Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, Announces New Apprenticeship Grant Funding

 Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and Secretary Acosta

Arranta Bio Apprenticeship Visit, National Apprenticeship Week

November 16, 10:00AM

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito join Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta to visit Arranta Bio to highlight their apprenticeship program and announce new apprenticeship grants as part of National Apprenticeship Week

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, Announces New Apprenticeship Grant Funding 

WATERTOWN – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $2.7 million in new grant funding to 19 organizations to support expanded apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth to meet critical workforce training needs and boost employment opportunities for residents. The Administration announced the new grants at a visit to Arranta Bio in Watertown celebrating National Apprenticeship Week. The event highlighted the company’s successful apprenticeship program and the Administration’s continued focus on leveraging apprenticeships to expand career opportunities for populations hardest-hit by the pandemic, including women and people of color.

“Apprenticeships are a proven model to support employers’ workforce needs and help workers gain new skills and improved employment opportunities, which is why we are glad to support these programs with nearly $3 million in new funding as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We recognize that this training model will play an important role in helping us meet future workforce needs for in-demand fields, as identified in our Future of Work Report.”

“As Massachusetts looks to meet our workforce needs over the next several years, apprenticeships will remain a valuable tool to connect workers with high-demand fields, especially our growing STEM industries,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our apprenticeship programs provide opportunities to workers, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for women, people of color and others who have historically not had the same access to these fields.”

The Commonwealth’s apprenticeship programs have supported over 3,700 workers since the Administration took office in 2015 and the funding announced today will allow apprenticeship programs to train more than 500 workers over the next year, with a focus on occupations in growing fields like health care, life sciences, clean energy, IT, and advanced manufacturing, in addition to diversity and inclusion programming for traditional construction and building trades. Many of these fields were also identified in the Administration’s recently-published Future of Work Report as areas of growth for Massachusetts over the next decade, with upwards of 300,000-400,000 workers potentially needing to transition to different occupations or occupational categories. 

"The Apprenticeship Innovation Fund (AIF) provides funding for apprenticeship training and services that contribute to our ongoing expansion and diversity efforts benefitting all Massachusetts residents," said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta. "These grants specifically target life sciences and biotech, among other expansion industries, and provide life-changing career pathways to higher-paying, in-demand jobs for the unemployed and underemployed, while helping close job gaps for the Commonwealth's STEM employers.”

“Arranta Bio is proud to partner with MassBioEd in the development of the apprenticeship program for biomanufacturing technicians,” said Mark R. Bamforth, executive chair and CEO at Arranta. “Through this partnership, we are enabling individuals to obtain industry recognized skills and to transition into a meaningful, well paid career in life sciences.”

“The life sciences industry continues to grow in Massachusetts expecting to generate 20,000-40,000 new jobs by 2024,” said Sunny Schwartz, CEO of MassBioEd, apprenticeship partner for Arranta Bio. “At the same time, thousands of capable individuals are left out of these jobs because of a lack of awareness or traditional college degrees. Apprenticeships are an innovative way to bridge this gap. With this generous support from the Commonwealth, MassBioEd’s Life Sciences Apprenticeship Program will train individuals to fill these roles, helping employers fill crucial vacancies with diverse talent while providing excellent career opportunities for hundreds of our residents."

Today’s grant funds are being awarded through the Apprenticeship Expansion Plan, Apprenticeship Growth & Expansion, and Apprenticeship Expansion & Construction Diversity Grants that are administered by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development throughout the year. The funding is partially supported by a federal grant Massachusetts received earlier this year from the US Department of Labor to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the Commonwealth. That grant focuses on expanding apprenticeship opportunities for women, working moms, people of color, youth, and individuals with a disability.

