波士頓市長吳弭2024年度預算42億3千萬元 聚焦跨世代機會及公共衛生及安全

(Boston Orange 綜合整理) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 4月12日以「把波士頓變成全美最適合養家糊口，適合所有世代的地方」為目標，向波士頓市議會遞交2024年度營運預算，總額42億8千萬美元，比去年增加6.8%，或2.737億美元。                    吳弭市長在市政府早餐會中宣佈的這份預算，有五個重點領域：家庭和幼兒計劃，綠色計劃，公共衛生和公共安全，縮小種族財富差距以及市政服務。42.8億元用於支持市府為市民提供服務的所有開支，包括學校、圖書館、公共安全、支持住宅、公園、耆英中心、街道清潔等，也包括支付薪資及福利給19000多名市府員工。                 2024年至2028會計年度的中的42億美元，資助城市的基礎設施投資，包括5,800萬美元用於改善公共交通和公共運輸、3.74 億美元用於學校建設和翻新，以及波士頓各地的重大投資，包括查爾斯敦的新游泳池、科德曼廣場、菲爾茲角和伊格爾斯頓廣場的新圖書館、格羅夫廳、北端、奧爾斯頓、米申山和海德公園的新社區中心。 各項預算包括: 創造代際機會 為波士頓公共學校建築提供3.74億美元和960萬美元的支持特殊需求學生 投資400萬美元增加通用前K資金，為3歲和4歲兒童增加超過350個席位 投資4300萬美元在Fields Corner、Egleston Square和Codman Square建造新圖書館 投資1.78億美元在Grove Hall、North End、Allston、Mission Hill和Hyde Park建造和翻新BCYF社區中心和Charlestown的Clougherty Pool翻新 確保公共衛生和社區安全 在波士頓住房管理局網站上提供暴力預防計劃和公共安全人員，預算120萬美元 投資582,000美元用於波士頓警察局的Youth Connect計劃，投資文化上響應和創傷感知的心理健康服務，針對高風險青年 投資3.3億美元，通過FY24保持“關鍵的低門檻住房地點”開放。 投資2.8億美元用於消防站和消防設備，以及EMS人員以維持波士頓的應急響應時間。預算還包括3,000萬美元用於重新設計街道，重點是安全。 支持綠色和成長城市 投資5000萬美元升級波士頓住房局的系統，終止使用化石燃料，創造更健康、更舒適的住宅 投資750,000美元增加樹木和綠色基礎設施，支持用植物代替鋪面 投資8400萬美元新的資本資金，用於創建、重建和維護城市公園 投資5800萬美元新的資本資金，用於公共交通、人行道改善和支持步行和騎自行車的城市基礎設施 為市政府的供應商多樣性辦公室增加人員，以支持由女性和有色人種擁有的企業訪問城市合同，補充了聯邦恢復資金的900萬美元投資，重點是這些企業的增長 提供優質市政服務 投資600萬美元，用於升級波士頓311 投資147萬美元，用於維護波士頓的橋樑、樓梯和步行路徑 投資9400萬美元，用於中央設施的維護，包括市政廳和市政廳廣場 投資1.5萬美元，增加財產管理的能力，進行設施評估，實施資產管理系統   創造代際機會 為波士頓公共學校建築提供3.74億美元和960萬美元的支持特殊需求學生 投資400萬美元增加通用前K資金，為3歲和4歲兒童增加超過350個席位 投資4300萬美元在Fields Corner、Egleston Square和Codman Square建造新圖書館 投資1.78億美元在Grove Hall、North End、Allston、Mission Hill和Hyde Park建造和翻新BCYF社區中心和Charlestown的Clougherty Pool翻新 確保公共衛生和社區安全 在波士頓住房管理局網站上提供暴力預防計劃和公共安全人員，預算120萬美元 投資582,000美元用於波士頓警察局的Youth Connect計劃，投資文化上響應和創傷感知的心理健康服務，針對高風險青年 投資3.3億美元，通過FY24保持“關鍵的低門檻住房地點”開放。 投資2.8億美元用於消防站和消防設備，以及EMS人員以維持波士頓的應急響應時間。預算還包括3,000萬美元用於重新設計街道，重點是安全。 支持綠色和成長城市 投資5000萬美元升級波士頓住房局的系統，終止使用化石燃料，創造更健康、更舒適的住宅 投資750,000美元增加樹木和綠色基礎設施，支持用植物代替鋪面 投資8400萬美元新的資本資金，用於創建、重建和維護城市公園 投資5800萬美元新的資本資金，用於公共交通、人行道改善和支持步行和騎自行車的城市基礎設施 為市政府的供應商多樣性辦公室增加人員，以支持由女性和有色人種擁有的企業訪問城市合同，補充了聯邦恢復資金的900萬美元投資，重點是這些企業的增長 提供優質市政服務 投資600萬美元 MAYOR WU PROPOSES BUDGET THAT INVESTS IN BOSTON FAMILIES, RESIDENTS OF EVERY GENERATION Operating budget and capital plan include landmark investments in street safety, community centers, branch libraries, swimming pools, and school buildings to bolster resources for families

