波士頓市長吳弭宣佈能源新策略 將要求新建築最大化能源效率

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BOSTON  These measures expand upon the Wu administration’s commitment to a just energy transition and a Green New Deal for Boston

 

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈能源新政策。(臉舒截圖) BOSTON - Thursday, March 16, 2023 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu visited the Brian Honan Apartments in Allston-Brighton to announce the City’s intention to adopt a new, green building code that will strengthen energy efficiency requirements for new construction in Boston. To achieve this, Mayor Wu will file an ordinance with the Boston City Council to adopt the State Department of Energy Resources’ Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code, a transformative green update that will further reduce climate-polluting emissions in buildings in municipalities that have adopted the code across the state. Additionally, Mayor Wu announced the new Large Building Green Energy Retrofits Program administered by the Mayor’s Office of Housing, a grant program supported by $10 million of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to be used to foster energy performance improvements for affordable housing developments. This program will significantly reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of Boston’s existing affordable housing. Together, these efforts will further the City’s work to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, transition away from fossil fuels, and support the City’s carbon neutrality goals.   "Building a Green New Deal city means improving on our existing infrastructure as well as investing in future resilient development," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "This new green building code will help ensure that we set the foundation for healthy, resilient growth throughout our neighborhoods.”  “Our focus is taking decisive action now to support our climate, advance justice and bolster livability throughout the City of Boston for all of our residents. To advance Boston's Green New Deal, we are tackling building decarbonization from all different angles, using all of the tools at our disposal,” said Green New Deal Director Oliver Sellers-Garcia. “By both adapting existing buildings and setting new energy standards for new buildings, we are taking an all of government approach to reducing emissions in more buildings to ensure our climate’s health and our city’s quality of life.”  Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code  The Specialized Stretch Code was created along with an updated Stretch Energy Code in December 2022. The stretch energy code applies to nearly 300 Green Communities in Massachusetts, including Boston, and sets energy efficiency requirements for new construction and major renovations. The new, updated Stretch Energy code requires energy conservation measures to reduce heating and cooling demand. It creates a strong standard to ensure buildings are more resilient to power outages while enabling efficiency, electrification, and affordability.   In Boston, 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from the building sector. The impacts of these emissions contribute to global climate change and local air pollution that disproportionately impacts low-income residents and communities of color in Boston. The updated energy code will deliver the long-term benefits of improved air quality, lower energy costs, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced thermal comfort to residents. Research shows there is little-to-no cost increase for building efficient and fossil fuel-free multifamily housing.   “The adoption of the state’s Specialized Stretch Energy Code is an important part of Boston’s work to decarbonize our buildings and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “I’m grateful to be a part of a Green New Deal City where we prioritize affordable housing in our decarbonization work.”   The specialized code expands upon the current policy by requiring mixed-fuel buildings, or those using fossil fuels, to add wiring for future conversion to electrification and to install solar. The specialized code will result in most new buildings adhering to a highly efficient, all-electric standard. The specialized code includes three pathways to comply, including:  ·     Zero Energy: All stretch code efficiency requirements are to be met, and on-site renewable energy generation is equal to or greater than the building’s annual energy use. Any fossil fuel use must be pre-wired for electrification. ·     All-Electric: This pathway requires all stretch code efficiency requirements to be met and for the property to utilize no fossil fuels, except for backup generators, on-site vehicles, or outdoor equipment fueling.  ·     Mixed-fuel: Gas or fossil fuels are allowed if all stretch code efficiency requirements are met and the building is pre-wired for electrification. On-site solar must also be added to the property where feasible. New homes over 4,000 sq. ft. cannot use this option. ·     If approved by the City Council all multifamily housing over 12,000 sq. ft. must achieve Passive House certification in addition to meeting one of the above pathways beginning in January 2024.   “Requiring new construction and major renovations to maximize energy efficiency will get us closer to electrifying affordably and make our buildings more resilient,” said Councilor Kendra Lara, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks. “This is a critical step in meeting our decarbonization goals and protecting our most vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.”  The specialized code is a critical foundation for other City building decarbonization policies by requiring new construction and buildings undergoing major renovations to be as efficient as possible. The City is already leading by example in its construction initiatives, adopting a fossil fuel-free standard for new municipal buildings and holding City-funded affordable housing developments to a zero emissions standard. The City is also continuing community engagement around regulations development for the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which requires existing mid- to large-sized buildings to reduce their emissions gradually to net-zero by 2050. Additionally, last summer Mayor Wu filed legislation to give Boston the local option to set building standards eliminating the use of fossil fuels for new developments and major renovations in Boston with the goal of participating in a 10-municipality pilot program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.  