The Boston City Council passed a home rule petition looking to implement a ranked-choice voting system for city elections, that would see voters rank multiple candidates by order of preference rather than cast a single vote for their top choice. The Council voted Wednesday to approve the petition, by an 8-4 margin, after a roughly hour-long debate over the merits of overhauling the city’s electoral system.
“Ranked Choice Voting” (RCV) refers to an electoral system in which voters rank the candidates and the winner is chosen through a process of sequential elimination and vote transfers. If any candidate has a majority of top rankings,
To hear many of our neighbors talk, you’d think that those who run the City of Boston wake up each morning and immediately devise new ways to make the lives of Southie residents miserable.
To those who have been observing this latest assault on parking spaces up and down so many of Southie’s streets, it’s understandable that those suspicions are so common. There are some, in fact many many blocks where those big, tall ugly orange cones with no parking signs attached are lining the streets in some cases for as far as the eye can see. They are digging up sidewalks, paved streets and curbs. Utilities such as National Grid have their crews digging, then there is the city’s Water and Sewer department and the public works crews. The work trucks in some cases are parked over night taking up even more parking spaces. And of course, some streets not only have
no parking restrictions during all the construction, they also have that yellow caution tape and even more orange cones blocking the flow of traffic altogether. With literally hundreds of parking spaces being blocked, the city cars are still out patrolling and ticketing cars that haven’t been moved for street cleaning. There are not available spots
to move our vehicles into. Are they towing too?
Now we aren’t saying that all this work being done isn’t necessary. But does it have to hit us all at once? Staggering schedules would make so much more sense and would be much less of a burden to a community that is already congested to the point of being strangled and sometimes not even passable in some
locations. There are times when it could take as long as forty five minutes to go from L Street to Andrew Square. Recently, an Uber Driver was heard telling a waiting rider why he was so late getting to her location to pick her up. He explained that he had to make 8 detours around blocked Southie Streets to reach her. He then asked – in a polite but frustrated tone “How do you people live like this?” Indeed.
That long held suspicion that there are those at City Hall whose goal it is to make Boston motor vehicle free doesn’t sound like a conspiracy theory any longer. That the only way people would be allowed to go from one location to another would be by riding a bike or a scooter or taking a bus and private ownership of cars would be discouraged if not outright banned seems to get closer by the week. With the way parking is becoming less available and all the construction and repairs mysteriously being put upon South Boston at the same time, the disruptions seem to be the result of a deliberate plan to make it more difficult to live in the neighborhood or just plain incompetence.
The annual Ward 6 and 7 Caucus will be held this Saturday May 17, 2025 at the Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall, 190 Old Colony Avenue South Boston, MA 02127 and remotely via Zoom-bit.ly/4mjq6MC
The caucus will begin at 10am. Registered Democrats of Ward 6 and 7 are eligible to participate. For more information, visit https://www.massdems.org/ caucus-and-convention
TInformation Center The
The Old Established News Media Is No Longer Trusted
here are so many positive things happening in America under the new administration. But very little of it is being reported accurately by the liberal news media. And when it is reported, the press diminishes it, throws a negative slant on it and does everything possible to make President Trump look bad. And yet, as hard as reporters and so many news outlets try, the American people are getting the accurate story and learning about what’s going on just the same. But how can that be? With all the distorted reported and yes – fake and deliberately misleading news, how on earth is the accurate news getting out to the people with the press and Democrat party leaders working so hard to make you believe what isn’t true? And these very questions are being asked by the Democrat party leaders and the big media outlets. It has them confused, sad, frustrated and furious.
Well, what the Left doesn’t seem to understand is that it’s a new era in America. Everything is in the process of changing and mostly for the better. This new era is one where the big media outlets that used to dominate all news with what was pretty much a monopoly just aren’t what they used to be and for several reasons. Some of the main reasons are that they have been caught in so many lies over the years that most people just don’t trust them, they don’t believe them and they don’t like them. The credibility of the press is gone and the approval rating of big media is lower now than at any time in our nation’s history. There used to be a time when it was tax collectors/IRS Agents who were the most disliked people in America and looked upon with disdain.. But reporters have claimed the title. So many reporters and TV anchors are
now thought of as people who are agenda driven, sneering, dishonest and arrogant. Harsh? Yeah maybe, but surveys show that millions of Americans agree with the description because they have been watching closely and see firsthand the deceit that’s displayed. As time goes on, the old established news media has become less relevant – pretty much no longer needed.
