11月4日新冠病毒新增確診個案 麻州上衝1,629宗 美國88,427宗

            (Boston Orange編譯)預定11月6日起實施的新宵禁還沒開始，麻州的新冠病毒(COVID-19)新增確診數先直衝1,629宗，累計已達158,937宗。新增27人死亡，累計9836人死亡。

全美的新冠病毒確診個案數，也新增88,427宗，又有將近9萬人確診的一天。全美累計新冠病毒死亡人數已達231,988。

全世界已有4792萬5,055宗確診個案，122萬1852人死於新冠病毒。

根據麻州公共衛生廳資料，11月4日的數據來自103,066次新做的分子檢測。目前全州約有17,455宗仍在治療中的新冠病毒個案，其中502人住院，109人住在重症病房。

七日平均的確診率目前為1.86%。

麻州公共衛生廳新公佈，以年齡分層計算的確診數，在10月18日至10月31日止，0到19歲的青少年及兒童，確診數最高，有2,834宗，其次為20到29歲的年輕人，有2,734宗，30到39歲有2,676宗，40到49歲2,240宗，50到59歲有1,950宗，60到69歲有1,401宗，70到79歲有669宗，80到89歲有425宗。

根據維基百科，鑒於第二波疫情延燒，許多國家或城市再度封鎖。奧地利從11月3日至30日，將鎖國27天，比利時從11月2日至12月14日，要鎖國42天，法國在今年3月至5月曾封鎖55天，現在要從10月30日起至12月1日，再封鎖32天。德國要從11月2日起至30日封鎖28天，迦納，希臘，愛爾蘭，以色列，英國，菲律賓也都將從15天到41天不等的獲全國，或部分城市實施封鎖策略，以其控制疫情。

Massachusetts Democrats Flip 3 Seats in the State Legislature, 2 County Seats

 Massachusetts Democrats Flip 3 Seats in the State Legislature, 2 County Seats

After voters turned out in record numbers on Tuesday, Massachusetts Democrats celebrated victories down the ballot, adding to majorities in the state House and Senate, in addition to wins at the county level. 

US Army veteran John Cronin defeated incumbent Republican Dean Tran in MassDems' third flipped seat in the Senate this year. “I’m so incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to do in this district,” said Cronin. “It’s time for north central Massachusetts to have bold, brave representation in the state Senate. I’m honored that voters have entrusted me with that job and deeply appreciate the support of my volunteers and the MassDems to ensure that every voter had a voice.”

On Cape Cod, Democrat Kip Diggs flipped another Republican-held seat, becoming the first Black legislator to represent the Cape in the legislature. “This race has always been about community, and I’m thankful for the voters, volunteers, and party support that brought us to this point,” said Diggs. “Voters in this district came together to demand a new kind of Representative for this district, and I vow to be a fierce advocate for the Second Barnstable in the Massachusetts House.”

North Attleboro Town Councilor Adam Scanlon flipped a long time Republican-held House seat in Bristol county. “I jumped in this race because I believe in equity and opportunity for all people in this district, and I promise to champion our shared values in the state House,” said Scanlon. “I’m so grateful for everyone who offered their support: my family and friends, the folks at the MassDems, and all of the volunteers and voters who turned out for us this fall.”

Democrats also picked-up two county seats: Patrick McDermott defeated Jerry McDermott in the race for Norfolk County Sheriff, and Sheila Lyons and Mark Forest won seats as Barnstable County Commissioners, defeating incumbent Republican Ron Beaty. 

“These victories show that hope triumphs fear, that unity prevails over division. Democrats ran on bold, positive visions for our Commonwealth, and voters turned out for them in record numbers,” said MassDems Chair Gus Bickford. “These victories don't just belong to our candidates, they belong to activists, organizers, volunteers, and most importantly, the voters, everyone that cast a ballot in favor of a brighter, better future for our Commonwealth and our country.”