A full list of programs funded by today’s grants is below:

Organization	City/Town	FY22 Funding
Aimtek	Auburn	$90,000
Apprenti/WTIA	Boston	$100,000
Associated Building Contractors of Massachusetts	Woburn	$69,984
Associated Building Contractors of Massachusetts	Woburn	$25,000
A-Tech Turbine	Auburn	$95,000
Blackstone Valley Education Hub	Whitinsville	$25,000
Building Pathways Boston	Roxbury	$56,304
Family Services of Central Massachusetts	Worcester	$100,000
Family Services of Central Massachusetts	Worcester	$100,000
Greater New Bedford Workforce Board	New Bedford	$100,000
Greater New Bedford Workforce Board	New Bedford	$100,000
Hampden County Workforce Board	Springfield	$100,000
MassBioEd	Cambridge	$100,000
MassBioEd	Cambridge	$100,000
Merrimack Valley Workforce Board	Lawrence	$75,000
Merrimack Valley Workforce Board	Lawrence	$100,000
Metro North Regional Employment Board/NAMC	Cambridge	$250,000
North Shore Workforce Board	Salem	$250,000
Pipefitters Local 537	Dorchester	$100,000
Quinsigamond Community College	Worcester	$100,000
The Work Place dba MassHire New Bedford Career Center	New Bedford	$75,000
Third Sector Capital Partners, Inc.	Boston	$310,000
Thryv, Inc.	Assonet	$100,000
Thryv, Inc.	Assonet	$100,000
UMass Boston Institute for Community Inclusion	Boston	$125,000
TOTAL		$2,746,288

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Applauds Inclusion of Expanded Broadband Access for Underserved Communities in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Applauds Inclusion of Expanded Broadband Access for Underserved Communities in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Washington, D.C.—President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that passed last week in Congress. The bill includes investments in America’s roads and bridges and increases access to broadband internet, marking the largest investment in American infrastructure in more than a decade.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC issues the following statement:

“We applaud the passage and signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will provide critical resources and services to Asian American and other underserved communities. The infrastructure package includes $40 billion for broadband deployment and $14.2 billion for broadband affordability measures which will continue to fund a broadband subsidy for qualifying households. This funding is a crucial part of bridging the digital divide by providing much needed improvements to broadband infrastructure, lowering the cost of high quality internet, and providing more opportunities for underserved communities to access digital services and resources.

The pandemic has demonstrated how critical internet access is for communities to be able to survive and thrive. High quality and reliable broadband is necessary to keep immigrant families connected to their in-language communities both in the U.S. and abroad, provide the elderly with more accessible health care, give students access to English as a Second Language homework assistance and other learning programs, and connect refugee populations to job training programs. Many jobs and opportunities will remain remote and only accessible online, health services will be made more affordable and easy to schedule online, and special programming that has been developed for youth, the elderly, and others will continue to take place online. Broadband access and online services were essential before the pandemic, and communities expect to rely even more heavily on technology and remote solutions after the pandemic subsides.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will go a long way to ensure the benefits of online connections can be made accessible to all, especially low-income households who can benefit from tremendous opportunities and resources if they are able to gain access. Advancing Justice – AAJC will work to ensure the resources are allocated accordingly and continue to advocate to bridge the digital divide in our communities.” 

National ACE Participates in White House Signing Ceremony of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act

 National ACE Participates in White House Signing Ceremony of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act

Today, National ACE President and CEO, Chiling Tong, attended the signing ceremony for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, marking a once in a generation investment into the nation’s infrastructure. The bill proves that despite political tensions, Congress and the Executive Branch can work together to deliver results and meaningful change to the American people. Importantly, this bipartisan effort has resulted in the codification of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), allowing the Agency and the federal government to better serve minority-owned businesses. National ACE applauds the efforts of Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration that have resulted in this historic investment in both the American economy and infrastructure.

“It was an honor to attend the signing ceremony for this historic piece of legislation on behalf of the AAPI community and alongside those who made it possible,” National ACE President & CEO, Chiling Tong, said of her attendance at the signing ceremony. “Leaders from across the business, industry, and political spectrum played a pivotal role in the passage of this bill that will create jobs and economic opportunities for all Americans. This legislation represents a huge victory for all small businesses, though especially minority-owned businesses who will for the first time have a stronger voice within their government. National ACE applauds the efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress, and we look forward to the successful implementation of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act in the coming months and years.”

