CAPAC on Passage of Key Asian American and Pacific Islander Amendments in FY 2017 Interior and Environment Bill

CAPAC on Passage of Key Asian American and Pacific Islander Amendments in FY 2017 Interior and Environment Bill

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 231-196 to pass H.R. 5538, the FY 2017 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill. This bill provides funding for the Department of the Interior and includes key provisions authored by Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) that will benefit the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, including tripling funding for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and fulfilling the President’s funding request for the historic preservation of World War II Japanese American confinement sites. CAPAC Members released the following statements:

                                             

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“The annual interior appropriations bill is critically important in preserving our nation’s heritage and environment. I am pleased that the House bill includes Congresswoman Grace Meng’s provision to triple the current funding for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center which will allow the Center to add necessary staff positions and increase cultural outreach across the country. The bill also fulfills the President Obama’s funding request to preserve World War II Japanese American confinement sites where thousands of innocent Japanese Americans were imprisoned during WWII.  These sites serve as a critical reminder to future generations of the costs of xenophobia and the ongoing need to remain vigilant in upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans.

“Despite these achievements, the bill fails to fully fund other key AAPI priorities, including assistance to the U.S. territories and the Historic Preservation Fund. The bill also fails to provide many basic functions of government, underfunds the Environmental Protection Agency, and includes harmful riders that endanger the health and safety of Americans as well as the preservation of our environment and natural resources.

“Going forward, I urge Congress to fully fund the AAPI community’s top priorities and put aside partisanship when it comes to seriously addressing our nation’s health and environmental well-being.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

"The incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II constituted one of the darkest periods in our country’s modern history. I was less than one year old when my family and I were forcibly removed from our homes and put into internment camps. This happened because I simply looked like the enemy. As George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” It is imperative that our nation remembers these darkest chapters of our history, in addition to the best moments. As one of the two remaining former internees to currently serve in Congress, I am proud to have fought for funding for the preservation of Japanese American confinement sites.“

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I am pleased to have secured this extra and important funding for the Asian Pacific American Center. Using these additional dollars to hire individuals for critical and needed positions will further enhance this outstanding facility and allow it to remain a leading voice on the Asian Pacific American experience. The money will also enable APAC to host events in cities across the country to empower Asian Pacific American communities and promote America’s Asian Pacific heritage. I thank my colleagues in the House for supporting my amendment, and I urge the Senate to now follow suit.”

###

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.

http://capac-chu.house.gov/press-release/capac-passage-key-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-amendments-fy-2017-interior-and

​Statement on Launch of Charter Expansion Ballot Campaign

​Statement on Launch of Charter Expansion Ballot Campaign

BOSTON — The Save Our Public Schools campaign, a grassroots organization of Massachusetts families, parents, educators, and students opposed to Question 2, which would expand charter schools in Massachusetts, released the following statement on the launch of the Yes on Question 2 campaign:

​​

“Every time a new charter school opens or expands, it takes funding away from the public schools in that area. Under this proposal, the number of charter schools in Massachusetts would nearly triple in just 10 years, costing local public school districts more than $1 billion every single year.

If some public schools are falling short, we should fix them by investing in areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), arts and music, and Pre-K, not diverting even more resources to charters, which educate just four percent of students.”

In the current school year, over $400 million in taxpayer money is being diverted to charter schools statewide, with money withdrawn from 243 local school districts. The charter school ballot question would allow the state to approve 12 new charters schools a year, every year, with no limit on how much money a single district could lose. If all the allowable schools were opened, the annual losses would grow from almost $450 million in the first year to more than $550 million the next year, $670 million the year after, and so on. By the seventeenth year after the ballot question was passed, more than $3 billion would be diverted from district public schools to charter school every single year.

Local communities and their school committees have no say in the approval or operation of charter schools. The state approves charter schools even when the communities where they will be located are opposed to them. This has happened in Brockton, Gloucester and many other communities.

