AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION TO PROTECT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

 AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION TO PROTECT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE 

Brief Supports Transgender Individuals Denied Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care Under West Virginia’s State Medicaid Program

 

            BOSTON – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in filing a brief in support of transgender individuals unable to obtain coverage for gender-affirming care under West Virginia’s State Medicaid Program.

 

The brief, filed Wednesday in the case, Fain v. Crouch, argues that the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals should affirm a lower court ruling which determined that the West Virginia State Medicaid Program’s denial of medically necessary, gender-affirming care for transgender individuals violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The states note that Supreme Court rulings have found that discrimination against transgender individuals is discrimination based on sex and therefore a violation of the Equal Protection Clause.

 

“Discriminatory policies like this one deny vulnerable residents lifesaving care,” AG Healey said. “We are calling on the Court to recognize that gender-affirming care is essential health care and to remove this barrier for transgender individuals.”

 

The amicus brief notes the efforts that states joining the filing have made to protect transgender healthcare rights, including prohibiting health care discrimination on the basis of transgender identity and adopting policies that ensure their transgender residents have access to gender-affirming care. These policies have improved the well-being of transgender people, and reduced the risk of suicide, substance abuse, and depression, without meaningfully increasing premium costs or expenses to insurers and plan sponsors.  

The brief is a continuation of AG Healey’s ongoing advocacy for the equal rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. In October, AG Healey joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of transgender individuals and parents of transgender individuals denied coverage for gender-affirming care under the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. In January, she joined an amicus brief opposing an Arkansas law that prohibits healthcare professionals from providing transgender teenagers with medically necessary care. In August, AG Healey joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a brief in support of a 13-year-old Indiana transgender boy who is suing his school district for gender identity discrimination. Also in August, the AG joined a brief opposing an Alabama law criminalizing evidence-based and medically accepted gender-affirming care for transgender young people. In 2017 she joined a similar amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court in support of a transgender student suing his school in Gloucester County, Virginia. In 2016, AG Healey worked closely with advocates, the business community, and transgender families to successfully garner support for the passage of an amendment to Massachusetts’ Public Accommodations Law protecting against discrimination on the basis of gender identity.  

            Joining AG Healey in filing the brief are the attorneys general of Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.  

麻州政府宣佈撥款9300萬元在14個社區蓋790戶房屋

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $93 Million to Build 790 Housing Units in 14 Communities

Roundtable Discussion Featured Local Officials, Advocates, and Developers Discussing Housing Progress During Past Eight Years

