Department of Public Health Reminds Residents of Availability of COVID-19 Treatments for Positive Higher-Risk Individuals

 Department of Public Health Reminds Residents of Availability of COVID-19 Treatments for Positive Higher-Risk Individuals

 

 

BOSTON (February 23, 2022) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today reminded residents that free treatment options are available that can be used to prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. Several treatments, including monoclonal antibody infusions and oral therapeutics, are widely available across the Commonwealth.

 

Treatment is available for people who are at increased risk of severe disease, test positive for COVID-19 and have any symptoms, even mild ones (such as runny nose or cough).

 

Residents who think they may be eligible and have questions on if treatment is right for them should contact their medical provider or call the COVID-19 Self-Referral Treatment Line operated by Gothams. The Gothams call line is a free resource that can help refer individuals to sites for monoclonal antibody treatments.

 

These treatment options have been authorized by the FDA for the treatment of COVID-19 in individuals ages 12 and over who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

 

There are five treatment options in Massachusetts:

 

Oral Therapeutics (Pills)

• Paxlovid (must be taken within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptom)
• Molnupiravir (must be taken within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptom)

 

Oral therapeutic treatments require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

 

Monoclonal Antibody Intravenous (IV) and Antiviral Infusion

• Sotrovimab (must be administered within 10 days of your first COVID-19 symptom)
• Remdesivir (must be given within 7 days of your first COVID-19 symptom)
• Bebtelovimab (must be administered within 7 days of your first COVID-19 symptom)

 

Referrals for monoclonal antibody treatment can be provided by the Gothams call center by calling (508) 213-1380, Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., or by an individual’s healthcare provider.

 

“These therapeutics, including COVID pills and infusions, are potentially lifesaving but for eligible individuals, they need to be administered quickly to be effective,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “They can help keep you from getting very sick and out of the hospital. If you test positive for COVID-19 and have any kind of risk factor such as diabetes or high blood pressure or asthma – we encourage you to call your provider or the Gothams phone number immediately to see if the treatment could be right for you. Do not wait to see if your symptoms worsen.”

 

“Importantly, the new guidance on use of these therapeutics and their increased availability enables essentially all patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19, are experiencing even mild symptoms, and are at an increased risk of severe illness to access proven treatments that can prevent severe disease and save lives,” said Massachusetts Medical Society President Dr. Carole Allen. “Don’t wait. Even if symptoms are mild, please consider these safe and effective treatments to prevent the disease from progressing to a point that may require hospitalization.”

 

“We are fortunate that there is now an ample supply of therapeutic treatments available widely across the Commonwealth,” said Patricia Noga, Vice President, Clinical Affairs, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association. “Our healthcare community views these therapeutics as a part of routine COVID care and hospitals are strongly encouraging clinicians to utilize them to the greatest extent possible. MHA and our members are committed to expanding access to these treatments as we navigate our way out of this latest surge.”

 

Treatments are free and widely available across the Commonwealth. Residents who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 can view treatment locations by visiting the COVID-19 Therapeutic Locator. There are seven state-sponsored locations managed by Gothams in Pittsfield, Holyoke, Athol, Plymouth, Everett, Lowell, and Fall River, in addition to select pharmacies and healthcare settings.

 

To receive treatment, residents should:

 

1. Contact your doctor. They can help identify the best treatment for you, OR
2. Call the Gothams COVID-19 Self-Referral Treatment Line, Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at (508) 213-1380 to speak to a representative who can help individuals access treatment.

 

There is capacity within the Commonwealth and those in need are often able to receive same-day appointments. 

 

Visit www.mass.gov/covidtreatments to learn more about the options available to you.

