Educator of the Year Award Winners Announced

Educator of the Year Award Winners Announced

Boston Public Schools teachers recognized by Mayor Walsh, BPS, and Boston Teachers Union

BOSTON - Wednesday, April 12, 2017 - Boston Public Schools (BPS), Mayor Martin J. Walsh, and the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), are pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Boston Educator of the Year Awards. The selected winners, who will be honored at tonight's Boston Celtics game at TD Garden, are recognized as exemplary educators who go above and beyond to positively impact the lives of their students and community members. "A great teacher can change a student's life," said Mayor Walsh. "It's so important to recognize the effort of those who work every day to make a difference in the lives of our young people, and I'm proud to congratulate the Educator of the Year award winners for their outstanding contributions to the Boston community." Teachers, families, students, community members, and others were all invited to nominate educators who had had an impact on themselves, or someone they know, and to honor their work and dedication through this award. "The Boston School Committee is continuously impressed by the dedication of our teachers to supporting student growth and working tirelessly to close opportunity and achievement gaps," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "The connection the winners and honorable mentions have formed with their students continues to inspire our students to embrace their creativity. We thank them for their tireless commitment to the students of Boston." The award recipients are: James Louis, TechBoston Academy Denise Steere, Hernandez K-8 Dual Language School John Defina, Brighton High School Michael Andrews, Josiah Quincy Upper School Ryan Flynn, Beethoven Elementary School Sorange Corona-Whalen, Beethoven Elementary School Kendra Martin, Lilla Frederick Pilot Middle School The honorable mention recipients are: Danielle Moran, Curley K-8 School Jana McCarthy, West Roxbury Academy Lillian Holland, Guild Elementary School Nora LaCasse, Boston Community Leadership Academy Samuel Texeira, Henderson K-12 Inclusion School Theresa Sousa, Otis Elementary School Thierno Tall, Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers "The winners of the Educators of the Year Award truly go the extra mile to help our students thrive," said BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang. "We are fortunate to have such a diverse group of educators who are so deeply devoted to meeting students' individualized needs to help them reach their full potential. Thank you to the winners, finalists, and all of the committed and hardworking teachers of the Boston Public Schools." Award winners will be celebrated on April 12, 2017, center court at the Boston Celtics' final regular season home game. "The Boston Teachers Union is proud of all of our hardworking teachers and staff who do continuously strive to meet the needs of students and families," said BTU President Richard Stutman. "The Educator of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their important contributions and provide them the recognition they deserve. Congratulations to the winners, finalists, and all of our teachers and staff  who work everyday -- usually without recognition of their accomplishments  --  to help the youth of Boston."

Democrats say Baker Needs to Stop Treating T Riders as Second Class Citizens

Democrats say Baker Needs to Stop Treating T Riders as Second Class Citizens

BOSTON - Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford released the following statement in advance of tomorrow's meeting of the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board where board members are reportedly considering cuts to service:

"Governor Baker told us that cutting commuter rail service was off the table. Now, he's is trying to sneak through drastic service cuts and refusing to tell riders whether the train they rely on is on the fast track to elimination. Incredibly, Baker's  is still considering cutting all commuter rail service on either Saturdays or Sundays and may cut the RIDE service for disabled passengers.

"The Governor seems oblivious to the needs of riders in Worcester and Fitchburg, on the South Shore, or up North who rely on weekend trains to get to work and back home, or to visit Boston or the beach.

"The Baker Administration should be focused on holding the private commuter rail contractor accountable for its terrible performance record, not trying to eliminate service at the last minute and hope that no one will notice. Massachusetts can't boast of a world class economy if the Baker Administration keeps running a second class transportation system. The Governor needs to stop treating the people who depend on the the T as second class citizens "

CAPAC Chair Calls for Answers Regarding Removal of Asian American Passenger from United Airlines Flight

CAPAC Chair Calls for Answers Regarding Removal of Asian American Passenger from United Airlines Flight

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) sent a letter to United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz, raising concerns over the violent removal of an Asian American passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 3411. Chair Chu also sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao requesting that she disclose any findings of DOT’s review of this incident. CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement:

“I am deeply disturbed by the footage of a ticketed United Airlines passenger being forcibly removed from his flight. U.S. airlines should ensure the safety of their passengers. In this instance, the mistreatment of an Asian American passenger in order to accommodate United’s employees resulted in serious physical injury and an appalling abuse of rights. As more details regarding this incident continue to emerge – including the recent revelation that the flight was not oversold – we are left with more questions than answers.

