Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $18 Million to Drive Equitable Clean Energy Workforce Development

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $18 Million to Drive Equitable Clean Energy Workforce Development  

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and administration officials announced the awards at the Pipefitters Local 537 in Dorchester 

Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll (Second from right) making remarks
at the workforce grant announcement event. (Photo by Chutze Chou)

DORCHESTER -- The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $18 million in grants that will support an expanded clean energy workforce. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced the awards alongside Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) Secretary Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Jennifer Deloisio and other officials at Pipefitters Local 537 in Dorchester. The awards, provided by the MassCEC, go to over 40 organizations that are focused on lowering barriers faced by underserved and underrepresented populations entering the clean energy workforce, introducing young people to clean energy careers, providing essential training for climate critical fields and supporting minority- and women-owned businesses entering and expanding in the clean energy sector. A strong, skilled, inclusive workforce is essential to achieving the Commonwealth’s climate goals in 2030 and 2050. 

(Photo by Chutze Chou)

“Strengthening a dynamic and inclusive clean energy workforce is vitally important to reaching our state’s climate targets. These awards stand at the intersection of the climate crisis, environmental justice, and economic development,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These awards empower our communities and residents to actively join this clean energy transition by creating pathways that offer accessible entry points into valuable careers, ultimately creating a diverse, inclusive and robust workforce.” 

“The clean energy industry will bring valuable jobs to residents across Massachusetts. We can deliver the benefits of clean energy to our communities and our own neighbors can be the ones to do it,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I was glad to be with the Pipefitters today to make this important announcement. These investments mean more people will be able to access good-paying, union jobs created by the clean energy transition.” 

In total, 44 awardees will receive over $18 million. Funding for these awards comes through expanded MassCEC workforce programming.  

· Equity Workforce Training grants provide support and technical assistance to organizations that provide job training and wraparound support services to underserved or low- and moderate-income communities, current or former fossil fuel workers, members of Federally-recognized and state acknowledged tribes, or individuals from environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods. This year, 24 organizations will receive $10.6 million in total. Grants are responsive to organizations’ needs and range from planning and capacity building to full implementation of training programs.  

· Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise grants (MWBE) support to organizations implementing or expanding programs that support the creation, entry, and expansion of MWBE companies into critical sectors while addressing systemic and social barriers to entering the clean energy sector are awarded to nine organizations and are designed to provide critical business supports. Grants total over $4 million. 

· Offshore Wind Works supports the growth and capacity of a workforce trained to build, assemble, install, and operate and maintain offshore wind farms while advancing Massachusetts as a national leader and innovator in offshore wind workforce training. Awards support projects related to skilled trades, technical education, training infrastructure and equipment, and worker safety in offshore wind. Eleven organizations will receive a total $3.4 million, with support from Vineyard Wind and SouthCoast Wind.  

“The heroes of the climate crisis will be workers. It will be electricians, plumbers, builders and innovators who are building our clean energy future from the ground up,” said Secretary Tepper. “These investments are critical for bridging the workforce gap and driving the clean energy transition in an equitable way.” 

"The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to creating a more equitable workforce to address the challenges employers face today and build a robust talent pipeline for the future,” said Secretary Jones. “These grants provide equity-focused job training to ensure our workforce is skilled and ready to meet the needs of the state’s growing clean energy industry and the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We look forward to partnering with all organizations to help unlock the potential of diverse talent across Massachusetts.” 

“Building and expanding our workforce is a foundational element of the clean energy transition,” said MassCEC CEO Jennifer Daloisio. “The evolution of MassCEC’s programming in workforce development shows our commitment to inclusive and intentional growth that delivers good-paying jobs to families and clean energy to residents across the Commonwealth. We are grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued support, and we look forward to seeing these organizations carry out their promising work.”  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is supporting historic growth in Massachusetts’ clean energy industry. Earlier this year, Governor Healey announced Clean Energy Innovation Career Pathways for high school students. With Massachusetts heading into a historic offshore wind solicitation and with the brand-new Massachusetts Community Climate Bank, careers in clean energy are more needed than ever. MassCEC has been supporting workforce development in this sector for over a decade. 