Another big reason for the decline and fall of the old media is because of all the new media outlets that aren’t bound by leftist and yes, the anti-American leanings of the established press. There is a fast emerging Conservative news media that offers a counter balance or opposing view so Americans are not being constantly bombarded by one side. There is something else draining the influence that the Leftist media once had. Gone are the days where reporters could arrive on the scene of an incident, film what happened at a given site, say and what they wanted their viewers to think and edit that footage to slant the facts in their report to fit the narrative they want. But in the 21st Century, that no longer works for them. Because in today’s America, pretty much everyone over the age of 12 years old, carries a camera; capable of both still and video footage in their cell phones. So no matter how hard reporters on the scene try to change and edit what really happened, the odds are pretty good that bystanders there also filmed it and are able to share the footage they took, the real and accurate footage online where it often spreads like wildfire and at times could get tens of thousands of views in minutes. Needless to say, those in the old press aren’t happy about this situation, but there’s not much they can do about it.
Just within the last few months, President Trump has secured the border and has taken steps to lower prices of groceries and fuel. He is improving the economy, his tariffs are working, he has brokered peace agreements which are bringing wars to an end, finding billions of tax payers’ dollars that have been going to waste and fraud, is building back the military, bringing pharmaceutical drug prices down, attracting back job creating industries to our country, removing thousands of violent illegal alien criminals from our streets and deporting them, getting
our remaining hostages released and winning back the respect for America from nation’s around the world that haven’t respected us at all during the 4 years of the last administration. And yet, the major news media and the leaders of the Democrat party are frantically trying to block all of it for no other reason than they hate Trump so much and would rather America fail than for the president to succeed. Most Americans are seeing right through it all and will no longer fall for these attempts. And that’s why the liberal Left and their media allies are losing and will continue to lose.
Note: talk back to John Ciccone by email at
SOUTH BOSTON TODAY
John Ciccone
Another push for same-day voter registration
How do you go about solving a problem like thousands of ballots getting disqualified without being counted? The so-far-unsuccessful answer that voting rights advocates will once again pitch later today: allowing prospective voters to register and cast a ballot in one trip to the polls.
The Common Cause Coalition said this spring that roughly 99% of the 3,309 provisional ballots rejected in November’s statewide elections met their fate due to “administrative reasons that might have been resolved through same-day voter registration,” such as a voter moving within their hometown and still being registered at a different precinct.
With a new cycle quickly getting underway — take the increasingly crowded governor’s race as evidence — the Election Modernization Coalition this afternoon will launch its 2025 legislative campaign again calling for same-day voter registration plus other reforms. History suggests it could be an uphill battle, even though Secretary of State William Galvin — the state’s top elections official — for years has backed the idea.
The Senate embraced same-day voter registration in 2022, but that policy did not survive private negotiations with the House. Instead, lawmakers opted to give voters an extra 10 days to register before an election, stopping short of any action on Election Day itself. There hasn’t been any
Window Into The State House
Window Into The State House provides our readers a synopsis of important issues of interest, past and current, that are being proposed, debated or acted upon by the Massachusetts Legislature. Many issues that are not related to local city government services are acted upon and have a direct impact on daily life. They are tax policy, transportation infrastructure, judicial appointments, social services and health, as well as higher education. We will excerpt reports from the gavel-to-gavel coverage of House and Senate sessions by news sources focused on this important aspect of our lives. These sources include a look ahead at the coming week in state government and summaries and analyses of the past week, re-caps of a range of state government activity, as well as links to other news.
indication if top House Democrats have changed their stance since then. In addition to pointing to thousands of tossed provisional votes, expect supporters to use the federal climate as part of their pitch this time around. Just a few weeks ago, coalition leaders warned that Congress is “trying to make it harder for Americans to participate in elections” and called on Bay State elected officials “to lead the nation in affirming that voting is a fundamental right, not a partisan privilege.” — Chris Lisinski City lawyer put on paid leave, he says because he’s running for mayor A city of Boston lawyer who has begun the process of running for mayor has been put on paid administrative leave— retaliation, he said, for challenging incumbent Michele Wu.
The Globe’s Niki Griswold reports that John F. Houton works in the city’s Law Department and has been assigned to the Treasury Department for the past 14 years. “I’m very disappointed that I’m being challenged and intimidated to not run,” the 58-yearold told the Globe. “It’s caused some issues, but I’m holding steadfast in trying to get my signatures so I can be on the ballot.”
