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星期五, 5月 31, 2019

波士頓龍舟節6/9慶祝40週年 76隊參賽


Boston Orange)波士頓龍舟節今年(2019)慶祝40週年。 69(週日)中午12點至下午5點,將有76隊龍舟分成10組在查理士河畔競賽。三名龍舟賽創始人都將出席盛典。
聯合國教科文組織認證為非物質文化遺產類唯一瓷都的中國青瓷古都龍泉市,做為本屆波士頓龍舟節的主要贊助者,將派13人代表團參加盛會,並由其中的7位青瓷大師示範青瓷製做。隨團來到大波士頓的80件青瓷精品,將於69日至14日在米爾頓市福布斯博物館展出。
波士頓龍舟節籌委會主席汪剛柳表示,由於今年是波士頓龍舟節的40週年,各界參賽格外熱絡,共有76個龍舟隊參賽,分成集團、金融、醫保、大學、中國大學校友、社區、俱樂部、女子,以及癌癥幸存者等10組,在Weeks 步行橋和西方大道(Western Ave)大橋之間的查理斯河競比。主要贊助機構及企業包括香港駐紐約經濟貿易辦事處、中國龍泉市、道富銀行、哈佛格林健保(Harvard Pilgrim Health Care)、東方銀行(Eastern Bank)、華人醫務中心等。
76隊參賽隊伍將從6月8日起陸續比賽,晉級隊伍將於6月9日繼續比賽。
已知的龍舟節程序為9日清晨開始龍舟賽,中午在華林派舞獅,大波士頓文協腰鼓舞助陣中,於查理士河畔碼頭舉行龍舟點睛儀式,接著回到文化節目舞台舉行開幕式,介紹嘉賓及三名波士頓龍舟節創辦人,並演出節目。
預定的表演節目包括劍橋中國文化中心和大波士頓文協,以及菲律賓,印度,中國的舞蹈表演,韓國的武術,日本的大鼓等。最近幾年新增的太極演練,廣場舞,巾幗醒獅隊舞獅等與觀眾互動節目,將在現場與文協手工藝示範爭輝。
查詢波士頓龍舟節詳情,可上網:www.bostondragonboat.org,或撥電話:(617) 259-0286,發電子郵箱:info@bostondragonboat.org

Baker-Polito Administration Highlights Housing Choice Bill in Worcester

Baker-Polito Administration Highlights Housing Choice Bill in Worcester
Local leaders endorse legislation that aims to support communities statewide in their goals to increase new housing production

WORCESTER – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy joined Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr., City Councilor Candy F. Mero-Carlson, local business, health care, and education leaders and state legislators to highlight An Act to Promote Housing Choiceslegislation filed by Governor Baker in February that calls for targeted zoning reform to advance new housing production in Massachusetts and support the Administration’s goal to produce 135,000 new housing units by 2025.

Today’s event at Edge at Union Station, a transit-oriented, 82-unit student rental housing development that received $1.7 million in Housing Development Incentive Program credits, celebrated Worcester’s efforts to spur housing production, including allowing multifamily housing in several districts, inclusionary zoning that requires affordable units in certain new developments, the adoption of an Adaptive Reuse Overlay district to allow existing buildings to be converted into housing, and administering of a rehabilitation program through the housing office to preserve existing units in good condition. These efforts earned Worcester designation as a Housing Choice Community in 2018.

Leaders from UMass Memorial Health Care, Quinsigamond Community College, Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts and the Pawtucket Red Sox joined the city in endorsing the Housing Choice bill. On May 14th, the Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony from state and local officials and advocates, including support from the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

“Our administration has worked hard to address Massachusetts’ housing crisis with more than $1 billion of investments in the affordable housing ecosystem while leveraging a variety of tools to advance thousands of new, market-rate units,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We will continue to advocate for the passage of our Housing Choice legislation to modernize the Commonwealth’s zoning laws and deliver the housing necessary for families, workers and businesses to keep thriving.”

