Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Christopher P. Belezos, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Dunigan as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and Attorney Mary Gallant-Cote as Clerk Magistrate of the Berkshire Juvenile Court

  Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Christopher P. Belezos, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Dunigan as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and Attorney Mary Gallant-Cote as Clerk Magistrate of the Berkshire Juvenile Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney Christopher P. Belezos and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Dunigan as Associate Justices of the Superior Court, and Attorney Mary Gallant-Cote as Clerk Magistrate of the Berkshire Juvenile Court.

 

"Attorneys Belezos, Dunigan and Gallant-Cote are all accomplished individuals who are excellent candidates for these appointments," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am glad to submit their nominations to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"These three experienced candidates bring tremendous trial and courtroom experience to their new roles,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If approved, I am confident that they will serve as fair and thoughtful members of the judiciary.”

  

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

 

For more information about the Superior Court, please visit their homepage.

 

The Juvenile Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, care and protections, youthful offender cases and children requiring assistance. The Juvenile Court's mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem, in over 40 locations.

 

For more information about the Juvenile Court, please visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Christopher P. Belezos

 

Christopher P. Belezos began his legal career in 1990 at Brown & Associates where he handled criminal defense, probate, motor vehicle and collection cases. From 1992 until 1997, Belezos worked at his solo practice, the Law Office of Christopher P. Belezos, where he concentrated on criminal defense. From 1997 to 2011, Belezos worked at the firm Belezos & Gratzer. While there, Belezos worked on criminal defense, personal injury and worker’s compensation matters. Since 2011, Belezos has maintained a solo practice, where he handles cases in a variety of courts throughout the Commonwealth. He also participates in the community in various ways, including as a member of the Marshfield Zoning Board of Appeals and the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a volunteer at the Marshfield Education Foundation and the North River Arts Society. Belezos received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 1987 and his Juris Doctorate from Northeastern School of Law in 1990.

 

About Elizabeth A. Dunigan

 

Elizabeth A. Dunigan has served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office since 1996, where she prosecutes a variety of cases in District and Superior Courts. In 1998, Attorney Dunigan became a supervisor at the Malden District Court. In 2002, Attorney Dunigan moved to the Child Abuse Unit and prosecuted sexual and physical abuse cases before working in the Lowell Regional District Court until 2007 where she prosecuted major felony cases including homicides, sexual assaults and gang-related offenses. Then, from 2007 to 2008, Dunigan returned to the Child Abuse Unit as the Deputy Chief, before becoming Deputy Chief of the Lowell Regional Superior Court until 2010. She currently serves as Chief of the Malden Regional Superior Court, where she has investigated and prosecuted homicides among various other crimes. Additionally, Dunigan was an active member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, where she served on various committees, including as Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee for MA and a member of the Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award Committee. Dunigan received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1991 and her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in 1996.

 

About Mary Gallant-Cote

 

Mary Gallant-Cote began her legal career with Western Mass Legal Services as a student attorney in 2007. Later that year, Gallant-Cote joined the Law Offices of Patricia M. Herbert until 2009 when Gallant-Cote established her solo practice, the Law Offices of Mary Gallant-Cote, and represented a large number of clients in criminal and civil law. Since 2016, Attorney Gallant-Cote has served as the Assistant Regional Legal Counsel to the Department of Children and Families. Additionally, Gallant-Cote has worked in the past as an adjunct professor of criminal law and as a member of the Moot Court Team at Fitchburg State University. Gallant-Cote received her bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State University and her Juris Doctor from Western New England School of Law.

麻州東南及島嶼區出現微旱現象

 Mild Drought Conditions Declared for Southeast and Islands Regions in MA

Other Regions Remain in Normal Conditions

 

 

BOSTON — Following sporadic rainfall totals during the last several months, which has resulted in below average precipitation numbers in eastern Massachusetts, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card today declared a Level 1-Mild Drought in the Southeast and Islands Regions of the Commonwealth. All other regions of the state – Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Western, Cape Cod regions – remain in Level 0-Normal conditions. A Level 1-Mild Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

 

“With forecasts showing below normal rainfalls with elevated temperatures, it’s important that we all administer water conservation practices early in the year to minimize stress on our water supply systems and natural habitats,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “As state officials continue to monitor and analyze ongoing conditions, we ask everyone, particularly those in the Southeast and Islands Regions, to be mindful of water usage as we advance further into the growing and outdoor recreational seasons.”