An expanded description of awards can be found at MassCEC.com, link locations below. Awardees are: 

Equity Workforce Training Grants: 

 

Implementation  

Action for Equity 

BlocPower 

MassHire North Shore 

Greenfield Community College 

Energetics 

Greater Lawrence Technical School 

Building Pathways 

RARE 

Nordee Enterprise 

Community Works Services 

Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology 

 

Capacity  

Julius Education 

LISC 

MassHire South Shore 

National Society of Black Engineers 

Northeast Home Energy Ratings System Alliance 

New England Women in Energy and the Environment 

People Acting in Community Endeavors 

Tremco 

 

Planning  

Apprentice Learning 

Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute 

Madison Park Technical Vocational High School 

Studio for High-Performance Design and Construction 

  

Total: $10,571,579  

  

MWBE Support Grants:  

 

Implementation  

Center for Women & Enterprise 

SRGE 

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association 

BECMA 

Entrepreneurial & Business Collaborative 

 

Capacity  

Activate Global, Inc 

Boston Center for Community Ownership 

 

Planning  

Beacon Climate Innovations 

Roads Consulting Group 

  

Total: $4,035,679  

  

Offshore Wind Works:  

 

Tufts University 

UMass Amherst Clean Energy Extension 

Self Reliance 

MassHire Cape and Islands Workforce Board 

Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology 

North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund 

UMass Dartmouth 

Bristol Community College 

STEAM the Streets 

Mass Maritime Academy 

VinciVR 

  

Total: $3,404,366   

大波士頓商會呼籲修改稅法

Tax Reform is Urgently Needed and Long Overdue for the Commonwealth’s Residents and Businesses

Chamber & MassCPAs Issue Joint Statement to Massachusetts Legislators 

In February 2023, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MassCPAs) worked with top tax experts to release a comprehensive tax reform proposal that will improve our state’s competitiveness and help retain and attract workers, residents, and employers – our job creators. While we applaud the Governor, House, and Senate for prioritizing tax reform legislation this year, we urge the Commonwealth’s legislators to quickly finalize the first step in strategic tax reform that will benefit residents, families, businesses, and the economy. 

Massachusetts is moving in the wrong direction on tax policy compared to other states. At least 10 states reduced their personal income tax rate on January 1, 2023, including three that switched to a flat income tax, while Massachusetts was the only state to increase income taxes. Moreover, no less than five states reduced their corporate income tax rate in 2023. Competitive tax policies are a pillar for other states that are aggressively campaigning to attract businesses and talent, while Massachusetts is falling behind. 

Meaningful and robust tax relief is critical to building and sustaining the Commonwealth’s competitiveness. The recommended policy changes by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the MassCPAs are important first steps that will expand opportunities and incentivize continued economic growth. Aspects of these recommendations are now before a House and Senate conference committee that will negotiate a final bill for passage. After years of review, we encourage the committee to conclude its work early this fall and adopt the following commonsense recommendations that improve the Commonwealth’s business climate: 

• Reforming the Archaic Estate Tax
• Adopting Single Sales Factor Apportionment while Accounting for Nuanced Outcomes in Specific Industries
• Reducing the Short-Term Capital Gains Tax Rate
• Rejecting Joint Filing Requirements that Raise Taxes
• Increasing Housing, Family, and Transit Tax Deductions and Credits 

These tax changes would positively impact the decisions of employers and economic decision makers. Businesses – including small and local ones – will see a strong signal that they are valued. Employees will directly benefit from a number of personal income tax changes. 

“When we partnered with MassCPAs earlier this year, we strategized to recommend transformative tax policies that would prioritize the region’s competitiveness. With these recommendations, employers, job creators, families, and communities will take the first step to alleviating outlier tax policies that yield negative results. Now, it is time for the Commonwealth’s legislators to move forward with important tax reform to ensure that residents, families, and businesses can - and will - start, stay, and succeed in Massachusetts,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

“Massachusetts is at a serious inflection point. We have seen from our own data, which is supported by recent IRS information, that outmigration is on the rise, particularly among higher income taxpayers.  While there are many reasons for it, one thing is clear, tax policy and Massachusetts’ outlier status is a primary reason,” said MassCPAs President and CEO Amy Pitter. “To protect our tax base and attract the talent and businesses we need to thrive, we can no longer be complacent. Bold action is needed now to send a loud message that Massachusetts is serious about protecting our resources and competing in today’s global environment. We’re grateful to the Chamber and our tax and legal expert members for their continued work on this critical matter.”