“I am happy to be here in Worcester to recognize a community that is demonstrating leadership on delivering housing to its residents, particularly at this critical juncture as statewide production of new units per year has fallen below half its 1980’s levels,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Governor Baker and I believe strongly in encouraging best practices through targeted programs such as Housing Choice grants, and I congratulate Worcester on taking a proactive approach to the acute housing shortage facing our Commonwealth.”  

The legislative proposal will enable cities and towns to adopt certain zoning best practices related to housing production by a simple majority vote, rather than the current two-thirds supermajority. While this legislation will lower the voting threshold to change zoning for all communities in the Commonwealth, it does not require cities and towns to make any of these changes. With the proposed simple majority threshold, municipalities that pursue rezoning efforts including those enabling transit-oriented or downtown-oriented new housing, would gain approval if they achieve more than 50 percent of the vote, as opposed to the current super majority of more than 66 percent. Massachusetts is currently one of only a few states to require a supermajority to change local zoning.

Zoning changes that promote best practices for housing growth that would qualify for the simple majority threshold include:

                 Building mixed-use, multi-family, and starter homes, and adopting 40R “Smart Growth” zoning in town centers and near transit.
                 Allowing the development of accessory dwelling units, or “in-law” apartments.
                 Approving Smart Growth or Starter Homes districts that put housing near existing activity centers.
                 Granting increased density through a special permit process.
                 Allowing for the transfer of development rights and enacting natural resource protection zoning.
                 Reducing parking requirements and dimensional requirements, such as minimum lot sizes.

This legislation also includes a provision, added by the Joint Committee on Housing last session, that would reduce the voting threshold for a special permit issued by a local permit granting authority to a simple majority vote, for certain multi-family or mixed-use projects with at least 10 percent affordable units in locations near transit or, in centers of commercial activity within a municipality.

“Massachusetts is home to the country’s best-educated workforce, but also its most expensive housing,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Our Housing Choice legislation would empower the production necessary to reduce housing costs, delivering relief to families while helping retain talent and securing economic growth. We look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to make sure it passes this session.”

The legislation is part of the administration’s Housing Choice Initiative, which provides incentives, technical assistance, and capital grant funding to encourage new housing production that meets the long-term needs of the Commonwealth’s growing, and aging, population. Worcester has received

“Our families, seniors, workforce, individuals with disabilities, and vulnerable populations have diverse housing needs, and today’s market is not meeting them. Housing that our residents can afford is a crucial resource and An Act to Promote Housing Choices will create the tools we need to promote new housing development for those across incomes,” said Acting Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Jennifer Maddox. “We are proud of the coalition we’ve built in support of this legislation and the investments we’ve made in affordable housing, community development, and public housing to benefit the many communities which contribute to our strong, inclusive Commonwealth.”

“This proposed legislation allows for local flexibility in our zoning policies which is another tool in the toolbox,” said Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus. “We thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Kennealy and the entire Administration for prioritizing local decision making in its Housing Choice legislation.”

“The Governor’s Housing Choice bill does so much to encourage growth by reducing parking limits, increase density, and transit oriented development,”said Worcester City Councilor Candy F. Mero-Carlson. “The goal of this bill and the many others in the legislature right now is to address the conjoined issues of traffic congestion, a lack of construction outside of our urban centers, and of course housing affordability.”

“The City of Worcester is booming, and we are all rightfully proud of the tremendous strides our city has made in recent years,” said Eric Dickson, MD, President and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care. “But with growth comes challenges. We at UMass Memorial recognize that many of our patients struggle to find affordable housing that is safe and healthy. This is due in part to rent increases and a limited supply of available properties. With this new legislation, which calls for increasing construction of both market rate and affordable housing, the Housing Choice Act will be instrumental in alleviating housing insecurity in our city. It is also a great opportunity for all of us here to rally around a cause that will uplift our neighbors.”

“At Quinsigamond Community College, students frequently mention housing as a barrier to their education, with some having to choose between paying the rent and taking classes,” said Luis Pedraja, President of Quinsigamond Community College. “An Act to Promote Housing Choices is the right bill at the right time to add much needed housing inventory to our community. Worcester’s tremendous growth, and its future, will rely on our ability to attract and retain future leaders to the area where they can live, learn, and work.”