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, April 12, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today proposed her administration’s proposed operating budget and capital plan for the next fiscal year. The proposal combines new initiatives and deeper investments in existing services to make Boston the best place in the country to raise a family and better serve residents of all generations.   The First for Families Budget includes a proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget of $4.28 billion funds all City services, including schools, libraries, public safety, housing supports, parks, senior centers, and street cleaning. It also includes pay and benefits for the City’s 19,000 person workforce.  The Fiscal Years 2024-2028 Capital Plan proposal of $4.2 billion funds the City’s infrastructure investments, including $58 million to improve public ways and public transit, $374 million for school construction and renovation, and landmark investments throughout Boston including a new pool in Charlestown; new libraries in Codman Square, Fields Corner, and Egleston Square; and new community centers in Grove Hall, the North End, Allston, Mission Hill, and Hyde Park.  These investments in Boston families build upon last year’s announcement of $350 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the City channeled into new housing construction and homeownership programs, support for neighborhood businesses and downtown revitalization, adding more affordable child care seats, clean energy and climate initiatives, and mental health programs.  “Building on our commitment to make Boston the best place in the country to raise a family, this proposal invests in our communities and community centers—in the infrastructure, spaces, programs, and services that support our people and keep our City running,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These investments combine new initiatives and expanded services to better serve residents of all generations.”  Mayor Wu also announced that Boston has received a AAA bond rating from both rating agencies, Moody's and S&P Global, for the ninth year in a row. These ratings are a recognition of the City’s strong fiscal management through the pandemic and recovery. The ratings will allow the City to secure the most favorable rates for infrastructure investments to support equity, affordability, and resiliency in every neighborhood.  “Mayor Wu’s proposed budget builds on the City’s critical efforts to deliver for residents across all of Boston’s neighborhoods while maintaining the fiscal responsibility that has positioned Boston as a national model in financial management,” said Ashley Groffenberger, Chief Financial Officer. “With the City receiving a AAA bond for the ninth year in a row, the administration is taking a coordinated and fiscally responsible approach to the operating budget, capital plan, and federal ARPA funds that will strengthen the City services and infrastructure serving our residents now and in the future.”  The proposed operating budget and capital plan make investments across four key areas to create new opportunities for residents of all ages; build safer, healthier communities; fund critical improvements to clean, resilient infrastructure; and continue delivering exceptional constituent services.  Creating intergenerational opportunity   ·    $374 million for school buildings and $9.6 million to support students with special needs across Boston Public Schools ·    $4 million in new Universal Pre-K funding to add over 350 new seats for three and four year olds ·    $43 million for new libraries in Fields Corner, Egleston Square, and Codman Square and $750,000 to expand weekly and Saturday hours at Boston Public Library branches ·    $178 million in new capital funding for constructing and renovating BCYF Community Centers in Grove Hall, the North End, Allston, Mission Hill, and Hyde Park and Clougherty Pool renovations in Charlestown ·    An unprecedented $18 million investment in youth jobs, the largest in Boston’s history ·    $500,000 for youth swim lessons ·    $250,000 for senior care workforce development ·    $900,000 for additional programming for older residents at community centers ·    $500,000 to train Boston residents from traditionally underrepresented communities for careers in the growing life sciences industry  Ensuring public health and community safety  ·    $1.2 million in violence prevention programming and public safety staffing at Boston Housing Authority sites ·    $582,000 for the Youth Connect Program at the Boston Police Department, investing in culturally responsive & trauma-informed mental health services for high-risk youth ·    $3.3 million to run critical low threshold housing sites ·    $28 million in new funding for firehouses and equipment, and additional Emergency Medical Services staff to maintain response times across Boston ·    $30 million in new funding to redesign streets with a focus on safety  Supporting a green and growing City  ·    $50 million to upgrade systems at the Boston Housing Authority by ending the use of fossil fuels and create healthier and more comfortable homes ·    $5 million investment to expand the City’s voucher, rental relief, and accessory dwelling unit programs ·    $750,000 to add trees and green infrastructure to support replacing paved surfaces with plantings ·    Funding to support $5 Bluebikes passes for 10,000 residents and $1.4 million to introduce electric Bluebikes to the system ·    $84 million in new capital funding for the creation, reconstruction, and maintenance of City parks ·    $58 million in new capital funds for public transit, sidewalk improvements, and City infrastructure that supports walking and biking ·    Additional staffing capacity for the City's Office of Supplier Diversity to support businesses owned by women and people of color in accessing City contracts, supplementing a $9 million investment from federal recovery funds focused on the growth of these businesses  Delivering exceptional City services  ·    $6 million to upgrade Boston 311 and provide a higher level of service to every resident ·    Expanded staffing across core constituent service departments like the City Registry and Inspectional Services ·    Increased language access support for the Disabilities Commission and Office of Emergency Management ·    Investments in simplifying the event permitting process so residents can more easily stay connected through events in their neighborhoods  ·    $500,000 investment in career pipelines for residents by adding two City Academy tracks for bus driver and wastewater management certification as a pathway toward a career with the City ·    $147 million to keep Boston’s bridges, stairs, and walking paths in a state of good repair ·    $94 million in capital funding for central facilities, including City Hall and City Hall Plaza ·    $1.5 million to increase capacity at Property Management, conduct a facilities assessment, and implement an asset management system   The proposed operating budget and capital plan were formally filed with the City Council on Monday.   For more information about the proposals visit http://budget.boston.gov/.