波士頓數百青少年週末滋事毆警 警察局長Cox斥為犯罪 市議長Flynn籲尊重警察

                (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 波士頓市近日發生槍擊案，持槍搶劫案，市議員被搶案等多宗令人矚目的公安事件，其中上周末發生在南灣購物廣場和城中區AMC影院的數百名青少年聚眾滋事，甚至毆打警察一案，最是引人矚目。

              波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox憤然直言，這不是小孩子的舉動，這是犯罪行為 (criminal behavior)，並指這樣的青少年聚眾滋事趨勢，令人不安。他完全不明白這些青少年為什麼會有這樣的行為，市府絕不會忍受。

                 波士頓市議會議長愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn)今 (29)日為此發表聲明，稱警察遇襲，令人不安，呼籲人們尊重警察，攜手保護公眾安全。

                 上週日的8月27日傍晚5點時，約400名青少年聚集在南灣購物廣場，引發多宗暴力鬥毆，逼使鄰近AMC電影院，Target，星巴克等店鋪門提早關門，一大群警察從全市各地趕到現場。好幾名警察不敵青少年的人多勢眾，還被推倒在地的圍毆。據說還有一名青少年以類似勒頸的方式，攻擊警察。

              大約6個小時候的凌晨一點左右，在波士頓市中心的AMC波士頓廣場19電影院前，也發生類似情況。因為鬥毆事件，看電影的人從戲院被疏散到街頭人行道上。警察估計那時大約有150名年輕人聚集附近的人行道上。其中一名警察在報告中寫道，那是剛剛在南灣購物商場鬧事的同一批青少年。

                 根據警察報告，有一人站到了一輛車的車頂上去了，其他人和警察對打，警察一度動用胡椒噴劑。

             警方事後共逮捕了13名青少年，並控以毆打警察，行為失序，騷擾和平等罪名。波士頓前鋒報指出，被捕的青少年中，有2人年僅12歲。

                波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox說，他要向家長們呼籲，開學在即，請確保自己知道孩子在哪兒，更重要的是和孩子們說，不要去那一類的地方。

               波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn的聲明如下:

     “聽到波士頓警察趕到波士頓市中心，處理一宗大規模鬥毆時，遭遇襲擊，令人感到不安，我已和兩名被襲擊的警察談過，以了解更多有關他們的情況。這些人身攻擊和暴力行為令人作嘔，真的讓人看不下去，而且完全不管這些警察的安全，更是令人感到非常困擾，襲擊和對警察施暴的行為是不可接受的，需要受到譴責。

波士頓警察是我們城市不可分割的一部分，但他們在回應緊急呼叫和巡邏社區時，受到越來越多的身體和言語攻擊。 我們的居民靠波士頓警察局來確保公共安全和生活質量，我們的警察是我們在政府和社區中的合作夥伴。 波士頓警察及其家人應該受到尊重，享有尊嚴，我們必須共同努力，來實現所有人都享有公共安全的這共同目標。”

"It is disturbing to hear about Boston police officers being assaulted while responding to a large fight in Downtown Boston, and I have spoken to the two officers assaulted to learn more about their conditions. These physical assaults and violence are disgusting and extremely difficult to watch, and the complete disregard for the safety of the officers is astoundingly troubling. Assault and violence against police officers is unacceptable, and needs to be condemned.

The men and women of the Boston Police are an integral part of our city, yet they have experienced an increased level of physical and verbal assaults as they respond to emergency calls and patrol our neighborhoods. Our residents rely on the Boston Police Department for ensuring public safety and quality of life, and our police officers are our partners in government and in our community. Boston police officers and their families deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and we must all work together towards the common goal of public safety for all. "

麻州長Healey要求拜登總統在8/31國際關注藥物過量日降半旗

              (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)今 (29)日發信給美國總統拜登，要求他在8月31日，國際關注藥物過量日這天降半旗，藉以紀念數以百萬計因藥物過量而失去生命的美國人。

              該行動將允許麻州降半旗。

              奚莉州長指出，藥物過量危機奪走了數以百萬計的美國人，以及麻州居民的生命，對他們的家人、社區及整個州和國家，都造成極大打擊。

              從1999年以來，有100多萬名美國人因為藥物過量而失去生命。過去這10年來，麻州也因為藥物過量，失去2萬2000人，其中2022年就有2357人。國際關注藥物過量日在每年8月31日這天，紀念這些令人心碎的損失，認可這公共衛生危機對家庭、朋友及社區所造成的影響。

              奚莉政府指出，他們致力採取公共衛生方法來解決藥物濫用所導致的失調問題，以拯救生命。2024會計年度預算投資7億元對抗濫用藥物，200萬元用於讓人們更容易獲得以證據為基礎的醫藥援助治療。

              包括Team Sharing，麻州上癮康復組織 (MA Organization for Addiction Recovery，簡稱MOAR)，以及學習適應(Learn to Cope)等組織都支持麻州政府的作法。

Governor Healey Requests President Biden Lower Flags in Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey has sent a letter to President Biden requesting that he lower flags to half-mast on August 31, 2023, in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day and in remembrance of the millions of American lives lost to the overdose crisis. This action would allow Massachusetts to lower its flags as well. 

