Baker-Polito Administration Announces Field Medical Station Details, New Support for Health Care Workforce, Expanded COVID-19 Data Reporting and Domestic Violence Resources

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Field Medical Station Details, New Support for Health Care Workforce, Expanded COVID-19 Data Reporting and Domestic Violence Resources

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the details for a new field medical station at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), increased support for health care workforce and patients, expansion of COVID-19 reporting data, new guidance for workers seeking unemployment benefits and protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Earlier today, the Administration announced new guidance for workers seeking unemployment benefits through the implementation of the CARES Act.

Boston Convention Center Field Medical Station: In an effort to reduce the strain on the state’s health care system and area hospitals, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced details for the Field Medical Station at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Anticipating a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Administration worked collaboratively with the City of Boston and community partners to provide an additional 1,000 beds for COVID-19 patients at this new site. Partners Health Care will lead clinical care efforts at the BCEC field medical station, in a collaboration with Boston Health Care for the Homeless called Boston HOPE. The Convention Center site is the latest Field Medical Station to be stood up by the Command Center and its partners in the health care community.

Support for Health Care Workforce, COVID-19 Patients: Today, Governor Baker issued three emergency orders to further support the Commonwealth’s health care workforce and expand its capacity, as well as ensure access to in-patient services for COVID-19 patients. These orders include:

• Easing licensing restrictions for foreign-educated doctors to allow medical practice in the Commonwealth: This order specifically allows graduates of international medical schools who have successfully completed at least two years of postgraduate resident medical training in the US to be eligible for licensure in the Commonwealth. Read the Order.

• Expediting licensure of nursing students and graduates: This order allows nursing school graduates and students in their final semesters of nursing programs to practice nursing in advance of receiving a license, provided that they are directly supervised by other licensed medical professionals. Read the Order.

• Ensuring access to in-patient services: This order mandates that insurers must cover all medically required costs of COVID-19 treatment in out-of-network hospitals or other medical facilities with no charge to the patient, including co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance payments. Health care providers and medical facility insurers must accept the following rates for out-of-plan treatment:

• If insurers have a contract with a provider or facility: contracted rate even if the patient is not in a network that covers the provider or facility

• If insurer has no contract with a provider or facility: 135 percent of the applicable Medicare rate

• Insurers may not balance bill, or charge, patients for amounts above the above specified payments.

Read the Order

COVID-19 Demographic Data: The Department of Public Health (DPH) today issued an order designed to expand COVID-19 demographic reporting data, including race and ethnicity, to address disparities in the virus’ impact and support the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response efforts. This order mandates all health care providers and labs to collect and report complete demographic information of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. Read the Order.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources: The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the expansion of SafeLink, the Commonwealth’s statewide, 24/7, toll-free and confidential domestic violence hotline to now include resources and support for survivors of sexual assault. Previously, SafeLink served as a hotline to specifically connect domestic violence survivors to services. This expansion of services will allow SafeLink to triage calls to local area rape crisis centers and create a centralized number for any survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault to call and receive services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This hotline is designed for crisis intervention support for those who need assistance in safety planning measures for both themselves and their families. This resource is now available through the 2-1-1 line as an additional method for victims to access help and resources.

The SafeLink toll-free number is (877) 785-2020. For the hearing-impaired, the SafeLink TTY number is (877) 521-2601. Advocates are available in English and Spanish and can provide translation in more than 130 languages.

If you are experiencing violence within your home or concerned about a loved one that may be experiencing violence, please call the SafeLink hotline for support and resources.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

CARES Act Unemployment Benefit Implementation: The Baker-Polito Administration earlier today announced details for the initial implementation of federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act, the federal based COVID-19 relief package. Understanding the great urgency of Commonwealth residents to access these benefits, DUA has issued new guidance to instruct all qualifying residents of what actions they can now take to access CARES Act benefit programs. These new unemployment benefit programs include:

• Retroactive and continuing additional $600 per week for regular unemployment compensation for eligible claimants. This program is being implemented now.

• Expanded support for people not traditionally covered in the unemployment system, such as self-employed or gig economy workers. DUA is building a platform to implement this program, which will be available soon.

• 13-week extension of benefits for individuals who have exhausted previous unemployment benefits. DUA continues to await federal implementation guidance for this program.

