MAYOR JANEY SIGNS ORDINANCE REQUIRING ZERO EMISSIONS FOR LARGE BUILDINGS BY 2050

MAYOR JANEY SIGNS ORDINANCE REQUIRING ZERO EMISSIONS FOR LARGE BUILDINGS BY 2050 Ordinance builds on the Janey Administration's commitment to protect Boston against the impacts of climate change by setting carbon targets for existing large buildings

 

Acting Mayor Kim Janey sign ordiance. BOSTON - Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today signed the City of Boston Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which was unanimously approved by the Boston City Council with the goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging efficient use of energy and water, and developing investments in a green economy. The amendment to BERDO gives the City greater authority to set carbon targets for existing buildings that decrease over time with all buildings achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This policy is the single most impactful initiative to curb Boston’s carbon emissions.  Baolian Kuang (In front, 2nd from right) representing CPA to this signing ceremony. “BERDO 2.0 is a monumental achievement that will have positive impacts on our residents for generations to come,” said Mayor Janey. “We know that the negative effects of climate change bear a disproportionate burden on our most socially vulnerable communities. I am grateful for this collaboration with the City Council to actively minimize the challenges associated with climate change and create more resilient communities.”  The BERDO amendment, sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Matt O’Malley, sets emissions targets and reporting requirements for buildings greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet, establishes the Emissions Review Board with community representation to increase accountability and transparency, and establishes an environmental-justice focused Equitable Emissions Investment Fund. In order for buildings to reduce their emissions, building owners may choose to carry out: energy efficiency improvements, switch to clean, efficient and electric heating systems, or fossil fuel free systems, and purchase clean energy.  "Today is a historic day for Boston. By passing and signing this transformative climate legislation into law, we are codifying equity and resilience in our city's large buildings,” said Council President Pro Tempore O'Malley. “I am proud to have led and partnered with environmental justice organizations and various stakeholders across the city to create aggressive, but achievable sustainability goals for a carbon neutral future.” “The amended ordinance was designed with an equity lens to accomplish strategic emissions reductions, and prioritizes benefits to environmental justice communities, green jobs, and transparency,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “Through BERDO 2.0 we will ensure that climate justice is achieved so that those who have contributed the least to climate change do not continue to face the most extreme effects.” Buildings in Boston account for nearly seventy percent of citywide greenhouse gas emissions. Four percent of buildings in Boston are covered by the ordinance and they account for approximately sixty percent of Boston’s building emissions. The ordinance was originally passed in May 2013, and required that all commercial and residential buildings that are 35,000 square feet or have 35 units or more report their energy and water use to the City of Boston every year. Buildings covered were also required to show concerted efforts to reduce their energy use or emissions every five years through energy actions or audits. The ordinance required the City of Boston to make this data publicly available.  The 2019 update to Boston’s Climate Action Plan identified a building emissions performance standard as a principal tool to help the City accomplish a net zero transition for existing buildings and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The FY21 Climate Action Report includes the most recent updates regarding the status and implementation of the City of Boston’s plans and initiatives around climate, energy, and waste. The signing of the amended ordinance is part of a broader push by the City of Boston to lead on climate action and was supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. Boston is one of the 25 winning cities in the Climate Challenge, which is helping cities set and surpass ambitious climate goals. “With its new Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, Boston is taking a bold step to equitably lower its carbon footprint and achieve net zero by 2050. Designed in partnership with local stakeholders and community, this policy will also help make Boston cleaner and healthier, while creating new jobs,” said Kelly Shultz, who leads the sustainable cities program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Bloomberg Philanthropies is proud to partner with cities at the forefront of the climate fight to push for the climate policies we know can reduce emissions and bring substantial benefits to communities.” “Our collaboration with the Mayor's Office and City Council is groundbreaking because it puts just transition theory into practice,” said Dwaign Tyndal, Executive Director of Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE). “The Environment Department, the City Council, community groups including ACE, and stakeholders co-created a policy that will decrease emissions and support environmental justice populations. We look forward to continuing to partner with the City on its implementation."  "We are proud to have involved over 100 residents who live in buildings over 20,000 square feet in the design of the ordinance. This was a great model of the City partnering with community organizations to equitably involve residents in the decision making process and centering the most impacted. This ordinance will not only greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also improve air quality for environmental justice communities and enact rent stabilization measures for low-income tenants whose buildings receive assistance in retrofitting their buildings," said Mark Liu, Operations and Development Director, Chinese Progressive Association. "The Longwood Medical and Academic Area is home to mission-driven, non-profit healthcare, educational, and medical research organizations that deeply understand the public health impacts of climate change. Longwood shares in the commitment to make Boston a carbon-neutral city by 2050 and we want to thank Mayor Janey, Councilor O'Malley, and Chief White-Hammond for their leadership on BERDO 2.0. We look forward to our continued work together to advance climate solutions and sustainability citywide,” said Tom Yardley, Vice President of Area Planning and Development, MASCO (Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization).    This ordinance builds on Mayor Janey’s work to create a climate-ready, resilient Boston. Mayor Janey’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget includes significant investments for environmental justice and resilience, including: ·    $48 million for Phase 2 and 3 of Renew Boston Trust, which is designed to identify energy retrofit project opportunities in City-owned buildings to create future energy savings. ·    $5 million to support the development of a Climate Ready Boston Harbor Study that will examine the feasibility of measures along and within the harbor to reduce vulnerability of coastal flooding due to sea level rise caused by climate change. ·    $20 million to design and implement a signature, climate resilient waterfront park along the Fort Point Channel. ·    $4 million in workforce development and training opportunities for green jobs in the environment. ·    $1 million in workforce development and training opportunities for zero waste and mobility jobs. ·    $500,000 to support residents in making energy efficient upgrades to their homes. ·    $340,000 to support a new Healthy Places Initiative targeted for environmental justice populations, who often live in hotter neighborhoods with less tree canopy cover. ·    $200,000 towards the preservation and maintenance of historic and cultural sites in Boston.

