白宮為亞裔提供支援 因應大規模暴力事件創傷

 FACT SHEET: Resources for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities in the Aftermath of Mass Violence

1.     HOME

2.     BRIEFING ROOM

3.     STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing assistance to survivors and families, and all those affected by mass violence, including in the aftermath of the shootings in Monterey Park, CA and Half Moon Bay, CA and to providing culturally appropriate resources to all those affected, including those in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities.

Caring for Survivors

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) funds VictimConnect Resource Center (VCRC), a weekday phone, chat, and text-based referral helpline operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime. Services are available for all victims of crime in the United States and its territories. Visitors to the hotline receive strength-based and trauma-informed services and referrals in over 200 languages.

·       Call or text directly at 1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) or chat online.

·       Support services are available 8:30a.m.–7:30p.m. ET.

·       1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)

The FBI Office for Victim Assistance utilizes the resources of their Victim Assistance Program and Victim Specialists to provide assistance to victims of crimes investigated by the FBI.  

·       Call 877-236-8947 for more information.

The CA Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) works to reduce the impact of crime on victims’ lives. CalVCB reimburses crime-related expenses, connect victims with services and support.

·       Online application forms for victims of mass violence in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. Forms are available in Chinese (Traditional and Mandarin) and in Spanish.

·       Call CalVCB’s Customer Service Line for assistance: 1-800-777-9229

The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) provides updated, customized information on their website for persons needing assistance in the aftermath of a mass violence incident. 

·       The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Helping Victims of Mass Violence and Terrorism: Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resources Toolkit can help communities respond to victims of mass violence and terrorism in the most timely, effective, and compassionate manner possible.

·       OVC’s Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) also features resources on Mass Violence and Terrorism.

·       The OVC-funded National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center is dedicated to improving community preparedness and the nation’s capacity to serve victims recovering from mass violence through research, planning, training, technology, and collaboration.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) coordinates the Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) which provides a wide range of resources, information, and guidance to communities affected by tragedy.  These technical assistance resources can support local leaders as they seek to address pressing needs and challenges.

·       For more information about the TRACIE program, call 1-844-587-2243.

Providing Mental Health Resources and Other Supports

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-funded Disaster Distress Helpline is a national helpline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This 24/7 toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to residents in the United States and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters, including incidents of mass violence.

·       Call or text the hotline at 800–985–5990.

·       Additional resources and guidance on how to address community needs after incidents of mass violence is also provided online through SAMHS.

This web page from the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (Incidents of Mass Violence) explains what incidents of mass violence are and signs of emotional distress that affected individuals and communities may experience. It provides information regarding those at risk for emotional distress, possible trigger events, and additional resources.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

·       Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

·       Text your zip code to: 435748 (HELP4U)

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

·       Call or text 988, or chat 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

·       TTY users may use their preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-800-273-8255.

·       Calling services in English and Spanish; Language Line Solutions in over 250 languages. Text and chat are currently available in English only.

SAMHSA also maintains several online Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment Locators for individuals looking to find a local provider:

·       Substance Use Treatment Locator

·       Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

·       Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator

The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers to provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible veterans, service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. They will also help connect community members who are not veterans to needed resources.

·       For more information and to locate a nearby Vet Center, visit: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

·       To call the national Vet Center Call Center, dial 877-927-8387.

This web page, (What to Expect in the Wake of Mass Violence), from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD provides information about mass violence events and the coping needs of affected individuals and communities. It highlights common reactions, explains immediate and long-term needs for those who experience mass violence, and includes strategies for managing ongoing distress.

Helping Students and Youth Cope with Trauma

The Department of Education is encouraging educators and families across the country to reference its report providing information and resources to promote mental health and social and emotional well-being among students among early childhood, K–12 schools, and higher education settings.

This publication from SAMHSA, (Tips for Young Adults: Coping With Mass Violence) explores the impact of mass violence on young adults (ages 18 to 26). It describes mass violence incidents and their common effects, suggests ways to cope, and identifies signs of the need for professional behavioral health support.

