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over 15 years of experience in business strategy, corporate development, finance and accounting, and business development in multiple industries including Fortune 500 firms, middle market companies and startups.
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星期三, 12月 10, 2014
Mass Innovation Night 12/10
星期二, 12月 09, 2014
AARP最新報告顯示五十歲以上亞裔太平洋島民經濟上貧富不均
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City of Boston and Unions Reach Agreement to Contain Health Care Costs
City of Boston and Unions Reach Agreement to Contain Health Care Costs
BOSTON - Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that City of Boston leadership and the Public Employee Committee (PEC) have signed an agreement to further limit the growth of employee and retiree health care costs that builds on the success of the previous PEC agreement. The agreement is expected to achieve approximately $45 million in new savings over five years from additional changes to copayments and premium splits. It will also consolidate and modify existing non-Medicare and Medicare plan options and avoid potential costs associated with the Affordable Care Act Excise Tax. The agreement also extends the City’s and PEC’s ability to negotiate health insurance with the unions that represent the City’s workforce collectively until 2020.
“City employees deserve competitive health care benefits, as they keep Boston running smoothly and ensure that constituents are getting the services they need,” said Mayor Walsh. “This agreement strikes a balance between cost savings for taxpayers, and access to the best employee health benefit options.”
Under the agreement, the City and PEC will work together to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to consolidate and standardize the Medicare and non-Medicare plans offered by the City. Employees and non-Medicare retirees will now have access to three non-Medicare plans, as opposed to six under previous agreements, and Medicare retirees will have access to three Medicare Supplement plans. These changes are expected to reduce the costs of administering the City’s health insurance plans and to encourage vendors to offer the most competitive pricing, all while preserving meaningful choice in coverage options for members.
As a way to further contain costs, the City will now offer a Value HMO plan designed to generate cost savings through a limited network, deeper provider discounts, and/or alternative payment arrangements. Recognizing the growing costs of prescription drugs, the City and PEC will issue an RFP to explore the option of carving out Prescription Drug benefits to promote transparency and to lower costs through competitive pricing terms rather than restricted coverage.
The new agreement is responsive to impacts of the Affordable Care Act. For non-Medicare plans, the City and PEC worked together to make plan design changes and introduce an out-of-pocket maximum lower than the Affordable Care Act limit. These measures will reduce potential impact of the excise tax through increased employee co-pays, but still protect employees from financial risk caused by major illness or injury. In addition, if a health plan is at risk of hitting the excise tax threshold, the City and PEC have agreed to make further plan design changes to avoid triggering the excise tax.
The agreement accepts the extension of MGL Chapter 32B Section 19 through June 30, 2020, which allows the City to negotiate health insurance with the unions collectively and to continue building on the cooperative relationship that developed by working closely with the unions under the previous PEC agreement.
5 US Cities In The Top 25 Most Expensive In The World For Hotels & Airbnb
5 US Cities In The Top 25 Most Expensive In The World For Hotels & Airbnb
Boston Ranked #6 Most Expensive Overall In 2014 Accommodation Price Index
Berlin, Germany 09/12/2014: As part of the travel price index series, GoEuro.com has compiled an impartial accommodation price index covering 150 cities and over 60,000 properties to understand the effect of new trends in accommodation on the hotel industry. The increasing popularity of Airbnb and continued growth of the hostel industry are now important factors for travellers considering where to spend the night.
- New York is the most expensive overall, Tirana, Albania is the least expensive
- Boston is the most expensive in the world for an Airbnb room, and 14th most expensive for a hotel room
- The new sharing economy is increasing the diversity of the accommodation industry, and hotel alternatives are being increasingly embraced by millennials
For the full ranking and data, click here: http://www.goeuro.com/
Most Expensive Overall:
City
|
Rank
|
New York
|
1
|
St Moritz
|
2
|
Macao
|
3
|
Miami
|
4
|
Nassau
|
5
|
Boston
|
6
|
Venice
|
7
|
Dubai
|
8
|
San Francisco
|
9
|
Monte-Carlo
|
10
|
Least Expensive Overall:
City
|
Rank
|
Tirana
|
1
|
Hammamet
|
2
|
Sofia
|
3
|
Cairo
|
4
|
Antalya
|
5
|
Bangkok
|
6
|
Bucharest
|
7
|
Warsaw
|
8
|
Belgrade
|
9
|
Shanghai
|
10
|
All prices were calculated over the same date range for the same amount of guests.