Affordable housing green retrofits  While adopting the new greener specialized code creates a strong baseline for new buildings to be energy efficient, the City of Boston is also being intentional about supporting existing properties to bolster energy efficiency through retrofits. To support this work, Mayor Wu announced the Mayor’s Office of Housing’s new Large Building Green Energy Retrofits Program that will provide up to $50,000 per unit for deep energy retrofits for income-restricted buildings with 15 or more units in Boston. In coordination with the launch of this program, the Mayor’s Office of Housing is also offering up to $10,000 in technical assistance grants to support building owners in learning about their building’s energy use, and laying out a roadmap to achieving a deep energy retrofit of their building and BERDO compliance. More information about technical assistance grants can be found here.  Residential buildings are responsible for approximately 50% of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in Boston, and improving their energy efficiency can help to reduce these emissions and mitigate climate change. Energy-efficient buildings help to lower energy costs for tenants and affordable housing operators, improve indoor air quality, and create more comfortable and healthy living environments for Boston residents.   "The new Large Building Green Energy Retrofits Program is a comprehensive effort to improve the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of existing affordable housing in the City of Boston,” said Chief of Housing, Sheila Dillon. “By investing in green energy retrofits in income-restricted housing, we are creating a more sustainable and resilient city. The changes this program will fund will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to a cleaner, healthier city and will advance Boston's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”  There are a variety of green energy retrofits possible for income-restricted housing developments in Boston, accounting for the building's age, condition, and usage. Standard retrofitting measures include: ·     Installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances ·     Upgrading insulation and weatherization to prevent heat loss ·     Replacing outdated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with more efficient models ·     Installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources ·     Upgrading windows and doors to be more energy-efficient  “We cannot have a green Boston without greening our existing large buildings, and we especially need healthy, energy-efficient housing for our affordable housing residents,” said Councilor Kenzie Bok, Chair of the Committee on Boston’s Covid-19 Recovery. “I am proud that the Council and the Mayor were able to dedicate this $10 million in federal recovery funds to improving energy performance in affordable housing specifically. With these funds, we will put our low-income residents at the front of the green revolution and create a blueprint for affordable green retrofits that we then hope to use as a model citywide.”  “I am delighted that a much needed infusion of cash will protect the infrastructure and reduce energy consumption in the Brian Honan Apartments,” said Councilor Liz Breadon. “Residents in my district and throughout Boston are calling for improved air quality and innovative solutions to climate change. My thanks to the Wu administration and my Council colleagues who persistently advocate for healthy affordable housing in our city.”  “Allston Brighton CDC is pleased to be an early recipient of the Large Building Green Energy Retrofits Program to help us preserve and enhance the Brian J. Honan Apartments in Allston. Our team has committed to pursuing green technologies at our properties to not only reduce the environmental impact of development but to create healthy and safe housing for our residents,” said John Woods, Executive Director of the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation. “We would like to thank Mayor Wu and The City Of Boston for making these new and important resources available, which will ensure that deeply affordable housing can provide high-quality homes to residents for generations to come.”  “Today’s announcement marks an important step in demonstrating Boston’s climate leadership. We need to get Boston’s buildings off of fossil fuels to meet our climate goals and mitigate the extreme impacts of climate pollution that disproportionately impact environmental justice communities. Electric buildings are cost effective to construct, reduce energy costs when paired with efficiency measures, and provide cleaner indoor and outdoor air, improving public health and community resilience," said Michele Brooks, Boston Lead Organizer with the Massachusetts Sierra Club. "As we move to electrify our buildings, it’s necessary that we provide resources to support affordable housing developments in making these efficiency upgrades. We are pleased to celebrate the city in the announcement of $10 million dedicated towards green energy retrofits."  The Large Building Green Energy Retrofits Program is part of a larger $20 million initiative to embed deep energy retrofits in Boston’s existing building stock. Over the coming months, the City will be building upon this work with a retrofit program for smaller residential buildings as well as a program specific to retrofitting the Boston Housing Authority. The adoption of the specialized code, in conjunction with retrofitting affordable housing to ensure maximized efficiency, supports a Green New Deal approach to achieve Boston's environmental and economic justice goals. By ensuring new and existing buildings are built as efficiently as possible, the City of Boston will be able to mitigate emissions from the building sector, bolstering housing affordability, and supporting the City's goals to be carbon neutral by 2050.