The SAMHSA-funded National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) coordinates with trauma-informed experts across the country to provide technical assistance, subject matter expertise, and onsite support in the wake of community-wide trauma.

·       This tip sheet, Coping after Mass Violence, provides information on common reactions to mass violence and lists strategies for coping. The resource explores emotional and behavioral reactions children and families may experience to encourage self-care techniques, including healthy habits and limiting of social media exposure

Securing Access to Nutritious Food

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers an array of programs aimed at securing access to nutritious food:

·       If you are seeking food assistance, please call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY to speak with a representative who will find food resources such as meal sites, food banks, and other social services available near your location. The Hotline operates from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET.

·       You can also text to the automated service at 914-342-7744 with a question that may contain a keyword such as “food”, “summer”, or “meals” to receive an automated response to resources located near an address and/or zip code.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food.

·       For any SNAP questions, you may call the SNAP Toll-free Information Number at 1-800-221-5689.

·       To apply for benefits or get information about SNAP, you must contact your local SNAP office. Each state has its own application form. If your state’s form is not on the web, you’ll need to contact your local SNAP office to request one. You can locate SNAP State Directory of Resources here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.

·       To apply to be a WIC participant, contact your local agency to set up an appointment: FNS Contacts | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides states, territories, and tribes with funds to operate programs designed to help families with lower incomes and children achieve economic self-sufficiency. The program provides monthly cash assistance payments to families with lower incomes and children, as well as a wide range of services.

·       Find more information regarding the TANF program, visit TANF | The Administration for Children and Families (acf.hhs.gov) Ø

·       Find information about your state’s TANF program, visit Help for Families | The Administration for Children and Families (acf.hhs.gov)

Supporting People with Disabilities, Older Adults and Caregivers

Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) provides information about community-based supports and services that people may be eligible for to live independently, go to school and work, and fully participate in all of life’s activities. DIAL’s staff are trained to work with people of various communications abilities and will spend as much time as needed to ensure effective communication. DIAL’s Information Specialists can assist people in all languages and are trained to work with callers who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.

·       Reach DIAL at (888) 677-1199, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET or

email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. The Eldercare Locator can provide information to help older adults and caregivers find transportation to medical appointments, make repairs or modifications to their homes, receive in-home assistance, get meals delivered to the home, and

more. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.

·       Reach out to Eldercare Locator, call 1 (800) 677-1116 or visit Eldercare Locator (acl.gov) to chat live.

Providing Access to Health Care

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based health care organizations that provide comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services for people who have lower incomes, who are uninsured, or face other obstacles to getting health care. FQHCs provide services regardless of patients’ ability to pay and charge for services on a sliding fee scale.

·       To find a health center near you, visit Find a Health Center (hrsa.gov)

·       While not part of the FQHCs, many state and local health (and public health) departments provide health care. To find a public health department near you, visit Directory of Local Health Departments – NACCHO

The following is a list of FQHCs that serve patient populations with a majority (>50%) of Asian American and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) patients, and offer culturally-accessible services, including language support:

·       Asian Americans for Community Involvement Of Santa Clara (San Jose, CA)

·       Asian Health Services, Inc. (Oakland, CA)

·       Asian Human Services Family Health Center, Inc. (Chicago, IL)

·       Asian Pacific Health Care Venture (Los Angeles, CA)

·       Asian Services in Action, Inc (Akron, OH)

·       Bay Area Community Health (Fremont, CA)

·       Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Inc. (New York, NY)

·       Chinatown Service Center (Los Angeles, CA)

·       Chuuk State Department of Health Services  (Chuuk, FM)

·       Community Medical Wellness Centers USA (Long Beach, CA)

·       Department of Health Pago (Pago, AS)

·       Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA)

·       Guam Department of Public Health (Hagatna, GU)

·       Hana Community Health Center, Inc. (Hana, HI)

·       Healthpoint (Renton, WA)