“Worcester is a great place to live and work but there aren’t enough homes to meet the demand,” said Tracey Fiorelli, President, Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts. “The housing choice act is the type of program that can help us start producing the housing we desperately need in a  collaborative and effective way.“

“We are thrilled to be joining the vibrant communities of Worcester and Central Massachusetts, and stand fully behind the Housing Choice legislation,” said Dan Rea, EVP of Real Estate Development and Business Affairs for the Pawtucket Red Sox. “Empowering Worcester to expand its housing stock will ensure residents and businesses have the opportunity to be part of an exciting live/work/play area, and help us realize our vision of Polar Park as part of a bustling downtown for decades to come.”

“The number one concern we hear from our 2,000+ members at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is access to and retention of a skilled workforce,” said Vaske Gjino of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, who had previously testified in support of Housing Choice on May 14th. “At current rates, our housing supply will not keep up with our growth in employment and population. We believe it is critical for the workforce in our community to have access to a housing stock that is diverse and affordable to a wide range of income levels.”

“Massachusetts currently has some of the highest costs for housing in the country which makes it harder for families to pursue their housing goals,” said Senator Michael O. Moore. “Supporting the growth of an expanded housing market, and helping to ensure families have a place to call home, is critical to local economic development and the revitalization of neighborhoods. Thank you to the Administration, and to officials in the City of Worcester, for their ongoing support and prioritization of housing initiatives here in heart of our Commonwealth.”

“In the City of Worcester and across the Commonwealth, we see that the existing housing stock is no longer meeting the demands of our growing economy and communities,” said Representative Mary Keefe. “By providing new tools and capital incentives for municipalities, the Housing Choice Initiative sets us on the right path to address housing shortages. I look forward to continue working with City officials, the Baker administration, and my colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to ensure that housing production remains affordable and accessible to all who need it.”

“Housing Choice supports our growing economy and population by providing more affordable and sustainable housing options for residents, while simultaneously supporting the environment,” said Representative James O’Day. “I am proud that Worcester has been a leader in housing development, and I will continue to support initiatives that make housing a priority in our community. Access to affordable housing provides a family with the security and stability necessary to pursue education and career goals, which supports their ability to lead full, productive lives.”

The Baker-Polito Administration has shown a deep commitment to increasing the production of housing across income levels. Since 2015, the administration has invested more than $1 billion in affordable housing, resulting in the production and preservation of more than 17,000 housing units, including 15,000 affordable units. In 2018, Governor Baker signed the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history, committing more than $1.8 billion to the future of affordable housing production and preservation. The Baker-Polito Administration has also advanced the development of more than 11,000 mixed-income housing units through the successful MassWorks Infrastructure Program, reformed the Housing Development Incentive Program, and worked with communities to implement smart-growth development and planning efforts.

CAPAC Confirms 11 New Associate Members

CAPAC Confirms 11 New Associate Members

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) confirmed 11 new Associate Members. CAPAC now has a record number of 75 members. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), the Chair of CAPAC, issued the following statement:

“I’m thrilled to welcome these latest members to CAPAC, giving us our largest membership ever as part of the most diverse Congress in history. And as our membership has grown, so has the volume of our voice and our ability to promote AAPI visibility and advocate for the unique concerns of the robust AAPI community. We are proud of all that we have already accomplished together as a caucus, such as pushing back on the addition of a citizenship question to the Census designed to marginalize our communities, fighting discriminatory immigration policies like the Muslim Ban, and bringing attention to the contributions of AAPIs throughout American history. We look forward to working with all of our new members on the issues that are most important to the AAPI community. From creating a humane immigration system that fosters diversity and keeps families together, to increasing educational access, to addressing disparities in our healthcare system, we are confident that our new members will be critical as we push forward with our priorities.”

CAPAC was founded 25 years ago. The 116th Congress includes a historic high of 20 AAPI members in both the House and Senate. With the addition of these newest associate members, CAPAC is now comprised of 21 Executive Board Members in the House, four Executive Board Members in the Senate, and 50 Associate Members.