2新冠檢測組將在東波士頓免費服務至11月14日

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CITY COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING TEAM STAYS IN EAST BOSTON; SECOND SITE IN MATTAPAN  Since launched in May, the mobile testing teams have administered 13,795 tests across Roxbury, Allston, South Boston, Mattapan, East Boston, and Dorchester   Mayor Marty Walsh thinks there is no need to worry about protest. (By Chutze Chou) BOSTON - Wednesday, November 4, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh yesterday announced the City of Boston's two mobile testing teams are now available again to anyone at no cost and regardless of symptoms. East Boston Neighborhood Health Center will continue its mobile operation in East Boston's Central Square Park located on Border Street across from Liberty Plaza Shopping Center. Whittier Street Health Center will operate in Mattapan at Jubilee Christian Church at 1500 Blue Hill Avenue. Both testing sites are available through Saturday, November 14. "As we see an increase in COVID-19 activity, it is vital that we continue to ensure access to testing, especially in neighborhoods and communities where there's a greater positivity rate.  And, in addition to the City of Boston providing availability, I need every Bostonian to get tested, even if they aren't showing symptoms, so individuals can protect their health and the City can be guided by accurate public health data," said Mayor Walsh. "Thank you to East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and Whittier Street Health Center for helping to provide this important resource and healthcare to our residents."  East Boston Neighborhood Health Center: Central Square in East Boston In East Boston, testing is available through Saturday, November 14 in Central Square Park on Border Street, across from Liberty Plaza Shopping Center. Testing is available to anyone at no cost and regardless of symptoms. Individuals are asked to register by calling 617-568-4500. The dates and hours of operation are: Wednesday, November 4 - Friday, November 6: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, November 7: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 10 - Friday, November 13: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. "We are again thankful for Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston for providing East Boston with key testing resources. Now more than ever, we need to focus on identifying and stopping the spread of COVID-19," said East Boston Neighborhood Health Center president and CEO Manny Lopes. "The entire team at EBNHC urges East Boston and surrounding neighborhoods to wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and get tested. We can make a difference if we do it together." Whittier Street Health Center: Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan In Mattapan, testing is available through Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Jubilee Christian Church, which is located at 1500 Blue Hill Avenue. Anyone can get tested at no cost and regardless of COVID-19 symptoms during the hours listed below. Individuals are asked to register by calling 617-858-2406. The dates and hours of operation are: Wednesday, November 4 - Friday, November 6: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, November 7: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 10 -  Friday, November 13: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. "With recent daily reports of coronavirus cases in Boston and across the country surging to previously unseen heights since the pandemic began, we deeply value the opportunity to partner with the city to make free COVID-19 testing available to all," Frederica M. Williams, President and CEO of Whittier Street Health Care Center. "We are in an urgent crisis, and with testing, contact tracing and following the CDC guidelines of how to protect yourself and others, we believe that we should be able to bend the curve and keep everyone safe and healthy."   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 teams have previously been located in Roxbury, Allston, South Boston, Mattapan, East Boston, and Dorchester. At the Roxbury mobile site in Nubian Square, there were 841 COVID-19 tests given. In addition to the City's two mobile testing sites, COVID-19 testing is available at over 30 locations across the city. Individuals can call the Mayor's Health Line with any questions using 617-534-5050. View a complete list of all testing sites.  Mayor Walsh recently announced the City of Boston launched "Get The Test, Boston," a pledge designed to encourage residents to get a COVID-19 test. Additionally, businesses who sign the pledge will share testing resources and information with their employees. So far, over 20 businesses have signed onto the pledge, including Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Boston Main Streets, Bunker Hill Community College, Drift, Greater Boston Labor Council, MassChallenge, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, Rapid 7, Rise Construction Management, Roxbury Community College, Stop & Shop, Flour Bakery & Cafe, Myers & Chang, Sociedad Latina, Weber Shandwick, Soleil Restaurant, Emerson College, TD Garden, The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, UNITE HERE Local 26, and Wayfair. 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 Saturday, October 31, 2020, there were 340,542 COVID-19 tests of Boston residents. Out of 340,542 total tests, 6.2% have tested positive. For all Boston residents, the positivity for tests decreased from 8.0% for the prior week (October 18-24) to 7.2% for the current week (October 25-31). The latest numbers of cases from the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) by neighborhoods are available online. Mayor Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee have dedicated over $1,790,000 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.