藍捷 (JetBlue) 新增 Worcest 直飛佛州奧蘭多等2地直飛航線

   

圖片來自麻州州長辦公室。

          (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州港務局和藍捷航空公司 (Jet Blue) 4月10日宣佈，將在屋斯特 (Worcester)區域機場 (ORH) 新增2條直飛航線，今夏6月15日起每日有航班飛佛羅里達州奧蘭多 (MCO)、今冬的2024年1月4日起到Fort Myers (RSW)有季節性航班。即日起出售的票價低至34元。

藍捷航空執行長Robin Hayes和麻州州長Maura Healey，麻州經濟廳廳長郝伊平 (Yvonne Hao)，麻州港務局局長Lisa Wieland，屋斯特郡治安官暨麻州港務局董事會主席Lew Evangelidis ，國會眾議員Jim McGovern，屋斯特市長Joseph M. Petty，屋斯特市經理Eric D. Batista，屋斯特區域商會會長兼執行長，曾任麻州副州長的Tim Murray，波士頓紅襪隊執行副總裁Troup Parkinso等多名嘉賓出席了盛會。

一旦航線都落實後，藍捷航空的空中巴士320將在位於麻州中心的屋斯特市，提供直飛佛羅里達州Fort Lauderdale，Orlando和Fort Myers這3個城市的服務。藍捷表示，屋斯特機場航站現代化，寬敞，易於上下車，又有免費WiF，全方位的飲食，停車費也只要一天7元，或一週42元。

從屋斯特直飛奧蘭多的來回航線，預定從6月15日起，每日一班，早上11點05分起飛，下午1點54分抵達。從奧蘭多到屋斯特的航班則是從下午2點40分起飛，5點41分抵達。

從屋斯特飛往Fort Myers的航線，預定2024年1月4日開始服務，最開始一週2班，然後增加到一日一班。為慶祝這條航線開通，藍捷將在未來的屋斯特紅襪隊主場賽中，送出一家4口搭藍捷到Fort Myers參加紅襪隊春季訓練的機票。

