麻州州長候選人Maura Healey 宣佈已收集到1萬個簽名 確定將名列選票

麻州總檢察長Maura Healey (右)日前應邀出席聖派翠克日早餐會。(周菊子攝，檔案照片)

              (Boston Orange) 麻州州長候選人，也是現任麻州總檢察長奚莉 (Maura Healey)已收集到名列選票所需的1萬個麻州居民簽名。

            犀利的競選陣營今 (23) 日宣佈，競選團隊的100個志願協調員，數百名義工，從麻州所有的14個郡縣收集到這些打破名列選票門檻的簽名。該競選團隊將繼續收集簽名，以確保得到認證的簽名數量遠超門檻所需。

              奚莉表示，達到這一里程碑，象徵了義工們的決心與能量，他非常感謝每一名義工為競選所做的付出，他將持續努力，收集簽名，招募參加6月份麻州民主黨大會的代表，爭取每一張選票。

              宣佈參選僅2個月，奚莉已得到包括7個勞工工會等許多人支持。奚莉在本週稍早的時候聘請Jason Burrell擔任競選經理。

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈設立 LGBTQ +辦公室 (Video)

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES MAYOR’S OFFICE OF LGBTQ+ ADVANCEMENT

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the creation of the Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement. The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement is tasked with empowering, protecting and promoting the rights, dignity, and advancement of Boston’s LGBTQ+ residents. This office will be responsible for developing policy, community oriented programming, and providing resources for the city’s multiracial, multigenerational, multicultural and multilingual LGBTQ+ community.

Previously, this work was led by various LGBTQ+ Liaisons who served in the Office of Neighborhood Services to share resources and deliver City services to Boston's LGBTQ+ community. The Wu administration is excited to scale this work and continue to prioritize the needs of  LGBTQ+ residents.

“City Hall can do much more to ensure that we are truly connecting with and serving LGBTQ+ residents across all of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This new office will ensure that our policies and programs are advancing and protecting the rights and dignity of Boston’s LGBTQ+ residents and centering the lived experiences of queer, trans BIPOC residents in the City’s work to make Boston a place for everyone.”

The City 

will be hiring an Executive Director for the new Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement to lead this work in the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet led by Chief Solis Cervera. This office will partner with other City departments and community organizations to ensure we close opportunity gaps for our LGBTQ+ residents. 

“As a queer first generation Latina, I’m honored to stand on the shoulders of and next to people who have given so much and continue to give to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “I look forward to working in partnership with the Executive Director and Mayor Wu to eliminate barriers to access, amplify the work of community leaders, and create new opportunities for the LGBTQ+ family.”

"I am delighted and greatly appreciative for the establishment of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement as we work toward ensuring the City is a more affirming, equitable, and welcoming place for all," said City Councilor Liz Breadon, the first openly gay woman elected to the City Council. "The interdisciplinary work of ensuring each and every City department, office, and program serves the targeted needs of LGBTQ+ community members, particularly Black and Brown transgender and non-binary residents, is essential. I am appreciative of the commitment of the Mayor's Office and the Neighborhood Services LGBTQ+ Liaison in spearheading this initiative, and I look forward to working closely with the Office and its director."

“The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement is an encouraging step in ensuring that Boston is an inclusive city committed to centering voices of those historically excluded,” said Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Chair of the Council's Committee on Civil Rights. “As a city, we have a responsibility to break down the systemic barriers that have created inequities at every level, and as the chair of the Civil Rights Committee, I am looking forward to continue working with the Mayor’s office to ensure that our LGBTQ+ residents are supported in this work.”

“We at Club Cafe are honored to be an important, safe and affirming business serving the LGBTQ+ Community for over 38 years,” said James Morgrage, Owner and General Manager at Club Cafe. “We have seen the loss of so many other safe and affirming spaces over the years and know all too well of the need for more in this incredible city.  We are excited to pledge our support for this important office.”