麻州政府宣佈增加9個大學先修班

 The Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Nine New Early College Programs Across the Commonwealth

New Programs Include First Early College Partnerships with UMass
Total Number of High Schools with Early College Now Nearly 60
 

BOSTON –– Yesterday afternoon, the Early College Joint Committee under the Healey-Driscoll administration unanimously voted to expand the Massachusetts Early College program, adding nine additional Early College partnerships and increasing the number of participating high schools to nearly 60 high schools across the Commonwealth. Among the new programs are three partnerships with Boston Public Schools and UMass Boston, the first Early College programs with UMass. The additional Early College programs also scale up partnerships in Gateway Communities as well as in rural communities. 

With these additional programs, nearly 7,800 Massachusetts students are projected to be enrolled in Early College programs by the upcoming school year. Following the Joint Committee’s vote, there are now 48 designated Early College program partnerships across 58 high schools and 27 higher education institutions across the Commonwealth. Over 70% of the programs will now be in high schools within Gateway cities or Boston, and all are reaching students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. 

The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to continuing to expand the Early College program and other workforce and higher education pathways that ensure Massachusetts students have the opportunities they deserve when they graduate high school. Governor Maura Healey’s and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll’s FY24 budget proposal includes nearly $47 million for Early College and Innovation Pathways, a $14.4 million increase from FY23. 

“I am thrilled to see our Early College program expanding to nearly 60 high schools in the Commonwealth. Early College gives students, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, the option to try out college courses at no cost—creating a more competitive and equitable Massachusetts as more of those students continue their higher education,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why our FY24 budget proposal makes targeted investments to expand pathways to success and build our skilled workforce, including increases to Early College.” 

“As the Mayor of Salem, I saw firsthand the invaluable advantage for students participating in Early College programs and the benefits the programs could bring to partnership universities like Salem State. These nine new Early College programs are a win for the high schools and their students and families, the higher education institutions, and the future workforce in these communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Governor Healey and I have proposed funding increases to opportunities like Early College, Innovation Pathways, and even apprenticeships, because every student, no matter their zip code, deserves access to a successful future.” 

“It is wonderful to see nine new Early College programs established for students across Massachusetts. In my previous role as Superintendent in Lynn, I oversaw the creation of the Commonwealth’s second largest Early College program, because Early College programs can make all the difference in the futures of our students,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “Early career pathways, like those provided by Early College and Innovation Pathways programs, are how we start to reimagine and transform high school — empowering students with opportunities for success.” 

“UMass is excited to receive our first official Early College designation from the Healey-Driscoll administration,” said UMASS President Marty Meehan. “With our colleagues at UMass Boston, we look forward to working with our partner high schools to open these brand new Early College programs and create new higher education opportunities for their students.” 

The Massachusetts Early College program gives students the opportunity to take college courses and earn credits at no cost before they graduate high school. Early College allows students to get a head start on their higher education and contributes to significantly higher college enrollment and completion rates, particularly for low-income, minority and first-generation college students. In 2019, approximately 76 percent of Early College students enrolled in college after graduation compared to 55 percent of their peers who did not participate in Early College. Data shows that the benefits from Early College make the biggest difference for students who are English learners, but those benefits are still significant for students of color and students from lower economic backgrounds. 