The following Members joined CAPAC as Associate Members today:

  • Sen. Jacky Rosen (NV)
  • Rep. Colin Allred (TX-32)
  • Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)
  • Rep. Deb Haaland (NM-01)
  • Rep. Katie Hill (CA-25)
  • Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04)
  • Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03)
  • Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08)
  • Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11)
  • Rep. David Trone (MD-06)
  • Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA-10)

星期四, 5月 30, 2019

Tri-Caucus Statement on Documents Confirming Addition of Citizenship Question Would Create an Electoral Advantage for Republicans and Non-Hispanic Whites

Tri-Caucus Statement on Documents Confirming Addition of Citizenship Question Would Create an Electoral Advantage for Republicans and Non-Hispanic Whites

WASHINGTON— Today, the Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus – Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Judy Chu (CA-27), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20), and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (CA-37) released the following statement on recently uncovered documents from late-Republican strategist Thomas B. Hofeller and its implications on the Trump Administration’s inclusion of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census:

“These newly discovered documents clearly show the Trump Administration intended for the 2020 Census’ citizenship question to intimidate communities of color and silence us from participating in our democracy. Furthermore, throughout the legal fights since Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ decision to add the citizenship question, this Administration has intentionally lied to the American people and Congress about their dubious intentions for altering the Census. The proof of their motivation has come to light, and it demonstrates with incontrovertible evidence that this Administration is working to undermine the foundations of our government,” said the Tri-Caucus Chairs. “The results of the Census will change the course of our country for the next decade. It will decide how much federal funding communities receive, who is represented in Congress, and what kind of country the next generation inherits. This revelation proves that once again, President Trump and Republicans have prioritized their own political power over the American people. They are willing to use discriminatory and devious tactics to ensure a Republican majority. We will not allow them to intimidate our communities or exclude us from having a voice in our government. We still have time to stop this potentially devastating and unjustified decision. As the Supreme Court decides on this issue in the coming month, we will continue fighting to ensure that the Census is not made into a political weapon so that every American is counted.”

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus has written to the Bureau to ensure that adequate language support services are provided for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, Alaska Native, and American Indians for the 2020 Census. CAPAC Members have also raised their concerns with the Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau Director regarding the citizenship question and the need to ensure an accurate count.

河北石家莊教育局代表團訪麻州簽合作交流協議

出席者在”中美教育領袖哈佛論壇”中合影。(主辦單位提供)
石家庄教育局局长張少華(右起),品格教育協會執行總監
David Holmes,波士頓博睿總裁陳力超簽署協議後合影。
(主辦單位提供)
         (Boston Orange)河北石家莊教育代表團一行六人,應麻州青少年數學與科學學會(MSSY)邀請,由石家莊市教育局局長張少華率隊,於2019512日至15日到麻州參訪,与麻州教育廳教學支持中心,以及多所學校洽谈,簽署合作協議,未來將在學生進修,教師培訓,課程評估等方面進一步交流。

             此次出访,石家庄教育局局长張少華表示,波士頓是美國最古老,最有歷史文化的城市之一,在高等教育,科技創新,醫療健康,金融保險等領域都有極為優越資源,代表團希望此行可在學生國際教育,教師培訓,國際課程等方面,開發合作機會。
            513日,河北省外專局主辦,波士頓博睿承辦了一場”中美教育領袖哈佛論壇”,出席者包括河北石家莊教育代表團,品格教育協會執行總監David Holmes,數所學校代表等。
           會中,石家莊教育局和麻州教育廳教學支援中心,美國iABC教育聯盟分別簽署了合作協議。
            河北石家莊教育局代表團此行成員中的石家莊第一中學校長婁延果,石家莊第十八中學校長王志臣,石家莊第二十三中學校長苑海生,石家莊第四十四中學校長夏強,分別與Wareham公校學區,Old Rochester公立學區簽署了友好學校協議。石家莊外國語學校校長斐紅霞則和諾頓公立學區簽署了友好學校協議,以及”2+1聯合培養”合作協議。

U.S. Department Of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Aluminum Wire and Cable from China

U.S. Department Of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Aluminum Wire and Cable from China