HAVERHILL – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $93.4 million in direct funding and $33 million in state and federal housing tax credits to support the development of 790 housing units across 14 projects at an event in Haverhill that featured a roundtable discussion about efforts during the Baker-Polito Administration to increase housing production in Massachusetts and opportunities ahead. Participants in the roundtable included Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox, as well as state legislators and representatives from quasi-public agencies, housing advocacy organizations, and housing developers. Since 2015, through state and federal housing tax credits, the Baker-Polito Administration has invested more than $1.5 billion in the affordable housing ecosystem, resulting in the production and preservation of more than 24,000 housing units, including approximately 21,000 affordable units. “Our Administration has made it a priority to create adequate housing to support our economy and families since day one,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We have been proud to make record investments to build and preserve tens of thousands of housing units as well as champion zoning reforms in partnership with local leaders to better position cities and towns to advance housing in their communities.” “Whether it’s seniors looking to downsize or young couples looking for their first home, in our travels across the Commonwealth we heard from countless residents and local leaders describing the need for more – and more affordable – housing options in their communities,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Through various state programs and through the creation of the Community One Stop for Growth single application portal, we have made it easier for communities to access state programs that would allow them to invest in housing.” “Confronting Massachusetts’ housing shortage will help lower costs, reducing financial pressure on families, alleviating homelessness, and strengthening the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness among other states,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “The Baker-Polito Administration has championed housing production from the very start. We are so grateful for our partners in the legislature and at the local level who shared this commitment as well for the many housing advocates and developers who rolled up their sleeves to help drive this work forward.” The Department of Housing and Community Development provides a combination of direct subsidies, state and federal tax credits, and other resources to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing through multiple funding rounds each year. Today’s awards include $29.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and include housing for seniors, families, and individuals. In 2015, DHCD supported one funding round each year. With additional resources, the administration increased frequency to support multiple funding rounds per year to expand the pipeline and fund projects more quickly. “We know stable, affordable housing is a cornerstone for healthy communities and families, and we are proud to work with incredible advocates, developers, partners in the legislature, and housing organizations to increase the amount of affordable housing in Massachusetts,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “Here in Haverhill, we can see how new housing invigorates neighborhoods and supports local downtowns. In partnership with our quasi-state agencies, MassHousing, CEDAC, and Massachusetts Housing Partnership, we are eager to work with municipalities to leverage our state and federal resources, new zoning reforms, and increased local momentum for new housing and amenities.” “The Baker-Polito Administration recognizes that funding for affordable housing is only effective if we eliminate local barriers to the development of new housing,” said Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) Executive Director Clark Ziegler, who moderated today’s roundtable discussion. “Their actions and support of legislation like Housing Choice and the state’s new multifamily zoning requirement for MBTA communities are long-lasting achievements that will set the stage for housing investments for years to come.” The Baker-Polito Administration has shown a deep commitment to increasing the production of housing across all income levels. In 2018, Governor Baker signed the largest housing bond bill in Massachusetts history, authorizing more than $1.8 billion to the future of affordable housing production and preservation. The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, and partner agencies including MassHousing, Massachusetts Housing Partnership, and Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) have used a historic level of state and federal funding to create new programs and amend or expand existing programs to ensure housing stability and to create more housing opportunities, including new homeownership programs CommonWealth Builder and MassDREAMS. From late 2017 through early 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration carried out a multi-year effort to better enable municipalities to adopt the zoning measures needed to meet the state’s housing needs. In 2021, Governor Baker signed into law an economic development bill that included the Housing Choice zoning reforms that allow cities and towns to adopt zoning best practices related to housing production by a simple majority vote. These targeted amendments to the state’s zoning act reduced the threshold of votes needed to adopt housing supportive zoning measures from a supermajority to a simple majority. Prior to this historic change in law, Massachusetts was among the few remaining states to require a supermajority to change local zoning. The legislation also included a requirement for MBTA Communities to have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multifamily housing is permitted as of right to encourage transit-oriented housing. The Baker-Polito Administration issued draft guidelines in December 2021 and subsequently engaged in a robust public process through March 2022. On August 10, 2022, the Administration issued final guidelines to determine compliance with the new law. The guidelines and other resources, including a recently released compliance model, are available on the state’s dedicated website. In November 2022, Governor Baker signed into law an economic development bill that included over $400 million in various housing-related initiatives to support the production of more affordable housing and promote more homeownership opportunities. The bill also includes reforms to the state’s Starter Home Zoning Incentive Program with the designed goal to increase homeownership opportunities by encouraging the production of smaller and more affordable single-family homes. The bill also included several statutory amendments pertaining to public housing with the desired goal to better enable local housing authorities to address capital projects. Governor Baker proposed these changes in multiple bills over the past legislative sessions prior to this breakthrough. Last year, the Baker-Polito Administration put forth a $1 billion housing proposal aimed at dedicating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for homeownership and affordable housing production. The final bill signed into law in December 2021 included nearly $600 million for housing initiatives. Programs including the Housing Development Incentive Program and MassHousing’s Workforce Housing Fund have also advanced more than 8,000 new market-rate and middle-income units. Additionally, since taking office, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded MassWorks grants totaling over $709 million for public infrastructure projects throughout the state, which have directly supported the creation of over 26,000 new housing units. Awarded Projects McManus Manor (Acton) is a new construction project for seniors. The sponsor is the nonprofit Acton Housing Authority. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidies, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Town of Acton also will provide local funding. Designed to Passive House certification standards, McManus Manor will offer 41 total units, all of which will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Eleven units will be further restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. The sponsor will provide supportive services to the new residents of the completed project. 1201 River Street (Boston) is a new construction project for seniors located in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The sponsor is the nonprofit B’nai B’rith. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The City of Boston will support the project with local funding. Designed to Passive House certification standards, the completed project will offer 63 total units. All units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 18 units further restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. The sponsor will offer supportive services to the new residents of the completed project. Cape View Way (Bourne) is a new construction project. The nonprofit cosponsors are Housing Assistance Corporation and Preservation of Affordable Housing. DHCD will support the project, permitted through Chapter 40B, with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Cape Cod Consortium also is expected to provide additional local funding for the project. Designed to Passive House certification standards, the completed project will offer 42 total units. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. 62 Packard (Hudson) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Hudson will support the project with local funding. The project includes a multifamily building designed to Passive House certification standards as well as townhouses. When completed, 62 Packard will offer 40 total units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 13 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court (Methuen) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit YWCA of Greater Newburyport. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Methuen will provide local funding in support of YWCA Residences. When completed, the project will offer 48 total units. All 48 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. 10 at 8th Street (New Bedford) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Alinea Capital Partners. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of New Bedford will support the project with local funding. When completed, 10 at 8th Street will offer 52 new units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Amethyst Brook Apartments (Pelham) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit Home City Development, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Town of Pelham will support the project with local funding. When completed, Amethyst Brook Apartments will offer 34 total units, all will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 11 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. White Terrace (Pittsfield) is a historic rehabilitation project. Three properties, which are significantly deteriorated, will be fully rehabilitated as housing by Regan Development Corporation. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The City of Pittsfield will support the project with local funding. When completed, White Terrace will offer 41 fully rehabilitated units. All 41 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Salem Schools (Salem) is a historic adaptive re-use project. Two vacant school buildings will be fully rehabilitated as senior housing by the nonprofit sponsor, North Shore Community Development Coalition. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Salem will support the project with local funding. When completed, Salem Schools will feature 61 total units. Fifty-six units will be affordable to senior households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for senior households earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The sponsor will also provide supportive services to the new residents of Salem Schools. Pointe Hills Farm (Shrewsbury) is a new construction project. The sponsor is WinnDevelopment. DHCD will support project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Town of Shrewsbury will support the project with local funding. The project will be designed to Passive House certification standards. Pointe Hills Farm will offer 93 total units. Fifty-six units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 13 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Elm Place (Swampscott) is a new construction transit-oriented project. The sponsor is WinnDevelopment. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Swampscott will support the project with local funding. When construction is completed, Elm Place will offer 114 total units. Seventy-eight units will be affordable to individuals or families earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for individuals or families earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Cloverleaf (Truro) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Community Housing Resource, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Truro will support the project with significant local funding. When completed, Cloverleaf will offer 39 total units. Twenty-five units will be affordable to individuals or families earning less than 60% of AMI, with six units further restricted for individuals or families earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. Leland House (Waltham) is a new construction project for seniors. The nonprofit sponsor is 2Life Communities. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Waltham will support the project with significant local funding. When completed, Leland House will offer 68 total units for seniors.  Sixty‑six units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 17 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The sponsor, 2Life Communities, will provide support services to the new residents of Leland House. RiverLofts at Cable Mills (Williamstown) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Mitchell Properties, LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Williamstown will support the project with local funding. When completed, RiverLofts will offer 54 total units. Twenty-seven units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.