 

“The overdose crisis has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans and Massachusetts residents. This loss has been devastating to their families, to their communities, and to our entire state and country,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are truly in mourning – and lowering the flags on International Overdose Awareness Day will help us to honor their memories, call attention to the overdose crisis that continues to ravage our communities, and break down the stigma that prevents too many people from seeking lifesaving treatment. We are grateful to the Biden Administration for their importance work to address substance use disorder and hope that they will consider taking this step to raise awareness.” 

 

“International Overdose Awareness Day is an important moment to remember those who we’ve lost to the disease of the substance use disorder and recommit ourselves to doing the difficult work to challenge stigma and expand access to care,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Lowering the flags in observance of this solemn day will help us raise awareness of this public health crisis, which we know disproportionately impacts Black, Latino and Indigenous residents.” 

 

More than one million Americans have lost their lives to overdose since 1999. Over the past decade, Massachusetts has lost 22,000 people to overdoses, including 2,357 residents in 2022 alone. International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized annually on August 31 to remember these heartbreaking losses and recognize the pain of families, friends and communities impacted by this public health crisis. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to taking a public health approach to addressing substance use disorder and saving lives. The FY24 operating budget signed by Governor Healey invests over $700 million to combat substance use disorder, including $22 million for low-threshold housing that includes wraparound services, $2 million to make evidence-based, medication-assisted treatment more accessible, including three new mobile methadone delivery programs and other new medication units across the state, funding to improve access to medications for opioid use disorder in correctional settings. 

 

Statements of support 

 

Cheryl Juaire, Founder, Team Sharing, Inc. 

“For years, our members at Team Sharing, Inc. have been advocating for flags to be lowered in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. This is an important way to memorialize those who we have lost and make sure those who are suffering with substance use disorder or grieving loved ones know that they are not alone. We’re grateful to Governor Healey for heeding our calls and urging President Biden to take action.” 

 

Maryanne Frangules, Executive Director, MA Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) 

“Lowering the flag for International Overdose Awareness Day is an important way to honor and remember the lives that have been lost to overdoses, and it would be uplifting for the families who will forever grieve the loss of their loved ones. It is also an important way to break down the stigma that too many people face when trying to receive help for substance use disorder. We hope that President Biden will take this important step to truly acknowledge this day by lowering flags across the country.” 

 

Joanne Peterson, Founder and Executive Director, Learn to Cope 

“I am really encouraged and I hope to see the flag lowered for International Overdose Awareness Day in Massachusetts and around the country. For decades we have been losing lives to this crisis. It’s important to show empathy, compassion and support, these are human lives, family members that we have loved and lost. Families deserve comfort for loss to this crisis like any other loss due to a mass casualty. We thank Governor Healey for requesting our flags to be flown at half-staff and we hope President Biden approves. It’s time to show this country that our people are not forgotten, not just numbers. The loss continues and we need to show compassion and honor the loss so many of us have experienced over decades.

