Baker-Polito Administration Announces $2.655 Billion FY22 Capital Plan

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces $2.655 Billion FY22 Capital Plan 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced its Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Capital Plan, a $2.655 billion plan that makes substantial investments in critical priorities including housing, transportation, climate resiliency, health and human services, and education to promote economic growth and opportunity. The plan maintains flexibility by supporting existing short, medium, and long-term investments, and funding new initiatives that encourage growth and strengthen the Commonwealth’s communities amid the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan and Secretary of Education James Peyser today at Bridgewater State University to release the FY22 Capital Plan and highlight a major renovation project at the university, which is funded under the capital plan.

The Administration is investing $87 million in five major renovation projects across the Commonwealth’s higher education system. The capital investments at these colleges and universities are focused on strengthening programming that connects students with high-demand fields like STEM and health care, which will remain crucial to the Commonwealth’s economic recovery.

The plan also begins implementing the Economic Development Bond Bill and Transportation Bond Bill that Governor Baker signed last year. Through these investments, the plan aims to promote economic growth and strengthen the Commonwealth’s transportation system as more residents return to work. It also funds the Commonwealth’s share of costs for the redevelopment of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, which the Administration is seeking to augment by applying for federal funds. It provides significant capital investments in all regions of Massachusetts while maintaining the Administration’s commitment to addressing and preparing for climate change and considering the environmental impact and resiliency of its investments.

“As Massachusetts emerges from the pandemic, our FY22 Capital Plan aims to strengthen and modernize infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth in ways that promote opportunity,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These meaningful investments will encourage economic growth and strengthen existing initiatives around housing, climate resiliency, health and human services, and food security – critical priorities that have proven even more important as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.”

“We are continuing to invest in local cities and towns in order to support the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By providing capital funding for education, public safety, information technology, and other infrastructure projects, we can help reinvigorate the economy and ensure Massachusetts has a bright and prosperous future.”

The funding detailed in this FY22 plan will complement the more than $100 billion awarded to Massachusetts residents, businesses, and governments throughout the public health emergency to address both the response and the recovery from the pandemic. The vast majority of this funding has flowed directly to businesses, individuals, non-profits, and unemployment insurance in Massachusetts.

In total, the Commonwealth exercises some level of discretion over approximately $15.6 billion of this federal funding, notably the $2.5 billion in Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars received through the CARES Act. These Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars have supported numerous key priorities consistent with federal guidelines, as for example, $750 million of this funding has been transferred to other governments and $780 million has been allocated for economic assistance.                                  

Also included in the $15.6 billion total is the $5.3 billion in direct federal aid the Commonwealth has received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support a range of initiatives, including infrastructure investments that will leverage municipal funding to maximize impact. ARPA is also providing a total of $3.4 billion in direct aid for municipalities throughout Massachusetts, as well as substantial funding for key priorities including a total of $2.6 billion for housing and economic development initiatives, $1.1 billion for transit, $315 million in child care stabilization funding, and $200 million in Child Care and Development Block Grant funding.

“The Baker-Polito Administration’s fiscally responsible FY22 Capital Plan devotes significant resources toward key areas while also protecting state finances and leveraging other funding sources to achieve the greatest impact with spending,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “We look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders as we carry out these capital projects and strengthen infrastructure throughout Massachusetts.”

The $2.655 billion capital plan is fiscally responsible, demonstrates careful long-term planning, and is informed by numerous factors including the Debt Affordability Committee.