 

The best protection against severe illness or hospitalization from COVID-19 is vaccination and getting a booster dose. Visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine to learn more.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CREATION OF OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD TO PRIORITIZE WELLBEING OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CREATION OF OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD TO PRIORITIZE WELLBEING OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES The Mayor also announced findings from the 2021 Childcare Census Survey report

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 23, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the creation of the Office of Early Childhood to advance the administration’s commitment to universal, affordable, high-quality early education and care for all children under five. The new Office will expand access to early education and childcare programs, invest in Boston’s early education and care workforce, and serve as a central point-of-entry for residents looking for information on early education and childcare programming and wraparound services for young children and their families. The Office will address needs highlighted in Boston’s 2021 Childcare Census Survey report, which the Mayor also released today. The Mayor made the Office of Early Childhood announcement at the East Boston YMCA, a key partner in programming for Boston’s children and a Boston UPK site.  “Every bit of investment in our children and families to close gaps in early education and care is an investment in our collective future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how a lack of affordable and accessible childcare puts a strain on working families and entire communities. Together with our community partners, this Office will be key to preparing children for a lifetime of opportunity and bolstering the great work of our childcare providers.” The Office will advance the Mayor’s work to prioritize the City’s youngest residents and their families by: Accelerating the creation of a universal pre-K system that stretches across Boston Public Schools (BPS), community-based organizations, and family-based childcare programs, and expanding high-quality, affordable options for infants and toddlers. Creating a one-stop shop for enrollment and access to early education and childcare programs by building an accessible, multilingual platform so that options are clear, streamlined, and accessible to all families. Investing in the early education and childcare workforce by building sustainable career pathways that recognize early educators as professionals who are essential to young children’s wellbeing.  Coordinating outreach and information for City and community programming that impacts the lives of young children and their families.  The City will be hiring a leader of the new Office of Early Childhood to advance this work in partnership with the Boston Public Schools, the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement, the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, other City departments, and community organizations that serve Boston’s children and families. “We are excited to deepen the City’s investment in high-quality, accessible childcare solutions for early childhood professionals, families, and their little ones,” said Alexandra Valdez, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement. “The Office of Early Childhood will continue the work of looking at closing child care gaps with community voices at the center. This will not only create opportunities to further support a child’s care needs and early development, but also empower a profession that is largely represented by women, specifically women of color, and our immigrant community.” Before the establishment of the Office of Early Education, the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement (MOWA) led the City’s childcare initiatives. Some of the department’s work includes the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund, a grant program for family childcare providers to gain business skills and receive flexible funding. Through the Fund, the City has supported over 200 providers with multilingual interpretation and instruction to expand the program's reach into Boston’s most diverse communities. Other projects include the Childcare Contribution Fund, the City’s annual Childcare Survey and studies on care issues such as the change in caregiving needs after the onset of COVID-19. The office is currently rolling out opportunities to support early education professionals and childcare facilities with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.  Boston Public Schools has led the way in building out a mixed-delivery system for universal pre-K (UPK) that integrates both BPS classrooms and community-based organizations. In its third year, the UPK program currently serves 664 pre-K students through 21 community-based organizations across 32 program sites; 2,556 non-special education K1 seats for 4-year-olds, and 880 special education seats for 3- and 4-year-olds in K0/K1. In 2021, UPK expanded to include a pilot program to serve 3-year-olds in addition to 4-year-olds in 2021-22. For the upcoming school year in 2022-23, Boston UPK plans to expand to serve up to 930 children at community provider settings, including 600 4-year-olds and 330 3-year-olds. The City of Boston and Boston Public Schools recently released an Invitation for Bids (IFB) to identify additional community-based organizations seeking to join the UPK program. The IFB deadline is April 4, and more details can be found on the BPS Universal Pre-K website.  By investing in and growing the early educator workforce, supporting early education and childcare businesses, and streamlining information and access for families, the Office of Early Childhood will support UPK’s continued expansion by increasing the number of seats available to infants and toddlers. "I can think of nothing more important than ensuring every child has a great start to an excellent education and that begins with access to high quality early learning opportunities," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. "I am excited to see Mayor Wu focus on a mixed delivery system that builds on the strong foundation and close partnership with BPS." “I am grateful to Mayor Wu and her team and all who have worked so hard to advance this work on behalf of our children and their families,” said Jeri Robison, Chair of the Boston School Committee. “As someone who has dedicated my entire career to ensuring enhanced access to all-inclusive early education and care, I am heartened today to see this important next step in our City’s progress. We are sending a message to our families today that Boston is united in our work to help our youngest learners get off to the right start through new support to them and their families.” “We are elated with Mayor Wu’s decision to create a new office focused on early childhood,” said James Morton, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “The Y has been working with many stakeholders and community partners to elevate and coordinate early childhood opportunities in the City of Boston. Our East Boston YMCA Early Education Center provides much needed support and wrap-around services to our families, and we are thrilled to host Mayor Wu as she makes this important announcement.” “The healthy development of young children and families starts with connecting those in underserved communities of our City to affordable and accessible childhood resources,” said Cherie Craft, Founder and CEO of Smart from the Start. “Smart from the Start is excited to work with the Mayor and this new Office of Early Childhood to meet families from all backgrounds where they are to get quality care and programming.” Additionally on Wednesday, Mayor Wu released the 2021 Childcare Census Survey Report, conducted by the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement. Since 2019, the yearly childcare survey directly asks parents and guardians about their early education and care needs to better understand how families access and experience care for their children, ages five and under. This year’s City of Boston Childcare Census Survey asked families about their experiences and challenges with childcare during the pandemic, and found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing gaps in care in the City. Key findings include: For children of all ages in the survey sample, respondents are utilizing a parent/guardian care arrangement more than they would prefer. 81 percent of the respondents utilizing a parent/guardian care arrangement for their children are women, which is interfering with their career desires. 58 percent of respondents would prefer formal care arrangements, whether a center-based, family-based, or school-based program, but are not able to access these. The average cost of center-based care is greater than the Massachusetts state average, which is already the second highest in the nation behind only Washington, D.C., for 41 percent of children in childcare arrangements, the cost exceeds 10 percent of their family’s income. The City’s 2022 Childcare Census Survey is currently ongoing and seeking the public’s input. Families with at least one child between the ages of zero and five are encouraged to complete the online survey, available in seven languages, here. Alternatively, families can fill out the physical survey, which was recently mailed to City of Boston residents along with the Annual City Census. More information on the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement and its annual Childcare Census Survey can be found here.