麻州正式通過成立“聯合獨立黨”
OFFICIAL PARTY CERTIFICATION OF MASSACHUSETTS’ NEW “UNITED INDEPENDENT PARTY” ANNOUNCED BY SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE
UIP to gather voter enrollments in 2015 and run candidates in 2016 election
Boston – The United Independent Party (UIP) today officially took its place alongside Democrats and Republicans as a recognized, major political party in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The news came following certification of November 4 election results released by Secretary of State William Galvin’s office on December 3.
2014 gubernatorial candidate Evan Falchuk, who ran for Governor of Massachusetts as the United Independent Party candidate, earned nearly 72,000 votes on Election Day this year. In doing so, Falchuk earned in excess of the three percent of votes required in the November 4 statewide election for the United Independent Party to receive official recognition as a “major” party alongside the Democratic and Republican parties. The United Independent Party – dedicated to a greater diversity of progressive ideas combined with fiscally sane solutions – now will be on equal footing under state law with Democrats and Republicans regarding equal election and fundraising laws.
Next in UIP plans, Falchuk noted, is running candidates for office throughout Massachusetts in the 2016 elections, and aggressively boosting voter enrollments in the United Independent Party throughout 2015.
“Already, nearly twenty prospective candidates have contacted us about running for office as UIP candidates, including current Democrats and Republicans,” Falchuk stated. “We’re interested in helping smart, pragmatic, winnable candidates run for office – particularly for our State House’s Senate and House seats, the majority of which run unopposed each election cycle.”
To maintain major party status in Massachusetts, state law requires that at least one percent of Massachusetts voters enroll with the United Independent Party in time for the 2016 elections. Voters may download the Secretary of State’s official “Mail-In Voter Registration Form” by visiting http://bit.ly/15T2O9A.
“Now that we received official party certification from the Secretary of State’s office, we can ramp up our statewide efforts to enroll a minimum of one percent of voters in the UIP. We know this will happen, and is a big part of what will help our staying power as a major party in Massachusetts,” said Falchuk.
“The growing level of interest among voters we’re seeing at everything from our UIP supporter meetings to our social media pages speaks volumes on this front. This is a long-term game plan,” Falchuk added. “If we work hard and stay focused, we can achieve this required number of voter enrollees in our party, and in so doing provide voters with a wider, substantial set of new candidates from which to choose in every state election.”
The United Independent Party is dedicated to smart, brave reform of our politics, economy and government. The pragmatic party is focused on the principles that everyone is equal, everyone’s civil liberties must be protected, and government must spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
Both prior to and following the November 4 general election, people from several states including New Hampshire, California, Maryland, Virginia and Alabama have contacted Massachusetts’ new United Independent Party asking how their respective states go about creating a state UIP of their own.
Increasing interest in the UIP and its pragmatic focus, but in and outside of Massachusetts, speaks to the growing national interest in a viable, more independent-minded party. A record 60 percent of Americans call for the creation of a new third party, according to national polling and research firm Gallup, with 58 percent of Massachusetts voters calling for the same, according to polling firm DAPA Research, Inc.
Falchuk noted that United Independent Party supporters and activists plan to maintain the UIP’s official party status. “Since just 35 percent of registered voters in the Commonwealth are Democrats, and only 11 percent are Republicans, we have the very real opportunity here of making Massachusetts the first state in the nation where the ‘third’ party actually becomes the ‘second’ party,’” he said. “This is significant, and lines things up for Massachusetts setting a national, historic precedent.”
For information about enrolling in Massachusetts’ new United Independent Party, visit www.UnitedIndependent.org/
Thankful for New Hope for Families with the President’s Executive Action on Immigration
Thankful for New Hope for Families with the President’s Executive Action on Immigration
Posted by Paul Chang on November 26, 2014 at 01:12 PM EST
Speaking at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, where he laid out his principles for commonsense, comprehensive immigration reform nearly two years ago, President Obama delivers remarks on the new steps he will be taking within his executive authority on immigration.
Last week, I had the great pleasure of joining President Obama at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas as he spoke about new steps he is taking to start fixing America’s broken immigration system. President Obama announced executive actions that can provide nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants, including approximately 400,000 Asian immigrants, with temporary relief from deportation. With over 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, nearly 1.3 million are from Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on immigration at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 21, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Standing before a packed auditorium, President Obama inspired hope for me and so many Americans, as well as those who already consider themselves Americans. These executive actions will provide sweeping reforms to the current immigration system by securing our borders and protecting Americans by prioritizing the removal of felons, not families. It will provide a way for those living in the shadows to come forward if they pass national security and criminal background checks, pay a fine, and contribute their fair share of taxes. The President’s actions will also grow our economy, reduce our deficit, and create jobs.
