麻州、波士頓市合作 牙買加平原將建202戶可負擔住宅

(Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)，麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker)和非營利的住宅組織”社區建造者 (The Community Builders)”，新英格蘭最大的劉民服務機構”松街客棧 (Pine Street Inn)”合作，24日宣佈新建202戶公寓的工程，已經開動了。             這一建造大型支持性住宅的項目，早於2019年3月公佈，預定2023年末竣工，將在牙買加平原 (Jamaica Plain)的華盛頓街3368號，為需要可負擔及穩定住宅者提供202個公寓單位。             波士頓市長吳弭表示，一旦竣工，這將是波士頓市內最大型的支持性宅項目。             在這202個可負擔住宅中，有140戶公寓會保留給目前無家可歸的流浪人，62戶為收入或租金有限制的單位。             竣工後的物業將由”社區建造者”管理，該機構的社區生活小組將為居民提供或轉介服務。”松街客棧”將為140戶入住流民提供支援性服務。波士頓住宅局 (BHA)將為這一土地發展計畫發出156張以項目為基礎的憑證 (PBV)，包括要發給脫離流民生活者的140張憑證。             華盛頓街3368號項目的資金來源十分多元，包括來自麻州住宅及社區發展局的700萬元，美國銀行的5000萬元低收入住宅抵稅優惠 (LIHTC)，以及6000萬元的建築融資，麻州互惠壽險公司的2000萬元貸款，3000萬元免稅橋接融資，波士頓市市長的住宅辦公施提供1600萬元，150萬元的社區保存法經費，來自HYM投資集團的500萬元連鎖金，麻州發展 (MassDevelopment)要在4%的LIHTC債券融資中提貢5000萬元以上，麻州政府提供150萬元，可以產生980萬元效果的低收入住宅抵稅優惠，社區經濟發展援助公司 (CEDAC)會提貢400萬元的住宅創新資金，以及來自波士頓醫療中心和Robert Wood Johnson基金，從健康社區基金中的加速投資來的100萬元。              這一建築計畫還有波士頓的回家之路基金資助。該基金在美國銀行捐助支持下，提早2年達到募資1000萬元目標。自由互惠保險，麻州Brigham總醫院，麻州互惠壽險，薩福克護理 (Suffolk Cares)等機構也各捐了100萬元。在這些資金之外，松街克戰的總體住宅擴建計畫是由Yawkey基金會的大型補助款支持。              華盛頓街3368號在拆除現有建物後，預定蓋成有5層樓高，約144000平方英尺的綜合用途樓噢，一樓是辦公室及倉庫，上面的樓層為居民住宅。華盛頓松街公司 (Washington Pine LLC)將是業主。松街客棧將簽署服務條約，並租用一樓的1萬3000平方英尺辦公室面積。             薪樓宇將有21個殘障人士單位，包括有2個移動障礙的18個感覺有障礙者單位。整棟樓也有13戶套房，4戶一睡房，1戶兩睡房公寓。 MAYOR MICHELLE WU, GOVERNOR CHARLIE BAKER, PINE STREET INN, AND THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS ANNOUNCE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE LARGEST SUPPORTIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN BOSTON New development in Jamaica Plain will provide more than 200 units of housing for working families with support services for individuals moving out of homelessness

