Journalists for Diversity stands with Black journalists and Black Americans

Unify is a coalition of the New England chapters of the NABJ, AAJA, NAHJ, and NLGJA

JUNE 26, 2020 -- Unify: Journalists for Diversity stands in solidarity with Black journalists and Black Americans seeking justice in the nation and accuracy in news coverage of their communities.

Formed in 2017, Unify is a collaboration between the New England chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists, the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists.

Those of us who are non-Black Latinx, AAPI, and LGBTQ journalists support our Black colleagues, our Black loved ones and neighbors, and the Black and biracial members of our own communities demanding an end to police violence and systemic racism.

We value the voices and professional contributions of Black reporters, editors, producers, and photographers. Black journalists experience trauma reporting on racial injustice, and many have been subjected to racist acts and epithets while working with professionalism and restraint. All journalists in the United States have a First Amendment right to do their jobs without harassment or abuse.

The Black communities we cover are in pain. We pledge to listen for insight and guidance as we support change driven by Black voices, ideas, and priorities. We pledge to foster frank conversations within and among our communities about the anti-Black racism that exists in every community.

We will work within our own newsrooms and with news directors across the region to ensure that our staffs reflect the diversity of the communities we cover, and that we report on those communities with appropriate sensitivity and context, centering Black voices.

For too long, media companies have failed to center the experiences of Black Americans and have relied on narratives that reinforce stereotypes of poverty and criminality. Absent of these voices, news organizations fail to deliver an accurate picture of communities and individuals, and they misrepresent racial disparities, thereby stifling progress.

Our coalition is committed to change.

麻州長提案增撥2億7500萬元刺激經濟 2025年前要建135,000戶住宅

                 (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長辦公室6月26日宣佈2億7500萬元刺激經濟方案，以在今年3月4日提出的”為成長促使合作法案”基礎上，更進一步改善大受新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)大流行影響的麻州經濟。

               麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)政府提出的這一方案，26日當天下午還由住宅及經濟發展廳廳長Mike Kennealy在參眾兩會的經濟發展及新興科技聯席委員會面前發言做證，說明立法之必要，並解釋政府當局提案內容的改變。

             三大重點包括，修訂幾項提案項目的範圍，以針對遭受新型冠狀病毒大流行打擊最大的幾個特定社區，撥發資金。在提議的授權中，重新調配資金，以更好的針對受新型冠狀病毒影響最大的地區。制定新工具以在社區，以及在爭取州政府合約上面對困難的企業等方面，推廣平等，驅動經濟成長。

            麻州政府提議，增撥1500萬元給鄰里穩定項目，使總額達到4000萬元，藉以和社區組織及地方政府合作，把安全的，可負擔的住宅帶回市場。

             婦女，少數族裔，退伍老兵及移民小企業主在取得資金，發展企業上面對著不成比例的挑戰。在新型冠狀病毒大流行期間，那些無法利用聯邦巷木的企業，面對的挑戰更嚴峻。麻州政府因此提議增撥2500萬元，達到總額3500萬元來資助社區發展金融機構(Community Development Financial Institutions)，為那些未得到足夠服務的企業提供財務服務，技術援助，以及重建信用的機會。這將是對該項目增撥額的歷史紀錄。

             支持微型企業的補助款經費也增加3被，從5百萬元增至1500萬元。麻州成長資金公司(MGCC)最近推出一試驗項目，名為”Biz-M-Power”，為員工少於20人，並已成功取得10,000元種子資本的微型企業提供1比1的配合補助款，以及技術援助。

              麻州住宅及經濟發展廳廳長Mike Kennealy表示，藉由這5年計畫，麻州將在舒緩新型冠狀病毒大流行的影響中，有機會更加重點關注住宅，社區發展及企業競爭力。

             該法案內容還包括”住宅選擇(Housing Choice)”條文，要讓地方市政可經由大多數而不是現行的三分之二投票通過，採用某些區域規劃的最佳案例。麻州政府計畫在2025年時，建造出135,000戶新住宅單位。(節譯)

Baker-Polito Administration Unveils $275M COVID-19 Economic Relief Package to Promote Equity and Economic Growth

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration unveiled a COVID-19 economic recovery package to generate economic growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The $275 million package, designed to promote equity across the Commonwealth, is an update to the Administration’s Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth, the economic development legislation originally filed on March 4, 2020.