Trump administration cuts putting a cloud over weather forecasts
Cuts by the Trump administration to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are leading to less-accurate weather forecasts that are taking a toll on the fishing industry
and other sectors, WBUR’s Vivian LaBarbara Moran reports. NOAA has lost about 20% of its workforce — 2,000 staffers — to federal layoffs and retirement incentives.
Boston City Council voted on ranked choice voting
In what would be a radical overhaul of the way elections work in the city, the Boston City Council was scheduled to vote today on adopting a ranked-choice voting system, the Herald’s Gayla Cawley reports. The change would affect elections for mayor and City Council and would require approval from the state Legislature.
Hannah Bowen wins special election for state rep
Democrat Hannah Bowen claimed victory on Tuesday evening in a special election to determine Beverly’s new state representative. Bowen, a Beverly city councilor, won about 73% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the City Clerk’s office. Bowen beat Medley Long, a businessman who was running as a Republican. Bowen will serve out the remainder of the term of former Rep. Jerry Parisella.
Healey wants to take state from no-nuke to pro-nuke
Gov. Healey proposed on Tuesday repealing a voter-instituted law that inhibits the state’s ability to take part in nuclear energy projects, the News
Service’s Colin A. Young reports. Healey announced the proposal as part of a package of energy-related measures she says will help mitigate rising power costs in the state.
Harvard loses another $450 million in federal funds
The Trump Administration, which already has cut $2.2 billion in funding for Harvard University and announced it wouldn’t give the school future grants, froze another $450 million in federal grants and contracts, the Crimson reports. The government’s announcement tied the move to a recent internal Harvard report’s assertion that students continue to complain of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
Rhode Island, Massachusetts among 20 states suing Trump administration over threatened funding cuts for states not helping ICE Twenty states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, filed two new lawsuits against the Trump administration on Tuesday in an attempt to block funding cuts to states that don’t aid federal immigration enforcement. One suit is against the Department of Transportation, and the second is against the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency — both were filed in Providence. Attorneys General say federal law doesn’t require states to assist with civil immigration enforcement, the Globe’s Steph Machado reports.
College Campus Post Offices to Close for the Summer Break
Post Office retail operations will be suspended at the following campus Post Offices during the dates indicated:
Babson College – Retail services limited to 10 am to 1 pm M-F from May 27 to August 11 Harvard University – Retail services suspended from June 2 – August 18. Packages and Accountable Mail can be picked up at the Central Sq. Post Office Boston College – Retail services suspended from May 27 – August 18 Tufts University – Retail services suspended from May 27 – August 4. PO box customers can retrieve their mail daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Packages and Accountable Mail can be picked up at the Medford Post Office.
State Senator Nick Collins secured key transit, roadway and parkway investments for the First Suffolk District as part of the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget. These funds are earmarked for crucial transportation improvements that will improve daily life for
REP.
Senator
the people of South Boston.
“This funding gives us the opportunity to be more competitive and more connected, which will make South Boston stronger for everyone,” said Senator Collins.
These funds will support the renovation of Farragut Circle and enhancements to the Greenway along Columbia Road and Day Boulevard. Upgrades are also planned for Broadway and Andrew Station, along with investments at Kosciuszko Circle to help improve traffic and pedestrian safety in the area.
Additionally, funding will support a transportation infrastructure study focused on truck routes, MBTA service, pedestrian safety, and waterfront access, including plans to extend the Harborwalk at the Reserve Channel in South Boston.
As discussions continue, Senator Collins remains committed to fighting for more resources for South Boston and the First Suffolk District, ensuring that every dollar spent works toward building a stronger, more accessible community.
“We are the economic hub of the
Commonwealth,” said Senator Collins; “our communities deserve their fair share of state funding so that we can continue to be the engine that drives our local, state, and regional economy.”
SECURES $1.7 MILLION FOR FIREFIGHTERS IN HOUSE BUDGET
Last week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its budget for fiscal year 2026 (FY26). During the
On Friday, May 9th at 10am in the Iannella Chamber, Councilor Flynn held an in-person hearing to discuss expanding the urban tree canopy in District 2. Residents across the city have often called attention to the loss of trees in their community, or advocated for more tree plantings in their neighborhoods - especially in neighborhoods with low tree coverage, such as Chinatown, Downtown, and South Boston. At the hearing, Councilor Flynn and the panelists discussed the glaring need to expand coverage Secures
House’s debate, State Representative David Biele filed and successfully advocated for the adoption of an amendment filed on behalf of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Boston Firefighters Local 718 to provide funding for hazardous material response teams and firefighter training academies for FY26.