BOSTON -Monday, January 24, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor Charlie Baker, The Community Builders (TCB), a leading nonprofit housing organization, and the Pine Street Inn (PSI), New England’s largest homeless services agency, are proud to announce that construction has started on the largest supportive housing development in Boston at 3368 Washington in Jamaica Plain, which once completed, will provide 202 apartments. This is a major milestone during a time of critical need for increased housing in the City of Boston, especially for those facing the challenges of affordability and stability. The plans for the project were announced in March 2019, and the building is due to be completed in late 2023. "This project, with units for individuals moving out of homelessness, and wrap-around support services, is a significant step towards ending homelessness in the city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Once complete, these apartments will represent the largest supportive housing development in the city, delivering stable, affordable homes to those who require it most. I'm thankful to the community and all our partners who helped make this development possible." When the new development is complete, it will create 202 units of affordable housing, of which 140 apartments will be reserved for people who are currently experiencing homelessness, and 62 apartments will be income or rent-restricted apartments for families. The property will be managed by TCB, with programs and services for residents provided by TCB’s Community Life team, trained to connect families to healthcare, education, and employment.  Additional supportive services for the 140 units for those moving out of homelessness will be provided by PSI. The Boston Housing Authority will be providing 156 Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) to the development, including all 140 units designated for individuals moving out of homelessness.   “Housing with support services that will help people rebuild their lives is how we will end homelessness,” said Pine Street President and Executive Director Lyndia Downie. “Breaking ground on what will be the largest housing development of its kind in Boston to date, brings us one step closer to reaching the goal of ending homelessness. This could not come at a more critical time, as we grapple with a pandemic and housing crisis in the city. We look forward to housing 140 of Boston’s most vulnerable individuals and providing them with the wraparound services they need to thrive. We are so grateful to the Jamaica Plain community who voiced such strong support for those who will be moving into this building.” “We are providing rental housing that working families can afford and supportive housing many individuals need, steps away from public transit in the heart of Jamaica Plain,” said Bart Mitchell, president, and CEO of The Community Builders. “We look forward to working with the community and our project partners to make this development a vibrant platform for educational and economic opportunity, where every resident can thrive. We are proud to make this development a model for creating permanent supportive housing at scale, with long-term services and sustainable design. This new approach to affordable housing addresses Boston’s most pressing needs.” The 3368 Washington Street project received a diverse combination of public, private philanthropic support to finance the building construction, property operations, and resident services.  Major project funders include $7 million of funding from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development; Bank of America is providing over $50 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity and over $60 million in construction financing. Barings/Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company is providing over $20 million in permanent loans as well as over $30 million in tax-exempt bridge financing, the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing is providing more than $16 million of funding, including $1.5 million from the Community Preservation Act and $5 million of linkage funding from The HYM Investment Group;  MassDevelopment is providing over $50 million in 4% LIHTC bond financing; the Commonwealth is providing $1.5 million of State Low Income Housing Tax Credits which generate $9.8 million in equity; the Community and Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) is providing $4 million of Housing Innovation Funding and $1 million from its Accelerating Investments in Healthy Communities fund, courtesy of Boston Medical Center and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The project was funded in part through the Boston’s Way Home Fund, started by the City of Boston to create permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals. The Fund reached its $10 million goal two years ahead of schedule with lead donations from Bank of America, which helped launch the Fund, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mass General Brigham, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), and Suffolk Cares, each of which committed $1 million. In addition to these funds, Pine Street Inn’s overall housing expansion is being supported by a major grant from the Yawkey Foundation.  The development of the five-story building includes demolition of the existing building and new construction of a five-story, approximately 144,000 square foot mixed-use building with first-floor office and warehouse space and residential units on the upper floors.  The project will consist of 202 residential units, with 140 studio supportive housing apartments and 62 family units. A total of 156 units will be subsidized with Project-Based Vouchers awarded through the Boston Housing Authority, consisting of 111 traditional PBV and 45 Mainstream vouchers. Pine Street Inn, Inc. is the Project Sponsor and 51% member of the Managing Member and TCB is the 49% Managing Member. The Owner, Washington Pine LLC, will enter into a long term services contract with Pine Street Inn to provide daily twenty-four hour intensive supportive services at the property for the 140 supportive housing units and Pine Street and the Owner are establishing a supportive service reserve funded with proceeds from the sale of the property, the Boston Way Home Fund, and operating cash flow. Pine Street Inn will also lease approximately 13,000 square feet of office space on the first floor of the building.  The new building will also include 21 mobility impaired units and 18 sensory impaired units, 2 of which will also be mobility impaired units.  The apartments will include 13 studio apartments, 4 one-bedroom apartments, and 1 two-bedroom apartment. Of the mobility and sensory impaired units, there will be 1 three-bedroom mobility-impaired apartment; 13 studio apartments, 2 one-bedroom apartments, and 1 two-bedroom sensory impaired apartments; 2 studio mobility/sensory impaired apartments; and 12 of the 13 mobility and sensory impaired units are supportive housing studios. The architect for the new development is RODE Architects, a Boston-based design and architecture firm. About the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) The Mayor’s Office of Housing is responsible for housing people experiencing homelessness, creating and preserving affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can obtain, maintain, and remain in safe, stable housing. The department develops and implements the City of Boston’s housing creation and homelessness prevention plans and collaborates with local and national partners to find new solutions and build more housing affordable to all, particularly those with lower incomes. For more information, please visit the MOH  website. About the Department of Housing and Community Development  The Department of Housing and Community Development oversees a diverse portfolio of programming, including affordable housing development, rental assistance programs, the Emergency Assistance Program for eligible homeless families, funding for more than 240 state-aided local housing authorities, and provides tools and funding for municipalities and planning agencies across the state.  About the Boston Housing Authority The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that provides subsidized housing to low and moderate-income individuals and families. In addition to conventional public housing communities throughout Boston, BHA offers rental assistance programs. BHA receives federal and state funding to provide housing programs to individuals and families. BHA’s mission is to provide stable, quality affordable housing for low and moderate-income persons; to deliver these services with integrity and mutual accountability, and to create living environments that serve as catalysts for the transformation from dependency to economic self-sufficiency. About The Community Builders, Inc. The Community Builders (TCB) is one of America's leading nonprofit housing organizations. Our mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive. Our mission-driven businesses work with partners to develop, finance and operate residential communities, neighborhood amenities, and opportunity initiatives for families, seniors, and adults with disabilities.  Since 1964, we have advanced housing equity through award-winning affordable and mixed-income communities and our pioneering Community Life model for resident success. Today, anchored by offices in Boston, Chicago, Columbus, New York, and Washington, D.C., we own or manage over 13,000 apartment homes across 15 states and Washington D.C. www.tcbinc.org.   About Pine Street Inn Supporting over 1,400 individuals daily, Pine Street Inn is the largest homeless services provider in New England. Pine Street’s programs include permanent housing, job training, emergency shelter, and street outreach, with a goal of moving individuals off the street, out of the shelter, and back to home and community.   With a housing retention rate of 95%, PSI’s strategy to scale up supportive housing builds on the success of its current program, which includes 850 tenants in buildings it owns, leases and/or manages in Boston and Brookline, as well as rental units throughout Boston. www.pinestreetinn.org.