CAPAC Applauds Senate Passage of Filipino WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act and Urges House to Follow

CAPAC Applauds Senate Passage of Filipino WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act and Urges House to Follow

Washington, D.C. – Last night, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to pass S. 1555, a bill authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono to award Filipino World War II veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.  In the U.S. House of Representatives, a counterpart to this bill (H.R. 2737) was introduced by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and currently has 172 co-sponsors. House rules require Congressional Gold Medal legislation to have 290 co-sponsors before it can be considered for a vote. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus released the following statements:

                                             

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“I applaud the Senate for passing critical legislation to honor Filipino veterans who fought bravely for our country during World War II. With many of these veterans in their twilight years, it is urgent that we move swiftly to grant these veterans with the long overdue benefits and recognition they earned decades ago through their valiant service. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I commend Senator Hirono for her leadership, and am committed to working with my colleagues to get this legislation through the House of Representatives before the end of the year.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“Yesterday, the Senate provided recognition to Filipino World War II veterans for their brave and courageous service to the United States. These veterans were instrumental to an Allied victory in the Pacific theater, but their fight didn’t end with the war. For decades, they have continued to fight for the benefits they have earned and to be reunited with their families in the United States. I thank my Senate colleagues for joining me in recognizing these veterans’ service and sacrifice with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation’s highest civilian honors.”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“More than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under our American flag during World War II. With just 18,000 Filipino WWII Veterans alive today, time is truly of the essence to honor these courageous men with the long overdue recognition they deserve. We’ve made tremendous progress over the past year to gather bipartisan support from lawmakers for this legislation. Yesterday, the Senate cleared an important hurdle.  172 Members from both parties have co-sponsored this bill in the House so far, and we will continue working to pass  H.R.2737 in the House before the end of the year.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair:

“Filipino World War II veterans fought bravely alongside U.S. servicemembers and demonstrated strong loyalty and patriotism to our country. Granting them the Congressional Gold Medal would recognize their exceptional sacrifices and pay tribute to those who gave their lives in support of freedom and liberty. I commend Senator Hirono for her leadership in the Senate to pass this bill. I hope that my House colleagues will also recognize the heroism and courage of Filipino World War II veterans and bring this to the President’s desk for enactment.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“It is with great joy that I congratulate the Senate for making the decision to recognize and acknowledge the sacrifices that the Filipino Veterans made by dedicating their service and protecting our nation during WWII. I am filled with pride to see such measures taken to promote the Asian American community and their contributions to this country. It is now our turn to take similar actions and that is why I am urging the House to pass H.R. 2737. It the responsibility of the House to continue this movement to show our support to these veterans.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:

“I strongly support the Senate's passage of Senator Hirono’s bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans who fought for the United States. America’s victory was due in large part to the diverse communities across the country that answered the call to serve. This bill honors the tremendous sacrifices made by Filipino veterans and I call on my colleagues to follow the Senate’s lead and send this bill to the president’s desk.” 

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):

“Too often, our brave men and women in uniform who serve this country are overlooked despite their tremendous sacrifices for our freedom. I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation to ensure that Filipino World War II veterans get the recognition and rightful benefits they deserve for their service.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33):

“Yesterday, the Senate unanimously approved a bill to award Filipino WWII Veterans the Congressional Medal, one of our nation’s highest civilian honors. I congratulate Senator Hirono on this great achievement and urge the House to do the same and pass H.R. 2737, the House companion bill which I am a proud cosponsor of. Our nation’s Filipino veterans played an integral part in World War II and it is time we recognize their brave and courageous service to the United States.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06):

“It is so important that we honor the great sacrifice of the Filipino veterans who valiantly served during World War II,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I’m pleased that my colleagues in the Senate have recognized their countless contributions during a critical moment in our nation’s history, and I’m grateful to Senator Hirono for her leadership in Congress on behalf of this noble cause.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I commend the Senate for approving legislation to award Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, and congratulate Senator Hirono for all her efforts to get it passed. Brave and dedicated Filipino veterans served and sacrificed with U.S. troops, and deserve the same recognition to which all former service members are entitled. I have fought for and sponsored legislation to ensure that Filipino veterans receive the benefits they earned and rightly deserve, and I applaud this latest effort to award these veterans with one of our nation’s highest civilian honors. I urge the House to promptly pass this legislation as well.”

Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI):

“I congratulate Hawai’i Senator Mazie Hirono for leading the U.S. Senate to recognize the critically important contribution that Filipino soldiers made, fighting alongside America, in World War II. Their valor and sacrifice may now finally receive the honor deserved.”

Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03):

“As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the only Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry, I applaud the Senate for passing the Filipino World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act.  More than 200,000 Filipino solders fought alongside Americans in World War II.  Their invaluable service helped provide the necessary support to defeat the Japanese in the Pacific.  As a cosponsor of the Filipino World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, I urge the House of Representative to take up and pass H.R. 2737.”

Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):

“Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that recognizes the tremendous sacrifice and bravery of our Filipino World War II veterans. These veterans were vital in the war effort and have been fighting for the benefits they earned ever since. While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to these soldiers, we must pass this identical resolution in the House to award our Filipino World War II veterans the Congressional Gold Medal. While this recognition is a step in the right direction, Congress can do more. As the number of World War II veterans continues to diminish, we can continue to build on recent improvements the visa process and make it easier for the families of these selfless Filipino veterans to be reunited with their loved ones in the United States.”

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47):

“Hundreds of thousands of Filipino soldiers answered the call to arms and fought under the orders of American generals against the Japanese in World War II. Tens of thousands died in battle and in horrific captivity as prisoners of war. Ultimate U.S. victory in the Philippines was assured by the heroics, bravery, and sacrifice of these Filipino soldiers. It is only fitting that we as a nation honor them with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their devotion, dedication, and valor.”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46):

“I applaud the Senate for voting to justly award the Congressional Gold Medal to our brave Filipino World War II veterans who fought to protect the United States of America. Their dedicated service and selfless sacrifice truly earned this honor, which is the highest civilian award that Congress can bestow. I strongly urge my colleagues in the House to join me in voting to award these World War II veterans with the important recognition they deserve.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Filipino World War II veterans served our country bravely and should receive the full honors they deserve for their heroic acts. It is past time for us to provide our Filipino veterans with the proper recognition for their service and sacrifice. I applaud the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Filipino World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, and urge House Republican leadership to bring this legislation to the House Floor.”

Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-15):

“The Senate has done the right thing – and now the House must as well. Filipino World War II veterans bravely served the United States and were a key part of our victory in the Pacific, and they should not have had to fight so hard for the benefits and recognition they so richly deserve. It’s never too late to properly honor their service and sacrifices, and I’m honored to cosponsor Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s bill to accomplish that.”

Governor Charlie Baker Issues Statement on Attack in Nice, France

Governor Charlie Baker Issues Statement on Attack in Nice, France

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement on the attack in Nice, France:  

“Our hearts break to again see images of terror on our televisions as innocent people were targeted while going about their day,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our nation stands with the people of France as they celebrate their independence, and mourn the dead and pray for the injured and their families. The French are a strong and proud people, and on Bastille Day, we know they will unite to overcome this horrific attack, find those responsible and defend the democratic way of life we both share.”

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Supporting Veterans’ Benefits and Housing

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Supporting Veterans’ Benefits and Housing 

Expands scholarship and community support opportunities; establishes Gold Star Memorial Park in Fall River

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker was joined by active duty service members and veterans of the United States Armed Services, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Secretary of Veterans' Services Francisco Ureña and members of the legislature as he signed ​An Act relative to housing, operations, military service, and enrichment, (H. 4285) or "The HOME Act," into law. The omnibus legislation provides additional support for members of the Armed Services, veterans, gold star families, and the Commonwealth's two Soldiers’ Homes. 

“We are grateful to the brave men and women who have answered the call for our nation and Commonwealth​," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am honored to sign this legislation enhancing the services Massachusetts provides to those active service members, veterans and families who selflessly serve to secure our safety and freedom."

“This legislation provides important support for the veterans and service members of our Armed Services who have fought to uphold our nation’s values,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are pleased to provide critical assistance with financial security, housing, and educational opportunities for all those who have served and for their loved ones here at home.”

“These laws highlight our commitment as a Commonwealth to our veteran population,” said Secretary of Veteran Affairs Francisco Ureña. “I am pleased to see the legislature’s support of our country’s heroes.”

