City of Boston funding upfates

The Funding Update Subscribe to The Funding Update FEDERAL GRANTS Housing & Urban Development, 3/28/2022 The Secretary’s Awards are presented annually to honor projects that exemplify excellence in Affordable Housing Design, Community Planning, Cooperative public/Private Efforts, Healthy Housing Innovation, and Historic Preservation.  Office on Violence Against Women, 3/28/2022 Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations support victim services to adult or youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Max award: $450,000. Grants for Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities support collaborative relationships; build organizational capacity; support needs analyses and service plans. Max award: $500,000.  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3/28/2022 Connecting Kids to Coverage HEALTHY KIDS 2022 - the funding goal is to reduce the number of children who are eligible for, but not enrolled in, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and to improve retention of eligible children who are enrolled in the programs. Max award: $1.5M. USDA/US Forest Service, 4/8/2022 The Urban and Community Forestry 2022 Challenge aims to create a national messaging campaign that raises awareness of the need to plan, grow, and manage urban forests to benefit all. Max award: $1,000,000; a 1:1 match is required. National Institutes of Health, through 10/3/2024 Targeted BRAIN Circuits (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) grants will fund research projects that use innovative, methodologically-integrated approaches to understand how circuit activity gives rise to mental experience and behavior. The BRAIN Initiative intends to commit up to $15M per year, for 5 years, to fund 20 awards.  R34 Planning grants are also available; $225,000 max.   Federal funding opportunities are continuously updated on grants.gov STATE GRANTS Department of Youth Services, 3/1/2022 Seeking proposals from vocational and higher education, unions, businesses, nonprofit and community based organizations for career, technical, workforce training and employment programs and services for DYS youth in residential and community settings. Department of Public Health, through 6/30/2024 BASAS seeks Opioid Treatment Programs, including mobile services. FOR GRANTS REQUIRING MUNICIPAL SUPPORT LETTERS FROM BOSTON  Contact igr[at]boston[dot]gov with sufficient lead time to meet application deadlines. MassDevelopment, 3/18/2022 Collaborative Workspace grants support innovation centers, incubators, makerspaces, artists’ spaces, collaborative kitchens, and coworking spaces to accelerate the pace of new business formation, job formation, and entrepreneurial activity in communities. Fit-out grants: up to $100,000; Seed grants: up to $15,000 for planning. Submit an Expression of Interest form through the One Stop for Growth portal to receive early guidance from program partners. MassDevelopment, Open Commonwealth Places offers Seed Grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, and Implementation grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Seed grants must be matched with local funding or in-kind donations. Implementation grants must be matched with crowdfunding donations.Open to both nonprofits and community groups. A municipal letter of support is required in the second stage of the application process.  Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development, 6/4/2022 The Community One Stop for Growth is a single application portal and collaborative review process for community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. Single- and multi-year grants awards will be made from various programs through EOHED, DHCD, and/or MassDevelopment via the One Stop Full Application. Expressions of Interest will be accepted through 3/18/2022.  MA Life Sciences Center, Multiple Deadlines Workforce Development Capital Grants (up to $750,000) are intended to seed, enhance and/or expand training programs that address critical skills and talent supply gaps facing the state’s life science industry. Allowable costs include the purchase and installation of life sciences equipment, lab furniture, materials, supplies, and/or technology. STEM Equipment and Professional Development grants support teacher professional development and the purchase of equipment, materials, supplies, and technology needed to support new or expanded curriculum. Awards range from $20,000 to $200,000. Other opportunities include Life Sciences Apprenticeships for students and adults. New This Week Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 3/3/2022 Seeking a vendor to provide coaching and develop norms and expectations to address how to interact with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Details in Attachment a. Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System, 3/10/2022 Seeking a qualified vendor to provide a records matching service to identify deaths of System participants, retirees or beneficiaries. Fee for service contract. Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, 4/1/2022 Strong Entrepreneur Ecosystems grants will help entrepreneurs launch and grow companies in Massachusetts. Nonprofit Entrepreneur Support Organizations are eligible to apply for $25,000 grants to complete a strategic planning process and apply for a $100,000 Implementation Grant. Coming Soon Department of Public Health Improving Equity in Public Health through Support for Community-led Interventions: RFR to be posted by 2/25/2022. Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 4/29/2022 EOHHS intends to procure a vendor to perform independent, external quality review and related activities for its Managed Care Organizations, Accountable Care Partnership Plans, Senior Care Organizations, One Care Plans, and Behavioral Health Vendor, as well as its Primary Care Accountable Care Organizations and Primary Care Clinician Plan.   Scroll down to "Important Links" on CommBUYS to see Newly Posted Bids. CITY GRANTS Still Open: Public Facilities Commission/Department of Neighborhood Development, 5/2/2022 The Grassroots Open Space Program makes land and funding available specifically for the development of open space projects such as community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and passive open space. Max award: $100,000. Department of Neighborhood Development, 2/22/2022 1. Assessment of the City of Boston Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) and the Feasibility of Changes to the Policy This study will look closely at what the City can require of market-rate housing developers in terms of providing income-restricted housing, whether within the market-rate development, or though off-site units or contributions to the IDP Fund. The study will look at a range of options, including increasing the percentage of units that are income-restricted, increasing contribution fees, and refining the income limits so as to better meet Boston’s housing needs. 2. Nexus Study on the Relationship Between Non-Residential Development and the Cost and Supply of Housing and Employment Opportunities for all Boston Residents This study will look closely at the relationship between new commercial development and the need for new, income-restricted housing and job training. The study will look at increasing the “Linkage” fees, lowering the square footage that triggers Linkage fees, and examine how different uses (labs, offices, etc.) may be able to support different fee structures. Chief of Policy & Strategic Planning, 2/21/2022 Requests proposals for Executive Search Consultant Services for the position of Police Commissioner of the Boston Police Department. The selected search firm will work with the City to solicit applications, maintain communication with candidates, screen and recommend a set of candidates for interviews, and provide advice and/or support to the Search Committee on all aspects of the search. Office of Workforce Development, 3/18/2022 Requests proposals for federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act - Youth alternative education, career exploration, and training programs for young adults, and also for City-funded alternative education programs where youth also receive wrap-around services and develop workforce readiness skills. Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, 2/25/2022 Requests proposals for design and installation of public art at Boston City Hall Plaza. Boston Public Schools, 3/1/2022 SCOPE OF WORK includes: Vended meals for School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, After School Meals/Child and Adult Care Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. New This Week Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, 4/1/2022 Requesting proposals for Community Development Block Grant Public Services. Bidders Conference will be held on 2/25/2022. Boston Public Schools, 4/4/2022 Expanded contracts will support for-profit and nonprofit providers for Boston Universal Pre-K Beginning Quality threshold. Bids are updated continuously on the City of Boston Supplier Portal. FOUNDATION GRANTS Nathan Cummings Foundation, Open Funding priorities: Climate Change; Inequality; Corporate & Political Accountability; and Voice, Creativity & Culture. The application process begins with a letter of inquiry. Chronicle of Philanthropy, 2/25/2022 The one-year Philanthropy & Nonprofit Accountability Fellowship will give journalists based at their local, regional, and nonprofit news organizations the opportunity to develop and publish articles about the people and organizations in their regions that are trying to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems and improve the quality of life for all. Newsrooms selected will each receive a $15,000 stipend to subsidize the work of reporters and editors on projects for publication at their own organizations and in the Chronicle. Robert F. Schumann Foundation, 2/28/2022 Funding priorities: environmental sustainability, education, arts and humanities.  Priority on organizations located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions.  Moses Kimball Fund, 3/1/2022 The trustees emphasize grants to organizations which either provide jobs to minorities and disadvantaged members of the Greater Boston Community, or links between educational institutions and needy members of the adjacent communities. Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, 3/1/2022 Funding priorities: humanities, arts, higher education, and cultural heritage. The application process begins with an inquiry. Windgate Charitable Foundation, 3/1/2022 & 7/1/2022 Funding priorities include career development programs for craft artists, educational outreach, visual arts, and supporting children and youth via programs addressing equity in health, nutrition, shelter, and education. The application process begins with an inquiry form. Frank Reed & Margaret Jane Peters Memorial Fund, 3/1/2022 The Summer Fund is a donor collaborative that supports summer camps serving low-income urban youth from Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea and Somerville. The funder encourages applications for general operating support in the range of $10,000 to $40,000.  Ashoka + TMobile Foundation, 3/10/2022 - 3/31/2022 The Changemaker Challenge is looking for bold ideas from young leaders ages 13 to 18 with plans for driving digital empowerment, putting equity into action, and supporting a thriving planet. Whole Kids Foundation, 3/11/2022 Garden Grants ($3,000) are available to turn outdoor spaces into hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity, and support classroom curricula.  Goldman Sachs Foundation, 3/11/2022 Black Women Impact grants will support community-driven charitable nonprofit organizations created by and for Black women and girls. General operating grants will range from $50,000 to $250,000 over two years. Boston Scientific Foundation, 3/15/2022 Funding priorities: health improvement and STEM education. Target populations: economically disadvantaged persons in communities where Boston Scientific employees live and work. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000.  Lumina Foundation, 3/15/2022 The Million Dollar Community College Challenge will support brand building and strategic marketing efforts, along with technical assistance to develop actionable brand building and marketing strategies. Grey Muzzle, 3/30/2022 Funded programs must benefit senior dogs exclusively, have well-defined goals, and include measurable outcomes. Grants generally range from $2,500 to $10,000.  NFL Foundation + LISC, 3/31/2021 Grassroots capital grants provide non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. Max award: $250,000. Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund, 4/1/2022 Funding priorities: medicine, social welfare, visual arts, land conservation, land conservation, and historic preservation. Voya, 4/8/2022 The Unsung Heroes program provides grants to K-12 educators nationwide utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Each year 50 finalists are selected to receive a $2,000 award. Of the 50 finalists, three are selected for additional awards: $25,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place. Tri-M Foundation, 4/15/2022 Grants ($3,000 to $10,000) support arts projects, events, and festivals by regional non-profit arts organizations. Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation, 4/28/2022 Chairman’s Award gants support nonprofit organizations that improve quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families. Mary Kay Ash Foundation, 4/30/2022 Each year, the Foundation's Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program awards grants of $20,000 to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state. Remaining funds are distributed based on state population.  Cabot Family Charitable Trust, 9/1/2022  Funding priorities: arts & culture, education & youth development, environment & conservation, health & human services, and civic & public benefit. Population focus: children, youth and young adults.  Awards range from $5,000-$50,000. Concept papers are accepted 9/1 and 2/1,annually. National Grid Foundation, 10/31/2022 Funding priorities include:​ classroom-based education for​ K-12 students, innovative scholarship and university partnerships that support and advance underserved members of our community, and skills training for people of all ages to lead more productive lives. Awards range from  $5,000 to $20,000. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Open Evidence for Action funding is focused on studies about upstream causes of health inequities, which influence individuals’ options and behaviors. Research should center on the needs and experiences of communities exhibiting the greatest health burdens and be motivated by real-world priorities. It should be able to inform a specific course of action and/or establish beneficial practices, McKeen Fund, Open Grants support medical, educational and social service organizations and programs that address the needs of vulnerable children and their families, and the elderly.   Check the Funding Update Archives for back issues with open deadlines. THE RESOURCE TABLE 50 Fundraising Ideas During Covid Courtesy of funraise March 13 - 19 is AmeriCorps Week Access their Social Press Kit to use their one-stop shop for all AmeriCorps Week communication resources including logos, social media graphics, templates, and other outreach tools. Find back issues of The Funding Update here