"Mayor Wu has long been a strong ally and champion in advocating for the needs of LGBTQ communities in Boston, and so BAGLY is thrilled that she is establishing this new Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement within her administration,” said Grace Sterling Stowell, Executive Director, BAGLY.  “We thank Mayor Wu for her leadership, and look forward to working with her team to ensure that Boston is a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ youth, adults, and elders of all of our communities!"

"There is still much work to be done to address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Health inequities, disproportionate impacts on BIPOC LGBTQ+ people, persistent challenges facing youth and elders, and a host of systemic barriers that require focus and attention at the city level,” said Adrianna Boulin, Director of Community Impact & Engagement at Fenway Health. “We applaud Mayor Wu for recognizing this and elevating our communities' concerns through the creation of the Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement and look forward to working closely with the office and the Wu administration."

 

“We welcome the announcement of the Inaugural Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement as a demonstration of Mayor Wu’s commitment to ensuring equity and dignity for all Boston residents. LGBTQ+ people are a part of every community in the city,” said Janson Wu, Executive Director, GLTBQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. “We look forward to the Mayor’s partnership in the continuing work toward a Boston that is welcoming to all, free from discrimination, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” 

Mayor Michelle Wu has been a consistent and equitable champion for LGBTQ+ rights through uplifting the work of critical LGBTQ+ organizations and ensuring that Boston is a city for everyone. In 2020, then-City Councilor Wu and City Councilor Liz Breadon proposed and led the adoption of an ordinance to ensure gender inclusivity on all City-issued forms, documents, and certificates. In 2014, then-City Councilor Wu, along with then-City Councilor Ayanna Pressley proposed and led the adoption of an ordinance to guarantee comprehensive health care for all municipal workers and their dependents regardless of gender identity or expression. This ordinance allowed for City staff, in particular Trans and non-binary staff and their dependents, to access gender affirming healthcare, gender reassignment surgery, hormone therapy, and mental health services to fall under the city’s healthcare plan. 

As the City seeks to hire an Executive Director for the new Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement, this role will be charged with building upon this work and ensuring that the needs of this community are prioritized in the Wu Administration’s equity agenda

波士頓市長吳弭指派KRISTIN MCSWAIN 出任幼兒辦公室主任

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES KRISTIN MCSWAIN AS SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE MAYOR AND DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

McSwain brings to this new office a demonstrated ability for creating opportunities for Boston’s youth

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu announced today that Kristin McSwain will lead the newly formed Office of Early Childhood as Director and Senior Advisor to the Mayor. McSwain brings more than ten years of experience as the Executive Director of the Boston Opportunity Agenda, working directly with families, educators, and public and private organizations in Boston and across the Commonwealth to remove systemic barriers for underserved youth.

“City Hall can do so much more to set up our youngest children for a lifetime of success, and I’m thrilled that Kristin will bring her deep knowledge, leadership, and passion for building the early childhood ecosystem into this role,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Working together with coalition partners, we will accelerate creating high-quality childcare and pre-K seats for Boston families, support the early education and care workforce, and make the most important investments in the next generation of our City.”

“It is a great honor to join the team at City Hall to work on creating the office dedicated to young children and their families,” said Kristin McSwain, incoming Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Director of the Office of Early Childhood. “Mayor Wu’s focus on early education and care as a public good will ensure that Boston makes an equitable recovery as we move out of the pandemic. I am excited to partner with families, providers, and City departments to make the Office of Early Childhood a reality.”

Mayor Wu last month announced the creation of the Office of Early Childhood to advance the administration’s commitment to universal, affordable, high-quality early education and care for infants, toddlers, and all children under five. In the Director role, McSwain will work to expand access to early education and childcare programs, invest in Boston’s early education and care workforce, and build a central point-of-entry for residents looking for information on early education and childcare programming and wraparound services for young children and their families. McSwain will officially begin in this role on April 4. 