AG HEALEY CO-LEADS BIPARTISAN COALITION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS ADDRESSING YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA USE

AG HEALEY CO-LEADS BIPARTISAN COALITION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS ADDRESSING YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA USE

Sends Joint Letter to U.S. Senate Committee Sharing Concerns about Social Media Platforms Exploiting Young People for Profit

 

BOSTON – Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey co-led a bipartisan coalition of 52 attorneys general expressing strong support for the hearings being conducted by the U.S. Senate Committee addressing protection and safety of kids and teens using social media. 

 

“Social media platforms cannot be permitted to ignore the threat that social media ​can pose to children just to make a profit,” said AG Healey. “We applaud the Senate for holding these hearings to examine the business model these companies use to drive young people to their platforms. We will continue to work with our partners to protect the well-being of our kids and prevent exploitation and harm.”

 

The hearings on protecting kids online are being held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security.

 

AG Healey, along with other attorneys general across the country, has been watchful and concerned over the impacts of social media on youth. Those concerns have grown with the recent research from Facebook’s own internal studies showing that social media can inflict harm—in the form of increased mental distress, eating disorders, bullying, suicide, and other self-harm—on a significant number of kids.

 

Today’s letter recognizes the hearings will uncover critical information about the business practices that social media companies are using to gain the attention of more young people on their platforms. In the letter, the attorneys general write that “more engagement by the user equals more data to leverage for advertising, which equals greater profit. This prompts social media companies to design their algorithms to psychologically manipulate young users into a state of addiction to their cell phone screens.”

 

In May 2021, AG Healey co-led a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in sending a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg urging the company to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. That request was ignored. Last week, in advance of the Congressional hearings, Facebook announced their intent to “pause” the project. The attorneys general believe the project should be abandoned altogether.

緬因州誌記1952首名華裔美國模範母親阮彩蓮

阮彩蓮的女兒阮月珠(左)，呂阮秋珠(右)出席掛牌儀式。(施維鈞提供)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子整理編譯) 你知道美國緬因州波特蘭市出過一名華裔美國模範母親阮彩蓮(Toy Len Goon)嗎? 她丈夫還是緬因州第一位華裔居民。緬因州一民間機構10月3日掛牌，誌記這段歷史。

              緬因州中美友好協會 (Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine )歷經10餘年努力，10月3日終於在阮彩蓮位於波特蘭森林道 (Forest Ave.) 615號的當年住家，掛出一塊標牌，昭告世人，緬因州和華人的關係始自1917年，緬因州曾經有位優秀，被譽為全美典範的華裔母親。

阮彩蓮。(講座錄影截屏)

              當天應阮彩蓮家屬的要求，代表中華民國的駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元也應邀出席、致詞。阮彩蓮的2名女兒，阮月珠，呂阮秋珠，以及媳婦阮陳金鳳這天也都專程趕到。阮彩蓮另外2名還在世的子女，因年事已高，未克遠行，只遙距送上祝福。

              在波士頓老一輩的華人圈中，阮陳金鳳和阮國富是大家耳熟能詳的名字，他們倆夫婦，以及阮陳金鳳的2個弟弟，陳毓璇、陳毓禮，對波士頓華人社區的諸多影響，更是迄今可見。

在阮彩蓮故居上的那塊牌子上寫著，「1952年的緬因州及美國年度模範母親阮彩蓮之家及洗衣店所在地。這棟房屋於1936年由阮彩蓮以其存款5000元買下，後於1956年出售」。