麻州正副州長查理貝克及白莉朵籲請民眾在等待大選結果時尊重彼此

 GOVERNOR CHARLIE BAKER AND LT. GOVERNOR KARYN POLITO RELEASE STATEMENT ON ELECTION 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito released the following statement:

“The United States of America depends on every American having the freedom to cast their vote and for every vote to be counted. Every American, regardless of political affiliation, especially the President and every candidate on the ballot, should be united in supporting this process. Regardless of who wins this election, the challenges facing the Commonwealth and the nation remain: defeating the pandemic, rebuilding the economy, and supporting those who need help in these difficult days. When the results are finally determined, we are hopeful that all candidates, especially the two running for the most powerful office in the world, set aside partisanship to improve the lives of all Americans. While many anxiously await the results of this critically important election everyone must exercise their First Amendment right peacefully if they choose to do so, and we ask everyone to be respectful of one another."

美國(之所以為美國)仰賴著每一個美國人都有投票自由，而且每一票都算數。每一名美國人，不論其政治從屬，特別是總統，以及選票上的每一位總統候選人，在支持這一過程上都應團結。不論誰贏了這場選舉，麻州及國家面對的挑戰仍然在:打敗病毒大流行，重建經濟，支持那些在這困難時期需要幫助的人。當最後有了結果，我們希望所有的候選人，特別是競逐世界上最有權力辦公室的這兩人，把黨派放在一邊，來改善所有美國人的生活。在許多人焦慮等待這非常重要選舉的結果時，每個人都必須和平的行使第一修正案權力，如果選擇這麼做的話，我們籲請每個人彼此尊重。

羅德島州眾議會變天 馮偉傑夫人Barbara 當選

芭芭拉安芬頓(Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung)和丈夫克蘭斯頓(Cranston)
市長馮偉傑(Allan Fung)。(圖片來自馮偉傑臉書)

                 (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 羅德島州眾議院變天了。克蘭斯頓(Cranston)市長馮偉傑(Allan Fung)夫人芭芭拉安芬頓(Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung)大勝競選連任的羅德島州眾議會議長馬蒂耶洛(Nicholas Mattiello)，成為羅州新科眾議員。

在羅德島州的州政府網站上，眾議院第15選區，芭芭拉安芬頓(Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung)得3573票，得票率58.6%，競選連任的羅德島州眾議會議長馬蒂耶洛(Nicholas Mattiello)得2501票，得票率41%，差距1072票。

儘管有消息稱，克蘭斯頓市郵遞選票還未計算，但美聯社(AP)稱「芭芭拉安芬頓在克蘭斯頓打敗了馬蒂耶洛」，波士頓環球報則說「羅德島州的政治現狀被推翻了，眾議會議長在民意調查中落後」。羅德島州的普域敦斯報(Providence Journal)形容「芭芭拉安芬頓贏得較多票數，但還有更多票要計算」。

芭芭拉安芬頓在羅德島醫院工作，第一次參選。因為她先生，克蘭斯頓市長馮偉傑曾任羅德島州華人協會會長，還曾經兩度參選羅德島州州長，羅德島州州民和羅德島州華人對芭芭拉安芬頓都不陌生。

馮偉傑家人都出來為芭芭拉安芬頓拉票。(圖片來自馮偉傑臉書)

馬蒂耶洛在2006年打敗Gordon Fox，首度當選羅德島州眾議員，2014年更進一步當選眾議會議長，並連任迄今。

這兩名候選人都很謹慎，11月3日晚9點，一人選擇暫不稱勝，另一人選擇暫不認輸。

在這場選戰中，芭芭拉安芬頓的競選策略及終於馬蒂耶洛近年來的許多引人爭議事蹟，包括他的前顧問Jeff Britt正因為被控在馬蒂耶洛2016年的選舉中有洗錢行為等。