聯邦參議員Ed Markey誓言爭取經費助吳弭讓更多巴士免費運行

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 聯邦參議員馬基 (Ed Markey) 搖身變成啦啦隊，2月18日在推特上訪談波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)，稱讚吳弭的公車免費搭乘政策，還誓言將取得聯邦經費，讓波士頓市更多路線巴士免費。

             馬基和吳弭在推特上，以語音對談了將近25分鐘，為3月1日起23號，28號，29號這3條巴士路線將供民眾免費搭乘2年，興奮不已，期待著居民生活將得以改善，巴士也將因為免收費，營運準時度更可信賴。

             馬基說，”你在做的，絕對是開路先鋒式的事，將會是全美其他地方的模範”。”這對話，再次強調了對我們來說，把更多資源放進你手中有多重要”。

             吳弭表示，得到更多聯邦經費來讓搭公車免費，對波士頓，以及鄰近市鎮，例如布魯克蘭鎮 (Brookline)，劍橋市這些有興趣讓跨越市鎮界線公車免費的城市來說，都”絕對重要”。

             吳弭說，”我們真的想要證明，巴士服務有時候不必有如我們今天想的那樣，可以非常的慢，很擁擠，而且你永遠不知道它何時才會抵達”。”當我們選擇…，做不同的政策決定，優先考慮人民而不是交通，就會改變這整個經驗”。

             約200人在推特線上聆聽這公車免費的對話。

             吳弭的辦公室選擇行經麥特潘，多徹斯特及洛士百利的這3條巴士路線，做為免費搭乘試驗對象，是因為這3條巴士線在新冠病毒大流行發生前，搭乘量都很高，服務的又主要是低收入，有色人種居住地區，繞經哥倫布大道，獲士藍丘大道，那已經有旨在加速巴士服務的路中央行駛巴士專用道的地區。

             吳弭說，”我們在波士頓想要做的事， ….，是經由可持續的交通決策真正的解決許多不平等”。

             巴士免費已證明增加了乘車率。MIT的2019年研究發現，獲得折扣的MBTA乘客，搭乘率增加了3成，而且去看病或獲取社會服務的次數也多了。去年8月起開始免費的28號巴士，乘客量增加了3倍，幾乎已回復新冠病毒大流行之前的搭乘量，而在這同一時期，MBTA的其他巴士路線的搭乘量，僅回復到新冠病毒之前搭乘量的大約6成左右。

             現在還不清楚的是，免費搭乘巴士是否讓那些通常開車的人改搭巴士，就交通來說，那是減少溫室氣體排放所需要的關鍵轉變。那也是導致麻州氣候變化的最重要因素。

             波士頓市計畫從市府所得的新冠病毒紓困款中挪800萬元，付給MBTA，來讓這3條巴士線免收費營運2年。摩頓市(Malden)民主黨籍的聯邦參議員馬基，以及波士頓市的聯邦眾議員普莉斯來 (Ayanna Pressley)正推動一項法案，要設立50億元的競爭力補助款，以彌平交通機構的車費收入。

             馬基說，讓更多巴士免費，將可容許人們更自由地出門，不必擔心自己的預算。

             波士頓市是在追隨麻州其他地區的腳步。屋斯特 (Worcester)區域交通局已經讓巴士免費搭乘直到年底，Merrimack Valley區域交通局則將從3月1日起免費搭乘2年。

             馬基和吳弭希望波士頓市能成為擴大免費交通的領袖。吳弭則強調，波士頓是個在進步上第一名的城市。吳弭說，我們很驕傲波士頓永遠動作很快，又創新，有全美第一所公立學校，第一座公共圖書館，第一個公園，第一條地下鐵隧道，現在是重新披上那第一斗篷的時候了。

AG'S OFFICE RECOVERS $5.56 MILLION FROM SUBPRIME AUTO LENDER, SECURES DEBT RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS

AG'S OFFICE RECOVERS $5.56 MILLION FROM SUBPRIME AUTO LENDER, SECURES DEBT RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS

Settlement Resolves Allegations that Santander Consumer USA Failed to Provide Post-Repossession Information to Consumers; Includes Debt Relief and Credit Repair for Eligible Borrowers

 

            BOSTON – A subprime auto lender will pay $5.56 million to resolve allegations that it did not provide sufficient disclosures to consumers as it pertains to the company’s auto loan debt collection practices, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. 

