麻州共和黨票選新主席 民主黨黨主席發聲明期盼帶回文明與人性

 Statement on MassGOP Chair Election

BOSTON - Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford released the following statement tonight following the vote by the Massachusetts Republican State Committee election of a new chair.

“For the better part of the last decade the Massachusetts Democratic Party has been focused on enhancing our infrastructure and putting the resources in place to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, resulting in historic wins at all levels. In contrast, the state Republican Party has focused on failed attempts to bring Trumpism to our politics - an effort resoundingly rejected by voters. As the MassGOP has imploded over the last several years, we have been largely silent, allowing their demise to be mostly self-inflicted while we focused on electing Democrats, which we did. I hope that this vote by the Republican State Committee to elect a new Chair will bring a return to some level of civility and humanity to their Party. As has been said, we can disagree without being disagreeable.”  - Gus Bickford, Chair, Massachusetts Democratic Party

大波士頓商會和麻州會計師協會提稅改建議 處理富翁稅帶來的意外後果

                 (Boston Orange節譯) 麻州大波士頓商會和麻州會計師協會 (MassCPAs)為增加麻州競爭力，公開提出稅務改革建議，呼籲麻州政府修訂遺產稅。降低資本利得稅，取消小企業 (S-corp) 業主必須繳交的附加稅 (Sting Tax)，以及其他的懲罰雇主政策。

兩會聲稱，修訂政策，正是麻州要在今日環境中處於優勢所需要的，最終將確保麻州居民的就業及經濟發展機會增長。

       他們提案的目的是要:減輕稅收政策對雇主、創造就業機會者和經濟決策者的負面影響；糾正麻州是異數的稅收政策；刺激新的經濟活動，保護和維持現有的經濟活動；解決百萬富翁稅的意外後果。

麻州會計師協會 (MassCPAs)會長兼執行長Amy Pitter指出，自從百萬富翁稅通過後，該會在2022年12月做的一份會員調查顯示，73%說他們和客戶更常談到更換住所話題，所以他們的提案可以制止這樣的遷移，並增加麻州的競爭力。

       他們建議麻州政府更詳細的了解兩會所提建議細節，以及其影響，並和企業、政壇領袖合作，以確保麻州個人及企業可從稅改中獲益。

 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and MassCPAs

Release Tax Reform Recommendations

Two Massachusetts business groups released a tax reform proposal today that is designed to improve the state’s competitiveness – and to counter other states’ aggressive pursuits of the Commonwealth’s employers and talent.  With three years of historic revenue growth and a structural budget surplus, the state is well-positioned to adopt tax reforms that demonstrate its commitment to building the region’s economy and increasing jobs for residents.

 

The joint effort by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Society of CPAs focuses on policy changes that will ultimately ensure there are jobs and opportunities for economic growth available to Massachusetts residents, both critical factors to achieve an inclusive economy. The goals of the proposed tax reforms are to:

• Mitigate the negative effects from tax policy on employers, job creators, and economic decision makers;
• Correct tax policies for which Massachusetts is an outlier;
• Stimulate new economic activity and protect and sustain current economic activity; and
• Address the millionaire’s tax unintended consequences.

“This proposal for tax reform is exactly what the Commonwealth – its residents, families, and businesses – need right now. To compete and win today, we need to address and solve for the negative effects and unintended consequences that make it difficult to start and sustain a business in Massachusetts and to work, live, and be successful here,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “Understanding that tax reform is urgently needed and the issues are incredibly complex, we are proud to partner with MassCPAs and business leaders across the Commonwealth to ensure that Massachusetts remains competitive and is a place where economic opportunity and jobs are in abundance.”

 

“Advocating for our members and the communities they serve is what we do at MassCPAs," said MassCPAs President and CEO Amy Pitter. "This has been particularly top of mind since the millionaire’s tax passed. In a December 2022 survey of MassCPAs members, 73% said their conversations with clients about changing their domicile have increased, so the proposals we offer are to stop that migration and boost the Commonwealth’s competitiveness. These tax proposals intend to protect and generate economic activity by reducing the negative effects from certain tax law; correct policies that make Massachusetts an outlier; and address unintended consequences of the new surtax. Our efforts are ongoing, and we are grateful to the Chamber and tax and legal experts for their work to keep Massachusetts a competitive state.”  