藍捷表示，自從該公司與Spirit航空合併後，到2027年，藍捷奧蘭多機場起飛的藍捷已超過200架。藍捷從2013年起進駐屋斯特機場，去年11月才剛慶祝迎接第100萬名乘客。

第127屆波士頓馬拉松賽 兩岸三地台灣選手最多129人

昭告波士頓馬拉松賽的旗幟，已掛在街頭四處。 (周菊子攝)

                      (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 第127屆波士頓馬拉松賽即將於4月17日舉行。波士頓體育會 (BAA)宣佈，4月12日一早9點，將開始繪製起點線，4月13日上午9點，在波士頓市波約斯頓街 (Boylston) 安置終點線。

4月15日將有一系列紀念10年前波士頓馬拉松賽發生爆炸案的「波士頓團結日 (One Boston Day) 」活動。

                          今年有大約3萬名跑者參賽，來自台灣的有129人，香港70人，中國59人，其中28歲年紀最小，78歲年紀最大的跑者，都來自台灣。

                     以跑步號碼牌來看，在中港台3地的參賽者中，跑步成績最好的，應是編號486，現年40歲，來自中國上海的Yuebin Song。來自台灣，跑得最快的是編號398的 Chu, Meng-Tsung，參賽號碼最小的是編號690 ，現年40歲的 Chang, Po-Yao，年紀最小的是住在 新竹，28歲的 Jeng, Po-Hsuan。來自香港，參賽號碼最小的是編號2899，現年40歲的 Lee, Chi Wing Gordon。

                     麻州今年大約有4701名居民參賽，從姓氏看，其中約122人為華裔，年紀最小的是現年20歲，3歲就診斷患有自閉症，但從跑步社團找到歸屬感的Xu, Enchee。目前在麻州大學Amherst分校就讀，住在Northborough的他，今年第3次參加馬拉松賽。在麻州華裔居民參賽者中，年紀最長是67歲，住在Stow的Gary Yu。

柯普利廣場的費爾蒙酒店，將在14至16日晚上8到10點，每15分種
展示一場燈光秀。 (圖片來自費爾蒙酒店推特)

                                 在麻州華裔居民中，跑步成績最好的是號碼牌691號，住在Brighton，現年36歲的Chen, Xiao。

             波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC)今年有52歲，編號26235，住在波士頓的Caleb Ho，以及住在昆士市，今年32歲的Kassandra Tat代表該機構參賽，並募款。

波士頓體育會在推特中特別介紹Xu, Enchee這位參賽者。

                   一系列相關活動及日程包括4月13日早上11點半，波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和波士頓警察局Michael Cox等人將在柯普利廣場公園的波士頓馬拉松粉絲節舞台舉行公安說明會，4月14日早上10點，波士頓體育會在Fairmont Copley Plaza酒店舉行John Hancock專業運動員記者會等。

                      4月15日是「波士頓團結日 (One Boston Day)」，一共有4場主要活動。

早上8點在波士頓廣場 (Boston Common)有波士頓體育會的5K賽。包括來自美國及國際的頂級專業體育運動元，將有近萬人參加這穿越波士頓後灣區 (Back Bay) 的3.1英里比賽。這也是波士頓馬拉松賽今年的第一場賽事。

                       早上10點半，在波士頓馬拉松賽終點線的波約斯頓街上，有波士頓體育會邀請賽。一些世界專業體育運動員，以及來自波士頓馬拉松賽沿路8個市鎮的學生運動員，將參加這場邀請里跑步活動。查詢參加這活動的專業運動員名單，可上網https://www.baa.org/global-medalists-returning-champions-highlight-professional-fields-2023-baa-5k-and-baa-invitational。

                 下午2點半，在波約斯頓街馬拉松賽終點線一帶，將有波士頓團結日紀念活動。波士頓市政府和波士頓體育會在這天一起舉行2場活動，一是早上邀波士頓馬拉松賽爆炸案受害者家屬參加的獻花圈私人聚會，由榮譽衛士組成的急救人員將一整天都派員駐守波約斯頓街。5K賽後，在Dartmouth街和Fairfield街之間的波約斯頓街 (Boylston) 將開放，讓大眾探訪爆炸案紀念地點。