波士頓市更新條例 結婚證書不再要求填性別

(Boston Orange 摘譯) 波士頓市政府今 (29) 日宣佈，更新結婚證，不再要求在證書上填寫性別。             這是波士頓市基於新的"關注性別指導原則 (gender-aware guidelines)"所做的改變，適用於市政府資源及市府流程中所有的性別認同數據收集。             這一改變旨在支持市府員工執行波士頓市政策，讓所有市民都感到更加被尊重。             市府的創新及科技局 (DoIT)，市長的同性戀進步局 (Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement)，以及註冊局 (Registry Department)將承辦所有的改變。             有意把結婚證書更新為沒有性別識別者，可以向市府註冊局申請新證書。             這新條例是由當年還是波士頓市議員的吳弭 (Michelle Wu)和Liz Breadon提案，以及Gabriela Coletta修訂而成。有4項目標，分別為: 定義市政府工作人員應了解的與性別認同相關的關鍵術語 幫助市政府部門確定何時需要和適當向居民詢問其性別認同 在市府部門決定需要向民眾詢問其性別認同時，為市政府部門提供標準語言。 把那些在如何記錄上有限制的數據上，使指南中的標準與州、聯邦或其他數據系統保持一致 2022年時，由當時還是市議員的吳弭和Liz Breadon所撰寫，以確保所有市府所發出表格、文件及證書包容性別的條例，獲得波士頓市議會無異議通過。2022年3月，波士頓市長宣佈成立了同性戀進步辦公室。 CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES GENDER EQUITY UPDATES TO MARRIAGE LICENSES   City announces new gender-aware standards to help guide City services aimed at empowering residents

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 29, 2023 - Building on Mayor Wu’s vision of an inclusive City that serves all residents, the City of Boston today announced that it has updated its marriage licenses by no longer requiring sex or gender identification on the licenses. This change is the first the City has made based on new gender-aware guidelines for City resources and the collection of gender-identity data throughout government processes. These guidelines will support City staff who design and operate services, programs, and policies in the City of Boston and are intended to provide more dignified experiences for all residents, including those whose gender and sexual identities have historically not been recognized or supported by government agencies. This effort was led by the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement, and the City’s Registry Department. Boston residents who wish to have an updated marriage license issued without sex or gender identification can contact the City Registry for a new copy.  “Our fundamental charge in public service is ensuring that our services and opportunities reach everyone, and that starts with affirming and supporting constituents of all identities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston must continue to work to dismantle the historic inequities and injustices that persist. This update to Boston marriage licenses is a huge step in building a City that is truly inclusive, and I’m excited to see how these critical changes for accessibility at City Hall serve Bostonians.” Data can be a powerful tool to understand disparities and to drive equitable outcomes. However, embedding the collection of data into government programs can often have negative consequences for the people those services and programs were intended to help in the first place. The consequences can be magnified when data collection is mandatory or tied to other personally identifying information. As these are complex issues that involve trade-offs, the City expects these standards and guidelines to evolve. Collecting the right amount of data in the right way will ensure that the City delivers services equitably and effectively to people of all gender identities while protecting privacy and safety to the best of its ability. Building on the Gender Inclusion ordinance filed by then-Councilor Wu and Councilor Liz Breadon and the amendment to the ordinance filed by Councilor Gabriela Coletta and feedback received regarding various constituent experiences, the City has created this new set of standards and guidelines that will support City workers in determining when and how they should collect gender identity information.  To achieve this purpose, these guidelines and standards have four goals: Define key terms City staff should understand related to gender identity Help City departments determine when it is necessary and appropriate to ask constituents about their gender identity Provide standard language that City departments should use when they have determined they need to ask constituents about their gender identity Align the standards in the guidelines with state, federal, or other data systems that have limitations in how they record this data  “We’re committed to ensuring that all City employees and departments get the proper support to embed gender inclusive language and practices into the way they engage with residents and ask for personal information,” said Julia Gutierrez, Chief Digital Officer. “Just as the language for talking about gender is dynamic and changes over time, we expect to regularly review and continuously improve these standards and guidelines in response to the feedback we receive.” The LGBTQ+ community across the country continues to face marginalization, discrimination, and violence - particularly Black and Brown trans and gender non-conforming community members. A person's gender and sexual identity can be tremendously important to their overall identity. These guidelines and standards seek to balance the right to be affirmed against risks and constraints. Government agencies create harm by not allowing people to affirm their identities, especially if information is collected that misrepresents who they are. At the same time, collecting information increases risks for vulnerable groups and creates barriers to participation.  “Good government is responsive to an evolving world where everyone has access to city services in a way that feels equitable, safe and inclusive” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “Massachusetts was the first state to legally recognize marriage equality, but we know that the work of creating a more just world is ongoing. I am proud to be part of the City of Boston’s trajectory as a continued leader in equity, inclusion, and justice.” “The City is proud to implement these new important standards,” said Paul Chong, City Registrar. “We believe that all constituents should have equitable access to City services.” This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s work to ensure that Boston is an inclusive and equitable city for residents of all gender identities. In 2020, the Boston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance authored by then-City Councilor Wu and Councilor Liz Breadon to ensure gender inclusivity on all City-issued forms, documents, and certificates. In March 2022, Mayor Wu announced the creation of the Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement. 