Baker-Polito Administration to File for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Local Transportation Funding, Highlights Fiscal Year 2023 Local Aid Proposal

 Baker-Polito Administration to File for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Local Transportation Funding, Highlights Fiscal Year 2023 Local Aid Proposal

 

 MA governor Charlie Baker making remarks at the Municipal Association Virtual Annual Meeting.

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced plans to file legislation next week seeking $200 million in Chapter 90 funding to help all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts improve transportation infrastructure and address needs within their local communities. Governor Charlie Baker made the announcement at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) Annual Meeting today.

This funding request complements the $31.5 million increase in unrestricted local aid that will be included in the Administration’s

MMA meeting is moderated by Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller (upper right).

Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget proposal, as announced by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito at the MMA meeting this past week. Keeping a commitment made by the Governor and Lt. Governor in 2014, the Administration’s budget proposals over the course of their time in office have increased local aid consistent with tax revenue growth. The Administration’s full FY23 budget proposal will be released in the coming days.

Senator Warren (bottom left also attended MMA meeting.

 

“As former local officials, Lt. Governor Polito and I pledged to be strong partners with cities and towns throughout our administration, and with these proposed investments in our cities and towns and local infrastructure, we are proud to sustain that commitment,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The budget proposals we have filed throughout our time in office kept our promise to cities and towns to increase local aid funding consistent with the growth in state tax revenue, and we have consistently filed for additional Chapter 90 funds to make critical improvements for local roads and bridges.”

