MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION OF 10,000 COMMUNITY CARE KITS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION OF 10,000 COMMUNITY CARE KITS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF BOSTON BOSTON - Saturday, May 23, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) this weekend will distribute the first half of the 20,000 care kits assembled over the course of this week to various community outreach partners, meal sites, and testing sites in Boston, building on the Mayor's commitment of making critical resources available to residents. Each kit contains a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves, anti-bacterial wipes, soap, and a booklet with information from the City on COVID-19 facts and resources. The City of Boston is dedicated to providing access to these basic necessities to our most vulnerable population during this pandemic, and keeping residents informed while giving them the tools needed to adhere to the safety guidelines outlined by the Boston Public Health Commission.  "We're proud to make available these community care kits in areas that need them the most - places that our Health Inequities Task Force has identified as having the greatest need right now," said Mayor Walsh. "By making these resources and information available, it's our hope that we are further informing people on how they can protect themselves, their families and their communities, and letting them know that the City of Boston is here to help them."  Providing residents with the tools they need to stay safe during this time was one of the recommendations of the Mayor's Health Inequities Task Force, which has been working to provide guidance to the City of Boston on addressing current inequities in data analysis, testing sites, and health care services for blacks, Latinos, Asians and immigrants, and advocating for an equitable reopening and recovery for all of Boston's communities. Over the course of this week, the care kits were assembled by a team of 130 volunteers from 25 City departments, who supported the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) in preparing for the distribution. The care kits are being made available in part through community partners, who play an integral role in providing residents with the resources needed to keep people safe during this public health crisis. Many community-based organizations are working to ensure that our most at-risk groups, who have been disproportionately affected by illness and economic harm, are sufficiently supported. "Thank you to the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) for this generous donation to the Cape Verdean Association of Boston," said President of the Cape Verdean Association of Boston Paulo A. De Barros. "This is going to allow the Cape Verdean Association to continue to support the needs of our community by donating personal protective equipment and supplies needed during this difficult time. This work is important as we work to stop the spread in our communities."  Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston are prioritizing the health of all residents while meeting the needs of everyone impacted by COVID-19. As the State's Phase 1 of Reopening Massachusetts is implemented, keeping residents safe and informed is key in further lowering our positive test rate and avoiding a spike in hospital resource use from COVID-19 cases in Boston.  "These kits provide simple supplies and important information to help educate our residents on how to keep them and their families safe. As we move forward to our new normal, it's important that we help residents prepare," said Chief of Civic Engagement and Neighborhood Services Director Jerome Smith. Mayor Walsh and the Boston Public Health Commission have made clear that residents are still safer at home and the basic safety precautions of washing your hands, wearing a face covering and social distancing remain key to recovery. The Office of Neighborhood Services is proud to provide our most vulnerable residents with the resources needed to follow these guidelines.  In addition to providing multilingual information via text alerts and Boston.gov, City of Boston employees and volunteers delivered printed information on COVID-19 to all homes in Boston in English,  Spanish,Haitian Creole, Chinese,  Vietnamese,Cabo Verdean Creole and Russian, with additional printed materials online in  Portuguese, Arabic and  Somali. The City of Boston has also deployed sound trucks throughout the hardest-hit neighborhoods to encourage residents to stay healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Walsh, along with many City employees, have been doing weekly robocalls for thousands of Boston adults over 60 years of age in multiple languages. Bilingual members of Mayor Walsh's team have also been conducting interviews with ethnic media to relay information in multiple languages. The Mayor's press conferences have provided ASL interpretation and English captioning on live streams. For additional questions or programs, please visit our website or call 3-1-1, Boston's 24-hour constituent hotline. Text BOSCOVID to 888-777 to receive text alerts on a regular basis, available in 11 languages. ABOUT THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) encourages, facilitates and maximizes citizen input and participation through service requests, neighborhood meetings, mailings, and emergency responses. To report non-emergency issues to the City, residents are encouraged to connect with BOS:311 by dialing 3-1-1 or by downloading the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android platforms.  For more photos, please click here. ###

BHA offers private landlords one month’s rent to house voucher families during COVID-19

BHA offers private landlords one month’s rent to house voucher families during COVID-19
More than 400 BHA voucher families are still in shelter searching for an available apartment

The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is offering landlords a one month’s rent bonus incentive when landlords lease to a BHA voucher family in a Boston apartment. This is part of an effort to house hundreds of families who are homeless and searching for a permanent home with their BHA voucher.  Many of these homeless families include children enrolled in Boston Public Schools. 