                    

台灣跑者在line群組中向跑友介紹馬拉松賽的啤酒包裝。
(圖片取自line)

一基金 (One Fund) 社區和波士頓市長吳弭，麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)，急救人員，醫院領導，波士頓體育會及本地跑步俱樂部將聚集在波士頓馬拉松賽終點線，敲響鐘聲，並為波約斯頓街上的一個新的紀念性的終點線，「波士頓團結日 (One Boston Day)

」新標誌，舉行揭幕式。波士頓流行交響樂團的銅管五重奏和波士頓歌者巡迴合唱團成員將唱奏經過挑選的樂曲。

                         下午3點，在Dartmouth 街和Clarendon街之間的波約斯頓街 (Boylston) 將有波士頓體育會的接力挑戰賽 (Relay Challenge)。來自大波士頓地區的中學生及青年項目成員，將參加這場接力挑戰賽。這些學生接受了為期一個月的志願教練教導，將在比賽中向波士頓體育會運動員及教練們學習跑步竅門。

波士頓體育會提醒人們可用手機追蹤賽事。

                      在4月14日到4月16日的一連幾天中，海恩斯 (Hynes) 會議中心有波士頓馬拉松展覽，柯普利 (Copley) 廣場公園有波士頓馬拉松粉絲節，內有各種現場音樂表演，拍照，會晤，以及馬拉松訓練門診等活動。這幾天的晚上8點到10點，在費爾蒙柯普利廣場還有燈光秀，在波約斯頓街和Dartmouth街交界處的山姆亞當斯跑步酒吧的啤酒花園，將有許多活動。

                       4月17日是第127屆波士頓馬拉松賽的大日子，約3萬名參賽者將從這天早上9

點起，分批出發，依序為輪椅男子、女子組，手轉車及雙人組，專業男子、女子組，殘疾運動員組，以及第1，2，3，4波出發者。

                      17日晚6點半，在芬衛公園 (Fenway Park) 有山姆亞當斯舉辦的賽後派對。 (根據網友指正，再次更新版)

波士頓體育會在推特上展示波士頓馬拉松賽的獨角獸。

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn將進華埠開市府預算公聽會

 Council President Flynn Holds District 2 Neighborhood Budget Listening Sessions

BOSTON - Over the past month, City Council President Ed Flynn held a number of neighborhood budget listening sessions and spoke with civic associations in District 2, including in South Boston, South End, Downtown, Bay Village, and a soon-to-be-held session in Chinatown.

With the City’s budget process beginning this week, Council President Flynn spoke with residents of District 2 to listen to their neighborhood needs and concerns. Some of these include street and pedestrian safety, improving public safety and enforcement, traffic and parking enforcement, increasing residential parking spots, quality-of-life issues such as pest control and more trash cans, and safety in the workplace.

“These neighborhood budget listening sessions are an effective way for residents to communicate what their immediate and longer-term neighborhood needs are so that I can advocate on their behalf. Although each neighborhood is unique, many of my residents share similar concerns regarding pedestrian and public safety, parking enforcement, and quality of life issues,” said Council President Flynn. “I look forward to this year’s budget process and working together with District 2 residents to identify and secure more funding for these issues.”

For more information, please contact Council President Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.g

麻州州長頒行政命令保護州民墮胎權 已斥資購買15000劑流產藥

麻州州長Maura Healey誓言保護人民的墮胎自由。 (周菊子攝)

                      (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 10日邀集政要在州政府大樓前階梯表態，11日再以「我的筆記 (Note from me) 」的電郵，向麻州居民保證，在她治理之下的麻州，人民的墮胎自由有保障。

                                 奚莉強調，她已經要求麻州大學購買15000劑 Mifepristone，將撥款100萬元支持和麻州公共衛生廳簽約的醫療護理供應者之付這些藥劑費用，而且她還簽署了一份行政命令，來確保包括使用Mifepristone的藥物流產，都受到麻州現行州法保護。

麻州州長Maura Healey和聯邦及州市政要齊聲強調要保護人民的墮胎自由。(周菊子攝)