“I sent a letter to United Airlines and the U.S. Department Transportation asking for complete clarity behind this matter, including answers as to why violent force was necessary to remove this passenger, and whether any Federal laws or regulations were violated during this horrific incident. I look forward to a prompt response to these letters. No passenger should feel unsafe while flying.”

A full copy of both letters can be found below.

Letter to Oscar Munoz, Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines:

April 11, 2017

Mr. Oscar Munoz

Chief Executive Officer

United Airlines

233 S. Wacker Drive                    

Chicago, IL 60606

Dear Mr. Munoz:

As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I write to express serious concern regarding the handling of an overbooked United Airlines flight during which an Asian American passenger was forcibly removed from the aircraft.

Over the past few days, multiple videos have surfaced online of aviation security officers violently removing David Dao from his seat aboard United Airlines Flight 3411. According to multiple news reports, this incident occurred after United Airlines attempted to bump four ticketed passengers from a Chicago to Louisville flight in order to accommodate its own employees. Four passengers, including Dr. Dao, were randomly selected for removal. However, after Dr. Dao questioned these efforts, he was aggressively thrown to the ground and dragged off the flight by aviation officials.

United’s public response to this situation has resulted in more questions than answers. Although overbooking is a common practice among many commercial airline carriers and is not illegal, I am deeply concerned by the disturbing actions taken by United to remove Dr. Dao.

I am also concerned by the internal memo you sent to United Airlines employees earlier this week during which you noted that crewmembers “followed established procedures for dealing with situations like this.”

In order to better understand how exactly United’s “established procedures” led to this disturbing treatment of a ticketed passenger, I request your response to the following questions:

1.      Under what specific conditions in United’s current procedures are violent uses of force acceptable to the airlines and aviation security personnel?

2.      Which of the aforementioned conditions were met in this situation that led to the violent removal of United Airlines passenger Dr. David Dao?

3.      Does United Airlines plan to implement any policy changes as a result of this incident?

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,              

JUDY CHU

Member of Congress

CAPAC Chair

Letter to Secretary Elaine Chao, Department of Transportation:

April 11, 2017

The Honorable Elaine Chao

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao:

As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I write to urge the Department of Transportation to conduct a thorough investigation into the alarming handling of an overbooked United Airlines flight during which an Asian American passenger was forcibly removed from the aircraft.

According to multiple news reports, United Airlines wanted to bump four ticketed passengers from a Chicago to Louisville flight in order to accommodate four of its own employees. The airline allegedly offered passengers vouchers up to $800 before randomly selecting four passengers for removal. One passenger, Dr. David Dao, questioned these efforts and was violently dragged off the flight by aviation security.

United Airlines’ public response to this situation has resulted in more questions than answers. Although overbooking is a common practice among many commercial airline carriers and is not illegal, I am deeply concerned by the disturbing actions taken aboard United Airlines Flight 3411 to remove Dr. Dao.

While I understand that your Department is currently reviewing this case, it is imperative that we have more information on the industry practices that led to this particular incident and whether these policies meet Federal standards. Your Department is uniquely positioned to protect passengers from such gross violations of their basic rights. I request that you share any findings from your review with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, including whether any Federal laws or regulations were violated during this incident.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

JUDY CHU

Member of Congress

CAPAC Chair

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $15.7 MILLION CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR PRESERVATION OF BOSTON'S RARE BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $15.7 MILLION CAPITAL INVESTMENT FOR PRESERVATION OF BOSTON'S RARE BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS

Renovation and preservation project includes inventory, environmental, mechanical, and service improvements