 

The specific proposals include reforming the state’s estate tax, reducing capital gains tax rates, eliminating the state’s “sting tax” on S-corps, and eliminating other policies that penalize Massachusetts employers. The attached slide deck provides more details on the specific proposals, the context for tax reform, and how Massachusetts compares nationally.

 

The proposal was developed by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Society of CPAs and with detailed input from tax and legal experts.

麻州州長 Maura Healey簽 字訂二月為麻州黑人歷史月

 Governor Healey Signs Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey today signed her first proclamation as Governor, recognizing February as Black History Month in Massachusetts and urging all residents to join her in honoring the history and contributions of Massachusetts’ Black community. 

 

“Black history is American history. It’s filled with moments of pain, perseverance, overwhelming joy and profound love. This month, and every month, I hope Massachusetts residents will join me in honoring Black changemakers and innovators of the past and present,” said Governor Healey. “As Governor, I’m committed to building an administration that sees the dignity and worth of every person. We will value and protect Black lives, and work to break down the barriers holding our Black communities back.” 

 

The full text of the proclamation is below. Governor Healey’s Black History Month video can also be accessed here. 

A Proclamation 

 

Whereas, Black History Month was first celebrated nationally in 1976 during the United States Bicentennial; and 

 

Whereas, Black History Month has a rich cultural history throughout the United States, symbolizing the enduring strength and significance of civil rights pioneers including Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Phillis Wheatley, and Frederick Douglass; and 

 

Whereas, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts continues to play an integral role in the movement towards equality, having been host to a number of historic events and monuments such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s civil rights march from Roxbury to Boston Common, being home to the pioneering Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, and featuring “The Embrace” sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas depicting Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King; and 

 

Whereas, The Commonwealth must continue to move towards equality, recognizing the barriers faced by the Black community and addressing structural racism and social, political, and economic inequalities; and 

 

Whereas, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize the many contributions and achievements by Black leaders and members of the community to the Commonwealth throughout the course of our history from Massachusetts natives like W.E.B. Du Bois and Ruth M. Batson; and 

 

Whereas, This year’s Black History Month theme is “Black Resistance”, bringing awareness to the historically underserved Black community through oppression in various forms. “Black Resistance” recognizes the achievements and progress that the Black community has made through opposition to racial constructs and prejudices as is evident through the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act, and increased representation in government and politics; and 

 

Whereas, Black History Month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the significant history and contributions of the Black community throughout the Commonwealth and the United States, as well as to bring awareness to the challenges faced by the Black community and the methods in which they have tirelessly worked to conquer such adversity,  

 

Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim February 2023 to be, 

 

Black History Month  

 

And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take 

cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. 

 

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first day of February, in the year two thousand and twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-sixth. 

 

By Her Excellency 

 

Maura T. Healey 

Governor of the Commonwealth 

 

 

Kimberley Driscoll 

Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth 

 

 

 

William Francis Galvin 

Secretary of the Commonwealth 

波士頓市長吳弭發新派令 BRENDA HERNANDEZ任人民及文化主任 Paul Chong任註冊專員

MAYOR WU APPOINTS BRENDA HERNANDEZ AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE; PAUL CHONG TO SERVE AS CITY’S NEXT REGISTRAR Hernandez and Chong will enhance workforce and constituent experience in their respective roles. Additionally, Mayor Wu announces programs created to encourage sustainable transportation and support the City of Boston workforce.