Specifically, Rep. Biele’s amendment allocates $1.7 million for the Boston Fire Department’s Training Academy. In addition to supporting the Boston Fire Department, the Training Academy also serves as a valuable resource for public safety
response teams across Massachusetts. Just last year, the Training Academy provided education and training to over 50 public safety agencies located across Massachusetts.
“Boston Firefighters Local 718 commends Representative Biele for advocating within the House of Representatives and the State House for critical funding for Boston Firefighters,” said Sam Dillon, President of Boston Firefighters Local 718.
“Training is a vital component of firefighting and Rep. Biele’s advocacy to secure essential funding demonstrates his commitment to firefighters and
the public we gladly serve.”
Rep. Biele’s amendment garnered bipartisan support from 58 state representatives from across Massachusetts and was adopted by a vote of 154-2.
“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in making these crucial investments for our first responders,” said Rep. Biele. “These funds will ensure that our firefighters are trained and have the resources necessary need to keep our communities safe.”
In addition to Rep. Biele’s amendment, the House FY26 budget includes over $3.126 million for fire department hazardous material response teams across Massachusetts, including the City of Boston.
Councilor Flynn Holds Hearing on Expanding Urban Tree Canopy
to ensure that every neighborhood in District 2 has a healthy tree canopy. In Chinatown, Councilor Flynn advocated for trees along Beach Street, Harrison Avenue, Kneeland Street, and Oxford Street. Councilor Flynn advocated for the need to bring more green space into Chinatown specifically, as residents of Chinatown have the highest level of asthma in Massachusetts, as well as their close proximity to I-93.
From the advocacy panel, David Meshoulam and Speak for the Trees have developed a relationship with Boston Public Schools, now that they have outdoor learning programs. Speak for the Trees has implemented programs, including the TreeKeepers program and the Teen Urban Tree Corps, to support expansion in urban environments and promote youth engagement. From the administrative panel,
the Boston Parks Department highlighted the following updates in District 2 - 196 trees were planted in 2023, 276 trees in 2024, 162 trees are currently scheduled to be planted in Spring 2025, and locations are already beginning to be planned for the Fall. He also noted that when residents and neighborhood groups engage with the Parks Department, the city will help direct resources to where trees are most desired.
Residents and community leaders offered inperson and virtual testimony in support of expanding urban tree canopy in District 2. Donna Brown of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (SBNDC) highlighted the needs of South Boston, as the neighborhood has the second
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that’s the winner. If not, the candidate with the fewest top rankings is eliminated from all ballots (so that voters who ranked that candidate first now rank another candidate first) and the process is repeated until one candidate does have a majority of top rankings.
In the last two decades, RCV has become a popular reform proposal in the US.1 It has been adopted for municipal elections in many US cities including San Francisco, Minneapolis, and New York City, and for congressional elections in Maine and Alaska.
Advocates of RCV have made many claims in its favor. Advocates claim that RCV is better than existing systems at choosing a broadly popular winner and encouraging political moderation. Advocates also claim that RCV gives voters more choices, allows voters to express their preferences more fully and less strategically, and encourages the election of women and minority candidates.
Mayor Michelle Wu plans to sign the home rule petition, her office said after the vote. The next step would be the State Legislature. If approved by state lawmakers and signed by the governor, a switch to a ranked-choice voting system would also need to be approved by Boston
voters, in a ballot referendum. Ranked-choice voting, if it clears all those hurdles, would be implemented for mayoral and city council elections, by 2028 or 2029, at the earliest, according to Gabriela Coletta Zapata, who chaired hearings on the petition. The measure was led by Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and co-sponsored by fellow progressive Democrat Councilors Julia Mejia and Henry Santana.
“This is an exciting day for the city of Boston, so it’s an exciting day for democracy and for what it looks like to bring people closer to democracy,” Louijeune said. “We know rankedchoice voting works and it’s straightforward. “This is about making sure that we are building a better democracy by electing candidates who are able to build a broad majority of support, who are not just speaking to their base, who are not just speaking to extremists, but who are doing the work necessary to build broad coalitions, and to represent everyone in a district,” she added.
The measure was opposed by the Council’s three moderate Democrat councilors, John FitzGerald, Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy, along with Sharon Durkan. Much of their argument centered around how complicated they thought the proposed voting system would be for residents, particularly for those who aren’t as
well-versed in the English language. “Adding ranked-choice voting would introduce unnecessary complexity to the process, confusing voters and potentially disenfranchising those already marginalized, particularly seniors and residents whose first language isn’t English, at a time when we should be working to make voting more accessible,” Murphy said.