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of imports of aluminum wire and cable from China, finding that that exporters from China have dumped aluminum wire and cable in the United States at a margin of 58.51 to 63.47 percent.
As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of aluminum wire and cable from China based on the preliminary rates noted above.
In 2017, imports of aluminum wire and cable from China were valued at an estimated $157.2 million.
The petitioners are Encore Wire Corporation (McKinney, TX) and Southwire Company, LLC (Carrollton, GA).
The strict enforcement of U.S. trade law is a primary focus of the Trump Administration. Since the beginning of the current Administration, Commerce has initiated 168 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – this is a 223 percent increase from the comparable period in the previous administration.
Antidumping and countervailing duty laws provide American businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of the unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 482 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.
Commerce is scheduled to announce the final determination on or about October 9, 2019.
If Commerce’s final determination is affirmative, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will be scheduled to make its final injury determination on or about November 22, 2019. If Commerce makes an affirmative final determination of dumping, and the ITC makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue an AD order. If Commerce makes a negative final determination of dumping, or the ITC makes a negative final determination of injury, the investigation will be terminated and no orders will be issued.
Click HERE for a fact sheet on today’s decision.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade law and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based on factual evidence provided on the record.
Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to antidumping duties. Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments, such as grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks, or production inputs, are subject to countervailing duties aimed at directly countering those subsidies.

星期三, 5月 29, 2019

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Mattresses from China

U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Mattresses from China

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of imports of mattresses from China, finding that exporters from China have dumped mattresses in the United States at margins ranging from 38.56 to 1,731.75 percent.
As a result of today’s decisions, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of mattresses from China based on the preliminary rates noted above.
In 2017, imports of mattresses from China were valued at an estimated $436.5 million.
The petitioners are Corsicana Mattress Company (Dallas, TX), Elite Comfort Solutions (Newman, GA), Future Foam Inc. (Council Bluffs, IA), FXI Inc. (Media, PA), Innocor, Inc. (Red Bank, NJ), Kolcraft Enterprises Inc. (Chicago, IL), Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (Carthage, MO), Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (Atlanta, GA), and Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (Lexington, KY).
The strict enforcement of U.S. trade law is a primary focus of the Trump Administration. Since the beginning of the current Administration, Commerce has initiated 168 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – this is a 223 percent increase from the comparable period in the previous administration.
Antidumping and countervailing duty laws provide American businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of the unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 481 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.
Commerce is scheduled to announce the final determinations on or about October 11, 2019.
If Commerce’s final determinations are affirmative, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will be scheduled to make its final injury determinations on or about November 24, 2019. If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of dumping, and the ITC makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue AD orders. If Commerce makes negative final determinations of dumping, or the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued.
Click HERE for a fact sheet on today’s decision.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade law and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based on factual evidence provided on the record.
Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to antidumping duties. Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments, such as grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks, or production inputs, are subject to countervailing duties aimed at directly countering those subsidies.

U.S. Department Of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Refillable Stainless Steel Kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico

U.S. Department Of Commerce Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations on Refillable Stainless Steel Kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of imports of refillable stainless steel kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico, finding that exporters from China, Germany, and Mexico have dumped refillable stainless steel kegs in the United States at the following rates:
  • China – 2.01 to 79.71 percent
  • Germany – 8.61 percent
  • Mexico – 18.48 percent
As a result of today’s decisions, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of refillable stainless steel kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico based on the preliminary rates noted above.
In 2017, imports of refillable stainless steel kegs from China, Germany, and Mexico were valued at an estimated $18.1 million, $11.8 million, and $5.7 million, respectively.
The petitioner is American Keg Company, LLC (Pottstown, PA).
The strict enforcement of U.S. trade law is a primary focus of the Trump Administration. Since the beginning of the current Administration, Commerce has initiated 168 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – this is a 223 percent increase from the comparable period in the previous administration.
Antidumping and countervailing duty laws provide American businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of the unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 481 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.
Commerce is scheduled to announce the final determination on or about August 13, 2019 with respect to Mexico and on or about October 16, 2019 with respect to China and Germany.
If Commerce’s final determinations are affirmative, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will be scheduled to make its final injury determination on or about September 26, 2019 for Mexico and on or about November 29, 2019 for China and Germany. If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of dumping, and the ITC makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue AD orders. If Commerce makes negative final determinations of dumping, or the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued.
Click HERE for a fact sheet on today’s decisions.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade law and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based on factual evidence provided on the record.
Foreign companies that price their products in the U.S. market below the cost of production or below prices in their home markets are subject to antidumping duties. Companies that receive unfair subsidies from their governments, such as grants, loans, equity infusions, tax breaks, or production inputs, are subject to countervailing duties aimed at directly countering those subsidies.