AG HEALEY, EDUCATION LEADERS, AND BOSTON SPORTS TEAMS HOLD CONFERENCE AT TD GARDEN ON PREVENTING AND ADDRESSING HATE IN SCHOOL SPORTS

 AG HEALEY, EDUCATION LEADERS, AND BOSTON SPORTS TEAMS HOLD CONFERENCE AT TD GARDEN ON PREVENTING AND ADDRESSING HATE IN SCHOOL SPORTS  

School Administrators, Athletic Directors, Staff, Coaches and Referees from Across the State Learn Best Practices for Building a Healthy and Inclusive Culture in School Sports    

            BOSTON – As part of a new collaborative effort to prevent and address hate and bias in school sports, Attorney General Maura Healey partnered with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association (MSAA) in hosting a conference called “Addressing Hate in School Sports” which provided school administrators, athletic directors and staff, coaches, and referees from across the state with programming and information on best practices to build positive environments and prevent, report, and address hate incidents. 

The day-long conference, held today at TD Garden, was planned in collaboration with Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society, ADL New England, and other community organizations, and featured representatives from the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Pride, Boston Renegades, and the New England Revolution. A keynote speech was delivered by Boston Celtics Legend Dana Barros.   

“As a former student athlete and coach, I know that sports can be a powerful unifier,” said AG Healey. “Today, we brought together coaches, athletic directors, and educators who are committed to ensuring that young people can participate in school sports in a safe and inclusive environment. I am grateful to all our community partners in this collaborative effort and look forward seeing these best practices put to work.”   