In addition to the three new programs announced with UMass Boston, The University of Massachusetts system is currently piloting the Commonwealth Collegiate Academy early college program with eight partner high schools, UMass Lowell, and UMass Dartmouth. The initiative is funded by a state incubator grant. 

The Early College Joint Committee is charged with designing, developing and coordinating the administration of Massachusetts’ statewide Early College program. The members of the Joint Committee include Secretary Tutwiler, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey C. Riley, Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Chair Katherine Craven, Board of Higher Education (BHE) Chair Chris Gabrieli, BESE member Matt Hills, and BHE member Paul Toner.  

The Nine New Early College Designations Include: 

• Athol High School (Athol Royalston Regional School District) and Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University  
• Boston Community Leadership Academy (Boston Public Schools) and University of Massachusetts Boston  
• Brighton High School (Boston Public Schools) and Bunker Hill Community College  
• Drury High School (North Adams Public Schools) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts  
• Fenway High School (Boston Public Schools) and University of Massachusetts Boston 
• Malden High School (Malden Public Schools) and Bunker Hill Community College  
• New Mission High School (Boston Public Schools) and University of Massachusetts Boston  
• Revere High School (Revere Public Schools) and North Shore Community College  

Veritas Prep Charter School and Springfield Technical Community College and Worcester State University 

波士頓市撥款1870萬元 青少年暑期工作機會增至7000

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF 2023 CITY OF BOSTON SUCCESSLINK SUMMER YOUTH JOBS PROGRAM  7,000 summer jobs available for Boston youth, applications are now available

 