McSwain has spent her entire professional career in education and national and community service. Most recently she has served as Executive Director of the Boston Opportunity Agenda, a unique, public/private partnership between the City of Boston, the Boston Public Schools, and local charities and foundations dedicated to improving the educational pipeline in Boston from cradle to career.  

“Kristin has been a transformational leader for our city since the inception of the Boston Opportunity Agenda twelve years ago,” said Lee Pelton, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation and Chair of the Boston Opportunity Agenda. “She has set the table for important partnerships between philanthropy, higher education, and the public and private sectors. Her insight and leadership in the creation of the Birth to Eight Collaborative both anticipated and amplified the importance of investing in early childhood and makes her the perfect leader to execute on Mayor Wu’s vision.” 

“As Executive Director of the Boston Opportunity Agenda, Kristin McSwain has fostered a stronger commitment to equitable access to education for all Boston children by welcoming partnerships and equity-centered policies,” said Renée Boynton-Jarrett, Pediatrician at Boston Medical Center and Founding Director of Vital Village Networks. “As the inaugural Director of the Office of the Early Childhood we look forward to her and Mayor Wu's collaborative leadership to leverage and align City resources and community programs, and support deeper partnerships with Boston families. This Office is a monumental step towards fulfilling our social contract: to invest in the promise and potential of every child. We congratulate Mayor Wu for exercising visionary leadership in launching this office.”

Prior to joining the Boston Opportunity Agenda, McSwain served as the Chief of Program Operations for the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency. As Chief of Program Operations, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Corporation’s programs, including Senior Corps, Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps State and National. McSwain was appointed the Director of AmeriCorps State and National, the largest of the Corporation’s programs, in August of 2006 and named Chief of Program Operations in October of 2008.

After graduating from The College of William and Mary, she enrolled as a corps member with Teach for America, serving as a fifth-grade teacher in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. McSwain continued to promote quality education through Teach for America and Citizen Schools as a staff member for the next six years. In 1997, she joined the staff of the Massachusetts Service Alliance, initially directing the Learn and Serve and AmeriCorps programs. In 2003, after attending Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance. 

McSwain is a strong advocate for education and national service and an active participant in many volunteer and charitable organizations. She has served on the boards of Boston Cares, Friends of the Children Boston, and Voices for National Service. She currently serves on the GreenLight Fund Advisory Board, the United Way Community Impact Council, Boston’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten Advisory Committee, Friends of the Kilmer, 1647, and Encore Boston Network. 

McSwain lives in Roslindale with her wife and three children.

More details on the Office of Early Childhood can be found here. 

大波士頓商會政府論壇 麻州長籲支持新能源法案、重新想像市中心

麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker)和大波士頓商會會長James E. Rooney。(周菊子攝)

         (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 22日在大波士頓商會的政府事務論壇中侃侃而談，從醫療保險應包括行為健康，未來得重視新能源，麻州須” 重新想像市中心 (downtown)” ，已提減稅案等等，甚至為下任州長提了3點建議。

                                    包括前任麻州州長威廉威爾德( William Weld)，前任麻州眾議會議長Robert Deleao等多名州政府前任官員，大波士頓商會在Westin酒店舉行的這會議，大約有400人出席。這是該會近2年來首度的實體會議。

                                    麻州州長查理貝克在綜論州政府的工作時，籲請支持7億5000萬元的新能源投資基金法案，揚言一定再遞2億5000萬元”重新想像市中心(downtown)”法案，還信誓旦旦的以”I will fight to death”來形容醫療健保應包括行為健康，以及一般醫療中的許多項目，闡述97億元的麻州基礎建設債信法 (MassTRAC)不只是修橋補路，還包括環保，動用很多資源。

                                    儘管查理貝克已宣佈不再競選連任，在位時間只剩9個月，但他在這會議中侃侃而談未來，直言麻州還有許多待做工作，也難怪在3月18日的聖派翠克日早餐會上，有人建議他改變主意，繼續參選。

