Relief for Strained Health Care Providers
Bill Directs $234 Million in Aid to Hospitals and Community Health Centers Around Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Legislature today enacted a supplemental budget bill that prioritizes care for the state’s
funding strengthens our commitment to equity in health care and helps safeguard access for those who need it most.”
The legislation addresses a widening funding gap in the Health Safety Net program, which pays acute care hospitals and community health centers for necessary medical care for
It was another wonderful open house for the families, teachers and staff at South Boston Catholic Academy! An open house in a school is an event where families are invited to visit the school, meet teachers, ask questions, and explore the facilities. It allows families to get a glimpse into their child’s classroom and educational experience, as well as, to understand the school’s curriculum. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity to introduce parents to new teachers and staff and highlight upcoming events. It is a great way to start a new school year!
Continued from Page 1 Health Care Providers
Representative David Biele. “I was proud to join my colleagues in the Legislature in supporting this crucial legislation.”
This legislative response provides critical relief in the face of an unfriendly federal government and economic headwinds, distributing aid based on criteria that directs funding to vulnerable populations most in need of assistance.
The funding agreement provides $199 million to eligible high public payer acute care hospitals across Massachusetts, using an approach that maximizes federal
reimbursements, stabilizes the Health Safety Net Trust Fund, and targets payments for the greatest taxpayer impact. Of this, $122 million goes to acute care hospitals based on criteria that prioritize those serving the largest share of low-income patients, offering the most affordable services, and facing the most severe financial strain. Another $77 million is directed to the Health Safety Net Trust Fund to stabilize support for hospitals caring for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations.
Community health centers, which serve the largest share of vulnerable residents but face federal funding delays, Medicaid cuts, and rising medical costs, will receive $35 million in relief. This includes $2.5 million for the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to advance regional savings initiatives such as shared service models. Both chambers of the Legislature voted to enact the supplemental budget on Thursday, sending the legislation to the Governor for her signature.
Councilor Flynn Holds a Hearing on CORI, City Hiring Practices
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn held a hearing to discuss the impact of CORIs on access to employment and opportunities, effectiveness of existing CORI reforms, and how we can further expand opportunities for people with CORI. At the same time, it was discovered last month that a level-3 sex offender was on the payroll for the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department. It is critical to find a balance between expanding employment access to people with CORIs and keeping the public safety for the residents of Boston a top priority.
The hearing included Chief People Officer, Alex Lawrence, Chief of Human Services, José Massó and Senior Advisor for
Labor, Lou Mandirini. Councilor Flynn also invited industry experts, including the Executive Director of Project Place, Aaryn Manning, Community Liaison and Paralegal of Racial Equity in Corrections Initiative, Mac Hudson, and Chairman of the Board of Boston Project Rebound, Matteo Filippi.
On the emergency hearing order to discuss city hiring practices, Councilor Flynn raised the question of whether or not a CORI screening was conducted during the hiring process of the level-3 sex offender, which was ultimately not answered by the Administration. Ultimately, background checks are conducted based on the job description. If an applicant is going to work with “vulnerable populations”, then a background check is completed.
Having a criminal record often impedes access for past offenders for employment, housing, and other opportunities, and there are CORI reforms at the state level that attempt to expand opportunities for those with CORI. In 2010, Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Criminal
Offender Record Information (CORI) Reform into law, which barred employers from asking early-stage applicants questions about their criminal history (known as “ban the box”), and in 2018, the Massachusetts legislature expanded the 2010 CORI Reform law, reducing the period for required disclosure of misdemeanor convictions from five years to three years, among others.
“As a former probation officer, I witnessed firsthand the impact that CORI can have on a person’s ability to access opportunities that would help
put them on the right path. People with records are often unable to obtain employment, housing, or other essential resources, preventing them from fully reentering society. At the same time, especially in light of recent incidents involving city employees, it is critical that criminal background checks be part of the employment screening process to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our residents and workforce.” For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
Councilors Flynn, FitzGerald & Murphy File Resolution in Opposition to Safe Injection Sites in the City of Boston
This week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Councilor John FitzGerald, and Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy filed a resolution opposing the siting of safe injection sites (SIFs) in the City of Boston. The resolution was in response to a September 15th hearing by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery on Bill S1393 “An Act Relative to Preventing Overdose Deaths and Increasing Access to Treatment”, which includes the use of safe injection sites. Today, the resolution failed to pass the Boston City Council by a vote of 8-3, with
only original co-sponsorsCouncilor Flynn, Councilor Fitzgerald, and Councilor Murphy - voting in its favor.