 

“Our commitment to cities and towns has remained a vital part of our Administration’s approach, and we are proud to once again increase support for local aid through our FY23 budget proposal,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to partnering with our legislative colleagues to ensure our municipalities get the support they need to serve their residents and improve their local infrastructure.”

 

This $200 million in Chapter 90 funding would be available to local cities and towns for FY23. After taking office in 2015, Governor Baker quickly directed MassDOT to release $100 million in Chapter 90 funds that had been promised the previous year, fulfilling a commitment made to cities and towns. The Baker-Polito Administration has released a total of $1.56 billion in funding through the Chapter 90 formula, and if approved by the Legislature, this most recent request would bring the total to $1.76 billion.

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to focus on supporting cities and towns by providing critical resources through the Chapter 90 program and through increases in local aid,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “We are proud to once again request these important resources which give municipalities the tools they need to effectively improve their communities.”

In her remarks to the MMA yesterday, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito also announced that the Administration’s FY23 budget proposal will include $1.2 billion for unrestricted general government aid (UGGA), a $31.5 million increase over Fiscal Year 2022, and equal to a projected 2.7% increase in tax revenue in the FY23 consensus revenue estimate. Including the FY23 budget proposal, the Administration has increased the total annual UGGA distribution by $253.9 million since taking office.

 

“The Chapter 90 funding program is a lifeline for municipalities as they manage and maintain their roadways and bridges.” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “Additionally, the Baker/Polito Administration has created and funded municipal programs like the Complete Streets Funding Program, Shared Streets and Spaces, Municipal Small Bridge, Municipal Pavement and Local Bottleneck Reduction, which have not only provided a generational investment directly to communities but helped repair and modernize the transportation network of the Commonwealth.”

Through the Chapter 90 program, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Funding is awarded by municipality and is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles, and employment.  

 

More information about the Chapter 90 program is available here.

尚莫維爾市:進出室內營業場所不需出示接種疫苗證明

                 (Boston Orange 編譯) 尚莫維爾 (Somerville)的衛生委員會在1月20日，週四時以2票對1票，否決了進入諸如餐廳，健身房，俱樂部及劇院等室內企業，須出示新冠病毒疫苗接種證明的提案。

             尚莫維爾市長Katjana Ballantyne表示，雖然她不同意，但尊重委員會的決定。在委員會的公聽會中，重要的訊息是市政府和委員會都同意，疫苗是控制病毒的重要工具。

             波士頓市的人們進入餐廳等室內場所需出示已接種疫苗的規定，已於1月15日生效。布魯克蘭鎮也已實施類似措施。

             尚莫維爾衛生委員會主席Brian Green博士在委員會準備投票前表示，”我不覺得我已經有了準備要在這個時候為這病毒規定簽字，因為關於奧米克戎 (Omicron)病毒變種，我們所知道的是這對於降低在餐館、健身房的傳染，不會有任何作用”。

             不過Brian Gree暗示，在不同環境下，他可能會支持這樣的規定。他說，疫苗規定對企業來說，會是非常好的政策，我完全願意為下一個證明是有效的變種，投票支持這一規定，但奧米克戎不符合這標準。

            根據該市的最新數據，尚莫維爾居民有80.4%已完整接種疫苗。該市過去14天來的確診率是13.23%。

尚莫維爾市長Katjana Ballantyne表示，衛生委員會的會議，強調了在對抗病毒大流行時疫苗的關鍵重要性。自然的，她們希望衛生委員會會支持提議的規定，但她尊重委員會的決定及顧慮，現在她們要關注的是，就像以前一樣，繼續用每一種可以採用的策略來對抗病毒大流行。他的員工已在獲取檢測，口罩，疫苗，資訊，以及財務和健康上，為人們提供加倍支援。

