Kay Walsh Honored at SBANP Farewell

by Rick Winterson

It was a capstone event on Tuesday morning, a perfectly sunny-but-cool South Boston day. It was held in the magnificent lobby of the CRISPR organization near the beginning of West First Street in the Fort Point area. Perhaps 50 or more friends, associates, SBANP colleagues, and public officials gathered together to say a fond good-bye and farewell to Kay Walsh. Kay’s accomplishments, although many in number, can be summed up simply: Fifty (yes, 50!) years of continuously devoted service to the South Boston community.

The letters “SBANP” stand for the “South Boston Association of Non-Profits” – an organization that has been unique to South Boston for about 20 years and has grown to include almost all of the local agencies providing any kind of community services here. SBANP’s Board of Directors specifically arranged this farewell event as a joyful tribute to Kay. Kathy Lafferty, Executive Director of the South Boston Neighborhood House, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. She opened by saluting Kay’s record of accomplishments. They met 30 years ago in 1993 with Helen Allix (another South Boston heroine). In Kathy’s words, “Kay pushed us; she still challenges us all.” She was always demanding, “What comes next?!?”

Awards from the City and from the Commonwealth followed – City Councilor-at-Large Erin Murphy presented Kay with a Citation. Council President Ed Flynn gave her a Commonwealth award from Rep. David Biele, who was unable to attend. Referring to Kay, Flynn said, “She wants everyone to be better.” Impromptu remarks from the attendees were then offered – from Bob Monahan, Michael Dowling, Sr. Maryadele Robinson, and Mark McGonagle. Kay’s successful efforts to improve the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the early 2000s were recalled. The ceremonies closed with a presentation from the SBANP Board that recognized Kay Walsh’s many accomplishments.

Kay, we can only wish you a loving farewell and Godspeed. If anyone in South Boston ever earned it, you certainly have!

Rep. Biele Helps Pass $56.2 Billion House FY24 Budget Invests in transportation, local aid, public safety, and public health and recovery services

State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing the House’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget. Funded at $56.2 billion, the House’s FY24 budget provides strong support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development.

“The House budget responds to the needs of residents through targeted investments in programs and services, such as transportation, public safety and recovery services, that will help individuals and families in our community,” said Rep. Biele. “I am thankful to Speaker

Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, and my colleagues in the House for their support in making these crucial investments in our community while also increasing resources to the City of Boston for education and local aid from last year’s levels.”

Due to the Commonwealth’s strong revenue collections, the House’s FY24 budget provides increased financial support in several critical areas. Additionally, the House recently passed a comprehensive tax relief package targeted at residents across all income levels that would provide $654 million in direct financial relief in FY24. As a result of the same fiscally responsible leadership that has allowed for tax relief, the state’s Stabilization Fund is estimated to stand at a record high of $9.04 billion.