 

“Each of us can play a role in mitigating drought impacts by reducing water usage and by being cautious of the increased risk of brush and wildland fires due to the dry conditions,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “MEMA reminds the public to exercise caution with charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames during outdoor activities and to call 911 immediately if there is a fire to prevent the fire from spreading.”

 

During the past several months, the Commonwealth has experienced irregular rainfall events, contributing to less than average spring precipitation numbers; however, the southeastern of the state has been most impacted. Significantly, due to high evapotranspiration and early leaf out occurring, available water in the hydrological systems have been decreasing. The decision to declare the Southeast and Islands Regions a Level 1 – Mild Drought was informed by recommendations and discussions by the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF), composed of state and federal officials and other entities, which met on Friday, May 6, 2022. The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions in those regions.

 

Those living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought region, and including residents utilizing a private well, are encouraged to take the following actions:

 

For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought

 

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use;
• Limit outdoor watering to 1-day a week from 5:00PM to 9:00AM, or less frequently if required by your water supplier;
• Plant only local and drought resistant species;
• Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60% of indoor use;
• For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
• Minimize lawn sizes; and,
• Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.

 

Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
• Provide timely drought and water conservation information to local residents and businesses;
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
• Develop a local drought management plan (click here for more information).

 

All these steps will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions, and to sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies. Additionally, the Commonwealth will continue to monitor and assess current conditions, and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies.

 

“Many are just now beginning to think about their plantings and irrigation needs, and as a result now is also the time to plan to use your water as efficiently as possible,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Planting local and drought-resistant species and minimizing lawn irrigation is a significant environmental benefit, that only becomes more important if dry conditions linger into the late spring and summer. Residents should check with their local water supplier for tips on efficient water usage.”

 

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 1:00PM. State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page and water conservation page.

AANHPI 亞裔傳統月講座邀波士頓市長吳弭講談

 NIH VideoCast - Vivek Murthy Lecture Series for Public Health Leadership

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI)

Heritage Month Observance

 

Vivek H. Murthy Distinguished Lecture Series on Public Health Leadership

 

A Virtual Conversation with

 

Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy and the Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston

addressing systemic racism, mental health stigma, and community resilience to achieve health equity

 

Date:  Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT

 

Registration Link:  https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=45154

 

The goal of the series is to recognize a public health leader whose enduring efforts have made a significant impact on advancing public health.  At this meeting, Dr. Murthy will recognize the Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, for her leadership in addressing racism and mental health stigma among the AANHPI community.

 

This event was organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)/National Institutes of Health (NIH).

 

Co-Sponsors:

• HHS Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion (EEODI), National Policy

 and Programs Division (NPPD)

• Administration for Children and Families (ACF) AAPI Employee Resource Group (ERG)
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) AAPI ERG
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - FAPAC
• U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Asian Pacific American Officers Committee (APAOC)
• The Association of Asian/Pacific Islander Employees of CDC/ATSDR (AAPIECA)

 

Please send your questions for the speakers by April 29, 2022, to Dr. Christina Liu at liuch2@mail.nih.gov.

 

To obtain further information or request reasonable accommodation, please e-mail: nppd@hhs.gov.

In celebration of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, join us for the Dr. Vivek H. Murthy Distinguished Lecture Series on Public Health Leadership. This is the second in a series of fireside chats in honor of Dr. Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States. The goal of the series is to recognize a public health leader whose enduring efforts have made a significant impact on advancing public health. At this upcoming event, Dr. Murthy will recognize Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, for her leadership in addressing racism and mental health stigma impacting AA and NHPI communities.
Stream:	Playing
Author:	Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General and Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston

前任麻州參議員Dean Tran 將角逐第三選區國會議員

    (Boston Orange) 麻州國會議員第三選區本週落實，將有選戰了。曾任麻州參議員的Dean A. Tran已遞交足夠的簽名支持，將列名11月選票，正式成為候選人。

