麻州長2021會計年度預算計畫455億元 撥一億元協助小企業

Baker-Polito Administration Submits Revised Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Proposal

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today submitted a revised Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget recommendation. The $45.5 billion proposal is fiscally disciplined and makes substantial investments in economic development and education, while protecting core government services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The balanced proposal does not rely on new taxes and protects substantial financial reserves for the future 

The revised FY21 budget proposal includes over $100 million to support economic development and small business efforts as the Commonwealth continues to recover from the impact of COVID-19. With the Administration’s revised budget submission, the Commonwealth is supporting historic investments in local schools during these challenging times, including a $108 million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment in this budget proposal, and at least $442 million in federal supports for K-12 schools.

“Our revised FY21 budget proposal enables the Commonwealth to make significant investments to promote economic growth, support our schools, and maintain essential services without raising taxes on our residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Thanks to our careful fiscal management over the last five years, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to address the budget challenges associated with this pandemic. This responsibly balanced budget protects local aid funding for cities and towns across the Commonwealth, recognizes record investments in Massachusetts students, recommends over $100 million in additional funding for economic and small business recovery efforts, and sustains eligibility and benefit levels in social safety net programs. We look forward to working quickly with the Legislature to adopt a full spending plan for FY21.”

“Our revised budget recommendation provides critical support for every municipality in Massachusetts and continues funding key priorities that matter to the people of the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Administration’s proposal continues making significant investments to address many priority issues, including sexual assault and domestic violence prevention, substance abuse treatment, public safety and first responders, care for senior citizens, and support for children and families. 

“By maximizing the use of available revenue from the federal government, and maintaining fiscal responsibility, this balanced recommendation protects core government services without relying on new taxes,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “The FY21 revised budget proposal continues our strong, productive relationship with the Legislature by funding critical programs and services while limiting future budget exposure to ongoing economic uncertainties related to the COVID-19 public heath epidemic.”

Fiscal Overview

The revised FY21 budget, known as Revised House 2, is built on the revised FY21 $27.592 billion tax revenue forecast. This figure was revised from the consensus revenue agreement announced in January and reflects the budgetary and economic impacts of COVID-19.

The budget proposes a total of $45.5 billion in gross spending, excluding the Medical Assistance Trust Fund transfer, which reflects approximately 3.8% growth in spending over Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20). This represents an increase over the original House 2 spending proposal, primarily as the result of increased caseload costs at MassHealth related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revised House 2 authorizes a withdrawal of up to $1.35 billion from the Stabilization Fund, which would be reduced should tax collections or new federal revenue exceed the Administration’s current conservative assumptions. The $1.35 billion withdrawal represents under 3% of the budget and is consistent with the Administration’s focus on flexibility and discipline during the COVID-19 emergency. This proposal would leave the fund with a balance of approximately $2.21 billion, a significant buffer in the event of future budgetary constraints in Fiscal Year 2022 and beyond. Thanks to sound fiscal management by the Administration and the legislative partners, the balance of the Stabilization Fund has increased threefold since 2015 and is currently $3.5 billion.

COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 has infected millions of people worldwide, devastated public health systems, and resulted in over 200,000 deaths across the United States. This novel, highly contagious virus has created an unprecedented public health crisis and impacted nearly every aspect of life for people in Massachusetts and throughout the world.

The state response to this pandemic has included emergency measures and funding to address a wide range of critical priorities – including health care, transportation, education, unemployment insurance, and more. To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of residents throughout the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration, in partnership with state, local, and federal officials, has already committed nearly $3 billion in funding since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, largely from off-budget federal funds. This includes significant resources in key areas such as food insecurity, housing, public health, healthcare, and human services, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), education, support for local cities and towns, and economic development.

The Administration is continuing to pursue aggressive measures, both on and off-budget, through a variety of funding sources, to minimize transmission of the virus, address a variety of needs exacerbated by the public health emergency, and support the ongoing economic recovery.

The Administration’s balanced and fiscally responsible plan submitted today builds on the ongoing COVID-19 response and off-budget supports by making investments across key areas including:

Supporting Record Investments in Massachusetts Students

Despite the fiscal challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Baker-Polito Administration is continuing to support record investments in Massachusetts students and ensure they have the opportunities and resources to grow and succeed.

Revised House 2 protects education funding and, after recognizing the significant level of federal funding available to cities, towns, and school districts, total year-over-year K-12 education spending is more than what was originally proposed in House 2, which fully funded the first year of the Student Opportunity Act. This includes a $108 million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment in this budget, and at least $442 million in federal supports for K-12 schools to assist with educating our students during the public health crisis.

Protecting Essential Government Services

This revised FY21 budget sustains eligibility and benefit levels for social safety net programs such as MassHealth, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), child-care vouchers, Prescription Advantage, HomeCare, Chapter 115 veteran benefits, and the Turning 22 program. The proposal also preserves Chapter 257 rate increases using a new rate methodology that better reflects the cost of benchmarking direct care and clinical staff wages.

This budget proposal continues support for the Community Compact Cabinet Program, which is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Polito and provides municipalities with meaningful assistance and resources in delivering quality services to the Commonwealth’s citizens. The revised FY21 budget recommends $4 million in funding for Community Compact related programs including best practices and regionalization and efficiency grants. Additionally, the budget includes $4.8 million for the Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, as well as $3 million for district local technical assistance.

Promoting Economic Development and Small Business Recovery

To generate economic growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and support Main Streets across Massachusetts, Revised House 2 recommends over $100 million in additional funding for economic recovery and development efforts. This new initiative will be supported by the sales tax acceleration and will assist local communities and small and diverse businesses throughout the Commonwealth as they navigate the COVID-19 economic landscape.