·       Herald Christian Health Center (San Gabriel, CA)

·       Ho’ola Lahui Hawai’i  (Lihue, HI)

·       International Community Health Services (Seattle, WA)

·       Kagman Community Health Center E, Inc (Saipan, MP)

·       Kalihi-Palama Health Center (Honolulu, HI)

·       Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services (Honolulu, HI)

·       Korean Health, Education, Information And Research Center (Los Angeles, CA)

·       Kosrae Community Health Center (Kosrae, FM)

·       Ministry of Health and Environment (Ebeye, MH)

·       Nhan Hoa Comprehensive Health Care Clinic, Inc. (Garden Grove, CA)

·       North East Medical Services (San Francisco, CA)

·       Operation Samahan, Inc. (National City, CA)

·       Pohnpei Community Health Center (Pohnpei, FM)

·       Republic of Palau Bureau of Health Services (Palau, PW)

·       Sea-Mar Community Health Center (Seattle, WA)

·       South Cove Community Health Center, Inc. (Boston, MA)

·       Southland Integrated Services, Inc. (Santa Ana, CA)

·       Sunset Park Health Council, Inc (Brooklyn, NY)

·       Wa’ab CHC / Yap State Dept of Health Services (Yap, FM)

·       Waianae District Comp Health & Hospital Board, Inc. (Waianae, HI)

·       Waimanalo Health Center (Waimanalo, HI)

Preventing Hate Crimes

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is dedicated to preventing and fighting hate crimes. DOJ works to prevent hate crimes by supporting community education and dialogue, and providing support, technical assistance, and funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and service providers. When hate crimes do happen, DOJ can investigate and prosecute, and can also support victims and their families.

·       Find out more below about how DOJ prevents and fights hate crimes, and can support you. Support From DOJ (justice.gov)

To report a hate crime:

If you believe you are the victim of a hate crime or believe you witnessed a hate crime:

·       STEP 1: Report the crime to your local police.

·       STEP 2: Quickly follow up this report with a tip to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). FBI – Tips (Field Offices — FBI)

·       For emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to get immediate help

Immigration relief for certain victims of crimes

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

·       Find more information at Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status | USCIS

Preventing Targeted Violence

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and The National Counterterrorism Center offer resources to help prevent targeted violence and keep individuals and institutions safe. Here are a few of those resources:

·       DHS field contacts: 

o   Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

o   Protective Security Advisors | CISA

o   Regional Coordinators of the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships

·       Resources to help with facility assessment and organizational readiness: 

o   Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment | CISA

o   CISA Tabletop Exercise Package Fact Sheet: Faith-Based Organizations (cisa.gov)

·       Resources to help with personal readiness and preparedness: 

o   Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces | Ready.gov

o   You Are the Help Until Help Arrives (fema.gov)

·       DHS/Federal Emergency Management Administration grant programs to address security and prevention: 

o   Nonprofit Security Grant Program | FEMA.gov

o   Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

·       Connecting with Homeland Security Information Network Portal and resources from The National Counterterrorism Center:

o   How to Join HSIN | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

o   Office of Intelligence and Analysis | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

o   Accessing the aCTknowledge app

Additional Resources for States and Communities

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services has also enabled Medicaid coverage for qualifying community-based mobile crisis services in the state, and is conducting outreach and providing technical assistance to those wishing to apply.

·       For more information about Medicaid call 877-267-2323. 

The Department of Commerce is offering grants and cooperative agreements to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies and projects that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.

The Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools has established the Readiness and Emergency Management for School (REMS) Center to perform two critical functions: build the preparedness capacity (including prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts) of schools, school districts, IHEs, and their community partners at the local, state, and Federal levels; and serve as the primary source of information for schools, school districts, and IHEs for emergencies. 

·       The following resources are available through the REMS Center: Recovery from an Emergency Incident; Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Needs; Becoming Trauma Informed: Taking the First Step to Becoming a Trauma-Informed School; and a Managing Donations and Volunteers Fact Sheet. 