波士頓經文處處長孫儉元應邀致詞。
(施維鈞提供)

              根據緬因州歷史協會的記錄，阮彩蓮的丈夫Dogan Goon (，可能是最早定居該州的華人，1893年在中國南部出生，其後移民來美，1917年抵達波士頓，因為違反禁止華人移民的排華法案而被捕，不過不知怎地，他脫罪了，然後被迫加入軍隊上戰場，並於1918年起在陸軍醫療隊工作，直到1919年1月。

              由於參軍，他得到了公民權，並於1922年從中國娶來1891年出生的阮彩蓮，把她帶到了波特蘭來。

              1941年，Dogan Good在Togus退伍軍人醫院辭世，留給阮彩蓮一家洗衣店和8名3到16歲的小孩。阮彩蓮秉承中國婦女傳統美德，在美國政府為減輕她的負擔，建議她把部分子女送人扶養時，斷然拒絕了。

              阮彩蓮的長子從Deering高中輟學，協助她經營洗衣店，後來才繼續學業。她所有的8名小孩，5名男孩，3名女孩，都學有所成，接受了高等教育。其中一名兒子當了醫師，一名兒子從麻省理工學院，其他的兒子也拿到物理、電機工程、化學及法律等學位。阮彩蓮的女兒們做過的工作包括法院記錄，社工，以及公務員。

緬因州中美友好協會代表致詞。(施維鈞提供)

              1952年， “黃金規則基金會(Golden Rule Foundation)”的 美國母親委員會頒給阮彩蓮”年度美國母親”榮銜，邀她到紐約市的華爾道夫酒店領獎。她在那酒店接受了全國性的媒體採訪，還成了影音新聞主題。聯邦眾議員議長邀她在Capitol共進午餐，美國第一夫人Bess Truman也在白宮接見了她，在她回波特蘭的路上，紐約市唐人街特地安排一場遊行歡送。波士頓的華埠和緬因州波特蘭，也都舉辦慶祝活動，祝賀她獲得的榮耀。

阮彩蓮的媳婦，阮陳金鳳(中)也由女兒Terry陪同，從波士頓趕到
緬因州出席掛牌儀式。(阮陳金鳳提供)

              緬因州中美友好協會 (Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine )的Gary Libby指出，在1952年那個年代，美國正在和中國共產黨對抗，和北韓打仗，卻選一名華裔當模範母親，的確非比尋常。阮月珠透露，阮彩蓮當初並不相信自己有機會當選，只是為了不拂逆顧客兼好友Clara Soule的好意，同意她去提名。

Gary Libby表示，過去10多年來，她一直想要讓森林道615號業主，允許她們在這棟房子外掛出一塊牌子，來紀念這位緬因州的第一位華裔全美模範母親。最近這棟房屋再次轉手，新業主收到她的電郵後，竟然在幾小時之內就回覆說很樂意。

美國總統夫人Bess Truman晤見阮彩蓮(左)。(講座錄影截屏)

              Gary Libby幾年前設計了 ” 波特蘭華美歷史徒步遊(Chinese-American historic walking tour of Portland) ”，她並希望每一個地點都可以有個標記。她的下一個標記目標是海關碼頭，那是緬因州第一家中餐館的所在地。

              Gary Libby說，阮彩蓮是住在緬因州的最著名華裔美人，公共電視台有5集的2020年”華裔美人”，其中一集就是阮彩蓮。緬因州歷史協會也曾經邀阮彩蓮的外孫女，密西根大學亞美研究教授Andrea Louie，在2021年6月做了一場網上講座(https://www.mainehistory.org/events/event/1031/video)，闡述阮彩蓮的一生，其中還有一段阮彩蓮當選美國首名華裔模範母親時的電視新聞錄影。 (更新版)

Danielle Allen calls for Improvements to the Test and Stay Program

With DESE and CIC Failing to Deliver Promised Pooled-Testing to Schools, Danielle Allen calls for Improvements to the Test and Stay Program and Mobilization of the National Guard to Prepare for Pediatric Vaccine Implementation

“Now is the time to mobilize the National Guard to prepare for a speedy pediatric vaccine roll-out via school-based clinics and to secure and deliver at-home tests to families whose students are required to test for five consecutive days after exposure.”