This $100 million initiative complements the Administration’s $275 million economic recovery package, which was announced in June as an update to the Administration’s Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth, the economic development legislation originally filed on March 4, 2020.

Health and Human Services

Since taking office, and throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Baker-Polito Administration has championed significant investments and improvements in health and human services programs to strengthen the health, resilience, and safety of individuals and families across Massachusetts.

Revised House 2 continues the Administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for patients and increase access to care. The proposal recommends funding the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) at $25.254 billion, excluding supplemental payments to hospitals, a $1.430 billion (6%) increase over the FY20 budget. 

This includes $160 million for Chapter 257 human service provider rate increases under a new rate methodology that better reflects the cost of benchmarking direct care and clinical staff wages. These significant rate increases reflect the Administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening human service programs so they can deliver meaningful service to citizens throughout Massachusetts.

Caring for Seniors

The Baker-Polito Administration has put age-friendly policies at the forefront of its agenda since taking office. Given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on seniors and high-risk individuals, the Administration is redoubling its efforts to pursue significant investments in supporting older adults and ensuring they have adequate care during this challenging time.

Revised House 2 proposes funding the Executive Office of Elder affairs at $575.5 million, which furthers the Administration’s commitment to supporting older adults in Massachusetts to remain active, contributing and engaged members of their communities.

The revised FY21 budget includes $16.5 million in support of grants to Local Councils on Aging and an increase of $9.7 million above the FY20 budget to support consumer growth in the state Home Care Program, which provides care management and in-home support services to help eligible elders age in place. The proposal also includes a $4.7 million increase for the Community Choices Program, which provides MassHealth-eligible elders with nursing facility levels of need with home care support.

The proposal also includes language from an FY20 supplemental budget that provides the Department of Public Health with greater authority to take action against a nursing facility in order to protect resident health and safety. This includes authorizing the Department to restrict or suspend a license for cause rather than only when an imminent risk of harm exists.

Housing and Homelessness

The Baker-Polito Administration recognizes that the challenges of COVID-19 have exacerbated existing housing concerns and disproportionally impacted vulnerable populations. The Administration recently announced a comprehensive set of resources, known as the Eviction Diversion Initiative, to support tenants and landlords during the financial challenges caused by the pandemic. This Eviction Diversion Initiative comprises a $171 million total commitment this fiscal year, of which $112 million was first announced this week to support new and expanded housing stability programs during the remainder of the fiscal year.

The revised FY21 budget proposal continues support for the most vulnerable populations, providing $181.7 million for the Emergency Assistance family shelter system, of which $1.8 million will help support 40 new family shelter units that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to accommodate homeless families that include a person with disabilities. The budget recommends $53.4 million to maintain an estimated 3,036 beds, services, and day programs at homeless shelters for individuals.

The Administration has decreased the number of families temporarily sheltered in hotels and motels from approximately 1,500 families in January 2015 to just 12 families as of October 2020. This significant achievement has been made possible in part due to the availability of additional housing and shelter options through budgetary resources.

Revised House 2 also recommends $122.7 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), $72 million for local housing authorities, and other significant investments.

Workforce Development

The COVID-19 global health emergency and the related economic challenges have impacted the livelihood of employers and workers across the Commonwealth. Revised House 2 proposes a total of $8.4 million in funding to transform vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes running three shifts per day. This initiative is designed to train 20,000 new workers over four years in skilled trades and technical fields including plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and robotics. This will consist of a combination of enrolling more high school students in high-impact vocational trade programs and expanding capacity for adults to earn industry-based credentials, aligned to apprenticeships and post-secondary degrees.

The plan to develop Career Technical Institutes utilizes a multi-pronged approach to increase student demand, boost business involvement in program development and credentials, reduce licensure barriers to enable mid-career professionals to become vocational teachers, and create incentives for completion and post-graduate employment through a pay-for-performance funding model 

Black Advisory Commission and Latino Advisory Commission

As the Administration continues to support communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the recommendations of the Governor’s Black and Latino Advisory Commission remain critically important. Governor Baker created the two commissions in 2017 to guide the Administration’s work to promote racial equity and support diverse communities, and the Administration has been committed to implementing the commissions’ recommendations. Revised House 2 continues supporting the recommendations of the Black Advisory Commission (BAC) and the Latino Advisory Commission (LAC) with numerous significant investments which are especially important in the context of this pandemic.

This includes funding several key programs including:

• $5.9 million for Adult Basic Education (ABE) to continue to provide integrated workforce development training programs for adult learners, including English for speakers of other languages

• $3.1 million to continue recruitment efforts to enroll more Black and Latino youth in Youth Works Summer Jobs

• $2.5 million to fund a grant program which invests in local entrepreneurs and support workforce trainings through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

• $1.5 million for the STEM Pipeline Fund to expand applied learning through student internships, evidence-based curriculum and professional development, establish STEM teacher externships, and grow early career Innovation Pathways in order to help increase participation in STEM by under-represented student groups

• $750,000 to expand the “Learn to Earn” initiative, a career pathway model that connects unemployed or underemployed individuals receiving public assistance to high-demand career pathways

Addressing Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

In some circumstances, the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing have increased risks for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. This includes instances where survivors must isolate or quarantine at home with an abuser and experience physical, emotional, or mental challenges. Revised House 2 recognizes this critical need and continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and improve sexual assault and domestic violence prevention services.