“I am so proud of the commitment from my colleagues and the Baker Administration in continuing to address the needs of our veterans,” said Senator Mike Rush, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.  “This legislation not only provides comprehensive services and programs to those who serve their country, but give them the recognition that they deserve.  It is our job as elected officials to do all we can to support those brave men and women and their families who serve this great country.”

“There is no question that Massachusetts is number one in terms of providing services to our veterans,”said Representative Jerry Parisella, Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.“Although we do so much for our veterans, it is important that we continue to improve the lives of those who have so gallantly served their country.”

​ The legislation (as amended in H. 4477), signed into law by Governor Baker includes:

• Section 1, Designates the Fall River Gold Star monument the official gold star monument of the Commonwealth.

• Section 4, Expands the Public Service Scholarship to extend support to benefit children of service members held as prisoners of war or missing in action in any conflict.

·        Sections 6-8, Extend pay and benefits protections for employees of the Commonwealth who serve in the National Guard units or in reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces when they are called to service

• Sections 9-10, Extend total municipal real estate tax exemption to cover surviving spouses of any service member killed during active duty service and veterans with service-connected blindness that results in a 100% disability rating from the Federal Veterans Administration.

• Section 12, Allows for municipalities to establish a way for individuals to voluntarily check off, donate, or pledge an amount of money which shall go to the Municipal Veterans Assistance Fund. The Fund provides support for vets and their dependents in need of immediate assistance with food, transportation, heat and oil expenses

·        Sections 17-20, Expand provisions establishing preferences for veterans in publicly-supported housing units.

• Sections 22-24, Add veteran status as protected class under the law prohibiting discrimination in employment (Ch. 151B, §4).

Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Martin J. Walsh Break Ground at Treadmark in Dorchester

Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Martin J. Walsh Break Ground at Treadmark in Dorchester

Former Ashmont Tire site will become 83 units of mixed-income, transit-oriented housing

Boston – July 11, 2016 – Today Governor Charlie Baker joined Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, Greater Ashmont Main Streets and officials from the real estate development firm Trinity Financial to break ground on Treadmark, an 83 unit, mixed-income housing development in Dorchester's Ashmont neighborhood.

The project transforms an underutilized neighborhood parcel, advances the Commonwealth's workforce housing production goals, and is transit oriented. It builds on past and ongoing development in the neighborhood, and follows on the success of Trimity's Carruth building, bringing more housing and retail space to Ashmont. Treadmark is advancing with significant state and city support, including over $3 million in state and federal tax credits that will generate approximately $22 million in equity for the project, $3 million in rental subsidy funds, and over $4 million in funding from the City of Boston.

“This development continues to build on our commitment to significantly increase the production of workforce housing throughout the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "Treadmark is an impactful project for Dorchester, showcasing how affordable and workforce housing can transform underutilized neighborhood parcels, and build community in the process."

“Dorchester is a vibrant and growing neighborhood, and this development will provide new opportunities for housing and economic development for the families and residents of Ashmont,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We welcome opportunities like this to work with our local partners and collaborate on advancing the vibrancy and wellbeing of communities across the Commonwealth."

"Treadmark exemplifies the type of mixed-income and transit-oriented housing development that is needed in neighborhoods across our city," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "I am proud that the city's investment in this project will help support new affordable rental housing for families in Dorchester. I want to thank the many partners involved who helped bring this project to fruition, adding to our city's affordable housing stock and helping us achieve our housing goals."

"Community-driven housing construction is a cornerstone of our broader economic development agenda," said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Mixed-income smart growth housing development, like Treadmark, helps keep Massachusetts competitive, by creating new opportunities for young professionals and families to set down roots.”

“Today's groundbreaking brings a strong neighborhood vision to fruition," said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay. "We are proud to partner with the City of Boston, and with the residents of Dorchester, to move this compelling housing project forward."

“We believe this project is a model for how to create affordable and middle-income housing,” said Trinity Financial Senior Project Manager Mathieu Zahler. “This public-private partnership is a national model for collaboration; the city and the state made significant investments, and our relationships with the public and private institutions we worked with were vital in making this project come to fruition.  The Architectural Team, along with Taniya Nayak Design, will bring the design to life, integrating the character of Dorchester into the growing need for transit-oriented, urban development. Our goal is to accelerate Ashmont’s revitalization while maintaining a strong connection to the community whose involvement was so vitally important to getting this project underway.” 

