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星期三, 6月 30, 2021

波士頓市長選戰民調 吳弭再次領先 又添兩組織支持

在這兒團結(Unite Here)”新英格蘭分會在夏利臣街
上公開支持吳弭當波士頓市長。(周菊子攝)
             (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 波士頓市長候選人吳弭(Michelle Wu)在薩福克(Suffolk)大學和波士頓環球報(Boston Globe)新做的民意調查中,以23%領先之際,62930兩日陸續再獲在這兒團結(Unite Here)”新英格蘭分會,以及350麻州行動會(350 Mass Action)背書支持。

              在這兒團結(Unite Here)”是國際性的工會組織,新英格蘭分會包括紐約,麻州等共有會員上萬人。350麻州行動會(350 Mass Action)則是在麻州11個市鎮有分支的環保組織。

Santander銀行華埠分行行員梅惠玲(左起),經理陳蘇靜儀(左二)和Unite
Here的國際執行副會長Warren Pepicelli支持吳弭(Michelle Wu,右二)。
(周菊子攝)
              波士頓市今年的市長選舉,已確定必將寫下歷史新頁,問題只在由誰留名傳世。在一眾候選人中年紀最輕的吳弭,目前呼聲最高,但其優勢卻難說絕對不可超越,選情還得看下去。

              繼早前曾有一次民調,同為波士頓市不分區市議員的波士頓市長候選人,47歲的Annissa Essaibi George22%支持率領先之後,最近的這次民調,再次把吳弭和波士頓代市長,56歲的Kim Janey列為支持度最高的參選者,依序為23%22%Annissa Essaibi George重新緊跟於後,但支持率僅14%,落差比她上次領先時大。

住在波士頓華埠的趙奮明(左)聽說吳弭是參選波士頓市長,
豎起大拇指讚許。(周菊子攝)
              直至5月份時,募得的政治獻金額總是比吳弭多上幾千元,目前手中握有逾百萬元現金,還有超級政治團體(Super Pac)在背後撐腰的另一名候選人,現年39歲的波士頓市第四區市議員Andrea Campbell,在這次的民調中再度排名第四,不過支持率增加很多,達到11%

              其餘的4名候選人都是男性,都面對知名度挑戰。接受這次民意調查的選民中,還有70%希望選出一名有色女性市長,似乎意味著這4名男性市長候選人都無望擠進11月大選。

現任麻州眾議員,年僅38歲,拉丁裔的Jon Santiago支持率5%,原任波士頓市經濟發展長,這次是第二度參選波士頓市市長,現年也只不過47歲的John Barros,支持率僅2%。在接受這次民意調查的500名潛在選民中,有30%說他們不知道誰是Jon SantiagoJohn Barros

              趕在申請參選截止日期前取得3000個有效支持簽名,加入市長選戰的東波士頓居民Robert Cappucci,北端(North End)居民Richard Spagnuolo,支持率都不到1%

              波士頓市現任代理市長Kim Janey,接任市長一職時,已打破歷史紀錄,成為波士頓市300多年來,第一個行使市長職權的黑人、女性。但4她是否能真除,成為正式的波士頓市民選市長,還得看她是否能連闖2關,通過914日初選,112日大選這兩道關卡。

              現年36歲,從2013年就任,成為波士頓市首名女性亞裔市議員,當過市議會議長的吳弭(波士頓市首名亞裔市議員是2006年上任的韓裔尹常賢(Sam Yoon),在這次的民意調查中,有62%認為吳弭很好,58%認為Kim Janey很好,但她們兩人各有14%的選民不喜歡她們。亞裔選民一面倒的支持吳弭,黑人選民支持Kim Janey的比率也高達42%。坊間也傳出有黑人選民勸退Andrea Campbell,以期集中黑人選票支持Kim Janey的聲音。

              914日的初選,距離現在僅約二個半月了,麻州已經解封,競選活動勢必增溫,候選人們在選民最關注的居住平等,種族歧視,公共安全等議題上,能拿出什麼樣的具體政策,吸引人的做法建議,或將是選情勝負關鍵。

星期一, 6月 28, 2021

Baker-Polito Administration Files Plan to Invest $2.9 Billion in Federal COVID-19 Funding to Support Economic Recovery, Communities Hit Hardest by Pandemic

 Baker-Polito Administration Files Plan to Invest $2.9 Billion in Federal COVID-19 Funding to Support Economic Recovery, Communities Hit Hardest by Pandemic 

 BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today will re-file its plan to immediately put to use part of Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support key priorities including housing and homeownership, economic development and local downtowns, job training and workforce development, health care, and infrastructure. The Administration called on the Legislature to act quickly on the $2.9 billion plan to jump-start the Commonwealth’s economic recovery and support residents hardest-hit by COVID-19, such as lower-wage workers and communities of color. 