Cambridge MA is one of only five cities in the United States that uses a proportional ranked choice voting system — adopted by the city in 1939 — for its biannual municipal elections. Rather than just choosing one candidate to support, ranked choice voting allows voters to rank multiple candidates based on preference.
At the polls, voters will be provided with a ballot which includes a list of all candidates for each race. They can list as many candidates as they like — or even all of them — in order of preference. Based on the number of ballots cast, the Cambridge Elections Commission calculates a “quota” of votes each candidate must meet in order to be elected. Any candidate who receives enough firstchoice votes to meet the quota is immediately elected.
Any excess first-choice votes that the elected candidate receives over the quota will be transferred to the
candidates that those voters ranked as second-choice on their ballots.
Cambridge randomizes which excess ballots are transferred from their first-choice candidate to their second-choice candidate.
Once excess ballots have been transferred to their second-choice candidates, any candidate who meets the quota is elected. Their surplus votes are transferred to the next highest ranked candidates on those ballots who have not already met the quota.
This process repeats until no other candidates meet the quota.
At this point, any candidate who receives less than 50 first-choice votes is eliminated from the race, and their ballots go to the next highest ranked candidate.
Then, the remaining candidate with the least amount of first-choice votes is eliminated, and their ballots are similarly redistributed.
Are you confused or concerned? The debate on this shift in voting options will be a few years in duration and will likely be affected by parallel statewide efforts to allow same day registration, voter identification, and by the Boston City Council which passed a home rule petition in 2023 to allow people with “legal status” to vote in municipal elections, even if they are not American citizens.
lowest tree canopy in the city. She also noted the need to preserve the trees on East Broadway that have a great environmental benefit, as well as the loss of two different century old trees in the last 18 months. A representative from Tufts Medical Center noted that in a study, sites that have the highest level of air pollution are those next to major highways and congested intersections. Trees in these areas were only supported by small trees and shrubs. Ultimately, the ways in which these trees were constructed did not allow them to serve as proper air pollution barriers for highways and busy intersections. It is critical to address both expanding the tree canopy in Chinatown, as well as addressing the poor air quality and pollution that was rated
the worst in the state by the Union of Concerned Scientists in 2019.
“It is critically important that the City of Boston make a concerted effort to expand our urban tree canopy in District 2 neighborhoods that have low coverage- like Chinatown and South Boston- and help us combat hotter summers and heat island effect,” said Councilor Flynn.
“From improving our air quality, providing shade, and helping absorb stormwater runoff - neighbors across the city continue to call attention to the substantial benefits trees provide to our communities. Having a healthy urban tree canopy is vital to our environment, our mental health, and quality of life.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
June 11, 2025, 3:00 pm at Compass on the Bay Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, 1380 Columbia Road, South Boston. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is held both in person and virtually on the second Wednesday of the month. Contact Director of Compass Programming Erin Bollinger at 617-268-5450 or email ebollinger@compasssonthebay.com to RSVP by June 9 and to receive the virtual meeting link.
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REP. BIELE HELPS PASS HOUSE BUDGET FOR FY26 BUDGET
Highlights include a record investment in the MBTA and increases in local aid and education without new taxes
Recently, State Representative
David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget.
Funded at $61.47 billion, nearly $500 million below the Governor’s budget proposal, the House’s FY26 budget responds to the needs of residents, 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.
Due to responsible fiscal management, the House’s FY26 budget is balanced, and makes significant investments across several issue areas, without needing to include new taxes or tax increases nor drawing from the Stabilization Fund, which is set to reach $8.36 billion.
“This year’s House budget makes responsible investments without increasing taxes or drawing on our state’s Rainy Day Fund,” said Rep. Biele. “The FY26 budget includes crucial investments in programs that address quality of life concerns in our community and across the Commonwealth and I was proud to join my colleagues in passing this bill.”
Local Aid and Education
The FY26 House budget funds Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) at $1.308 billion, and Chapter 70 education funding at $7.121 billion, representing a $257.2 million increase over the FY25 budget. The budget also funds the fifth year of a six-year implementation plan for the Student Opportunity Act (SOA), which was enacted in 2019 to ensure that public schools have the necessary resources to provide high-quality education to students, regardless of zip code or income level. The budget provides an additional $120 per pupil in minimum aid supplements, increasing the minimum aid total to $150 per pupil.