馬蒂耶洛否認他知道Jeff Britt的行為，告訴選民他會持續減稅，並為克蘭斯頓市學校爭取經費。他有眾議會議長身分，會比少數黨的政治素人芭芭拉安芬頓更有影響力。

美聯社坦言，儘管還有票為計算，但預測芭芭拉兒芬頓會贏。

羅德島州選務人員在11月2日表示，羅德島州的第15選區包括4個克蘭斯頓小區，共有2503張郵寄選票，以及1794張提早投票的選票，完成投遞。

一旦馬蒂耶洛落選，意味著羅德島州的政治景觀將大為改變，因為眾議會議長是州政府中最有力量的政治職位，在州政府預算制定過程中，對州長有巨大影響力，

選區在Warwick的羅德島眾議會多數黨領袖，民主黨籍的K. Joseph Shekarchi，估計會接替馬蒂耶洛，擔任羅德島州眾議會議長。

芭芭拉安芬頓和馬蒂耶洛在政見上並無太大分歧。兩人都反對墮胎，支持警察要穿戴攝像機，不確定是否應該讓大麻合法化，贊成廢除車稅，支持學校及企業。不過芭芭拉安芬頓讓選民相信，她可以為羅德島州帶動新氣象。

波士頓選務局發多語電郵 提醒選民投票

 標題： 今天是州選舉日 — 別忘了投票！

今天是選舉日。一定要發出您的聲音。我們希望波士頓的每位居民都行使他們在州選舉中投票的權利。全市的投票站從上午 7 點至晚 8 點開放。查找您的投票站。請注意：此週期內 20 處選區投票站有變化。

選票將以英語、西班牙語、中文和越南語提供。在選舉日，我們在波士頓市政廳從上午 7 點至晚 8 點提供口譯員電話專線。請撥打 617-635-8683 尋求幫助。我們員工使用的語言包括：

● kriolu（佛得角克里奧爾語）

● 中文

● Kreyòl ayisyen（海地克里奧爾語）

● Русский（俄語）

● Af-Soomali（索馬里語）

● Español（西班牙語），和

● Tiếng Việt（越南語）。

 郵寄選票仍在您手上？

您已填妥的選票必須在 11 月 3 日前蓋郵戳，並且必須在 11 月 6 日之前送到選舉局 (Elections Department)，以保證選票被計入。如果您打算親自遞交選票而不用郵寄，我們在全市設置了投遞箱，包括在波士頓市政廳有兩個投遞箱。您可以在選舉日當晚 8 點之前投遞您的選票。您可以在我們的網站查看投遞箱位置列表和地圖。

如果您將郵寄選票帶到了投票站，投票工作人員將會丟棄或銷毀您的選票，但允許您親自投票。

COVID-19 安全措施

由於 COVID-19，在選舉日將在波士頓市的全部投票站實施健康與安全規範。所有投票工作人員將獲得：

● 面罩、口罩和手套

● 消毒濕巾和噴霧，和

● 洗手液。

 每個站點將每兩至三個小時清潔一次。排隊的選民將需要按指示相互保持六英尺的距離並戴口罩。

 無障礙投票

聯邦法律和州的要求均強制規定投票系統適合殘疾選民的參與。我們的目標是確保這些選民有相同的機會私密且獨立地投票。規定要求每個選區必須有一個可用的投票機器。在馬薩諸塞州的每個投票站至少有一個無障礙標記裝置。有關 AutoMARK 選民輔助終端機的更多信息以及使用方法，請觀看 AutoMARK 視頻。