美國憲法號224年來首名女艦長Billie J. Farrell今日就任 波士頓市長吳弭到賀

美國憲法號第76任艦長 John Benda和第77任艦長Billie J. Farrell一起捧著歷任艦長名牌。
(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 美國憲法號 (USS Constitution) 今天(21日) 在波士頓升格為市200年來第一位華裔市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 出席觀禮的隆重中，迎接該艦224年歷史以來的第一位女艦長，也是第77任艦長， Billie J. Farrell。

美國憲法號224年來首名女艦長Billie J. Farrell。(周菊子攝)

美國憲法號的新艦長就職典禮，今日中午在查理士城 (Charlestown)海軍碼頭的美國憲法號前舉行，出席嘉賓包括海軍部長Carlos Del Toro，波士頓市長吳弭，波士頓市議會議長愛德華費林 (Ed Flynn)。

          Billie J. Farrell 來自肯塔基州的Paducah，2004年從美國海軍學校畢業，2009年獲得阿肯薩(Arkansas)大學營運管理碩士學位。來波士頓就任前，她在維琴尼亞州的Norfolk擔任美國維克斯堡號航空母艦執行主管。

同樣締造歷史紀錄的波士頓市長吳弭(左)恭喜Billie J. Farrell當上美國憲法皓首名女艦長。
(周菊子攝)

                    Billie J. Farrell點名感謝波士頓市長吳弭，以及波士頓市議會給她的熱烈歡迎。她對自己雀屏中選，當上美國憲法號有史以來的第一位女性艦長，感到非常光榮。她也希望藉此讓大家知道，一個人如果想要在海軍之內，或者其他地方做些甚麼事，永遠都會有機會，人們只是需要找到興趣所在，付出努力，設定目標，勇往直前。

              美國憲法號是世界上至今仍在海上的最老戰艦，暱名「老鐵邊 (Old Ironsides)」，歷史可溯自1797年。根據公開資料，該艦在1812年的戰爭，以及Barbary戰爭中，都曾上戰場。

             美國憲法號在1986年時，才出現第一位女性船員Rosemarie Lanam，1997年時，才有了第一位女性主管，當上副艦長的 Claire V. Bloom。

麻州參議員 Lydai Edwards 辭任市議員 4/30生效

 Senator Lydia Edwards Submits Council Resignation Effective April 30, 2022

Action will minimize vacancy in council representation for District One residents

(Boston, MA) Today, Senator and Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards submitted her resignation to the Boston City Council, effective April 30, 2022.  

Edwards is honoring the commitment she made during her successful Senate campaign to gracefully exit her council seat if she were to become a Senator while ensuring a smooth transition for residents of the council district. 

“Serving on Boston City Council has been an incredible honor, and I am thrilled that the candidates who have expressed interest in the District One city council seat reflect the diversity of the district,” said Edwards.

With the filing of Edwards’ resignation letter, the City Clerk may file an order with the city council calling for a special election to replace Edwards.The City Council could vote to approve the order as early as February 2, 2022. The order, if approved by the council, would outline the timing for the preliminary and final elections in accordance with the Boston City Charter. 

State case-law specifies that an irrevocable resignation noticed for a future date is sufficient to trigger a legislative body’s special election procedures for filling a vacancy.

"As the residents of Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End continue to face extreme housing, development and recovery challenges during a pandemic, I believe the best thing I can do is represent them until they elect a new city councilor," stated Edwards. “This process will minimize the amount of time the district is without representation on the council and will give voters more of an opportunity to hear from the candidates about their vision for the seat.” 

As a City Councilor, Edwards led efforts to protect and expand Boston's affordable housing stock, combat discrimination and further fair housing, expand paid leave for workers, modernize the city charter and budgetary process through ballot initiative, and remove state restrictions on Boston’s inclusionary development and linkage policies. 

Edwards joins several legislators that have held local and state office simultaneously, including at least two Boston city councilors and multiple city councilors across the Commonwealth, but will do so only for this interim period until April 30th. During such time, her office will continue to respond to constituent matters from parking tickets to policy reforms.