In April 2015, Governor Baker re-launched the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence and elevated the Council to the Governor’s Office. Over the last five years, with Lieutenant Governor Polito as Chair, the Council has successfully worked to help individuals, children, and families of the Commonwealth live a life free of sexual assault and domestic violence. The Council has advanced several important initiatives such as undertaking a 2018 Action Plan to address five priority areas including assessment and response, human trafficking, military veterans and families, housing stability and self-sufficiency, as well as prevention and education.

The revised FY21 budget proposal recommends a total investment of $82.8 million to address this key priority, a $2.4 million (3%) increase over the FY20 budget and a nearly 30% increase from FY15.

THE BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION’S REVISED FY21 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS BY NUMBERS

Core Services

• Increases Chapter 70 education aid to local municipalities by $108 million – for a total investment of $5.284 billion

• Maintains the FY20 Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) investment of $1.129 billion to local cities and towns

• $4 million in funding for Community Compact related programs including best practices and regionalization and efficiency grants

• $4.8 million for the Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

• $3 million for district local technical assistance

Economic Development

• Over $100 million in additional funding for economic recovery and small business relief efforts

• $35 million for grants for small businesses, particularly businesses in underserved markets, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, and those who have not yet received federal aid

• $35 million for community development financial institutions (CDFI) grants and loans 

• $15 million for matching grants for capital investments by businesses with twenty or fewer employers

• $7.7 million for technical assistance and grants, including for small business online and digital tools

• $6 million total for regional recovery planning grants, an increase of $5 million over FY20

• $3 million increase over FY20 for small business technical assistance, which translates to a $6 million total investment

Education

• Protects education funding and, after recognizing the significant level of federal funding available to cities, towns, and school districts, total year-over-year K-12 education spending is more than what was originally proposed in House 2, which fully funded the first year of the Student Opportunity Act

• $108 million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment

• Recognizes at least $442 million in federal supports for K-12 schools to assist with educating our students during the public health crisis

Early Education

• $775 million for Early Education and Care

• $85.2 million for a new trust fund to support future caseload increases and initiatives to improve early education and care

• $10 million for future revisions to the sliding parent fee schedule reductions in parent contributions

Higher Education

• $1.298 billion investment for the Department of Higher Education, University of Massachusetts, and state universities and community colleges, representing a $14.8 million (1.1%) increase over the FY20 budget

• Approximately $900,000 increase above the FY20 budget for financial aid and fee waiver programs at college campuses to maintain support for students currently or previously in the custody and care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), or who have been adopted through DCF

Health and Human Services

• $25.254 million for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), excluding supplemental payments to hospitals, a $1.915 billion (8%) increase over the FY20 budget

• $160 million for Chapter 257 human service provider rate increases under a new rate methodology that better reflects the cost of benchmarking direct care and clinical staff wages

Caring for Seniors

• $575.5 million for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs

• $16.5 million in support of grants to Local Councils on Aging and an increase of $9.7 million above the FY20 budget

• $4.7 million increase for the Community Choices Program

MassHealth

• $18.261 billion gross, $6.617 billion net funding for MassHealth, a change of 10.1% gross, 0.1% net, versus the FY20 budget

• These changes incorporate COVID-19 related increases in caseload support and members, as well as costs for the public health response and provider relief

• This investment also includes the conclusion of the temporary, enhanced Employer Medical Assistance Contribution that was completed at the end of calendar year 2019, per statute

Children and Families

• $1.063 billion for the Department of Children and Families, marking a $236 million increase since 2015

o        $9 million to support continued progress toward a maximum caseload level of 15 clients per caseworker 

o        $7.1 million to sustain investments made in FY20 for the expansion of support and stabilization services for foster parents, and services and supports for transition-age youth

• $10 million for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative

Individuals with Disabilities 

• Fully funds the Turning 22 Program at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and other agencies

• $2.112 billion for DDS, an increase of $20.7 million over the FY20 budget

Behavioral Health

• $904.2 million for the Department of Mental Health

• $91 million for Adult Community and Clinical Services

• $4.5 million for DMH’s jail and arrest diversion programs

Housing and Homelessness

• $181.7 million for the Emergency Assistance family shelter system

• $122.7 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

• $72 million in funding for local housing authorities

• $53.4 million to maintain an estimated 3,036 beds, services, and day programs at homeless shelters for individuals. 

Transportation

• $1.269 billion in total operating budget transfers for the MBTA, an increase of $64 million over FY20 

• $386 million in the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), an increase of $40 million over FY20 to fund snow and ice operations

• $90.5 million for Regional Transit Authorities

• $800,000 increase for the Merit Rating Board

Black Advisory Commission and Latino Advisory Commission

• $5.9 million for Adult Basic Education (ABE)

• $3.1 million to continue recruitment efforts to enroll more Black and Latino youth in Youth Works Summer Jobs

• $2.5 million to fund a grant program which invests in local entrepreneurs and support workforce trainings through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Developmen 

• $1.5 million for the STEM Pipeline Fund

• $750,000 to expand the “Learn to Earn” initiative 

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

• $82.8 million to address this key priority, a $2.4 million (3%) increase over the FY20 budget and a nearly 30% increase from FY15

• $46.9 million in funding for the Department of Public Health to carry out domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, as well as emergency and transitional residential services for victims and their children

• $31.2 million for providing shelter, services, and housing assistance for individuals and families who are victims or at risk of domestic abuse in their current living situations

• $6 million to support statewide sexual assault nurse examiner programs for adults and adolescents in hospital settings, and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner programs in child advocacy centers