Baker-Polito Administration Launches New $75 Million Small Business Relief Program

Baker-Polito Administration Launches New $75 Million Small Business Relief Program

New program directs $50 million toward businesses reaching underserved markets, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, and $25 million for businesses that did not qualify for prior MGCC aid

 

BROCKTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of a new $75 million grant program to support Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new program is part of the plan to spend $4 billion in American Rescue Plan funding that was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker in December 2021. The new program is modeled after Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation’s (MGCC) successful COVID-19 small business relief program. Under that effort, which became the biggest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation, MGCC oversaw the distribution of approximately $705 million to over 15,000 small businesses across Massachusetts. Today’s announcement was made at Luanda Restaurant and Lounge in Brockton, a family-owned business that received financial support through MGCC’s prior COVID relief grant program.

 

“We have been proud to support small businesses in every corner of the Commonwealth through the MGCC small business program during the pandemic, but we know that some challenges remain for many businesses,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the launch of this new effort, we can build on MGCC’s successful work and direct important federal funding to those businesses with the greatest need quickly and effectively.” 

 

“Restaurants like Luanda are fundamental to the character of our neighborhoods, main streets and downtowns in every city and town in Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This new initiative will ensure that businesses that need help the most will be able to take advantage of additional opportunities.”

 

The $75 million will be focused on small businesses that employ between two and 50 people, with $25 million directed toward businesses that did not qualify for previous MGCC grants because of a lack of revenue loss in 2020; and $50 million directed to businesses that reach underserved markets and historically underrepresented groups, or are minority-, women-, or veteran-owned businesses, or are owned by individuals with disabilities or who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

Under both categories, grants will range from $10,000 to $75,000, and will be capped at the lesser of $75,000 or three months of operating expenses. Grant funding can be used for employee and benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and interest on debt.

 

"The challenges faced by Massachusetts' small businesses during COVID have been enormous, but in my district and across the state I have seen so many entrepreneurs and innovators respond with incredible perseverance and grace. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve our support," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. "Today's grants represent a choice by the Legislature to center small businesses in our effort for an equitable recovery. I am grateful to the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation for their work to distribute these funds to so many deserving businesses and I am thankful to all of the small businesses who have done so much for Massachusetts.”

 

“I am pleased to hear that the small business grant program, created through the Legislature’s ARPA bill, is now accepting applications, and will soon be distributing these funds to our small businesses,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano. “Delivering on the Legislature’s intent to pass a bill truly focused on equity, a significant portion of the funds from the small business program will specifically target minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses, as well as small businesses that didn’t receive previous grants during the pandemic. Small businesses are oftentimes the backbone of our communities and local economies, and I look forward to seeing these investments remain a priority for the House of Representatives moving forward.”