             共和黨籍的Dean Tran表示，該選區民眾應該有人正直，透明的代表他們，為他們發聲，他期盼著能代表他們。

             麻州國會議員第三選區的現任議員是民主黨籍的Lori Trahan。她的發言人表示，她已經做好準備和Dean Tran打選戰。

             這名發言人說，第三選區的家庭，尤其是婦女，最不需要的就是一名反對選擇的國會議員，而且他的唯一重點是加入Kevin McCarthy 和 Marjorie Taylor Greene來扭轉我們這幾十年來取得的進展。

             Dean Tran在宣佈參選的聲明中，卻試圖把Lori Trahan形容為緊跟著拜登總統、眾議院議長佩洛西(Nancy Pelosi)的三人組。他說，國會議員第三選區的民眾忍受著破記錄的通貨膨脹及油價上漲，其中還有許多人面對著經濟崩潰點。這些問題都是拜登-佩洛西-Trahan領導無方的結果。

             Dean Tran是一名在西貢出生的越南移民，在2005到2017年間擔任費奇堡市市議員，接著當選麻州參議員，並於2019年到2020年3月期間擔任參議會少數黨助理黨鞭，但競選連任時以700多票之差，輸了給John J. Cronin。

CAPAC Members Commemorate AANHPI Mental Health Day

 CAPAC Members Commemorate AANHPI Mental Health Day

Washington, D.C. — Today, May 10, marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day,  which falls during both Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. AANHPI Mental Health Day promotes awareness of mental health issues that are unique to the AANHPI community. To recognize the day, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

 

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

 

“Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day serves as an important reminder that our work in destigmatizing and improving access to mental health care is just beginning. The AANHPI community is among the fastest growing and most diverse racial groups in the United States and yet only 23.3% of AANHPI adults with a mental illness were able to receive treatment in 2019. More alarmingly, suicide is the leading cause of death for Asian or Pacific Islander youth ages 15-24. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am committed to addressing the stigma, barriers, and disparities that keep the AANHPI community from accessing quality and affordable behavioral health care, such as the need for translation services, or lack of access to health insurance, which is why I have introduced a Resolution with Reps. Kahele, Matsui, and Strickland to recognize May 10, 2022 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day. So, let today be a call for our community and allies to advocate for policies that increase the accessibility of mental health care services for AANHPI communities across the nation.”

 

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice-Chair:

 

"On Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day, we recognize the health disparities, limited access to treatment, and the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health within the AANHPI community. The coronavirus pandemic resulted in isolation, economic insecurity, and deaths of loved ones that have severely impacted our community’s mental health. We must prioritize breaking down the stigmas around mental health care, as well as strengthen our healthcare infrastructure to provide care that is culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible. That is why I introduced a bill to ensure our community health centers have the resources necessary to hire mental health professionals who can provide in-language services and culturally competent care to our community members. Rest assured, I will continue to fight in Congress for everyone in the AANHPI community to have access to mental health services." 

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“Today, on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day, we recommit to breaking down the barriers to mental health care for the AANHPI community. Throughout the COVID pandemic, we’ve seen a staggering increase in hate and violence toward the AAPI community. According to Stop AAPI Hate, anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 339% in 2021. AAPI adults are the racial group least likely to seek mental health services – a direct consequence of structural barriers such as language barriers and the lack of awareness of available resources. On AANHPI Mental Health Day, we recommit to eliminating these barriers and making mental health care more accessible for everyone in the AANHPI community.”

 

Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):

 

“Everyone deserves high-quality, affordable mental health care. However, seeking, affording, or accessing this critical care is incredibly difficult, especially for members of the AANHPI community. In 2019, AANHPI communities had the lowest rate of mental health treatment of any racial or ethnic populations, with nearly 77 percent of AANHPIs with mental illness not receiving treatment. On AANHPI Mental Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to invest in mental health resources, combat the stigma surrounding mental health, and break down barriers that prevent too many AANHPIs from receiving the care they need and deserve.”

 

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

 

“As we mark AANHPI Mental Health Day today, let us remember that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have traditionally faced higher stigma around mental health and substance issues. And following a grueling pandemic in which we tragically saw an unforgivable rise in hate crimes targeting our Asian American community, it is important now more than ever that we destigmatize mental health care. Nobody should suffer in silence. Mental health care is health care, and our communities should feel empowered to get and receive the care they deserve.”