FY22 Capital Plan Highlights:

Transportation

• The combined MassDOT and MBTA capital plan is funded from a variety of state and non-state sources, and totals approximately $4.0 billion in spending for FY22

• $200 million for the Chapter 90 Program for local road and bridge repairs

• $10 million for the Administration’s Municipal Small Bridge Program

• $10 million for the Complete Streets Program

• $4 million for the Shared Streets and Spaces Program which was started in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to help municipalities and businesses adapt their operations

• Funding for programs authorized through the Transportation Bond Bill including the Local Bottleneck Reduction Program, the Municipal Pavement Program, and the Transit Infrastructure Partnership Program

DCAMM

• Funding for five new major higher education capital projects totaling $1.3 million in spending in FY22 and $87 million in total bond funds awarded including:

• $300,000 for a renovation project to create a centralized home for the College of Education and Health Sciences Burnell Hall at Bridgewater State University (total state bond investment of $25 million)

• $300,000 for new and renovated Science Labs at Mass Maritime Academy (total state bond investment of $16.7 million)

• $100,000 for a partial renovation of labs at the Danvers campus of North Shore Community College to create a Life Science Pathways Center (total state bond investment of $14.1 million)

• $485,000 for a partial renovation of the Medical School Building at UMass Medical to create collaborative spaces for integrated teaching and learning (total state bond investment of $6.1 million)

• $150,000 for a renovation at Quinsigamond Community College to create an innovation center for advanced manufacturing and robotics (total state bond investment of $25 million)

• Planning efforts for a project to construct a new Regional Justice Center in Quincy

• Funding for the Commonwealth’s share of costs for the redevelopment of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, a major project to construct a state-of-the-art facility for veterans

 

Economic Development

• New and expanded authorizations in the Economic Development Bond Bill which will provide access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs, revitalize underutilized properties, improve tourism facilities and destinations, support advanced manufacturing, and encourage regional and industry-specific innovation clusters

• $94 million for MassWorks to provide municipalities and other public entities with funding for infrastructure projects that promote economic development

• $35 million for the Life Sciences Capital Program to foster job growth and innovation in the life sciences industry

• $10 million in Seaport Economic Council Grants

Housing

• Support for new programs authorized through the Economic Development Bond Bill intended to promote neighborhood stabilization, transit-oriented housing, and climate resilient affordable housing

• $146 million for the production and preservation of affordable housing including $5 million for housing choice grants.

• $110 million to support our state-aided public housing portfolio. 

Energy and Environmental Affairs

• $45 million for the Food Security Infrastructure Program, which includes $30 million for grants awarded in the last year, and $15 million for a future grant round

• $21 million for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (“MVP”) Program to aid municipalities with climate change vulnerability assessments and planning, and adaptation projects

• $12.5 million for inland dams and seawalls

• $3.5 million for Greening the Gateway Cities which has already planted nearly 30,000 trees and has a goal of planting at least 20,000 more trees over the next four years. 

Public Safety

• $5 million for the new Protective Fire Equipment Grant Program which provides direct assistance to municipalities to ensure access to safe and reliable firefighter equipment

• $4 million for the new Municipal Body-Worn Camera Grant Program

• Support for the Body Armor Replacement Program which provides a state match for the reimbursement of bulletproof vests by municipalities

Technology

• $64.9 million for business applications development

• $42.1 million for IT technical infrastructure modernization

• $15.5 million for cybersecurity

Local Cities and Towns

• $3 million in Community Compact IT Grants which support cities and towns in their efforts to modernize their technological infrastructure

• $3 million for the new Municipal Fiber Grant Program that is focused on strengthening supports for municipal IT security 

• $2 million for Municipal ADA Grants which fund planning, design, and capital improvements specifically dedicated to improving access and removing architectural barriers for people with disabilities

Education

• $15 million for Workforce Skills Capital Grants to improve students’ skills and knowledge and better meet the needs of employers in the Commonwealth 

• $4 million for Early Education and Out-of-School Time Grants to improve the indoor and outdoor space at early education and out-of-school time programs in which more than 50% of the children served are eligible for financial assistance

To view the full FY22 Capital Plan, please click here.