The Treadmark development includes 51 affordable rental units and 32 homeownership condominiums. Four of the condominiums meet the requirements of the City of Boston’s Inclusionary Development Policy (80-100% of AMI), 16 units are affordable to individuals making up to 110% of AMI (workforce units) and the balance are market rate. The building also includes 5,000 square feet of ground floor neighborhood retail.

Investments in affordable housing developments and renovations reflect the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to ensuring that residents have access to affordable housing throughout Massachusetts. In May, the administration unveiled a 5-year Capital Budget plan that includes a $1.1 billion commitment to increasing housing production. This commitment represents an 18% funding increase for production and housing preservation for existing affordable units across the state.

Last fall, the Administration awarded $75 million in Affordable Housing Development awards that support the construction and preservation of 1500 housing units across the Commonwealth.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Judge Frank Gaziano to Supreme Judicial Court

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Judge Frank Gaziano to Supreme Judicial Court

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito released the following statements on the Governor’s Council’s unanimous confirmation of Judge Frank Gaziano to the Supreme Judicial Court:

“I want to congratulate Judge Frank Gaziano on his unanimous confirmation to the Supreme Judicial Court, and look forward to the contributions his experience and tireless work ethic will bring to the Commonwealth’s highest court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I thank the members of the Governor’s Council for their thoughtful deliberation and overwhelming approval of a highly qualified candidate like Judge Gaziano, and look forward to their future consideration of our remaining nominees.”
​

“The experience, character, and dedication Judge Frank Gaziano will bring to the Commonwealth’s Supreme Judicial Court ensures that the citizens of the Commonwealth will be served with tremendous justice and fairness,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am pleased to congratulate Judge Gaziano on his confirmation as an Associate Justice and thank the Governor’s Council for their consideration and their unanimous consent." 

Boston Children’s Museum Receives National Leadership Grant to Directly Support School Readiness through Partnerships

Boston Children’s Museum Receives National Leadership Grant to Directly Support School Readiness through Partnerships

Grant and Launch of New Website Enhance the Capacity of Museum and Library Educators to Support Children and Families

BOSTON, MA – July 12, 2016 – Boston Children’s Museum recently received a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services dedicated for School Readiness through Partnerships: Museums, Libraries and State Early Learning Systems Project.  

This grant harnesses the collective power of museums, libraries, state early learning systems and other community organizations to directly support school readiness for children and especially those in underserved communities. The Collective Impact Framework will build upon the success of Boston Children’s Museum’s Race to the Top – Museums/Libraries Project, which effectively created a wide network connecting museums and libraries across Massachusetts. 

“We are thrilled to be able to continue the valuable work we have been doing with museums and libraries over the past four years,” said Carole Charnow, President & CEO. “This program allows us to leverage our decades of experience developing school readiness programs and resources for young children and to share our knowledge with thousands of families. We deeply thank our funders who have made this important work possible."

With the generous support of Institute of Museum and Library Services, the new School Readiness through Partnerships project will enhance the capacity of museum and library educators to support children and families through:

1) Convening of regional networks of museums, libraries, state early learning systems and other community‐based organizations
2) Coordinating with the regions to create a shared vision for informal learning opportunities through effective collaborations
3) Auditing of informal learning programs for quality and engagement
4) Informal review of family engagement practices
5) Assessing professional development opportunities for educators
6) Developing of new programs, resources and services based on needs articulated by the collaborative team

The Project will continue to strengthen the regional network in Massachusetts and, working with strategic partner, BUILD Initiative, expand the program to three additional states over three years.

“The importance of school readiness has been well documented, as has the need to invest in those efforts,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “IMLS has challenged libraries and museums to take a leading role in their communities’ early learning strategies. We are proud to support leaders like Boston Children’s Museum as they work on collective impact models that can be adapted for use across the country.” 

Boston Children’s Museum will work closely with the following partners to implement the project:‐ BUILD Initiative; working with early childhood leaders at the state level across the country to better prepare young children to thrive and succeed.‐ Imagination Playground; committed to creative free‐play supported by an engaged community of parents, educators, caregivers, researchers and leaders. Creators of large‐scale eponymous building blocks.‐ Goodman Research Group; evaluators with a long‐standing practice in evaluating the efficacy of programs at the state, regional and local levels.‐ Association for Children’s Museums; a clearinghouse for data and shared best practices for the children’s museum field internationally.