Statements from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves on Intel’s Announcement of a Semiconductor Facility in Columbus, Ohio

Statements from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves on Intel’s Announcement of a Semiconductor Facility in Columbus, Ohio

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves released the following statements today after Intel announced it would be investing $20 billion to build two semiconductor facilities outside Columbus, Ohio, and create 3,000 Intel jobs, and 7,000 construction jobs over the course of the build. 

Statement from Secretary Gina M. Raimondo:

“This investment is a big win for Intel, for American manufacturing, and for American consumers who can look forward to lower prices as we bring home production of the semiconductors that keep our economy running. From his first day in office, President Biden has recognized that if we want to compete globally, we need to invest domestically. That investment begins with revitalizing our manufacturing economy, strengthening American supply chains, and bringing good-paying jobs back from overseas.

“I’d like to applaud Intel for this investment in our country and in the State of Ohio. Intel’s work is essential to our efforts to rebuild America’s chip building capacity and create the kinds of good-paying jobs that support a vibrant American economy. Other countries aren’t waiting and every day we wait, we fall further behind. As Commerce Secretary, I want those jobs and those investments here in America. While we celebrate Intel’s announcement today, it is more essential than ever that Congress move swiftly to pass the President’s proposed $52 billion in funding for domestic semiconductor production as part of legislation similar to the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act.”

Statement from Deputy Secretary Don Graves:

“The United States was once a leader in the production of semiconductor chips. But today, we account for only 12% of global production. This administration is proud of Intel’s work to bring these good-paying manufacturing jobs to Central Ohio.  If we are serious about increasing American competitiveness, protecting our economic security, and hitting President Biden’s electric vehicle goals, it is imperative that we reinvest in this critical industry. This project is a crucial step in growing America’s domestic chip manufacturing capacity.”

Baker-Polito Administration Re-Files Legislation to Update Wiretap Law, Crack Down on Violent Crimes

 Baker-Polito Administration Re-Files Legislation to Update Wiretap Law, Crack Down on Violent Crimes

 BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today re-filed legislation to substantially update the Commonwealth’s wiretap statute to recognize the current state of communication technologies and give law enforcement better tools to combat violent crime, including rape, hate crimes, and gang-related homicides. The Administration first filed this legislation in 2017.

 “As technology evolves and the public safety landscape changes, so too should the tools we use to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The commonsense changes to the wiretap statute we are again proposing today would finally update this 50-year-old statute to recognize that law enforcement should be able to use the same tools to solve a murder committed because of racial hatred or gang affiliation that they use to solve a murder committed in connection with organized crime.”

 “The current limits on the use of this technology needlessly limit law enforcement from investigating crimes that are just as damaging to victims and our Commonwealth as those associated with organized crime,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This legislation would help us better prevent crimes like human trafficking, sexual assault, and other offenses that have significant negative impacts on our communities.”

 The bill would update a statute written in 1968 to expand the authority of law enforcement to use wiretaps and secret recordings to investigate certain serious offenses that have no connection to organized crime, such as murder, rape, and possession of explosive devices.  For investigations that are connected to organized crime, the bill updates the list of offenses for which law enforcement may use these tools, eliminating some less serious offenses and adding some more serious offenses that were not established in statute in 1968, such as trafficking in human beings and firearms.

 “In 1968, the wiretap law was enacted to help law enforcement and prosecutors combat the violence perpetrated by organized crime, providing a vital solution to a 20th century problem,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Five decades later, the challenges facing law enforcement have evolved. The ability to tackle today’s criminal threats, including gang-related homicides and human trafficking, demand contemporary solutions and an updated wiretap law that meets the needs of the 21stcentury.”

 The existing language of the state wiretap statute provides that electronic surveillance may only be employed when an offense is committed “in connection with organized crime,” phrasing which has dramatically restricted the Commonwealth’s ability to solve difficult cases. Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) justices in two different cases have noted in their written opinions that amendments to the wiretap statute could have avoided the suppression of critical evidence.