昆士市亞當廣場9月9日傍晚有流行音樂會

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 昆士市市長柯奇 (Thomas P. Koch) 邀請市民9月9日 (週六) 下午4至7點，在興國亞當廣場 (Hancock Adams Common) 舉辦流行音樂會，由昆士合唱協會和昆士交響樂團演出。

昆士合唱協會和昆士交響樂團的音樂主任Yoichi Udagawa和Sarah Labrie將率領這些本地組織，展現他們的才華。

昆士市長柯琪表示，每個月在興國亞當斯廣場，為社區帶來許多才華橫溢的表演者。昆士市很幸運，將有昆士交響樂團和昆士合唱協會，在九月初，為大家曲譜一夜美麗。

今年的節目將包括百老匯音樂劇，以及Randy Andy的喜劇才藝表演，後現代三重唱將向安德魯姊妹樂隊致敬，演唱包括Beyonce, , Aerosmith, Madonna, 以及 Lizzo等流行歌手的當代歌曲。

來自昆士藝術協會的藝術家們，將在廣場的草地上，表演進行時，現場作畫。

活動現場將有歌舞表演桌椅，以及劇院座椅，人們也可自行攜帶草坪椅。Ken's Curbside Bistro, Whoopie派篷車，Big Daddy熱狗等食物餐車將在現場服務。人們還可以從Hive 流動吧購買茶點。

 POPS CONCERT ON THE HANCOCK ADAMS COMMON SEPTEMBER 9th

QUINCY, MA – August 24, 2023 Mayor Thomas P. Koch and the City of Quincy invite the community to enjoy an evening of music and song on Saturday, September 9th from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. for a combined Pops Concert by The Quincy Choral Society and Quincy Symphony Orchestra.

Led by Quincy Symphony Orchestra and Quincy Choral Society’s Musical Directors Yoichi Udagawa and Sarah Labrie, the event highlights the tremendous talents of these local organizations.

“Each monthly event on the Hancock Adams Common has brought such a wide variety of talented performers to our community. The City of Quincy is so fortunate to feature the artistry of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and Quincy Choral Society on what we hope to be a beautiful early September evening on the Hancock Adams Common,” said Mayor Thomas P. Koch.

In addition, this year’s program will include the Broadway musical and comedic talents of the Randy Andy’s, a post-modern singing trio, who sing in homage to the Andrew Sisters contemporary songs from pop singers including Beyonce, Aerosmith, Madonna and Lizzo, with a nod to a bygone era of song.

Artists from the Quincy Arts Association will be on-site on the grass of the Common painting live during the show.

Cabaret tables and chairs along with theatre seating will be available. Lawn chairs are allowed. Food trucks scheduled for food purchases for the event include Ken’s Curbside Bistro, the Whoopie Pie Wagon and Big Daddy Hot Dogs. Adult refreshments can be purchased from Hive Mobile Bar

拜登總統在律師協會誌記民權60週年接待會中發言 (直播)

 

President Biden delivers remarks at a reception to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

麻州交通廳長Fiandaca 9月將離任 奚莉政府內閣變動

麻州交通廳廳長Gina Fiandaca (右二) 24日時出席了波士頓市長吳弭
代理，坐上麻州地鐵董事席位的會議。 (檔案照片，周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 上任未滿一年，今 (28) 日傳出交通廳廳長Gina Fiandaca將於9月11日離任消息。她將是奚莉政府任內首名離任的內閣首長。

              交通廳廳長的工作包括監管麻州高速公路，以及麻州地鐵，汽車監理處 (RMV)等交通系統。Gina Fiandaca上任此職，迄今僅7個月。

              Gina Fiandaca上任前，在德州奧斯汀 (Austin)市擔任助理市經理，監管市府的移動 (mobility) 部門。在那之前，她是波士頓前任市長馬丁華殊 (Martin J. Walsh) 的交通局局長，以及波士頓市停車員辦公室主任。

              奚莉政府在指派Gina Fiandaca出任交通廳廳長時，同時指派了Monica Tibbits-Nutt，前麻州交通廳委員會暨麻州地鐵財務管理控制委員會委員，出任副廳長。奚莉政府在發出的聲明中稱，Monica Tibbits-Nutt將出任代理廳長。