 

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

 

“For too long, the AANHPI community has been denied the health care they need because of a lack of insurance coverage, language barriers, stigma, and other disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of the persistent inequalities in our healthcare system, including for mental health services. On AANHPI Mental Health Day, I stand with my CAPAC colleagues in fighting to expand high-quality, affordable mental health care for AANHPI communities across the country.”

 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

 

“AANHPI Mental ​Health Day is an opportunity to recommit to the need to implement policies that address the specific needs of AANHPI people and invest in health care, including mental health services. We know that systemic racism is rooted in the mental health challenges our communities face and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the life-threatening barriers to care that stigma and discrimination have caused. We must ensure our policy priorities reflect compassion, cultural competence, and dismantle bigotry and hatred, especially to deliver quality and equitable mental health services for vulnerable communities.”

 

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

 

“On AANHPI Mental Health Day we recognize the unique challenges, trauma, and identity struggles that members of this community face. While 15 percent of the AANHPI community currently report facing mental health issues, this number is growing, especially among younger AANHPI. We must uplift the AANHPI community by investing in more mental health resources.”

 

Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04):

 

"On this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day, I’m pleased to join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to stand up for mental health. Amid the recent rise in hate crimes, we must work to dismantle the many barriers to care. I look forward to continuing my work with Nevada’s AAPI community to make compassionate, culturally competent mental health care available to all.”

 

Congressman David Trone (MD-06):

 

“As we recognize National Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Mental Health Day, we must redouble our efforts to stop the stigma surrounding mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the AANHPI community has lowest help-seeking rate of any racial or ethnic group. This should serve as a wake up call for folks in positions of leadership to take meaningful action, including Congress. Alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I pledge to work with anyone and everyone willing to address this vital issue and help save lives. We can always do better.”

 

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

 

“As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, today we recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day to bring attention to the unique mental health challenges that the AANHPI community faces. The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a mental health crisis across the country and the AANHPI community has been disproportionately affected. To make matters worse, AANHPI community members often have a harder time receiving linguistically accessible and culturally aware health care. I’m grateful for community-based health organizations in Washington’s Ninth District and across the country that work to provide tailored health care services to individuals and families, regardless of circumstances. In Congress, we must do more to support these vital organizations to advance the health and well-being of all our community members. May today shine a light on the mental health barriers the AANHPI community faces and serve as a catalyst for action to tackle this crisis.”

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIPS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIPS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY Solarize Eastie will reduce costs for solar panel installation and the Community First Partnership will expand energy efficiency opportunities for environmental justice communities