BOSTON - Wednesday, April 12, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the launch of a major capital project at the Boston Public Library to help preserve its historic rare books and manuscripts collections, as outlined in Mayor Walsh's Fiscal Year 2018 - Fiscal Year 2022 (FY18-FY22) Capital Plan being released tomorrow. "The Boston Public Library has the distinct honor of serving as the steward of some of our nation's finest and most historic collections," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud that through this Capital Plan, we are able to invest in the preservation and care of these collections to ensure their longevity and increase public access to these cherished items." The first phase of the project commenced in February 2017 with an inventory of the Rare Books & Manuscripts Department's nearly 250,000 rare books and one million manuscripts, in preparation for the second and major phase of the project: substantial renovation with a focus on environmental and mechanical improvements to better regulate temperature and humidity control of the department's collection storage areas, staff spaces, conservation lab, and public reading room. The project will be managed by the City of Boston's Public Facility Department, and the total project is estimated to cost approximately $15.7 million between FY18-FY20. This capital project continues the Boston Public Library's renewed commitment to improve intellectual control and custodianship of all its special collections that began with the Print Department inventory launched in 2015. The Rare Books & Manuscripts Department serves as the Boston Public Library's principal repository of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts of permanent or enduring value collected for their intellectual content and historical significance. Highlights of the library's extraordinary holdings-one of the largest in the United States-include medieval manuscripts dating from as early as the 10th century; Colonial and Revolutionary War letters and documents; early printed books; and President John Adams's personal library. "As stewards of these most valuable and historic collections, we take our responsibility for their care extremely seriously; initiating this capital project ensures our rare books and manuscripts collection will be preserved, accessible to all, and utilized as intended today and for the future," said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. "This significant project enables the Rare Books & Manuscripts Department to better serve the public by creating a sustainable preservation environment that is critical to the collection's long-term care," said Laura Irmscher, Boston Public Library's Chief of Collections. To accommodate the inventory project, rare books and manuscript materials are on a limited viewing schedule until Thursday, April 27, when the collections will close to accommodate the environmental and mechanical improvement work. For more information on the viewing schedule, please visit here. Special accommodations are currently being planned for viewing of other BPL special collections materials such as items from the BPL's print and art collections. During the closure, patrons may visit archive.org/details/bostonpubliclibrary and www.digitalcommonwealth.org to view a portion of the Library's Special Collections. Limited remote reference services will also be available. Today's announcement complements Mayor Walsh's proposed FY18 operating budget, which was released last week, and is designed to balance sustainability and increased investments in key initiatives to more fully supports Boston's neighborhoods.

AARP亞太裔社區英雄獎接受提名

AARP Opens Call for Nominations for Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Hero Awards AARP亞太裔社區英雄獎接受提名 AARP to Honor Individuals Who Serve AAPIs Age 50-plus 表彰服務50歲以上亞太裔長者之傑出人士 WASHINGTON, D.C., April 11, 2017 – AARP proudly announces a call for nominations for its 2nd Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Awards to acknowledge the extraordinary staff and volunteers of nonprofit organizations that serve AAPIs age 50-plus. Nominations may be made from now until May 23, 2017. For complete information and to submit a nomination, visit AARP’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AARPAAPI. Eligible nominees include any non-senior management employee or volunteer of a non-profit organization that serves Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders age 50-plus. Nominees can be any age and ethnicity. The awards are open to the public and there is no charge for entry. “Every single day throughout the U.S. members of our AAPI community are serving seniors. Help us give national recognition to these community members who give of themselves to improve the lives of our elders. Nominate a non-senior staff member or volunteer for their commitment to helping older adults,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “This award is AARP’s acknowledgement to those individuals for their generosity and service that help makes the lives of older adults better.” Ten finalists will be chosen from the submitted nominees by a committee comprised of AARP staff and featured on a Facebook photo album for open voting in early June. Users can “like” or “share” the finalist to cast their vote. Three heroes will be announced in July, and they and their organizations will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. Previous heroes include Shiao-Lin D. Hui of the Chinese Community Center Free Clinic at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Chicago (CCBA) in Chicago, IL; Julie Kimiyo Hubbard of Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service in San Jose, CA; and Dongwoo “Joe” Pak of the Korean-American Seniors Association of Orange County in Garden Grove, CA. 【華盛頓哥倫比亞特區2017年4月11日訊】AARP組織隆重宣佈，第二屆年度亞太裔社區英雄獎現在接受提名。此獎項旨在表揚任何非營利機構內服務50歲以上亞太裔民眾的傑出職員及義工，並從今天起至2017年5月23日開放各界提交人選。 民眾可以前往AARP的亞太裔臉書專頁www.facebook.com/AARPAAPI了解詳情以及進行提名。只要是在服務50歲以上亞太裔民眾的非營利機構擔任非高管職員或義工俱符合提名資格，不論年齡和族裔，而且活動開放公眾參與及不設參加費用。 “每一天，我們亞太裔社區的成員在全美各地服務長者。現在，請幫助我們一起表揚這些奉獻自己、改善長者生活的傑出人士。請大家提名一位全心全意、致力服務老年人的非高層人員或義工。” AARP多元文化引領亞太裔受眾副總裁Daphne Kwok（郭為婉）說：“這個獎項是我們向一直以來無私奉獻、致力幫助長者改善生活的人們致敬的方式。” 由AARP職員組成的遴選委員會將從芸芸被提名人士中選取十位優秀者，然後於六月上旬開始在臉書相冊中公佈和接受公眾投票。臉書用戶可以上網“按讚” 或“分享”以投票支持各個候選人。七月的時候我們將公佈三位得獎英雄，他們和所屬的組織將分別獲得$1,000現金獎。 去年的得獎者包括芝加哥中華會館屬下中華義診所的義工護理員Shiao-Lin D. Hui（戴筱玲）、加州聖荷西友愛會老人中心的Julie Kimiyo Hubbard、以及加州橙縣韓裔老人中心的Dongwoo “Joe” Pak（朴東吾）。

About AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

查理貝克登上全美最受歡迎州長寶座

(Boston Orange)根據晨詢(Morning Consult)的民意調查，麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)又再登上全美最受歡迎州長寶座。

              該調查報告指聯邦參議員沃倫(Elizabeth Warren)的支持率跌了一些。

              該公司在過去三個月中調查了將近2500名麻州選民，結果麻州長查理貝克的支持率高達75%，而且只有17%的回覆問卷者不滿意他的表現。

              查理貝克的支持率比晨詢去年九月時公佈的70%支持率，18%不滿意率更好了。在去年九月所做， 包括全美50州州長支持率的調查中，查理貝克排名第三，僅次於南達科他州(South Dakota)及馬里蘭州(Maryland)。

              這次，查理貝克比馬里蘭州州長Larry Hogan的74%還高了1%。在最近的調查中，四名最受歡迎州長中有3人和麻州的查理貝克一樣，都是共和黨人領導民主黨居多數的州，例如馬里蘭州和佛蒙特州。

              查理貝克和伊莉莎白沃倫明年都將競選連任。查理貝克的支持率回升了，沃倫的支持率則跌了些，僅只56%，不滿意率則為38%。她在2016年時的支持率為61%，不滿意率為27%。

              另一名聯邦參議員馬基(Edward Markey)，住在摩頓市(Malden)的民主黨員，在這次調查中的支持率為55%。在接受調查的麻州選民中，有20%以上表示他們對馬基了解不夠。

              新罕布夏州共和黨籍的新任州長桑努努(Chris Sununu)，在透過共和黨議員來推動他的優先要務實，開始得並不順利。不過調查顯示，選民們或者是不了解那些困難，就是並不在乎。

晨詢的民意調查顯示，桑努努也有55%的支持率，和聯邦參議員Maggie Hassan的53%，以及Jeanne Shaheen的57%差不多。

              Hassan和Shaheen在2018年時都不會競選連任，但桑努努卻必須競選連任，因為這大理石州的州長任期為兩年。

              晨詢的民意調查問卷透過多種往上辦法，包括問卷和電郵，登記每一州的選民。該民意調查包括2462名麻州選民一月份的調查，從2017年的一月做到三月，誤差2%。

              新罕布夏州的調查是在同樣時段進行，參與的選民644人，誤差率4%。

華美福利會多行業招聘會 5/5

Red Sox Mascots, City Officials Join Thousands of BPS Students for Annual Walk to School Day

Red Sox Mascots, City Officials to Join Thousands of BPS Students for Annual Walk to School Day

BOSTON - Tuesday April 11, 2017 - An estimated 4,000 Boston Public Schools (BPS) students from over 22 elementary, middle, and K-8 schools will take to the streets on Wednesday, April 12th, in the 2nd Annual BPS "Walk to School Day" event. This day celebrates the efforts of Safe Routes to School Boston, a city-wide initiative aimed at making walking to school safe, popular, and fun. City and BPS officials will accompany students on their walks. 

Safe Routes to School is part of a national program with a comprehensive approach that encourages students and their families to walk, bike, or use other forms of active transportation to commute to and from school. It teaches students and families safe walking habits; works with city agencies to improve infrastructure; and engages families through events such as Walk to School Day. These efforts not only boost students' health and academic readiness, but they support the BPS Wellness Policy. The 2nd Annual BPS Spring Walk to School Day celebrates these efforts and kicks off the spring walking season. Children who walk to school tomorrow will get more than an academic boost. Students on their way to the Ellis Elementary school will get a surprise visit by Wally the Green Monster and his little sister Tessie, the Red Sox mascots. Other schools will congratulate walkers with stickers and other prizes, and many students will be greeted by a variety of city officials.

2017年加州中国论坛 留学生组织能力备受赞赏

轉載

2017年加州中国论坛 留学生组织能力备受赞赏

http://www.aacyf.org/?p=7220

由美西南中国学生学者联谊会（SWCSSA)和南加州大学中国学生学者联谊会(USCCSSA)共同主办的2017年加州中国论坛，4月9日在洛杉矶南加州大学（USC)举办，近400名来宾参加了本届论坛，包括来自南加州各大知名学府的留学生和论坛邀请的各界嘉宾。这个论坛被誉为南加州区域内最具国际化的中国论坛。今年的论坛以“中美文化与科技创新的碰撞”为主题。 中国驻洛杉矶总领事馆副总领事庄志哲、教育参赞袁东、美国知名中国问题研究专家、南加州大学政治学教授骆思典（Stanley Rosen)等出席了本次论坛。

美西南中国学生学者联谊会主席、加州大学洛杉矶分校医学物理专业博士顾峥在开幕致辞时表示，本次论坛筹备时间近三个月，南加州地区各大知名学府的中国学生学者联谊会通力合作，邀请的嘉宾也颇具国际化。论坛涵盖大数据和金融，影视娱乐、留学生就业与发展，时尚/旅游/娱乐，科技创新创业、在美中资企业、体育、教育等多个专题。与论坛同时进行的还包括2017年加州中国创业大赛总决赛。

顾峥表示，希望论坛可以集中优势资源，催生高质量的创新创业项目，有助于拓宽合作渠道，加速创业成功，缔造留学生心中的中国梦。

曾获得福布斯30岁以下青年领袖、美国Abundy科技公司创始人邹昊为论坛做了题为“大数据和人工智能时代的金融科技创新”的主题演讲；来自中国的知名导演张进战和骆思典， 乐视影业北美副总裁孙维宁、中国山海经文化创新第一人芦鸣在影视娱乐分论坛研讨： 电影-关于中美合作片的思考；万合天宜的陈伟泓向留学生们提供了：归国、创业和转行应该思考的事。来自美国著名连锁酒店凯撒、希尔顿的市场总监和南海岸购物中心以及时尚品牌JEM的美中企业家在北美留学生日报北美地区总经理牛承程的主持下，展开了中美时尚、旅游、娱乐的融合与挑战话题研讨。

在加州中国论坛“联梦杯”留学生创业大赛中，留学生贾思路创办的社交平台Blur，获得冠军。

骆思典教授在演讲结束后，在场外就一直被留学生围绕着，耐心回答提出的各种问题。他表示、这是第一次参加留学生主办的中论坛，从论坛规模到话题设置，非常令人吃惊。在周日的早上9点开始的论坛，竟然来了那么多的留学生。话题既有深度又有最吸引留学生的话题，可以说不仅是对留学生，对研究中国问题的学者也是一个非常好的交流机会。

来自凯撒集团的国际市场副总裁Bruce Bommarito和希尔顿市场和策略发展执行副总裁Charles L Black III表示参加论坛的收获非常大，对于中国留学生举办这样规模的论坛，非常赞赏。对于能有就会结识这么多来自中国的优秀青年朋友，收获是巨大的。美国缺乏这样的一个了解中国发展现状、可以结识中国未来领袖的平台。

参与本次论坛的全美中华青年联合会理事长朱冰峰、洛杉矶邮报独立董事任向东表示，基本上每年都参加留学生们主办的中国论坛，不仅可以获得知识更新。更是可以直接感受到中国青年一代中优秀群体的组织和领导能力，从嘉宾邀请、到组织、论坛议程安排、现场的指挥和服务，以及号召力和影响力等都是一流的展现。据了解，当天早上7点半钟，筹备论坛的留学生们就已经到了会场。而联谊会为每位嘉宾准备的感谢状，都表现出了论坛组织者和工作人员的细心和贴心。AACYF(洛杉矶讯) 