              奚莉州長辦公室表示，Gina Fiandaca將在年底前留任為顧問。

              英文報章Boston Globe指Gina Fiandaca任內有得有失，做得好的是Summer隧道封閉一事，州市政府溝通、合作良好，發生的交通延誤遠比預期為少。做得不夠好的地方是麻州地鐵持續有狀況，需要限速的軌道更多。影響更大的或許是麻州交通廳和Teneo 策略公司，這家由Gina Fiandaca的前連襟，曾任波士頓警察局局長的Bill Bratton所開的公司，在沒有發包競標的情況下，簽署了90萬元的顧問合約，來為Fiandaca和麻州地鐵擔任回應聯邦安全顧慮的顧問。

              Fiandaca在她發表的離任聲明中，敘述了自己的工作成就。她說，大家一起為麻州地鐵聘請了新領導，來執行營運工作，以及家庭移動法 (Family Mobility Act)，翻修Summer 隧道的菇做，已完成了一半，幫助駕駛”放下開”，還爭取到20億元的聯邦經費。她說這些都是在奚莉政府領導下得到的成就。她相信接手代理的Monica Tibbits-Nutt能夠因應後續挑戰。

Statement from Governor Maura Healey: 

“Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I are grateful for Gina’s leadership at the Department of Transportation. She came to our administration with over four decades of experience in transportation and a proven track record of getting things done. She hit the ground running and has delivered on many of our key transportation priorities. We are confident that the Department of Transportation will be in good hands and well-positioned to continue this important work with Monica Tibbits-Nutt as Acting Secretary, as she has a deep knowledge of our transportation system and a commitment to public engagement and equity. We thank Gina for all her work on behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, for her willingness to be available to continue to assist us through the end of the year, and we wish her well in all of her future endeavors.” 

Statement from Secretary Fiandaca: 

"I will be stepping down as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation effective September 11th. I want to thank Governor Healey for the honor and privilege of leading MassDOT during this transformative time in transportation. I am grateful for the trust Governor Healey placed in me that led to significant progress in virtually every facet of transportation in the Commonwealth.  Together, we have hired new leadership at the MBTA, implemented the Work and Family Mobility Act, reached approximately the half-way point with the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project and helped drivers ‘ditch the drive’, and led efforts to obtain more than 2 billion dollars in federal funding.  In all of these areas and many others, the Governor's leadership was the driving force of our success.  I know I am leaving the department in capable hands with Monica Tibbits-Nutt as Acting Secretary and with an Administration dedicated to addressing our transportation challenges by putting people first and a workforce ready to carry on this work. I wish the Healey-Driscoll Administration continued success." 

About Monica Tibbits-Nutt 

Monica G. Tibbits-Nutt, AICP, LEED AP BD+C was appointed Undersecretary of Transportation for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) by Governor Healey in January 2023. Monica also completed her tenure on the MassDOT Board of Directors and as the Vice-Chair of the Fiscal Management and Control Board (FMCB) that oversaw the MBTA from 2015-2021. 

As Undersecretary of MassDOT, Monica has direct oversight over the Rail & Transit Division, Aeronautics Division, and the Office of Transportation Planning. She is also in the process of standing up the first-ever Office of Transportation and Climate Planning and Policy as a shared service responsible for setting operational standards for both MassDOT and MBTA. 

Prior to accepting her current role, Monica served as the Executive Director of 128 Business Council, a unique transportation management association and regional service provider that builds privately-funded, cooperative public transportation routes throughout the Route 128 West Corridor. 

Monica’s areas of specialty are regional and transportation planning, urban design, and transit equity. In both her work and research, Monica is particularly interested in capitalizing upon every opportunity to better educate transportation stakeholders and the public about all aspects of the planning process. As part of this focus on education, she serves as the Vice President of the non-profit Youth Engagement Planning (YEP!), which brings urban planning and community advocacy into K-12 environments. 

Monica also commits a significant portion of her time to mentorship through her roles as a member of the Board of Advisors to The Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, and, less officially, by making herself available to the students and young professionals she has met through guest lecturing and her membership in the American Planning Association, the Transportation Research Board, and other professional associations. Monica serves on the Board of Directors of WTS International and the WTS Foundation, which seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable transportation industry and provides scholarships to female-identifying professionals and students, respectively; and on the Board of Trustees of TransitCenter, which works to support, inform, connect and fund civic and public leaders working to truly make transit better. 

She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design & Construction with the U.S. Green Building Council. Originally hailing from the rural Midwest, Monica is a first-generation college graduate