Cambridge, MA -- With public schools across Massachusetts back in school and significant delays in the implementation of school-based testing programs for many schools, gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen is calling on Governor Charlie Baker and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to improve implementation of the test-and-stay program by securing at-home antigen tests for use by those students who are required to complete five days of testing in place of quarantine after exposure. In addition, with approval of pediatric vaccines anticipated by the end of October, Allen is calling on the Governor to activate the National Guard to prepare vaccination clinics at schools across the Commonwealth for speedy implementation of a pediatric vaccine roll-out. 

Danielle Allen spearheaded a multi-disciplinary, cross-sector COVID response team that led to the Biden-Harris Pandemic Testing Board, an interstate compact to build out COVID testing resources, and Covid Collaborative guidance on infection prevention and control in K-12 settings that has been disseminated nationally, including through the US Dept of Education. She worked with the Cambridge Public School District throughout the 2020-21 school year to achieve a successful return to healthy and safe in-person teaching and learning.

Allen has called on Baker and DESE to develop and implement a system of COVID alerts and advisories, similar to weather advisories, to communicate the levels of risk operative in the state, our communities, and to trigger mask mandates and other safety protocols. Allen has also called on Baker and the legislator to do the legislative work now necessary to fold COVID-19 vaccines into our state laws for required school vaccinations. 

Now, Allen has released the following statement regarding the safety of our students and school personnel: 

“Now is the time to mobilize the National Guard to prepare for a speedy pediatric vaccine roll-out via school-based clinics, and to secure and deliver at-home tests to families whose students are required to test for five consecutive days after exposure,” said Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen. “Rather than using the National Guard to address the implementation challenges of the Test and Stay program, we should address those challenges by securing a Commonwealth-wide supply of at-home antigen tests and activate the National Guard to prepare for rollout of pediatric vaccines.” 

The current implementation model for the Test-and-Stay program with testing conducted in schools has significantly increased the quantity of testing that must be conducted. The Governor and DESE have mandated this increase in testing without securing the necessary implementation resources. Massachusetts has insufficient health personnel in schools to implement this program. While some elected officials have called for the activation of the National Guard to address this problem, the Allen for MA campaign believes the more effective short and long-term solution is to equip families to test at home by securing rapid antigen at-home tests to be given to all students required to fulfill the five days of testing requirement.

Danielle Allen is advocating for the National Guard to be activated for the purpose of preparing school-based vaccine clinics for the successful implementation of a pediatric vaccine roll-out. The time is here to prepare for this implementation. The success of the National Guard in this vaccine rollout will require the projected month of planning for implementation that is now available to us.

Like the initial adult vaccine roll-out, the school-based testing program has been operationalized via a contract with CIC as the sole provider. The administration has now made the same mistake twice in selecting an ineffective implementation pathway. We should not make the same mistake again with the pediatric vaccine rollout.

油漆工及相關行業工會支持Annissa Essaibi George當波士頓市長

 PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES ENDORSE ESSAIBI GEORGE FOR MAYOR

  (Boston Orange編譯) 在波士頓會員近千的油漆工及相關行業工會(IUPAT)DC35於10月4日宣佈支持Annissa Essaibi George參選波士頓市長，稱她一直以來致力支持該會會員，呼籲更公平的工作環境與經濟。

            IUPAT DC35的企業經理Jeff Sullivan表示，DC35為能在此選戰中和Annissa Essaibi George併肩而立感到驕傲。他說Annissa Essaibi George一直積極爭取工人權益，爭取以打工人們為優先的經濟。波士頓需要的領袖，不只要了解這個城市中打工家庭面對著什麼，更要能夠迎面接受這些挑戰，這就是為什麼Annissa Essaibi George必須是下一任的波士頓市長。

            Annissa Essaibi George表示，”我很感謝油漆工及相關行業工會(IUPAT DC35)在這場選舉競爭中支持我。我們必須要確保我們的經濟能扶持起辛苦工作的居民，就像扶持起整個城市一樣。做為市長，我將藉由排定經濟正義的優先順序來打造更好的波士頓，我為有勞工們站在我身邊來做成這事感到驕傲”。

Annissa Essaibi George的經濟正義及工人權益政策計畫，將包括在預定成立的，有史以來第一個”波士頓市經濟正義及工人權益局”之中。該局將由一名內閣及首長領導，直接向市長報告，並且在政策制定桌上有一席位，以評估所提政策及計畫可能對波士頓打工家庭造成的影響。

Annissa Essaibi George也是改善麥迪遜公園(Madison Park)技術職業高中，以及波士頓公立學校的職業科目的堅定支持者，以期學生們可位畢業後的就業做準備。(更新版)

PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES ENDORSE ESSAIBI GEORGE FOR MAYOR

Boston, MA — Today, the Painters and Allied Trades DC 35 (IUPAT DC 35) officially endorsed At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George in her candidacy for Mayor citing her ongoing commitment to their members and a more equitable workforce and economy during an event at their office in Roslindale. IUPAT DC 35 is made up of nearly 1,000 members in Boston.