BOSTON - Thursday, March 16, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO) today announced the expansion of the SuccessLink Summer Youth Employment program for 2023. The program is now accepting applications. Boston youth ages 14-18 can apply for in-person and hybrid summer job opportunities at nonprofits, community-based organizations, and City agencies. This year, the City made an unprecedented $18.7M investment in youth jobs, the largest in Boston’s history. This funding will support 5,000 youth jobs in partnership with local nonprofits and community organizations and 2,000 City based youth jobs, making the City the largest employer for youth summer jobs in Boston. The program’s expansion is part of a larger effort to incentivize both nonprofit and corporate employers’ commitment to reach pre-COVID summer job levels.   “Ensuring that every young person across our city has access to job opportunities is critical in our work to lay a foundation for Boston’s youth to grow and thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The City’s youth summer jobs program is critical in empowering our youth and connecting them with opportunity. This year, we are expanding the number of youth jobs available and deepening our partnerships which will allow our young people explore careers and develop their skills. I’m grateful to all of our partners and employers for their commitment to our young people and encourage every teenager and young adult to apply for a summer job.”  “As a city, choosing to invest in young people will always be the right decision. Youth jobs are essential to giving young people a space to develop themselves into young professionals; exposure to various industries and occupations; explore where their interest can intersect with the impact they desire to have in the world; to build relationships with trusted advisors and develop skills to be prepared for future career and educational opportunities,” said Rashad Cope, Deputy Chief of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and the Office of Youth Employment & Opportunity. “We know how critical it is to ensure every young person has access to job opportunities, and collectively we are committed to this, alongside our incredible partners and employers who make these employment experiences possible for Boston youth.”  Led by the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, SuccessLink is designed to not only recruit and hire youth, but also to ensure that their employment experience is engaging, meaningful, and advances their professional and personal development. Last fall, Mayor Wu established the Worker Empowerment Cabinet to advance the wellbeing of Boston workers, led by Chief Trinh Nguyen. Expanding economic opportunities for youth through access to quality jobs, skills training, and career pipelines is a key priority of the cabinet. The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, formerly the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment (DYEE), was moved to the Worker Empowerment Cabinet to lead this work.  “Getting a summer job can be life-changing for young people in terms of gaining work readiness skills, identifying career interests, obtaining a mentor, and in many instances, getting that first, memorable paycheck,” said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. “The City of Boston is grateful to the many community partners coming together to provide these opportunities for our young people. We look forward to working with all of them to help build for the future.”  Each year, YEO partners with a wide range of nonprofit organizations, City agencies, and lead youth employment providers, including Action for Boston Community Development, the Boston Private Industry Council, Artists for Humanity, John Hancock MLK Scholars, and the Boys and Girls Club of Boston to create youth summer jobs. Youth have the opportunity to get connected to various industries that provide inspiration for long-term careers such as the arts, health care, STEM, sports and recreation, education, and public administration.  “SuccessLink is the foundation for the entire Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program.  It is the one source for summer youth employment that is open to all Boston teenagers, regardless of neighborhood or high school,” said Neil Sullivan, Executive Director of the Boston Private Industry Council. “The young people who connect with private sector opportunities through the PIC often credit their prior SuccessLink job as preparing them for a summer internship in healthcare, finance, life sciences, architecture, or other profession.”  “ABCD is pleased to partner with the City of Boston to ensure that young people of Boston have an abundance of summer employment options,” said Sharon Scott-Chandler, President & CEO of ABCD, Inc. “As a longstanding provider of access to youth employment and career development services through our SummerWorks program (and other programs), ABCD understands very well that these initiatives build a foundation to support academic achievement and future employment successes.”  “Artists For Humanity is excited to grow our partnership with the City of Boston's Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity this summer by providing hundreds of teen jobs with meaningful summer learning experiences for our City's young people,” said Anna Yu, Executive Director of Artists For Humanity. “With the ambitious vision of YEO, and hundreds of amazing partner organizations, Summer 2023 is on track to be the best and biggest year ever for creative teen employment in Boston! We are honored to play a part in helping to make this possible."   This year, YEO has expanded its youth jobs grantmaking efforts to provide more funding directly to nonprofit organizations to design job experiences, remove barriers to enrollment and transfer administrative responsibilities to allow for a more streamlined process. These expanded efforts will encourage greater collaboration, coalition building, and learn and earn models among higher education institutions and job providers in the youth employment space.  To ensure that all youth have equitable access to these opportunities, the City will continue to support organizations that focus on proven at-risk youth populations (e.g. justice-involved youth, foster care, youth experiencing homelessness, etc.) YEO will work to ensure that disadvantaged youth get access to employment opportunities through the Massachusetts Commonwealth Corporation YouthWorks partnership. Additionally, the department will again work with the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) to provide immigrant youth with hands-on leadership and skills training, regardless of immigration status.  “People don’t realize how quickly your status can change and how much it can limit your opportunities. As a former Dreamer, I know what it’s like to feel frustrated by that because I had so much to offer to the world,” said Monique Tú Nguyen, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. “Through opportunities like this, we can ensure that this generation of youth has opportunities that I didn’t have, and the world can benefit from their full potential.”  The SuccessLink webpage has been updated to make it easier for young people to navigate the application process. Youth can view job postings, see a list of required documents, and apply directly to the organizations. The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity also offers application assistance. Youth can visit the office in person, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury, or call 617-635-4202 to get help.   The Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity will also be hosting a Youth Job and Resource Fair at the Reggie Lewis Center on Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Youth will have the opportunity to connect with 100+ summer employers, access youth resources, receive job application assistance, and win prizes. Refreshments will be provided. Parents and/or guardians are welcome to attend with their youth.  Applying for a summer position with SuccessLink does not guarantee a job but the goal is to place as many youth as possible. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Youth are encouraged to get their applications in early. For more information on the 2023 SuccessLink Summer Youth Employment program, visit boston.gov/summer-jobs.

波士頓體育協會今年邀Point32健康為醫療保險提供者

 Point32Health Named Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K & Official Health Insurance Provider of the B.A.A. 