Locally, the City of Boston will receive over $245 million in Chapter 70 funding for education and over $233 million in unrestricted general government aid.
Additionally, the budget includes the following education initiatives:
• $483.2 million for Circuit Breaker Special Education reimbursement
• $199 million for 100 percent charter
school reimbursement
• $122.1 million for regional school transportation
Public Transportation
The House budget includes a record investment of $687 million for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), as well as $204 million for the Regional Transit Authorities that serve commuters across Massachusetts.
Early Education and Care
Continuing the House’s longstanding commitment towards investing in the early education and care (EEC) workforce, the House budget includes $1.67 billion, $126.3 million more than FY25, to sustain recent rate increases and other historic investments in child care access and affordability across the Commonwealth in FY26. Other early education and care investments include $475 million for Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants and $18.5 million for Head Start grants.
Affordable and Accessible Housing
The FY26 budget maintains the House’s commitment to renters and homeowners across the Commonwealth by investing in the following programs:
• $258.1 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
• $207.5 million for Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program
• $57.3 million for HomeBase
Workforce Development
The House budget funds the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development at $113.4 million. Additionally, it invests in the following initiatives:
• $58.9 million for Adult Basic Education Services
• $20.9 million for Labor and Workforce Development Shared Services
• $15.2 million for Summer Jobs for At Risk Youth
Energy and Environmental Affairs
The House’s budget invests $505.4 million in Energy and Environmental Affairs, including:
• $163.4 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation
• $85.3 million for the Department of Environmental Protection
• $63.4 million for the Clean Water Trust
The House budget also includes a $14 million transfer to the Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund, which was created last year for permanent emergency disaster relief from natural disasters or other catastrophic events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, extreme winds, and extreme temperatures.
Health and Human Services
The House budget includes $22.43 billion for
MassHealth, including $13.8 million in primary care rates and $5.3 million in behavioral health investments in outpatient and substance use disorder services.
The House’s FY25 budget invests in the human services workforce, which provides services to our most vulnerable residents, by including $207 million for Chapter 257 rates for health and human service workers, and $132 million for rate increases for nursing facilities. It also funds the following initiatives:
• $12.6 million for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative
• $29.5 million for Councils on Aging
The House budget makes investments controlling the cost of living by lowering food costs and ensuring access to our most vulnerable populations. It includes $55 million for the Emergency Food Assistance program, $20 million for the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match to SNAP recipients purchasing locally grown healthy food, and $8.4 million for the SNAP for low-income workers program.
Public Health and Mental Health
The House budget funds the Department of Public Health at $1.05 billion and the Department of Mental Health at $1.28 billion for FY26. Investments include:
• $194.5 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS)
• $10.4 million for community health centers, including $1 million for a new gender-affirming care program
• $661.9 million for adult mental health supports
• $128.6 million for child and adolescent services
Veterans’ Services
The Executive Office of Veterans’ Services provides educational opportunities, outreach centers and service benefits, as well as personal care services through the Veterans’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke. The House budget includes the following investments:
• $81.8 million for Veterans’ Benefit Payments
• $79.8 million for the Veterans’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke
• $9.5 million for Veterans’ Outreach Centers
• $4 million for Veterans’ Homelessness Services
The House Committee on Ways & Means introduced their FY26 budget proposal on April 16, 2025, following a review of the Governor’s proposal and a series of public hearings. The budget passed the House of Representatives 151-6 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Guy The Wine Ham and Lamb
Easter isn’t the only time to pair wines with a ham or lamb dinner. We have found an eclectic assortment of wines to enhance both of the flavors of these meats, so let me suggest the following to help either dinner be even better…
If ham is on the menu, Riesling should be, too. Forge Riesling Seneca Lake Dry Classique, ($19.99) is a good starter. On the nose, you’ll find notes of Honeysuckle, lemon zest and mountain flowers, as well as pears. On the palate, the lemon zest continues, in addition to kiwifruit notes and a light but pronounced mouthfeel. The finish is moderate but pleasant.
Villa Wolf Riesling,Pfalz,2022, ($14.99), from Germany, is a vineyard that’s been making Riesling for over 400 years along the Mosel river. The traditional trellis vine plan gives its grapes better exposure to the sun, ensuring high sugar content. The result is a wine that plays off ham’s saltiness really well. You should consider serving it with dessert as well.