The National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE), funded by the Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, offers information and technical assistance to states, districts, schools, IHEs, and communities focused on improving school climate and conditions for learning.  

NCSSLE resources include: Response and Resiliency; After a School Tragedy…Readiness, Response, Recovery, & Resources; Coping with Crisis: Helping Children with Special Needs; and a resource on emotional safety at school: https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/topic-research/safety/emotional-safety.  

融和聚變能源未來10年將商業化 美能源部長Granholm抵波士頓為CFS剪綵

政要為CFS新廠房剪綵。左起麻州房屋及經濟長郝伊平 (Yvonne Hao) ，聯邦參議員Ed
 Markey，能源部長Jennifer Granholm，聯邦眾議員Lori Trahan，聯邦參議員Elizabeth
Warren, CFS 執行長Bob Mumgaard，以及麻州副州長Kim Driscoll (右一)。(周菊子設)

          (Boston Orange 麻州Denvens報導) 美國能源部部長Jennifer Granholm和聯邦及州府政要10日早上聯袂趕到麻州Denvens，為麻州融合系統 (Commonwealth Fusion Systems) 的新廠房啟用剪綵，慶祝這號稱世界上第一個可商業化的融合電廠，會在未來10年內進入市場。

美國能源部部長Jennifer Granholm為融和聚變能源將商業化感到興奮。 (周菊子攝)

                 美國能源部部長Jennifer Granholm說，全世界大約30個融合能源公司，有三分之二在美國，但是10日在Devens市啟用新廠房的麻州融合系統 (CFS) ，是其中走得最遠的。她說，人類研發融合聚變能源已逾60年，商業化應用一直是個夢想，如今由麻省理工學院等離子體科學與聚變中心 (Plasma Science and Fusion Center)於2018年分出來成立的「麻州融合系統」，即將把實驗室中的概念，變成現實，太讓人興奮了。

嘉賓出席CFS新廠房剪裁儀式。 (周菊子攝)

           麻州融合能源的這新總部，佔地將近50畝，內含先進製造廠，以及SPARC場，也正在蓋世界上第一個可商業化生產融合電力等能源的電力廠。

           在剪綵現場的該公司員工透露，除了電力廠之外，該公司還在針對地方市鎮，研發可發電400兆瓦的小型融合系統，從環保、節能角度來協助社會。

麻州大學羅爾分校校長陳理珠 (Julie Chen) 。 (周菊子攝)

           麻州融合系統 (CFS) 是用磁約束綁住原子來作融合聚變，產生更重原子的清潔能源科技，用的是和供能源給太陽、星星一樣的核反應。一直都被人們認為是潛在的安全，豐富，零碳電力來源。

           2021年時，麻州融合系統和麻省理工學院成功的展示了20特斯拉高溫超導磁體。麻州融合系統執行長Bob Mumgaard表示，該公司的使命是把已經被證明了的科學，藉由磁鐵等新科技，變成一個全新的聚變力產業。

           麻州融合系統希望在2025年建成小型融合電廠，並在2030年能夠生產電力，輸入電網。

CFS的融和能源電廠。

          代表麻州的聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren和Ed Markey，聯邦眾議員Lori Trahan，麻州副州長Kim Driscoll，麻州房屋及經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平 (Yvonne   Hao) ，這天都應邀出席，為融合能源科技的即將投入市場，感到高興。

           Elizabeth Warren 和Ed Markey都提到「縮減通膨法 (Inflation Reduction Act) 」，並指出有2億8000萬元是撥給能源部建融和聚變能源廠房的。

波士頓市長的行政及財務主任涉嫌為獄囚購買毒品洗錢

                 (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓市長的行政及財務主任涉嫌參與把合成藥物送進麻州監獄的洗錢行動，10日 (週五) 被米斗塞 (Middlesex) 高等法院傳訊，波士頓市政府稱已安排她留職停薪的休假。