The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act was first passed by the Senate on August 10 before passing the House on November 5 in bipartisan votes in both chambers. The bill makes historic investments in the nation’s roads, bridges, highways, airports, and ports, as well as in digital broadband and infrastructure. The bill also codifies the MBDA, providing it with the stability and resources it needs to help small businesses in minority communities grow and create jobs

吳弭的波士頓市長名片印有中文 市長頭銜共印12種語言

     波士頓候任市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)即將於明(16)日宣誓就職。今日一早，她在臉書上分享剛拿到手的名片，洋洋灑灑，把市長這頭銜，用12種不同語言印了出來，有著強調她重視照顧不同語言人士的味道。

       從英文的Mayor，西班牙文的女市長Alcaldesa，海地語的Majistra，越南語的thị trưởng，葡萄牙語的Prefeita，印度語的Prezidenti Di Kamara，到法語的女市長Madame La Maire，索馬利亞語的Dugalada等。

      對中文人來說，她還貼心的正體字，簡體字都印。(圖片來自吳弭臉書)

麻州政府撥款百萬餘元永久保護85英畝3家庭農場

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces Permanent Protections of Three Family Farms in Bristol County

$1,007,600 will Protect 85 Acres of Farmland

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today the permanent protection of farms in Bristol County totaling 85 acres through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program, and in collaboration with the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Westport Land Conservation Trust, and the Towns of Westport, Rehoboth, and Dighton. A total of $1,007,600 in funding will go towards the protection of the three farms in the local municipalities. Importantly, the APR Program enables Massachusetts farmers to permanently protect their land from future development.

“As the Commonwealth’s agriculture sector experiences the progressing impacts of climate change, it is critical that we take steps to protect invaluable farmland and ensure the resilience of our agricultural economy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “In an area of the state that is under intense pressure from development, we are pleased to protect these farms in perpetuity through the APR program.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to protect and preserve this land in Bristol County for future generations, and congratulates the landowners, the Westport Land Conservation Trust, and the towns of Westport, Rehoboth and Dighton on their commitment and vision for the future with these important projects,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux.

The APR Program preserves and protects agricultural soils from use for non-agricultural purposes or any activity detrimental to agriculture. The voluntary program helps pay farmers the difference between the fair market value and the agricultural land value of their land, in exchange for a permanent deed restriction. The program also works to revitalize the agricultural industry by making land more affordable to farmers and their operations more financially secure. Since the inception of the APR program 40 years ago, over 74,000 acres of farmland has been protected across the Commonwealth through more than 900 acquisitions.

“We’re pleased to have partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources on the preservation of 85 acres of farmland in the towns of Dighton Dartmouth, Rehoboth, and Westport,” said Dan Wright, Massachusetts State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. “By providing funding through the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, we’re able to help farmers and partners protect working agricultural lands and prime farmland soils, which provides many environmental benefits for the Commonwealth. Thanks to the Amaral, Araujo, and Silvia/Pettey families, this land will remain in sustainable farming for many generations.”

Through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. Eligible partners include Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of an agricultural land easement. 

Individuals receiving APR funding for farms include:

 

Stephen A. Pettey and Joyce P. Silvia, Westport - $539,600

 

This 35.5+/- acre property is comprised of 22+/- acres of crop and pastureland and is located on Sodom Road in Westport. Approximately 51.5% of the 35.5 (+/-) acre property is comprised of Prime or Farmland of Statewide Important soils. Steve is currently leasing the property to a local beef operation, that is using the property for hay and pasture. The Westport Land Conservation Trust partnered on the acquisition of the property and the Town of Westport contributed Community Preservation Act funds.

 

Richard and Elanor Amaral, Rehoboth - $261,000
 

Located on Davis Street, Rehoboth and totaling approximately 29.87 +/- acres, the Amaral property has a long history of active agriculture and is currently being used for corn, peppers, squash and pumpkins. The Town of Rehoboth Community Preservation Committee (CPC) worked with the APR Program to commit funding toward the project.