Read More

The Baker-Polito Administration will continue to update the public on developments related to COVID-19. Residents can visit www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest information, call 2-1-1 with questions, and text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 to subscribe to text-alert updates.  

Massachusetts Announces Initial Implementation Of New Federal Unemployment Benefits From CARES Act

Massachusetts Announces Initial Implementation Of New Federal Unemployment Benefits From CARES Act

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced details for the initial implementation of federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act, the federal based COVID-19 relief package. This federal program, enacted on March 27, 2020, will be administered by states. Today’s announcement reflects the first set of partial guidance that Massachusetts will immediately implement to support unemployed workers. The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is moving swiftly to implement the new benefit programs and awaits additional guidance from the federal government for the remainder of benefits authorized by the CARES Act.

Understanding the great urgency of Commonwealth residents to access these benefits, DUA issued new guidance to instruct all residents of what actions they can take now.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): For Individuals Currently Collecting Benefits From Regular Unemployment Compensation:

Overview: An additional $600 per week for individuals collecting benefits from regular unemployment compensation is being implemented by DUA. The additional $600 will be added to unemployment benefits retroactive to March 29, 2020 and will begin being disbursed to claimants this week.

The FPUC program will provide an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting regular Unemployment Compensation (UC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Extended Benefits (EB), Trade Readjustment Act (TRA), and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DA). The Department has already begun implementing the FPUC program for regular UC claimants. The $600 will be added to all eligible weeks of benefits retroactive to March 29, 2020 and continuing until July 31, 2020. FPUC monetary disbursements will begin immediately in Massachusetts for those who are currently collecting benefits on regular UC claims. Those receiving PEUC, PUA, and EB will receive the additional $600 payments retroactive to March 29, 2020 as soon as their claims are processed and determined eligible.

• Next Steps For Claimants: Eligible claimants who are already receiving UI do not need to do anything for the additional $600 to be added to their weekly benefit amount. This benefit will be available for all new claimants filing for regular Unemployment Compensation as well, which can be done at www.mass.gov/unemployment/covid-19

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): For Individuals Not Covered Under Traditional Unemployment Insurance (Self-Employed, Gig Economy Workers, Others):

Overview: A benefit will be available for individuals not covered under traditional unemployment insurance like the self-employed or gig workers or those who do not qualify for lack of wages. DUA is now working with a vendor to build a new platform to disburse those benefits. This platform is expected to begin processing claims on or about April 30, 2020.

PUA will provide up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not working as a result of COVID-19 and are self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and others who otherwise would not qualify for regular UC or EB under state or federal law or PEUC. These individuals will not be able to claim benefits directly through the UI Online System in Massachusetts, as of this time. The Department of Unemployment Assistance has engaged a vendor to build a new platform to disburse PUA benefits. The platform is expected to begin accepting PUA claims by April 30, 2020. Eligible claimants under PUA will be retroactively compensated with this benefit beginning February 2, 2020, or the first week a claimant was unable to work as a result of COVID-19, whichever date is later. The last week this benefit is payable is the week ending December 26, 2020.

• Next Steps For Claimants: Eligible claimants should continue to check for updates at www.mass.gov/unemployment/covid-19 on the new platform, which will be ready this month. Once the system is up and running, eligible claimants will receive this benefit backdated to February 2, 2020, or the first week a claimant was unable to work as a result of COVID-19.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): For Individuals Who Exhausted Previous UI Benefits:

Overview: A 13-week extension of benefits for individuals who exhausted their previous benefits – is not yet available as DUA continues to await federal implementation guidance.

The PEUC program provides up to 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits to individuals who have exhausted their previous unemployment benefits. The first week a claimant can be compensated on this benefit is the week beginning March 29, 2020, and the last payable week is the week ending December 26, 2020. The Department of Unemployment Assistance is awaiting additional federal guidance on how to implement and administer this program and the extended weeks of PEUC benefits are not yet available.

• Next Steps For Claimants: No action at this time. Eligible claimants should continue to check for updates, which will be made available as soon as the state receives information from the federal government.

DUA is committed to moving as quickly as possible to get workers the benefits they deserve during these unprecedented times and will continue to communicate with the public about the status of these benefit programs.