The original legislation was the product of a nearly year-long economic development planning process last year, and the now $275 million proposal represents a targeted package of investments across three core areas: housing, community development, and business competitiveness. In response to the dramatically different economic landscape due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Administration will ask the Legislature to consider an amended scope for several of the proposed programs, reallocate funding among proposed authorizations, and establish new tools to promote equity and drive economic growth.

“By funding more affordable housing, implementing critical zoning reform, stabilizing neighborhoods, and supporting minority-owned businesses with record levels of funding, these proposed changes will bring critical relief and promote equity across Massachusetts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to advance this legislation and give communities, especially those most in need, the tools and support they require to move forward.”

“This legislation will help to stabilize the neighborhoods and communities that were hardest hit and bring new tools to bear to promote equity and drive economic growth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, co-chair of the Economic Development Planning Council. “The feedback we received last year, along with the realities that we are seeing during this pandemic, have informed this legislation and our revised proposal, and we are grateful to the Legislature for their consideration.”

This afternoon, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy will testify during a virtual hearing before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology, highlighting the need for the legislation, and explaining the Administration’s proposed changes.

To address the new realities brought on by COVID-19, while continuing to address the opportunities and challenges already identified in the Partnerships for Growth economic development plan, this package proposes to:

• Amend the scope of several proposed programs, to target funding towards specific communities including those hardest hit by COVID-19

• Reallocate funding among proposed authorizations, to better address the significant economic impacts of COVID-19 and to help provide a path for recovery, particularly for those most devastated by the pandemic

• Establish new tools to promote equity and drive economic growth in communities and among businesses facing barriers to entry in areas like state contracting

To do so, the Administration is proposing allocating an additional $15 million for neighborhood stabilization (for a total of $40 million) to invest in blighted and distressed homes. This funding, paired with collaboration and engagement with community organizations and municipalities, will bring safe, affordable housing units back on the market.

Women, minority, veteran, and immigrant small business owners face disproportionate challenges to accessing capital to grow their enterprises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, gaps worsened for businesses that have not been able to take advantage of federal programs. To allow the state to invest in more small businesses overall, especially those owned by underrepresented populations, and to leverage greater federal and private investment dollars, the Administration is recommending increasing funding for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by $25 million (for a total of $35 million), a record increase in this program. These grants to small business lenders allow CDFIs to serve entrepreneurs in underserved populations with financial services, technical assistance, and credit building opportunities.

To help address the disproportionate challenges to accessing early stage business financing, the Administration is asking the Legislature to triple funding for grants to support micro businesses from a total of $5 million to $15 million. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) recently launched a pilot program called Biz-M-Power, which offers 1:1 matching grants and technical assistance to microbusinesses (fewer than 20 employees) who have successfully crowdsourced up to $10,000 in seed capital.

“We have an opportunity with this 5-year plan to focus even more of our housing, community development, and business competitiveness efforts on equity and recovery as Massachusetts continues to weather the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Kennealy. “This legislation and our recommended updates tackle the housing crisis through targeted reforms and funding, and invests in the people and places who need support the most, and we look forward to getting this done.”

The legislation also includes the language of An Act to Promote Housing Choices, the Administration’s bill to advance new housing production in Massachusetts, to promote equitable access to opportunity, and to support the administration’s goal to produce 135,000 new housing units by 2025. An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth includes these Housing Choice provisions to enable cities and towns to adopt certain zoning best practices through a simple majority vote rather than the current two-thirds supermajority.

An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth was originally filed in March of 2020. For more details, click here. 

吳弭呼籲波士頓市府響應民意做結構性改變

波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)在網上舉行的波士頓市議會會議中
發言。(周菊子攝自會議螢幕)

                  (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導)波士頓市不分區市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)發表聲明，稱解決系統性種族歧視問題，必須全方位推動，波市府的採取行動固然令人鼓舞，但再成立一個由市府控制的私營基金，卻令人困擾。

                吳弭在聲明中表示，解決系統係種族歧視需要每一個領域都趕快行動，看到波士頓市的領袖們再一次展現加緊行動，她感到很鼓舞。

             但吳弭認為，公私合作以支持慈善事業是能夠讓波士頓更茁壯，波士頓市府在一個沒有把朝向族裔正義所需轉型步驟包括在內的36億元預算剛通過的第二天，就宣佈又成立一個市府控制的私人基金，卻讓人感到很困擾。

             她說，”在社區要求政府在從預算到公家發包實務等的業務執行，做結構性改變之時，我們不能只是以一個基金，又一個基金，一次捐款又一次捐款來處理長期存在的種族不平等問題。在危機時刻的慈善，不能代替打造復原力，在公平上做投資的行動。

             以下為吳弭辦公室發出的聲明:      

Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu Statement on Boston Racial Equity Fund

Boston, MA— “Addressing systemic racism requires urgent action from every sector, and I’m encouraged to see Boston leaders once again demonstrate willingness to step up.