If you decide on Lamb instead, reds are the better way to go, especially Zinfandel and Pinot Noir, though Cabernet Sauvignon is also tasty. Dry Creek Zinfandel, Sonoma County, Heritage Vines, 2022, ($27.99), comes from an area in Sonoma known for their Zins. The nose is full and very pronounced, with notes of blackberries, leather and forest floor, with an overtone of smokiness. The palate has flavors of plumbs, cherries and pomegranate
on the edge. The finish is long and strong, with a full mouthfeel. Roast Lamb and this wine are just delicious together.
Mendocino County is known primarily for their Cabernet Sauvignons, but Zinfandel is coming into its own. One fine example is Carol Shelton, Mendocino County, “Wild Thing” Old Vines,2022,($19.99). From vines that are as old as ninety years, comes a wine that’s a true value at its price point. While many Zins can be “rough around the edges”, this one is very full-bodied. On the nose, there are multiple notes of blackberries, tabac, cherries and toast. These carry over to the palate along with a leathery overtone and a very chewy mouthfeel. The finish is very long and structured, making this one a definite sipper.
You might find the Duckhorn, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, ($18.99), a nice accompaniment. This is classic Napa Cabernet, with a smooth, velvety texture. The nose has notes of red fruits and caramel. On the palate, you’ll find distinctive elements of the same, along with baked apple pie and blueberries. The finish is as you’d expect- very full, long and distinctive.
While Monterey can sometimes get lost in the shuffle among its more famous neighbors, La Crema wines are a notable standout. The La Crema 2022 Pinot Noir, Monterey, ($23.99) always delivers. It’s a classic Burgundian style Pinot Noir, with strong notes of cherries and an earthiness that combine beautifully. The palate has notes of blackberries, dark chocolate and boysenberries along the edges with a very chewy mouthfeel. The finish is longer than you might think it would be, while retaining its smoothness. Great for any fruit-based desserts, too.
To finish off with dessert, try a bottle of Roederer Estate, California Sparkling Wine, NV, ($29.99). The effervescence is full but smooth, with notes of Anjou pears and a touch of apple pie. The finish is long and balanced, providing a proper finish to your dinner of choice.
If you have any wine questions, we’d be happy to help with an answer. Send them to thewineguy@ southbostotoday.com
Councilor Flynn Hosts Office Hours on Public Safety in Downtown Boston
On Wednesday morning, Councilor Flynn hosted a community office hours session on Downtown public safety and quality of life issues with Councilor Durkan and the Boston Police Department. Last year, there was a dramatic increase in drug use, drug dealing, and illegal activity in the Downtown area and Boston Common, which led to continued calls from City residents, small business owners, nonprofit partners and other leaders in the Downtown community for additional public safety resources. Due to the overwhelming feedback of Downtown stakeholders, and issues in other parts of the City like Mass & Cass, Councilor Flynn consistently advocated for the City of Boston to take a zero tolerance approach when it comes to making arrests for public drug use.
Last November, Councilor Flynn held a hearing at the Boston City Council on public safety at the Boston Common and Downtown, where dozens of residents and Downtown stakeholders provided testimony on their experiences. Subsequently, in February, Downtown leaders worked closely with key stakeholders and City and State partners to form the One Downtown Task Force - made
up of Downtown leaders, Boston Police, Elected Officials and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office - to improve public safety and deter criminal activity. At this week’s on-site office hours, residents from Downtown, Chinatown, Back Bay, and Beacon hill stressed the importance of having greater visibility of police officers in Downtown and the Boston Common. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions to the Boston Police Department (represented by A-1 Captain Richard Driscoll and Sergeant Zachary Crossen), Councilors Flynn and Durkan, as well as Rishi Shukla, Co-Founder of the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association, and Liza Meyer, President of the Friends of the Public Garden. Sergeant Crossen encouraged residents not to give cash to our homeless population and to instead encourage them to visit our nonprofit partners at the St. Francis House, Pine Street Inn, and New England Center and Home for Veterans to receive shelter, meals, and services. Residents advocated for more strict enforcement for mopeds and scooters to follow the rules of the road, while others continued to voice concerns about open-air drug dealing, drug use, and crime.
“Downtown and the Boston Common are economic engines for our city, and home to some of the most important historic sites in our country. We cannot continue to allow violent crime, open drug dealing or drug use, and other activities to negatively impact the public safety, public health, and quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors to Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is critical that we work together to ensure that those individuals battling addiction get treatment, and those who are preying on vulnerable people or committing acts of violence are arrested and, if warranted, receive a state sentence.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@ Boston.gov.
Keep Wipes out of Pipes!