BOSTON - Monday, May 9, 2022 - Today, Mayor Wu announced the launch of the Solarize Eastie pilot program to increase solar panel installation and onsite battery storage in East Boston. This partnership with GreenRoots, a local environmental organization, will bring the benefits of affordable renewable energy to residents in East Boston. This program uses a group buying model to reduce costs for residents by aggregating demand and securing a discounted price per watt. Alongside the launch of Solarize Eastie, Mayor Wu also announced that Boston has been selected for Mass Save’s Community First Partnership to provide cost-saving energy efficiency solutions to residents, small businesses, houses of worship, and local nonprofits primarily located in East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. The two programs are supplemented by American Rescue Plan Act funds.  “These partnerships embody our commitment to investing in environmental justice and energy democracy,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful to GreenRoots and Mass Save for leadership for a Boston Green New Deal.” Solarize Eastie works to bring East Boston residents the opportunity to generate clean, renewable energy for their homes, reduce energy costs, and increase energy resilience. This program offers a variety of payment support, including a 15% discount below the average cost of solar PV installation, up-front subsidies for income-eligible building owners, and no-cost options. Throughout the year, this partnership will work to increase access to affordable and renewable energy for East Boston residents, helping them reduce their energy cost burden. To ensure that the program addresses the needs of the East Boston community, the City has partnered with GreenRoots, a community-based organization dedicated to improving and enhancing the urban environment and public health in East Boston, Chelsea, and surrounding communities.  “Environmental justice means we need to ask hard questions about who is asked to carry the burden and who receives the benefits,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “These kinds of partnerships allow us to bring energy benefits to environmental justice communities while helping us achieve our collective goal of decarbonization.” The goal of Solarize Eastie is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing solar and battery storage adoption in East Boston and to bring the benefits to low- and moderate-income residents. More than half of East Boston's 45,000 residents are Latinx immigrants, and the neighborhood median income is $52,935. The City has selected ACE Solar and Resonant Energy to lead the installation process for Solarize Eastie. ACE Solar has been ranked as the top Residential Solar Contractor in Massachusetts for the fifth year in a row, and is among the top solar contractors in the country. Resonant Energy, based in Dorchester, specializes in bringing accessible solar options to  communities with limited resources, affordable housing units, and nonprofit organizations throughout Massachusetts. ACE and Resonant Energy will offer their Solar Access Program, which allows low- and moderate-income residents to install solar without any FICO score requirement or any upfront or ongoing payment obligation.  "Solarize Eastie gives East Boston residents accessibility to make real choices in the way they power their homes and community," said John Walkey, Director of Waterfront and Climate Initiatives, GreenRoots. "GreenRoots is thrilled to partner with the City of Boston and ACE Solar to enhance energy justice in East Boston. For too long, immigrants and people of color have been left out of the solar economy and they must be centered in our energy democracy efforts." “ACE Solar is honored to be a part of Solarize Eastie,” said Colby Lawless, ACE Solar. “We are eager to help East Boston adopt clean energy and, through the program and partnerships, provide accessible ways to do so. Clean, affordable energy should be available to everyone and thanks to Solarize Eastie this is more of a much needed reality.” "The Solar Access Program is an important program for limited resource communities," says Kelsie Daniels-Jackson, Resonant Energy. "It allows any homeowner, regardless of income or credit history, to install solar and see immediate on-bill savings without the burden of an additional bill from a typical third party financier." The City of Boston has also been selected for the Mass Save Community First Partnership to bring energy cost savings to residents and small businesses in East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. All four neighborhoods are considered environmental justice communities, historically experiencing disproportionately low Mass Save participation rates. With intentional and equitable outreach to these communities in the first year of the program —  in particular for renters — the Community First Partnership will share energy efficiency opportunities with residents to provide emissions reductions, cost savings, and increased comfort. Specifically, participants will receive a no-cost energy assessment to identify energy-saving opportunities, such as insulation and heating and cooling equipment upgrades. Through this partnership, the Mass Save Sponsors will offer up to 100% off the cost of approved upgrades. Participants can also receive a variety of no-cost energy-saving products such as water-saving devices and programmable thermostats.   These two programs will simultaneously work to reduce energy use and transition residents from utilizing fossil fuels to renewable energy, while delivering immediate benefits to residents in energy-burdened neighborhoods. These partnerships expand upon the Wu administration’s commitment to energy democracy and becoming a Green New Deal city. Last month, Mayor Wu included transformative energy efficiency investments in her first proposed budget, such as $20 million for a nation-leading pilot for energy retrofits in triple deckers and other multi-family homes while maintaining affordability, as well as a $33 million investment of ARPA funding for upgrades to public housing units to improve air quality, energy efficiency and resident comfort at Boston Housing Authority developments Franklin Field, Ruth Barkley, Alice Taylor, Roslyn, and Rockland.

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE EXPANSION OF EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCE EXPANSION OF EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM To ensure that all BPS students have access to early college opportunities, the City is increasing school participation, seeking competitive state grant