Moreover, on September 4th, a City Council hearing regarding the Mass and Cass crisis, also sponsored by Councilor Flynn and Chaired by Councilor Fitzgerald, was held on-site at the Hampton Inn. At that meeting, approximately 200 constituents shared their experiences on public safety, public health, and quality of life issues. Many residents and small businesses in the area, and impacted communities nearby, repeatedly emphasized
that the answer to this crisis is not incentivizing safe injection, but prioritizing a City of Boston recovery campus and treatmentfirst approach to break the cycle of addiction. Neighbors have continued to plead for help on the increasingly alarming public safety issues that have gone well beyond the already unacceptable public drug dealing, public drug use, and needles throughout the cityincluding individuals breaking into a family’s homes, cars, and trespassing in backyards.
“It is unconscionable that just weeks after we held a hearing in the South End, where
nearly 200 neighbors and small businesses shared their lived experiences near Mass & Casspublic drug dealing, public drug use, human trafficking, breakins and sleeping in people’s homes and cars, and trespassing in backyards- that we’d even consider safe injection sites. It’s long past time for the city and state to put other pursuits aside, listen to our residents and small businesses, and make a recovery campus a top priority for Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
South Boston Residents to Participate in the 37th Annual Jimmy Fund Walk
Fourteen residents from South Boston will participate in the 2025 Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on Sunday, October 5.
Sydney Miller, Angelina Snegach, Kacey Corjulo, Katherine Flynn, Mackenzie Dunlap, Robbie Caron, Steve Murphy, Morgan Nicholson, Kayla Duffley, Tom Callanan and four other South Boston residents, along with thousands of other walkers, will participate in the iconic annual event that will unite the community to raise funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk will aim to raise $9.5 million this year in the effort to prevent, treat, and defy cancer.
“For 36 years, the Jimmy Fund Walk has been a cornerstone of support for lifesaving cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber,” said Caitlin Fink, vice president of The Jimmy Fund. “Every
participant contributes directly to advancing lifesaving research and critically important cancer care. Walk Day is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of hope and the shared commitment of the Jimmy Fund community.”
One Walk, Four Distances, For All Cancers
The Jimmy Fund Walk takes place along the famed Boston Marathon® course, and participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: 5K walk (from DanaFarber’s Longwood Medical Campus); 10K walk (from Newton); Half Marathon walk (from Wellesley); and Marathon walk (from Hopkinton). Walkers who prefer to participate virtually can complete their chosen distance from any location.
Whatever route participants choose, they will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and treated to refueling stations with refreshments throughout the course. Walkers will be motivated by poster-sized
photographs of Walk Heroes that appear along the course as inspiration. All routes will conclude at the Jimmy Fund Walk Finish Line Powered by Schneider Electric at Boston Common, by the corner of Charles and Beacon Street. Finish line activities will include a celebration with food, entertainment, and more.
To register for the Walk (#JimmyFundWalk) or to support a walker, visit www. JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. All registered walkers will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt. You can also sign up to volunteer on Walk day.
Councilor Murphy j oined neighbors at Our Lady of Częstochowa in the Polish Triangle for a full Mass in Polish, led by Pastor Olaf. The Dożynki harvest festival afterward was a joyful celebration of culture, tradition, and togetherness.
BOSTON TEACHERS UNION HOSTS 12TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR FOR BPS FAMILIES
Educators offer more than 40,000 free books, community resources, and family fun
Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 10:00AM – 2:00PM Boston Teachers Union, 180 Mount Vernon St. Dorchester, MA 02125
The Boston Teachers Union (BTU) will host its 12th annual Back to School Fair for Boston Public School (BPS) families. The free event will feature over 40,000 free books for students, families, and educators, as well as dozens of local community organizations offering information on programs and opportunities for BPS families.
The day will also include music, face-painting, snacks, and special story time sessions with local authors.
Members of the Boston Teachers Union, Boston Teachers Union leadership, AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang, Boston Public School families, local authors MyHanh Barrette and Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah, and dozens of community organizations including BPS, BEJA, MassCOSH, and Children’s Services of Roxbury
The BTU’s Back to School Fair is designed to support Boston families and educators with free resources, opportunities, and fun as the new school year begins. By providing tens of thousands of books and connections to local organizations, the fair promotes literacy, learning, and community engagement.
“Our Back to School Fair is one of the highlights of the year for Boston families and educators,” said Erik Berg, President of the Boston Teachers Union. “We are proud to provide thousands of free books and connect families with the community resources they need to start the school year strong. It’s always inspiring to see educators, families, and community partners come together to support our students.”