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced her appointment of Brenda Hernandez as Executive Director of People and Culture for the People Operations Cabinet. As the City’s Human Resources (HR) leader, she will work to strengthen the City’s organizational culture and the ways the City's workforce is supported. She will develop all centralized employee-related policy and will oversee essential HR functions including recruitment, job and organizational design, performance management, talent management, health benefits, and employee experience. Additionally, Mayor Wu today announced Paul Chong’s appointment to serve as the City of Boston’s next Registrar. Chong will ensure Boston’s constituents' needs are at the forefront. As a key leadership role in the City’s People Operations Cabinet, the City Registrar will set the policies, vision and strategy for access to vital records for the City of Boston. This includes managing a team of employees who provide essential documents to constituents during critical times in their lives.  “A well-functioning government has a responsibility to serve both its workforce and constituents through easy-to-access, supportive services,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am confident that Brenda’s vast Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and cultural transformation experience will make Boston a desirable employer for both future employees and current staff. Her work internally will complement Paul’s work to enhance residents’ experience when they visit City Hall for the most essential and foundational constituent services.” Hernandez comes to the job as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) expert and culture transformation professional with over a decade of experience in the higher education and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, Hernandez served as the inaugural Chief of Equity and Engagement at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Hernandez began her role on January 4. “I'm honored to join the Wu administration and Chief Lawrence in the People Operations Cabinet,” said Brenda Hernandez, Executive Director of People and Culture for the People Operations Cabinet. “My goal is to center equity through the entire employee life cycle and lead the cultural transformation necessary to execute on Mayor Wu's commitment to making the City of Boston an employer of choice and one that reflects the diversity of its constituents.” Chong comes to the role following a number of roles for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including managing strategy and analytics for the School Building Authority and serving as the Finance Director for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chong worked with leaders across the Commonwealth to manage $300 million in federal relief funds and led efforts to stand up compliance and risk management around federal funds. Chong began this role Monday, January 30. “It’s a privilege to be a part of the Wu administration and to serve the City of Boston. The Registry provides services to residents at crucial moments in their lives,” said City Registrar Paul Chong. “I am excited to work with Chief Lawrence and the Registry staff to make residents’ experience with vital records simple, accessible, and secure.” “I am thrilled to welcome both of these talented leaders to such important functions of local government,” said Chief People Officer Alex Lawrence. “Both Brenda and Paul appreciate the amount of transition and challenges our workforce has undergone in the last few years, and have the deep experience in culture building and organizational change that the City needs to help the Mayor achieve her ambitious vision for Boston.”  The Director of People and Culture for the People Operations Cabinet oversees, develops, and coordinates the policies, activities, and staff for the centralized Office of Human Resources (OHR). The Office of Human Resources partners with all City departments to attract and develop diverse, qualified, and productive employees to serve Boston's residents. OHR is also responsible for benefits administration and compliance with the policies, laws, and ordinances governing municipal government. Hernandez received her BA in women’s studies from Mount Holyoke College and her JD, cum laude, from Pace University School of Law. She is a feminist activist and has presented on issues of reproductive justice, abortion support, and street harassment at several universities and conferences. Hernandez is a trained yoga teacher and practitioner and brings mindfulness into her equity practice. She enjoys performing and attending live music. A native of Northampton, she currently resides in Roslindale with her husband, daughter, and their cat Amethyst. The Registrar will advance the City's goals of record modernization and digitization and ease of access to public records. The Registrar will continue to develop consistent processes and practices for the department and ensure organizational compliance, while maintaining a customer focus. The Registrar is responsible for birth, marriage and death certificates. In 2022, 4,489 marriages were registered in Boston.   Chong started his career as a student volunteer and later as a parking analyst in his hometown of San Rafael, California. Born to immigrants, he has seen first hand how government services can improve the lives of people. Chong is a collaborative leader who believes that government is a powerful tool for good. He brings to the Registry a passion for building cohesive teams and strong institutions that work for employees and the public alike. Chong is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Northeastern University. He lives in West Roxbury with his wife and two children. In addition to new departmental leadership, Mayor Michelle Wu announced several new employee transit benefits, including the City of Boston’s MBTA Passport Program, free Bluebikes memberships, and an expanded fitness reimbursement to include active mobility expenses. Mayor Wu is focused on supporting the City workforce and making the City of Boston an employer of choice while building on her commitment to active and sustainable transportation. Inspired by specific asks organized by City of Boston employees, Mayor Wu launched the following employee programs: The City Of Boston’s MBTA Passport Program: Through the City of Boston’s MBTA Passport program, the City of Boston will pay for 65% of the monthly MBTA pass of an employee's choice (up to $232). The program received over 900 new sign ups since its launch.  Free Bluebikes Memberships: The City of Boston is now offering free annual Bluebikes passes to full-time, benefits-eligible City employees, and discounted memberships to part-time and non-benefits-eligible employees. Since the launch of the program in September, over 1,100 employees have signed up. Expanded Fitness Reimbursement To Include Active Mobility Expenses: The Mayor also announced that in partnership with City of Boston health partners, the City has expanded employees’ annual fitness reimbursement to include active mobility expenses including:  Vehicles: Purchase of active mobility vehicles including bikes, cargo bikes, and scooters  Equipment: Purchase of equipment for active mobility vehicle such as helmets, parts, and gear Maintenance: Payment to have active mobility vehicle equipment repaired or inspected  The City encourages residents to join the team and get involved in this work by visiting Boston.gov/jobs.