麻州前州長威廉威爾德 (William Weld)說查理貝克20年前就該做州長了。麻州前任
眾議會議長Robert Deleo現以轉任東北大學教授。(周菊子攝)

                                        談及7億5000萬元的新能源投資基金法案時，查理貝克先誇稱麻州的離岸風力發展走在全美最前端，再以安多福 (Andover)鎮上用微波等離子處理來粉碎舊電池，汽車零件，來為工業市場生產各種原材料的6K公司為例，指麻州必須鼓勵並設法留住這樣的新創構想與人才。

                                他說麻州非常幸運，過去這2年來，稅收盈餘都超過預期。在人力上，66%有能力工作的人，都在工作或積極的在找工作，比全美的平均率高了5%。麻州在疫情期間損失了大約70萬份工作機會，但迄今已有約58萬份工作機會回籠，目前約有25萬個職位徵人，約18萬人在找工作。

            談及房屋市場時，查理貝克直言麻州房價太高，有礙留住人才，耆英面對難以守住居屋困擾，所以他提出新的減稅法案，採用聯邦政府標準，要給低收入居民免稅資格，給耆英居民減免物業稅，另外降低房地產稅及利得稅。

            針對耆英，有著”斷路器 (Circuit Breaker)”暱稱的減稅法，讓凡是65歲以上，所擁物業價值不超過88萬元的耆英，若物業稅加上水費及下水道費用的一半，超過他們年收入毛額的10%

大波士頓商會政府論壇近2年來的首次實體會議友400仁參加。(周菊子攝)

，或是租屋住者的租金負擔超過他們收入的25%時，都可獲得最高1170元的減免。

            查理貝克以他的小孩在疫情期間已習慣遠距工作為例，指市中心的未來，勢必與以往不同，如何及早設想人們將來如何工作，並因應，規劃，以活躍地方經濟，對麻州未來將有重大影響，因此他將重新遞交2億5000萬元的”重新想像市中心”法案。

            談及醫療保險時，他認為社會中的現有醫療保險方案，有許多缺失，也未顧及時代變遷，人們的需求與早年大不相同，例如疫情長達2年，對年輕人造成尤其大的行為健康問題，他將竭力推動改變。

            應觀眾提問，給下任州長建言時，查理貝克說，別讓一時的情緒發洩，阻礙了真正想做到的事，要體認麻州人民是麻州得以成功的真正原因，要明白州長這份工作其實是卑微的工作，會讓人認識到自己的許多不足，但一旦能接受這事實，知道自己只是工作團隊的一員，就能夠把事情做成，還贏得許多友誼。

美英兩國簽訂232項關稅協定

 Raimondo, Tai Statements on 232 Tariff Agreement with United Kingdom

Novel Agreement with Critical Trade Partner Showcases Historic Trade Relationship Between the Two Countries and Will Counter Unfair Trade Practices by China That Harm our Industries and Workers

WASHINGTON – Today, United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine C. Tai announced a new 232 tariff agreement with the United Kingdom to allow historically-based sustainable volumes of U.K. steel and aluminum products to enter the U.S. market without the application of Section 232 tariffs.  In addition to novel smelt and cast requirements on aluminum, this deal also requires that any U.K. steel company owned by a Chinese entity must undertake an audit of their financial records to assess influence from the People’s Republic of China government. The results of these audits must also be shared with the United States.

This critical deal will not only help to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries and protect American jobs, but once implemented, it will also lift retaliatory tariffs on over $500 million worth of U.S. exports to the U.K., including distilled spirits, various agriculture products and consumer goods. This deal serves as another example of President Biden’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening relationships with our vital allies and partners, while working together to address unfair practices by countries like China.

Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai released the following statements:

Statement from Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo:

“Since taking office, President Biden has made it a top priority to rebuild our relationships with our allies and partners around the world as we work to counter China’s unfair trade practices and ensure that America is able to compete globally in the 21^st century. Today’s historic deal is a testament to that ambitious goal and will benefit America’s steel and aluminum industries and workers by protecting manufacturing, as well as consumers by easing inflationary pressures in the U.S. By allowing for a flow of duty-free steel and aluminum from the U.K., we further ease the gap between supply and demand for these products in the United States.  And by removing the U.K.’s retaliatory tariffs, we reopen the British market to beloved American products. 

“I want to thank my counterpart, U.K. Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan, for her part in this effort, which brings our countries closer together and represents a win-win for both businesses and consumers in the U.S. and the U.K.”

Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai:

“The historical deal announced today delivers on President Biden’s vision to repair relationships with our allies while also helping to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, the communities they support, and most importantly, the workers in these industries on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to the U.K. eliminating the retaliatory tariffs against the United States, we have also agreed to continue engaging on the threat posed by carbon intensive non-market excess capacity in the steel and aluminum industries.

“Throughout these negotiations and our successful effort to resolve the Boeing-Airbus dispute last year, Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Liz Truss have been thoughtful, honest partners. This renewed cooperation and shared commitment to creating durable trade policy that puts workers front and center will lead to greater prosperity for our citizens on both sides of the Atlantic and around world.”

For details and language about the agreements, please view these documents: 

• Announcement of Actions on U.K. Imports Under Section 232

• Steel & Aluminum U.S.-U.K Joint Statement

波士頓市長吳弭反對州政府接管波士頓公校 直言那是適得其反

麻州教育廳廳長James Peyser也出席了公聽會。

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今 (22) 日一早趕到摩頓市 (Malden)，在麻州中小學教育委員會 (Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) 的公聽會中，直指接管是適得其反做法，堅定反對州政府接管波士頓公校。

                波士頓市長吳弭，波士頓市議會教育委員會主席Julia Meija，波士頓教師工會會長唐佳宇 (Jessica Tang)今日都到麻州中小學教育委員會的公聽會表達意見，反對州政府接管波士頓公校。

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)在公聽會，反對州政府接管波士頓公校。波士頓公校。

                 吳弭表示自己是從公校學生家長，波士頓市長的2個角度來表達意見。她也直指，波士頓市議會明 (23)天將投票表決史無前例之多的波士頓市公校預算，波士頓市府也正在搜尋新的公校總監。

             吳弭直言，州政府接管的目地是改善教育品質，但接管這做法將適得其反，她堅定反對。

             吳弭的2個兒子，正分別讀小學一年級，幼稚園。她說過去這幾年，每天早上醒來，她想的第一件事，就是安排小孩上學。在那之前，她妹妹上波士頓公校，也是她從旁照顧。她感激公校老師及教育委員會為教育所費心力。如今她剛接任波士頓市長100多天，她將竭力爭取所有可能的資源來支援波士頓市的青少年。她知道波士頓市公校交通車的營運有缺陷，波士頓公校的校舍太過老舊，尤其是為那些還要學習英語，或是殘障，生活在貧窮之中的學生，波士頓市的確必須要做得更好。波士頓市將以整個政府都投入的方法來改善教育。

波士頓市議會教育委員會主席Julia Meija直指接管會是個錯誤，

             吳弭表示，波士頓市甚至會動用公校預算以外市府營運經費，來改善教育，確保學校得到所需支援，學生快樂、健康。

             波士頓市議會教育委員會主席，也是波士頓市不分區市議員的Julia Meija更是毫不客氣的指出，州政府接管是不對的 (Wrong)。麻州政府在2011年接管了羅倫斯市公校，2015年接管Holyork市公校，2016年接管了南橋市公校，但州政府自己去年公佈的公校調查結果，Holyork和南橋公校是表現最差的學校之一。Julia Meija還說州政府期望老師們做得更多，卻不提供資源，怎麼可能改善教育。