Recognizing the power of sports to drive social change, and in response to a rise in reported hate-based and hazing incidents across Massachusetts, the conference is part of an initiative the AG’s Office launched with educational organizations earlier this year during a virtual call-to-action.    

“Sports are an important piece of school life, whether you’re an athlete or sitting in the stands,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “Sports teams and events should be places where everyone feels welcome and respected, and I hope that this conference will empower schools and athletic officials to build a more positive culture for our students.”  

“There is no place for hate in our society, and our school athletic programs have an obligation to set those standards and expectations,” said Dianne Kelly, Revere Public School Superintendent and President of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. “The Addressing Hate in School Sports Conference brings superintendents, principals, athletic directors and coaches together focused on the goal of creating the individual and team culture that supports the diversity of our collective communities.”   

“MIAA and MSAA are committed to providing the support and resources our members need to promote behaviors that instill respect for self, team, opponents, officials, rules and the game itself,” said Robert Baldwin, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association. “We are excited to be working with the Attorney General’s Office and other partners to utilize the collective power of positive influence to help student athletes and teacher-coaches serve as role models to empower ALL participants in the process of positive decision making. When teacher-coaches, student athletes, and game officials choose the privilege of participating in interscholastic athletics, they assume the responsibility for right action.”   

Today’s event provided attendees with information from panelists on how to recognize bias and hate, learn best practices, hear experiences and lessons from school and athletic leaders in preventing and addressing hate, and ways for coaches, athletic staff, and organizations to build positive and inclusive environments.

Following today’s event, regional trainings across the state will be conducted in 2023 by Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society to provide more in-depth training and equip school and athletic program leaders with the tools they need to empower and support their students and to prevent and address hate.  

For more information on the AG’s initiative on addressing hate and bias in sports and to sign your school up for upcoming programs and trainings, click here.  

Today’s conference was made possible in part by Director of Strategic Initiatives Elise Yannett, Civil Rights Division Chief Abigail Taylor, Children’s Justice Unit Director Liza Hirsch, Advance Coordinator Katherine McGee, and Executive Bureau Assistant Sage Scott, all of the Attorney General’s Office.  

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Statements of support   

Dan Lebowitz, Executive Director of The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University 

“The Addressing Hate in School Sports Conference is an empowering, intentional, and multi-intersectional gathering of government leaders, school administrators, athletic directors, coaches, staff, university partners, non-profits and other committed stakeholders, each fully vested in creating a sustainable culture of safety for high school youth, and similarly, for all those in, and tangent to, their communities, both on the playing field and beyond. The conference is the beginning of a large-scale initiative, including 12 regional trainings, that will allow schools statewide to engage in facilitated conversations that help ideate, innovate, and implement how we can move beyond a present, too often typified by hate and hurt, to a future that is monument to health and healing, and that further provides a pathway to becoming the best versions of our individual and collective selves. We, at the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern, applaud Attorney General and Governor Elect, Maura Healey, for her unwavering commitment to the youth, families and communities of the Commonwealth. We remain grateful for her thoughtful leadership and forefront vision in creating this important participatory platform of positive change agency and sustainable change. Additionally, we’d like to thank the devoted staff of the AGO and all the other partners who have worked tirelessly to make this event and initiative both possible and a top priority.”  

Phil Fogelman, ADL New England Education Director 

“Over the past few years, ADL has responded to countless incidents of antisemitism, racism, and bigotry in middle and high school sports programs. It is time to go from responding to preventing. We are grateful to AG Healey’s leadership for convening this important conference and empowering coaches and administrators with the strategies and tools to be able to prevent and respond to bias incidents and the skills to foster healing and education in their communities in the aftermath. Everyone has the right to play without any fear of being targeted with hate or bias.”  

Boston Bruins and TD Garden 

“We are lucky to live in a sports city with teams that understand the significant power and influence of their platforms and work so closely together on important initiatives despite being competitors in our market. At the Bruins we continue to make our Hockey is For Everyone work a priority by providing educational resources and fostering inclusivity to drive out hate in sports. This work is ongoing as we strive to be the best we can be on and off the ice. Thank you to AG Healey and her office for putting together this great event.”  

Rich Gotham, Boston Celtics Team President  

“The great Bill Russell once said there is no such thing as other people’s children. We all have the responsibility to ensure that kids coming up are afforded the right to learn and play sports in an environment free of hate and discrimination. The Celtics are committed to doing our part and applaud the Attorney General’s office for launching this initiative.”  