 

The assurance of discontinuance, filed today in Suffolk Superior Court, alleges Santander Consumer USA (SCUSA) failed to give certain consumers sufficient information about the calculation methods for any deficiencies left on their auto loans after their cars were repossessed. This type of information can be helpful to consumers determining how to best respond to a lender’s collection efforts.

 

“Consumers struggling with auto loan debt should get clear information from lenders to help them navigate repossession and other collection actions,” said AG Healey. “This settlement, which combines cash payments with debt relief and credit repair, will help many subprime borrowers in need.” 

 

Over 1,000 borrowers across the state are expected to be eligible for relief under the filed assurance of discontinuance.

 

Today’s settlement is part of the AG’s ongoing work to hold subprime auto lenders accountable regarding their collection practices. AG Healey has previously pursued Credit Acceptance Corporation (CAC) for failing to provide similar information to auto borrowers after auto repossession – this claim was part of a much broader suit against CAC relating to unfair lending, collection, and securitization issues. In August 2020, the AG’s Office sued CAC and announced a settlement in September 2021 for more than $27 million in cash as well as debt forgiveness and credit repair for affected consumers.

  

Borrowers eligible for relief under this settlement will be contacted by the AG’s Office. Anyone with questions about settlement eligibility should contact AG Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division at 617-963-2240.

 

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Glenn Kaplan and Mathematician Dr. Burt Feinberg, with assistance from Legal Analyst Leah MacArthur and Managing Administrative Assistant Gia Kim, all of the AG’s Insurance and Financial Services Division.

Baker-Polito Administration Files Fiscal Year 2022 Supplemental Budget

 Baker-Polito Administration Files Fiscal Year 2022 Supplemental Budget

Supports continued COVID-19 response, provider stabilization and other immediate needs

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today filed a Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) supplemental budget proposal that supports the Commonwealth’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and invests in other priority areas with immediate need, including child care, human services, housing, climate change preparedness and local infrastructure. The bill recommends $2.4 billion in supplemental appropriations, at a net state cost of $1.6 billion, relying on surplus revenues realized through the first half of FY22.

 

“Massachusetts remains in a strong fiscal position, which enables us to use surplus Fiscal Year 2022 revenues to sustain our efforts to respond to COVID-19 and invest in areas like early education, human services, housing and more,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Thanks to our careful management of state finances in partnership with the Legislature and the resilience of our economy, revenues continue to exceed projections, making Massachusetts well-positioned to make these investments.”

 

“This supplemental Fiscal Year 2022 spending plan expands on our efforts to support the Commonwealth’s families and communities, including resources for counseling, advocacy and intervention services to fill an important gap in federal funds for victims of crimes,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to partnering with the Legislature to make these and other critical investments through this spending plan.”

 

The spending bill proposes a significant investment to stabilize child care providers, special education schools and human service providers to ensure that the critical services that they provide remain available to all who need them, despite enrollment and utilization fluctuations caused by the pandemic. The legislation includes $450 million to extend Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) stabilization grants for child care providers through fiscal year 2023 (FY23). It also includes $140 million for special education schools to continue support through FY23 that will help address direct care and clinical staffing needs and ensure that these schools are able to safely provide residential and day education services to approximately 7,000 children between the ages of 3 and 21. The bill further proposes $401 million to extend rate enhancements for human service providers and support other investments in Home & Community Based Services; $346 million of this spending is supported by federal funding provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), for a total of $55 million in net state cost.