COVID-19大流行重創企業 波士頓科技公司紛裁員

(Boston Orange 編譯) 新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)大流行對餐飲業造成極大打擊之後， 科技業也開始頂不住了，近日大波士頓兩家最有潛力的公司，Toast和Wayfair也陸續傳出裁員，強制放假的消息。

Toast是一家很受歡迎，製造餐館業軟體及系統的公司。週二(4月7日)晚宣布裁員1000多人，在裁員及強制休假之後，全公司人力減半。

該公司表示，自從全美各地的州市政陸續下令企業關門後，餐館業營收下跌80%，而該公司和餐館業是休戚相關的行業。

為餐館業提供管理軟體的這公司，二月才宣佈，得到4億美元的F輪融資，以及49億元的估值。

EzCater這家成長很快的公司，也在週二晚宣佈將裁員400人。這家以波士頓為基地的公司為企業會議提供餐飲訂送服務，在裁員之前有900名員工，投資者認為企業價值為10億多元。

週三早上，Wayfair這家在網上零售傢俱，已是波士頓消費科技最成功的公司，也透露了有關本週稍早時，該公司來自兩家私營股權公司大約5億元債務投資的更多細節。Wayfair遞交給美國證券交易委員會的文件顯示，這家家庭用品公司已從大山夥伴(Great Hill Partners)和查爾斯銀行資本夥伴(Charlesbank Capital Partners)那兒拿了5億3500萬元貸款。這交易給了投資者二席該公司的董事會席位。

這些錢撐起了Wayfair的資產負債表，也稀釋了共同創辦人暨董事會共同主席Niraj Shah 和Steve Conine的權力。他們兩人二月才督導了一輪500人的裁員，其中有350人是在波士頓的人。

位於勒星頓鎮的Battle Road研究公司董事長Ben Rose說，新型冠狀病毒的大流行，也使許多歷史悠久的賺錢科技公司重設第一季，以及2020年全年的營業預期。

這情況也使得初創公司，或是那些已經上市但仍在大量消耗現金的公司更難生存。大波士頓內多家直接面對消費者，在旅遊業服務的科技公司，和其他為企業辦公室提供住宿，但面對著企業都關門了，員工都從家裏工作狀況的公司，也都被打擊得很慘，例如Lola.com，Zipcar，Hopper，以及Wanderu，全都在出行限制毀了這個行業的情況下縮減員工。根據最近的港務局數據，羅根機場在3月23日至29日之間的乘客人數和去年同期相比，下降了93%。

為企業提供餐飲訂送服務的初創企業Alchemista，和智慧水機器製造商Bevi，也都因為辦公室關門，市場不見了，成為必須裁員或讓員工休假的初創企業之一。

Bevi在病毒大流行之錢才募得6000萬元創投資金，3月時也裁員33人，現在只有120人。

經營One Way Ventures，早前曾帶領波士頓初創項目Techstars的Semyon Dukach說，他懷疑病毒大流行會對波士頓市初創企業有當初經濟泡沫爆破時那麼大的影響。

他說，最開始的幾星期是最糟糕的，人們會驚慌，如果是餐館或酒店業，會大受打擊，融資失敗就得裁員，但是科技業的很多初創企業都是在虧損的情況中經營，得定期向投資者籌款，會比那些在利潤很薄中經營的公司好很多。

他不認為這次病毒大流行對科技企業的影響會像2000年時那麼大，科技公司的估值會下降，但不會崩潰。

許多科技初創企業都已經由薪資保護項目(PPP)向聯邦政府申請救濟金了，有不少公司說他們的申請已獲批准。

台僑送3000口罩支援波士頓第一線抗疫人員

駐波士頓經文處處長徐佑典(左二)和波士頓台灣抗疫團隊
      的康麗雪(右起)，林致中，藍凡耘等人一起到波士頓
市政府送口罩。(波士頓經文處提供)

(Boston Orange)駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處(TECO)和大波士頓台籍社團組成的「波士頓台灣抗疫團隊 (Boston Taiwanese Fighting COVID-19) 」 ，今(8)日出動，把募資從台灣買來的3000口罩，送給波士頓警察，消防員及地鐵，巴士等操作員，表達關懷心意。