圖片來自波士頓市府網站。

                        Freda Brasfield在波士頓市長辦公室工作多年，歷經數任市長，目前是吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 市長麾下的財務主任。她10日在屋本市 (Woburn) 高等法院面對洗錢、共謀罪指控時，辯稱無罪。

               現年55歲，住在海德公園 (Hyde Park) 的Freda Brasfield，以個人擔保方式獲釋，預定3月1日再回法院應訊。

             根據法院記錄，麻州警察和獄政部門 (Department of Correction)合作，調查偷運俗稱 K2和香料 (spice)的合成大麻進安全及別較低的監獄 (MCI-Shirley)時，12月15日在薩福克郡 (Suffolk) 舉行的全州大陪審團會議中，決定了起訴Freda Brasfield，以及其他9人。

波士頓市府就該案發表的回應聲明。 

             一名波士頓市政府發言人表示，市府人員知道此事後，已於週五安排目前是吳弭市長行政及財務主任的Freda Brasfield留職停薪。

             市府發言人在週五晚發出的一份聲明中表示，”市府週四) 週四) 才知道這一指控，在法院辦案期間，或在有進一步資訊錢，市府今日安排Brasfield女士放無薪行政假”。

             波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn拒絕就此事發表意見。

            波士頓前鋒報指出，Freda Brasfield是市長的行政及財務主任，年薪13萬222元。這職位和波士頓市政府的行政及財務內閣，或財政長不同。Freda Brasfield的工作，只限於市長辦公室的行政事務，和市政府的財政預算等工作沒有關係。

             Brasfield的律師，David E. Meier形容他的客戶是一名有信譽，又勤奮的公僕，在社區中深受重視。幾十年來無私的支持有需要的人。Meier說，” 她被起訴是個錯誤，這案件的事實會說出真相” 。

             麻州總檢察官辦公室確認了這一控罪，但以這案件仍在調查中為理由，拒絕發表意見。

             檢察官說，Brasfield被控使用電子轉帳的現金應用程式，來金援這非法銷售毒品。

             檢察官說，起初是監獄的獄政廳調查小組聽到關於偷運通常稱為K2或香料的毒品進監獄的可疑電話錄音，接著調查人員注意到有包括31歲的Keenan Brasfield在內的幾名在監男子，會經由獄外的親戚，或是男女朋友，找一名前獄囚購買並遞送合成大麻。這名前獄囚也被起訴了。

             控罪文件並未說明Freda Brasfield和同案被控4項罪名的Keenan Brasfield，有什麼樣的家庭關係。

             法院文件稱，合成大麻在麻州監獄已經變成一個普遍存在的問題。這毒品是以液體形式噴在紙張上，使用者點燃吸菸，有可能造成精神病、暴力行為，以及其他問題。

             檢察官稱，1月27日時，調查人員沒收了含有大麻的紙張。據稱這些大麻紙是Freda Brasfield和其他被告，在Keenan Brasfield的指示下，透過網銀應用程式安排了付款。

             波士頓環球報稱，Freda Brasfield在1990年代進波士頓市府當建築監工，巡視工地，以確保他們遵照市府規定，聘用波士頓居民、婦女，有色人種。其後她當了11年的麥特潘 (Mattapan) 和多徹斯特 (Dorchester) 區的鄰里服務聯絡員。在馬丁華殊 (Martin J. Walsh)政府任內，她擔任經濟發展內閣的幕僚長，以及波士頓市首個多元長的副手。 (更新版)

AG’S OFFICE CITES GEORGIA-BASED LIFEGUARD SERVICES COMPANY FOR LABOR VIOLATIONS, SECURES $70,000 IN RESTITUTION FOR WORKERS

AG’S OFFICE CITES GEORGIA-BASED LIFEGUARD SERVICES COMPANY FOR LABOR VIOLATIONS, SECURES $70,000 IN RESTITUTION FOR WORKERS  

Company Intentionally Misclassified Employees as Independent Contractors and Violated Other Wage and Hour Laws 

 

BOSTON – Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced today that her office has issued eight citations, totaling nearly $70,000 in restitution and penalties, against USA Management, LLC, a Georgia-based company which provides pool repair and lifeguard services to clients in Massachusetts and across the country.  