星期日, 5月 26, 2019

In honor of Memorial Day, Massachusetts lowering flags

Governor Baker: “From a Grateful Commonwealth”


BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito participated in the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund Memorial Day Ceremony with Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to honor and remember our fallen military heroes in recognition of Memorial Day.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Boston Common, Boston, MA
May 23, 2019


CLICK HERE TO WATCH (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQdRgJDndyU&authuser=0)

Remarks as Delivered:

GOVERNOR BAKER: “Good morning. Let me just start by thanking all of the family members who are here today to speak out on behalf to the 325 moms and dads, sons and daughter, brothers and sisters who have been lost since September 11th.

“As I think about these 37,000 flags behind us, and over to the side here, I can’t help but think about the families that were part of the lives of those that we honor here today. The families who are here are part of that heritage, where from generation to generation to generation, moms and dads, and brothers and sisters, sons and daughters have sent their family members off to secure and preserve our freedom and our democracy.

“Now, we live in a time where some might think those words are old fashioned. Well I’m here to say, that to anyone who has had a chance to participate in this big, glorious thing we call democracy, there is nothing old fashioned about the men and women that have made it possible.

“Without the men and women that have made it possible, there is no freedom, there is no democracy, there is no rule of the people. These 37,000 flags, and the millions of flags that will show up in cemeteries and on graves across this country over the course of the next several days, speak volumes about how that debt can never possibly be adequately repaid.

“But I want to thank the Mass Military Heroes Fund for year after year, for ten years, give all of us a chance, in our own small way to honor those who served and especially to say thank you and God bless from a grateful Commonwealth to the families who are with us today. Thank you.”

In honor of Memorial Day, Governor Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until noon and full staff from noon until sunset on Monday, May 27, 2018. The order applies to the main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, other state-owned or state-controlled buildings and all state military installations.

星期一, 5月 20, 2019

Shannon Liss-Riordan Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate in 2020

Champion for Workers Shannon Liss-Riordan Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate in 2020
First-time candidate Liss-Riordan is running as a fighter for workers' rights and against the cycle of Washington politics

Boston - Shannon Liss-Riordan, well-known Massachusetts workers’ rights lawyer and activist, announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for U.S Senate this morning in a video and email to supporters and Democratic activists.

“This country is stuck because of the cycle of Washington politics,” said Liss-Riordan.  “Washington needs a fresh voice willing to break that cycle. This election, the people of Massachusetts will have a choice. Maintain the status quo in Washington and stay in this endless cycle.  Or vote for me and break it.”

Shannon has dedicated her entire career to representing workers who have been taken advantage of by their employers.  In some of her earlier cases, Shannon represented restaurant servers whose bosses were taking their tips. Shannon’s work on these cases remade the law in Massachusetts protecting tipped workers.

Shannon has brought - and won - hundreds of cases representing tipped workers, employees misclassified as independent contractors, and low wage workers, forcing massive companies like Starbucks, FedEx, Harvard University, and American Airlines to rewrite their policies and pay employees a fairer wage.  She has received national acclaim for her creative and groundbreaking battles fighting for workers. 

“These cases have made me realize how much the rich and powerful have reshaped our country to benefit them,” said Liss-Riordan. “They’ve been writing the rules for too long.  We need to make a change.”

Shannon’s roots as an activist date back to before she was a lawyer when she co-founded the Third Wave, a young women’s movement whose mission was to promote women, people of color, and young people’s engagement in political and social causes.

Shannon is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard College.  She lives in Brookline with her husband Kevin, their three children, and their dog Logan (named in honor of the Logan skycaps).


The Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate will be held in September of 2020