 

The bill increases support for children and families, with a focus on those whose lives have been significantly disrupted by the pandemic. It recommends $100 million for matching grants to youth-focused nonprofits that will support the construction and renovation of new facilities for children across the state. It provides $60 million to maintain access to rental assistance through the Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program as the federal Emergency Rental Assistance program begins to wind down. Additionally, the bill includes $8.4 million to continue additional short-term assistance to families fostering children during the pandemic, which will benefit approximately 4,500 foster families caring for 6,700 children.

 

The Administration’s supplemental budget also includes $700 million dedicated to the public health response to COVID-19, such as providing rapid tests and surveillance testing in congregate care settings, administering monoclonal antibody treatments, maintaining vaccination sites and ensuring sufficient staffing in health care facilities. After anticipated FEMA reimbursements, these initiatives are expected to have a net cost of $439 million. These funds will complement the $101 million supplemental budget signed into law last week to support COVID-19 response.

 

“The surplus we’ve realized in FY22 thus far reflects the continued strength of the Massachusetts economy and gives us the opportunity to address additional critical areas of need across the state,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to propose a spending plan that will redirect surplus revenues to high-impact investments in human services, childcare, education, local infrastructure and more that will continue the Commonwealth’s recovery from COVID-19.”

 

The Administration also recommends supporting a range of infrastructure and climate-related needs in local communities. It proposes $100 million for a supplemental Chapter 90 distribution, $100 million to help municipalities repair roads from winter damage and $150 million in supplemental grants to fund climate change resiliency initiatives, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program.

 

A number of other initiatives are supported in the supplemental budget proposal, including:

 

•                $60 million to stabilize and support counseling, advocacy and intervention services for victims of crime through FY25 until federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) resources are restored;

•                $50 million to support the guardian ad litem expansion proposal – described more fully below;

•                $14 million to fully fund service improvements for men who are civilly committed for substance use treatment under Section 35;

•                $10 million to ensure Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) payments are uninterrupted through caseload volatility;

•                $5 million to expand STEM teacher professional development, materials and technology;

•                $5 million to support the implementation of the new 988 emergency call line;

•                $5 million for Department of Mental Health (DMH) housing repairs and additional housing vouchers; 

•                $2 million to optimize government services for hybrid work models;

•                $1.8 million to support behavioral health services for Haitian and Afghan evacuees;

•                $1.1 million for Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM) grants and other summer water safety investments. 

 

The legislation also includes several policy proposals, including:

 

•                A section that will mandate the appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) in every alleged child abuse or neglect case through the Juvenile Court – GALs will provide children in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) an independent advocate responsible for considering only the child’s best interests; an accompanying appropriation is filed in the bill to support the recruitment, training and compensation of additional GALs;

•                A proposal that will exempt payments received through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay program from the Massachusetts income tax;

•                Sections that make corrections to previously signed legislation related to COVID-19 response that will improve implementation of spending priorities;

•                Sections to extend certain COVID-19 state of emergency provisions, including the eviction provision that is currently set to expire on April 1, 2022 and will be extended until January 1, 2023.

 

To read the Governor’s filing letter, click here.

進波士頓室內營業場所即起不須出示接種疫苗證明 仍須戴口罩戴口罩

波士頓市長吳弭。

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和波士頓公共衛生局 (BPHC)執行主任Bisola Ojikutu今 (18) 日下午5點52分發出通知，人們進入室內營業場所須出示已接種新冠疫苗的「團結一起 (B Together) 」政策，即起撤消。

              進入室內營業場合須戴口罩的規定，則仍然有效。波士頓公共衛生局將持續追蹤各項衛生數據，並諮詢衛生委員會，再做決定。

              該聲明稱今日的公共衛生數據顯示，波士頓市的確診率為4%，成人重症病床佔用率為90.7%，7天的成人因新冠病毒住院人數已降至每天195.9人，全都比波士頓市之前訂定的門檻為低。