 

“When help was needed the most during the pandemic, the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation scaled up a nation-leading program to support our small businesses and the families and entrepreneurs behind them,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “I’m grateful to the MGCC team for once again stepping up to direct vital funding to the neighborhoods and communities that continue to face challenges created by this unprecedented public health crisis.”

 

“MGCC is pleased to be an instrument of recovery for the smallest of businesses throughout Massachusetts most affected by COVID-19 with these two new grants programs,” said Lawrence Andrews, CEO and President of MGCC. “The Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature recognize that certain communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and the goal of this funding will bring relief and stability to additional businesses throughout the Commonwealth.”

 

In addition to prioritizing applications from businesses that did not qualify for prior aid and businesses owned by individuals from historically underserved populations or operate in underserved markets, eligible businesses must currently be in operation and based in Massachusetts. Applicants must also demonstrate that business revenues for 2020 were between $40,000 and $2.5 million.

 

Learn more at EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1.8 Million in Seven Grants through the Seaport Economic Council

Massachusetts Dredging Program’s 2022 Grant Round Officially Opens

LYNN – Tuesday, February 22, 2022 – Today, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced approximately $1.8 million in Seaport Economic Council grants for seven projects.  The grant funding will support a range of initiatives including the design of upgrades to coastal infrastructure, the development of a harbor management plan, and funding to support commuter ferry facility maintenance.  The grants were approved at today’s meeting of the Seaport Economic Council held in Lynn at North Shore Community College.  Today’s meeting was chaired by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito who also announced the opening of the 2022 grant round of the Massachusetts Dredging Program.    “Through the Seaport Economic Council’s important work, we are proud to help coastal communities leverage their unique assets that are key drivers of economic activity,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “With this recent round of awards, our Administration is proud to support efforts in all corners of our coastline allowing Massachusetts maritime industries to grow and expand well into the future.”   “In addition to this round of Seaport Economic Council awards, we are pleased to open this year’s grant round of the Massachusetts Dredging Program,” said Lt. Governor Polito.  “Dredging is critical to maintaining the strength of our coastal economy and by having a dedicated program, we can ensure important funding is directed toward projects that keep our waterways open and safe.”   The Seaport Economic Council serves all 78 of the Commonwealth’s coastal communities.  The Council awards grant funding to municipalities and other entities in support of projects that promote job creation and economic growth, transformative public-private partnerships, educational opportunities for young people, local economic development planning efforts, coastal infrastructure improvements, and the planning and permitting of saltwater dredging.  With this latest round of grants, the Seaport Economic Council has invested approximately $65.8 million through 145 grants in 53 coastal communities since 2015.   “The Commonwealth’s maritime activities play a vital role in the overall strength of the state’s economy,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.  “Thanks to the partnerships with our coastal communities and because of the Seaport Economic Council’s dedication, we can invest in projects like these that support the economy by modernizing infrastructure, enhancing public access, and improving climate resiliency.”    “Our coastal communities are home to a wide range of industries and uses that define the culture and traditions of the Commonwealth,” said Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, Vice Chair of the Council.  “Thanks to the Seaport Economic Council, the combination of investments in shoreside infrastructure as well as saltwater dredging will ensure our maritime sector continues to thrive.”    