大波士頓商會會長James Rooney稱麻州不須因為稅收減少拉警報

           (Boston Orange 編譯)大波士頓商會會長兼執行長James E. Rooney 發出聲明稱，“雖然稅務局 4 月份的稅收報告顯示總收入沒有預期那麼高，但我們需要在更廣泛的歷史背景下考慮這些數字。

                            麻州因為之前幾年有巨大增長，所以仍然擁有充沛資金。  例如，截至 3 月，麻州的收入比基準高出約 10 億美元。 此外，當前的2023會計年度預算為 130 億美元，比2019會計年度預算高出30% 以上。那一年，麻州預算為 427 億美元，2023會計年度的預算卻是 563 億美元。 收入放緩應該把 560 億美元的預算規模考慮進去。 

                            在這種情況下，很明顯，鑑於麻州擁有豐富的資金和資源，收入放緩並不值得拉響警報”。

Statement from James E. Rooney

Regarding State Tax Revenues

“Although the Department of Revenue’s April tax report indicates that total collections are not as high as projected, we need to consider these numbers within the broader, historical context: the state still has ample funds because of the tremendous growth during previous years. For instance, through March, the state was about $1 billion above benchmark. Also, the current FY 23 budget is $13 billion, which is more than 30% greater than the FY19 budget. In FY 19, the state budget was $42.7 billion. The FY 23 budget is $56.3 billion. The slowdown in revenues should be considered in the context of the budget’s size, which is $56 billion. With this context, it is clear that a slowdown in revenues doesn’t warrant the sounding of an alarm given the state’s plentiful funds and resources,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

奚莉政府提案招標採購3600兆瓦離岸風電 規模大到歷來之最

     (Boston Orange 節譯) 麻州能源資源局（DOER）與電力分配公司（EDCs）向麻州公共設施局 (DPU)提交了一份草案招標書（RFP），一旦批准，將成為麻州歷來第4次，也是最大的一筆離岸風力招標案。

麻州政府稱這提案彰顯了奚莉政府對於在麻州持續打造蓬勃，可持續離岸風力，同時紓緩，縮小有害環境及社會經濟影響的努力

這招標草案邀廠商遞交高達3600兆瓦，可供採購的離岸風電發電量。這數量約等於麻州每年所需電量的25%，和之前採購的1600兆瓦相比，大幅增加。這將成為新英格蘭地區離岸風力發電的最大採購案。

麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 表示，這份招標草案向世界宣示了麻州全力支持離岸風電，要成為這一行業樞紐的決心，也是麻州對付費買電者的承諾，為麻州住家及企業追求所有的清潔能源。

                       採購團隊將彈性評估400兆瓦到2400兆瓦規模標案。招標截止日期是2024年1月31日。這日期將容許廠商把聯邦政府預定將推出的許多抵稅優惠，更新設備補助款，以及區域性的合作夥伴都包括進競標書中。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Files Historic Draft RFP for Massachusetts’ Fourth Offshore Wind Solicitation   

The RFP represents largest ever solicitation in New England at 3,600 MW, more than 25% of the state’s annual electricity demand 

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the electric distribution companies (EDCs) jointly filed a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), which if approved, would represent the fourth and largest offshore wind solicitation to date. This filing demonstrates the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued commitment to building a robust and sustainable offshore wind industry for Massachusetts, while mitigating and minimizing detrimental environmental and socioeconomic impacts.   

If approved, the draft RFP will invite submittals for offshore wind generation to procure up to 3,600 MW, which represents 25 percent of the state’s annual electricity demand and a significant increase over the previous procurement, which sought approximately 1,600 MW of offshore wind. This would be the largest procurement for offshore wind energy generation ever in New England.   

“We are excited to announce the first offshore wind procurement of our administration – the biggest in our region’s history,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This draft RFP is a signal to the rest of the world that Massachusetts is all-in on offshore wind and ready to be the industry’s hub. Our proposal is also a commitment to Massachusetts ratepayers to chase after all clean energy for our homes and businesses.”  

“As Mayor of Salem, I helped position our port to support the growing offshore wind industry along our coastline. Now, we’re going big with our draft procurement to ramp up our procurement of offshore wind energy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This RFP is the first step toward transforming how we power our communities across the state.”  