             麻州中小學教育廳在2020年3月做例行稽查時，發現波士頓公校有3分之1落在全麻州表現最差的10%中。3月13日，州政府與波士頓市政府達成為期3年的改善協議，但新冠病毒疫情的爆發，可能阻礙了許多改善行動。

             波士頓教師工會會長唐佳宇指出，麻州政府預定3月28日開始稽查，波士頓公校中央辦公室，以及30多所公校都得為稽查做準備，3到8年級學生的麻州標準考試 (MCAS) 將延期一週。她指州政府這麼做有陷害波士頓市失敗之嫌。該會刻正鼓勵會員們，以”波士頓公校需要資源及穩定，不是州政府接管”為標題，發信給麻州教育委員會。截至22日，已有將近3000封信發了出去。

             麻州中小學教育委員會委員長Jeff Riley表示，是該會委員要求他就波士頓公校現狀做一份更新報告，他才發起這第2次的稽查行動。州政府知道，波士頓市公校已做了不少改善，但在特殊教育，英語學習者，高中畢業率，巴士抵達數據等許多方面，仍待改善，州政府也希望了解最新情況。

https://livestream.com/madesestreaming/events/10263987/videos/230061758

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Opening of the Green Line Extensio

 Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Opening of the Green Line Extension

CAMBRIDGE –  Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler, and MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak today joined federal, state, and local elected leaders and community partners to celebrate the opening of the first branch of the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project. A ribbon-cutting event was held at the brand-new Union Square Station as well as the newly constructed and relocated Lechmere Station.

 

“The Green Line Extension is a transformative project that is the result of collaboration among federal, state, local and community partners and our administration is thrilled to celebrate today’s launch. This expansion of the Green Line will improve access to educational and job opportunities throughout the MTBA system and across the region,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This milestone will have a significant impact on this region of the Commonwealth by providing better MBTA service to riders and spurring economic growth, and we are grateful to everyone who worked together to make this day possible.”

 

“Residents within these communities and across the region will now get to experience the many benefits of expanded MBTA service in Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The Green Line Extension has been an important part of our administration’s work to expand transit options for travelers across the Commonwealth, and we look forward to the opening of the second branch of GLX later this year.”

 

“The Green Line Extension has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to the Senate, and I’m glad to have helped secure nearly a billion dollars in federal funding for this vital project that improves transportation and tackles environmental injustices head on,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “This project became a reality because our Somerville and Cambridge communities were dissatisfied with the status quo and fought tooth and nail for transformational modern transit. I will keep working with my Congressional delegation colleagues to prioritize federal investments in our frontline communities that have been historically shortchanged on infrastructure improvements.”

 

“We call it the Green New Deal because we need green lines all across Massachusetts and the country that makes reliable, affordable public transit the backbone of our local communities and economy,” said Senator Ed Markey. “The long-awaited Green Line expansion will connect thousands in Cambridge and Somerville to new economic opportunities and a greener future. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to secure this nearly $1 billion investment that will break down barriers for workers, cut fossil fuel emissions for our climate, reduce traffic congestions for commuters, and make transit more accessible for our communities.”

 

“I’m thrilled to see the Green Line Extension into Somerville move forward at long last,” said Representative Ayanna Pressley. “By extending past Lechmere into Union Square, the project will help spur the economic growth we’re already seeing in Somerville, connect residents to critical resources, and improve, equity, accessibility, mobility, congestion, and environmental conditions for riders and the communities who rely on the Green Line to get to and from work. I’ll keep fighting to secure robust investments in our public transit to support projects like the GLX, address transportation inequities, and make our communities more connected.”

 

“The Green Line Extension is already transforming the region, creating so many opportunities for residents,” said Federal Transit Administration Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “The Green Line was the first subway line in America. MBTA is still on the cutting edge, looking for new and better ways to improve access and change people’s lives. I am proud of FTA’s role as this project came to fruition – not only providing a nearly $1 billion Capital Investment Grant – but also our technical assistance throughout the process.”