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that Point32Health has been named the official health insurance provider of the B.A.A., as well as Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K. The Massachusetts-based health care organization will be an official sponsor of B.A.A. events throughout the year, including at the Boston Marathon, June’s B.A.A. 10K, and November’s B.A.A. Half Marathon.  

 “The B.A.A. and Point32Health share a common bond in prioritizing and focusing on the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “As two organizations with deep local roots, we look forward to expanding the positive impact that wellness can have, no matter if you’re an experienced runner or new to the sport.” 

Point32Health is a leading, nonprofit health and wellbeing organization, delivering a better health care experience to its members and the communities they serve. One of the top twenty health plans in the United States, Point32Health builds on the quality of its founding organizations, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. They offer a diverse range of health plans that help improve the health and wellness of the 2.2 million members they serve.  Every day, they work to deliver on their purpose of guiding and empowering healthier lives for everyone. 

“Point32Health is thrilled to support the B.A.A. and athletes from across the world in their quest for athletic achievement,” said Cain A. Hayes, president and CEO of Point32Health. “We look forward to playing an important role in these inspiring events and celebrating with the entire city of Boston, each runner’s unique journey from the start to the finish line.” 

As the first presenting sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K, Point32Health will field a team of 400 athletes for this year’s race on April 15. The B.A.A. 5K annually kicks off Boston Marathon weekend, with nearly 10,000 athletes running through Back Bay and across the Boston Marathon finish line before completing the 3.1-mile race at Boston Common. The B.A.A. 5K presented by Point32Health is recognized as one of the fastest and most competitive 5K races in the world. The Official Fundraising Partner of the B.A.A. 5K, Special Olympics Massachusetts, raised more than $75,000 through last year’s race and will welcome 100 athletes to Boston this April to support an inclusive environment for athletes with intellectual disabilities. 

“I am delighted that Point32Health is the official health insurance provider of the B.A.A. as well as the Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K,” said Joan Benoit Samuelson, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, two-time Boston Marathon winner, and Beach2Beacon 10K founder. “Having worked with Point32Health, and as a long time Harvard Pilgrim member, I know first-hand their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their members and communities, and I am pleased to see them extend this commitment to the running community that comes from around the world to Boston to fulfill dreams.”   

Participants and spectators will also find Point32Health at the Boston Marathon Expo and Fan Fest on race weekend, and on Patriots’ Day leading a special cheer zone along the course. Year round, Point32Health and the B.A.A. will collaborate to promote a healthy lifestyle through digital campaigns and messaging. The new partnership will also support the B.A.A.’s ongoing community events and initiatives. 

波士頓指數新報告稱居家護理及托兒照顧員工存在系統性不公平

Care Work and the Racial Wealth Gap Care work has forever been critical to the health and basic functioning of our society. However, as we detailed in our September 2022 report, Care Work in Massachusetts: A Call for Racial and Economic Justice for a Neglected Sector, long histories of racial prejudice and gender discrimination have led to a systematic devaluation of these jobs. Poor working conditions and low wages for care workers have profound consequences not just on employee retention or the immediate economic security of care workers, but also the long-term wealth accumulation for care workers and their families. So, in partnership with SkillWorks, today we are releasing this new research brief, Care Work and the Racial Wealth Gap, to look more closely at how our undervaluation of care work makes it harder for these workers to accumulate assets over time and contributes to the racial wealth gap. On top of receiving low wages, for instance, care workers are also less likely to receive basic employment benefits like affordable health insurance or retirement plans. In Massachusetts, care workers are far less likely to receive employer-provided health insurance, leaving them more reliant on MassHealth (the state’s Medicaid program), as shown in the graph below.

Additionally, at the national level just 10.2 percent of child-care workers and 12.6 percent of home care workers have a pension or other retirement plan, compared to 35 percent of the total workforce. Having a strong retirement plan can serve both as a form of wealth itself—since retirement benefits have direct financial value—and as something that enables greater wealth accumulation during one’s working life—since retirement security frees people up to use income from work on other investments, including wealth-boosting ones like education or real estate. Read Care Work and the Racial Wealth Gap for more detail.