 

K.J. Araujo, Ltd. Dighton - $207,000

 

The K.J. Araujo farm on Elm Street totals approximately 20.7 +/- acres. The property has a long history of active agriculture and is currently being used for squash and pumpkins. The Araujo family had rented this farmland for 20 years, growing a variety of mixed vegetables, before they purchased the property in March 2017, and now wish to protect it with an APR. The town of Dighton contributed to the acquisition.

 

“This farm has been in my family for years,” said owner Steve Pettey. “My goal was to ensure that it would remain that way and continue to be a part of Westport.”

 

“I am so happy that I worked with the APR Program to preserve the farmland that has been in my family for over 60 years,” said Eleanor Amaral. “There has been so much development in Rehoboth lately, but it’s nice to know that this land is now preserved for future generations of farmers.”

 

“I first saw this property when I was a little boy and I decided back then that I wanted to own it one day,” said Ken Araujo. “Fifty years later I ended up purchasing the property. I bought the land to farm it, but also to protect it. This is some of the best soil east of the Mississippi and land this good should always be farmed and never developed. The APR Program was a great tool to accomplish this goal.”

 

“WLCT was thrilled to assist with the protection of this critical farm on Sodom Road,” said Ross Moran, Executive Director of WLCT. “This farm is located in a block of over 400 acres of protected farmland and will be forever protected because of the community’s commitment to Westport’s farmers and farmland.”

 

“As a Right to Farm Community with a long history of agricultural endeavors, the Town of Westport has been a strong supporter of local and state government actions that can facilitate keeping the local farms in the community working and thriving.” said Tim King, Town Administrator for the Town of Westport. “The recent Pettey APR is an example of what non-profits, MDAR, and the Town of Westport can achieve with inter-governmental cooperation to further that goal.”

 

“Westport and the entire South Coast has greatly benefited from the APR program, and I am thrilled to see that another important farm in the town will be protected,” said Chair of Senate Ways & Means Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport). “Protecting and preserving these farms is critical to the industry and to our region’s economy and food production.”

 

“The APR program has been instrumental in permanently protecting agricultural land in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).” “The town of Rehoboth has a history steeped in farming and due to the collective commitment of the Amaral family, the town's CPC, and the Commonwealth, this farmland will remain viable for future generations while safeguarding active agricultural land in the community and our region.”

 

“I am very pleased that the Araujo farm in Dighton has been approved for long-term agricultural preservation through the APR initiative,” said Dean of the Massachusetts Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton). “Local agricultural operations are critical to our community preservation and environmental sustainability efforts here in Southeastern Massachusetts.  Thanks to the Araujo family, the Town of Dighton, the Department of Agricultural Resources, and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service for their hard work towards implementing these important local preservation measures.”

 

“The APR Program has been a critical asset for Westport’s farming community,” says Representative Paul Schmid (D-Westport). “Twenty-seven farms in Westport have been protected with this program, and those farms will always be available for farming.”

 

“The ​APR program is essential to keep the agricultural industry in Massachusetts thriving. Happy to see the Araujo family utilize this program to fulfil a lifelong dream to own farmland while protecting and preserving agriculture in Dighton for future generations,” said Representative Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset).

 

“With numerous new housing developments springing up in Rehoboth, a right to farm community, saving open space helps to ensure that the rural character of Rehoboth continues into the future,” said Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk).

 

“All the credit really goes to Eleanor Amaral who steadfastly worked to preserve her family's legacy,” said Carol Williams, the Chair of the Community Preservation Committee in Rehoboth. “The Town will be forever grateful for this gift.”

 

“The Community Preservation Commission is very grateful that this APR project was a success and some excellent farmland in Dighton will be preserved in perpetuity,” said Tim Rhines, Chair of the Dighton Planning Board. “Town residents should be happy that no houses will be built on this beautiful piece of land that is not only agriculturally productive but also historically significant to Native American populations.”