哈佛教授Danielle Allen 將參選麻州州長 陳翟蘇妮也可能參選

Danielle Allen。(圖片取自哈佛網站)

                    (Boston Orange 綜合編譯)2021年的市級選舉離初選日還有3個月，將於2022年才舉行的州級選舉，卻已開始升溫。哈佛大學政治學教授Danielle Allen預定週二，6月15日早上10點，在麻州州長辦公室對面街道上，宣佈參選。

                  根據波士頓環球報及波士頓前鋒報，Danielle Allen並不是下屆州長選舉的第一個宣佈參選人，曾任麻州參議員的Ben Downing 已於今年2月宣佈參選，據說麻州現任參議員，父親是美國首名亞裔太空人張福林，有西班牙，以及至少四分之一華裔血統的Sonia Chang Diaz 也在考慮是否參選。

                坊間最早傳聞，可能參選麻州州長的麻州現任總檢察長奚莉(Maura Healey)，日前出席大波士頓商會政府事務座談，在該會會長 James E. Rooney直白探問未來計畫時，也並未鬆口。

               現年49歲的Danielle Allen一旦正式宣佈參選，她將是麻州歷史中首名參選這一職位的黑人女性。

大波士頓商會會長 James E. Rooney(右)訪談麻州總檢察長奚莉(Maura Healey)。

    Danielle Allen並無參政經驗，曾經得過麥克阿瑟(MacArthur)天才獎，2015年開始擔任哈佛的Edmond J. Safra道德中心主管。她說，參選是為了身體力行她傳授的政治學，把政府應該有更高道德標準的要求，帶到畢肯丘(B陳翟蘇妮(Sonai Chang Diaz)

陳翟蘇妮(Sonia  Chang Diaz)在2010年時和麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)出席
波士頓華埠居民會活動。陳翟蘇妮現為麻州參議員，麥家威現為麻州
眾議會財政委員會主席。(檔案照片，周菊子攝)。

              Danielle Allen的家族，還有爭取族裔正義的傳統。她的祖父曾在北佛羅達州建立美國全國有色人種協進會(NAACP)的第一個分會。在那個時候，參與這種活動，意味冒著生命危險。她祖母則是在分離的南部地區當護士，夢想著有天她的後代能進哈佛大學讀書。

              Danielle Allen說，她的參選既有意義，又痛苦。麻州是全美第一個廢除奴隸的州，早就應該是個領導層開放給所有人的州，她既為自己得到過的機會感恩，同時有覺得自己身負重任，要為所有的有色人種年輕女性樹立榜樣。

             她早從去年12月就宣佈自己有可能參選州長了，接著展開了一個多月的”聆聽之旅”，深入麻州各地聽取選民意見。

             她聽到的選民最在意”有所居”，但要增加麻州內的可負擔住宅供應量，必須同時改善交通網路，就業安全，公共健康，教育機會等等。她說她的團隊還不會公佈任何政策，但會聚焦於擴大麻州的社會架構，平等化其機會。

             根據競選經費辦公室資訊，Danielle Allen已籌得283,278元競選經費，更早宣佈參選的Ben Downing還只籌得111,000元。陳翟蘇妮目前手頭有203,164元在手，Maura Healey則有三百餘萬元(3,065,222)元，遠高於其他可能的競爭對手。

             Danielle Allen預定明早在州政府大樓對面，紀念美國內戰中第一個黑人兵團的Robert Gould Shaw 紀念碑前宣佈參選麻州州長。(更新版)

吳弭呼籲: 波士頓市聯邦經費應花兩億建房屋

Michelle Wu calls for $200 million in Boston’s federal funds to be spent on housing; Pledges to build new deeply affordable, energy-efficient housing

 

Boston, MA — Today, Michelle Wu called for housing stability and affordability to be the centerpiece of Boston’s federal relief fund spending, calling for $200 million of the $500 million Boston is set to receive from the federal American Rescue Plan to be spent on directly on housing solutions, including programs that prevent the displacement of residents, support community land trusts, expand access to homeownership, fund capital repairs to Boston’s public housing, and build new, deeply-affordable, energy-efficient housing. 