This new financial bonus, which was made possible through federal stimulus funding through the CARES Act, incentivizes landlords who lease to homeless families and individuals with a BHA voucher. When a family receives a voucher, they still need to find an apartment in the private rental market where they can live. This can sometimes be a challenge, especially for families who are currently homeless. The COVID-19 public health emergency has brought new urgency to efforts to reduce overcrowding in the city’s homeless shelters as the city works to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 among our homeless population.

“It is our hope that this new incentive for landlords will help get some of our most vulnerable families into the good homes they deserve,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “This is a win-win that will benefit landlords and tenants alike. I ask our city’s landlords to seize this opportunity and lease a home to our families in need at this critical moment.”

Last year, BHA changed its Fair Market Rents formula to enable voucher families to afford rents in virtually every zip code in the city and in greater Boston. Housing Choice Vouchers are guaranteed by the Federal government, and are pegged to the voucher holder’s income. They’re a reliable source of rent at a time when many Boston residents face losses in income and financial stability.

“This is a good deal for landlords, and it will have a real impact on the wellbeing of our voucher families, our neighbors, and our city,” BHA Administrator Kate Bennett said. “When landlords make apartments available to voucher families, they are changing lives, they’re making our city safer, and they’re helping themselves secure a recession-proof source of rental income.”

Property owners interested in making their housing units available to BHA voucher families can list them at www.bostonhousing.org/helpfamilies.  For more information, please contact Thomas White at Thomas.White@bostonhousing.org or 617‐988‐4540.

Baker-Polito Administration, WGBH and Special Guests to Celebrate the Massachusetts High School Class of 2020 with a Virtual Commencement Ceremony

Baker-Polito Administration, WGBH and Special Guests to Celebrate the Massachusetts High School Class of 2020 with a Virtual Commencement Ceremony 

BOSTON – In partnership with WGBH, Governor Charlie Baker will deliver a commencement address to the Class of 2020 as part of a celebration for graduating seniors from 668 public and private schools across the Commonwealth, to be aired in a special broadcast at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. 

Massachusetts Commencement 2020 will feature congratulatory remarks from Jason and Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots, members of the Red Sox and the Boston Celtics, and a number of celebrities with Massachusetts ties, including singer Rachel Platten, actor Steve Carell and more. In a special premiere performance, members of the legendary Boston Pops Orchestra, with Keith Lockhart conducting, will provide the traditional graduation march ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ for the ceremony. Students from around the Commonwealth will give valedictorian-type speeches to their classmates.

WGBH will broadcast the program, Massachusetts Commencement 2020, across the Commonwealth, on WGBH 2 in Greater Boston, and on its partner station WGBY/New England Public Media in western Massachusetts. Both stations will stream the program on their website and social media platforms. WGBH also will make the program available to other television stations in Massachusetts, including community access channels.

“Graduation ceremonies are important milestones in a young person’s life that deserve to be celebrated,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “While we cannot gather in the traditional way, we want to recognize, celebrate and salute Massachusetts’ Class of 2020 for their accomplishments and their resiliency during these difficult times. We are very thankful to WGBH for working with us to help do that.”

“Although graduation looks different this year for students throughout Massachusetts, this momentous occasion should still be celebrated however possible, and we are glad to offer a special ceremony for the Class of 2020,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

“It’s an honor for WGBH to create this special television event with Governor Baker to recognize the Massachusetts Class of 2020,” said WGBH President and CEO Jon Abbott. “While this can’t replace a ceremony with their classmates, it will allow everyone across the Commonwealth to join in a celebration of all our Massachusetts graduates.”  

 “Commencement is such a meaningful event in a high school student’s life, and we all feel the loss of the traditional way to celebrate this year. This program gives us, as a Commonwealth, the opportunity to mark the achievements of the Class of 2020 and celebrate students as they move on to their next phase in life,” said Education Secretary James Peyser.