“DC 35 is proud to stand with Annissa Essaibi George in this race,” said Jeff Sullivan, Business Manager of IUPAT DC 35. “Annissa has been a fierce champion for workers’ rights and an economy that prioritizes working people. Boston needs a leader that not only understands what working families are up against in this city, but is ready to take those challenges head on. It’s why Annissa needs to be the next Mayor of Boston.”

“I’m so grateful to have the support of IUPAT DC 35 in this race,” said Essaibi George. “We must make sure that our economy lifts our hard working residents up, just as they lift this entire city up. As Mayor, I’ll build a better Boston by prioritizing economic justice—and I’m so proud to have labor by my side to get it done.”

Essaibi George’s economic justice and workers’ rights policy plan includes the creation of the first-ever City of Boston Department of Economic Justice and Workers’ Rights, headed by a cabinet-level chief who will report directly to the Mayor and have a seat at the policymaking table to assess the potential impact proposed policies and initiatives may have on Boston’s working families. 

Additionally, Essaibi George has been a strong advocate for improvements to Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and vocational programs in the Boston Public Schools to provide students with career readiness after graduation. 

EIGHT CHARGED AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR LAWRENCE FENTANYL TRAFFICKING OPERATION

 EIGHT CHARGED AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR LAWRENCE FENTANYL TRAFFICKING OPERATION

Investigation led by Attorney General’s New England Fentanyl Strike Force; Law Enforcement Seized more than Two Kilograms of Fentanyl

 

LAWRENCE – After a joint federal, state, and local investigation led by Attorney General Maura Healey’s New England Fentanyl Strike Force, eight individuals have been charged in connection with running a major fentanyl trafficking operation in Lawrence. Authorities seized more than two kilograms of fentanyl during the course of the investigation.

These charges are the result of a months-long investigation by AG Healey’s Enterprise & Major Crimes Division, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET) North and the AG’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit, the Lynn Police Department, and the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab into a drug distribution enterprise operating in and around the Lawrence area.

 

Last week, authorities executed search warrants at six locations in Lawrence, yielding approximately $150,000 in cash and 700 grams of fentanyl and crack cocaine. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized an additional 1,800 grams of fentanyl and 500 pressed fentanyl pills.

 

The following individuals have been charged in connection with the fentanyl trafficking operation:

Ricardito Aybar Franco, age 32, of Lawrence

Trafficking a Class A Substance, 18-36 grams (13 counts)
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 36-100 grams (4 counts)
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 100-200 grams (3 counts)
Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $150,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Chrisleyri Guerrero Tejeda, age 24, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 18-36 grams (1 count) 
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 36-100 grams (2 counts)
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 100-200 grams (1 count)
Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act (1 count)

She was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $25,000. Her next court date is Oct. 27.

Rafael Bernabel-Mejia, age 58, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 36-100 grams (1 count)
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Substance (1 count)
Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $150,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Rafael Gonzalez-Polanco, age 26, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 29 and bail was set at $150,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Wilkin Sanchez Tejeda (aka Marco Delacruz), age 41, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 30 and bail was set at $200,000. His next court date is Oct. 27. 

Alberto Aybar-Franco, age 28, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 100-200 grams (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Sept. 30 and bail was set at $100,000. His next court date is Oct. 27.

Luciano Vasquez, age 28, of Lowell
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lowell District Court on Aug. 18 and bail was set at $7,500. His next court date is Oct. 22.

Anthony Ramos Phillips, age 28, of Lowell
Trafficking a Class A Substance, 200 grams or more (1 count)

He was arraigned in Lowell District Court on Aug. 18 and bail was set at $7,500. His next court date is Oct. 22.

All of these charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AG Healey’s Office has prioritized combatting the opioid crisis and has been working closely with federal, state and local partners to fight illegal drug trafficking throughout New England. The AG’s New England Fentanyl Strike Force was created in 2016 using a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services Anti-Heroin Task Force and has since been strengthened with a nearly $3 million grant in 2018 and a $2.6 million grant in 2019, which have expanded ongoing multistate and cross-jurisdictional investigations.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Lynn Brennan and Division Chief Gina Masotta, both of the AG’s Enterprise & Major Crimes Division.

Lydia Edwards endorsed by Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair and members

Lydia Edwards endorsed by Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair and members

Vice Chair Manikka Bowman, Ayesha Wilson, and Rachel Weinstein 

CAMBRIDGE –  Lydia Edwards has been endorsed by Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair Manikka Bowman and Cambridge School Committee members Ayesha Wilson and Rachel Weinstein in the special election to State Senate. Primary Election Day is December 14, 2021. General Election Day is January 11, 2022.