The Massachusetts Dredging Program is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and financed through capital funds authorized under the 2018 Economic Development Bond Bill.  Applications for the 2022 grant round are due April 15, 2022 and must include a minimum 50 percent match of non-state funds. All Massachusetts coastal municipalities are eligible to apply and applications will be evaluated by EOHED in consultation with staff from the Seaport Economic Council and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).   Since 2019, the Massachusetts Dredging Program has awarded over $16 million for 22 public projects, tapping into more than $22 million in matching funds and removing an estimated 585,000 cubic yards of material from public berths and channels. An additional 10 grants, totaling nearly $3.6 million, were awarded through the Commonwealth’s pilot dredging program in 2018.   Dredging projects have preserved or expanded access to over 7,000 moorings and dockage slips, navigation for over 600 commercial vessels, and the livelihoods of more than 70 private boatyards, marinas, and other harbor-dependent enterprises. Approximately one third of all dredged material has been beneficially reused for the restoration of public beaches.   Learn more about the Massachusetts Dredging Program.    Seaport Economic Council Grant Recipients   City of Gloucester, $100,000 For Saint Peter’s Landing and HarborWalk Improvements Design and Engineering, a city-owned and operated commercial marina and town landing home to 13 full-time commercial fishing boats.  The HarborWalk, established in 2012, is a multi-award-winning, 1.2-mile path that starts at Saint Peter’s Square and traverses Gloucester’s working waterfront and downtown commercial district.   City of Lynn, $380,000 For the Blossom Street Extension, Commuter Ferry Facility Maintenance Project. This three-phase project in conjunction with funding by the Federal Government and EDIC was a $7,500,000 investment in Lynn's Waterfront.  The facility is now in need of maintenance.   Town of Dartmouth, $50,000 Dias Landing Small Boat Docking Facility Design and Permitting.  This funding will support design and permitting of a small boat docking facility.  The design would specify parking, the number of spots for boats, amenities to be provided, the layout of the facility and more.  The goal of this phase of the project would be to have a set of plans ready to move forward with construction.   Town of Mashpee, $150,000 To support an update to the town’s Municipal Harbor Management Plan.  An updated survey of town waters would allow the town to advance the maritime economy while prioritizing the sustainability of the local fisheries to facilitate positive future decision-making for public access.   Town of Milton, $75,000 To support a feasibility study for the Neponset River Maintenance Dredging Project.  The historic channel within the Neponset River at Milton Landing and between Milton Landing and the Neponset Avenue Bridge has restrictions for boating due to sedimentation.  Furthermore, the channels separately connecting Squantum Point Park Pier and UMass’ John T. Fallon State Pier with the federal navigation channel are also restricted by sediment. The proposed feasibility study includes stakeholder outreach, and will define the dredge areas, conduct preliminary sediment sampling and analysis, conduct pre-permitting coordination with regulators, identify disposal options, develop an opinion of probable construction costs, and determine a schedule for permitting, dredging, and disposal. Town of Scituate, $1 million Cole Parkway Marina Rehabilitation, Phase 2: Replacement of the existing deteriorated timber floating dock system with a new floating dock system. Removal and replacement of the pump-out system, and potable water distribution system. Removal and reinstallation of the electrical distribution system within the marina.  New steel mooring piles and an 80’ ADA compliant gangway were previously installed in Phase 1 of the project. The new steel mooring piles will be reused to moor the new floats.   Town of Westport, $76,000 For Hix Bridge Landing design, engineering, and permitting necessary to prepare to rebuild and improve the Hix Bridge landing. Included are a rebuilt boat ramp, pretreatment of stormwater discharge, improved sea-level and climate resilience, better parking, safety, and handicap access for commercial and recreational purposes.