Leveraging public-private partnerships and supporting philanthropy can make Boston stronger, but I’m troubled that the day after the City passed a $3.6B budget that falls short of the transformational steps toward racial justice needed to meet this moment, we see the Administration unveiling yet another City-controlled private fund. 

We can’t just tackle long-standing racial inequities fund by fund, donation by donation, when communities are calling for structural changes in how the City does business--from the budget, to public contracting practices. Philanthropy in moments of crisis is not a substitute for building resiliency and investing in equity.”

波士頓市長宣佈新設公平包容內閣、種族平等基金

波士頓市長Martin Walsh宣佈將成立公平包容辦公室

                    (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓整理報導) 波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)在6月25日宣佈，市府將成立”公平與包容內閣(Equity and Inclusion Cabinet)”，設置”波士頓種族平等基金(Boston Racial Equity Fund)”，並申請修訂區域規劃法(zoning code)，以減少居民流離失所機率。

             從新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)大流行發生以來，人們的日常生活大受影響，黑人喬治弗洛依德(George Flyod)死在白人警察膝下事件，在全球各地掀起的抗議警察暴力，系統性種族歧視，也導致許多地方出現區域性社會動盪，驚訝，擔憂，憤怒，恐懼等情緒瀰漫。

             波士頓市長馬丁華殊直言近日和各階層市府員工深層對話，許多人打開了心扉，話匣，讓身為白人的他深有感觸，也因此在日前宣佈”系統性種族歧視是公共健康危機”之後，波士頓市府將進一步著手改善現狀。

             馬丁華殊將成立波士頓市有史以來的第一個”公平與包容內閣”，要推倒阻礙健康，經濟公平的障礙，加速促使所有層面的波市府員工反映城市的人口結構，全面支持包容移民，難民及其他易受傷害社區，給他們機會。

             馬丁華殊將指派一人出任”公平與包容長”。

             這新的”公平與包容內閣”將與波市府的”復原立即種族平等、多元化，語言及溝通渠道(Resilience and Racial Equity, Diversity, Language and Communication Access)”，"婦女進步(Women's Advancement)"，"移民進步(Immigrant Advancement):，以及"人權委員會(Human Rights Commission)”等辦公室合作，以”平等”鏡頭來檢視市府每一部門的政策及實際業務執行，以確保他們在這方面負起責任。

             這內閣將重點支持有色社區，以及邊緣群體，將和居民，社區團體及非牟利組織，企業合作，以在波士頓市的經濟及社會中打造平等環境。

             波士頓市將要設立的”波士頓種族平等基金(Boston Racial Equity Fund)”，將以波士頓市為支援抗疫工作而籌募，已募得3230萬元的”波士頓復原基金(Boston Resiliency Fund)”為藍本，暫定籌募1000萬元，長期目標5000萬元，用於投資在經濟發展，公共健康，青年就業，教育、藝術等等方面賦權黑色，棕色居民的非牟利組織，並支持這兩個族裔社區企業界已經在做的工作。這黑色、棕色居民指的是非洲裔，西班牙語裔居民。

             波士頓市長將會宣佈一個由企業，高等教育及社區發展領域領袖組成的執行委員會。波士頓環球報透露，愛默生學院校長Lee Pelton將出任主席。

             申請修訂區域規劃法(zoning code)是為了進一步推動居住平等，旨在確保每個鄰里居民在居屋上有公平機會。區域規劃法的修訂將要求發展商在打擊流離失所，宣導包容上做得更多一些。

             波士頓市的計畫及發展局(BPDA)將和鄰里發展局(DND)，波士頓住宅局(BHA)，以及公平居屋辦公室(Office of Fair Housing)合作，制定一個項目評估工具，用於辨識並處理流離失所危機，並為歷史上被排除於外的社區提供機會。

             波士頓市長馬丁華殊感謝市議員Lydia Edwards在這議題上的領導力，也感謝市議員Kenzie Bok和市府員工合力草擬了提案。馬丁華殊相信，波士頓市將是全美第一個城市把公平居屋要求寫進區域規劃法中的城市。

