fishing communities and the general public.
• Partners: Fat Moon Creative

• Biodiversity Research Institute: $149,206 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to translate and communicate offshore wind science and research into accessible, stakeholder-informed materials for Massachusetts and beyond.
• Partners: Consensus Building Institute

• CBN Media, LLC: $125,000 for Science Communication
• Funding will be used to increase public understanding of marine life interactions with offshore wind infrastructure in Southern New England.

For more information on Offshore Wind Works and Offshore Wind Science, Research and Analysis, visit masscec.com/our-focus/offshore-wind.