 

The company, USA Management, was cited for failure to furnish true and accurate payroll records, failure to make timely payment of wages, the intentional misclassification of employees as independent contractors, failing to provide employees a meal break after six hours of work, failure to obtain a work permit for minor employees, not permitting employees to utilize earned sick leave and failure to furnish a suitable pay slip.   

 

“Workers in Massachusetts are entitled to fair wages and treatment from their employers under our state labor laws,” AG Campbell said. “As we push for greater economic mobility for our residents, my office will continue to protect workers from exploitative workplace practices and violations of wage and hour laws.” 

 

In July 2021, the AG’s Fair Labor Division received complaints alleging that USA Management had failed to pay wages to several employees working as lifeguards in Worcester, Massachusetts. The investigation revealed that several employees from Worcester were illegally hired as independent contractors, did not receive earned sick leave, did not receive paystubs, were denied the ability to take meal breaks when working six or more hours and were unpaid for hours worked. It is believed that even more employees have been affected by the alleged actions of USA Management.  

 

In January 2023, the state’s minimum wage increased to $15 per hour. Under Massachusetts state law, all workers are presumed to be employees, unless employers can demonstrate that the work is done without the direction and control of the employer, is performed outside the usual course of the employer’s business and is performed by someone who has their own independent trade or business. Most workers in Massachusetts have the right to earn and use up to 40 hours of job-protected sick time per year to take care of themselves and certain family members.   

 

In her inaugural address last month, AG Campbell announced her commitment to building economic prosperity for Massachusetts residents by combatting wage theft.   

 

Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace are encouraged to file a complaint at www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor. For information about the state’s wage and hour laws, workers may call the AG’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465 or go to Workplace Rights website for materials in 12 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Chinese. 

 

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Amy Goyer and Investigator Cindy Molina, from the AG’s Fair Labor Division.  

劉珒音樂獨奏會 觀眾數度起立鼓掌

中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵 (右) 很高興鋼琴家劉珒那麼受歡迎。 (周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange) 中華表演藝術基金會上週六2月4日在紐英崙音樂學院喬頓廳 (Jordan Hall) 舉行劉珒 (Kate Liu) 鋼琴獨奏會。400多觀眾不畏波士頓當晚驟降至華氏零下的氣溫，趕到會場，盛讚劉珒演出水平，數度起立致意，掌聲久久不歇。

劉珒當晚演奏了蕭邦的夜曲、華爾茲、瑪祖卡、敘事曲等，及普羅科菲耶夫(Prokofiev)降B大調第八鋼琴奏鳴曲等樂章。

波士頓音樂情報(The Boston Musical Intelligencer) 樂評 ，目前住在波士頓的指揮家Julian Gau以『蕭邦和普羅科菲耶夫的微妙之處 (Exquisite Subtleties in Chopin and Prokofiev)”

劉珒有許多年輕粉絲送花。
(主辦單位提供)

為標題，深入評談了劉珒當晚每一首曲目的演奏情況。

Julian Gau說， “從最柔和、最親密的耳語到最大膽的吶喊，劉珒以她敏感、熱情的演奏，深深吸引了週六這晚坐在喬丹廳裏的觀眾。劉珒對蕭邦的小品表現出了非凡的奉獻和關懷。音樂從低語變成洪流，激情的浪潮洶湧澎湃。幾乎就像我們在偷聽一些極其親密的事情。讓觀眾全神貫注。她在舞台上的每一時刻,都貫穿於每一個音符和每一個沉默之間。她的存在，她的專注，她的誠實,五顏六色在空中升起，邀請觀眾傾聽她的音樂思想。讓我們進入劉珒的廣闊、淒美、感人的音樂世界。

當晚演奏結束後，許多觀眾擠往後台，排成長隊的等著向劉珒致意。有年輕男粉絲見到劉珒十，興奮的說，他邀了一幫朋友一起來聽音樂會。一名韓裔著名音樂家也特地排隊，和他早已認識的劉珒寒暄。排隊群眾中還有5人自成一群的音樂界人士，盛讚劉珒的演奏之餘，當場向劉珒發出演奏邀約。

劉珒畢業於柯蒂斯(Curtis)音樂學院，獲有茱莉雅(Juilliard)音樂學院最高學位的藝術家文憑(Artistic Diploma) ，2015年贏得國際蕭邦大賽銅獎之外，還獲得波蘭廣播電台特別獎，以及觀眾投票選出的最佳馬祖卡Mazurka舞曲特別獎。她的首張蕭邦作品專輯， 2016 年由蕭邦學院 (Chopin Institute)發行。

中華表演藝術基金會稱，已獲得過無數次比賽第一名，各種榮譽，曾在世界各地重要音樂廳演出。與世界頂級交響樂團及指揮合作，每次都佳評如潮的劉珒，一定會在樂壇上繼續發光發熱。

觀眾起立鼓掌，劉珒謝幕。(主辦單位提供)

2021年3月20日，劉珒曾在波士顿伊莎貝拉博物館(Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum) 的Calderwood 音樂廳，為中華表演藝術基金會舉辦的音樂會獨奏演出。由於那時新冠病毒疫情仍猛，只有10人獲准進入現場。但音樂會的全程錄影放上YouTube後，一天就有逾千次觀賞記錄，累計至今，已超過三萬二千次。(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcG2yUjWG3I&t=1900s)

2月4日的劉珒音樂會錄影，將上傳Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDuiQiOzZI_M7iDNXWXEDA/videos，供大眾免費欣賞。中華表演基金會的Instagram帳號是: @ cathychanfcpa。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces 2023 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program Awards

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces 2023 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program Awards 

50,000 employees from 177 municipalities and public school districts will receive cybersecurity awareness training to better detect and avoid cyber threats 

  

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the 2023 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program award recipients. Administered by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security and its Office of Municipal and School Technology, this program will provide over 50,000 employees from 177 municipalities and public school districts across the Commonwealth with critical cybersecurity training to better detect and avoid cyber threats. 

  

The 2023 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program, which is funded by $250,000 in capital IT authorizations from the 2022 General Governmental Bond Bill, is designed to support local government efforts to improve overall cybersecurity posture through comprehensive online end-user training, evaluation and threat simulation. Awarded communities will receive licenses for end-user training, assessment and phishing simulation procured by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. Demonstrated buy-in from the Chief Executive in the community is a requirement of all program participants. 

   

“Our administration is committed to providing communities across Massachusetts with the resources they need to defend their technology against potential cyber threats,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are thrilled to see municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth prioritize cybersecurity by providing this vital training to their employees. Our administration will continue to advocate for resources to further support our partners in municipal government to meet the needs of the constituents they serve.”

“Building good cybersecurity habits doesn’t require a technical background and is important for all employees in the digital era,” said Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll. “The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program is an important resource for the Commonwealth’s municipalities, is provided at no cost, and is crafted to fit into the hectic and busy schedules that municipal officials, teachers, and administrative staff have.” 

  

“This grant program is a critical component to ensuring that our local government technology is resilient, secure, and remains accessible to the constituents we serve,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder. “Municipal officials from across the Commonwealth are demonstrating their leadership on cybersecurity by participating in this important program and I thank them for their partnership in this initiative.” 

 

Program participants begin their training with an initial cyber strength assessment to measure baseline cybersecurity awareness. Following the assessments, periodic assessments consisting of training modules and simulated phishing email campaigns help participants build good cyber hygiene habits to increase their awareness of deceptive techniques used by bad actors to gain unauthorized access to government systems. At the end of the program, participants complete a final cyber strength assessment to measure their progress. 