Claiming that housing is too vital to be left solely to the private sector, Michelle Wu also called for Boston to accelerate bold, creative solutions like integrating housing with the redevelopment of municipal assets like libraries, schools and parking lots, currently being explored at the Egleston Square branch of the Boston Public Library; take advantage of low interest rates to build new housing through the City’s capital budget; and invest in cost-saving retrofitting for Boston residents. Her call comes at the start of a week of events across the city to highlight and propose solutions to Boston’s housing crisis.

A comprehensive solution to Boston’s housing affordability, climate resilience, and transit crises is currently hampered by a Boston Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) that approves developments on a case-by-case basis, without clear zoning rules or a master plan. Michelle Wu has called to abolish the BPDA and replace it with a public planning agency that can zone for affordability, density, resilience and transit connectivity. With a new citywide approach to housing creation and the greening of existing stock to save families much-needed funds, Boston can prioritize the creation of needed housing stock rather than relying on the whims of the private market.

“The top concern I hear from families as I’m knocking on doors, at events and speaking with neighbors is the need for housing affordability and the stress of spending more and more to try to stay in Boston. Ensuring everyone has a roof over their heads is too important to leave to the private sector. We need to invest in building new affordable housing, and to be creative by building on top of municipal assets. And we need to save residents money and meet our climate goals by retrofitting homes, and ensuring that our housing stock is affordable, resilient and energy-efficient,” said Michelle Wu.

“A report released in 2020 by City Life and researchers at MIT showed that evictions disproportionately affect communities of color. The climate crisis also disproportionately affects communities of color and it is important for the next Mayor of the City of Boston to address these issues simultaneously in order to help create a Boston that is safe, affordable and  livable for all people,” said Reverend Vernon K. Walker, Massachusetts Sierra Club Executive Committee Member.

波士頓華埠第二場舞獅 巾幗女將出場 (圖片)

紐英崙中華公所、波士頓華埠主街、波士頓華商會主辦的"舞獅旺華埠"活動，今(12)日由全是女將的巾幗醒獅隊
出場。三主辦單位也都各派代表出席。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn(右)和華埠主街董事長黃光野(左)
率獅隊遊行華埠。(周菊子攝)

左起，波士頓華商會共同會長蔡倩婷，華埠主街董事長黃光野，
波士頓市議員Ed Flynn率領巾幗醒獅隊在華埠內遊行。(周橘子攝)

波士頓華埠內出現許多新商家。

Quincy Neat Neighbors contest - from June through Labor Day

Mayor Koch Announces 2021 Neat Neighbors Contest 

QUINCY, MA – June 11, 2021 - Mayor Thomas Koch announces that the annual Neat Neighbors Contest will once again recognize Quincy residents who maintain their property in the spirit of a cleaner and greener Quincy. The Neat Neighbors contest is an annual recognition of property owners that keep up their yards and their property. Each year, thirty properties throughout the city are recognized for their hard work in keeping Quincy looking great. If you have a friend, relative, or neighbor that you want to nominate, you can call the Department of Natural Resource at (617) 376-1251 or email pdoherty@quincyma.gov The contest will stay open from June through Labor Day. All nominees will be viewed to ensure compliance with the standards of the program and then the 30 winners will be picked at random from those that meet the minimum requirements. This is not a comparative competition. “Each year, many residents spent countless time and considerable effort and resources to make their properties look nice,” said Mayor Koch. “This has a strong, positive impact on our neighborhoods and makes our city the livable city that it is. I want to thank all those that work hard and take pride in their properties.” The winners of the contest will all receive a $25 gift certificate to a local garden center in recognition of their work. “I hope this program not only recognizes those that are already maintaining their properties, but also encourages those that are not,” said Dave Murphy, Commissioner of Natural Resources. “A well-maintained property can have a ripple effect on the entire neighborhood, but so can a property that isn’t being maintained. We ask all our residents to work together to keep our neighborhoods looking great. It’s a team effort.

中華廣教學校年度籌款會 6/12

 https://www.kwongkowschool.org/

Support Kwong Kow Chinese School!

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Join us on Saturday, June 12th @ 6:00PM – 7:00PM for our Virtual Fundraising Gala!