“This RFP was drafted to boost the offshore wind industry to ensure that Massachusetts ratepayers and businesses get the affordable, clean energy they deserve and that we drive economic development across our region,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The clean energy transition is about the people of Massachusetts. Aggressively procuring wind energy will deliver cleaner air, lower energy bills, and good-paying jobs.”  

“This RFP is crafted to capture the greatest benefit for Massachusetts’ ratepayers, communities, and businesses and to grow our blue energy economy,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “With this draft RFP, we are requiring projects include support for environmental justice populations and low-income ratepayers in the Commonwealth, and opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion.” 

Ed Flynn 和 Mike Flaherty 為南波士頓消防站爭取到 4 百萬元

 Council President Flynn And Councilor Flaherty Announce $4 million in FY24 Capital Plan for South Boston Waterfront Fire Station

BOSTON - With the unprecedented development boom of the South Boston Waterfront over the last decade and more, Council President Ed Flynn, Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty and the South Boston Elected Officials have advocated for several years on the critical need for more public infrastructure to accommodate this population expansion, including new public safety facilities. Last year, Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty successfully secured $13 million for the design and construction of a new EMS station, and this year, Mayor Wu’s Administration announced $4 million in the FY24 Capital Plan for the programming and design of a new Fire Station in the South Boston Waterfront.

Due to this rapid growth, Council President Flynn, Councilor Flaherty, and the South Boston Elected Officials have long called attention to the need for basic city services and public safety resources in the area - such as Police, Fire, EMS and a public library; however, the omission of public safety resources has become exacerbated by dozens of life science and other proposals in planning stages throughout the District. Moreover, concerns about the ability of first responders to reach an emergency in the area during rush hour traffic have persisted. Mayor Wu, then a member of the City Council, joined Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty on a hearing order regarding basic city services at the South Boston Waterfront.

“We have long said that our neighbors in Fort Point and the South Boston Waterfront deserve the same access to basic city services as any other neighborhood. We are proud that there will be $4 million in the FY24 Capital Plan for a new Firehouse in the South Boston Waterfront,” said Council President Flynn. “Thank you to Mayor Wu, the South Boston Elected Officials, and our neighbors for your advocacy over the last several years on this critical public safety issue.”

“With the influx of new residents and visitors to the South Boston Waterfront and Fort Point area, it was important to prioritize public safety with a new firehouse in order to provide the very best emergency services to the people of Boston,” said At-Large City Councilor Michael Flaherty.

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

波士頓 2 市議員訂5/10開社區會議討論狗隻出門需繫練議題

 Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty to Host Community Meeting regarding off-leash dogs at M Street Park next Wednesday, May 10, 2023

 BOSTON - Following an incident in April in which a four year old girl was bitten by an off-leash dog at Medal of Honor Park, or M Street Park, Council President Flynn and Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty will be hosting a community meeting in South Boston on Thursday, May 10th at 6pm at M Street Park to address the issue of off-leash dogs. 

Boston Police C-6 Captain Joseph Boyle, Boston Animal Control Director Alexis Trzcinski, and officials from the Boston Parks Department will also be present at the community meeting. The South Boston community is invited to attend and share their experiences and concerns. The meeting will also discuss potential solutions and enforcement to this serious issue. 

“We all love our dogs and pets, but at the same time we have many families with young children who use the Medal of Honor Park. It is important for their safety, and the peace of mind of parents and neighbors, that dog owners and dog walkers please keep their dogs on a leash to prevent these incidents from happening,” said Council President Flynn. “We also have a dog park located nearby right down the hill on First Street at the Thomas J. Butler Park that was built for this exact purpose. I strongly encourage dog owners and walkers to be a good neighbor and utilize this park for both the enjoyment of their pets, as well as the safety of our residents and children.” 

“The safety of our residents and particularly our children is of the utmost importance and I implore dog owners to follow the leash law and utilize the dog park located on First Street.  Let’s start the conversation about the potential for another dog park or dog run in the neighborhood given the increasing necessity,” said Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty.   