              吳弭市長說，公共衛生數據顯示，波士頓市已準備恢復了。她說這是為保持社區安全的每一個波士頓人的勝利。她也感謝所有的小企業在這挑戰時刻為保護社區健康所做的努力。

              波士頓市議會議長愛德華費林 (Ed Flynn)也感謝所有波士頓居民，以及公共衛生專業人員的恪守紀律。她呼籲大家持續團結一致。

              波士頓市府表示，將和波士頓公共衛生局一起，持續支持在波士頓市內各地，包括社區中心，學校，社區健康中心等地設立的，容許人們隨到隨入的免費疫苗門診。查詢這些門診地點，可上網https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/covid-19-vaccine-boston。

Baker-Polito Administration Releases Annual Hates Crimes Report, Provides Update on Efforts to Combat Hate and Discrimination

 Baker-Polito Administration Releases Annual Hates Crimes Report, Provides Update on Efforts to Combat Hate and Discrimination

Administration Endorses Updated Definition of Antisemitism, Urges Continued Vigilance

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today released the 2020 Massachusetts Hate Crimes Report.  The report is compiled from data submitted by law enforcement agencies across Massachusetts and supports a better understanding of the evolving nature of hate crimes in the Commonwealth. The Administration also provided an update on its efforts to combat hate crimes in Massachusetts, building on Governor Charlie Baker’s re-establishment of the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes in 2017. As part of that continued work, the Administration today endorsed an updated definition of antisemitism that was first adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). By endorsing this definition, the Administration is re-affirming its commitment to combatting antisemitism and all forms of hate, wherever it is found.

 

Click here to read the Governor’s proclamation endorsing the IHRA’s updated definition of antisemitism.

 

“There is no place for hate or discrimination in Massachusetts, and our Administration is proud to work with community and faith leaders, law enforcement and others to combat hate crimes and ensure the Commonwealth remains a welcoming community to everyone,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Building on our ongoing work through the Task Force on Hate Crimes, we are proud today to endorse this updated definition of antisemitism to make clear that as the forms of hate and intolerance evolve, so will our efforts to respond.”

 

“Combatting hate crimes requires constant vigilance, and we have worked with the Task Force on Hate Crimes to better equip our law enforcement officers, schools and houses of worship to confront these threats,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to work with all these partners to keep our communities safe and welcoming for everyone.”

 

The Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes is made up of a wide range of members with expertise in community advocacy, law enforcement, health care, law, government, and education, and represent diversity in gender, race, industry, region, age and education. The Task Force has guided the Administration’s work to combat hate crimes in a number of ways:

 

• Helping Law Enforcement Combat Hate Crimes: In 2018, the Task Force made recommendations to Massachusetts law enforcement agencies. As a result of those recommendations, the Administration urged local law enforcement to appoint a Civil Rights Officer and at this time every municipal police department in Massachusetts has a designated CRO, with State Police providing that service for some smaller, rural departments.
• Supporting Schools’ Response to Hate Crimes: In 2021, the Task Force released a School Resource Guide outlining best practices to assist elementary and secondary schools in developing a comprehensive hate crime policy to  prevent, report, and raise awareness of bias-driven crimes.
• Protecting Houses of Worship: The Administration recognizes the evolving nature of hate crime threats to houses of worship. To support physical security infrastructure enhancements at these institutions, the Administration in 2018 established the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant. Since then, the program has awarded $3.9 million in grants.

 

In 2021, Governor Baker signed legislation that will ultimately transition the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes into a new statutory Hate Crimes Task Force under Section 221 of Chapter 6 of the General Laws.

 

About the 2020 Hate Crimes Report:

To compile the report, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) received a total of 385 reports of incidents of hate crime, up from 376 in 2019, from a total of 95 agencies. In addition, 271 agencies submitted “zero reports,” indicating that they had experienced no bias-motivated incidents. Together, these agencies covered approximately 95% of the population of Massachusetts. The remaining number of “non-reporting” agencies decreased to 38, which is a 45.7% decrease in the last 5 years.  