Sarah McKenna, Senior Vice President, Fan Services & Entertainment, Boston Red Sox 

“The Boston Red Sox are proud to engage with the Attorney General’s office and with Massachusetts school administrators, athletic directors, and educators on the crucial topic of addressing hate in school sports. Professional sports clubs like ours have a powerful platform with the capacity to reach millions, and the Red Sox are committed to using ours to promote respect, unity, and inclusion, and to provide a safe and welcoming experience for all. A conference like todays, and the regional trainings that will follow, will allow attendees and their colleagues to use their platforms in their own communities. We thank Attorney General Healey and her office for the opportunity to join all of Boston’s professional sports teams to share this message.”  

New England Patriots and New England Revolution 

“Congratulations to the co-hosts and organizers of today’s conference. Addressing hate, in any form at any level, is critical to eradicating it. There are few things that bring communities together quite like the communal bond shared through sports. Whether as a spectator or participant, sports have a unique unifying power. We hope all participants learn the importance of embracing differences, supporting one another, and working together to achieve success. The values learned through the lessons of teamwork at a young age can propel you to achieve great things in life. We applaud all who use their sports platform to contribute to a team and make those around them better.”  

Molly Goodwin, Owner of the Boston Renegades 

“At our core, the Boston Renegades are committed to fostering an inclusive sports environment where women of all backgrounds can thrive. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to play sports in a way that fosters growth. It is incredible to see the collaboration between state leaders, professional sports teams, school administrators and coaches, working together to ensure that the youth of Massachusetts have a positive sports experience. Together, we must take a stand against hate and continue to use sports as a platform that unites communities. We’d like to thank Maura Healey and the Attorney General’s Office for their support of women’s professional athletics and their commitment to prevent and address hate and bias incidents. Our collaboration with the AG’s Office and the city’s educational institutions promotes a positive and inclusive sports environment at all levels. We recognize the power of sports to drive social change, and we are proud to be part of this initiative.”  

Colleen Coyne, President of the Boston Pride 

“As someone who grew up loving sports and as a parent of youth athletes, I believe this type of event is critical. Sports are supposed to be a safe place for kids to go to continue to learn and develop into well-rounded citizens. It is crucial that the leaders in our schools have the training and tools they need to ensure every athlete has the best possible experience. I am honored to be a part of today’s conference.” 

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON – This week, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court.

 

“With the addition of Attorney Kareem A. Morgan, Massachusetts will receive a well-suited candidate for the judiciary,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud to submit his nomination to the Governor’s Council.”

 

“Attorney Kareem A. Morgan possesses years of experience in public service that make him a well-qualified candidate for the District Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, 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 Kareem A. Morgan

 

Attorney Kareem A. Morgan began his legal career as a trial attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS). He worked for CPCS for five years, representing defendants in both Brockton and Lowell District Courts. In 2011 he was promoted to supervising attorney and oversaw a staff of eight defense attorneys. Since 2013, Attorney Morgan has operated as a senior counsel for Sandulli Grace, P.C. in Boston. Attorney Morgan received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 2004 and his juris doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2008.

CITY OF BOSTON SEES SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN INDIVIDUAL YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

CITY OF BOSTON SEES SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN INDIVIDUAL YOUTH HOMELESSNESS  Over 500 young people housed with supportive housing programs since the program launched.