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

波士頓市開放街道日今年在5地舉行 Newbury街 7/2 起每週日只准行人徒步

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 宣佈今年開放5條街道。

(Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 有鑑於去年「開放街道 (Open Street) 」行人徒步區活動大受居民歡迎，波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 5月2日特地到奧斯頓 (Allston)，宣佈今年開放5條街道，讓更多人能夠在都市中，享受遊逛寬闊空間樂趣。

紐百利街 (Newbury)的「開放街道 (Open Street) 」，也將從7月2日至10月15日，每週日的早上10點至晚上8點，重新搖身變成行人徒步區。

波士頓市議員Liz Breadon很高興奧斯頓今年也有一條街可以享受開放空間。

去年的「開放街道」是在牙買加平原 (Jamaica Plain) 的多徹斯特道 (Dorchester Ave.)，中心街(Centre St.)，以及洛士百利 (Roxbury)的藍丘道 (Blue Hill Ave.)。

今年將新增2條「開放街道」，分別是在東波士頓 (East Boston) 的Meridian街和Bennington 街，以及奧斯頓、布萊頓 (Allston-Brighton) 的哈佛道 (Harvard Ave)和布萊頓道 (Brighton Av.)。

麻州眾議員Kevin G. Honan致詞。

這些各長1英里多的街道，在週六或週日的「開放街道」日，將暫時封閉大半天，從早上9點至下午3點半，不准車輛通行，以為居民闢出可以演奏音樂，玩遊戲，騎自行車，擺出椅子圍桌聚會的開放空間，也讓商家可以把店面暫時擴展進街道中。

前述5條街道今年的封街日期，依序為6月25日 (中心街)，7月15日(藍丘道)，8月19日 (哈佛道)，9月17日 (多徹斯特道)，10月15日 (Meridian街)。

街道長。

波士頓市長吳弭，轄區在奧斯頓布萊頓的市議員Liz Breadon，麻州眾議員Kevin G. Honan，波士頓市街道長Jascha Franklin-Hodge，經濟機會及包容長Segun Idowu，社區參與長Brianna Millor等許多人都出席了宣佈會。