Manikka Bowman, Cambridge School Committee Vice Chair, said:

“Lydia Edwards understands policy-making takes passion as well as nuance to move an agenda forward. Her commitment to policies that transform everyday people's lives is the leadership Beacon Hill needs. She will center the needs of children as state and local school committees work to mitigate the impact of learning loss and the mental health of students as a result of COVID.  I'm excited to see her run and know she will always lift up the needs of our most vulnerable and littlest of residents.”

Ayesha Wilson, Cambridge School Committee Member, said:

"As a product of public schools, Lydia Edwards will fight for the resources our schools need as a State Senator, but she also knows that our students cannot learn without safe and reliable routes to school, stable homes for rest and learning, affordable internet connections, and high-quality out-of-school-time programs. Her record on the Boston City Council reflects this commitment, as she has fought for equitable transportation for students with special needs and against budget cuts to public education. As a Social Worker with the Cambridge Housing Authority's Work Force program and as Chair of the Special Education and Student Supports subcommittee on the Cambridge School Committee, I know Lydia Edwards will be a strong partner for public school students both inside and outside of the classroom, and I encourage you to support her in the Democratic primary on December 14th."

Rachel Weinstein, Cambridge School Committee member, said:

"Lydia takes on tough fights to make the world better.  As a member of the Cambridge School Committee, I know that we need a champion like Lydia representing us in the Senate, relentlessly advocating for equitable education at a time when schools have been upended by a global crisis. Lydia Edwards will be there for Cambridge students and families.  I'm proud to endorse her for State Senate."

When housing costs and the displacement crisis resulted in students forced to leave Boston, Lydia stood with students, parents and teachers to fight back against draconian budget cuts and a downward spiral that continued to push students out. In East Boston and Charlestown, she has worked extensively to ensure full utilization of school building spaces, modular classrooms and other educational opportunities. 

Lydia has fought to address transportation inequities for special needs students. She has called for implementation of an ethnic studies program. She worked with Councilor Matt O’Malley to secure the availability of menstrual products in public schools. She’s fought to end hair discrimination that has resulted in discipline and suspension of Black girls across the nation.

Lydia Edwards is a candidate for State Senate representing the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, following the departure of Senator Joseph A. Boncore. For a full and up-to-date list of endorsements, visit: LydiaEdwards.org/endorsements. 

Councilor Lydia Edwards is a career advocate, activist, and voice on behalf of society's most vulnerable. She is currently the Chair of the Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on Housing and Community Development in the Boston City Council. Learn more at LydiaEdwards.org/meet-lydia.

State Representative Adrian Madaro Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

 Boston, MA— Representative Adrian Madaro (1st Suffolk District, East Boston) endorsed Michelle Wu for Mayor today, growing her multicultural, multigenerational, multiracial coalition. Madaro applauded Wu’s focus on public transit, immigrants’ rights, equity and environmental justice. 

“My friend Michelle Wu has been a champion on the issues that matter most in East Boston. Whether it’s her tireless efforts to improve our public transportation system and make it more affordable, her commitment to equity, or her Boston Green New Deal to protect our open spaces, Michelle is the best choice for our neighborhoods. Michelle is a first-generation American like me, and I know she will fight for the rights of our immigrant neighbors. I’m proud to endorse her today,” said Representative Adrian Madaro.

“I’m grateful and excited to receive the endorsement of my friend, Representative Adrian Madaro. He has been an incredible advocate for East Boston and a leader on climate, transit, equity and addressing our substance use crisis. I look forward to working with him and all of our state partners to tackle our biggest challenges and reshape what’s possible for our neighborhoods,” said Michelle Wu. 

Madaro serves as the House Chair for the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery. Madaro was elected in 2015 and is now serving his fourth term after being re-elected in 2020.

In East Boston, Adrian has been an active participant and leader in community organizations and efforts large and small. Adrian has volunteered on several nonprofit boards, including as Vice President of the East Boston YMCA board, President of the Harborside Community Council, member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center board, Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), member of the East Boston Waterfront Project Advisory Committee (PierPAC), and an elected member of the Ward 1 Democratic Caucus. Adrian is also a founding member of a local substance abuse coalition, the East Boston Alliance for Support, Treatment, Intervention, and Education (EASTIE), and is co-founder and co-chair of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship, a program that provides paid public service internships for East Boston High School students. At the State House, Adrian serves as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Chair of the Afterschool Caucus, Co-Chair of the Italian Caucus, Commissioner on the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, and past Chair of the Boston Delegation.