“Many of us have been thinking about this year’s graduating seniors and how many important events they will miss,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “The class of 2020 has a unique history, they hold a special place in our hearts, and this event will give us all a chance to congratulate them.”

The student remarks for the program were prepared in collaboration with 826 Boston, a nonprofit youth writing and publishing organization.

波士頓經文處處長徐佑典將調升北美司司長

波士頓經文處長徐佑典(右)兩年前到任時拜會中華公所。
(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)在台灣的中華民國於5月20日跨入第15任政府，內閣人事變動，也牽連到海外波士頓。根據行政院內部資訊，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典將調升北美司司長，遺缺由國際組織司副司長孫儉元接任。

             行政院這波人事調動早在5月中已確認，惟礙於新型冠狀病毒的國際疫情，徐佑典與孫儉元的離/就任日期，仍待確定。

             徐佑典於2018年4月抵波士頓出任處長，任期才剛過兩年，就傳異動，將在波士頓經文處歷史中的第二年輕處長之外，再添一筆任期最短處長，升遷最快記錄。

             兩年時間雖短，徐佑典經歷的大事不少，包括科技部長陳良基，台北市長柯文哲，高雄市長暨總統候選人韓國瑜等人到訪波士頓，尤其是後兩者的到訪，都曾吸引大波士頓華人，哈佛大學等學者們密切關注，轟動一時。

             徐佑典的外交成績單也十分漂亮，不但促成羅德島州副州長麥基(Daniel McKee)，波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William G. Gross)等人訪台，他在任期間主持兩次雙十國慶酒會，應邀出席的各州政要人數之多，也彰顯他率領團隊的實力。

FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE KENNEDY FOR SENATE

FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE KENNEDY FOR SENATE

Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts highlight Kennedy’s support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in video with President Rich MacKinnon

WATERTOWN, MA –– Today the Professional Fire Fighters for Massachusetts (PFFM) endorsed Congressman Joe Kennedy III in his bid for U.S. Senate. Representing 12,000 firefighters across the state, PFFM is the 33rd labor organization in Massachusetts to endorse Kennedy. 

PFFM released their endorsement today in a video with President Rich MacKinnon. The video highlights Kennedy’s support for firefighters and other first responders during COVID-19. 

https://twitter.com/joekennedy/status/1263561284638965760

"Joe Kennedy’s constant presence and leadership on all issues for first responders is what drives our commitment to support him,” said PFFM President Rich MacKinnon. “Our members connect with Joe. After meeting him in person they often remark on how genuine and grounded he is. As Joe has stood with firefighters in firehouses all across Massachusetts, we are proud to stand with him for the U.S. Senate."

“You are heroes who risk your lives everyday,” Congressman Joe Kennedy III said. “When you leave home to head to the fire station, your hug to your children and your kiss to your significant other could be the last one. With two young children, the sacrifices you make to make sure the rest of us are safe are never lost on me. With the COVID-19 pandemic, those words and risks have never been more clear and present. Fighting for your right to collective bargain, SAFER Grants, and Assistance to Firefighter Grants have never been more important. I am honored to have your support in this race and will continue to be in your corner every step of the way.” 

PFFM hosted a virtual endorsement ceremony with Kennedy on Wednesday, where President MacKinnon was joined by firefighters from Newton, Springfield, Falmouth, Worcester, Saugus, Melrose, Westfield, Fitchburg, and Attleboro who shared why they are enthusiastically throwing their support behind Kennedy for the U.S. Senate. For media interested in footage from the meeting, please contact media@kennedyforma.com.

PFFM is the 33rd labor union to endorse Kennedy in this race. He has also been endorsed by the Massachusetts Laborers, Laborers Local 609, NAGE, the Machinists Statewide Council, Machinists Local 264, Teamsters Local 25, Sprinkler Fitters 550, Pipefitters Local 537, Plumbers Local 12,  IBEW 96, 103, 104, 1505, 223, 455, 326, 2325, 2321, 1499, & 2222, UWA 369, Carmen Union 589, Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, IUOE Local 4, UFCW Local 791, Painters and Allied Trades DC 35, the Boston Musicians Association Local 9-535, Ironworkers Local 7, the Plymouth/Bristol County Regional Labor Council, the Norfolk County Regional Labor Council, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Eastern Millwrights Regional Council.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION OF $4 MILLION TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD, IN MOST IMPACTED INDUSTRIES DUE TO COVID-19