Lydia Edwards競選州參議員 支持者再添郡治安官Tompkins

 Sheriff Tompkins, former Rep. Byron Rushing, Progressive Mass

join list of endorsers behind Lydia Edwards for State Senate

 WINTHROP – Lydia Edwards was endorsed in the special election to the State Senate by Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins at a canvass kickoff in Winthrop over the weekend. Sheriff Tompkins joins other recent endorsers in their support for Lydia for Senate, including former State Representative Byron Rushing and Progressive Massachusetts. Primary Election Day is December 14, 2021. General Election Day is January 11, 2022.

 “We need advocates who understand that it's the government of the people by the people and for the people. At the end of the day, we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “We need to elect people like Lydia Edwards, who are not afraid to go to the State House or City Hall or to wherever they have to go to really fight for the services that we need. We have all seen far too many electeds for whom the job is a vanity plate for them. This is about doing the right thing. This is about taking care of all of us. With Lydia Edwards in the Senate, we can and will get more done.”

 Former Representative Byron Rushing said: “Lydia Edwards has been an active, thoughtful Boston City Councilor, always responding to the immediate concerns of her constituents. She has stayed true to her mission of working to provide opportunity and equity for all those she serves. From the very start of her career, Lydia has been an advocate for the marginalized. She speaks up, unafraid, when she sees trauma, abuse, disparity and imbalance. She will use her time in the State Senate and with this larger constituency to craft the needed legislation to get at some of these root causes. I enthusiastically support her run for the State Senate.”

 Jonathan Cohn serves as the chair of Progressive Massachusetts’ Issues Committee and the Elections Committee. Of this endorsement, he said: “Lydia Edwards has been a champion for affordable housing and workers' rights on the Boston City Council. She has a track record of persistent advocacy and concrete results, and we need her voice in the Legislature.”

 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

Kim Janey 臨別新政 Bolling市政大樓2022起購餐限方圓半里內

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES LOCAL FOOD PURCHASING POLICY TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS The new procurement requirement applies to municipal departments based out of the City’s Bolling Municipal Building, the headquarters for Boston Public Schools

 

BOSTON - Monday, November 15, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey, in partnership with the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, Economic Development Cabinet, and Boston Public Schools (BPS), announced a new food vendor purchasing policy meant to boost business for local entrepreneurs. Starting on January 1, 2022, municipal departments and divisions based out of the City of Boston’s Bruce M. Bolling Municipal Building will be required to procure food for events, lunches, and office functions from businesses located within a half-mile radius of the Roxbury building or within the neighborhood boundary of the site of the event. “This vendor policy marks an important opportunity to keep City dollars in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Janey. “This will improve equitable economic growth for our small businesses, while also better connecting our City employees to the communities they serve.”  This policy memo is targeted to help the City of Boston leverage its purchasing power to the benefit of the communities in which it operates. The policy will assist in providing local food businesses with the opportunity to obtain pay-per-purchase orders and smaller contracts for food procurement for city events and lunches.  The Bolling Municipal Building, named for Boston's first African American President of the Boston City Council, is the headquarters for the offices of Boston Public Schools. The City will assist in this implementation by providing City departments with a preferred list of local vendors by address and neighborhood. "In order to grow a community, you must grow the businesses in that area,” said Cheryl Straughter, owner and chef of Soleil in Roxbury’s Nubian Square. “This policy is a great segue for that to happen. No community can survive without thriving businesses. One goes hand in hand with the other.” “Supporting small businesses, including local food entrepreneurs, is an important part of Boston’s economic recovery and growth,” said Midori Morikawa, Chief of Economic Development. “This purchasing program advances our efforts to expand access to economic opportunity in city neighborhoods.” This pilot presents an opportunity to direct more than $150,000 a year to local businesses, for BPS catering opportunities alone, based on budget estimates. This local food purchasing policy will be studied for expansion to other City of Boston departments. “Boston Public Schools is proud to support local businesses that represent the heart and soul of our neighborhoods,” said BPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius. “As our staff works every day to nurture the future leaders of Boston, we can also support the local economies in the communities where they live.” This procurement policy builds on the City’s work to include diverse, small businesses in the City’s economic growth. In October, Mayor Janey announced LGBTQ+-owned businesses are being included in the City’s Supplier Diversity program.  This initiative also supports some of the objectives of the Good Food Purchasing Standards passed in 2019 which requires the City of Boston to source food procurement contracts with locally-owned small to midsize food processing operations. “Catering and smaller procurements provide a low barrier to entry for City contracting to businesses that are the backbone of our neighborhoods and commercial districts,” said Celina Barrios-Millner, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “Through this new policy, the City of Boston will continue to build working relationships with local and diverse businesses and ensure that we are supporting our vital local economies.”