Representative Madaro’s endorsement adds to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, State Representative and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Sonia Chang Diaz State Senator Julian Cyr, Representatives Liz Miranda, Jay Livingstone, Tram Nguyen, Tommy Vitolo, Natalie Higgins, Vanna Howard, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas, and Sean Garballey; Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr.; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

Governor Charlie Baker Announces Appointment of Terrence Reidy as Secretary of Public Safety and Security

Governor Charlie Baker Announces Appointment of Terrence Reidy as Secretary of Public Safety and Security

BOSTON — Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today announced the appointment of Terrence Reidy as Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Reidy has served as Acting Secretary since July, when he was appointed to replace former Secretary Thomas Turco, III following Secretary Turco’s retirement.

“Secretary Reidy has spent his career focused on keeping Massachusetts’ families and communities safe, from his time as a prosecutor to his service in our Administration, most recently as Acting Secretary,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Terry is a proven leader who has effectively guided the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security these past few months, and we are confident that he will continue to lead with distinction.”

“From collaborating with local law enforcement to overseeing the Commonwealth’s efforts to monitor and respond to potential homeland security threats, the role of Public Safety Secretary is critically important, and we are pleased that Secretary Reidy will continue to serve in this capacity,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are glad to have him on our team and wish him well as he continues his service.”

“I am deeply grateful to the Governor and Lt. Governor for their confidence in me. I am honored to serve Massachusetts in this role of ensuring the safety and security of our communities across the Commonwealth,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Alongside the dedicated team at EOPSS, I am eager to continue working closely with the Administration, the Legislature, state and local agencies and our community partners in advancing policies that result in meaningful progress.”

Prior to his appointment as Acting Secretary in July, Reidy served as Undersecretary for Law Enforcement, a position he held since 2019. In that capacity, he has provided strategic leadership to the Massachusetts State Police, the Municipal Police Training Committee, and the Office of Grants and Research. In addition, Reidy served as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes. Drawing on his prosecutorial experience collaborating with community leaders, he oversaw the creation of a hate crime resource guide for Massachusetts schools and partnered with police to ensure that every department in the Commonwealth has a trained, dedicated civil rights officer.  

Before joining the Administration, Reidy was an Assistant Attorney General in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and Assistant District Attorney in Worcester and Suffolk Counties. In addition to his work in government, Reidy dedicates time to volunteering as a coach for several youth sports organizations. He completed his undergraduate studies at Colby College and earned his juris doctor from New England School of Law. 

Learn more about the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Endorses Katjana Ballantyne for Mayor of Somerville, Along with Slate of Somerville City Council Candidates

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Endorses Katjana Ballantyne for Mayor of Somerville, Along with Slate of Somerville City Council Candidates 

Boston, October 4 - Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley today announced her endorsement of current Somerville Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne to become the city’s next Mayor.

“I’m grateful to have known Katjana for more than a decade, and to have had the opportunity to work alongside her during her time on the Somerville City Council,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I have seen, firsthand, her commitment to leading with compassion and in deep partnership with community. During her campaign for Mayor, Katjana has presented a clear vision for Somerville’s future - rooted in inclusivity, equity, and justice - and a detailed plan for how to make that vision a reality. I know that, as Mayor, Katjana will continue to provide the bold, committed leadership that the residents of Somerville both demand and deserve.” 

Also today, Congresswoman Pressley announced her support for several incumbents and first-time candidates running for Somerville City Council and School Committee, including:

· Current City Councilor At-Large Kristen Strezo and Willie Burnley Jr. for City Council At-Large;

· Current City Councilor Matt McLaughlin for reelection in Ward 1;  

· Current City Councilor J.T. Scott for reelection in Ward 2; 

· Current City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen for reelection in Ward 3;

· Judy Pineda Neufeld for Ward 7 City Councilor;

· Current member Andre Green for reelection to the Somerville School Committee; 

“This diverse slate of candidates brings a wealth of experience, a dedication to bold policymaking, and a deep commitment to community partnership to Somerville City Hall,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “In this moment, when all of our communities are faced with both unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities, I’m proud to endorse this dynamic group, whose passion, determination, and unique perspectives will help make Somerville a more just and equitable community for everyone.”  

In 2018, after serving nine years on the Boston City Council, Congresswoman Pressley became the first woman of color elected to represent Massachusetts in Congress, representing the 7th Congressional District, which includes Somerville, along with much of Boston, the entirety of Chelsea, Everett, and Randolph, and parts of Cambridge and Milton.

Each of the candidates endorsed today has also received the Pressley Policy Pledge distinction, reflective of their commitment to a range of key policies, including reform of our criminal legal system, student debt cancellation, fare-free public transit, and more. For more information and a full list of Pledge signers, click here. 