查詢開放街道詳情，可上市府網站。

經濟機會包容長。

 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF OPEN STREETS EVENTS & OPEN NEWBURY   Family-friendly, pedestrian-focused events added to Allston-Brighton & East Boston; Open Streets returns to Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Roxbury   BOSTON - Tuesday, May 2, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced five Open Streets events, expanding the family-friendly, free pedestrian spaces to East Boston and Allston-Brighton. The addition of two new locations (Harvard Ave. & Brighton Ave., and Meridian St.) to the Open Streets events this year builds off the success of last year’s three events (Dorchester Ave., Centre St. in Jamaica Plain, and Blue Hill Ave. in Roxbury). Like last year, more than a mile will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic to create room for community and play. The half-day events will allow local businesses to expand into the street, and to safely make space for music, games, bicycling, community tabling, and more. Additionally, Mayor Wu announced Open Newbury will be returning with expanded dates. Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only every Sunday, starting July 2 and running through October 15. Together, the announcement of these two car-free events series expands on the Mayor’s commitment to reimagining our streets and creating a family-friendly Boston.  “Last year was a reimagining of what's possible when we think about transforming our streets, from how we connect to where we connect with each other. That's why as part of our commitment to making Boston the best place in the country to raise a family we're expanding our efforts this year to not only have those three successful events continue in community but to add Allston-Brighton and East Boston," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "For Open Newbury we have ten more days for residents and visitors to explore the eight block, mile long stretch of shops, restaurants, galleries, and activities free from car traffic."  “These events demonstrate what can be possible on our streets when we open them to everyone,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “Families and neighbors get to explore their communities in new ways and enjoy a safe, fun environment for walking, biking, and recreation.”   “Open Streets is an exciting opportunity to help residents meet new friends, connect small business owners with new life-long customers, and weave neighborhoods together in a family-friendly celebration for everyone to enjoy,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “I am grateful to the Mayor and colleagues across the Administration, our partners in the field, and the women- and BIPOC-led businesses helping to ensure we grow the number of safe and successful Open Streets events that make our city come alive.”   “We hope residents join us again this year to activate our streets, connect with their neighbors, and support local businesses in their community,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of Community Engagement Cabinet. “The goal of this event is to bring joy to our neighborhoods and allow children, our seniors, and families to be unified and have fun on our streets safely.”    Open Streets  This year’s Open Streets events will take place from 10:00 a.m. (with streets closing at 9:00 a.m. and activities beginning at 10:00 a.m.) to 3:30 p.m. in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Dorchester, and East Boston. The schedule is as follows:  ·    Sunday, June 25: Centre Street (Jamaica Plain) ·    Saturday, July 15: Blue Hill Ave. (Roxbury) ·    Saturday, August 19: Harvard Ave. & Brighton Ave. (Allston-Brighton) ·    Sunday, September 17: Dorchester Ave. (Dorchester) ·    Sunday, October 15: Meridian Street & Bennington Street (East Boston)  ·    The exact stretch of vehicular closure for Meridian Street & Bennington Street is still being finalized.  “As a business owner in the Three Squares district, I can confidently say that the great Open Streets event hosted by the City and Three Squares last summer was a tremendous success,” said Michael Soltani, owner of the Brendan Behan Pub. “It brought people together, created a vibrant and lively atmosphere, and showcased the best of what our community has to offer.”    Open Streets programming will vary slightly by neighborhood but will include food trucks, kids’ hubs (with face painting, balloon animals, crafts, interactive games, and more), photo installations, exclusive performances and activations, and Pedicabs. The City is contracting again this year with Shana Bryant Consulting, a Black- and woman-owned small business, to carry out Boston’s Open Streets program.  “Shana Bryant Consulting is elated to be working with Mayor Wu, the Streets Cabinet, and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion to expand Open Streets Boston in 2023 from June to October,” said Shana Bryant. “Due to the success of last year in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and Dorchester, we have added two new neighborhoods, Allston Brighton and East Boston. We are looking forward to building off of last year's excitement and making ‘Open Streets Boston’ a cherished, family fun, and exciting new Boston tradition for community members, organizations, and visitors.”    "We are very excited about Open Streets coming to East Boston, this is a great idea and excellent opportunity to network with neighbors and bring everyone together. The Veronica Robles Cultural Center is planning to kick off El Día de lo Muertos celebration with its annual parade celebrating life during the Open Streets day," said Veronica Robles, Executive Director of the Veronica Robles Cultural Center.  "We're very excited to bring Open Streets to Allston Village, it's a great opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of our business, art and entertainment community, and we're thrilled to work with the city on this event,” said Alex Cornacchini, Executive Director, Allston Village Main Streets.  Mayor Wu announced the first Open Streets series last June. More information on activations at this year’s Open Streets events will be made available here.   Open Newbury  Newbury Street will this year be closed to vehicle traffic every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from July 2 to October 15. The route will be the same as previous years, with Newbury Street closed to cars from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue.  Parking will be restricted on Newbury Street and adjacent streets, with enforcement beginning at 5:00 a.m. Signs will be posted informing drivers of the change.  The City first piloted Open Newbury Street in 2016. Open Newbury has returned and grown every year (with the exception of 2020). In previous years, thousands of people have enjoyed food, shopping, and dining in the street.   “The Back Bay Association is pleased that Open Newbury will welcome pedestrians, shoppers, diners and visitors to Boston’s Iconic Newbury Street for more than three months of Sundays,” said Meg Mainzer-Cohen, President and Executive Director of the Back Bay Association. “Many retailers, restaurant owners and businesses have quantified the success of Open Newbury, that led to increased sales, customer engagement and an overall creative use experience of this public way.”  More on Open Newbury can be found here.  These two announcements build on Mayor Wu’s commitment to reimagine how Boston streets work for residents and visitors and how reconfiguring public spaces can foster community. In April, Mayor Wu announced the return of the Playoff Hub on Canal Street, temporarily closing the street to cars during home playoff games at TD Garden. In January, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) announced findings from the Copley Connect pilot in summer of 2022. Following the success of the pilot, transportation planners with the BPDA and BTD intend to study permanent improvements to Dartmouth Street between the Boston Public Library and Copley Square Park that would improve the public realm between three of Boston's most iconic civic spaces and formally unify Copley Square.