                            麻州州長辦公室人員表示，購買那15000劑約斥資67萬5000元。根據麻州公共衛生廳來自醫療機構數據，麻州平均一年約有8000餘宗墮胎個案，因此奚莉州長敦請麻州大學採買的15000劑等，足以支持麻州居民需求至少2年。麻州州長的行政命令，也將保護在麻州墮胎的人，免於任何刑責。

                           奚莉稱，在流產藥物中，人們安全使用了20餘年的Mifepristone已儼然金標準，由美國前總統川普指派的德州聯邦法官Matthew Kacsmaryk，上週五竟然裁定聯邦食品藥物管理局 (FDA)批給許可有瑕疵，只給醫療護理業者7天時間，下架該藥物。

                        她說，因為麻州支持民權及自由，而能墮胎，有安全醫療護理都是自由的一部分，她要人們知道，「在麻州，人們仍然可以安全、合法的墮胎」。

波士頓市長吳弭鼓勵人們搬到麻州來。(周菊子攝)

                       10日下午1點，包括聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren，聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley，Lori Trahan ，麻州副州長Kim Driscoll，麻州參議會議長Karen Spika，麻州眾議會議長Ronald Mariano，麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell，波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) ，麻州大學總校長Martin Meehan等不下幾十人為這議題站台。

                     麻州眾議會議長Ronald Mariano笑說，他和麻州參議會議長Karen Spika從來沒有這麼快就達成一致意見，不到5分鐘，他們就聯袂同意了支持麻州州長這一決定。

                    麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell表示，麻州已和其他20多州一起，向第五巡迴法庭遞出法庭簡報，要求中止Kacsmarvy的禁令。

                     在出席政要們輪流發表支持言論時，麻州參議會議長Spika的聲調之激動，亢昂，頗令人矚目，而波士頓市長吳弭一連數次表示「搬來麻州，搬來麻州」，歡迎住在已通過禁止墮胎法那20多州的學生、企業或醫療護理業者都搬到麻州來的言論，在出席活動群眾間引發私下議論。

麻州州長Maura Healey在推特上貼文，說明藥物流產在麻州可行，
而且安全、有效，強調不能走回頭路。

中國超市違反勞工法罰80萬元 約300勞工可拿回應得工資

中國超市位於南端的分店。(檔案照片)

             (Boston Orange整理編譯) 麻州總檢察官 (AG) 辦公室今 (11) 日宣佈，中國超市 (C-Mart) 已和該辦公室達成和解協議，將支付罰款80萬元，並賠款給約300名受影響員工。

麻州總檢察官辦公室指出，麻州內的大多數員工若一週工作超過40小時，都有權獲得1.5倍薪資。該辦公室公平勞工組 (Fair Labor Division) 於2021年調查後發現，大多數在週日工作的中國超市零售員工，都有權得到這更高的薪資，但在波士頓南端 (South End)，中國城 (已關閉)，以及昆士市 (Quincy)等地擁有店面的這中國超市集團，卻違反了勞工法，包括未如實申報薪資帳冊記錄，未張貼必要的工作場所通知，如有薪病假等海報，以及未洽當支付員工加班或週日工作應給付的1.5倍薪資。中國超市以及其3名公司總裁，方妙坤 (Maio Kun Fang) 、Bao Song Qu和Quxiang Li，因此在2021年內共收到15張罰單。

麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell表示，她為該辦公室能確保中國超市員工拿回他們應得的薪資感到驕傲。她的辦公室，尤其是公平勞工組將持續追究違反勞工法，侵犯並盜取勞工薪資的雇主。

華人前進會工人中心協調員余翠鳳表示，該會要為麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell及其團隊爭取到這重大協議表達敬意，該會也鼓勵需要協助申請賠償，或有任何其他問題的工人們，和該會聯絡，該會希望藉此機會幫助更多工人了解並爭取自己的權益。

麻州總檢察官辦公室將從即日起至七月，經由申請程序，把賠償款分發給受影響的中國超市員工們。凡是於2016年11月到2019年11月之間在中國超市工作的員工，都可填具英文或中文表格，向麻州總檢察官辦公室遞交賠償申請。賠償申請必須在7月6日前提出，才有資格得到經由協議收到的薪資。