 Governor Charlie Baker today is re-filing the proposal after signing “An Act Relative to Transferring Federal Funds to the Federal COVID-19 Response Fund,” which was on the Governor’s desk.

 “We are eager to work with the Legislature to put these funds to work and our $2.9 billion proposal will immediately aid those hardest hit by COVID-19 like communities of color and lower-wage workers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This plan addresses homeownership gaps in communities of color, connects workers with in demand job-training, boosts addiction treatment services and invests in local infrastructure. It’s crucial that the Legislature act quickly and not hold up these important investments. Communities of color, the hardest hit areas of the Commonwealth, should not have to wait to have their tax dollars be put to work.”

 “Massachusetts’ economic recovery is off to a good start but it’s crucial that we address the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic by taking action to invest these federal relief dollars in priorities like housing, economic development, job training, and addiction treatment,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to move quickly in putting these relief dollars to work on behalf of our communities.”

 The proposal filed today is the same proposal filed by Governor Baker earlier this month with the Legislature, with an additional $100 million for marine port development to support economic growth.

 The Administration’s plan to invest $2.9 billion in federal dollars in these disproportionately impacted communities complements a proposal filed last week for the Commonwealth’s surplus state tax revenue. With May revenues approximately $4 billion over benchmark, the Administration’s proposal for a 2-month Sales Tax Holiday would provide relief for small businesses and residents, especially lower-wage workers who are most impacted by the sales tax.

 The $2.915 billion is part of a total of approximately $5.3 billion in direct aid to the Commonwealth from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. These discretionary funds are intended to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost revenue, support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses, and address unequal public health and economic challenges in Massachusetts cities and towns throughout the pandemic. ARPA is also providing a total of $3.4 billion in direct aid for municipalities throughout Massachusetts, as well as substantial funding for key priorities including a total of $1.1 billion for transit. With a focus on increasing capacity for child care and supporting parents as they return to work, the Administration is also proposing to distribute approximately $760 million in additional federal funding to child care providers in Massachusetts over the coming years, and looks forward to working with key stakeholders on the usages of these funds.

 The remaining $2 billion in direct federal aid would stay in the Federal COVID-19 Response Fund, and the Administration looks forward to working closely with the Legislature to allocate these resources in a fiscally responsible and compliant manner.  

 In addition to this discretionary funding, an additional $35.2 billion in other ARPA funding has been directed to the Commonwealth to support additional areas of recovery including direct aid to municipalities, transportation, and child care. This includes approximately $3.4 billion in direct aid to cities, towns, and counties throughout Massachusetts. The plan therefore includes language allowing a local match for numerous programs to better leverage municipal support, optimize the usage of all available revenue, and maximize the impact of this one-time federal funding. 

 Highlights of the plan include:

 Housing

  • $300 million to support expanded homeownership opportunities, focused on first-time homebuyers who are residents of disproportionately impacted municipalities;
  • $200 million to support housing production through MassHousing’s CommonWealth Builder Program and similar efforts, which aim to help communities of color build wealth by promoting home ownership among residents of disproportionately impacted municipalities;
  • $200 million to fund rental housing production and provide increased housing options to workers and residents of disproportionately impacted municipalities;
  • $300 million to finance the statewide production of senior and veteran housing. These new housing options would contain a supportive services component, and would be combined with other resources including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, rental payments, and, in the case of veteran housing, VA health care. 

 Economic Development

  • $100 million for Downtown Development to concentrate economic growth activities, resources, and investments within local neighborhood areas in municipalities disproportionally impacted by COVID;
  • $250 million to support investments and regional collaboration aimed at invigorating downtowns throughout Massachusetts. These resources would provide grant funds to municipalities and other eligible public entities for a range of projects;
  • $100 million to support cultural facilities and tourism assets throughout Massachusetts;

 Workforce Development

  • $240 million to fund a suite of job training programs and address skills gaps, to better position residents who want to be hired into jobs that businesses need filled. Areas of investment include:
    • $150 million for workforce credentials for entry and mid-level wages;
    • $35 million to fund English for Speakers of Other Languages programs and Adult Basic Education;
    • $25 million for work readiness and essential skills programs.