             馬丁華殊這天也做了疫情簡報，說明波士頓市確診案例13,382宗，死亡人數703，痊癒人數9,303。從6月4日到6月17日以來，新個案比率已下降了50%，總確診率也下降到17.9%，上星期更低到1.9%，因COVID-19入住重症病房的比率和4月份的高峰期相比，也下降了87%，發展局勢讓人欣慰。只是美國在漸漸重新開放後，出現單日新增病例36,000宗的破紀錄數據，讓人還是不得不強調，”抗疫”還需繼續努力，要勤洗手，戴口罩，和人保持6英尺距離。

             至於波士頓市議會輔以8比5票通過的波士頓市2021會季年度波士頓市府預算，學校部分增加7%，約8000萬元，可負擔住宅增加1600萬元，其中包括市府資助的租金券項目，公共健康部分增加1300萬元，以及來自警察預算，針對處理種族歧視議題的300萬元。

Governor Baker Nominates Sylvia Gomes as Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court, and Michael D. Anderson as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court

Governor Baker Nominates Sylvia Gomes as Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court, and Michael D. Anderson as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Sylvia Gomes as Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court, and Michael D. Anderson as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Attorneys Gomes and Anderson have more than 50 years of combined legal experience.

“The many cases that Attorneys Gomes and Anderson have tried over their decades of experience have prepared them well to serve as Associate Justices of the Juvenile Court and the Probate and Family Court," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am pleased to submit these qualified candidates to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

“Throughout their careers, Attorneys Gomes and Anderson have demonstrated a commitment to both public service and the families of the Commonwealth," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.​ "If confirmed by the Governor's Council, I am confident that they will maintain that commitment as Associate Justices of the Juvenile Court and the Probate and Family Court."

The Juvenile Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, care and protections, youthful offender cases and children requiring assistance. The Juvenile Court's mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem, in over 40 locations. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Gomes will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Mary M. McCallum. 

For more information about the Juvenile Court, please visit their homepage.

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. The Probate and Family Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice John D. Casey. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Anderson will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Randy J. Kaplan.

For more information on the Probate & Family Court, please visit their homepage.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Sylvia Gomes

Sylvia Gomes began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Bristol County District Attorney's Office in 1996, where she prepared and conducted criminal trials on behalf of the Commonwealth for 3 years. In 1999, she joined the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families' Southeast Regional Office as Assistant Regional Counsel, preparing and conducting civil trials involving juveniles. She has served in this role for more than 20 years. Prior to practicing law, Attorney Gomes spent 2 years as a Probation Officer in New Bedford and worked one year as an Investigator for the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General. In addition to her legal work, Attorney Gomes is a board member of the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee, the Bristol County Commission on the Status of Women and the New Bedford Community Preservation Act Committee, and serves as Co-Chair of the Martha Briggs Educational Club Scholarship. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law, and her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

About Michael D. Anderson

Michael D. Anderson began his legal career in 1991 as an attorney at McLellan & Zack in Boston, where he concentrated primarily on family law for more than 9 years. In 2000, he opened the Law Office of Michael D. Anderson in Woburn, which he has managed and operated for the last 20 years. In his private practice, Attorney Anderson has continued to focus on family law, providing representation to clients on matters before the Probate and Family Court. He also has represented a civil engineering and design firm as outside corporate counsel, and serves as Clerk of the company. In addition to his legal practice, Attorney Anderson was elected and is in his fifth term as an Alderman of the City of Woburn, and currently serves as the City Council President. He has also published four books on family law. Attorney Anderson earned his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School, and his Bachelor's Degree from Trinity College.

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION EXAMINING THE TRAGEDY AT HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME RELEASED

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION EXAMINING THE TRAGEDY AT HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME RELEASED

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration released the independent report ordered by Governor Baker to investigate the COVID-19 outbreak at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.

On April 1^st, Governor Charlie Baker retained Attorney Mark Pearlstein, a former federal prosecutor, to investigate the causes of the tragic events that occurred at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The investigation and report was completed independently from the Baker-Polito Administration.

“I called for an independent and thorough investigation into the tragic events that occurred at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to get to the bottom of what happened and take immediate action,” said Governor Baker. “This report lays out in heartbreaking detail the terrible failures that unfolded at the facility, and the tragic outcomes that followed. Our emergency response to the COVID-19 outbreak stabilized conditions for residents and staff, and we now have an accurate picture of what went wrong and will take immediate action to deliver the level of care that our veterans deserve.”

Governor Baker will hold a media availability at noon in the Gardner Auditorium at the State House to discuss the report and the Administration’s response.

Click here to read the report. 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Developer for Final Boston State Hospital Property Parcel

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Developer for Final Boston State Hospital Property Parcel

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today joined Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Carol Gladstone, members of the Massachusetts Legislature, and community leaders in Boston to announce the official selection of Primary Corporation in venture with Toll Brothers, as the developer for the final parcel of land on the former Boston State Hospital Property.