多語種幫助

本文信息提供多種語言的下載版本：

● العربية（阿拉伯語）

● kriolu（佛得角克里奧爾語）

● 中文

● Français（法語）

● Kreyòl ayisyen（海地克里奧爾語）

● Português（葡萄牙語）

● Русский（俄語）

● Af-Soomali（索馬里語）

● Español（西班牙語）

● Tiếng Việt（越南語）

有關 2020 年選舉的最新信息，請繼續查看波士頓選舉局網站。我們提供關於重要日期和近期截止期限的信息。

如果您有任何疑問，或想回复此封新聞通訊，請發電子郵件至 election@boston.gov。如果您已經搬離波士頓市並希望退訂，請點擊此封電子郵件底部的取消訂閱鏈接。

Governor Baker Nominates Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt to the Supreme Judicial Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt to the Supreme Judicial Court

 

Dalila Argaez Wendlandt. (By Chutze)

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today nominated Associate Justice of the Appeals Court, Dalila Argaez Wendlandt, to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Judicial Court. The nominee and her family joined Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for a formal announcement today at the State House. If confirmed, Justice Wendlandt will be the first Hispanic person to join the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

“Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt is an intelligent and hard-working jurist whose attitude and determination will serve her and all those that come before her on the Court well,” said Governor Baker. “Her knowledge of the law and unique professional background will be a much needed asset to the Supreme Judicial Court and I look forward to her confirmation.”   

 

Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt。(From governor's office)

“First as an engineer and then as an attorney, Justice Wendlandt has chosen careers where women are underrepresented and is a role model for women and girls across the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “She will bring a voice to the judiciary that we need now more than ever and I look forward to the consideration of the Governor’s Council in her appointment.”

 

The Supreme Judicial Court is the Commonwealth's highest appellate court, consisting of the Chief Justice and six Associate Justices. The seven Justices hear appeals on a broad range of criminal and civil cases from September through May and issue written opinions that are posted online.

 

About Justice Dalila Wendlandt:

 

Dalila Wendlandt, Associate Justice, was appointed to the Appeals Court by Governor Charlie Baker in July of 2017. Since her appointment, she has authored over 30 decisions. She served on the SJC Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence and is the Appeals Court liaison to the Probate and Family Court. Justice Wendlandt has also sat on several internal committees geared towards supporting the infrastructure of the Court – the Case Management Committee, the IT Steering Committee and the Policies and Procedures Committees.     

 

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to parents who had immigrated from Colombia, Justice Wendlandt graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1993. While at MIT, she designed, manufactured and developed the non-collocated control of a climbing robot. She then earned her Juris Doctor degree, with highest honors, from Stanford University Law School in 1996, where she was an article editor of the Stanford Law Review.

 

Upon graduation, Justice Wendlandt clerked for the Honorable John M. Walker, Jr., of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She joined the firm of Ropes & Gray LLP in 1997, eventually becoming a partner in the Intellectual Property Litigation Group of that firm. Her practice focused on counselling clients in such diverse industries as semiconductor manufacturing, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, with particular emphasis on electro-mechanical devices and controls algorithms, regarding patent and trade secret misappropriation litigation. Her active trial and litigation practice included a successful appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging a federal statute on constitutional grounds. She was also active in the firm's administration, particularly with regard to hiring and coordinating the firm's summer associate program. She also served on the firm’s flextime committee, assisting lawyers who desired flexible work arrangements.

 

Justice Wendlandt has published widely on the subject of patent law, writing in technical journals like Biotechnology Law Report to more popular publications such as Forbes. She has also lectured extensively at specialized seminars, bar associations and a law school. Justice Wendlandt assisted clients in pro bono activities such as requests for political asylum and a death row inmate's post-trial petitions. She also served as a Middlesex County Special Assistant District Attorney in two appellate matters.

 

For more information about the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, visit: http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/sjc/.