NamaStay Sober Fest at City Hall
I’m proud to stand alongside NamaStay Sober and so many recovery focused organizations that provide much needed services for those finding a path to sobriety, addressing isolation, and supporting mental health. ��
Recovery is about more than overcoming, it’s about building community, healing mind,
body, and spirit, and ensuring no one walks this journey alone. Events like this remind us that recovery is possible, powerful, and worth celebrating.
Grateful for our ongoing partnership and for the incredible work being done across Boston to lift up individuals and families in recovery.
Twenty-Fifth Street Festival a Smashing Success
by Rick Winterson
The Festival was presented to South Bostonians by our Chamber of Commerce and Neighborhood Development Corporation (the SBNDC). And again as always, the Street Festival’s
theme was focused upon the very important small businesses located here in South Boston, including several new enterprises in South Boston’s Seaport District. If there was one, single person responsible for the South Boston Street Festival, it was certainly Karen Stanley. Karen succumbed to cancer just over
a year ago but she has left us a legacy of annual Street Festivals that still occur every year. In her memory, this year the main Festival stage in front of the Branch Library was renamed for her – “The Karen Stanley Stage”.
Donna Brown, Founder and Executive Director of the SBNDC, emceed the 2025 Street Festival.
She opened the event promptly at 11 a.m. She introduced several of our elected officials who gave brief remarks, and then conferred this year’s Tommy Butler Award upon Joey Arcari, a developer and restaurateur as well as a major supporter of local causes. Remarks were delivered by Butler’s son, also named Tommy.
Another Wonderful Open House at SBCA
ABUTTER’S MEETINGS
ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL / LICENSING HEARINGS
To participate in ZBA hearings, below are instructions on joining a public meeting. Please note that the ZBA board will call on members of the public to testify for each proposal; you can share your thoughts in that forum
75 to 77 Dorchester ST South Boston 02127
Hearing Date 10/7/2025
Project Description: Combine Parcels 1886 Amp 1887 Demolish
Existing Structures Erect New 5 Story Mixed Use Building, 1 Retail Restaurant Unit Core Shell 15 Residential Units W Partial Basement Elevator As Per Plans
19 to 21 W Third ST South Boston 02127
Hearing Date 10/7/2025
Project Description: Combine four lots owned in common into one 7752sf through lot per land survey then Erect new 6 story mixed use building with on grade parking commercial space first floor Floors 2 to contain 35 residential units
372 K ST South Boston 02127
Hearing Date 10/7/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy from 1 family to 5, interior renovation, existing building dormer, addition rear
604 E Third ST South Boston 02127
Hearing Date 10/23/2025
Project Description: Change occupancy from one family to 2 no work as built
62 L ST South Boston 02127
Hearing Date 10/28/2025
Project Description: Replace existing exterior stairs construct new deck
395 W Fourth ST South Boston 02127
Hearing Date 10/28/2025
Project Description: Confirm occupancy as 1 family Change to 2 home
New kitchens bathrooms new HVAC electric service story deck with metal spiral stairway unit two second egress Extension living space into basement finished habitable area one
208 H ST South Boston 02127
Appeal Type Zoning
Hearing Date 10/28/2025
Project Description: Interior renovation rear addition, no change in occupancy use or egress
Please note that abutter’s meeting information can also be found at https://www.boston.gov/events.
To request a copy of plans or ISD letter for the proposals below, please email +Sigurgeir Jonson
815 E Fourth St (NEW)
Proposal: Renovate apartment
Time: Oct 6, 2025⋅6:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85103180896
Meeting ID: 851 0318 0896
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,85103180896# US +13126266799,,85103180896# US (Chicago)
142 P St (NEW)
Proposal: Build 5 roof decks on top of the building. Each unit will have its own deck
Time: Thurs, Oct 9, 2025⋅6:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89398178437
Meeting ID: 893 9817 8437
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,89398178437# US +13017158592,,89398178437# US (Washington DC)
774
E Broadway (NEW)
Proposal: Change of occupancy from a single family dwelling to a twofamily dwelling by interior renovation and the addition of rear balconies. Time: Thur, Oct 16, 2025⋅6:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89420983762 Meeting ID: 894 2098 3762
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,89420983762# US +13126266799,,89420983762# US (Chicago)
923 E Fourth St (NEW)
Proposal: Top floor renovation and expansion, no change in occupancy, use or egress
Time: Mon, Oct 20, 2025⋅6:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81086290378
Meeting ID: 810 8629 0378
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,81086290378# US +13126266799,,81086290378# US (Chicago)