Somerville’s Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2. The last day for voters to register in order to participate in the election is Wednesday, October 13. To check their status and find their polling location, voters can visit the Secretary of State’s website here.

全美亞裔總商會10月6-8日舉辦「亞裔中小企業政策研討高峯會」

          (華府訊)全美亞裔總商會「亞裔中小企業政策研討高峯會」2021年10月6-8日 線上會議將與國會領袖及拜登政府內閣部長共同研討， 改善中小企業經營環境。包括資金取得，亞裔共同堅強對抗仇恨犯罪，未來企業成長方向。報名請上網 www.aapistrong.com/leg-conf。

            演講嘉賓： 財政部長葉倫，美國貿易代表戴琪，中小企業局局長Isabella Guzman。國會聯邦參議員譚美達克沃斯(Tammy Duckworth)，廣野慶子(Mazie Hirono)，Ben Cardin  ，聯邦眾議員小企業委員會主席Nydia M. Velázquez，趙美心，孟昭文，Andy Kim，金映玉 等以及少數族裔企業發展署執行署長Miguel Estién。

10月6日，星期三，東部時間 1-3PM/獲取資金研討日: 一起恢復企業

10月7日，星期四，東部時間 1-3PM/亞裔堅強日: 尋找我們的聲音

10月8日，星期五，東部時間 1-3PM/企業成長研討日: 開創向前道路，邀請 YouTube Co-Founder陳士駿 (Steve Chen) 現身説法，如何開創企業。

聯邦法官裁決波士頓考試學校錄取新策合法

           (Boston Orange 編譯) 一名聯邦地區法院法官又一次地拒絕丟棄波士頓考試校的新入學政策，週五(10月1日) 發出一份嚴厲裁決，批評學校人員，以及挑戰市府增加入學申請者多元化努力的家長群。

威廉楊(William Young)法官最後重新確認他早前的裁決，學校委員會根據種族、社會經濟及區域號碼來錄取符合資格學生的新政策是合法的。

波士頓市三所考試學校入學機會有限，其中最有聲望的波士頓拉丁校長期多元性不足，一直是波士頓持續最久的爭議之一。關於這狀況的法律挑戰有很長的歷史，威廉楊法官做了有關此事的最新決定。

在長達55頁的判決書中，楊法官指「支持學業優異波士頓家長聯盟(Boston Parent Coalition for Academic Excellence)」持續提出錯誤的法律論點，儘管在該法院轄區內有明確的相反法律，卻稱波士頓學區的計畫不是”族裔中立”。他也引述其他的法律支持論述，包括高等法院否決了家長們早前提出的上訴案。

威廉楊法官寫道”這法律一直，而且也仍然清晰:當政府的行動表面上族裔中立並一致適用時，在缺乏相反行動會造成不同影響，產生令人反感的有歧視性目的情況下，就推定其為善意。

這一法律挑站儘管迄今不成功，但出現了幾個值得注意的轉折，威廉楊法官關於這個案的最後評論，對那些最受這爭議影響者- 學生，還包括一個不尋常訊息。

7月中，揚威連法官極不尋常的撤消了他最初拒絕受理此案的意見，因為他說他相信學校系統的律師們，把帶有種族歧視的簡訊文字從法院紀錄中刪除，誤導了他。

在這些簡訊文字中，波士頓學校委員會委員Alexandra Oliver-Dávila和Lorna Rivera抱怨” 白人種族主義者”，以及西洛士百利(West Roxbury)白人居民，而且預估他們會反對使用學生區域號碼做為增加波士頓三所考試校族裔及社會經濟多元化方法的錄取計畫。

裁決出來後，家長群向楊威廉法官辯稱，這些隱瞞了的簡運文字，阻礙了他們為這案情做的準備。不過揚威連法官在週五的裁決中，駁回了那個論點，同時質疑為什麼那些文字沒有公佈出來。

              揚威連法官在裁決書中直接向學生喊話，問道「你們在追蹤這個案子嗎?不是一個很有啟發性的奇觀，是嗎?」，「根據法律，波士頓學校委員會負有在預算可能範圍內，為你們每一個人提供最好教育的責任。在投票決定你們的考試學校錄取計畫時，當時的主席模仿你們中的有些人，你們的父母或你們的朋友。當時的其中2名委員發簡訊說他們”恨”你，你的父母，你的朋友」。

              「而我呢?審判法官? – 結果顯示我是個很樂觀的人 (Pollyanna) 想要相信人類比這個案件中顯現得更好，這可能是你們一直都知道的」。

              “你能比這更好”，”以愛及尊重，你會的”，”我們指望你”。