The entire event will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel for FREE, so make sure you tune in! This will be an event you don’t want to miss!

Find some key information about the event below.

SUPPORT THE EVENT SEE GALA FAQ

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WHAT WILL I SEE?

You can expect to see many amazing performances from our students, as well as a traditional Lion Dance performance!

This year, we’ll also have some very special guests such as:

Michelle Wu

Boston City Councilor At-Large and Candidate for Mayor

Dr. Michael Tarnoff

Interim President and CEO of Tufts Medical Center and Tufts Children’s Hospital

Jonathan Sun

Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston

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HOW CAN I SUPPORT NOW?

Though the event itself will be shown for free, the purpose of the event is to raise funds in support of our school.

This allows us to continue our mission: to provide affordable, academically rigorous, and culturally enriching programs for our local youth.

Therefore, if you believe in us, and if you believe in our vision, please consider supporting us in our upcoming Gala event! Visit our dedicated Gala donation website at kwongkow.wixsite.com/gala.

There, you can find several ways to support us such as:

• Purchasing a Party Box containing limited edition KKCS souvenirs
• Making a direct donation to our school (See also: Donate Page)
• Donate items to be sold during our silent auction
• … and many more!

 

We will have a virtual silent auction featuring giftcards, exciting ticketed-experiences, and valuable Chinese antiques all available for bidding! It will begin on Monday, June 7th @ 12:00PM. More info on how to participate will be released closer to the event.

SUPPORT THE EVENT

SEE GALA FAQ

新英格蘭華人基督教會聯合愛心音樂會 7/17

 

波士頓慈濟骨髓捐贈 登記 6/13

 

波士頓亞裔房東會講座 6/12

 

紐英崙客家鄉親會稅務講座 6/12

 **美洲台灣客家聯合會, 北美台灣客家公共事務協會,紐英倫客家鄉親會,北加州台灣客家會, 以及休斯顿客家會將於 6/12 共同主辦專題演講, 邀請北加州名會計師何美惠以Zoom視訉做專題演講，演講主題如下：

1. 拜登增稅震憾！如何面對規劃？
2. 美國海外追稅，肥咖肥爸有對策！

當天的Zoom 將於:6:50pm 開放上線，演講將同步上YouTube（大約會慢20秒左右），若Zoom meeting room 額滿了，觀眾可以上YouTube 觀看，YouTube link https://youtu.be/RCWCjJyyYL0, 當天在YouTube 上需要問問題的，可以傳Text Message簡訊給纽英倫客家鄉親會副會長林上田 (617) 610-1153、由副會長代替問問題。

YouTube link https://youtu.be/RCWCjJyyYL0

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3361355534?pwd=TWs0WXhxalV3S1dLUG1BU0h2NFdKZz09

Meeting ID: 336 135 5534
Password: 0473

謝謝大家！

會長 宋玉琴敬上

波市府工會支持Essaibi-George 麻州Sierra Club支持吳弭

Annissa Essaibi-Georgec獲波士頓市府員工工會支持。
(檔案照片)

           (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 現在離波士頓市長的初選日，9月14日，大約還有3個月，各候選人競相爭取支持者，在最近一次民調中排名前二的Annissa Essaibi-George和吳弭(Michelle Wu)，今(10)日不約而同傳捷報。

               Annissa Essaibi-George獲得波士頓市人數最多工會之一，AFSCME州市員工工會的波士頓分會背書支持，吳弭則是獲得全美最老、最大的草根環保組織，Sierra Club的麻州分會背書支持。

               波士頓前鋒報(Boston Herald)在今日刊登的一篇報導中說，代表了包括大約1700名市府員工的”美國州、郡及地方市鎮員工(AFSCME)”93分會，在今年的波士頓市長選舉中選擇支持波士頓市不分區市議員Annissa Essaibi-George，反而沒有支持他們現在的頂頭上司，波士頓代市長Kim Janey。