SBA局長Guzman參訪泰勒街78號 恭喜承包商LVJ得年度小企業獎

局長Isabella Casillas Guzman (左) 參訪 Liseth Jovhana Velez
承接的泰勒街78號工程。 (周菊子攝)

          (Boston Orange 編譯) 美國小企業行政局 (SBA)即將於5月2、3兩日在網上舉辦全美小企業週高峰會，並於5月10日在Needham的喜來登 (Sheraton)酒店舉行早餐會，頒獎表揚麻州的年度小企業主得獎者。

                     在波士頓市承接華人經濟發展協會 (CEDC) 泰勒街 (Tyler) 78號翻修改建工程的LJV發展公司創辦人兼執行長，年僅32歲的退伍軍人 Liseth Jovhana Velez，獲選為今年的得獎者。她的公司已取得聯邦政府的8（a）公司認證。

局長Isabella Casillas Guzman (中) 和 Liseth Jovhana Velez等人
一起到泰勒街78號參觀。 (周菊子攝)

                     聯邦政府小企業行政局(SBA)的第27任局長Isabella Casillas Guzman，日前特地趁著到麻州和聯邦眾議院民主黨黨鞭Katherine Clark一起參加在傅萊明罕市 (Framingham) Nuzko餐廳舉辦的圓桌討論會，和地方上的小企業主及麻州黑人經濟協會 (BECMA)座談前，趕到波士頓華埠，參觀泰勒街工程，恭喜既是女性，又兼具退伍軍人身份的Liseth Jovhana Velez得獎，也順道和該工程業主，華人經濟發展協會主席蔣宗壬，副主席陳亞倫晤談。

SBA麻州主任Robert Nelson (右) 向  Isabella Casillas Guzman (中)
解說Liseth Jovhana Velez得獎原因。 (周菊子攝)

                   小企業行政局麻州主任Robert Nelson表示，Liseth Jovhana Velez是她於2018年4月所創辦工程公司的唯一企業主，資源有限，卻能充分利用SBA的貸款，成功發展企業，成為模範。

                  Liseth Jovhana Velez經由小企業行政局，得到Apex加速器的Michelle Simos輔導，探索爭取政府合約途徑，一舉跳進工程管理這一項很少見到女性的行業。新冠病毒疫情爆發後的那2年，她辭去原本的全職工作，專心經營LVJ發展公司，奠定基礎。

華人經濟發展協會主席蔣宗壬(左)，副主席陳雅倫(中)和
SBA局長  Isabella Casillas Guzman (右)。 (周菊子攝)

                      2021年，她參加了小企業行政局的新興領袖項目，結業時也在課程協助下製作出5年發展及成長計劃。如今她的公司不但和聯邦政府的國防部，退伍軍人處，GSA, NPS, FEMA, FAA等許多部門洽談合約，她自己也再深造，修畢了哈佛大學商學院，以及衛斯理學院的創新文憑課程。

                   Isabella Casillas Guzman在4月24日到訪這天，和Liseth Jovhana Velez親切晤談，還一起參觀了正在施工中，預定2024年竣工，將為波士頓華埠新增8戶可負擔住宅的泰勒街78號，稱許她年紀輕輕，卻很有計畫與毅力。

                    Isabella Casillas Guzman強調，該局的使命就是協助小企業蓬勃發展，繁榮地方經濟，尤其是要協助一般較難爭取到資源的諸如女性、退伍軍人、少數族裔等群體。

                 小企業行政局麻州主任Robert Nelson透露，麻州成長資本 (Mass Growth Capital Corp.)在6月30日前還繼續辦理比照補助款 (Matching grant)，有意申請補助的企業，可以上網查詢https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/。

                小企業行政局麻州公共事務專員伍少武 (Normen Eng) 則透露，該辦公室刻正招聘外展及市場行銷專員，有意者可上網查詳細資料，http://www.usajobs.gov/job/720485400。

波士頓市長吳弭5/2早上改在華埠公共圖書館分館請居民喝咖啡

     (Boston Orange) 波士頓市長吳弭將於5月2日早上9點半至10點半，改在位於Bolyston街2號的波士頓公共圖書館華埠分館，請市民喝咖啡，和市民晤談。

            喝啡聚談地點，原本在天滿街 (Tremont) 295號的 Elliot Norton公園，但市長辦公室在5月1日晚6點公佈的次日公開行程中稱，咖啡聚會地點改在華埠公共圖書館。

                    吳弭市長將在5月2日至6月20日之間，親訪市內18個地點，請市民喝咖啡，閒談市民關心事務。 

          @MayorWu  Coffee Hours kick off on Tuesday, May 2, in East Boston and will continue through June. We look forward to hearing from YOU and how the  @cityofboston  can improve upon local parks, public areas, and services. http://boston.gov/coffee-hours