 Health Care

  • $50 million for fiscally stressed hospitals in disproportionately impacted municipalities as these hospitals have supported their communities significantly during the pandemic despite interruptions to their revenue streams;
  • $175 million for addiction treatment and related behavioral health services.

 Infrastructure Investment

  • $400 million to fund grants for water and sewer infrastructure;
  • $300 million to improve culverts, dams, and other environmental infrastructure;
  • $100 million to enhance and modernize state park facilities;
  • $100 million to close the digital divide and increase broadband internet access, helping to promote workforce development and economic growth.
  • $100 million for marine port development.

Michelle Wu Campaign Shows Massive Grassroots Reach During Weekend of Action

 Michelle Wu Campaign Shows Massive Grassroots Reach During Weekend of Action

Nearly 9,000 Bostonians Reached in Largest Get Out the Vote Effort Yet


Boston, MA - City Councilor At-Large and candidate for Mayor Michelle Wu announced a strong showing of her grassroots backing as volunteers and supporters knocked on 4,104 doors and sent 4,844 text messages to connect with communities across Boston during the campaign’s largest Weekend of Action to date.


Wu was joined throughout the weekend by over 100 volunteers and supporters crisscrossing every part of Boston. As momentum for the campaign continues to grow, volunteers are putting in the time, support and energy as they fight for Wu’s vision of a more equitable Boston. 

 

I’m energized by the growing ranks of our grassroots team, building a movement not just for Election Day but well beyond,” said Michelle Wu. “As I knock on doors across our neighborhoods, I’m reminded of how much is possible for our city when we build coalitions to push for bold change.”

Liz Breadon, Boston City Councilor, Celebrates Pride Month

 BOSTON- On June 9th, 2021, Boston City Councilor


Liz Breadon filed a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month at Boston City Council where she received a standing ovation following a powerful speech in celebration of Pride Month.  Boston City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia co-sponsored the resolution.

In pursuit of making Boston a more equitable city, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon reaffirmed her support and commitment towards the rights, freedoms, dignity, equal treatment, health, and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community. “Let’s celebrate the wonderful community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or allied individuals,” said Breadon.

Recalling her first Pride March in 1996, Breadon shared her emotional experience as an Irish lesbian immigrant experiencing acceptance in Boston. “I went to the interfaith service at Old South and walked in, sat down and proceeded to cry for the next hour because I’d never been in a place of worship that actually saw me and recognized me as a member of the LGBT community” Breadon recounted.

Breadon noted that while we celebrate pride and our LGBTQIA+ community’s existence, resilience, and achievements to date, it is important to honor and uphold the true historic spirit and sentiment of the Stonewall Uprising. “We must remember how this all started. Pride started with a riot, a civil disturbance at the stonewall”, said Breadon. The demonstrators, led by Black and Brown transgender activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who protested and rioted in June 1969 following a law enforcement raid of the Stonewall Inn, an LGBTQIA+ club in New York City, rose up and fought against constant police harassment and discriminatory laws that have since been declared unconstitutional, demonstrated bravery and resilience in what became known as the Stonewall Uprising.

While recognizing the gains made towards equality and justice in the LGBTQIA+ movement, Breadon noted that “many members of our community, especially black and brown brothers and sisters and transgender community are subject to violence and death in some cases because of who they are.” Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, in particular transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, and especially those who are people of color, face a disproportionately higher risk of becoming victims of violent hate crimes, and 2021 has seen at least 27 violent murders of transgender or gender non-conforming people less than halfway through the year. “I want to commit myself and ask you all to recommit yourselves to continuing this fight to recognize the humanity of our brothers and sisters and celebrate who they really are and ensure they have equal protection and are able to live, love, and thrive in this community,” pledged Breadon.

 

About Liz Breadon: City Councilor, District 9

Councilor Liz Breadon immigrated to the United States from Northern Ireland in 1995 and settled in Oak Square, Brighton, where she lives with her spouse Mary McCarthy.

Councilor Breadon is a physical therapist by profession. She began her career working in the National Health Service in the UK.  Upon coming to Boston she worked at Boston Medical Center, The Home for Little Wanderers and Perkins School for the Blind.