這宗協議是經由調查員吳麗麗 (Lili Wu)及助理總檢察官Kate Walkins處理完成的。

              麻州總檢察官辦公室呼籲認為自己權益被侵害的員工，上網申報，www.mass.gov/ago/fld。查詢更多詳情，可電洽麻州總檢察官辦公室公平勞工熱線，617-727-3465，或上網查察有12種語言的資料，Fair Labor Division multilingual resources | Mass.gov。

AG CAMPBELL SECURES WAGES FOR WORKERS OF C-MART IN BOSTON, QUINCY IN $800,000 SETTLEMENT

Company Reaches Settlement with AG’s Office to Resolve Overtime and Sunday Premium Pay Violations

 BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office has secured $800,000 in restitution and penalties from the owners of three C-Mart, supermarket stores, which specialize in Asian cuisine and are located in Boston’s South End and Chinatown neighborhoods and in Quincy, for violations of state labor laws including failure to pay overtime and premium pay to its workers. 

The C-Mart stores, along with their respective corporate presidents, Maio Kun Fang, Bao Song Qu, and Quxiang Lin, were issued 15 citations in 2021. The citations were the result of an investigation in which the AG’s Fair Labor Division concluded that C-Mart stores failed to furnish true and accurate payroll records, failed to post required workplace notices, including earned sick time posters, and did not properly pay workers for overtime hours or for hours worked on Sundays. The AG’s Office reached this settlement with C-Mart for $800,000 following an appeal from the company and its owners over the 2021 citations. 

Most employees in Massachusetts are entitled to time-and-a-half pay when working more than 40 hours a week. During the time period investigated, most retail employees were also entitled to premium pay for time worked on Sundays. 

            “I am proud of the office’s work to ensure that the workers harmed by C-Mart will get back the wages they are rightfully owed,” said AG Campbell. “My office, and particularly our Fair Labor Division, will continue to hold employers accountable for wage theft and violation of our wage and hour laws.” 

“The Chinese Progressive Association applauds Attorney General Campbell and her team for winning this significant settlement and her commitment to end wage theft. We are committed to work with the Office of Attorney General to ensure every worker entitled to back wages will be compensated. We encourage workers to contact the Chinese Progressive Association for help with this claim and any other workplace issues. We also hope to use this opportunity to help more workers learn about their rights and stand up for their rights,” said Fiona Yu, Chinese Progressive Association Worker Center Coordinator. 

The AG’s Office will be distributing money to affected C-Mart employees through a claims process. Between now and July, individuals who worked for C-Mart’s Boston and Quincy stores between November 2016 and November 2019 may submit a form, which is available in both English and Chinese, to the AG’s Office. Workers must submit a completed form by July 6 to be eligible to receive a share of the wages collected through the settlement. 

AG Campbell is committed to vigorously enforcing wage and hour laws, including laws that ensure minimum wage, timely payment of wages, and overtime. The AG’s Office works with community partners, law schools, and private bar attorneys to host free monthly wage theft clinics at Suffolk Law School in Boston. These clinics are part of an effort to address wage theft and worker exploitation among vulnerable populations, including low-wage and immigrant workers. For more information and a schedule of upcoming clinics, please click here. 

            Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace are encouraged to file a complaint at www.mass.gov/ago/fld. 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 the this website for materials in 12 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Chinese. 

          This matter was handled by Investigator Lili Wu and Assistant Attorney General Kate Watkins of AG Campbell’s Fair Labor Division.

Revere 市長 Brian Arrigo 將出任麻州保存及娛樂局局長

Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo to Join Healey-Driscoll Administration as Conservation & Recreation Commissioner  

BOSTON – Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper announced today the appointment of Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Arrigo will officially resign as Mayor on April 21^st and start in the Healey-Driscoll Administration on April 24^th.  

 “Policymaking is about more than laws and budgets – it’s about building happy, healthy communities for our residents. Mayor Arrigo understands, as I do, that DCR is central to those efforts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He has extensive experience transforming Revere’s waterfront and managing public lands. I know he will work tirelessly so everyone in our state has access to well-maintained green spaces and fun activities for all ages.” 