第6屆紀念馬丁路德金朗讀會訂5/2下午4點在波士頓市府廣場舉行

6TH ANNUAL MLK PUBLIC READING TO BE  HELD ON BOSTON CITY COUNCIL AS A 100+ ENSEMBLE  WILL READ A HISTORIC SPEECH MADE BY THE CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER 55 YEARS AGO THIS YEAR

 

BOSTON—The New Democracy Coalition will host its annual public reading by reciting a historical speech made by Civil Rights Movement icon, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who has deep ties to Boston. The event is being held on the Boston City Hall Plaza, Tuesday, May 2, 4 pm.

 

“We are humbled to read his speeches collectively every year as a civic ritual which seeks to bring Boston together. This reading demonstrates the capacity of Bostonians of all races and walks of life to come together and embrace each other in our diversity,” said the Rev. Kevin Peterson, who founded the event in 2018 on the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination. Nowhere else around the planet is Rev. King celebrated with an annual public reading.

 

Residents from all city neighborhoods will be represented as individual readers. More than 100  readers will perform—each reading 2 to 3 lines of the “Beyond Vietnam” speech, which focuses on non-violence.

 

The youngest Bostonian reading is 8 years old. The oldest reader is 104. High profile readers include comedian Jimmy Tingle, Ambassador Ray Flynn, Reverend Ray Hammond and Bishop William Dickerson. Past readers, Mayor Michelle Wu, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and former Governor Deval Patrick have been invited. The majority of the Boston City Council will readers.

麻州長 Healey 指派Will Rasky 任聯邦事務主任 派駐華府

麻州州長Maura Healey指派麻州政府首名聯邦事務主任。 (檔案照片，周菊子攝)

                        (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)今 (1)日從華府發佈消息，指派Will Rasky擔任聯邦事務主任，駐華府工作，為麻州政府和拜登政府，以及國會居間聯繫。

                          這是麻州政府首次指派專人駐守華府，居間聯繫。奚莉州長從上任時就強調麻州要把能爭取到的每一分聯邦政府經費都爭取過來，因此破例地要設立這麼一個職位。

                          波士頓市政府也是在吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 上任市長後，破紀錄的設立聯邦政府事務主任一職，並聘請了曾任麻州亞美委員會 (AAC) 主席Sam Hyun出任該職。

麻州聯邦事務主任Will Rasky。 (州政府提供)

                             奚莉政府稱，Will Rasky將和代表麻州的聯邦參眾議員密切合作，推動對麻州有意事務。

Rasky曾是美國交通部部長Pete Buttigieg的政府事務顧問，擔任跨政府事務副聯絡員，負責為交通部麾下各項計畫及倡議，和美國各州及地方政府聯絡。他的一大工作重點是幫助各州及地方政府獲得交通部的聯邦機會及其他資源。

作為麻州聯邦事務主任，Rasky將制定策略，參與和麻州有關的聯邦政府事務，特別是拜登政府和內閣機構正在採取的行動以及國會正在考慮的法案。Rasky還將保持華府官員知道關麻州的行動，特別是麻州國會代表團的行動。他也將協調和安排所有麻州政府官員，包括奚莉州長的到訪華府行程，並就會影響麻州的議題及事務，和其他州合作。

                      Will Rasky今日上任。奚莉州長前晚在華府出席華府記者協會年度晚宴後，今日參加「挑選美國投資高峰會 (Select USA Investment Summit)」，5月2日她將在該會議的「人力發展座談:經濟繁榮及創造就業機會」中發言，並和數名外國政要晤談。

波士頓市長吳弭慶祝首屆20名黑人青少年領袖班學員畢業

 MAYOR WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF YOUNG BLACK LEADERS INAUGURAL COHORT

Young Black Leaders Boston is designed for young Black men and boys between the ages of 13 and 17 in Boston high schools who want to become more civically engaged leaders in their communities.

BOSTON - Monday, May 1, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu last week celebrated the first graduation for the Young Black Leaders Boston inaugural cohort. This event at the City Hall Plaza Pavilion celebrated the 20 high school student graduates who have spent the past six weeks building community with a strong focus on developing participants’ civic organizing and movement building capacity in communities that have been historically disenfranchised.