 Additional provisions of the legislation would:

 

·       Update definitions to reference electronic communications not in use in 1968, including wireless, satellite, and cellular communications;

·       Explicitly cover communications between out-of-state parties regarding an in-state crime;

·       Explicitly authorize Massachusetts courts to issue orders to out‑of‑state companies to implement court-ordered monitoring;

·       Explicitly authorize law enforcement to use contractors, such as translators, to monitor communications;

·       Require that law enforcement obtain an ordinary warrant for interception of information that is not the content of communications rather than a special wiretap warrant;

·       Extend the amount of time that a court may authorize interception before requiring a renewal of a warrant so that, in appropriate cases, law enforcement need not seek renewals as frequently; and

·       Exempt use of police body-worn cameras and cruiser-mounted cameras by readily-identifiable law enforcement personnel from the statute, so that state law does not stand in the way of police departments that wish to equip their officers with these devices.  This exemption is particularly important because the Massachusetts State Police has completed implementing its body-worn camera program for all sworn troopers, and because the Baker-Polito Administration has established a 5-year, $20 million capital grant program that aims to deploy 9,000 body-worn cameras to police officers in Massachusetts’ cities and towns.

 

Click here to read the Governor’s filing letter and the legislation

 

SBA Administrator Guzman Announces New Pilot Program to Bolster Cybersecurity Infrastructure of Emerging Small Businesses

SBA will Award $3M in Grants to Help States, Entrepreneurs Combat Rise in Cyber Attacks and Threats

WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced $3 million in new funding for state governments to help emerging small businesses across America develop their cybersecurity infrastructure – a priority of the Biden-Harris Administration, outlined in the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). As part of the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program, through the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, state governments are eligible to compete for grants that will help deliver cybersecurity assistance to nascent and start-up business owners. Applications will be accepted from January 26, 2022, through March 3, 2022.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses have adopted technology at high rates to survive, operate, and grow their businesses. As a result, cybersecurity has become increasingly important as now, more than ever before, small business owners face cyber risks and challenges that could disrupt their operations and competitive advantages. As we seek to build a stronger and more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, we must innovate and provide resources to meet the evolving needs of the growing number of small businesses. With this new funding opportunity, the SBA intends on leveraging the strengths across our state governments, territories, and tribal governments to provide services to help small businesses get cyber ready and, in the process, fortify our nation’s supply chains,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

“The bottom line is we must do more to help small businesses combat cybersecurity threats, which continue to increase, evolve and inhibit,” said SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. “This pilot program will empower state governments to expand existing services, innovate, adapt to current environments, develop new resources, and scale solutions to assist more small businesses.  Additionally, expanding access to underserved and underrepresented small business ecosystems will be a critical marker of success.”

About the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program

Eligible applicants are comprised of state governments that seek to provide training, counseling, remediation, and other tailored cybersecurity services for emerging small firms in multiple industries. Grantees will be awarded up to $1 million to assist small businesses.

Funding details and requirements are available at Grants.gov under “Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot” (Funding Opportunity Number SB-OEDCS-22-001/CDFA 59.079) offered by the SBA. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline on the official grant application portal as stated in the funding announcement.

To learn more about SBA’s programs and services related to cybersecurity, visit  www.sba.gov/cybersecurity.

To find additional SBA local resources, visit www.sba.gov/local-assistance.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS FOR GREEN AND MOBILITY JOBS

 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS FOR GREEN AND MOBILITY JOBS