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

• $747.1 million for the Department of Correction, including $203.3 million for medical and mental health contract costs

• $411.4 million for State Police public safety and crime lab operations and includes support for the 86th RTT class 

• $62.9 million to continue funding for the clinical contract at Bridgewater State Hospital

• $11 million in funding for the Shannon Grant program to fund anti-gang and youth violence prevention efforts

• $10.4 million to fully fund tuition and fee waivers for National Guard members

• $5.4 million for the Municipal Police Training Committee which develops, delivers, and enforces training standards of municipal, University of Massachusetts, and Environmental police officers

Modernizing and Security Government IT

• $135.6 million for the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security to support

• Managing a new cybersecurity operations center which provides 24/7 monitoring capabilities of systems to identify and help mitigate potential cyber threats 

• Implementing a security incident event management software platform for threat monitoring and analytics

• Centralized software and IT contract compliance program

Energy and the Environment

• $288.5 million for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA)

• $98.9 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation

• $62.4 million for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

• $31.8 million in funding for the Department of Fish and Game

• $20.8 million for the Department of Public Utilities

• $4.5 million for the Department of Energy Resources

• $1.4 million to address the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis

To access the Governor’s filing letter, budget message, and specific account information click here.

Governor Baker, New England Governors Call for Modernization of Regional Electricity System

 Governor Baker, New England Governors Call for Modernization of Regional Electricity System

Five Northeast Governors Seek Reform of Market Design, Transmission Planning, and Governance Needed to Achieve States’ Mandates for Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Power 

BOSTON — Recognizing the critical role that New England’s regional wholesale electricity market plays in addressing climate change and cost-effectively reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Governors from four Northeast states today issued a statement calling for reforms needed to achieve their states’ respective goals for clean, affordable, and reliable electricity.  

“To meet to our Administration’s goal of net zero emissions in Massachusetts by 2050, the Commonwealth needs a regional electricity system that can support the delivery of clean, affordable, and reliable energy to residents and businesses,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “My administration looks forward to working with our partner states, ISO-New England and stakeholders to build a more transparent, modern and cost-effective power system that will allow New England states to meet our ambitious climate change and clean energy goals while creating a better future for our residents.”

The statement, signed by Governor Baker, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Maine Governor Janet Mills, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott, calls for reform of the regional electricity market design, transmission planning process, and the governance of the ISO-New England, the independent system operator for the New England power system.  A Vision document outlining specific areas for reform will be released later this week through the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE), a non-profit entity that represents the collective perspective of the New England states in regional electricity matters.

“When Connecticut deregulated our electricity sector, we were promised competition, lower risk for ratepayers, more affordable electricity, and a system that respects and accommodates our clean energy mandates,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “What we got is a system that has actively hindered our efforts to decarbonize the grid, and imposed burdensome costs on Connecticut ratepayers to fix market design failures. Working together with our neighboring states, I’m committed to achieving a regional electricity grid that provides the affordable, clean, and reliable electricity that Connecticut families and businesses deserve.”

“It is far past time that New England reforms how its electric grid is managed,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “The wholesale electricity markets must advance and support clean energy laws and policies, as the states demand decarbonization and markets and consumers support more renewables. ISO-New England must keep pace with state priorities and it must be more transparent and accountable in its decision making, broadening its focus to include consumer and environment concerns as well as reliability and cost.”

“Here in Rhode Island, we're committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonizing our future. I’m proud that we're on track to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “In order to meet our shared clean energy goals and aggressively combat climate change, it’s clear we need to take a regional approach.”   

“I’ve long said our work to address climate change can and must also work to make energy more affordable for Vermonters, so I’m pleased to be a part of this regional approach to achieving both of these priorities,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “With a strategic, multi-state approach we can have a greater impact on both climate change mitigation and energy affordability.”