Young Black Leaders Boston is a new program recently launched and led by the Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA). The program is a core part of Black Male Advancement’s work to improve outcomes and reduce systemic barriers to advancement for Black men and boys living in Boston.

"Our Young Black Leaders Boston program builds on our city's foundation for wrapping around our young people and connecting them with opportunity and support," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "These YBL graduates show an inspiring commitment to their communities and demonstrate what is possible when we create spaces for our young Black leaders to build with one another. I'm thrilled to uplift their success and growth as the first high school graduating cohort of the Young Black Leaders Boston program and look forward to their leadership and impact across our city’s communities."

"I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of the Young Black Leaders Boston graduates," said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of Black Male Advancement. “It is important that we foster spaces that will help to improve outcomes and support our young people, ensuring that they are equipped to access resources, build with their school community and lead in their neighborhoods. The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement remains committed to empowering Black men and boys, and helping them to thrive and share in our City’s prosperity.”

Through the My Brother’s Keeper Boston partnership with Boston Public Schools (BPS), Black Male Advancement focused on engaging and supporting young Black male students in a variety of schools across the district. The cohort participants are from various Boston Public Schools including Boston Arts Academy, Henderson Inclusion Upper School and TechBoston Academy.

“My Brother’s Keeper Boston is committed to creating opportunities for the advancement of young Black men and boys in the City of Boston,” said Jeysaun Gant, My Brother’s Keeper Boston Program Manager. “Our partnership with BPS was intentional to ensure that we recruited local students in communities where youth voices often go unheard. The Young Black Leaders program was created to empower and embolden these young trailblazers to be able to advocate for themselves and peers in their community and school setting and that is an invaluable skill for their development.”

From March 21 through April 27, the inaugural cohort learned a range of skills and practical experience through weekly hour-long sessions aimed at positioning them to robustly organize their communities for social change. Participants also met with key City of Boston officials from various departments and members of the Black Men and Boys Commission to learn how to effectively access crucial city services, navigate local government, foster civic engagement within their communities and sustain advocacy related to issues impacting Black men and boys across the city’s neighborhoods. The participants in this cohort are from various neighborhoods in Boston including Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, and the South End.

“The Young Black Leaders program provided me with support for improving my leadership skills. I am thankful to the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement for introducing me to this program,” said JaVaughan Francis, Young Black Leaders cohort graduate. “I don’t often see or hear about young black leaders or black leaders in general unless it’s President Barack Obama or someone famous. It was an eye opening and insightful experience that showed me that we can be more than athletes, or rappers to be young Black leaders in our community.”

The cohort’s weekly sessions were developed and facilitated by The Davis System LLC, which provides grassroots organizing strategy to individuals, organizations and communities. Topics covered include but were not limited to: civic engagement, storytelling, volunteer recruitment, gathering community support for issues and causes, debate, group facilitation, and media engagement.

The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement works to empower Black men & boys and to ensure they have equitable access to opportunities in the City. BMA also focuses on policies, programs, resources, and local and national partnerships. Additionally, the office directs and supports the efforts of the Black Men and Boys Commission and My Brother’s Keeper Boston.

麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell勞動節重申保護移民勞工使命

 ON INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY, AG CAMPBELL ISSUES ADVISORY ON PROTECTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS

Advisory Reaffirms that Protections under State Wage and Hour Laws Apply to All Workers Regardless of Their Immigration Status 

BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today issued an advisory to reaffirm her Office’s commitment to protecting the rights of all workers, including immigrants and minors. 

The advisory reminds the public that all workers, irrespective of immigration status, are protected by the state’s labor and employment laws. Such protections include the right to be paid the minimum wage and overtime, in full and on time;  the right to a safe and healthy workplace free from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination; the right to protections under Child Labor Laws; and the right to organize and to be classified properly as an employee. 

The advisory has been shared with various community and advocacy groups and is available in multiple languages. 

            “All workers in Massachusetts are entitled to employment rights and protections, regardless of immigration status,” said AG Campbell. “My office has always been an advocate and resource for workers, and we will continue to work to ensure they are being paid properly and treated justly by employers.” 