An expansion of the resources for families with preschool children includes a newly launched website with tools and additional information that increases the high quality and enriching experiences may be found at www.School-Readiness.org

About Boston Children's Museum
Boston Children’s Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org. Become a fan of the Museum on Facebookand follow us on Twitter

Hours and Admission
The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Fridays until 9:00 p.m. Adults, $16, children (1-15) and senior citizens, $16; children under 12 months and Museum members are always free. Fridays 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., all visitors $1.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $2.3 Million for Programs to Save Low-Income Residents Money on Energy Bills

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $2.3 Million for Programs to Save Low-Income Residents Money on Energy Bills

BOSTON – July 11, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $2.3 million in funding to four organizations that will use clean and efficient energy technologies to lower energy bills for low-income residents and multi-family buildings across the Commonwealth. Part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Affordable Access to Clean and Efficient Energy Initiative, the funding is expected to save residents and property owners $1.2 million annually on their energy bills.

“These grants will provide cost-saving opportunities to Massachusetts families and low-income residents who need it most,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is working to provide everyone in Massachusetts affordable access to the economic and environmental benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency.” 

“Families across Massachusetts, regardless of income, should be able to save money and improve their environment through clean and efficient energy technologies,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This assistance will help the Massachusetts residents who are most affected by high energy costs, as well as support the Commonwealth’s growing clean energy industry.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to supporting programs that connect low- and moderate-income Massachusetts residents with technologies that use less energy and provide the benefits of healthier, more comfortable homes,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “These programs will also help reduce the Commonwealth’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.”

The funding, provided by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), will support:

·         Action, Inc. – Statewide - $900,000 – Funding for the installation of high-efficiency air-source heat pumps in for low-income residents living in single-family homes with electric baseboard heating. The heat pump installations will include comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades, including weatherization, lighting and appliance replacements.

·         New Ecology, Inc. –Statewide– $600,000 – Funding for the installation of heating and cooling monitoring equipment in approximately 100 low-income, multi-family buildings, with the goal of reducing energy costs by 5 to 20 percent.

·         Local Initiatives Support Corporation – Statewide – $600,000 – Funding for up to 30 comprehensive energy audits in affordable multi-family buildings approaching refinancing to demonstrate an integrated approach to systematically achieve deep energy efficiency savings and implement renewable technologies.

·         Cape Light Compact – Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard – $250,000 – Funding for the installation of solar electricity at low-income, single- and multi-family homes, using solar renewable energy credit (SREC) payments to fund additional installations.

“These programs will help lessen the burden for low-income residents across the Commonwealth who spend a disproportionate share of their income on energy bills,” said MassCEC Interim CEO Steve Pike.

Launched in February, the Baker-Polito Administration’s Affordable Access to Clean and Efficient Energy Initiative is focused on coordinating the agencies that serve the energy and housing needs of the Commonwealth’s low- and moderate-income residents and identifying the most effective strategies to direct funding. The initiative includes an inter-secretariat working group and a $15 million commitment from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and MassCEC for clean energy programs to expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

“Massachusetts is a national leader in energy efficiency, ranking first in the country the past five years,”said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “DOER is proud to work with our partners across state government to increase access to our innovative energy savings to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of income.”

“These investments are wins all around,” said State Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield), Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “They help hardworking families save a little bit, they help the environment by reducing energy demand and they help the state continue to lead the nation in energy efficiency.”

“Massachusetts is on the cutting edge in creating solutions that drive down our energy costs and shrink our carbon footprint,” stated State Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell), House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities, and Energy. “Thanks to funding from the Baker Administration’s Affordable Access to Clean and Efficient Energy Initiative, these innovative measures will benefit low-income individuals and families in our communities.”

The grants are funded through MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust, which was created by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1998. The trust is funded by a systems benefit charge paid by electric customers of investor-owned utilities in the state, along with municipal electric departments that have opted to participate in the program. The average residential customer contributes 32 cents to the Renewable Energy Trust each month.