麻州州長要求增加7億3400萬元預算

 Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll File  

$734 Million Supplemental Budget  

Bill proposes funding for universal school meals, clean energy, MBTA hiring and other one-time priorities, as well as makes preparations for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency  

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll administration filed a $734 million supplemental budget to provide additional funding for core programs and services, such as COVID-era workforce and public health programs, and to make other one-time priority investments.   

The funding proposed in this bill builds on the investments made in Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll’s proposed budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2024, with additional support for the state’s universal school meals pilot program, clean energy and technology, and additional resources for the MBTA to better recruit and retain employees.  

“In our Supplemental Budget, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I are proposing additional investments that will move us forward on our goals of increasing affordability, competitiveness and equity in Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “The universal school meals program has proven to be a success in expanding access to nutritious meals for all students, and it’s essential that we keep it running and evaluate our options for the future. We also know that workforce shortages are fueling the serious service issues at the MBTA, which is why we are proposing dedicated funding for hiring and retention. And this funding will play a key role in supporting our efforts to tackle the climate crisis and make Massachusetts a global leader in the clean energy economy.”  

“This supplemental budget will provide the funding needed to make sure critical programs that Massachusetts residents rely on are continued and expanded,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to advance universal school meals, clean energy and technology, and hiring at the MBTA, as well as ensure we are adequately supporting our health care workforce as the COVID-19 public health emergency comes to an end.”  

This bill fulfills Governor Healey’s commitment to triple the operating budget of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center with an additional $35 million for the agency to keep Massachusetts on the cutting edge of clean technology and decarbonization efforts and to forge new partnerships with public higher education institutions and trades to grow the clean energy industry. This funding would be in addition to the new money proposed for MassCEC in the administration’s House 1 budget recommendation, and MassCEC would be authorized by this bill to establish the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal to further the creation of new green jobs.  

This legislation requests an additional $171 million to extend state-funded universal free school meals through the 2023-2024 school year. It also directs the Executive Office of Education to report by early next year on options to reform, modify or extend this program in a way that promotes equity, maximizes federal revenue and improves predictability and sustainability of funding into the future. The Healey-Driscoll Administration previously requested additional funding to continue the program through the end of the 2022-2023 school year.  

The bill proposes $20 million to enable the MBTA to better recruit and retain employees to meet its needs and deliver safe, reliable service across the system. This includes money that would be used to increase and expand hiring and retention bonuses, boost entry-level pay for bus operators, and develop a robust marketing campaign to support hiring efforts.  

The bill also directs $200 million toward a Critical Health and Human Services and Workforce Reserve to cover projected deficiencies in Fiscal Year 2023 and expenses in early Fiscal Year 2024 for the continuation of COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts. This includes temporary staffing relied upon to respond to health crises in our nursing homes, group care settings, state hospitals, and Soldiers’ Homes.  

The bill’s workforce funding is necessary to ensure there are enough health professionals, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), to meet the needs of vulnerable residents under state care while we transition beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency.   

The Healey-Driscoll administration is also proposing $10 million to create a new LPN career ladder program to support nursing facilities and home- and community-based services providers in their efforts to retain direct care staff and upskill them to LPNs. The program would fund no-interest loans and grants to support the cost of attending an LPN certification program, as well as living expenses while attending.  

“We are pleased to have the resources necessary to continue to support critical health services for our most vulnerable residents, to build new pipelines for residents to start and advance their careers, and to make record investments in areas like clean energy that will ensure the Massachusetts economy is well positioned to grow and thrive,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz  

Other key investments recommended in this bill include:   

• $75 million for Chapter 766 rate relief to assist school districts in managing extraordinary increases in tuition prices for approved special education placement programs 
• $60 million to support caseworkers and staff at the Department of Transitional Assistance 
• $20 million for a bridge to stabilize critical victim service programs throughout the Commonwealth and ensure continued access to trauma-informed services in light of decreased federal funding through the Victims of Crime Act 
• $10 million to double the Cultural Facilities Fund for the Massachusetts Cultural Council 

• $5 million for the Martin Richard Field House  
• $3.5 million to support the redetermination process at MassHealth 
• $2 million for the celebration of the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution 
• $100 million supplemental transfer to the pension fund, as agreed to with the House and Senate as part of the consensus revenue process to fully pay down pension liabilities attributable to the 2015 Early Retirement Incentive Program ahead of schedule.  