「波士頓台灣抗疫團隊」表示，新型冠狀病毒在全美各地造成的疫情，越來越嚴重，醫護警消交通等第一線工作人員最是辛苦，面對的生命危險也最大，來自台灣僑胞希望藉著送上可以幫助他們保護自己的口罩，向這些勇敢有情義的人表達敬意與感謝。

由波士頓台灣影展協會、紐英崙客家鄉親會、紐英崙中華專業人員協會、台美菁英協會波士頓分會、波士頓台灣龍舟隊與台灣家庭協會等台籍僑團組成的「波士頓台灣抗疫團隊」在駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處支持下，募集了 一筆款項，從台灣買來3000個口罩，分別捐給波士頓市警察局、消防局及麻州交通局。

「波士頓台灣抗疫團隊」在波士頓市政府建議市民出門戴口罩之前，就已著手自製布口罩，並陸續招募到40多個家庭各自在家縫製，每完成一批就分頭親自送到新英格蘭地區的各個醫院，流浪漢收容所，老人院等地方，幫助最容易受病毒侵襲的這批人，減少感染機會。

駐波士頓辦事處表示，台灣僑胞的做公益不落人後，以實際行動向波士頓在地人展現台灣的愛心與暖實力，讓該處深感驕傲。(文稿內容由經文處提供)

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Testing Site Expansion, New Restrictions For Grocery Stores, Crisis Standards of Care Recommendations

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Testing Site Expansion, New Restrictions For Grocery Stores, Crisis Standards of Care Recommendations

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an expansion of COVID-19 testing sites for public safety personnel, new Crisis Standards of Care documentation for the Commonwealth’s health care facilities, and new guidance to further promote social distancing at grocery stores. 

Testing Sites Expansion: The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that COVID-19 testing for Massachusetts public safety personnel will be available at a second location beginning tomorrow, doubling the number of free, drive-through tests available for first responders and other emergency management workers. A mobile testing site at the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield will begin operations tomorrow, and will supplement a site at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough that launched earlier this week. Each site will serve police officers, firefighters, EMS and PSAP personnel, correction officers, mortuary service providers, and state active duty National Guard personnel who perform critical public safety functions.

The mobile testing sites in Foxborough and West Springfield will each perform up to 200 tests per day, seven days per week, with appointments scheduled in advance by agencies and departments through a call center at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Testing is performed at no charge. The sites reflect a partnership among the Baker-Polito Administration, the Big E, Brewster Ambulance Service, the Department of Correction, the Department of Fire Services, the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution, Wellpath, and Quest Diagnostics.

Crisis Standards of Care: The Administration today released Crisis Standards of Care guidelines for the Commonwealth’s health care facilities. Upon the request of leaders in the health care system, the Department of Public Health (DPH) convened a Crisis Standards of Care Advisory Committee that included medical experts and ethicists from across the Commonwealth, representing both large academic medical centers and community hospitals. Their recommendations helped inform ethical, equitable and transparent guidelines for providing acute care during a crisis.

The guidelines, which are not mandatory, are designed to:

• Help health care institutions and providers make consistent decisions about the use and allocation of scarce medical resources;

• Ensure that critical resources are conserved and distributed efficiently, equitably and ethically across the health care system;

• Promote transparent decision-making and public trust in the fairness and equity of the system;

• Protect those who might otherwise face barriers to accessing care; and

• Assure patients and their families that they will receive fair access to care under the circumstances regardless of where they live in the Commonwealth.

Click here to read the Crisis Standards of Care document.

Grocery Store Guidance: Yesterday, the Department of Public Health released further guidance to promote social distancing at grocery stores. The new guidance requires that each grocery store limit occupancy to 40% of its maximum permitted occupancy level (except stores with a maximum occupancy of less than 25 people). It also sets out procedures by which staff should monitor occupancy levels. The guidance builds on a previous March 23 order for grocery stores, which set out policies for ensuring access to handwashing facilities and protecting employees in higher-risk populations, among other requirements.

Click here to read the new guidance.  

Governor Baker Files Legislation To Provide Health Care Workers Liability Protections During COVID-19 Response

Governor Baker Files Legislation To Provide Health Care Workers Liability Protections During COVID-19 Response

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today filed legislation to provide health care workers and facilities protections from civil liability while they are on the front lines of the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response.

The legislation would protect health care professionals, including doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians, as well as certain health care facilities from liability and suit when the care that they provide is impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The bill would also provide protections for the health workers staffing the unique Field Medical Stations being stood up at the DCU Center, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and other locations.

“Ensuring that our health care workers have the resources and protections they need has been a top priority for our administration since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This legislation offers important protections for health care workers and facilities facing the unprecedented challenges that come with the outbreak of this virus, and we look forward to working with our legislative partners to enact this bill and take another step in our efforts to support the Commonwealth’s medical system.”

“Massachusetts is blessed to be home to some of the world’s best health care workers and institutions, and it’s important that the fear of liability does not prevent them from delivering the kind of medical response we need during this pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to enact this bill and further support our health care system during this emergency.”

Also today, Governor Baker issued a directive that will maximize protections for health care workers under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (“PREP Act”) during the state of emergency. The directive will ensure that health care workers and facilities that distribute and administer testing, drugs and medical devices for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 are protected from suit and liability to the maximum extent possible under the PREP Act.

Click below to read today’s legislation and directive:

• Liability Protection Legislation Filing Letter
• Liability Protection Legislation
• Governor’s PREP Act Directive

The Baker-Polito Administration will continue to update the public on developments related to COVID-19. Residents can visit www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest information, call 2-1-1 with questions, and text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 to subscribe to text-alert updates.  

MAYOR WALSH PROPOSES FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL PLAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF BOSTON RESIDENTS

MAYOR WALSH PROPOSES FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL PLAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF BOSTON RESIDENTS

BOSTON - Wednesday, April 8, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today proposed his Administration's recommended $3.65 billion Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) operating budget and $3 billion Fiscal Year 2021-2025 (FY21-FY25) Capital Plan, building on years of record investments in high-quality and equitable services and programs for Boston residents. The proposed investments take into account the short and long-term fiscal impact of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and are made possible due to six consecutive years of proactive fiscal management that has well-positioned the City of Boston to continue investing in core city services and resident needs at a time of global economic uncertainty.  The budget proposal doubles down on Mayor Walsh's commitment to continue serving the people of Boston, no matter what challenges we face as a City. As laid out in his State of the City address earlier this year, the City of Boston is on track to make historic investments in education and housing over the course of the next year, both priority areas of the Walsh Administration.  "Through these unprecedented times, the work we do everyday in serving our residents has never been more important," said Mayor Walsh. "In the proposed budget and capital plan, we are putting forth smart and strategic investments in the areas that we know will have the most impact for our residents. I want the people of Boston to know that during this time of such uncertainty, they can count on their city government to help get through this difficult time. I believe that with responsible fiscal planning, with investments in the equity, health and wellbeing of our residents, and with our spirit of courage and collaboration, we will emerge together from this crisis stronger and more resilient than before." "Every year, the City is responsible for planning a balanced budget," said Emme Handy, Chief of Administration and Finance. "The rapidly changing economic reality brought on by the coronavirus pandemic presents new challenges in striking that balance. Rising to that challenge, the Mayor's FY21 budget makes necessary revenue revisions recognizing our new reality, while continuing to fund the Mayor's commitments to Boston today and into the future."  "In times of crisis, the programs and services provided by the City to its residents are more vital than ever," said Justin Sterritt, Budget Director. "The FY21 Budget acknowledges the new fiscal landscape the City faces but ensures those important City programs have the resources they need."  While the City has a growing tax revenue base, the City also continues to find efficiencies and prioritizes investing in innovative solutions to provide world-class City services. The FY21 budget includes over $13 million in identified savings from areas such as health insurance, energy efficiencies and other operational savings. In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, the City of Boston has received a AAA bond rating, reflecting the city's strong fiscal management and stable financial position. The City of Boston recently was named by Moody's as one of the best prepared cities to handle a national recession.   The recommended FY21 operating budget proposes an increase of $154 million (or 4.4 percent) over FY20, and makes strategic investments in improving city services and the quality of life for residents of Boston. The proposed FY21-FY25 Capital Plan will reach $3 billion for the first time in its history and will make strategic and meaningful investments in projects throughout the City.  High Quality Education for All Students  There is no better reflection of Mayor Walsh's commitment to equal opportunity than the City's continued strong investment in public education. In his State of the City address, Mayor Walsh announced a historic three-year $100 million funding commitment to Boston Public Schools (BPS), in new additional funding that is over and above standard cost increases. The proposed FY21 budget fulfills the first year of that commitment, through an overall $80 million increase, including an initial down payment of $36 million in new additional funding. Combined with a $17 million increase for our charter school students, Boston's total public education increase for next year reaches $97 million and represents 63 percent of all new City funding, the highlights of which include: BPS Operating Budget Overall budget of $1.26 billion, an $80 million or 7% increase $15 million towards raising the bar on student learning with new high-quality materials, resources and improved environments $12 million to increase teachers' skills through coaching, feedback and developing high-quality curriculum $9 million to provide students and families a strong foundation for success with more support to connect them to wraparound services, resources and information BPS Capital Plan $137.4 million for Boston Arts Academy in Fenway, which is currently under construction. This number reflects a $12 million increase over the previous year's capital plan $78 million in multi-school maintenance projects, including new funding for drinking water upgrades, bathroom renovations, entryway improvements, upgraded fire systems, general maintenance including painting, electrical, schoolyard improvements, and adding an additional 29 My Way Cafes in schools, adding to the 58 schools already outfitted with the cafes $3 million for K-6 conversions and a grade 7-12 master plan study. Growing the BuildBPS budget for future projects by $77 million, for a total of $230 million set aside for major BuildBPS projects Creating and Preserving Affordable Housing, and addressing Homelessness This year's budget proposal reflects progress made towards implementing Mayor Walsh's announcement in his State of the City address that over the course of the next five years, the City will invest $500 million in accessible and affordable housing for Bostonians through a combination of city funds, new dedicated funding from the sale of the Lafayette Garage and anticipated state passage of the real estate transfer tax. The budget proposal makes a $16 million investment in new City operating and capital resources for housing, the highlights of which include: Operating Budget $2.4 million to create affordable homeownership opportunities, including $1.4 million to double existing resources for down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and $1 million to provide more homebuyers with a discounted interest rate on the ONE Plus Boston mortgage program $3.2 million to preserve and generate affordable rental opportunities, including $2.5 million to create Boston's first City-funded housing vouchers to subsidize the rents of those with the most need, $350,000 in new resources for preserving expiring-use, income-restricted units, $250,000 to help families preserve their tenancy or secure new housing, and $135,000 to connect more people to resources and legal assistance through expanding the Housing Court Navigator program $1.8 million for rapid rehousing for youth and young adults, and funding to address chronic and family homelessness by expanding front door triage, street homeless outreach, and an advisor on family homelessness $150,000 to support affordable housing development through assistance for small, local, minority- and women owned developers Capital Plan $5 million to renovate and upgrade affordable housing units for older residents and individuals with disabilities in Boston's public housing developments $5 million to launch a public infrastructure housing fund to support developments and expand the number of affordable units in the city  Health, Safety and Wellness for a Growing City Mayor Walsh recognizes that a growing city needs to have robust, effective and accountable public safety services and a force reflective of the communities in which it serves, and through this year's budget proposals, he is proposing the following investments: Operating Budget $9 million in new funding to expand capabilities and services provided by Public Health Commission (BPHC), including an additional $354,000 in funding for violence prevention capacity building, $1.5 million for essential equipment replacements for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) including 340 radios, $216,000 for enhanced Health of Boston population-level data, and $250,000 to study the implementation of a 40-bed respite housing shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder. This new funding brings BPHC's total operating budget to over $100 million $1.7 million for industrial cleaning and facility repairs for the Boston Fire Department Growing the Boston Police force by 25 officers in 2021 by adding a second recruit class $1 million for an enhanced citywide campaign that aligns all existing resources to reach underserved populations with opportunity oriented programming, as part of the city's violence prevention efforts Capital Plan An additional $15 million for the BCYF Curley Community Center in South Boston, bringing the total investment to $30 million An additional $4.6 million for the East Boston Senior Center, bringing the total investment to $5.6 million $2.5 million for the Marshall Pool in Dorchester and new investments in the Paris Street Pool in East Boston Protecting our Environment Mayor Walsh has been at the forefront of recognizing and addressing the risks of climate change, and protecting our environment. During Mayor Walsh's time in office, Boston has retained its title as the most "efficient city in the United States," as named by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. As part of his leadership, Mayor Walsh has committed for 10 percent of all new capital spending to be dedicated for resilience projects. The highlights of the City's environment proposals include: Operating Budget $330,000 in new support to maintain the City's Urban Wilds and Tree Canopy $630,000 to expand the Zero Waste program including a robust composting pilot program,more Project Oscar compost locations, and other education and Zero Waste supports Capital Plan $1 million increase in funding to plant and maintain trees across the city, significantly increasing the amount of trees planted annually $3 million Climate Resilience Reserve fund supporting opportunities to enhance the climate resilience of existing capital projects $36 million in authorization for new and ongoing open space projects, including at the Back Bay Fens pathways, McConnell Playground in Dorchester, Malcolm X Park in Roxbury, Garvey Playground in Dorchester, Jeep Jones Park in Roxbury and Millennium Park pathways in West Roxbury Expanding Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity The citywide resilience strategy aims to ensure every resident can reach their full potential regardless of their background, and to remove the barriers that hinder Bostonians from having access to opportunities. To that end, the City is proposing investments in areas of equity and prosperity, including: Operating Budget $200,000 to increase financial security for older Bostonians $100,000 to expand and support the Boston Saves banking program for students $136,000 to expand equitable City procurement and supplier diversity $97,500 to expand the childcare entrepreneur fund Transforming the Future of Mobility Our economic strength is dependent on our ability to move people around our city to businesses, jobs and homes. Building on Boston's long-term transportation plan, Go Boston 2030, the FY21 budget proposal makes targeted investments in public space and improved mobility, including: Capital Plan Increasing mobility options by investing $14.4 million to add 7 new dedicated bus lanes and $1 million to install 11 new BlueBikes stations, and adding 440 new bikes to the fleet Addressing safe streets through an $8.9 million investment to finish building 15 neighborhood slow streets $11 million for transportation infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian ramps, crosswalk and lane markings, and street lighting $54 million in additional funding for the Northern Avenue bridge project for a $100 million total to build a transformative multi-modal bridge that prioritizes pedestrians and shared public space on the waterfront About Imagine Boston 2030 Mayor Walsh's budget proposal continues to invest in preserving and creating a strong middle class, and creating opportunities for all those who live in Boston, and supports Boston's long-term plan, Imagine Boston 2030. Imagine Boston 2030 is Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years aimed at guiding growth to support our dynamic economy and expand opportunity for all residents. The plan prioritizes inclusionary growth and puts forth a comprehensive vision to boost quality of life, equity and resilience in every neighborhood across the City. Shaped by the input of 15,000 residents who contributed their thoughts to the plan, Imagine Boston 2030 identifies five action areas to guide Boston's growth, enhancement and preservation, and is paired with a set of metrics that will evaluate progress and successes. To learn more visit, imagine.boston.gov. For more information on the budget proposal, please visit budget.boston.gov.