In the coming months, the states will convene open and accessible forums to ensure that all interested stakeholders have an opportunity to participate in further refinement of the principles of the shared Vision.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING SITE RETURNS TO EAST BOSTON; CREATES SECOND SITE TO SERVE MORE RESIDENTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING SITE RETURNS TO EAST BOSTON; CREATES SECOND SITE TO SERVE MORE RESIDENTS   Second mobile site will be in partnership with Whittier Street Health Center, starting at Nubian Square in Roxbury    BOSTON - Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh yesterday announced a new partnership with Whittier Street Health Center, adding a second team to the City of Boston's COVID-19 mobile testing capacity. This new site is now located in Nubian Square, in the Blair Parking Lot onPalmer Street and Harrison Avenue. Additionally, the first COVID-19 mobile testing team, in partnership with East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, has returned to East Boston at Central Square Park on Border Street across from Liberty Plaza Shopping Center. Both testing sites are available for everyone through Saturday, October 24, 2020.  "Making COVID-19 testing accessible for more Bostonians must continue to be one of our top priorities as we respond to the ongoing pandemic. This gives residents clarity and the data guides our cautious, phased reopening," said Mayor Walsh. "Thank you to East Boston Neighborhood Health Center for remaining our partner in keeping residents healthy and bringing vital resources where they are needed. We are looking forward to working with Whittier Street Health Center to expand our mobile testing capacity, which will directly fill in testing gaps where needed." "We are thrilled to partner with the City of Boston to expand access to testing for all - regardless of whether they have symptoms - and whether they are at risk of spreading the infection to others," said Frederica M. Williams president and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center. "Testing plays a critical role in the efforts to contain and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying infected individuals to help prevent further person-to-person transmission of COVID-19." Whittier Street Health Center: Nubian Square in Roxbury In Nubian Square, testing is now available through Saturday, October 24, 2020 during the dates and hours listed below in the Blair Parking Lot on Palmer Street and Harrison Avenue. Anyone can be tested at no cost and regardless of COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals are asked to register by calling 617-858-2406. The dates and hours of operation are: Wednesday, October 14 - Friday, October 16:  1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 20 - Friday, October 23: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. East Boston Neighborhood Health Center: Central Square in East Boston   In East Boston's Central Square, testing is now available through Saturday, October 24 on Border Street across from Liberty Plaza Shopping Center. Testing is available at no cost for everyone. Individuals are asked to register by calling 617-568-4500. The dates and hours of operation are: Wednesday, October 14: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15 - Friday, October 16: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 20: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 21: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22 - Friday, October 23: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. "We thank Mayor Walsh and his team for prioritizing East Boston and welcome the opportunity to provide additional testing capacity to residents in our community. Our sites are safe, convenient, and operated by trusted resources in East Boston," said East Boston Neighborhood Health Center president and CEO Manny Lopes. "We are asking community members to get tested to protect themselves and their loved ones. Together, we can control the spread in this community and across this area." The mobile site testing initiative was announced by Mayor Walsh in May as a way to help fill any gaps in testing availability, prioritizing neighborhoods and populations that need dedicated testing efforts to create equitable access to testing. The first mobile testing team has previously been located in Roxbury, Allston, South Boston, Mattapan, East Boston, and Dorchester. At the Dorchester mobile site in Grove Hall, there were 702 COVID-19 tests ordered. Of results received, 2.86 percent tested positive for COVID-19.  In addition to the City's two mobile testing sites, COVID-19 testing is available at nearly 30 locations across the city. Individuals can call the Mayor's Health Line with any questions using 617-534-5050. For a complete list of all testing sites, visit here.  The City of Boston has been partnering with community health centers to increase access to testing, particularly in neighborhoods experiencing higher rates of COVID-19. As of Monday, October 5, 2020, there were 297,125 COVID-19 tests of Boston residents. Out of 297,125 total tests, 6.2% have tested positive. For all Boston residents, the positivity for tests increased from 3.9% for the prior week (September 22 - 28) to 4.1% for the current week (September 29 - October 5). The latest numbers of cases from the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) by neighborhoods are available here.  Mayor Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee have dedicated over $1,794,825 to expand COVID-19 testing and conduct culturally appropriate outreach and education to community health centers across City of Boston neighborhoods, including Bowdoin Street Community Health Center, Codman Square Community Health Center, The Dimock Center, DotHouse Health, Mattapan Community Health Center, Uphams Corner Community Health Center, Whittier Street Community Health Center, Charles River Community Health, Fenway Health, Greater Roslindale Medical & Dental Center, Harbor Health, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, South Boston Community Health Center, NEW Health Charlestown, South End Community Health Center, and Brookside Community Health Center. The Fund has also supported telehealth services and equipment at those community health centers as well to connect testing to safe treatment options at home. Resources and information about COVID-19 are available online. Resources available on boston.gov and through City departments include support for renters and homeowners; small businesses; free meals for Boston students; free toiletries for Boston students; support for older residents; information on homeless shelters; resources for those in recovery or those who have a substance use disorder; and mental health resources. More information on Boston's reopening can be found at boston.gov/reopening. For additional questions or programs, please visit our coronavirus 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.

麻州警察局宣佈成立OPIA 2內部調查單位合併為1

             (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州警10月13日宣佈，將把2個內部調查單位合併成一個新的專業誠信與問責辦公室(Office of Professional Integrity and Accountability)辦公室，負責審核人們對警察的投訴。

             這新辦公室將由之前的內部事務(Internal Affairs)與員工調查單位(Staff Inspection units)組成，會配置更多員工做內部投訴調查，也會執行所謂的軍營檢查，以確保他們切實遵守了部門政策。

             OPIA將由20名，全友偵探組長位階，受過內部調查與部門稽核訓練的警官組成，聽命於一名隊長。州警表示，這一重建的架構，將在調派警官處理事務時有更大彈性，也可縮減完成調查，稽核所需時間。

             麻州總檢察官辦公室也會開始定期檢視所有新的，以及進行中的內部調查案，以俾在有潛在的刑事犯行調查時，交給檢察官處理。

 有關當局表示，過去5年來，州警收到的外界投訴個案數已減少了。2016年收到193宗投訴案，2017年142宗，2018年124宗，2019年106宗，2020年迄今24宗。

            波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)在13日也剛剛才宣佈接受警察改革小組建議，要大幅度改革警察制度，以解決系統性的種族歧視級警察值勤失當。

羅根機場國際抵達區將有新冠病毒檢測站

      (Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓羅根(Logan)國際機場將於今年稍後開始為乘客做新冠病毒(COVID-19)檢測。

          XpresSpa集團這家健身公司宣佈，已開始在波士頓羅根機場架設XpresCheck新冠病毒檢測設施，預計11月可全面營運。

          該公司表示，目前他們僅在國際抵達區，E終點站的安檢區安置模塊式的檢測設施，大概會有七個隔開的檢測士，預估每日可為400多人做檢測。

          檢測的選擇將包括新冠病毒(COVID-19)快速分子檢測，聚合酶鍊反應(Polymerase Chain Reaction)檢測，以及血液抗體檢測。

          這將是XpresSpa集團的第3個機場檢測站。該公司也在紐約的JFK國際機場，以及新澤西州(NJ)的紐瓦克(Newark)自由國際機場做檢測。

          美國疾病防治中心(CDC)在9月時確認大約11,000飛機乘客有可能在飛行途中暴露於新冠病毒下。諸如聯合航空，已在某些航班上做乘客檢測。

有人擅闖麻州州長家

             (Boston Orange編譯) 竟然有人擅闖麻州州長家!