昆士市市長Tom Koch發表市情咨文 麻州長Maura Healey出席致意 (圖片)

 

東波士頓警察局啟用 市長吳弭、警察局長Cox聯袂剪綵

MAYOR WU, COMMISSIONER COX, AND CHIEF IRISH OPEN NEW EAST BOSTON POLICE STATION

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 31, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Chief of Operations Dion Irish, police officers, and community leaders for a ribbon cutting of the new District A-7 police station in East Boston. The new facility (which officially opened last week) on East Eagle Street represents a $29.9 million investment in East Boston’s public safety and community spaces, and was designed following several public meetings to hear the community’s opinions about the project, public safety, traffic, and accessibility. The new facility also includes stormwater management and more energy efficient systems. “An investment in our municipal buildings is an investment in our City workers and our residents. This new state of the art station provides the working environment our officers deserve and creates a more accessible experience for the local community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I want to thank our Public Facilities Department for seeing this project through and incorporating community input and sustainability into the design.” “This new District A-7 station is a win for our officers and for the East Boston Community,” said Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. “The former station was unsafe and outdated for far too long. The new A-7 is more strategically located and offers modern resources for our officers to better serve the diverse communities of East Boston. We are grateful to Mayor Wu, as well as the City’s operations and facilities teams, for making this a priority. This building brings with it new space for our officers to meet and connect with residents and the business community as we work to build trust and enhance our community policing efforts.” This new police station will be the first complete new district station in more than a decade. Its location is centrally located in East Boston. The new facility is safer and more code compliant than the old premise which contained antiquated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The officers gain a more efficient space for work and collaboration which provides adequate space for personnel, equipment, and security. The new A-7 facility helps conserve water and prioritizes the use of safer materials to lower exposure to toxins. The mechanical systems are all controlled by a building management system and the lighting is controlled by a lighting control system and occupancy sensors to manage energy use and increase efficiency.  “We broke ground on this project in October of 2019 to create a modern facility with enhanced community access, improved working conditions, and public art,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “This new station will improve dispatch response times, while providing a sustainable, resilient asset for the East Boston neighborhood and Boston Police Department.” The building is situated so that the public lobby and community room face the neighborhood with transparent facades and an accessible plaza facing the main intersection. It is entirely accessible to both the community and to staff with dedicated parking. To complement the construction of the new building, the City commissioned artist Monika Bravo to create a long-term public art project in the community room and main lobby of the building. The artwork, UNUS MUNDUS, consists of mosaics and hanging glass mobiles that mimic the original topography of East Boston, a place that was once five separate islands and now has been covered in landfill to create one neighborhood. Bravo referenced many historical and current images and maps of East Boston in creating the work, embedding some of them in the artwork itself. She also engaged community members and Boston Police officers in a series of workshops to learn more about the project and share their input and experiences.  “There has been much anticipation about the opening of the East Boston Police Station,” said City Councilor Gabriela Coletta. “I look forward to working in partnership with the community and BPD to continue building trust and ensure that the station is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for everyone in the community.” “I’m so proud of the work Mayor Michelle Wu, City Staff, and the Boston Police Department have done to bring a new police station to East Boston, the first new station in Boston in a decade,” said State Senator Lydia Edwards.  "I'm glad to see the new A-7 police station open in East Boston after many years of hard work and collaboration with the community," said State Representative Adrian Madaro. "The new facility will be a more modern, healthy, and centrally located facility for both the officers who work there and East Boston residents." This announcement builds off of Mayor Wu’s commitment to invest in City workers and infrastructure to ensure all residents and City workers can take advantage of state of the art facilities. Earlier this month, Mayor Wu announced $25 million for a new BCYF community center in the North End. Last year, Mayor Wu announced a Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools, a $2 billion plan to overhaul BPS facilities, including new construction and renovation projects, as well as district-wide upgrades.