 “I’m thrilled to have my friend and fellow mayor Brian Arrigo on our team,” added Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who worked closely with Mayor Arrigo through the Massachusetts Mayors Association. “As Mayors of Gateway Cities, we saw firsthand how even the smallest greenspace could be transformative for our communities. I know Mayor Arrigo will bring that approach to our administration’s efforts to build healthy, thriving communities.”   

 “It’s time we think bigger about the role of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in our state,” said Secretary Tepper. “DCR manages 450,000 acres of land in Massachusetts – from forests to urban oases. We need a Commissioner like Mayor Arrigo who understands the vital role our parks system, tree planting efforts, and conservation work intersect with public health and the climate crisis.”  

“I’m honored to join the Healey-Driscoll Administration at this pivotal time for our public lands,” said Mayor Arrigo. “I believe DCR lies at the nexus of the climate crisis, economic competitiveness, public health, and equity. Access to well-maintained, healthy outdoor space promotes tourism, builds healthy families, and helps us nurture the next generation of environmentalists. We did this in Revere, and I’m looking forward to stepping up our tree planting efforts, improving park maintenance, and ensuring that every Massachusetts resident can access our beautiful natural resources.”  

Brian Arrigo has served as Mayor of Revere since 2016. During his tenure, he implemented reforms and initiatives to professionalize and modernize the city’s government to ensure city services were provided in an equitable and efficient manner. Under his leadership, the City developed its first master plan in over 40 years – Next Stop Revere. Other initiatives achieved during his time in the Mayor’s Office include the creation of a 311-constituent service office and a Human Resources Office, constructing a new Department of Public Works facility and a new Point of Pines Fire Station, and ushering in hundreds of millions of dollars in public and private investment along Revere Beach, Shirley Avenue, and Suffolk Downs. In 2023 Arrigo was elected President of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association. Prior to being elected Mayor, Arrigo was a City Councillor and held various positions with the MBTA, the City of Somerville, the District of Columbia’s City Council, and the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means. A graduate of Suffolk University, Arrigo resides in Revere with his wife Daveen and their two sons Joseph and Jack.  

波士頓市長吳弭與市議員們在市政府廣場向 Mel King 致敬 (市府視頻及圖片)

 

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends a wreath laying ceremony hosted by the City of Boston in honor of Mel King.

大同村 Harrison Ave.288號博愛樓 再得資助 公民銀行買下2600萬元免稅債券

大同村停車場建成博愛樓的示意圖。 (圖片來自BPDA網站)

         (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 大同村南停車場改建85個出租住宅單位的發展計畫，4月5日傳出喜訊。麻州發展 (MassDevelopment)這半官方組織宣佈和公民銀行 (Citizens)合作，撥出2600萬元免稅債券，協助紐英崙中華公所 (CCBANE) 和發展商「火炬社區 (Beacon Communities) 」。

大同村南停車場發展計畫，又稱夏利臣街288號計畫，今年初在紐英崙中華公所一月份董事大會，經董事們投票決定採用「博愛樓」為名稱。2019

2019年時，中華公所已和火炬社區達成合作發展協議，並向波士頓市計畫發展局 (BPDA)遞交了發展計畫，召開過衝擊顧問小組會議及公共會議。2020年3月BPDA批准施工，5月再批准免交項目影響報告草案和最終項目影響報告，2022年12月發給了施工許可，預定2024年秋季竣工。

根據BPDA的網站描，這一發展計畫佔地23,358平方英尺，總面積約86.100平方英尺，樓高6層，共85個可負擔出租單位，另有地面一樓商用面積，以及大約40個地面停車位。所有單位都將出租給年收入在地區中位收入的60%或以下人士或家庭。2

這85個單位，有30戶一睡房，40戶倆睡房，以及15戶三睡房。出租對象以區域中位收入來區分符合承租資格家庭或人士，其中22戶給年收入在80%以下者，18戶保留給60%以下者，28戶給50%以下者，17戶給30%以下者。以一個四口之家來說，其收入上限依序為11萬1850元，8萬4120元，7萬零100元，4萬2060元。

“麻州發展”的董事長和執行長Dan Rivera表示，該公司能夠資助這發展計畫，讓他們感到十分驕傲。