Primary Corporation, a minority business enterprise, plans to develop 367 residential units on the ten-acre parcel, of which 82 will be ownership units and 121 will be affordable units with 42 units designated for seniors. Primary Corporation’s proposal also includes other non-residential components including food amenities, a farming initiative connected with the Clark/Cooper Community Gardens, a daycare, and a shuttle bus to the Forest Hills MBTA Station.

“We are pleased to announce the official selection of Primary Corporation and Toll Brothers to develop the final remaining parcel at the Boston State Hospital property,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By working collaboratively with our partners at the state and local level and selecting a developer with a strong minority and women-owned business commitment, we are helping increase housing options and community accommodations while promoting economic growth and opportunity here in Mattapan.”

“This future redevelopment project will provide numerous benefits including new housing, a daycare facility, transportation infrastructure, and open greenspace,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration is committed to working closely with local leaders across Massachusetts to promote community-centric development that helps maintain our high quality of life.”

Primary Corporation was unanimously recommended by the Boston State Hospital Citizens Advisory Committee following a competitive procurement process that included several proposals. Construction-related activities on the site are expected to begin in 2021 and conclude in spring 2024.

“We are proud to select Primary Corporation and Toll Brothers to carry out this important redevelopment project,” said Secretary for Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “We appreciate the input and hard work of the Citizens Advisory Committee and the other state and local leaders who have helped ensure that redevelopment of this site delivers benefits for local residents and their families.”

“We had six strong proposals to consider, all with great teams, and we want to thank all of them for the time and care they brought to this process,” said Commissioner Gladstone. “We also want to thank the Citizens Advisory Committee for its considerable time commitment and thoughtful process, and to the many community members who came out to see the presentations about the projects.”

The Boston State Hospital was closed in 1979 and the Citizens Advisory Committee was formed in the 1980s to support redevelopment of the property. Other completed, ongoing, and future redevelopment projects on the site will result in approximately 200 homeownership units, over 50 affordable units for seniors, nearly 300 rental units, 45 cooperative townhouses, Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, facilities for Brooke Charter High School and Mass Biologics, as well as other community accommodations and open space.

“Governor Baker and the Commonwealth are leveraging state assets to create economic development and innovation in our community,” said Kirk Sykes, President of Primary Investments and Co-Managing Partner of Accordia Partners. “That opportunity comes with an obligation to be inclusive of the local community in all aspects of the campus, including businesses, jobs, training and housing. Primary Investments, Accordia Partners, Toll Brothers Apartment Living and our entire campus team look forward to partnering with the Commonwealth, our community, and community-based organizations and businesses to achieve the great place we all want to see come to fruition.”

“I am most appreciative to Governor Baker and DCAMM for listening and enabling a process that placed the voice of the community above all others,” said Representative Russell Holmes. “The proposals were available for physical review at the Mattapan Library, at a website online, and through two three-hour community-wide open house presentations with the developers. This made way for informed and robust comments from the community and made all the proposals better.”

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Sales Tax Holiday To Take Place August 29-30

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Sales Tax Holiday To Take Place August 29-30

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the annual sales tax-free weekend will take place the weekend of August 29-30. This marks the second sales tax holiday held under the new law signed by Governor Baker in 2018 that made the weekend an annual occurrence.

“The annual sales tax holiday is an opportunity for us to support small businesses and consumers, and this year, it’s a great way to support our economy that’s been impacted by COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This pandemic has created enormous challenges for the Commonwealth’s small businesses, and the sales tax-free weekend is one way that we can encourage more economic activity to help Main Street businesses and local economies.”

“As the Commonwealth continues its phased reopening process, we recognize that many small businesses continue to face difficulties,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud that our Administration worked with the Legislature to enact legislation making the sales tax holiday permanent and look forward to this year’s tax free weekend and the economic activity that will come with it.”

“We are proud to continue supporting local businesses and consumers as we work with our colleagues in the Legislature to navigate the evolving COVID-19 environment while adhering to public health guidelines,” said Secretary for Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “The upcoming sales tax holiday will be an opportunity for people throughout Massachusetts to help support local companies and generate much needed economic activity.”

In 2018, Governor Baker signed legislation that makes the annual sales tax holiday permanent. The Department of Revenue today is designating August 29-30 as the sales tax holiday under M.G.L. Chapter 64H, Section 6A.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about this year’s annual sales tax holiday.