 

“The start of service on the Union Square branch of the Green Line Extension Project is just one example of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to providing safe and equitable transportation networks that support the Commonwealth’s transit, economic, climate, and public health goals,” said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “We are grateful to the partnerships which have helped make this project a success and look forward to unveiling additional infrastructure improvements including commuter rail station renovations and projects bringing the system into modern times with ADA-compliant features.” 

 

“The opening of the Union Square Branch of the Green Line today marks an incredible achievement for the MBTA and improved transit options for the riders we serve. It also symbolizes the culmination of many years of hard work on the project, even during times of uncertainty,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “I’d like to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for its continued guidance and support of GLX; our MassDOT partners for their continued leadership; our municipal partners for their eagerness and collaboration; GLX Program Manager John Dalton and the entire GLX team for their dedicated work in propelling this project forward and making this day a reality; the entire MBTA team for their support of this project; and the many stakeholders, advocates, GLX neighbors, and members of the community who have partnered with us and supported the project. This is a great day, and we look forward to officially opening Green Line service along GLX’s Medford Branch later this year.”

 

“The GLX will finally bring the improvements in traffic, air quality, and health that Somerville has needed and been promised for so long,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen. “Thanks to all the community advocates, elected officials, transportation staff, and workers who have persisted and overcome so many obstacles! This is an important milestone, and we look forward to the other stations opening this year, and to the full extension to Route 16 as soon as possible.”

 

“Over 20 years ago, I joined with those early activists working for the GLX and environmental justice because of their clear vision and our shared desire for justice,” said City of Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “That shared desire for justice has united many of us, and this milestone demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together. I want to recognize and thank our activists for their vision and great effort, and others who have helped us to realize this progress.”

 

“The opening of the Green Line Extension is an exciting day for Cambridge, Somerville, and the entire region,” said City of Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “This investment in public transit is an investment in the economic and environmental health of our communities, and I am grateful to the many advocates and elected officials who pushed for the extension.”

 

“I want to thank Governor Baker and his predecessor, Governor Patrick, for their vision and commitment to equity,” said former Congressman Mike Capuano. “Without their leadership this project would still be a dream. This is proof that elections matter and quality leaders matter.”

 

“They said it couldn't be done, and is there anything more in character for Somerville than proving it can be?” said former City of Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone. “We always knew mass transit was an essential and missing piece from a vibrant urban community like Somerville. It's better for the environment, better for people's health, and it adds quality of life and accessibility for everyone. This only happened because an entire city demanded the state and federal governments do the right thing and honor their commitments. The GLX is proof positive that the people united can make a difference.”

 

“The start of revenue service on the Union Square Branch today represents the collective, sustained efforts of many people for many years,” said MBTA Green Line Extension Program Manager John Dalton. “Advocates, elected officials, engineers, contractors, MBTA employees, city and state employees have persisted to ensure the real beneficiaries of GLX – the riding public – will now have reliable, safe public rail service from Union Square Station in Somerville and soon from Medford/Tufts Station in Medford. As a member of the MBTA’s project delivery team, I want to specifically thank the dedicated professionals of the MBTA’s Program Management Team, the staff and work crews of GLX Constructors, and the residents and neighbors who have been impacted by the construction efforts associated with achieving this historic milestone.”

 

“On this momentous occasion of opening the Green Line Extension, I want to thank the many local activists and community members who fought for decades to bring public transit to our neighborhoods,” said Representative Christine Barber. “We worked alongside activists to build the first expansion of the T in a generation, which will serve our communities that have been overburdened by traffic and air pollution. I look forward to the next Green Line Extension opening to ensure every Somerville and Medford resident has access to safe, clean, and reliable transit.”