             益士石(Essex)地區檢察官辦公室發言人Carrie Kimball週二表示，上週三的大白天，有人闖進麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)家。警方已逮捕名叫Lane Forman的這個人，並於上週四在Lynn地區法院過庭了。

             法院下令，這人可以5000元保釋，另需裝上定位監測器，限定他不能接近位於Swampscott鎮紀念碑道(Monument Avenue )的州長家。法官也命令這人不得和州長及其家人接觸，得做行為能力評估。

             下一次的庭訊日期為11月14日。

             Swampscott警察及查理貝克的發言人要追問細節的記者們找州警，但州警發言人Dave Procopio表示，他不能討論這宗擅闖案。他還說，為了安全，麻州州警將不公佈有關執行保護行動的細節。

                      闖進麻州州長家的人，是住在丹佛市(Danvers)，59歲的Lane A. Forman。

           他在庭訊中告訴法官Cesar A. Archilla，他認識州長。他進州長查理貝克家2次了。每次都有州警，州長辦公室或州長本人同意，讓他在州長家留下一封信，裡面放了關於他母親過世，以及母親在頤養院接受照顧的照片及文件。

               第一次是6星期前，一名州警准他在查理貝克家邊門那而留下一個信封。不過法官對此表示懷疑，還追問他有沒這州警的名字。

               Lane A. Forman說他相信那名州警的名字是Donovan。他10月7日第二次去州長家是因為他要求麻州總檢察官調查他母親的死因，負責的州警卻沒給他任何回音。

               他說他去查理貝克家，只是關於他母親情況的照片，以及警察報告等資料，從州長家的邊門縫下塞進去，他從來沒有踏進屋內。

               他懇求法官不要把他關進牢裏，因為他吃的止痛藥，讓他的身體狀況不適於入獄。他發誓只要法官放了他，就不會再去州長家。

               根據州警交給法院的報告，Lane A. Forman是在10月7日下午2點35分，開著租來的車，豪不猶豫的開到查理貝克家門前的車道上，走向邊門，打開，然後在那通往廚房的入口，留下一個信封。

               該報告指出，州長夫人和女兒當時在屋裏。

               州警Nathan Thomas看到Forman把車開進車道，通知了坐在一天24小時停在州長家門外的巡邏車中，穿著制服的其中一名警察。Thomas穿過街道，認出了Forman，因為過去這些年，他們已經見過Forman很多次了。在Forman的1986年到2018年犯罪紀錄上，就包括了14項暴力犯行。

               在Forman到查理貝克家的前一天，聯邦人員才宣佈意圖綁架密西根州長Gretchen Whitmer的案子破了。密西根州長和麻州州長10月8日曾互相通話。Whitmer的發言人告訴波士頓環球報，查理貝克和他的家人也得應付一些醜惡的事。很多州長已經面對了。

               有關人員表示，Forman現在仍在益士石郡治安官的監管中。(更新版)

波士頓市長全盤接受警察改革小組建議 預定180天內完成

波士頓市長Martin Walsh率警察改革小組11名成員開記者會。

            (Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)今(13)日下午2點宣佈，全盤接受11人警察改革工作小組所提出的改革建議，包括成立一個獨立，透明，擁有調查及傳訊權力的警察觀察辦公室，擴大警察穿戴相機計畫，改善使用武力政策等。

               馬丁華殊指出，他不但同意採取改革小組的這些大膽建議，還將照小組要求，盡其所能的在180天內完成各項改革。

波士頓市長Martin Walsh誓言要在180天內完成改革。

               波士頓市還將設立一個新的多元及包容單位，以修訂公共服務規則。星期，馬丁華殊還將要求波士頓市議會通過聘用市府員工的新規定，允許優先聘用波士頓高中畢業生，並為各種各樣的居民新闢一個聘僱管道。

               至於做到這些改革要花多少錢，馬丁華殊坦言，目前他還沒有概念。

               波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William Gross)表示，他也支持這些改革，在值勤時，他們是在服務人民。

波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William Gross)支持改革。

              波士頓市長馬丁華殊今年6月宣佈，波士頓市內的公共健康因種族歧視進入緊急狀態。他承諾把1200萬元的警察局加班費預算轉用於社會服務上，同時指派了11人成立警察改革工作小組，並任命曾任美國檢察官的Wayne Budd擔任主席。改革小組提出的建議書，已譯成包括中文的5種語言，在波士頓市政府網站上可以查閱，www.boston.gov/policereform。

波士頓市的警察改革行動源起於5月25日警察在明尼阿波利斯(Minneapolis)市殺死了George Floyd，並在全美掀起抗議，檢視執法機構內的系統性濫權浪潮。

               全美有色人種進步會(NAACP)的波士頓分會會長Tanisha Sullivan表示，他們希望這些政策改變能真正回應人們對透明，負責及包容，以及更快速取得資訊的要求。

               警察改革小組在9月份時交出一份長17頁的改革建議，列舉出他們認為要在警察局內形成多元化，平等及社區互動這種文化的辦法。

               該報告有四大重點，包括使用隨身照相機，市府現有監管委員會的權力，警察局使用武力的政策，以及隱性歧視訓練等。

               改革小組建議在警察局之外，成立一個獨立的”值勤問責及透明辦公室(Office of Policing Accountability and Transparency)”，擁有自己的平民員工，並取代現有的，在調查行為失當各岸上幾乎沒有力量的”民間監察員小組(Civilian Ombudsman Oversight Panel)”。