全美中华青年联合会 www.aacyf.org     微信号：Richard3132

Baker-Polito Administration Files “Fine Time” Legislation

Baker-Polito Administration Files “Fine Time” Legislation

Bill to improve fairness will reduce the number of people incarcerated for their inability to pay a fine

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito proposed legislation that will create an opportunity for individuals to complete community service rather than paying a fine or serving jail time for failure to pay the fine. “Fine time” is the informal name for the process by which criminal defendants who fail to pay fines, fees and assessments may be incarcerated until their debt is satisfied – at a rate of $30 per day. Providing the option to complete community service, rather than pay a fine, will create a fairer system where punishments ultimately better align with their crimes.

“The ‘fine time’ legislation we filed today will incarcerate fewer people for simply being unable to pay a fine, while ensuring that penalties are still repaid in a more timely fashion,” said Governor Baker. “If enacted, this bill will improve the fairness of how fines, fees and assessments are administered for criminal defendants, while upholding our laws and the meaningful penalties associated with breaking them.” 

“The current system for imposing fines or serving jail time is capable of negatively compounding a situation well beyond its original intent if an offender can’t afford to pay their penalty obligation,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “We appreciate the hard work already done by the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee on this issue and look forward to working with our colleagues in the legislature to enact this law to make the system more fair for those involved.”

The legislation filed today allows defendants who cannot afford to pay a fine to fulfill their debt to the court and community by performing community service. Should certain extenuating circumstances prevent a defendant from either paying a fine or completing community service, the law sensibly empowers judges to grant waivers and establishes a thoughtful procedural process for determining whether someone has the ability to satisfy their obligations.

A court may incarcerate a person only after a hearing and a written finding is issued demonstrating a defendant’s willful choice not to satisfy their obligations. The legislation also ensures a counsel is provided for indigent defendants before a prison sentence is imposed. Should a person be incarcerated for failure to pay a debt to the court, this legislation triples the daily rate from $30 per day to $90 per day, reducing the amount of time someone would need to serve to satisfy their obligation.

“The Senate report confirms the disturbing persistence of ‘fine time’ in Massachusetts. Now comes the hard part: fixing the system,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D – Lexington). “I’m pleased the governor and lieutenant governor agree that something needs to be done. I look forward to working with them very much.”

In November 2016, the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee released a report entitled Fine Time Massachusetts: Judges, Poor People, and Debtors’ Prison in the 21st Century.  The Committee’s report reveals that the present system lacks adequate procedural safeguards to protect individuals’ rights and leads to unjust outcomes. This legislation incorporates several of the Committee’s ideas and recommendations. 

Governor Baker Tours CommonWealth Kitchen

Governor Baker Tours CommonWealth Kitchen

Dorchester food business incubator recipient of state urban agenda and agriculture support

Governor Charlie Baker, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega

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BOSTON – Today Governor Charlie Baker toured CommonWealth Kitchen, a Dorchester food business incubator and commercial kitchen that provides shared commissary space and manufacturing capacity to entrepreneurs with food-based ventures. CommonWealth kitchen hosts over 55 businesses, employing over 200 workers. Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has supported CommonWealth Kitchen’s growth by providing the nonprofit organization with over $300,000 in capital equipment grants from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. CommonWealth Kitchen and the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative are also core partners in a $200,000 project, funded through the administration's Urban Agenda Economic Development grant program, to facilitate the launch of small local food manufacturing businesses.

“Our administration is focused on creating more jobs through community-based entrepreneurships by building off local assets in every corner of the Commonwealth,”said Governor Baker. “We are grateful for the passion and commitment of our partners in these efforts, CommonWealth Kitchen and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, as we continue to advance economic development in neighborhoods across Massachusetts.”

“Entrepreneurship strengthens neighborhoods and creates new economic opportunities,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Through our support for shared workspaces, business mentorship, and access to capital, we are unleashing the unmatched creativity of our residents.”

“By providing jobs that support fresh, locally grown food, CommonWealth Kitchen is an important economic driver,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Agricultural Resources are committed to ensuring the future of Massachusetts urban farming by promoting local and youth engagement in sustaining our food supply through grassroots efforts.”