 

After receipt and state data quality checks, EOPSS submitted all Massachusetts hate crime data to the FBI for further analysis, verification, and inclusion in its annual Hate Crime Statistics publication.  As in past years, 2020 hate crime data was collected utilizing two methods – the more detailed National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the older Uniform Crime Report (UCR) system. It is important to note that several of the categories displayed in this report may only be available from the NIBRS–reporting agencies, as NIBRS captures many data elements that UCR does not capture. In 2020, 383 incidents were submitted via NIBRS from 93 agencies, while 2 were submitted via UCR.

 

Past reports are available online here.

波士頓市長吳弭率州市議員探訪海德公園商家 鼓勵民眾在地消費

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)率州市議員團訪海德公園商區。(圖片來自推特)。

(Boston Orange) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 2月17日率同州市議員巡訪海德公園 (Hyde Park) 店鋪，鼓勵民眾在疫情期間加強支持地方商家。

吳弭市長和波士頓市經濟機會及包容長Segun Idowu在波士頓市議員Ricardo Arroyo、Ruthzee Louijeune，以及薩福克(Suffolk)第14選區麻州眾議員Rob Consalvo，以及波士頓等人，在海德公園主街執行主任Thien Simpson陪同下，逐一探視了Fairmount大道上的Intriguing Hair髮廊，Dress with Confidence服飾店，即將開張的「美味魚(Gourmet Fish)」外賣店，Antonio’s Bacarir酒吧餐廳，以及最近才擴張了店面的加勒比海和亞裔、拉丁裔融合餐館ZAZ。

波士頓市小企業辦公室多名工作人員也陪同出席，親自了解地方情況。

吳弭強調，疫情期間，大家都不容易，希望市內居民能發揮互助精神，彼此扶持，接種疫苗、戴口罩，攜手抗疫，買東西，上餐館等都盡量以地方店家為優先考量。

波士頓市長吳弭(中)等人在即將開張的「美味魚」外賣店試菜。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市長吳弭(中)等人也在剛擴張的ZAZ，試市融合加勒比海，亞裔、拉丁裔的
菜餚有什麼特色。(周菊子攝)

Gabriela Coletta endorsed by Teamsters Local 25

BOSTON – Gabriela Coletta, candidate for Boston City Councilor District One, announced the endorsement of Teamsters Local 25. Preliminary Election Day is April 5, 2022. General Election Day is May 3, 2022.

"As a life-long resident of East Boston who attended Boston Public Schools, Gabriela was raised to understand the importance of neighborhood, public service, and the challenges that working families face," said Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O'Brien. "Through her work in the local community and at Boston City Hall, Gabriela has been a strong ally and advocate on behalf of Teamsters Local 25 Members and the industries we represent. Our goal has, and will continue to be, to make our communities better for our members to live, work, and raise a family, especially those living in Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End."

 

Gabriela Coletta will hold canvass events this weekend, in East Boston on Saturday with community leader, Jay Ruggiero and in Charlestown on Sunday. For more information, please visit gigi4district1.us/events

In just the first month of her candidacy, Coletta has secured the endorsement of over seventy community leaders including various former and current elected officials. To learn more visit about gabrielacoletta.com, Facebook at @GigiforDistrictOne, and Twitter @Gigi4District1.

About Gabriela:
Gabriela Coletta has dedicated her entire life working in service to others and empowering her neighbors to become involved in local democracy. She’s currently the External Relations Manager at the New England Aquarium where she advocates for a more resilient, inclusive, and accessible waterfront for all Bostonians. As Campaign Manager for Councilor Edwards’s successful 2017 campaign, Gabriela activated and mobilized a grassroots campaign consisting of a broad coalition of residents, unions, volunteers, and advocacy groups numbering over 500 people - all of whom felt disenfranchised by the political establishment - to elect the first Black woman to represent us on the Boston City Council. For more information, please visit https://www.gabrielacoletta.com/about.

 

About Teamsters Local 25:

Teamsters Local 25 is the largest Teamsters union in New England with more than 12,000 members. For more information, please visit www.teamsterslocal25.com.