Higher Heights for America PAC Endorses Danielle Allen

Higher Heights for America PAC Endorses Danielle Allen

Boston, MA -- Higher Heights for America — the only PAC exclusively dedicated to electing progressive Black women at the federal and statewide level — endorsed Danielle Allen for Governor of Massachusetts last Thursday. 

“I’m honored to be endorsed by Higher Heights for America and proud to be part of the team building the road to executive leadership by black women,” said Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen. “I’m excited to embark on this partnership with Higher Heights as our campaign drives transformation in our democracy by proving it can deliver for all of us.”

昆士、Braintree兩市數百高中生走出校門 抗議校內種族歧視

NBC10記者在推特上貼出學生們擠到Braintree鎮政府大樓前抗議情景。

               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 上星期五的11月12日，昆士市有數百名昆士高中學生集體離校，抗議校方對校內種族仇視氣氛處理不當，今日(11月15) 另一所昆士學校也有學生要走出學校傳聞，然後南岸的腦樹市 (Braintree) 真有近300名高中學生走上街頭。

             一名參加腦樹市遊行的高中生表示，看到學校內的行政人員及教職員對校內發生的數起種族歧視事件，包括使用N自，嘲笑黑人老師的口音，以及針對有色人種的輕微攻擊，言語詆毀等地遲緩反應後，覺得他們有採取行動的必要。

             他說，「他們知道這情況，但他們就是不做任何事」。

             這些學生走出校門，走上街頭，主要目的是促使成人世界、學校領導重視校園內存在著種族歧視氣氛與行為。

             星期五那天，昆士高中的學生們，一邊吟唱著「沒正義，無和平 (No Justice， no peace)」，一邊從學校走向警察局，市政府，以及北昆士高中，繞著學校樓宇轉了幾圈，才散去。

             在學生們走出校園事件的2天前，許多昆士高中學生都收到一段約25秒長手機視頻，顯示著一名白人高中生，用了帶族裔意味詞語，表達他恨黑人。這段視頻還是有人加了一段話，點出名字的說「別讓我在街上抓到你」，再傳出去的。

             Point Webster 中學校方人員在週五那天，也發現有一段3名8年級學生針對該校同學使用種族歧視語言的視頻，在外流傳，校內並有些學生打算週一(今日)離校抗議。

             該校校長Christine Barrett在週日寫信給學生家長，表示大家都為這事很感困擾，但為學生安全，將不准學生離開學校，希望家長向學生們強調這一點。

             昆士市公校總監Kevin Mulvey在週日(14日)也發信，通知兩校家長及學生，說明將不准許學生們再次從學校走出去。昆士高中將採取紀律行動，拍攝該視頻的學生將面對長期的嚴重後果。

            他說，學校系統知道學生抗議的重要性，尤其這是學生們出於對學校社區內發生種族歧視有嚴肅顧慮的行動，但他們不能繼續容許學生離校，錯失寶貴的接受教育時間。他強調，沒有家長或監護人的同意，學生將不准離校。

             昆士市似乎近來發生多宗種族歧視事件，包括昆士高中和北昆士高中的體育運動學生，在體育競爭的遮蓋下，分享含有性騷擾及仇恨語言的視頻、音頻。Kevin Mulvey在11月5日發給學校社區的信中表示，這些不當行為讓受到針對的成人、學生，以及整個昆士公校，社區都感到非常不安。