 

The Commonwealth offers the training program free of cost to organizations, who are further supported with quarterly threat briefings and weekly newsletters with cybersecurity best practices and program updates provided by the Office of Municipal and School Technology. Municipal information technology officials also receive a monthly summary progress reports that detail the number of employees that inadvertently clicked on malicious links contained in the simulated phishing emails, offering important visibility on the threat landscape. 

 

In addition to the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program, The Healey-Driscoll Administration offers a number of other programs to further support municipal officials in their cybersecurity and information technology modernization efforts, including the Free Cybersecurity Health Check Program, the Community Compact IT Grant Program, and the Municipal Fiber Grant Program. 

 

Municipal leaders are receiving additional support in their efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of their respective organizations with the arrival of the first of its kind State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021, the $1 billion grant program will provide much needed funding to states to enhance municipal cybersecurity capabilities to defend against the increasing threat of cyber attacks that attempt to disrupt critical government service operations. 

  

To see the full list of awardees, click here. 

Lydia Edwards、Mike Connolly 推動成立「居者有其屋核心小組」

麻州參議員Lydai Edwards。(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州議會在參議員Lydia Edwards和眾議員Mike Connolly推動下，由61名議員成立「居者有其屋核心小組 (Housing for All   Caucus) 」，並於7日舉行了首次會議。

將以防止流離失所，保護租客，支持首次購屋者，興建可負擔住宅，改革區域規劃，增加稅收以支持地方可負擔性，反對歧視，保護民權等，為制定政策的優先方向。

眾議員Mike Connolly表示，在近代歷史中，麻州對可負擔住宅的需求，從來沒有這麼迫切過。因此這一議題需要所有議員們攜手努力。

參議員Lydia Edwards則指出，她幾乎每天都能聽到轄區內傳出有家庭面對逼遷危機，或租金上漲，可能沒地方住了的消息。她決心要動用所有可以動用的資源來解決住屋問題，為有需要的家庭送上紓解方案，和各方合作，找出一個真正的居者有其屋辦法。

該小組的成立目的是在議會成員間建立共識，和麻州住宅及社區發展廳廳長 (DHCD Secretary)合作，以解決有關住房危機的所有層面問題。 

Senator Lydia Edwards & Representative Mike Connolly launch Housing for All Caucus

(BOSTON – 02/07/2023) Senator Lydia Edwards and Representative Mike Connolly, joined by 60 of their colleagues, launched the Housing for All caucus in the Massachusetts Legislature. At the inaugural meeting, legislators presented their priority housing policy ideas for the current legislative session on a myriad of topics including: homelessness prevention, tenant protections, support for first-time homebuyers, affordable housing production, zoning reform, revenue to support local affordability, anti-discrimination, and civil rights. 

“I am proud to launch the Housing for All caucus with Senator Lydia Edwards and so many of our legislative colleagues,” Representative Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge) said. “Today’s affordable housing emergency is without any precedent in modern history, so it requires all of us to come together to seek consensus on comprehensive solutions that can address each aspect of this ongoing crisis.”  

“I’m thankful to be joined by Representative Mike Connolly and many of my colleagues from the legislature in this work,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston). “Every day I hear from families in my district who are facing eviction, rent increases, and housing instability. I am committed to using every tool available to address the housing crisis, deliver immediate relief to families in need, and to work collaboratively to create a system that makes housing truly affordable for all.”

The purpose of the caucus is to build consensus for policies addressing all aspects of the housing crisis. Initial areas of interest include: advancing the vision of Housing as a Human Right, working to end housing discrimination in all its forms, building support for local affordable housing policies and programs, and working with DHCD Secretary and the future Secretary of Housing to improve systems currently in place. The caucus will achieve these aims by supporting legislation, advancing budget priorities, expanding the knowledge base of members, staff, and the public, and by building collaborative relationships with the administration, legislative leadership, local housing authorities and affordable housing developers, and other key community stakeholders.