Under state laws, all workers have the right to be paid a legal rate of pay, in full and on time – this includes minimum wage ($15 per hour), overtime (time and a half your regular rate for all hours worked over 40 hours in a work week) and the prevailing wage on public works projects. Workers are also entitled to certain workplace protections such as the right to be free from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination while at work, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national original. 

Additional protections ensure workers, including minors, have the right to a safe and healthy workplace, the right to organize, and the right to be classified properly as an employee. Underage workers also the have right to protections under the state’s Child Labor Laws, including maximum hours and protection from working too early in the morning or too late at night, and working unsupervised or with dangerous machinery. All workers, irrespective of immigration status, are entitled to these protections. 

The advisory also reinforces the AG Office’s commitment to serve all workers, irrespective of their immigration status or language, noting that the office does not inquire about an individual worker’s immigration status. The advisory additionally states that retaliation against workers who assert their legal rights will not be tolerated. Further, the AG’s Office can assist eligible workers whose rights have been violated in seeking protection from immigration enforcement by supporting workers’ requests for prosecutorial discretion, and/or U or T visa certification. 

The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division enforces laws that protect all workers in the Commonwealth, including immigrants and minors. These laws include minimum wage, timely payment of wages, overtime, tip pooling, child labor, and public construction bid laws. 

The Fair Labor Division has broad powers to investigate violations and enforce these laws through criminal and civil actions. The Fair Labor Division protects employees from exploitation, prosecutes employers who are failing to follow state wage and hour laws, and sets a level playing field for law-abiding employers. The AG’s Office ensures that strong economic growth and fairness for workers go hand-in-hand. 

Workers who believe their rights have been violated in their workplace can also call the office’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465. More information about the state’s wage and hour laws is also available in multiple languages at www.mass.gov/ago/multi.

百人會宣佈18人獲選為2023年度下一代領袖

             (Boston Orange編譯) 美國百人會 (committee of 100) 今 (1)日宣佈18名2023年下一代領袖學員名單，將在5月5日至6日，該會假聖荷西Signia舉行的年會中正式介紹。

百人會從2014年起推出「下一代領袖」學員計畫，每年從藝術，企業、科技、金融等領域挑選傑出的改變推動者，藉由共同的服務意識及目標，來提升它們個人的影響力。從開辦迄今已有180多人獲選。

百人會今年的年會主題為「在動盪時代尋求共識 (Seeking Common Ground in Turbulent Times)」。

紐約州紐約市（2023 年 5 月 1 日）——由傑出華裔美國人組成的非營利性美國領導組織“百人委員會”今天宣布其 2023 屆下一代領袖 (NGL) 班級，由 18 名來自藝術、商業、 科技、金融。 新課程將在 Committee of 100 的年度會議和晚會上正式介紹。

                       今年獲選的18人分別為，紐約大學國際教育副教授暨多元化、平等及歸屬副院長Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng；在香港長大，為許多電影，電視節目在幕後策畫的戲服設計師Vera Chow；為企業及政府擔任財務及策略顧問，2012年到2021年間擔任香港交易及清算所資深主管的James Fok；聖荷西市長Sam Liccardo手下的前任創新長Clay Garner；曾贏得艾美獎CBS新聞駐倫敦外國通訊員Ramy Inocencio；在新澤西出生的韓裔美籍美聯社駐北京記者Dake Kang；區塊鍊視頻遊戲Launchpad共同創辦人，曾是富士康創投駐站創業家的Jason M. Kingdon；被譽為世界上最著名亞裔美籍廣告業總監之一，為谷歌、三星、迪士尼等做過國際品牌活動的Nicholas Lam；麻省理工學院史隆管理學院職業發展副教授Jackson Lu；女高音歌唱家，作家及教育者、歌劇表演者Juliet Petrus；男高音，音樂策展人，製作人及教育家Nicholas Phan；Alder 教育研究院圖書館學研究員Raymond Pun；電影製作人，攝影師，國家地理探險者Ricky Qi；紐約法國巴黎銀行企業與機構銀行業務副總裁兼全球市場財務主管Chen Rao；記者及播客 Dacapo主持人兼寫作者、製作人Yvonne So；多族裔作者，多媒體製作人及非牟利領袖Daniel Tam-Claiborne；橡樹資本管理副總裁Sean Wang；數位保險公司Stream共同創辦人兼執行長Eric Yen。