波士頓市第一區市議員補選 4/5投票 Gabriela Coletta再獲一州議員背書

 Second Suffolk State Representative Daniel Ryan endorses Gabriela Coletta 

BOSTON – Gabriela Coletta, candidate for Boston City Councilor District One, announced the endorsement of Daniel Ryan, State Representative for 2nd Suffolk. Preliminary Election Day is April 5, 2022. General Election Day is May 3, 2022.

“I’ve known Gigi through her service to the City of Boston, particularly her work in my hometown of Charlestown,” said Ryan. “She understands these neighborhoods. Nobody will work harder for the people of District 1 than she will. Her broad coalition of supporters have hit the ground, knocking on doors and talking to voters about this election. I proudly throw my support behind Gigi's energetic campaign and will do everything I can to assist her efforts to represent District 1 on the City Council. I look forward to having her as a colleague and partner.”

Daniel Ryan is one of the many elected leaders to endorse Gabriela Coletta for Boston City Council District 1.

“Dan Ryan’s dedication to his district has served as an example for and an inspiration to me over the years, and I am so honored to have his endorsement,” said Coletta. “He always puts the needs of others before his own and I would be thrilled to work with him hand-in-hand to serve the people of Charlestown.”

Gabriela Coletta will host a canvass this weekend in Charlestown with Dan Ryan this Sunday at 12PM,. For more information, please visit

http://gigi4district1.us/events. This Sunday at 4PM, State Representative Dan Ryan will host an event in support of Coletta’s candidacy with Charlestown friends at Warren Tavern. For more information please visit, http://secure.actblue.com/donate/gc-millennials

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. 

麻州早期教育及保育委員會委員長Aigner -Treworgy離任

Executive Office of Education Announces Transition at the Department of Early Education and Care, Departure of Commissioner Aigner-Treworgy  Acting Commissioner to be Named at March 8 Board Meeting

BOSTON – Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Commissioner Samantha Aigner-Treworgy announced today she is stepping down, after spending more than two years in the role during a time when the agency’s mission was focused on keeping child care programs safely operating in the midst the COVID-19 pandemic.   Her resignation is effective March 8, the date of the next meeting of the Board of Early Education and Care, and an acting commissioner is expected to be named at that meeting.    “We are very supportive of the Commissioner’s bold strategic vision and are deeply grateful for her tireless leadership during the COVID-19 health crisis,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “She has laid a solid foundation for strengthening the organization and improving access to affordable, high-quality child care, as we emerge from the pandemic.”    “Leading EEC at a time when child care has played such a critical role for the Commonwealth has been challenging and extremely rewarding, from the first moments of the pandemic when we opened emergency child care for the families of first-responders, medical personnel, and other essential workers, so children could safely remain in care,” said Commissioner Aigner-Treworgy. “I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the EEC team and the thousands of child care providers across the Commonwealth who worked to safely continue caring for children. Serving as Commissioner as we have risen to meet these unprecedented challenges has been the honor of my career, and I look forward to continuing to support the work ahead.”    “On behalf of the entire Board, I am indebted to the Commissioner for her leadership and for the expertise and innovation she brought to the Commonwealth’s early education and care landscape” said Board of Early Education and Care Chair Nonie Lesaux. “Through the strategic plan, and several ongoing initiatives, her leadership will continue to have an impact on educators and on children and families.”    Among many accomplishments, during her tenure, Commissioner Aigner-Treworgy led a strategic planning process in collaboration with the Board and developed and implemented the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program. The C3 grants, an innovative approach to stabilizing operations and bringing infrastructure support to child care during the recovery period, were launched in the summer of 2021 and were extended through the end of June 2022. To date, the program has distributed approximately $230 million to child care providers across Massachusetts.    In January, EEC also launched Testing for Child Care, a first-in-the-nation statewide testing initiative that allows staff and children 2 years and older, who are close contacts of a COVID positive individual, to test daily for five consecutive days with rapid antigen tests and remain in the child care setting as long as the test is negative.    Commissioner Aigner-Treworgy was sworn as commissioner in August of 2019. She grew up in Massachusetts and began her career in early education and care as a preschool teacher in Illinois.  For the past decade she has worked in early education policymaking, finance, and systems improvement.  Prior to joining EEC, Commissioner Aigner-Treworgy was the chief of early learning for the City of Chicago.

麻州2022的STEM年度峰會訂4/18舉行 將擴大學生實習機會

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Annual Massachusetts STEM Summit 2022 STEM Summit aims to expand internship opportunities for students