               波士頓環球報指出，目前還不清楚警察局內部對這些改革的支持度如何，代表波士頓警察的最大機構，波士頓巡邏警察協會(The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association)迄今保持沉默，警察工會及相關團體則已公開推拒研議中的警務法案。州政府的立法也已停滯不前，陷於困境中。

               有些地方領袖及支持改革者表示，其實類似的法案以前也提出過，結果都無疾而終。

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FINAL BOSTON POLICE REFORM TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS; MOVES TO IMMEDIATELY ENACT REFORMS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FINAL BOSTON POLICE REFORM TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS; MOVES TO IMMEDIATELY ENACT REFORMS  BOSTON - Tuesday, October 13, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the final recommendations of the Boston Police Reform Task Force, and immediate next steps the city will be taking to enact reforms, in keeping with the timelines outlined through the recommendations. The Task Force was charged with reviewing a set of current Boston Police Department's policies and procedures, and presenting recommendations for action and reform. Mayor Walsh charged the Task Force with four main areas of review: Use of Force policies; Implicit Bias Training, the Body-worn Camera Program, and the Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel (CO-OP).  The Task Force today released the following recommendations:  Create an independent Office of Police Accountability and Transparency ("OPAT") with full investigatory and subpoena power, i.e. the ability to call witnesses and to compel the discovery of documents. Formalize and expand the BPD's commitment to diversity and inclusion through the creation of a Diversity & Inclusion unit. Expand the BPD's adoption of the body-worn camera program and continue to ban the use of biometrics and facial recognition software. Enhance the BPD's Use of Force policies (Rule 303, Rule 303A, Rule 303B, Rule 304) so that they articulate clear and enforceable disciplinary code of consequences for violations and infractions and hold the BPD publicly accountable for the violation of these policies.  Adopt practices that maximize accountability, transparency and public access to the BPD.  The full recommendations are available on boston.gov/policereform, and have been translated into five languages. "We must be a city and a country where every single person receives equal protection and equitable opportunity," said Mayor Walsh. "We must commit now to transformational, systemic change. This Task Force is led by individuals from Boston's Black and Brown communities who are leaders on Civil Rights; experts on public safety; and activists for racial justice, and I thank them for their tireless work on creating this report. Now it is Boston's charge to take these bold reforms and use the Task Force's recommendations to create a better, more just city."  Mayor Walsh today took immediate action to support and enact the Task Force recommendations. These include:  Pledged to Form the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency Mayor Walsh today committed to, within the coming weeks, taking the necessary steps to create the key new office recommended by the Task Force: the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT), including a Civilian Review Board with subpoena power. The new OPAT structure will include a Civilian Review Board, absorb the IAOP as part of its office, and, critically, give subpoena power to the OPAT commission. These structures are key parts of the Task Force's final recommendations.  Mayor Walsh announced he will in the coming weeks reconstitute the current CO-OP board, and adopt the Task Force's recommended reform to a redesigned panel that will be known as the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel (IAOP). The IAOP will be empowered to review completed internal affairs investigations at its discretion and without limitation to the number of investigations it may review. This panel will then become part of the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT).  Hire an Executive Director for the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT) The City of Boston today began the process of searching for an executive director to lead the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OPAT), and the job will be posted on boston.gov/careers this week. The Executive Director will lead the Executive Administration, a branch within the OPAT structure. The City is launching a search to find an executive director who is a member of the Massachusetts bar, and is equipped to lead this pivotal new office, bring on staff members, and execute its charge. Create a Diversity & Inclusion Unit within the Boston Police Department Through Boston's newly-created Office of Equity, Chief of Equity Karilyn Crockett has been charged with working with Boston Police Commissioner Gross to create a Diversity & Inclusion Unit within the Boston Police Department. This work includes updating their internal policies to reflect the Departments commitments to equity and bias-free policing, and will begin immediately. Pledged to File Home Rule Petitions to Enact Civil Service Reforms Mayor Walsh committed to filing home rule petitions at the Massachusetts State House, which, if passed by the Legislature, would allow the City of Boston to enact the Task Force's civil service reform recommendations.  This change will allow the Boston Police Department to adopt a hiring preference for high school graduates who have received a degree through the Boston Public School systems, METCO, or schools in the Boston Compact. Such a preference would have the advantage of both increasing opportunities for diversity within BPD and ensuring the staff of the department have a strong connection to, and deep knowledge of, the local community and diversity of Boston's neighborhoods. "This Task Force has worked incredibly hard to create these final recommendations, and lay out a plan for real reforms in the Boston Police Department," said Task Force Chairman Wayne Budd. "I'm proud of the community voices that went into these reforms, and look forward to seeing these reforms become a reality in Boston."  In addition to Mayor Walsh's commitments today, the Boston Police Department will continue its ongoing work to support the Task Force recommendations that began before the Task Force's creation, and continued throughout the months of the Task Force's work.  Mayor Walsh has previously committed his full support of body cameras being worn by officers during all shifts, including overtime, and Boston Police are actively working toward that goal. In addition, Mayor Walsh announced that moving forward the Boston Police Department no longer uses the hair test for evidence of drug use in officers or recruits, a decision that was made in partnership with the police unions.  