BOSTON - Tuesday, May 10, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools (BPS), in partnership with higher education institutions and employers across Boston, announced today the addition of six new Early College and Innovation Pathway programs  for the 2022-2023 school year. These programs will provide new opportunities for BPS students to gain career-oriented college credits and work experience while still in high school in fields ranging from life sciences and health care, to computer science and finance. The City also announced that BPS is seeking a competitive grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that would allow Boston to develop a consortium model to expand Early College and Innovation Pathway opportunities to thousands of students across the district. The application is designed to consider how more BPS schools and higher education institutions can partner to offer early college programs to students without seeking individual state designations.  “Expanding access to early college and career will help connect Boston’s young people with the limitless opportunities of our most innovative sectors, from life sciences to healthcare and tech,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Every BPS student should experience college and career opportunities while they are still in high school—earning credits and gaining valuable professional experience that will help ease the transition after graduation. I thank the colleges and companies that are already working with BPS and call on the broader higher education and business community to join us.”  The additional programs that will be offered next school year are: Early College Pathways Computer Science and Engineering programs at New Mission High School Entrepreneurship program at Fenway High School Innovation Pathways Health Sciences pathway at Brighton High School Business-Finance pathway at Excel High School Biotechnology pathway at Jeremiah E. Burke High School Early College provides high school students with the opportunity to experience and complete 12 college credits while simultaneously gaining exposure to a variety of college majors and career opportunities. Innovation Pathways give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, information technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Innovation Pathways provide students technical coursework, credentialing, and work-based learning experiences, including a 100-hour-internship or several capstone projects in a specific, high-demand industry in Boston. Students take two technical courses in their high school and two advanced courses, including the option of dual enrollment in college courses.  BPS and the City of Boston intend that all programs are closely tied to opportunities in the city’s growth sectors and are tied to internships and other work opportunities with Boston employers. Studies have consistently shown that Early College programs reduce the time and expense of earning a college credential while increasing the likelihood of completion. Early College is especially beneficial for students who may be first-generation college attendees, or students who come from other marginalized communities  and may not see themselves as potential college students.  "By participating in early college, I got a head start on learning the necessary skills for today’s workforce,” said Alessia Martínez, a junior at Dearborn STEM Academy and in the Health Sciences Pathway. “The new challenges and opportunities that I was given opened my eyes to my potential and it allowed me to grow into a responsible and motivated student. If students took at least one college class I think they would realize that they are more than capable of taking rigorous college courses that set them up for future success." “The early exposure to college is helpful in determining what you want to do in your future job,” said Juan Geronimo Ortiz, a junior at Dearborn STEM Academy in the Computer Science Pathway. “Students are put in a new environment completely different from the world they know as high schoolers. The exposure allows students to reach their full potential once they get to college while becoming comfortable within their own ability to achieve academic excellence. The lessons and takeaways you get from dual enrollment courses go beyond school, they’ll stick with you for life.” “Early College and Innovation Pathways are a vital part of our work in BPS to ensure our students have access to high impact, high quality programs that prepare them for success after they graduate from high school,” said Brenda Cassellius, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools. “Building a variety of programs across the district benefits not just our students — it benefits our neighborhoods, employers and regional economy, too.” "As public servants, our success is measured by the quality of the world we leave for the next generation. We have an obligation to ensure that our young people are prepared to emerge into the professional world,” said City Councilor Julia Mejia. “That is why our office has been vocal about uplifting professional development, supporting vocational education, and intentional around creating more STEM opportunities for Black and Brown students in Boston. We are thrilled to see that urgency around professional development reflected in the expansion of early college programs." “At State Street, we want to hire BPS grads and broaden opportunities for the residents of our home city. We see career-aligned Early College as one core strategy to help Boston students gain tangible experience and skills that will help them become our next employees,” said Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO of State Street, which has committed to 40 BPS student internships through the Boston Private Industry Council this summer. “We applaud Mayor Wu and BPS for committing to this expansion.”  “Wentworth is proud to be the only private university working with BPS to provide crucial opportunities for college and career readiness and enrichment for Boston Public School students,” said Mark A. Thompson, President of Wentworth Institute of Technology. “We’re looking forward to expanding our collaboration with Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Schools, and industry partners to give BPS students the opportunity to participate in various classes at the institution and build their experience and comfort with a variety of technical and non-technical fields of study.” Mayor Wu and Boston Public Schools leadership are committed to expanding access to Early College at an accelerated rate. The City has been working in close collaboration with Boston’s higher education institutions, major employers, and youth-serving community organizations to ensure every student has the chance to access this transformative opportunity. Early College and Innovation Pathways have demonstrated success in Boston Public Schools including: Charlestown High School, which has Early College programs in Business, Health Sciences & Tech with Bunker Hill Community College; Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, which has a General Studies Early College program with Roxbury Community College & Bunker Hill Community College; Dearborn STEM Academy, which has Innovation Pathways in Engineering & Computer Science and Early College programs in Health & Life Sciences with Wentworth Institute of Technology; and Excel High School, which has an Innovation Pathways for information technology.  In addition to the program expansion, Boston Public Schools has applied for the Early College Incubator Planning Grant, a competitive grant run by the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that would allow Boston to study the creation of a consortium model to expand Early College and Innovation Pathway opportunities to hundreds more high school students every year. The grant would allow BPS high schools to collectively partner with institutions of higher learning on Early College and Innovation Pathways programming.