 

“Today’s grand opening marks the culmination of decades of activism and advocacy by Somerville and Cambridge residents in support of expanded public transit in our community. As the State Representative for Lechmere, Union Square Station, and other parts of Cambridge and Somerville, I am grateful to Governor Baker and all our state, federal, and municipal partners for making the Green Line Extension a reality,” said Representative Mike Connolly. “Connecting the Environmental Justice communities of East Somerville to the MBTA’s rail network will take thousands of cars off the road, further reducing environmental burdens in this region. In addition, I am particularly pleased that this project will deliver the Community Path Extension and incorporate work from local artists.”

 

More about Lechmere Station:

 

The old Lechmere Station opened with the completion of the East Cambridge Viaduct in 1912 and has served as the terminus point of the Green Line since that time. For the past several decades, the backbone of major economic development and job growth at Lechmere has been the long awaited GLX Project.

 

The new Lechmere Station that opened today as part of GLX is located on the viaduct on the north side of Monsignor O’Brien Highway. Featuring two headhouses located on North First Street and on East Street, the new Lechmere Station includes a new busway with four bus shelters, longer station platforms to accommodate the next iteration of Green Line “supercar” vehicles, storage for over 250 bicycles (182 covered, 72 uncovered), covered platforms, and three elevators. With the reopening of Lechmere, Bus Routes 69, 80, 87, and 88 will now use the new Lechmere Station busway on Water Street.

 

More about Union Square Branch and Station:

 

Linking one of Somerville’s most highly populated residential and commercial centers to Boston and the rest of the MBTA system, the Union Square Branch of GLX that opened today runs approximately one mile parallel to the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line to Union Square in Somerville. The Union Square Branch’s strategic location will contribute to an estimated removal of 26,000 vehicle trips per day from local streets and provide riders with a one-seat ride from Somerville to Fenway Park and the Longwood Medical Area. Union Square Station is also an important driver of local economic benefits that include significant job growth through developer investment and a stimulated commercial tax base in the area.

 

With an entrance at Prospect Street in Somerville, Union Square Station features a platform canopy, longer station platforms to accommodate the next iteration of Green Line “supercar” vehicles, two customer assistance areas with emergency call boxes, five platform benches, bicycle storage areas, and an elevator to/from the Prospect Street Bridge.

 

More about GLX:

 

The GLX Project extends the Green Line approximately 4.7 miles along two branches – the Union Square Branch and the Medford Branch – from the relocated Lechmere Station in East Cambridge. The Medford Branch of GLX, which is anticipated to open in summer 2022, will run approximately 3.7 miles parallel to the Lowell Commuter Rail Line to College Avenue in Medford. Seven new stations were constructed as part of the project, including the relocated Lechmere Station, along with a new vehicle storage and maintenance facility in Somerville. When fully complete, Green Line trains will operate every five to six minutes in the peak periods, providing fast and efficient service in areas that did not previously have access to reliable public transit. GLX will also significantly reduce vehicle emissions on the road by supporting anticipated increased ridership and dramatically improve local and regional air quality when GLX is complete. About 20% of Somerville’s population is within walking distance of rail transit today, and 80% will be within walking distance to a station at the completion of the project.

 

GLX was procured through a framework that set strict limitations on the project’s total cost while allowing bidders to include additive options ensuring the MBTA could procure a project that maximized the benefits without jeopardizing its budget. In addition to track infrastructure and seven station stops, construction included six additive options: platform canopies, additional elevators at select stations, public art, an extension of the community path with additional connections, and an enhanced vehicle maintenance facility. 

 

The total project cost is nearly $2.3 billion, which includes other project components such as real estate, professional services, contingency, and the procurement of 24 new trolleys to augment the existing Green Line fleet. When fully complete, GLX will have installed 100,000 railroad ties, 21,000 linear feet (nearly four miles) of pilings, 22 million pounds of steel (which includes 16.5 million pounds of steel girders), 17 miles of permanent track, and two miles of multiuse community path.

 

For more information, visit mbta.com/GLX or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.