             中央中學校長Rick DeCristofaro, Jr.也在10月6日寫信給家長，稱校內廁所發現帶仇恨、種族歧視的塗鴉，學校將不容許這樣的事情發生，涉及不當行為的學生將需負責，受紀律處分。

             9月28日時，西南中學也有一個廁所出現種族歧視塗鴉。校長Derek C. Lakey也說，這樣的行為不會被容忍。

             上學年的3月，也有一段被人放到社交媒體上的視頻顯示，一名昆士高中學生遭遇同學有針對性的性騷擾及仇恨語言，令人不安。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Grants to Support Habitat Management Across the Commonwealth

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Grants to Support Habitat Management Across the Commonwealth

BOSTON – Seeking to complement ongoing habitat management efforts on state lands and promote opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced it has awarded  $184,400 in state grant funds to eight organizations and municipalities to improve wildlife habitat on 276 acres of land within the Commonwealth. Now in its seventh year, the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program has provided financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to improve and manage habitat for wildlife deemed in greatest conservation need and for certain game species.

“The Commonwealth’s investment in wildlife habitat enhancement projects greatly benefit our native wildlife while simultaneously improving recreational opportunities for people who enjoy outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Improving habitat through active restoration and management also creates a more climate-resilient habitat, an important adaptation strategy as we confront climate change.”

“The Habitat Management Grant Program provides municipalities and conservation organizations with vital funding that is important to properly manage wildlife habitat to the benefit of both wildlife and people,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These groups do not have all the funds necessary to conduct critical habitat management activities, and our Administration is proud to partner with them to help fill that gap.”

While the DFG’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition in Massachusetts, land protection alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of the Commonwealth’s diverse wildlife. Investment in habitat restoration and management is needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, the Administration has substantially increased investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and are committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on other conserved lands across the state. The MHMGP program encourages landowners to engage in active habitat management on their properties to benefit wildlife.

“The Department of Fish and Game’s active habitat management program enhances wildlife restoration and outdoor recreational opportunities on more than 225,000 acres of wildlife management area lands overseen by MassWildlife,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “These projects receiving funding complement that work, which is important for common and rare wildlife and plants, and necessary for ecological resiliency and diversity.”

“Most forests and other wildlife habitats in Massachusetts are not state-owned, and we rely on conservation organizations, cities and towns, private landowners, and other partners to help us manage habitat to benefit all wildlife,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon. “This program provides us with the opportunity to expand our habitat management footprint, directly benefiting wildlife, sportsmen and women, and other people who enjoy outdoor recreation.”

“MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Program focuses on habitat conservation for less common birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, because the kinds of habitats they need are less common,” said Mark Tisa, MassWildlife Director. “As the agency responsible for the conservation of all wildlife and their habitats for the benefit and enjoyment of all Massachusetts’ residents and visitors, this program helps the Baker-Polito Administration both partner with others to conserve rare and common wildlife and enhance everyone’s connection to the state’s wildlife and wild places.”

The following eight projects will receive MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants:

• Dunstable – Zoo New England, in conjunction with the Town of Dunstable, has been awarded $11,289 to conduct scrub-shrub habitat improvement work to benefit rare species at the Pierce Town Forest.
• Falmouth – The Town of Falmouth will receive $20,587 to improve sandplain grasslands at Coonamessett Reservation.
• Fitchburg – Mass Audubon has been awarded $50,000 to improve pitch pine forest at the Flat Rock Reservation.
• Groton – The Town of Groton will receive $29,050 to create and improve open field and shrub habitat at Priest Hill.
• Lenox – The Town of Lenox, in conjunction with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, has been awarded $26,810 to control the hardy kiwi vine at Kennedy Park and adjacent properties.
• Nantucket – The Nantucket Conservation Foundation has been awarded $13,024 to manage sandplain barrens and heathlands on the Middle Moors property.
• Sheffield – The Sheffield Land Trust will receive $16,040 to conduct brush hogging and invasive species control at Ashley Falls Woods.
• South Lee – South Lee Associates, in conjunction with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, will receive $17,400 to control invasive species and improve floodplain forest habitats on multiple Housatonic River properties.