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION OF $4 MILLION TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD, IN MOST IMPACTED INDUSTRIES DUE TO COVID-19 New platform created to help businesses source personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to protect employees and customers as economy begins to reopen BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Continuing a policy of rapid, equitable, and transparent relief and support from the COVID-19 pandemic to all Bostonians, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that nearly $4 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,100 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston through the Small Business Relief Fund, including the $2 million distributed to businesses earlier this month. The businesses receiving grants represent industries most-impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout every neighborhood in Boston. "I've said it many times: small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and they provide residents with the services they depend on every day," said Mayor Walsh. "Through the Small Business Relief Fund we have been proud to support Boston's small businesses with a swift and direct infusion of funds through a fiscally responsible and equitable system that will help businesses stay open, pay employees, and strengthen our local business districts." Of the nearly $4 million that has been distributed, the top five industries funded represent small businesses in the most-affected industries, including hospitality, personal care, arts and recreation, retail, and healthcare and social assistance (home childcare, family services, personal and home care aide, etc). Of the businesses receiving grants so far, 95% have 15 or fewer employees, 52% are owned by people of color, 49% are women-owned, and 46% are immigrant-owned. Grants from the Small Business Relief Fund have been crucial to the survival of many Boston businesses, and serve as a lifeline for businesses that experienced difficulty navigating or accessing financial assistance through the Federal CARES Act. A full list of businesses that have received funding is available here. "I want to thank Mayor Walsh and the Economic Development Office for all of their hard work and help. Natalia and the Small Business team made the entire process very easy and the steps that the city has taken to keep us informed, as well as assist those in need, has blown me away. I've strengthened my faith in this city because of this experience," said Kandace Cummings, Anita Kurl Salon in the South End. "Thank you for your support in this time of hardship, this gesture has made me feel part of a community," said Ramon Zapata, AlbertStyle Barbershop in Dorchester. Managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), this fund was designed to disburse grants through a streamlined process without having to assume additional debt, which can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. Through a combination of City, Federal, and private funds, a total of $7.5 million has been made available to fully fund all remaining eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process.  To further assist the City's small businesses, the City of Boston has created a new platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries begin to reopen. Along with industry-specific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of self-identified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors. As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, the Economic Development Office has created a Federal Assistance Guide, Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, all of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3pm to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry.  The City of Boston has created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents into supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/covid19-businesses. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit  boston.gov/coronavirus. ###

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES STREAMLINED PROCESSES TO HELP RESTAURANTS AS PART OF COVID-19 REOPENING PROCESS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES STREAMLINED PROCESSES TO HELP RESTAURANTS AS PART OF COVID-19 REOPENING PROCESS BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the Licensing Board for the City of Boston (the "Board") has taken steps to streamline existing processes and remove outdated restrictions to help small businesses and restaurants as part of the COVID-19 reopening process.  At its voting hearing on Thursday, May 21, 2020 the Board took the following actions:  Voted to pass an emergency amendment to its General Rules codifying its existing administrative review of temporary extensions of licensed premise onto outdoor space using its existing One Day Amendment to Existing License Application; Voted to administratively lift citywide the preexisting condition of "alcohol with food only" on outdoor space or any other similar condition that prohibits the sale and service of alcohol on outdoor space without the service of a food item;  The Board, Boston Transportation Department, Inspectional Services Department, Public Improvement Commission, and Public Works Department  will waive fees for the approved use of outdoor space for this program, on both public and private property, on a temporary, non-precedent setting basis. "We've said from the beginning that Boston's reopening process must take a cautious approach that puts science and public health at the forefront of our discussions," said Mayor Walsh. "It's my hope that these updated protocols will help ensure proper social distancing, and give much-needed assistance to the small businesses that are the lifeblood of Boston's neighborhoods." On Monday, the Licensing Board issued a questionnaire for businesses that will be used as the starting point for both identifying opportunities for temporary extensions onto outdoor space both on public and private property. Extensions into the public way, whether sidewalks or streets, require evaluation by multiple departments to confirm doing so can be done while ensuring the safety of patrons and employees. The goal is to be able to process and approve these temporary extensions administratively without requiring hearings, fees, or multiple applications going to multiple departments. To date, 147 businesses have filled out the questionnaire across the city ranging from small restaurants and coffee shops in neighborhoods to restaurants downtown. The questionnaire is for businesses who have licenses from the Licensing Board.  The data from the questionnaire, in addition to serving as the starting point for the review process, also informs City departments which neighborhoods may not be aware of the temporary extension process so that outreach can be targeted to ensure businesses across the city have access to this opportunity. These new protocols are part of the Walsh Administration's ongoing work to support small businesses during this challenging time. On Thursday, Mayor Walsh announced that nearly $4 million in public and private debt-free grants have been distributed to just over 1,100 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston through the Small Business Relief Fund, including the $2 million distributed to businesses earlier this month. The businesses receiving grants represent industries most-impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout every neighborhood in Boston. Managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), this new fund was designed to disburse grants through a streamlined process without having to assume additional debt, which can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. Through a combination of City, Federal, and private funds, a total of $7.5 million has been made available to fully fund all remaining eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process.  To further assist the City's small businesses, the City of Boston has created a new platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries begin to reopen. Along with industry-specific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of self-identified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors. As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, the Economic Development Office has created a Federal Assistance Guide, Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, all of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3pm to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry.  The City of Boston has created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the Commonwealth's Non-Essential Services and "Stay At Home" Order. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents into supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/small-business. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit boston.gov/coronavirus. ###

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL GRADUATION CELEBRATION FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL GRADUATION CELEBRATION FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS Ceremony To Be Broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 on Saturday, June 13 BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius today announced the City of Boston will honor graduating seniors in the Class of 2020 and celebrate their accomplishments with a virtual graduation ceremony that will be broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 on Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 7:30 - 8:00 pm. The ceremony will be hosted by Mayor Walsh, Superintendent Cassellius and will feature Former United States Secretary of Education John King as the keynote speaker. In addition to a televised broadcast, the ceremony will also be streaming online at WCVB.com and available after the broadcast on boston.gov.  "We are tremendously proud of our graduating seniors, who together mark a class of smart, hardworking, and creative individuals who I know will go on to do great things," said Mayor Walsh. "While the coronavirus pandemic has sidelined some of our most important traditions, including high school graduation, we will not miss the opportunity to celebrate their achievements or mark this important milestone in their lives. I want all the seniors to know that their city is rooting for them, and will be behind them every step of the way. We are proud to work with WCVB Channel 5 to broadcast this very special event." The ceremony will feature remarks from School Committee Chair Michael Loconto, valedictorians from all 36 BPS high schools, and surprise guests. Students have also been asked to submit photos and videos of their high school experience. Boston Public Schools has approximately 3,000 students in the 2020 graduating class.  "Senior year for any high school student is a remarkable time in a young person's life, and the senior year for the Class of 2020 is unlike any we've experienced in our lifetime," said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. "The courage, flexibility, and resilience our students have shown, supported by our community is an inspiration for all of us, and gives us all reason to be hopeful about the future and the legacy the Class of 2020 will create long after their time in the Boston Public Schools has passed." ###

Massachusetts Implements Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

Massachusetts Implements Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

Finalizes Implementation of all CARES Act Benefits For Unemployment Claimants in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that Massachusetts residents who are eligible for the federal CARES Act and qualify for having exhausted their regular unemployment compensation may now receive the new Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). The launch of this program marks the third and final benefit available for the Commonwealth through the CARES Act.

PEUC provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits to an individual who has exhausted all rights to any regular unemployment compensation and who meets other eligibility requirements of the CARES Act. PEUC will automatically begin for individuals who have been receiving regular standard unemployment benefits on an active claim and those benefits are exhausted, and those individuals do not have to take any further action.

If an individual’s standard unemployment claim has expired, they must file a new standard claim. If the individual is monetarily eligible on the new standard claim, regardless of the benefit rate amount, they will receive benefits from that new claim. Otherwise, the individual will be eligible for PEUC on the prior claim and it will be automatically implemented.

Individuals who exhausted their standard benefits but were receiving benefits through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) must apply to claim weekly benefits. Residents should apply through the standard unemployment benefits portal available here.

Those receiving PEUC will also receive $600 weekly through the week ending July 25, 2020, provided by the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program established by the CARES Act.

The CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, established the PEUC, PUA and FPUC public benefit programs that expanded unemployment eligibility, temporarily increases weekly benefits for all claimants and allows additional categories of people to claim unemployment benefits. This is the largest expansion of assistance for the Commonwealth’s workforce since the Great Depression.

More information about Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation can be found at mass.gov/peuc.

大提琴手陳南呈5/22網上直播演奏 為中華表演藝術基金會籌款

             (Boston Orange) 大提琴家陳南呈(Nan-Cheng Chen)將於5月22日晚9點，從家中直播，為Park Avenue Pianos音樂家救濟音樂會演出，並請支持者直接捐款給中華藝術表演基金會。

             陳南呈是一位最近被《華盛頓郵報》描述為“風度翩翩，令人微笑”，演奏精妙，被《紐約音樂會評論》評為“音調美麗”的大提琴演奏家，也是新亞洲室內樂協會（NACMS）的執行理事和聯合創始人，經常應邀赴北美，南美，歐洲和亞洲演奏，曾和Simon Bolivar 交響樂團，台灣國立交響樂團，台北交響樂田，皇后交響樂團，西都會交響樂團，昆西交響樂團以及專業交響樂(Symphony Pro Musica)合作演出，屋斯特報紙Worcester Telegram and Gazette形容那是大概十年才聽得到一次的演出。

                     陳南呈的音樂演出地點包括班夫中心大院(Banff Centre Residency)，薩拉索塔音樂節，海菲茲學院和克奈塞爾大廳。他曾在Chautauqua夏季音樂節上客座演出，在Bowdoin國際音樂節做Kaplan研究員。作為音樂教育家，陳南呈在賓州州立大學，威斯康星大學，卡爾加里大學以及巴拿馬，哥倫比亞和台灣的大學裡教授過大提琴大師班。 Nan-Cheng在CUNY Queens學院任教。目前他在紐約中城的Feitian學院任教。陳南呈擁有B.M.和M.M.畢業於朱莉亞德學院（Juilliard School），並在紐約市立大學研究生中心攻讀博士學位。

在當前的COVID-19形勢下，陳南呈曾從自己家中，做了幾場高品質的現場直播音樂會，也

                          每天與他的朋友和音樂愛好者分享他的音樂製作過程。查詢詳情，可上Instagram的NatePlaysCello或https://www.facebook.com/cellistncc，https://steinwaygrand.com/pages/park-avenue-pianos-musician-relief-concerts-live-feed。捐款網址http://www.chineseperformingarts.net/donation/index.htm.

lementation of New COVID-19 Safety Standards at Symmons Industries in Braintree

lementation of New COVID-19 Safety Standards at Symmons Industries in Braintree

BRAINTREE – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today toured Symmons Industries, an 80-year-old Massachusetts manufacturer that has implemented the new Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards as manufacturing operations scale back up.

Symmons Industries manufactures precision plumbing fixtures for both commercial and residential use, and has been producing critical personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response.

On May 11, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces. Developed by the Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 Command Center and the Reopening Advisory Board, these standards detail new policies for social distancing, hygiene, staff and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting that all workplaces must follow.

The Reopening Advisory Board also released new Sector Specific Protocols that describe policies, procedures and best practices that particular industries should follow to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Businesses self-certify that they are complying with new rules by developing a COVID-19 control plan and displaying a signed attestation poster in a place on premises visible to employees and visitors. In addition to new protocols for manufacturing, the Baker-Polito Administration also released guidelines for other industries opening in Phase 1, including construction, laboratories, hair salons and barbershops, car washes, pet grooming and office spaces.

“The safety of our employees and customers is the most important priority for Symmons Industries,” said Symmons Industries CEO Tim O’Keeffe. “The materials produced by the Baker-Polito Reopening Advisory Board were informative, easy to use and specifically tailored to the manufacturing sector. We were able to quickly implement additional policies and procedures to meet the new safety standards, which will help us prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our workplace.”

These safety standards and protocols serve as critical components of “Reopening Massachusetts,” the Administration’s comprehensive plan to safely and responsibly reopen the Massachusetts economy, and all businesses must adhere to and implement them by no later than May 25.