羅德島副州長感謝華人社區捐贈20萬個口罩

羅德島州副州長麥基(Dan Mckee，中)和葉超(右)，
吳子平(左)一起驗收捐贈的口罩。
(羅德島州副州長辦公室提供)

           (Boston Orange) 羅德島州副州長麥基(Dan Mckee)日前發出一份新聞稿，和羅德島州民分享好消息，報告羅德島華人社區送給羅德島公共衛生廳，以及數個市鎮共208,000個面罩，支援抗疫行動。

           新聞稿稱，黑石谷商人葉超和大澳集團吳子平應羅德島州副州長麥基要求，安排捐贈，並由羅德島華人抗疫委員會籌款，從中國買來這些口罩。

            羅德島州副州長辦公室去年秋天推出一項志工計畫，鼓勵羅德島人用他們的國際關係來吸引投資，在羅德島州創造經濟機會。葉超和吳子平是在那時選為第一任羅德島國際經濟大使。最近因為新型冠狀病毒的流行，副州長麥基要求他們這些大動用關係，爭取物品及資源來支持羅德島。
               麥基說，羅德島民站出來幫助我們對抗COVID-19的行為，真是太棒了。我深深感謝羅德島華美社區，我為能和他們一起幫助羅德島州取得重要物品來對抗流行病毒感到驕傲。 
               葉超表示，”吳子平和我很高興能和副州長辦公室，以及羅德島州攜手，與本地華美社區協調促成這一捐贈。那真是團隊努力的結果。現在，我們必須團結一致，合作無間的制止COVID-19擴散。