Wipes that claim to be “flushable” and “sewer safe” in fact are not sewer friendly. These wipes do not break down as they travel through pipes and the public sewer system. Instead, they create backups in your
home plumbing and can cause sewer overflows in the street. To protect your plumbing and the sanitary sewer system, only toilet paper belongs in the toilet. No wipes!
Let’s Play Baseball! 2025 SR BABE RUTH TRYOUTS
The South Boston Sr Babe Ruth team will hold tryouts for the 2025 summer season on Thursday, May 22nd and Wednesday May 28th at 5pm. Tryouts will be held at King Field at Joe Moakley Park. All players aged 16-19 who do not turn 20 before seasons end are eligible to play. The team will play a 12 game schedule in the South Shore Sr Babe Ruth League as well as some non-league games. For questions or pre-registration send an email to wconnor16@gmail.com.
Register: bosplans.org/ 19-21WestThirdSt-0528
Toll Free: (833) 568 - 8864
Meeting ID: 161 033 1205
PROJECT PROPONENT: Cedarwood Development
DESCRIPTION: The proposed project consists of a new six-story mixed-use building at 19-21 West Third Street in the Broadway Station area of South Boston. The new building will contain thirty-five residential condominium units for sale, including 17% income-restricted affordable units pursuant to Article 79’s Inclusionary Zoning requirements. One ground-floor commercial unit of approximately 821 square feet will be provided along with garage parking for ten motor vehicles, as well as secure storage for thirty-five bicycles.
Mail to:
Phone: Email:
Zoe Schutte Planning Department One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4311 zoe.schutte@boston.gov
Close of Public Comment Period: 6/5/2025
Website: bosplans.org/19-21WestThirdSt
St. Peter Academy
The Stone Zoo and Farm Animal Visits
St. Peter Academy is always on the go! No sitting at a desk all day long for us! Grades PreK through 4 took a school bus to the Stone Zoo. It was a windy day but bright and sunny, we enjoyed learning about the different animals that live at the zoo. It was a great
field trip, and we look forward to it every year.
Our students in the Toddler Program had a great visit from The Animal Craze traveling petting zoo. Goats, chicks, ducks, rabbits and the cutest pig set up camp in our playground. Toddler students got their
sensory on by petting and playing with the animals. What a great experience for our City Kids! Fun was had by all!
St. Peter Academy is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. St. Peter Academy is an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at
age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K (School Year and Full Year Programs), Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Financial Aid Available. Scholarships will be offered this year for applicants for Grades 1 through 6. You may request scholarship information from the Front Office (spa@stpeteracademy.com). Appointments for individual virtual tours can be made by contacting Maria Blasi, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing spa@StPeterAcademy.com.
South Boston Catholic Academy News
Congratulations to two of our wonderful teachers at SBCA!
All of us at South Boston Catholic Academy are so very proud of two of our wonderful and dedicated teachers, Ms. Stephanie Olsen and Ms. Kalya Keough. They worked tirelessly preparing and successfully running and finishing the race in this year’s Boston Marathon for the Colin’s Joy Project. They truly are an inspiration for all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy, especially to all the SBCA students!
The Coin’s Joy Project motto...” Live each day with pure joy in your heart”..
Their Mission: To enhance play spaces and sponsor children and family programming in our community.”
For more information about the Colin’s Joy Project...info@colinsjoyproject.org
From Ms. Olsen...”Running the Boston Marathon was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the SBCA community—students, families, and staff who encouraged me every step of the way. The highlight was seeing our students along the course, their
energy kept me going! I was truly honored to run on behalf of the McGrath family and Colin’s Joy Project. Their strength and commitment to spreading joy inspired me throughout the journey, and I’m so grateful to have been welcomed onto Team Colin.”
From Ms. Keough...”I wanted to run the Boston Marathon for Colin’s Joy Project because of my connection to South Boston - where I live and teach first grade. As a teacher, I get to see the impact of joy and positivity on children every day. Colin’s
Joy Project is all about spreading joy and supporting kids and families. By running the marathon for this cause, I was able to combine my love for Southie with my passion for making a difference in children’s lives. The support I received from the faculty, students, and families at SBCA was truly overwhelming. A big shout out to my first graders, who were my biggest cheerleaders - always recommending “fast shoes” and excitedly asking if I “won the race yet.” The encouragement and confidence my students placed in me helped me reach the finish line!” New families are welcome to email our admissions team at admissions@sbcatholicadacademy.org for more info. about South Boston Catholic Academy.