In June, Mayor Walsh signed the "Mayor's Pledge" issued by the Obama Foundation's My Brother's Keeper Alliance as one of the strategies to address racism as an emergency and public health crisis. The Mayor committed the City of Boston to review police use of force policies; engage communities by including a diverse range of input experiences and stories; report review findings to the community and seek feedback; and reform police use of force policies. The Boston Police Reform Task Force is composed of members from the community, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and the legal profession, to ensure that these commitments are translated to actions. Over the summer, the Task Force hosted a series of community listening sessions to gather community feedback related to police reform. "The Boston Police Department prides itself on our community-first policing model, and I have made building trust in our communities my priority as Police Commissioner," said Boston Police Commissioner William Gross. "This report is an opportunity for us to listen to the community, and lead with the changes they want and need. We are committed to working collaboratively with leaders across the Administration, across the community, and on this Task Force, to become an even stronger, more diverse, more open and accountable police force."  On June 11, 2020, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross announced he completed a review of Boston Police's policies against the recommended use of force policies outlined in the "8 Can't Wait" effort, resulting in clarified rules and the implementation of several reforms. In addition, as part of Mayor Walsh's Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget, Mayor Walsh allocated 20% or $12 million of the Boston Police Department's overtime budget to make a significant investment in equity and inclusion across the City.   These final recommendations represent the tireless work of the Boston Police Task Force members, and valuable feedback from the Boston community. Throughout its process, the Task Force held five separate public listening sessions, and received over 100 pieces of testimony from the community, over the course of two written comment periods.  Members of the Boston Police Task Force include:  Chair, Wayne Budd, Senior Counsel, Goodwin LLP & Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Reverend Jeffrey Brown, Associate Pastor, Historic Twelfth Baptist Church, Roxbury Allison S. Cartwright, Attorney in Charge, Roxbury Defender's Office Eddy Chrispin, Boston Police Department, Sergeant & President of MAMLEO Jamarhl Crawford, Boston Resident Joseph D. Feaster, Jr., Chairman of the Board, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts Javier Flores, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP Darrin Howell, President, DRIVE Boston Community Resources Inc. & 1199SEIU Marie St. Fleur, Former MA State Representative, Boston Tanisha M. Sullivan, Esq. President, NAACP Boston Branch Superintendent Dennis White, Chief of Staff, Boston Police Department This report reflects the contributions of hundreds of people and is the result of a collaborative process.  The Task Force is grateful to everyone who participated in the process. The Task Force thanks the residents of Boston who actively participated in this process. Their participation helped to ensure that these recommendations reflect residents' voice and will. Additionally, the Task Force consulted with a number of stakeholders, advocates, practitioners, and subject matter experts during the research and drafting of these recommendations.  It wishes to thank them for their generous contribution of time and expertise. The Task Force appreciates:  Branville G. Bard, Jr., Commissioner, Cambridge Police Department; Larry Mayes, Former CO-OP Panel Member; Natashia Tidwell, Former CO-OP Panel Member; Julien Mendele, Esq., Boston CO-OP Panel Member; Christina Miller, Esq., Boston CO-OP Panel Member; Jassie Senwah, Boston CO-OP Panel Member; Meredith Shih, Esq., Boston CO-OP Panel Member; the Honorable Regina Quinlan (Ret.), Boston CO-OP Panel Member; Susan Lee, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, Chicago Civilian Office of Police Accountability; Johnathan Darche, New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board; Jerika Richardson, New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board; Yojaira Alvarez, New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board; Dr. Atiya Martin, All Aces, Inc; Dr. Tracie L. Keesee, Center For Policing Equity; John Gibbons, United States Marshal District of Massachusetts; Maria Cheevers, Director of Research and Development, Boston Police Department; Jenna Savage, Deputy Director of Research and Development, Boston Police Department; Jen Maconochie, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Policies, Boston Police Department; Segun Idowu, Executive Director, Black Economic Council of MA and Co-Founder, Boston Police Camera Action Team; Shekia Scott, Co-Founder, Boston Police Camera Action Team; Rahsaan Hall, Director, Racial Justice Program, ACLU of MA; Rachael Rollins, Suffolk County District Attorney; Jack McDevitt, Director of Northeastern University Institute on Race and Justice; Carla Sheffield, mother of Burrell Ramsey; Patricia Ramsey, sister of Burrell Ramsey; Gloria McMullen, mother of Mark McMullen; Chris McMullen, brother of Mark McMullen; Karen McMullen, sister of Mark McMullen; Kety Fernandes, wife of Mark McMullen; Avery Homer, niece of Mark McMullen; Simon Fernandes, son of Mark McMullen; Keith Antonio; Kim Janey, Boston City Councilor, District 7 and Boston City Council President; Jacob Leidolf, web / graphic designer and data consultant; Adam Friedman, President of Civera Software; Howard Friedman, Law Offices of Howard Friedman PC; Chris Faraone, Boston Institute of Non-Profit Journalism; Andrea Campbell, Boston City Councillor, District 4; Larry Ellison, former President, MAMLEO; William "Billy" Celester, former President, MAMLEO; Charles Yancey, former Boston City Councillor, District 4;  and Professor Roger Goldman, St. Louis University School of Law.  The Task Force wishes to thank Lon Povich, Lily Ricci and Amber Aspinall of Anderson & Kreiger LLP and RJ ("Jack" ) Cinquegrana, Danielle Pelot, Diana Lloyd, and Christine Savage of Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP, who contributed invaluable research to the Task Force. The Task Force also thanks its legal counsel, Marielle Sanchez, Esq., of Goodwin, LLP for her outstanding contributions to this work.  https://www.boston.gov/departments/mayors-office/bostons-movement-end-racism/boston-police-reform-task-force