Liz has been an activist in Allston-Brighton for more than 20 years working with other community leaders to preserve the Presentation School Building as a community resource, and to save the Faneuil Branch Library from closure.  She served on the Board of the Brighton Allston Historical Society and the Presentation School Foundation.  As Allston Brighton experienced a wave of new development Liz was a vocal advocate for more affordable housing, preservation and restoration of green space, improvements to mass transportation and stronger public schools. As a life-long environmentalist the Councilor has worked to find big and small solutions to build a sustainable, diverse, inclusive and resilient urban community.

Councilor Breadon brings her experience as an immigrant, a health care professional and a community activist to her work on the City Council. She is a graduate of the University of Ulster, UK, and received a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Simmons College, Boston.

Massachusetts Democratic Party Announces 2021 Platform Committee Co-Chairs

 Massachusetts Democratic Party Announces 2021 Platform Committee Co-Chairs

Sheriff Steven Tompkins, Jay Gonzalez, and Shannon Liss-Riordan to lead platform hearings and serve as co-chairs of the committee dedicated to drafting the Party’s statement of shared values.


BOSTON — Today, the Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, Gus Bickford, is announcing that Sheriff Steve Tompkins, 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jay Gonzalez, and nationally-recognized labor attorney and activist Shannon Liss-Riordan will co-chair the 2021 Platform Committee ahead of the Party’s convention this fall. Throughout the summer, Tompkins, Gonzalez, and Liss-Riordan will solicit input from Democratic voters and activists, leading the development of the 2021 Platform to be adopted by convention delegates on September 25th in Lowell. 


“Our Party Platform is a statement of our shared values and ideals as Democrats, and the task of drafting a new platform every four years is a serious one,” said Chair Bickford.  “I know that Sheriff Tompkins, Jay Gonzalez, and Shannon Liss-Riordan will work to ensure that all voices are heard and reflected in the proposed platform to be voted on at the Convention, and I am grateful to them for taking on this important role.”


“Democrats from across the Commonwealth have the opportunity to make their mark on the foundation nd the future of the Democratic Party for the next four years,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.  “I know that Sheriff Tompkins, Jay, and Shannon are going to take this opportunity to dream big and ensure that this platform is bold and progressive as we continue the fight to level the playing field so we can build a Commonwealth and a country that works for everyone.”


“In Massachusetts, we don’t agonize, we organize. That organizing will be on full display as we write our platform at a time when incremental change is not going to be enough to address the many crises we face in this country,” said Senator Ed Markey.  “Sheriff Tompkins, Jay, and Shannon are the right leaders to develop the platform we will be able to hold up as a model for what other states should strive to build.”


“I was proud to co-chair the MassDems Platform Committee in 2017 when we put forward the most ambitious platform our Party has seen, and I am eager to bring that experience to this year’s process,” said Sheriff Steve Tompkins.  “The last four years have made clear that we need a strong Democratic Party, and that strength comes from the core beliefs found in our platform.”


“The Democratic Party is the Party that looks out for the little guy and our party platform must reflect that,” said Jay Gonzalez.  “The problems we face are too urgent and too consequential to continue with the status quo of nibbling around the edges.  We need to aim high to truly deliver the solutions that the moment requires.”


“The Democratic Party has long been the Party that fights for working people, the same people I have fought for my whole career,” said Shannon Liss-Riordan.  “I’m excited to lead the development of a new platform, one that will place front and center those communities we are leaving behind.”


Every four years, thousands of Democrats discuss and vote on an updated platform at the state convention, and offer testimony at the platform hearings and meetings that take place in the months prior. This year’s Platform Convention will take place on September 25, 2021 at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. Throughout the summer, the 2021 Platform Chairs and Committee will be soliciting testimony from Democrats about what they would like to see in the 2021 Party Platform.


Registered Massachusetts Democrats may submit written testimony, attend a MassDems Platform Hearing, or find or schedule a platform meeting with a local Democratic committee, community building group, or issue advocacy organization.

 

Senate Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston

 Senate Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston

Boston, MA—  Senate Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico today announced his endorsement of Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. Senator DiDomenico, who represents Charlestown, Allston, Brighton, the West End, as well as Cambridge, Chelsea, and Everett, praised Councilor Wu’s commitment to working families, public schools and making Boston a city where all can thrive.


“I’m proud to endorse my colleague and friend Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. Having served alongside her for nearly a decade, I know Michelle always shows up in community and stands up for working families with a bold vision and a track record of getting things done. She’ll be the leader we need to support our public schools, make Boston more affordable, and create opportunity in every neighborhood,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico.