Boston - Thursday, December 8, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that since the launch of Rising to the Challenge: Boston's Plan to Prevent and End Youth and Young Adult Homelessness in 2019, the City of Boston has housed more than 500 homeless youth, resulting in a 44 percent decline in individual youth homelessness when comparing the number of young people experiencing homelessness on a single night from 2019 to 2022.  The City of Boston defines youth experiencing homelessness as unaccompanied individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 years old.  “Boston’s most pressing challenge is our housing crisis, which has significantly impacted young adults across our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This significant decline in youth and young adult homelessness shows what is possible when we partner across sectors to make Boston a city for everyone. I’m grateful to the Office of Housing and all of our partners for working collaboratively to ensure that young adults have a safe and stable place to live.” The Rising to the Challenge plan was informed b y the voices of 240 community members representing more than 110 public and private organizations across Boston. The community engagement process prioritized young people with lived experience of homelessness in Boston. The plan launched in 2019 to bring attention, resources, and a coordinated strategy to ending homelessness among youth and young adults.  The City of Boston seeks to end youth and young adult homelessness by expanding access to housing and opportunities, including education, meaningful employment, mentorship, and support from adults. To address homelessness, the plan focused on four primary strategies: Identify youth who are at-risk of becoming homeless or who are currently homeless and connect them to resources  Increase access to and effectiveness of existing resources Invest in new housing and services Develop a collaborative system.  Identify youth who are at-risk of becoming homeless or who are currently homeless and connecting them to resources In 2020, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and its partners launched a new peer housing navigation program to assist young people in accessing housing and services. The peer housing navigation program is low-threshold and accessible to all young people experiencing homelessness in Boston, including those living with others. This navigation system created the Youth Flex Fund, a flexible pool of funds to pay for one-time housing and housing-related costs, which are not covered by other systems. Young people and advocates can access the Youth Peer Housing Navigation through an online referral: bit.ly/youthhousingnavigation. Increase access to and effectiveness of existing resources The Rising to the Challenge plan included making existing emergency shelter and housing programs more accessible, supportive, and effective for youth and young adults. Additionally, the plan included training nonprofits to achieve youth-centered care approaches for resources such as housing, workforce development, and education. This includes trauma-informed care and positive youth development. In partnership with the Office of Workforce Development and Human Services, the Mayor’s Office of Housing launched an initiative connecting 40 young people placed in housing to employment and educational  opportunities.  Invest in new housing and services  In 2019, Boston was awarded $4.7 million in federal grant funding to create 157 new housing opportunities dedicated to serving homeless youth and young adults. In addition, the City invested local funding to expand housing and related services. Prior to 2019, Boston had only 40 youth-dedicated housing units. Since then, the Mayor’s Office of Housing added 277 new youth-dedicated housing units, for a total of 317 youth-dedicated housing opportunities.  The Mayor’s Office of Housing also launched a youth peer housing navigation program to serve 30 young people enrolled at Boston Public Schools (BPS) experiencing unaccompanied homelessness. In 2022, this program was enhanced to provide rental assistance and housing navigation, creating a low-threshold, BPS-focused rapid rehousing program to serve 15 BPS students. “The Supportive Housing team at the Office of Housing has worked tirelessly to address the issue of youth and young adult homelessness,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “The Rising to the Challenge plan enabled them to work collaboratively with partners within the City to achieve this significant reduction in youth homelessness. Ensuring that our homeless youth and young adults receive age appropriate housing and meaningful services at this time in their lives gives them the support they need to build their futures.” “By housing youth in safe apartments, Rapid Re-housing provides youth with the stability to focus on long-term housing goals. Our partnership with the City of Boston has provided over 200 youth with this opportunity since we started Rising to the Challenge.”  Elisabeth Jackson, President and CEO, Bridge Over Troubled Waters. “Rapid Re-housing has helped me find and secure major resources in the community and provided moral support during this transition and journey out of homelessness,” said Aysha G., a young adult who has been housed. “This opportunity is not the end of my housing journey. I’m working on setting goals around obtaining affordable housing that is based on my income, knowing the rental assistance is time and funds limited.”  Develop a collaborative system With the implementation of Rising to the Challenge in 2019, Boston has completely redesigned the way the City responds to young people experiencing homelessness, tailoring resources and opportunities based on the needs of each person. Some individuals experiencing homelessness have additional challenges compounded by trauma including physical abuse, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. As part of Boston's plan, the City is committed to a "Housing First" approach to homelessness, which is based on the belief that everyone should have access to permanent housing regardless of their conditions or circumstances. “Youth and young adult homelessness is a complex social problem with various underlying economic and social factors, such as a lack of affordable housing, physical and mental health issues, and a lack of behavioral health supports and career pathways,” said Bob Giannino, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, which served as the convening organization for the plan. “It is critical that we ensure disconnected and under-connected youth have access to strong postsecondary pathways and opportunities. Rising to the Challenge demonstrates that through collaborative action,  our young people can thrive and be prosperous, and we remain committed to working with the City of Boston to provide that support.” “It has truly been amazing to see all the work that has been done over the last 3 years in effort to drastically impact the scope of youth homelessness in the City of Boston,” said Dana Mendes Director of Youth and Young Adult Homelssness Initiatives for the Mayor’s Office of Humans Services. “What's even more exciting, is the opportunity to continue providing exceptional resources and appropriate support to youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Through continued commitment by city agencies like The Mayor's Office of Human Services, stakeholders, community members, and youth, we can continue to work together to create a Boston where every Youth and Young Adult has a place to call HOME.”