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that the 2022 STEM Summit will be held on April 28 with both in-person and virtual events for educators and employers across the Commonwealth to promote STEM education opportunities for all students and facilitate internships with business partners.   The STEM Summit is hosted jointly by the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, and this year will include a mix of in-person and virtual panel presentations, plenary speakers and networking opportunities. The goal of the STEM Summit is to foster relationships between schools, local colleges, and businesses to benefit students’ educational experiences by expanding opportunities for internships and create a talent pipeline for Massachusetts employers. Massachusetts has held an annual statewide STEM Summit since 2004. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) President Laurie Leshin will be the keynote speaker. Last month President Leshin, a geochemist and space scientist, announced she will step down as WPI president at the end of this academic year to serve as the Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech for NASA. “As our economy continues to recover from COVID-19, it will be crucial for young people to develop the hands-on, technical skills that local employers need to grow their businesses,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, STEM Advisory Council Co-Chair. “Now more than ever, we need to bolster connections between the business community and students pursuing STEM curriculum to ensure that all students are ready for careers that are growing in our Commonwealth.”   The Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council is co-chaired by Lt. Governor Polito, Congressman Jake Auchincloss, and Dr. Jeffrey Leiden, executive chairman of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. “Massachusetts should have the best STEM education in the world. I look forward to advancing that goal at the 2022 STEM Summit,” said Congressman Auchincloss.   Massachusetts has more demand for STEM jobs than almost any other state. Approximately 21 percent of the total Massachusetts workforce is employed in a STEM industry, compared to the national average of 14 percent, and STEM jobs are expected to account for 40 percent of total employment in the Commonwealth by 2028. “The challenges brought on by the pandemic also provide opportunities to highlight the pivotal role STEM plays in the future of the Massachusetts economy,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “This year we are asking employers to reenergize their commitment to providing both in-person and virtual STEM internships and work-based learning experiences to students across the Commonwealth during this coming summer and throughout the school year so all of us can benefit from a diverse and talented pool of young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in STEM fields.” “The STEM Summit is one of the ways we connect industry leaders, community partners, and educators to ensure all students, particularly young women and those who are underrepresented in STEM, continue to have opportunities they need to succeed,” said Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Chairman of Vertex. “We hope the Summit makes those valuable connections so more students gain experience from internships.”   Last year’s STEM Summit was a day-long virtual event that focused on mentorships and internships with the theme “Inspire a STEM Start.” More than 1,000 people attended the various panel discussions. The Baker-Polito Administration recently unveiled a new STEM dashboard which details information about STEM courses offered in schools around the Commonwealth; data on the STEM economy; information on schools that have early college and early career programs; and other applied learning courses offered by i2learning, Project Lead the Way and the Boston Museum of Science. The dashboard is a hub of information about STEM resources and careers, as well as a way to connect the public to the Commonwealth’s Regional STEM Networks. Established in 2004, the Regional STEM Networks serve as a nexus for educators, community leaders and industry partners to further excite and energize students about opportunities in STEM subjects. For more information about the Summit, visit Mass.gov summit page.

麻州物業稅2022降幅大但波士頓住宅地稅不降微升

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 過去四年來，整個麻州的商業和住宅稅率一直在下降，去年的下降速度比 2018 年以來的任何時候都要快。波士頓市則是例外。住宅房地產稅不降微升。

根據美國稅務局對數據的分析，截至 2022 年初，麻州所有 351個市鎮的住宅稅率中位數為每 1,000 美元繳稅 14.62 美元。 這比上一年降了 4.4%，比 2018 年初以來降了 6.1%。

同樣，商業稅率中位數去年下跌 3.7%，降至每 1,000 美元繳稅 16.78 美元。 這商業稅率中位數和 2018 年比，降了 5.0%。

              不過波士頓市倒是住宅房地產稅率持續攀升，從2018年的10.48，攀升到2022年的10.88。商業房地產稅則是從2018的25.20，微降到2022年的24.98。

              劍橋市則是住宅地產稅從2018的6.29降到2021的5.85，然後2022回升到5.92。商業地產稅則是從2018年的14.81，降到2022年的11.23。

              昆士市的住宅地產稅率，從2018的13.34降到2022的11.98。商業房地產稅則從2018的27.04降到2022的23.86。

              摩頓市的住宅地產稅率，從2018的14.09降到2022的12.35。商業房地產稅則從2018的21.84降到2022的19.17。

然而，過去一年住宅和商業房地產的價值快速上漲，意味著儘管稅率較低，但繳稅帳單金額卻仍在上升。 根據稅務局( DOR) 的數據，今年單家庭屋住宅的稅單金額平均增加了 395 美元，達到平均總計 6,767 美元。

以2022的住宅地產稅的稅率來看，最高是Longmeadow的24.64。在較多華人居住或關心的市鎮中，劍橋市住宅稅率最低5.92，波士頓市10.88，牛頓市10.52，昆士市11.98，摩頓市12.35。近年來有許多華人遷居該地的Sharon，住宅及商業的房地產稅率都是19.75。

2022住宅地產稅率最低的，在Becket和Gosnold這兩個市鎮無數據顯示之外，Chilmark的2.82最低，其次為Hancock的3.0。

以2022的商業房地產稅的稅率來看，最高是Holyoke的40.60，其次為Pittsfield的39.9。最低則是Chilmark和Hancock，依序為2.82和3.0。