Audience members, Lorella Praeli (left) and Chela Praeli (right), react as President Barack Obama delivers remarks on immigration at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nov. 21, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
I was brought to tears hearing the story of Astrid Silva, a young undocumented student who knew she could not have the same childhood as her peers and who was unable to attend the funeral of her grandmother overseas. Like Astrid, millions of undocumented individuals live in fear and are separated from their families. With the President’s executive actions, Guo Qiang Ye, father of four children all born in the United States, can now apply for deferred action to be with his family without the fear of deportation. If approved under the program and granted permission, Mr. Ye will also be able to visit his ailing mother in Hong Kong who he has not seen since 1996.
The President’s reforms will also provide relief for millions of undocumented workers. With deferred action, they will be better able to avoid exploitation, allowing them to earn at least minimum wage, which also helps protect native-born workers. Families can go to work with the peace of mind that they will not be deported while simply trying to make an honest living. Undocumented workers will also be able to report their income and pay their fair share in taxes.
Due to the inaction of Congress on immigration reform, President Obama is taking actions -- within his executive authority as President -- to make America's immigration system more fair and just. These reforms, however, do not change the law or fully fix our broken system. Only Congress has the authority to create a new law that can replace these actions and fix the whole system. President Obama reiterated that he will continue to work with Congress to make permanent, comprehensive, common-sense immigration reform a reality. As an undocumented child, I received my legal status when Congress last acted on immigration reform in 1986. Now serving at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, I look forward in the coming months to working with federal agencies and immigrant families on implementing President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Actions. And I stand alongside families across the country in being thankful this holiday season for a new hope for the future.
Paul Chang is a Regional Advisor at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Over 100 Companies Join Energy Buying Group MassMEC to Save on Cost of Winter Utility Bills
Over 100 Companies Join Energy Buying Group MassMEC to Save on Cost of Winter Utility Bills
Mass. manufacturers make the switch to state sponsored energy buying program as electricity prices spike
Boston (December 10, 2014) – The Massachusetts Manufacturing Energy Collaborative (MassMEC), a buying group of manufacturers that reduces energy costs by purchasing energy supply in bulk, today announced that more than 100 businesses have signed on to participate in the collaborative to save on the rising cost of electricity and natural gas this winter.
The cost of electricity for National Grid providers has jumped 37 percent from last winter while N Star prices will increase 29 percent, motivating many manufacturers to find alternative options.
MassMEC members across the Commonwealth range from metal manufacturers, restaurants and breweries, to hospitals and real estate properties. It includesWatch City Ventures in Waltham, Accurounds in Avon, and Steward Health Care Systems and Hajjar Management Co in Boston, among dozens of others.
MassMEC, which was first announced by Governor Deval Patrick in April, enables manufacturing companies and businesses to lower their energy costs by negotiating volume rates from electricity and natural gas suppliers. It also provides no-cost renewable energy reviews and consultations.
“With electricity prices rising this winter, more and more manufacturers are making the switch to MassMEC to save on their utility bills,” said Shaun Pandit, president of EarlyBird Power and manager of MassMEC. “MassMEC is now providing over 100 manufacturers and companies with energy consultations, electricity and natural gas procurement services and renewable energy analysis to help them save on energy.”
Lynne Mastera from Precix Inc, a New Bedford-based manufacturer of high performance o-rings and seals for automotive, aerospace and energy markets, faced sky-high electric costs and contacted MassMEC for advice. The buying group provided a winter hedge that will save up to $62,700 against their utility's variable rate, and up to $35,800 against the average supplier.
"Energy costs, especially this winter, represent a huge percentage of our expenses," said Lynne. "The MassMEC team provided straightforward information and advice, guiding our company toward securing the best electric rate. These savings are critical for saving on our bottom line and investing other areas of the company with funds to benefit consumers."
MassMEC recently saved Crusader Papers, a converter and distributor based in North Andover, over $12,000 this winter on electricity bills, compared to the forecasted utility rates. Rob Martin from Ipswich brewery also reached MassMEC for the best pricing on heating, and chose a deal that will reduce his company’s energy costs by at least $4,800 throughout the winter.
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency that created MassMEC, selected EarlyBird Power to manage the Collaborative following a competitive bidding process. EarlyBird Power is a Milton-based energy market expert that provides energy management and sustainability solutions to commercial, municipal and industrial clients. A licensed broker in natural gas and electricity in every deregulated state, EarlyBird uses its market expertise and relationships with wholesale suppliers to help clients save money and “go green.”
MassMEC is also a product of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, a Patrick Administration initiative that brings together members of the private and public sectors to support Massachusetts manufacturers.
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