               AFSCME的波士頓會長委員會共同主席，也是本地1631分會會長的Christopher “Tiger” Stockbridge表示，”作為一個會員由為波士頓市做重要工作者所組成的協會，我們知道選一個在背後支持我們的市長有多重要，而Annissa Essaibi-George是，也將會是那樣的領導”。

               以人數來說，AFSCME是波士頓最大的工會之一，成員包括公共工程，交通及公園局等員工。   波士頓前鋒報上星期刊登了一篇報導，指出波士頓市長交接後，有一大批市府員工離職，離開的人比新增的人多許多。

               Annissa Essaibi-George早前還獲得波士頓警察局前局長葛羅斯(William Gross)，以及波士頓消防員工會(718分會)的支持。

麻州Sierra Club環保團體支持吳弭當波士頓市長。(檔案照片)

               吳弭今日近午時分，在波士頓市府廣場前，接受在全美有350萬會員及支持者的Sierra Club的麻州分會正式支持。

            該會主任Deb Pasternak表示，該會強烈支持吳弭所倡議的要在2035年達到100%使用清潔電力，2040年達到全市碳中和的目標。

            Sierra Club麻州分會的政治委員會主席Vernon K. Walker牧師表示，該會在決定支持哪個候選人之前，檢查過各候選人的政綱，以及是否言行如一，並在環保正義上展現大膽、堅定的領導力。他們認為吳弭在所有相關議題上都展現了魄力。

            吳弭競選陣營表示，在Sierra Club的麻州分會之外，支持環保的團體，諸如”波士頓日出(Sunrise Boston)”，MBTA工會聯盟等也都已表態支持吳弭。

麻州首批"快速重新就業補助"款36萬元發給6機構 總額460萬元

麻州州長查理貝克( Charlie Baker)。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)今(10)日在洛士百利社區學院宣佈，460萬元”快速重新聘用補助款”項目的第一階段36萬元，將發給6個機構，約可培訓150人。

            這筆補助款將用於支援因新冠病毒疫情工作受影響者，幫助他們進入需求高的行業，例如資訊科技，醫療護理等。

            查理貝克表示，麻州現在致力從新冠病毒大流行中恢復，運用策略讓人回去工作很重要。

洛士百利社區學院校長致詞。

            ”快速重新聘用補助款”項目旨在借助聯邦政府的新冠病毒補助款，幫助企業培養符合技能需求的員工。

            申請截止日期為9月30日。

            首批獲得補助的雇主，以及預定培訓的員工人數依序為JVS的15人，麻州區域技術學校10人，Polus社會經濟發展中心15人，科技代工(Tech Foundry)的20人，上鱈魚角區域技術學校(Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School)的30人。

麻州教育卿(Education Secretary) James Peyser.

            麻州政府還提醒企業界，在新冠病毒期間讓員工放無薪假，現在希望招員工回去工作的企業主可以考慮使用麻州的”分享就業(WorkShare)”項目，讓員工以部分工時方式復職，以容許員工們持續獲得聯邦政府失業補助福利額外發給的每週300元，以及薪資補助。查詢相關資訊可上網

 https://www.mass.gov/workshare-for-employers ，或致電 (617) 626-6877。

            雇主也可以和地方上的”麻州聘僱職業中心(MassHire Career Center)”聯絡，辦理免費的虛擬招聘活動。

薩福克郡治安官Steve Tompkins也出席提問。(周菊子攝)

$4.6 Million Rapid Reemployment Grant Program Launches in Massachusetts

First round of funding will train residents impacted by COVID-19 to access high demand job categories in the Commonwealth

BOSTON -  Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of the $4.6 million Rapid Reemployment grant program, with the first round of grant funding totaling $360,000 being awarded today to six employer partner programs that will train 105 participants. The grants will support training residents who have experienced an employment interruption due to COVID-19 and help place them in high-demand job categories such as Information Technology and Health Care by scaling up training opportunities provided by organizations to employers.