“Senator Sal DiDomenico is a leader on so many issues facing Boston families and a consistent voice for early education, economic opportunity, and equity for all. Sal has been a friend and partner for many years in the fight against poverty and to deliver change across the Commonwealth through showing up for the constituents and values we share," said Councilor Michelle Wu. 


In the Senate, Senator DiDomenico has led on community development, education, children’s health, economic development, social and human services, and food insecurity. With several landmark pieces of legislation being signed into law, Senator DiDomenico, Chair of the Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, has worked to improve life for all residents in his district and in the Commonwealth. He holds a position in Senate President Karen Spilka's leadership team and serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, the Joint Committee on Export Development, the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy, and the Senate Committee on Personnel and Administration. Previously, Senator DiDomenico served four terms as an Everett City Councilor and served as President of the Everett City Council.


Senator DiDomenico’s endorsement adds to the Michelle for Mayor campaign’s enthusiastic coalition of multigenerational, multicultural grassroots supporters including community activists and leaders such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing, Sunrise Boston, and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements

星期六, 6月 26, 2021

新英格蘭玉山科協承辦生物科技數位台灣日

新英格蘭玉山科協 BIO Digital Taiwan Day 出席踴躍。(玉山科協提供)

 
新英格蘭玉山科協新任會長許益祥分享後疫情時代概況。
(視頻截圖)
             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 新英格蘭玉山科技協會(MJNE) 和台灣生物技術開發中心(DCB)合作,622日在網上舉辦生物科技數位台灣日(BIO Digital Taiwan Day)”,以2場論壇,兩家新創企業簡報,展現台灣人的生物科技研發成就,探討生物醫療面對的數位化及遠距醫療挑戰。

              這也是玉山科協第一次把美國,台灣和科威特的學者、業者聚在一塊交流經驗。

             會議由新英格蘭玉山科協董事康麗雪和新任會長許益祥擔任總主持。 駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元,駐紐約台灣投資貿易辦公室主任David Ding,經濟部中小企業處副處長胡貝蒂等嘉賓致詞。

新英格蘭玉山科協董事康麗雪主持會議。
             現為哈佛醫學院遺傳表觀(Genetic Epi)項目主任的許益祥,先以我們在新冠病毒大流行 中的處境(Where we are with the CVID pandemic)”做了一段疫情爆發以來的疫苗研發概況報告。他指出,在新冠病毒大流行一年後,醫藥及疫苗的研發速度驚人,從20201月起,包括278項抗體,414項治療,250項疫苗等,已進行的項目不下926個,正積極做臨床實驗,以蛋白為基礎的疫苗有82種,已獲美國通過的疫苗有3種,在歐洲獲得許可的疫苗有8種。

 

駐波士頓經文處處長孫儉元致詞。
           人們現在擔心的是各種變種病毒,包括巴西的Gamma,英國的Alpha,印度的Delta,美國及加拿大的Epsilon,南非的Beta等。其中印度Delta病毒,以及英國的Alpha病毒都有傳染力增強現象,比較更讓人擔心。

             此外各種疫苗對變種病毒的保護力,就Alpha病毒來說,輝瑞,默德納以及嬌生疫苗沒甚麼分別,AZNovavax的保護力也只減弱一些。

            許益祥指出,長期來說,病毒大流行對人們心理健康上造成的影響,或許更需要關注。好處則是促使數位醫療更快速的發展與應用。

DC企業集團合夥人Tony Chan(右下)主持製藥業數位轉型論壇。
血小板生物科技公司醫學長李柏勳(Po-Shun Lee)主持醫療護理中的後裔情解決方案及挑戰論壇,講者包括希伯來耆英生活(Hebrew Senior Life)醫學長陳慧铃(Helen Chen)Jaber Al-Ahmad 醫院外科部主席Salmand Al-Sabah,以及亞馬遜(Amazon)全球醫學主任李政宜(Peter Lee)

在新冠病毒疫情襲擊全球時,醫療界面對的一大衝擊就是人們對遠距醫療的需求暴增,如何擴大遠距醫療的可應用範圍,改善品質,成為醫療業的一大挑戰。李政宜透露,亞馬遜醫療(Amazon Care)正積極的要在遠距醫療領域成為病患的服務供應商。陳慧铃指出,訓練醫生,護士及病人使用科技,也是挑戰之一。Salmand Al-Sabah分享了他們在科威特面對的類似科技及法規挑戰。