                這次捐贈活動中有總數20萬個口罩捐給羅德島公共衛生廳，各3000個口罩分別捐給克蘭斯頓市和普塔基市，2000個口罩捐給中央瀑布市。

             羅德島州民及企業有意捐贈醫療用品者，可訪問羅州公共衛生廳網站

 https://health.ri.gov/covid/howtohelp/index.php。

               

昆士市收到140份房租援助申請 某護理機構11人確診

             (Boston Orange 編譯)昆士市愛國者報報導，該市公共衛生局，警察局，消防局，以及可負擔住宅信託，4月6日(週一)時在虛擬會議中向市議員匯報疫情，

             昆士市公共衛生局局長Ruth Jones 詳述了該市189名確診者概況。4月7日時，昆士市確診人數已增至218人。

             Ruth Jones指出，確診者中，有40%感染來源不明，10%來自二月份時的百奧健(Biogen)會議，20%是醫療工作人員，20%是接觸了其他的確診者。剩下的就是出外旅遊感染，或是仍在調查中。

             在這189名確診者中，有54人已痊癒，4人仍住院。4月7日時，有60人已痊癒。

            確診者的平均年齡是48歲，已經開始有幾宗病例的患者是年輕人。

             昆士市的輔助居住機構，以及頤養院，也有院民確診，其中一家頤養院迄今已有11人確診。頤養院病例目前由州政府直接處理。

             Ruth Jones表示，她相信有更多病例市府還不知道，也因此保持社交安全距離，待在家，十分重要。

             消防局長Joseph Jackson表示，消防局為因應病毒，在營運上做了一些調整，消防員現在工作48小時，休假6天，以減少局內的人事變動，危險品小組負責一週兩次的消毒整個消防局，卡車，以及位於聖瑪莉街的消防學校大樓。

             幾星期前，有一名消防員確診了。他是在家裡接觸了從事醫療護理工作的某個人，現在已差不多完全恢復了，估計本週就可以上班了。

             另有幾名消防員在自我隔離中，另有9名消防員檢測後呈陰性反應。整個消防局狀態良好。

             警察局局長John Keenan表示，警察局也採取了類似措施，對輕微犯行只發傳票，並不逮捕，以減少警察需要到警察局的次數。警察局大堂也關了，聽取報案都經由電話來執行了。

            警員也將開始一連16天工作12小時，然後休假16天，以減少和其他警員接觸，或病毒在警局傳開的機會。

             有一名警察確診，3人檢測呈陰性，2人的檢測結果還沒出來。警察局現在面對的最大問題是耗用品。他們在求，在借，甚至在偷設備。警察局的洗手液，擦拭紙都快沒了，不過他們的社區夥伴和市民們都來幫忙了。

             昆士市長幕僚長Chris Walker向市議員們報告了兩星期前，市議會撥給的50萬元因應新型冠狀病毒經費。

             他說，迄今，這筆錢已經花掉一半，5萬元用在給滿能(Manet)社區醫療中心的新移動檢測站買帳篷，5萬元用在把YMCA開放為”比爾神父的地方”這流浪漢庇護所的第二個地點，該庇護所現在大約有47人每晚睡在YMCA，以幫比爾神父維持社交安全距離標準。

            錢還花在其他地方上，包括10萬元給本地食物儲藏室，63,000元為第一線工作人員購買個人防護設備，3萬元花在全市郵件上。

             他說，溝通是市府在做的一大工程。有些人可能不用臉書，不看youtube視頻，而市府希望能進入每一戶人家，讓他們知道可以到那兒獲取資訊。

            Chris Walker還說，從星期四起，大約140名昆士居民向市府新設的租金援助項目提出申請。

             可負擔住宅信託上個月撥款100萬元，要幫助因為COVID-19而被裁員的酒店及服務業員工們付房租。該筆經費由昆士商會經管，處理酒店、餐飲業員工的申請案件，昆士社區行動項目處理例如髮廊，以及其他服務業員工的申請案。

             Chris Walker表示，昆士商會大約收到100份申請書，昆士社區行動項目收到大約40份申請書。付給房東的第一筆費用，估計本週稍後將寄出。

            昆士市議會下一次的虛擬會議將在4月13日舉行。