BOSTON - January 21, 2022 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the recipients of the City’s Catalyst Grants for Green Job and Mobility Training, to help connect residents with career opportunities in the green economy. This grant program is a part of Boston’s equitable and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding gives Boston residents and organizations the resources and tools to invest in critical workforce development to benefit our communities and economy for years to come. “As a coastal city vulnerable to rising seas and extreme heat, Boston must be a national leader in driving a just transition to a green economy,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we work to create a city Green New Deal, this is just the beginning of green workforce development for all Boston residents, delivering short and long-term benefits to Boston’s hardest hit communities.” The catalyst grant funding was made possible through the American Rescue Plan, a federal stimulus package to assist cities in their equitable recovery from COVID-19 while centering the needs of residents. The City of Boston’s FY22 operating budget commits direct grants to programs that are training and placing individuals in green jobs and in direct grants to programs for mobility jobs. This grant complements the City’s announcement for the Youth Green Jobs Training Program, a partnership to provide career development opportunities for young people who are unemployed or underemployed, in green jobs and careers that help prepare for the impacts of climate change. These programs serve the dual purpose of supporting residents who are disproportionately impacted by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing public health and economic opportunity. “Climate change is a significant threat to Boston residents but it also presents us with an opportunity to employ people in good paying jobs that put them at the front line of protecting our city.” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “I am enthusiastic to see the projects that these organizations complete and the ways they support Boston’s environmental and economic justice goals.”  "Moving to a green transportation system will require new skills and investments that will create new career opportunities for all Bostonians," said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. "To make progress towards our climate goals, we need to invest in a workforce that is ready to maintain bikes and bike infrastructure, prepare buildings for electric vehicles, and support shared transportation services, from public transit to electric scooters." “These grants are proactive in combating the ever-present effects of climate change while also addressing the need to provide career development opportunities for our underrepresented communities,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “Utilizing the funding to invest in these job training programs will aid in establishing a robust green economy that benefits all of our communities in the City of Boston.”  The City has awarded the distribution of $614,962 to four organizations to provide training and placement services to prepare and connect Boston residents to green and mobility job opportunities. These organizations include Bikes Not Bombs, Benjamin Franklin Institute, Building Pathways Inc., X-cel Conservation Corps, and Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. The City of Boston is working to support and enhance existing training programs and programs to increase diversity in the building trades through upskilling and incumbent worker training. The four grant recipients will work to develop jobs for Boston residents including youth, those recovering from substance use, individuals experiencing homelessness, residents recently incarcerated, women and people of color from under-represented neighborhoods, and those who are underemployed/ unemployed. “With the City of Boston’s funding, Bikes Not Bombs (BNB) will give Boston youth the opportunity for apprenticeship, skill building, and career development. BNB uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change – and this funding will open the door for Black and marginalized Boston residents to achieve economic mobility, build relationships, and work towards a healthier Boston,” said Elijah Evans, Executive Director of Bikes Not Bombs.  “Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology’s HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration) Technology program offers state-of-the-art technical training that leads to jobs in the clean energy sector,” said BFIT President and CEO Aisha Francis. “We are thrilled to be working with our partners St. Francis House and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services’ Access to Recovery Program who are similarly committed to provide people facing barriers to employment with a pathway to a green-economy career that offers strong salaries and growth opportunities. Program participants come from diverse backgrounds, including those who are in recovery from addiction and/or homelessness.”   “We know that 86,000 buildings in Boston need to be retrofitted to achieve carbon neutrality. We also know that with this challenge is the opportunity to expand workforce opportunities for underrepresented communities. The funding will support our Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program to prepare Boston residents for family-sustaining green careers in the building trades,” said Mary Vogel, Executive Director of Building Pathways. “As a result of COVID-19, many Boston residents have faced unemployment. Green infrastructure and wastewater management is critical - and as Boston works to become more sustainable, the fields are constantly evolving with new opportunities for employment,” said Don Sands, Executive Director of X-Cel Education.  “We are looking forward to utilizing the City of Boston’s funding to provide training for residents who are eager to learn, work, and open the door for opportunities,” said Danilo Morales, Eco-Innovation Specialist of the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. This distribution of funds reinforces the Wu Administration’s commitment to a Boston Green New Deal and creating accessible careers of the future for Boston’s residents. Recently, Mayor Wu signed her first ordinance to divest City-funds from the fossil fuel, tobacco, and private prison industries. Additionally, Mayor Wu announced new, lower community choice electricity rates and outlined steps to reduce vehicle emissions and electrify the City fleet. The City Council recently voted in favor of Mayor Wu’s proposed appropriation order for $8 million in federal funds to eliminate fares on the 23, 28 and 29 MBTA bus routes for a two-year period.