血小板生物科技公司醫學長李柏勳(Po-Shun Lee,左下)主持醫療
護理中的後裔情解決方案及挑戰
論壇,
DC企業集團合夥人Tony Chan主持製藥業數位轉型論壇,講者包括Runway Growth資本執行董事長Robert LakeSante創投創始執行董事長Kevin Lalande,輝瑞(Pfizer)早期臨床研發主管暨資深副總裁Sandeep M Menton

Kevin Lalande自己原本在科技界工作,之後似乎很自然的轉進了醫療科技領域。他的公司特地在劍橋市也設了辦公室,以和當地生物科技生態系統做更好連接,更快找到有潛力的初創企業投資。他還分享了如何把一家國際公司帶進美國,順利經營,最後被收購的成功故事。

疫苗對變種病毒保護力的分析。

出席簡報的新創企業為Health 2 SyncSomnicsHealth 2 Sync在台灣也設有分公司,執行長鄧居義(Ed Deng)表示,該公司產品為糖尿病等慢性病人提供個人化,數據導向的疾病管理,其中一部分還使用Fitbit的功能; Somnics創辦人兼執行長陳仲竹(Chung-Chu Chen)闡述該公司產品為慢性睡眠呼吸暫停症提供治療方案。

玉山科協這次會議的合作機構還包括駐美投資貿易服務處,全球玉山科技協會,台灣玉山科技協會。



Health 2 Sync執行長鄧居義(Ed Deng)解釋產品。

Somnics創辦人兼執行長Chung-Chu Chen闡述該公司產品

為慢性睡眠呼吸暫停症提供治療方案。


星期五, 6月 25, 2021

大學沙龍 - 國際失序與中俄美三邊關係的中長期前景 6/26

 


Five $1 Million Winners Mass VaxMillions Giveaway Drawing Dates Announced

Mass VaxMillions Giveaway Drawing Dates Announced

Prizes Include Five $1 Million Winners; Five College Scholarships

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts State Lottery reminded the public that registration for the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway will begin on July 1 and also announced the schedule of drawing dates.

Residents age 18 and older who are fully vaccinated prior to each drawing will have the opportunity to enter to win one of five, $1 million cash prizes. Residents between 12-17 years of age who are fully vaccinated prior to each drawing may enter for the chance to win one of five $300,000 scholarship grants.

An entry before one of the weekly entry deadlines makes you eligible for all of the weekly drawings that take place after you register.  Residents are reminded that they have time to get vaccinated and then enter the drawings.

VaxMillions Giveaway Drawings will be held once a week for five weeks beginning Monday, July 26 and continuing every Monday through August 23. The first drawing for the giveaway will occur on Monday, July 26, with registration for that week’s drawing closing on Thursday, July 22. Winners will be announced later in the week following each drawing. The full schedule of drawing and announcement dates is below. Residents are reminded that some COVID-19 vaccines require two doses, and they must receive all doses before entering the drawing.

 


Residents must be fully vaccinated before registering, but if they are not vaccinated by the registration date for a certain drawing, they will still have the opportunity to complete vaccination and register for subsequent drawings. Residents will only have to enter once to qualify for all drawings occurring after the date of their registration.

Massachusetts residents 18 years of age and older who have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, will have a chance to win one of five, $1 million cash prizes.  

Massachusetts residents between 12 and 17 years of age who have received two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will have a chance to win one of five $300,000 scholarship grants via a 529 College Savings Plan managed by the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA). Funds in a 529 plan can be applied to cover tuition, room and board, and related expenses at any college, university, or technical or trade school or other post-secondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Winners with a qualifying disability may elect instead to receive an equivalent financial contribution to a special needs trust or federally qualified ABLE account to cover qualified expenses.

The Commonwealth launched the Massachusetts VaxMillions giveaway as one of many strategies to increase awareness of the availability and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and encourage residents to get vaccinated to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe. Beginning July 1, Massachusetts residents will be able to enter the VaxMillions Giveaway online. A call center will be available to support registration for residents who do not have access to the internet or require assistance. Sign up information and call center contact info and hours will be made available prior to July 1.

Only lawful, permanent residents of Massachusetts who are fully vaccinated can enter the drawings. Residents must have received their vaccine doses within Massachusetts. Residents must be fully vaccinated prior to submitting their entry. 

There are over 900 vaccination locations across the Commonwealth, with appointments and walk ins widely available. Residents seeking a vaccine can visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to find a vaccine location that is convenient for them.

For more information on the Mass VaxMillions Giveaway, visit mass.gov/VaxMillions.