 

“As Massachusetts focuses on economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we think strategically about getting people back to work and increasing our investments in programs that are successfully serving local businesses and people most affected,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "The Rapid Reemployment Program can help thousands of people get access to high demand jobs in the Commonwealth through workforce training and building skills to get people hired quickly." 

           

“The pandemic has been particularly difficult for those who experienced job loss over the past year,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration is committed to prioritizing investments like these in addition to ones in the Workforce Skills Cabinet and Career Technical Institutes so that those looking for work have access to the skills-building programs they need to acquire a good, high-paying and sustainable job.”

 

The Rapid Reemployment Program is designed to help businesses develop a pipeline of workers to meet their skills needs as well as providing better lifetime earnings potential for those whose job prospects have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These grants are funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES” Act). The application process is rolling through September 30, 2021, or until funds are expended.

 

“No economy can succeed without a high-quality workforce. This funding will help individuals and businesses accelerate a return to full employment that is more equitable and leads to more employment resiliency in Massachusetts,” said Labor and Workforce Secretary Rosalin Acosta.

 

“This grant program will play a key role in helping people get back to work, which is a central component of our strategy for economic recovery,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.  “As we continue taking steps to put this pandemic behind us, efforts that assist in matching workers with available jobs and that provide necessary training to address gaps in skills will further our goal of accelerating the Commonwealth’s recovery.”

 

“Community colleges play an important role in reemployment efforts, particularly in healthcare occupations like certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and pharmacy techs. These types of programs at community colleges provide individuals with opportunities to earn credentials while they work, and give them a pathway to continue their education and move toward a degree to further advance their careers,” said Education Secretary James Peyser.

 

To learn more about this initiative, find an existing pipeline in your region, or request a free consultation to get customized support, you can visit—A Partnerships for Recovery Talent Access Portal or download the Rapid Re-Employment One-Pager now. The Rapid Reemployment Program is administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

 

“CommCorp is dedicated to getting people the training and jobs they need in these unique circumstances. New funding opportunities allow for just that,” said Christine Abrams, CEO, and President of CommCorp. “As the economy continues to expand, we will continue to push for strategies which lead to a more productive and diverse in the Commonwealth.”

 

A total of $360,000 has been awarded this round to train 105 program participants:

 

• JVS: $60,000 to train 15 Participants
• In partnership with MassHire Downtown Boston Career Center, JVS will provide training and placement to prepare individuals impacted by COVID-19 for jobs as Patient Care Technicians. Individuals trained will be placed at employer partners, including MassGeneral Brigham and Boston Children’s Hospital.
• Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School: $30,000 to train 10 Participants
• In partnership with MassHire North Central Career Center, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School will provide training and placement to prepare individuals impacted by COVID-19 for jobs as Certified Nursing Assistants. Individuals trained will be placed at employer partners, including Next Step Healthcare, Heywood Wakefield Commons, Sunrise Assisted Living, Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc.
• Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc.: $45,000 to train 15 Participants
• In partnership with MassHire North Central Career Center, Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc. will provide training and placement to prepare individuals impacted by COVID-19 for jobs as Pharmacy Technicians. Individuals trained will be placed at CVS Pharmacy.
• Roxbury Community College: $45,000 to train 15 Participants
• In partnership with MassHire Boston Career Center, Roxbury Community College will provide training and placement to prepare individuals impacted by COVID-19 for jobs as Pharmacy Technicians. Individuals trained will be placed at CVS Pharmacy.
• Tech Foundry: $80,000 to train 20 Participants
• In partnership with MassHire Springfield Career Center, Tech Foundry will provide training and placement to prepare individuals impacted by COVID-19 for jobs as Computer Network Support Administrators. Individuals trained will be placed at Rediker Software, Paragus Strategic IT, Veritas Prep Charter School and Winslow Technology Group.
• Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School: $100,000 to train 30 Participants
• In partnership with MassHire Cape and Islands Career Center, Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School will provide training and placement to prepare individuals impacted by COVID-19 for jobs as Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Assistants and C.N.As. Individuals trained will be placed at Community Health Center of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Healthcare and Bourne Manor.