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Approval of 11 Economic Development Projects Supporting Job Growth and Business Expansion Across Massachusetts

Projects Expected to Create or Sustain 1,610 Jobs in the Commonwealth

BOSTON – Today, the Commonwealth’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved 11 projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP). These projects are expected to create 782 net new jobs and retain 828 jobs throughout Massachusetts, while leveraging approximately $648 million in private investment. Of the applicants this quarter, six are manufacturers and two are located in Gateway Cities. Additionally, two new Vacant Storefront Projects were approved that will receive refundable tax credits of $15,200.    The EACC has approved 334 economic development projects since the beginning of the Baker-Polito Administration in January 2015. These projects will lead to the creation of 26,047 jobs, retention of 43,612 existing jobs, and will leverage over $9 billion in private investment. Additionally, the EACC has assisted 150 manufacturing companies and 148 companies in Gateway Cities during this period.   Certified Projects Munters Corporation (Amesbury) – Munters Corp. was founded in 1955 and created the original desiccant dehumidification system. The company provides solutions for customers in industries where controlling temperature and humidity is essential in their production. Currently the company has a backlog in orders from customer demand. The company’s future site (also in Amesbury) will be 400,000 square feet, of which 50,000 square feet will be office space and its North American headquarters. It plans to create 70 new jobs, retain 292 jobs, and invest $38 million. The City of Amesbury will vote to approve a 15-year TIF valued at $5.2 million and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $700,000.       88 Acres Foods, Inc. (Canton) – 88 Acres Foods, Inc. built a dedicated bakery in Dorchester in 2015 and launched its snack bar business free of the top nine most common food allergens. Today the company has national partnerships with Whole Foods, Walmart, JetBlue, Delta and others. Demand for the company’s products has outstripped manufacturing capacity and it has identified a 30,000-square-foot facility in Canton where it can move warehouse, production, and corporate teams under one roof. The space will need $3.2 million for fit-out expenses and close to $1 million for equipment. The company will create 200 new jobs while retaining 83 jobs. The Town of Canton has waived building permit fees of $18,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $2 million. Feedback Earth, Inc. (Grafton) – Feedback Earth was founded by a team from MIT to provide a scale solution for food waste upcycling. The company built an original manufacturing plant that could take in 375 tons per day of food waste. Feedback’s facility uniquely de-packages and pasteurizes the waste to guarantee animal feed safety and it has successfully increased plant capacity to process 2,500 tons per month. This project involves constructing a 6,000-square-foot building adjacent to the existing facility that would enable for higher volumes of inbound food waste (7,500 tons/month) with additional truck docks and storage space. The project will create 45 new jobs and retain 15 employees with a private investment of $2.5 million. The Town of Grafton will vote on a five-year TIF valued at approximately over $28,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $450,000.    Alteros Energies, Inc. (Hopkinton) – Altaeros, spun out of MIT in 2010, is on a mission to make the world's first autonomous aerostat, a lighter-than-air aircraft that gains its lift through the use of a buoyant gas. The company released its first autonomous aerostat in 2019 and has more than 35 patents to protect its unique technology. It plans to relocate R&D, manufacturing, and corporate headquarters from Somerville to Hopkinton. It will retrofit the 105,000-square-foot facility and fit out the industrial space for medium-to-heavy manufacturing; this includes internal structures, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, venting, purchase, and installation of equipment. The project will create 161 new jobs, retain 28 jobs, and represent a private investment of almost $24 million. The Town of Hopkinton will vote on a 14-year TIF and seven-year personal property exemption valued at a combined $3.1 million. The EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $1.6 million. New England Wire Products, Inc. (Leominster) – New England Wire Products is a manufacturer of custom retail displays, founded in 1980 in Leominster. Among its client base are some of America's largest retailers: i.e., Home Depot, Walmart, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Target. The company is considering purchasing the building behind it, also in Leominster, to increase capacity. The new building needs extensive work to make it useable for manufacturing and to maximize efficiencies. Among the changes will be a 15,000-square-foot building expansion that connects to the existing facility. The company also plans to upgrade loading docks and invest in new equipment. This project will lead to the creation of 200 new jobs, the retention of 255 jobs, and represents an over $22 million private investment. The City of Leominster will vote to approve a five-year TIF valued at almost $100,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $875,000.   PI LP (Physik Instrumente) (Marlborough) – PI (Physik Instrumente) is a global leader in precision automation, motion control, nano-positioning, piezo motor, and piezo transducer technologies. The company has been in operation for over 50 years, in Germany and at an established U.S. headquarters in Massachusetts that has R&D, manufacturing, and technical support for customers. The company is considering purchasing a building in Marlborough and redeveloping it into its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facilities, as its current facilities in Auburn and Hopkinton are capacity constrained. This project will create 40 new jobs, retain 55 jobs, and represent a $13 million private investment. The City of Marlborough has offered a 10-year TIF valued at over $200,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $400,000. Local Incentive Only Projects Art at the Nawn Factory (Boston) – The project will revitalize a blighted building in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood and repurpose an abandoned building into an arts and cultural rehearsal space. The City of Boston released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for development (the municipal land valued at $682,100 was acquired for $200) and the project is expected to start construction in fall 2023, completing construction in winter 2025. Certified Project designation is required for the company to utilize the 10% Abandoned Building Renovation Deduction from the Commonwealth. 330 Jackson Street LLC (Lowell) – The Justice Center Parking Garage will be an eight-story, 541-space parking garage located directly adjacent to the Lowell Justice Center, a newly built facility in downtown Lowell that provides space for the Superior, District, Probate & Family, Juvenile, and Housing Courts of Middlesex County. The Justice Center Parking Garage will be a part of the Hamilton Canal Innovation District (HCID), an ongoing 2 million-square-foot development in downtown Lowell. The City of Lowell has approved a 10-year TIF valued at $800,000. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. (Northbridge) – Founded in 1987, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals is a life sciences company headquartered in Watertown that develops and commercializes therapeutics to improve serious eye disorders. The company is seeking a location to establish a new, design-build 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to supplement its existing production, assembly, and packaging operations. The project will create 45 new jobs and represents a private investment of over $30 million. The Town of Northbridge has approved a 15-year TIF valued at $1.8 million. Whalley Computer Associates, Inc. (Southwick) – Established in 1979 and incorporated in 1986, Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) remains a family-owned business in IT hardware, services, and support headquartered in Southwick, with additional facilities in Milford and Westfield. The company has seen strong growth and is considering building a new 70,000-square-foot to 80,000-square-foot facility for assembly, configuration, and warehousing. The project will create 15 new jobs and represents a private investment of $10.6 million. The Town of Southwick has approved a 10-year TIF estimate valued at $840,000.    UGPG RE Sutton, LLC (Sutton) – UGPG RE Sutton, LLC is the special purpose entity of UN1F1ED2 Global Packaging Group LLC. Established in Sutton more than 25 years ago as Atlas Box, UGPG is a joint venture between Atlas Box and Rand Whitney, a subsidiary of The Kraft Group LLC. The project entails developing approximately 266 acres of land on a 450-acre parcel. In total, 2.3 million square feet of new light manufacturing and warehousing with distribution will be constructed. The proposed buildings and personal property associated with the project will be solely located in the Town of Sutton. In addition to the buildings, the project will entail construction of a one-mile roadway through the site to provide access and address traffic impacts. The project represents a $475 million investment and will retain 100 jobs. The Town of Sutton plans to approve a 15-year TIF valued at approximately $39 million. Vacant Storefront Projects Glass Casket Tattoo (Webster) – The business goal is to open a private tattoo studio that will be a private, quiet, relaxing, professional, and welcoming space for all and to create custom one-of a-kind tattoos for those clients who book by appointment. The Town of Webster approved up to a $10,000 grant for reimbursement of capital expenses detailed in the application and the EACC Boardmatched the estimated amount of the capital expenditures as presented with $7,700 in refundable tax credits. Wayback Burgers (Westborough) – The owner of a Wayback Burgers in Worcester plans to open a new franchise in a vacant storefront in downtown Westborough. The company is a fast casual franchise that specializes in classic burgers and new spins on old favorites and also offers other common comfort food like hot dogs, fried chicken, and flavored shakes. The Town of Westborough approved a $7,500 grant and the EACC Board matched it with $7,500 in refundable tax credits.