Additionally, several outside sections would make recommended adjustments to municipal finance laws and governance. One of these changes would give municipalities more flexibility in how they spend opioid settlement money – making it easier for cities and towns to quickly use these resources for treatment and recovery services. They will also simplify accounting and fiscal rules regarding revolving funds, insurance proceeds and mitigation agreements. A separate section would also provide raises for sheriffs.  

Finally, the administration is proposing to extend three Public Health Orders issued in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency beyond the end of the emergency declaration on May 11. This legislation would permanently extend staffing flexibilities for advanced life support ambulances; temporarily extend staffing flexibilities for freestanding dialysis providers, and temporarily extend flexibilities for the administration of prescription medications to clients of state agencies who reside in community settings.  

The spending recommended in this bill would be covered by a mix of available General Fund revenue and one-time resources.   

Read the Governor’s supplemental budget filing letter here and the bill here.  

麻州各地商會合作成立政策團

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Announces the Massachusetts Chambers of Commerce Policy Network

Network Convenes to Strategize Necessary Policy Solutions for People & Businesses  

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of the statewide policy network, the Massachusetts Chambers of Commerce Policy Network (the “Chambers Policy Network”). The Chambers Policy Network, led by the Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of large regional chambers of commerce, plans to use its collective statewide voice to advocate for policy and business issues that will strengthen the quality of life and economy in the Commonwealth. The Chambers Policy Network is designed to leverage the existing impact and on-the-ground local knowledge of these local Chambers to provide solutions to policy challenges that hinder the success and legacy of residents, employees, and businesses.  Our goal is a growing statewide economy that works for all and strengthens our ability to retain talent and businesses in Massachusetts. 

The Chambers Policy Network will focus on the issues that directly tie to the region’s future: statewide competitiveness, taxes and revenue, transportation, broadband access, talent development and retention, housing, climate change, higher education, and the ease of doing business. Through this transformative and collaborative network, the immense value of businesses, their employees, and their Chambers are leveraged to advance statewide equity and economic opportunity. 

“The launch of the Chambers Policy Network is the region’s first formal policy advocacy network of Chambers dedicated to solving the complex issues that our cities and entire state face. By unlocking the unique strengths of Chambers, we will be able to strategize and advance solutions to policy challenges. From housing to transportation, taxes, and business climate and more – all of these are interconnected and statewide issues that can help make Massachusetts a place where workers and businesses can succeed,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. 

The Chamber Policy Network will initially consist of ten of the largest Chambers from across the entire state as founding members with plans to expand to include other Chambers in 2024. 

  MA Chambers Policy Network Founding Members 

James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Tim Murray, President & CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Diana Szynal, President, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce

Rick Sullivan, President & CEO, Western MA Economic Development Council

Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

Peter Forman, President & CEO, South Shore Chamber of Commerce

Karen Andreas, President & CEO, North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Greg Reibman, President Charles River Regional Chamber

Rick Kidder, Co-CEO, Michael O’Sullivan Co-CEO, One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce

Jonathan Butler, President & CEO, 1Berkshire 

Included in its plans are annual sharing of regional chamber policy priorities and yearly Chamber Policy Network visits to Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill to promote its agenda. 

“Local chambers are the most effective tools to activate effective solutions to our most persistent challenges. The day to day, complex challenges are heard first by local Chambers – we’re the best resource to know and understand the people and businesses that build our economy,” said Tim Murray, President & CEO, of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

“Chambers are always champions for local businesses and the people that power those businesses. This Network will advance our collective efforts and allow us to reach across Massachusetts, which is important as we elevate the voices of business leaders and build the future of the Commonwealth,” said Diana Szynal, President, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce.