MAYOR WU SHARES BOSTON’S WINTER WEATHER PREPARATIONS

MAYOR WU SHARES BOSTON’S WINTER WEATHER PREPARATIONS Snow clearing contracts include local businesses owned by women and people of color

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined City officials at the Public Works yard on Frontage Road to discuss winter preparations currently underway in the City of Boston, and resources to offset rising utility costs available to residents, including older adults and individuals experiencing homelessness. This year, three minority-owned businesses (MBEs) and or women-owned businesses (WBEs) were awarded contracts for the clearing, plowing, and salting of staircases and footpaths across the City.   “From the tools to clear snow from our City streets, to resources to help residents save on their electric bills - Boston stands ready for winter weather,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This year we’re also proud that several of our snow removal contracts are also investing directly in our local communities. I encourage residents to get ready, check our snow clearing regulations, and check in on neighbors.”   The Public Works Department (PWD) currently has 40,000 tons of salt on-hand to treat City streets. Along with 170 pieces of in-house snow clearing equipment, the PWD has the capability to place over 800 additional pieces on the roads during larger storms. As part of their neighborhood plowing operations during winter storms and to ensure the safety of riders following events, PWD allocates pieces of equipment to clear snow from Boston's dedicated bike lanes.

This year three companies owned by women or people of color were awarded snow removal contracts, with two of those contracts being part of the City of Boston’s Sheltered Market Program to advance equity in procurement with direct outreach support from the Department of Supplier and Workforce Diversity. To assist the Public Works Department during snow and ice control operations, bids were issued to clear, plow, and treat staircases and footpaths across the City of Boston before, during, and after inclement weather events.    These one-year contracts were divided into five separate zones and awarded to Casablanca Services Inc. (two zones), NS Contracting (two zones), and A & M Home Services (one zone). Both Casablanca Services and A & M Home Services are owned by people of color, while NS Contracting is both minority and women-owned. A & M is based in Dorchester and NS Contracting in Roxbury.   The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors forecasts and maintains open lines of communication with the National Weather Service. OEM also works across City departments and with external partners to ensure coordinated response plans are in place. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email in the event a snow emergency/parking ban is declared.   As temperatures drop and utility costs are expected to rise, Mayor Wu is reminding residents, small businesses, and local organizations to opt in to Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE). This City-run program gives residents three options for electricity pricing and renewable energy. Even on the most expensive 100% renewable option, the average residential customer would save over $70 versus Eversource’s upcoming/winter 2023 Basic Service rate. On the cheapest BCCE plan (20% renewable energy currently, 22% starting January 2023) the average residential consumer would save nearly $90/month. Individuals interested in learning more should visit Boston.gov/BCCE to opt in, opt up, or opt out at any time.    Rules on clearing snow: Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If a storm will last over an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check ramps abutting their property for compliance.  Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.  Failure to comply with the rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here. Parking during a declared snow emergency: If a snow emergency is declared, cars will be ticketed and towed if parked on a posted snow emergency artery.  Space savers must be removed within 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. Please note: space savers are NOT allowed in the South End and Bay Village. During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at some parking lots and garages for Boston residents. A list of discounted parking garages can be found here. Trash and recycling:  During severe snowstorms, recycling and trash collection may be canceled, but this is extremely rare. Most often, severe snowstorms can cause delays in service. To view your neighborhood recycling and trash schedule, locate a textile dropbox in your neighborhood, and to find out what items you CAN and CAN'T recycle, download our free Trash Day App. Crews have a difficult time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts placed behind snowbanks. Please clear an area at the curb for collection or place containers next to or in front of snowbanks. Caring for vulnerable populations: If you see homeless and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Boston's emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City work closely with shelter providers in the city to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. From Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., please call 617-534-4440 to facilitate access to shelters. Outside of these hours, guests should access shelter directly. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Safety tips: If you are able, keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear of snow and debris. This will help prevent flooding and allow for access in the event of an emergency. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces.  Dress for the weather: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  Watch for signs of frostbite: Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911. Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants: In accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68° between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 64° between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. In cases of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately. If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, contact the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at (617) 635-5300 to file a complaint, or call 311.    Heating safety: Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Make sure all vents are clear of snow or any other debris. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color. It is a poison and is deadly. Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold: The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate a home's main water shut off valve, and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage. Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing. Circulate warm air around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Circulate a trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold to help prevent them freezing up. Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight. If pipes do freeze, slow thaw with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.   Emergency home repair resources:  Income-eligible homeowners and Boston's residents over age 62 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs or leaking/frozen pipes. Grant and loan funding is available. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).    Never use a torch to thaw a frozen pipe. Always call a professional plumber to troubleshoot your problem. In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand new heating system before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Grant and loan funding is available. Eligible owners should also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details. Tips to increase home energy efficiency:  Disconnect the water hose from the home. Wrap or cover exposed spigots. Caulk or putty windows. Ensure kitchen and bathroom dampers close properly. Close all storm windows and doors. Apply weather stripping. Properly insulate all pipes that are exposed. Install insulated or heavy drapes to keep cold drafts from coming in. Don't forget to close the damper to a wood burning fireplace after each use. Consider a chimney balloon if you don't have a damper. Tips for what to do before a power outage: Before a weather event prepare your home by: Ensuring that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use it safely before an outage. Ensuring that you have sufficient heating fuel. Consider safe backup heating options such as fireplaces or woodstoves. Have a landline phone with a corded receiver. Fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and other electronic devices. If you have a water supply (such as a well-water pump system) that could be affected by a power outage, fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. The water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only. You can pour a bucket of this water directly into the toilet bowl to flush it. Keep your car’s gas tank full. Pumps at gas stations may not work during a power outage. Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to keep food cold (but remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). If you have life-support devices, such as home dialysis or breathing machines, or other medical equipment or supplies, that depend on electricity: Talk to your health care provider about how to use them during a power outage; Contact your local electric company and equipment suppliers about your power needs. Some utility companies will put you on a "priority reconnection service" list; Let the fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices; and If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.   Tips for what to do during a Power Outage: Follow instructions from public safety officials. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies including downed power lines. Call your utility company to report power outages and get restoration information. National Grid 800-322-3223 Eversource (formerly NSTAR) 1-800-592-2000 Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live. If a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Use generators and grills outside because their fumes contain carbon monoxide. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working as it is a silent, odorless, killer.  If possible, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, place them in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never go to sleep with candles burning. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid power surges when power is restored. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need additional assistance.   Tips for Driving in a winter storm: Avoid driving during the worst part of the storm. If possible, only travel during daylight hours, don't travel alone, and stay on main roads instead of taking shortcuts. Consider taking public transportation. Clear snow and ice from windows, lights, hood, and the roof before driving. Don't try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement. Know the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or the following from either your cell phone or landline phone. Metro Boston: (617) 986-5511 Brake early and correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions. Be wary of bridge decks. They freeze first, making them more dangerous than the approach road. Exit ramps sometimes have less anti-icing material than the main line. Be aware of this when exiting the highway. Don't use "cruise control" driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that look clear can have sudden slippery spots. Using your brake on these spots will deactivate cruise control, possibly causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles. This means it takes longer to stop than passenger vehicles. Be wary of your 4x4 vehicle's traction. Trucks are heavier than cars, making their brake time slower. Avoid cutting quickly in front of them. Don't crowd the plow. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. Always wear your seat belt. Let others know your destination, route, and expected travel times. Allow for extra travel time. Drive with your headlights on at all times to see and be seen.   For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @CityofBoston on Twitter.

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 Governor Baker Signs Executive Order to Establish Massachusetts Cyber Incident Response Team

Team will advise on policies and strategies to manage the risk of cyber threats and will lead the Commonwealth’s response to cyber incidents

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order to establish the Massachusetts Cyber Incident Response Team (MA-CIRT). Led by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS), MA-CIRT is established with the mission of enhancing the Commonwealth’s ability to prepare for, respond to, mitigate against and recover from significant cybersecurity threats. The Governor signed the executive order as Massachusetts and other jurisdictions confront an overall increase in cybersecurity threats to websites and networks.

 

“State governments and other organizations across the country are increasingly being targeted by bad actors aiming to disrupt operations and compromise information systems,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This executive order will further strengthen the Commonwealth’s policies, procedures and resources required to prevent potential threats and appropriately respond to attacks on government infrastructure and services. As state governments expand their digital footprints, moving more services online and allowing for a more connected workforce, it’s critical that we make the necessary investments to protect this critical technology infrastructure from acts of terrorism and criminal, organized crime and gang activity.”

 

“Cybersecurity attacks threaten Commonwealth technology networks and the continuity of essential government services we provide to the constituents we serve,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “With the establishment of MA-CIRT, the Baker-Polito Administration continues to invest and prioritize the delivery of effective and reliable government services to the people of the Commonwealth.”

 

“With my background in public safety, I know the importance that leadership buy-in plays in swift, organized and effective response to an external threat,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Curt Wood. “The Baker-Polito Administration is once again leading from the front on government cybersecurity and I thank Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and my fellow leaders in cybersecurity and public safety for their partnership on the issuance of this critical executive order that will serve the Commonwealth for years to come.”  

 

Under the direction of the EOTSS Secretary, the formation of MA-CIRT convenes cybersecurity and public safety experts from across state government as required members, including leadership representatives from:

 

• The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
• The Commonwealth Security Operations Center
• The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
• The Commonwealth Fusion Center
• The Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit
• The Massachusetts National Guard
• The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

 

The Executive Order reinforces Massachusetts as a leader in cybersecurity enhancement efforts through a variety of strategies. To prevent against attacks and increase the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity resiliency, the Order underscores the need for preparing for and marshalling a coordinated response, mitigation and recovery effort from significant cybersecurity threats or incidents. Additionally, the Order:

 

• Requires MA-CIRT to review cybersecurity threat information and vulnerabilities to make informed recommendations and establish appropriate policies to manage the risk of cyber incidents for executive department agencies and all other state agencies served by EOTSS.
• Requires MA-CIRT to develop and maintain an up-to-date Cyber Incident Response Plan, which will guide the actions of the Commonwealth’s key public safety and information security and technology teams, state agency resources, and security professionals in responding to and minimizing the impact of significant cybersecurity threats to Commonwealth systems. The Plan is required to be submitted annually to the Governor for review and approval.
• Empowers the EOTSS Secretary to serve as MA-CIRT lead, with the approval of the Governor, to direct MA-CIRT in response to a significant cyber incident.
• Requires the routine exchange of information related to cybersecurity threats and reported incidents between the Commonwealth Fusion Center and the Commonwealth Security Operations Center.
• Requires EOTSS and MA-CIRT to consult with the Massachusetts Cyber Center and assist the Center with efforts to foster cybersecurity resiliency through communications, collaboration, and outreach to state agencies, municipalities, educational institutions and industry partners.
• Requires executive department agencies to comply with protocols and procedures established by MA-CIRT and all related policies, standards and Administrative Directives issued by EOTSS.
• Requires Commonwealth executive department agencies and other state agencies served by EOTSS to identify and report significant cybersecurity incidents and coordinate efforts to mitigate and prevent further damage from cyber incidents.
• Requires all executive department personnel to annually complete the EOTSS approved security awareness training program administered by the Human Resources Division.
• And strongly encourages other governmental entities throughout the Commonwealth not served by EOTSS to report cybersecurity threats or incidents to the Commonwealth Security Operations Center.

 

In 2021, Congress recognized the increased cyber threat posed to state and local governments by establishing a $1 billion State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The four-year grant program requires 80% of funds go toward assisting municipalities in enhancing their cybersecurity posture. This new federal program compliments the various support for municipal cybersecurity efforts offered by the Baker-Polito Administration, including: the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program, Free Cybersecurity Health Check Program and the Community Compact IT Grant Program, which was established by Governor Baker’s Executive Order 554 in 2015.

 

EOTSS was established in 2017 as the Commonwealth’s lead technology and cybersecurity agency via Article 87 government restructuring legislation filed by Governor Baker and approved by the Legislature. Its mission is to lead initiatives to modernize the Commonwealth’s IT infrastructure assets, continually strengthen government cybersecurity operations and standards via the consolidation of infrastructure and cybersecurity operations for the Commonwealth into a centrally managed state agency and leverage innovative technology solutions to offer user-friendly digital services to its constituents.

 

Click here to view the Executive Order.

Baker-Polito Administration Approves Five New STEM Tech Career Academies, Awards $5 Million

 Baker-Polito Administration Approves Five New STEM Tech Career Academies, Awards $5 Million

High schools, community colleges and employers will work together to create opportunities for students

 

BOSTON –– The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $5 million to five new STEM Tech Career Academies, a new initiative designed to help more young people earn associate degrees and industry certificates in STEM fields. STEM Tech Career Academies will launch as six-year programs that enable high school students to earn both a high school diploma and a post-secondary credential at a community college, at no cost to the students.
 
The administration has committed multi-year grants to cover the costs of planning, implementation, and launch. High schools, community colleges and employers will work together to open five different STEM Tech Career Academies in different regions of the Commonwealth. The goal is to eventually enroll between 1,600 and 2,000 students in programs in the next few years.
 
STEM Tech Career Academies combine and extend key elements of the highly successful Early College and early career Innovation Pathways programs that were launched several years ago, including technical curriculum, work-based learning experiences, post-secondary courses, and college and career coaching. The administration anticipates that by fall of 2023, more than 75 high schools will have students enrolled in Innovation Pathway programs and 65 high schools will have Early College programs, which can serve as starting points for STEM Tech Career Academies.   
 
The initiative is modeled after P-Tech, a grades 9-14 school model where students earn a high school diploma, an industry-recognized associate degree and gain relevant work experience in a growing field. Students completing a P-Tech program are typically provided with hiring preferences by participating employers.
 
“This new initiative will build off the success of our administration’s Early College and Innovation Pathway programs to create more intentional links between high schools, community colleges and employers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “STEM Tech Career Academies will enable more high school students to earn degrees and credentials and provide more young people with skills and knowledge in STEM fields.”
 
“STEM jobs go unfilled because companies cannot find qualified applicants for careers that require associate degrees and credentials, such as biotechnicians, data analysts, cyber security specialists, health care occupations and many more,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This new initiative will make it easier for students who start on a college or career pathway in high school to continue on that course and go on to earn degrees or credentials, and eventually land a well-paying job in a STEM field.”
 
STEM Tech Career Academies are an initiative of the Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which connects the work of three Secretariats - the Executive Office of Education, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development - and seeks to align education, workforce, and economic development strategies across the state.

“STEM Tech Career Academies will be a way to smooth the transition from high school to college and career and give more young people added support so they are able to earn associate degrees and industry recognized credentials,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “Cohorts of students will move seamlessly from high school to higher education, giving them more opportunities for academic success, career readiness, and better outcomes in persisting until they graduate from college.” 
 
The new initiative also aims to address equity and opportunity gaps in STEM industries. Women and minority groups continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields in Massachusetts and across the country. Outside of healthcare, there are roughly three men to every woman in STEM jobs like computer science, mathematics, and engineering, and 2020 data estimated that just 27 percent of STEM workers are non-white. In Massachusetts, just 5 percent of the STEM workforce is Black, and just 6 percent is Hispanic.
 
"As we continue to address inequity in our workforce, the STEM Tech Career Academy is an excellent initiative that provides opportunity and access within high-demand sectors for traditionally underserved individuals," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. "Programs like this are incredibly important as they have a profound impact on employers and high school students, while helping to create a stronger economy for all."
 
The need for STEM graduates particularly impacts Massachusetts because growth in these jobs will outpace average job growth and is projected to account for 40 percent of total employment increases in Massachusetts. According to 2018-2028 Massachusetts job growth projections, STEM occupations will grow at 7.2 percent versus 3 percent across all occupations.
 
“In regions across the Commonwealth, students will now have access to new educational opportunities to help prepare them for careers in STEM,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Aligning educational programming with industry needs will put students on a path for success and ensure our employers can hire the talent they need to continue growing in Massachusetts.”

The following schools and organizations each received $1 million grants to launch STEM Career Tech Academies:

Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology is partnering with Dearborn STEM Academy, and Cambridge Ridge and Latin to launch a STEM Tech Career Academy focusing on manufacturing, IT, and environmental & life science careers. The partnership will leverage existing dual-enrollment and Early College programs and includes National Grid, Rapid7, and Suffolk Construction as industry partners.

MassBay Community College is partnering with Natick High School to launch a STEM Tech Career Academy focusing on manufacturing and environmental & life sciences.  The partnership will leverage existing dual enrolment and Early College programs and includes Northeastern Center for STEM Ed, MIT, MathWorks, and MRSI Systems as industry partners.

Bristol Community College is partnering with BMC Durfee High School, Somerset Berkley High School, Westport High School, Taunton High School, and Attleboro High School to launch a STEM Tech Career Academy focusing on environmental & life sciences careers.  The partnership will leverage Early College programs and includes Associates of Cape Cod, Celldex Therapeutics, and Waters Corporation as industry partners.

Haverhill High School and Northern Essex Community College are partnering to launch a STEM Tech Career Academy focusing on manufacturing, healthcare, and environmental & life sciences. The partnership will leverage existing Early College and Innovation pathway programs and includes Lawrence General Hospital, Whittier Health Networks, Holy Family Hospital, New Balance, and Hydracor as industry partners.

Springfield Technical Community College is partnering with West Springfield High School and Veritas Prep Charter School to launch a STEM Tech Career Academy focusing on healthcare, manufacturing, and business and financial services.  The partnership will leverage existing Innovation Pathways and Early College programs and includes Baystate Eye Care Group, Each Moment We're Alive, Walgreens, and Springfield Thunderbirds Hockey Club as industry partners.

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 Healey and Driscoll Announce Administration and Finance Secretary, Top Staff

BOSTON – Governor-elect Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor-elect Driscoll today announced their first round of hires for their incoming administration. Matthew Gorzkowicz will be appointed as Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. Kate Cook will be Chief of Staff and Gabrielle Viator will serve as Senior Advisor.

Matt Gorzkowicz

Matthew Gorzkowicz has more than 25 years' experience in state finance and budgeting in the Commonwealth. He has served as the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance at the University of Massachusetts President's Office for more than a decade, where he has had a direct role in setting the University’s long-range administrative and financial goals and managed the development of an annual operating budget of $3.8 billion. Prior to UMass, Matt worked in the Massachusetts Senate, the Department of Mental Health, the School Building Authority, and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance under Governor Deval Patrick, where he served as Assistant Secretary for Budget and then Undersecretary. He is a graduate of Northeastern University and lives in Winthrop, MA with his wife and two children.

 

“In this time of record state revenues and economic stress for so many of our residents, it’s essential to have an Administration and Finance Secretary with a proven record of maintaining economic stability and implementing processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness,” said Healey. “Matt Gorzkowicz has done just that in his decades of service to Massachusetts, and I’m proud to have his leadership in our administration.”

“I’m honored to be appointed as Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance by Governor-elect Healey and Lieutenant Governor-elect Driscoll,” said Gorzkowicz. “This is going to be a dynamic and effective administration, and I’m proud to contribute my experience in state finance and budgeting to serve the Commonwealth. I’m looking forward to getting to work on a number of important priorities that center on equity and affordability and drive progress across the administration.”

Kate Cook

Kate Cook

currently serves as the First Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, where she assists AG Healey with oversight, operations and decision-making in all legal and policy matters across the office. For over two decades, Cook has served as a trusted legal advisor and litigator for public officials and state and local government agencies. Prior to her appointment as First Assistant, Kate was a partner at Sugarman Rogers, where she chaired the government law and election law practice groups and had an active pro bono practice focused on civil rights and civil liberties matters. Kate formerly served as Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Deval L. Patrick, General Counsel to the Massachusetts Senate Ways & Means Committee and Assistant Corporation Counsel to the City of Boston. She holds degrees from Harvard University and Brown University and lives in Marblehead with her husband and daughter.

“Kate has been integral to the operations of the Attorney General’s Office and a wonderful addition to our team over the past year,” said Healey. “With her strong background serving both in state and city government as well as the private sector, I’m confident that she is the best person to lead our office and build a team that’s going to deliver real results for people.”

“I’m honored that Governor-elect Healey and Lieutenant Governor-elect Driscoll have placed their faith in me to lead the Governor’s Office and for the opportunity to continue my service to the Commonwealth,” said Cook. “We’re committed to building a strong, experienced and diverse team that is ready to get to work delivering for people and moving Massachusetts forward.”

Gabe Viator

Gabe Viator

is the Chief Deputy Attorney General in the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. She oversees litigation efforts across the office and coordinates policy, government affairs and strategic initiatives. Gabrielle previously served as Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor to AG Healey, and as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division. Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, Gabrielle practiced commercial litigation as an associate at Ropes & Gray. She also served as a Legislative Director in the State Senate and as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She is a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School, and lives in Beverly with her husband and two daughters.

“Gabe has been a close and trusted advisor to me for many years, and I’m thrilled to have her guidance with us in the Governor’s Office,”  said Healey. “She has outstanding legal and policy experience, a strong commitment to public service and a passion for teamwork, all of which will be invaluable for our team.”

“From working with Governor-elect Healey for more than a decade, I’ve seen firsthand her commitment to the people of Massachusetts and her ability to bring together the very best team to make real progress,” said Viator. “I’m honored to continue this partnership in the Governor’s Office and excited to get to work creating a stronger Massachusetts.”

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MAYOR WU AND OFFICE OF RETURNING CITIZENS ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SERVING BOSTON’S RETURNING CITIZENS

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Office of Returning Citizens (ORC) announce applications are now open for the 2023 Returning Citizens Support (RCS) grant. The RCS grant is a competitive grant aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that provide reentry support services to individuals who are returning to Boston after being released from federal, state, or county correctional facilities.  A total of $1,000,000 will be awarded to Boston nonprofit organizations providing a variety of services to returning citizens with the goal of creating a network of organizations that can aid returning citizens toward a successful reentry. Applications are now open and responses are due January 6, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.  “Whether it be housing or peer mentoring, the work that our partners do in providing a pathway is vital in supporting Boston’s returning citizens,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are excited for this opportunity to support the work that these organizations do for our communities.”  "It is critical that we support grassroots and community-based organizations, especially those run by formerly incarcerated people themselves, that are doing the work to help address the needs and success of our residents returning home, who too often continue to be failed by our systems,” said Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune. “My office was glad to advocate for these funds alongside community, and we are happy to see the Administration execute on this vision."  “This funding will go a long way to support our partners in the community that have a passion for helping returning citizens succeed in Boston,” said José Massó, Chief of Human Services. “The network of programs funded through this opportunity will help the Office of Returning Citizens to achieve its goal of meeting the unique needs of each returning citizen in the community.”   “We are excited to be able to partner with the ecosystem of community-based organizations in Boston that are providing high quality services to Boston’s returning citizens,” said David Mayo, Director of the Office of Returning Citizens. “When these organizations thrive, so do our returning citizens.” Eligible programs will include those that provide reentry and integration services to individuals returning to Boston from federal, state, or county correctional facilities. For the purposes of this grant opportunity, reentry and integration services may include but are not limited to peer mentoring, family reunification, community stability, food assistance, economic independence, and housing stability. Programs that serve women and LGBTQIA+ returning citizens and those that are led by returning citizens are strongly encouraged to apply.  This new funding comes from the Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget of the Office of Returning Citizens and aims to increase the number and variety of programs that contribute to preventing recidivism among Boston’s returning citizens. Each year, over 3,000 individuals return to Boston from federal, state and county prisons and jails with the burden falling disproportionately on communities of color. Returning citizens often need housing, employment and connections to physical and mental health services, among other needs. Nearly all returning citizens have a chronic medical condition that requires ongoing treatment, only one in four returning citizens has a high school diploma, and 91 percent are food insecure. Those returning have a better chance of achieving a successful reentry if they are provided with supports that help them get connected to these key services. For Fiscal Year 2023, the Office of Returning Citizens has a $2.67 million operating budget. This historic investment has enabled the ORC to hire five additional staff members and to build more robust support in the areas of housing, workforce development, and case management for returning citizens. The grant application is available online. Applications must be completed by January 6, 2023 at 4:00pm.    The Office of Returning Citizens was established in 2017. Its services include in-person case management with program and intake coordinators, peer mentorships, and warm referrals to key programs and services, including transitional housing, employment, healthcare, education, and legal services. Between the Office’s inception in 2017 and today, the number of yearly clients served by the Office has increased by more than 700 percent.