新英格蘭玉山科協2020年會探討融合人機感知

 

新英格蘭玉山科技協會(MJNE)2020 年會。

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 新英格蘭玉山科技協會(MJNE)今年首度和美西玉山科技協會合作，舉辦年會。10月31日以「融合人機感知(Merging Human and Machine Perception)」為主題，探討電腦視覺，虛擬按鈕，增強現實(AR)和虛擬現實(VR)領域的創業機會。

               會議由新英格蘭玉山科技協會(MJNE)現任會長蘇皓瑋，前任會長陳立洋，以及美西玉山科協會長鄭詠升主持，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元致詞，美西玉山科協理事謝忠高(Peter Hsieh)博士，以及奧創勝(UltraSense System)共同創辦人暨技術長唐浩晏博士，星猿哲科技(XYZ Robotics )聯合創辦人暨技術長俞冠廷(Peter Yu)博士等人分別講述。

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元。

              孫儉元稱許一眾主持人及講者在各自領域表現傑出，有如台灣大使，讓更多人看見台灣的科技實力有多好。

               唐浩晏是台大電機系畢業的加州柏克萊大學博士，主要研究超音波使用介面，超音波指紋感應器，超音波影像，以及手勢辨識，擁有10項專利，發表過20多篇論文，2016年獲得ISSCC最佳論文獎，也與人合得IEEE MEMS最佳論文獎。

               奧創勝(UltraSense System)今年2月才B輪融資2000萬美元，將量產超音波傳感器。唐浩晏在會中闡述該產品的研發過程概況，功能，解釋已做成的無線虛擬按鈕，甚至可以隨插即用，讓手機用耳塞，蘋果手錶，谷歌眼鏡等都更為方便、好用。

               俞冠廷畢業於交大電腦系畢業，取得台大碩士後，再從麻省理工學院電腦電機系拿到研究機器人領域的博士學位。根據星猿哲科技公司網站，他在2016年獲得IROS這全球最頂尖機器人學會議之一的最佳論文提名獎，也是全球唯一包攬歷屆亞馬遜分檢機器人挑戰賽前三名的得主。

新英格蘭玉山科技協會(MJNE)
現任會長蘇皓瑋

               俞冠廷以「可做快速及靈活檢取和放置的機器人認知及工具(Robot Perception and Tooling for fast and versatile pick and place)」為主題，解釋星猿哲科技解決了機器人看得到，抓不到的痛點，不但靈活，精確抓取，還可以遙控，讓物流等公司營運效率大增。從2018年5月創立以來，總部在上海的該公司，員工已成長至80餘人，今年8月又融資1700萬元後，總融資額已逾2700萬美元。

               謝忠高是畢業於台灣大學機械工程系的史丹福大學工程博士，早從1997年就已跨入創投界工作，也曾在北京工作10年，目前是橡子園太平洋創投的總合夥人。他已「人機感知(Human Machine Perception)」為主題，從創投角度談人機互動領域的機會與市場。

新英格蘭玉山科技協會(MJNE)
前任會長陳立洋。

               他說，目前世界上人機介面(interface)的世界市場大約是60億美元，每年增長大約8%到10%，市場規模有點小。但如果是人機之間的認知與處理，就有很多灰色地帶，市場也大到400億元或500億元。他強調，從創投的角度來說，企業要怎麼經營，市場規模，對客戶的吸引力在哪裏，相關科技和法規，保險，是否保護使用者隱私，經營團隊執行能力，募資能力等等，才是創投業者更關心的層面。 (所有圖片:玉山科協提供)

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Comprehensive Measures to Further Promote Diversity in State Contracting

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces Comprehensive Measures to Further Promote Diversity in State Contracting

Proposal would establish the Supplier Diversity Office as its own state agency

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a series of measures to continue ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunity and increase access for diverse companies in state contracting. As part of today’s announcement, the Administration is filing legislation entitled, “An Act to Elevate the Supplier Diversity Office to Ensure Equal Opportunity in State Contracting.” The bill would establish the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) as a separate state agency with tools and resources to ensure accountability and compliance with diversity goals, oversee agency diversity spending, and audit and review spending data.

The Administration also announced it will implement several other improvements in the supplier diversity space. These include a more active role for the SDO in engaging diverse and small businesses in public procurements, expanded reporting for spending between state contractors and their diverse business partners, the publication of minority-business-enterprise spending by race and ethnicity, the expansion of the Small Business Purchasing Program, increased bid evaluation percentages for certain procurements in order to promote more diversity (a component of the “Massport Model”), and the translation of SDO materials into multiple languages.

“Our administration is committed to continuing to promote growth and opportunity and ensure the Commonwealth takes every opportunity to support and benefit from its diverse business community,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “In launching these new initiatives, we have worked closely with leaders in the minority business community, Black and Latino Caucus, and Black Advisory Commission and Latino Advisory Commission. We look forward to continuing our work with these partners to strengthen the state contracting process with greater diversity, transparency and accountability.”

“We are committed to collaborating with diverse companies throughout Massachusetts and ensure equity within the public marketplace,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Increasing economic development – for all businesses and communities – is a critical priority given the COVID-19 pandemic and its related impacts, and we are pleased to continue pursuing improvements that optimize our supplier diversity program.”

Since taking office in 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has focused on expanding opportunities for diverse business enterprises to work with state government and has increased direct spending on minority-business-enterprises by the Executive Branch by nearly $8 million. The Administration has consistently met and raised annual benchmarks, grown the supplier diversity program, and filed legislation in February 2020 to promote participation by minority and women-owned businesses in state construction projects. The Administration also included $50.8 million in grants in its recently-launched economic recovery plan to support small minority-owned businesses in Massachusetts, which have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legislation Filed Today:

“An Act to Elevate the Supplier Diversity Office to Ensure Equal Opportunity in State Contracting” would establish the SDO as a separate state agency under the authority of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. The SDO would oversee monitoring and reporting of agency diverse spending and the development of annual comprehensive diversity spending plans for agencies. The legislation would also create a Supplier Diversity Compliance Unit within the SDO, which will systematically audit and review direct and indirect spending data to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Additional Supplier Diversity Improvements:

Going forward, the SDO annual report will separate indirect spending between state contractors and their diverse business partners by subcontracting and ancillary products and services and itemize minority-business-enterprise spending by race and ethnicity. The Administration will also raise the threshold for the Small Business Purchasing Program from $150,000 for the total value of the contract to $250,000 per year, which will help increase preference and access for minority businesses, as many are small businesses.

The SDO will align its supplier diversity program with a component of the “Massport Model” by expanding the percentage of bid evaluation scores dedicated to the supplier diversity plan from 10% to 25%, for procurements above a certain threshold. Additionally, the SDO will work with state and private sector partners to translate existing materials into foreign languages to further accommodate diverse businesses seeking to do business with the Commonwealth.

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to implement creative reforms that empower diverse businesses across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the minority business community, our colleagues in the Legislature, and other key stakeholders to enact and implement these critical measures to support and promote any businesses seeking to work with the Commonwealth.”

“Expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses working with state government is a crucial way that we can expand economic opportunity for people of color, and I am glad to see the Baker-Polito Administration take further steps to advance that goal,” said Deborah Enos, Chair of the Black Advisory Commission. “The legislation elevating the Supplier Diversity Office and additional steps to strengthen the program will support our shared efforts to enable more diverse businesses to access state contracting opportunities.”

“The Commonwealth benefits from ensuring equal opportunity for diverse companies to participate in state contracting, and the Baker-Polito Administration has done important work to strengthen the Supplier Diversity program in support of that goal,” said Josie Martinez, Chair of the Latino Advisory Commission. “The new initiatives announced today build upon the Administration’s efforts to promote opportunities for minority-owned businesses, and I thank the Governor and Lt. Governor for their focus on these important issues.” 

These new measures build upon the Administration’s previous efforts to optimize the supplier diversity program such as expanding the categories of diverse businesses that participate in the supplier diversity program, streamlining and simplifying the certification process, upgrading systems to allow for electronic applications and to better manage records, entering into multi-year agreements with third party certification organizations to provide free certifications for Massachusetts businesses, increasing compliance with program guidelines, implementing new training, and hiring additional personnel to further improve the program.