“Congratulations to the towns of Dunstable and Groton for receiving grant awards from the MassWildlife Habitat Management program,” said Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Lowell). “The funding provided for habitat improvement will dually benefit the citizens of these towns and the local fauna that call these habitats home. I want to extend my congratulations to all those involved in the grant application process, your hard work and dedication brought these projects to fruition.”

“Western Mass is home to some of the most precious, and vital natural lands that provide essential ecosystems and clean air,” said Senator Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield). “Protecting these lands from invasive species must continue to be a top priority.”

“The funds from the MassWildlife Habitat management grant will be instrumental for both Kennedy Park and areas along the Housatonic River,” said Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox). “The Berkshires are known for our natural landscapes, and the improvements made possible by this grant will allow our residents to continue to access and enjoy these beautiful natural landscapes for generations to come.”

AG HEALEY CO-LEADS MULTISTATE COALITION IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL EFFORT TO PRIORITIZE WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND SAFETY IN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

 AG HEALEY CO-LEADS MULTISTATE COALITION IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL EFFORT TO PRIORITIZE WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND SAFETY IN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today co-led a coalition of 11 attorneys general — as well as eight local prosecutors and labor enforcement agencies across the country — in a letter in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) plan to change its worksite enforcement practices to support enforcement of wage protections, workplace safety, labor rights, and other employment laws and standards. In the letter, the coalition highlights several key recommendations to ensure that DHS’ immigration enforcement policies and practices facilitate the ability of state and local labor enforcement officials to advance fair labor standards.

“Ensuring safe conditions and fair treatment for our workers, regardless of immigration status, remains a top priority for my office and we are encouraged by DHS’ efforts to prioritize these protections,” said AG Healey. “I am proud to lead this effort with my colleagues across the country in making sure that our nation’s workplaces follow the rules and protect the rights and dignity of all workers.”

State and local labor enforcement agencies investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate thousands of work-related claims against employers who illegally suppress labor standards and intimidate workers from exercising their rights. The key role played by state and local entities in labor enforcement makes them indispensable partners in any effort to develop immigration enforcement protocols that prioritize the need to protect the rights of workers. Further, immigrants make up a significant proportion of the workforce in the coalition’s respective states and cities. Many vital industries depend on immigrant workers to meet their labor demands and provide critical services and goods to our communities. At the same time, immigrant workers, especially those who are unauthorized to work in the United States, are particularly susceptible to abusive and unlawful labor conditions, and are especially vulnerable when bringing these violations to light. As a result, workers can be reluctant or even decline to pursue a case or testify in a legal proceeding out of fear that their employer would respond by reporting them or their family members to immigration authorities.

In the letter, the coalition — in an effort to advance the mutual goals of ensuring workplaces across the nation comply with labor laws, protecting working conditions, and standing up for the rights and dignity of workers — urges DHS to consider a number of recommendations in its new effort, including to:

• Create a clear process for prosecutorial discretion, including deferred action, to proactively support workers cooperating with labor law enforcement agencies;
• Make it explicit that state and local agencies that enforce workplace laws can certify S, T, and U Visas;
• Limit enforcement based on potentially retaliatory tips from employers and inform the public that DHS’ hotline should not be used for such purposes;
• Establish clear points of contact for state and local labor enforcement agencies to quickly address concerns and support effective communication with DHS;
• Take steps to ensure immigrant workers and communities have access to information about their rights and protections;
• Support private actions to facilitate the enforcement of labor laws, extending protection to immigrant victims of and witnesses to labor violations;
• Bar immigration enforcement activities at courthouses or state or local labor departments; and
• Provide state and local labor enforcement agencies with access to witnesses held in civil immigration detention.

The letter, co-led by AG Healey and the attorneys general of California, Illinois, New York as well as the Seattle Offices of Labor Standards and Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and the City of New York Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, is also joined by the attorneys general of Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington, and the District of Columbia; the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (MA), Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office (MI), Chicago Office of Labor Standards, and City of Philadelphia.

A copy of the letter is available here. 

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