麻州長奚莉提醒州民預防颶風 Lee

 Governor Healey Issues Emergency Declaration, Activates National Guard Ahead of Hurricane Lee 

National Weather Service officials do not expect the hurricane to make landfall in Massachusetts; Tropical Storm Warning in effect along the state’s coast 

 

(Photo by Chutze Chou)

BOSTON – In advance of the wind, rain, and coastal flooding expected from Hurricane Lee, Governor Maura T. Healey has declared a state of emergency and requested that FEMA issue a Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration under the Stafford Act, which would make Massachusetts eligible for Direct Federal Assistance for response costs including personnel, equipment, supplies, and evacuation assistance. Additionally, the Governor is activating up to 50 National Guard members to provide support for storm preparations and response, including operating highwater vehicles. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also sharing important guidance for residents to stay safe, along with ongoing state measures to respond to the needs of local communities. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) encourages all residents and visitors to visit Mass.gov/KnowYourZone to learn if you live or work in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone; assemble an emergency kit with supplies like food, water, a flashlight, and radio; prepare for power outages; and stay informed by enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cell phone.   

 

“I am declaring a state of emergency ahead of anticipated impacts from Hurricane Lee to ensure that the state can mobilize quickly to respond. I am also calling on FEMA to issue a Stafford Act declaration to free up resources that we can use to help communities with any recovery that might be necessary,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the extensive efforts of public safety officials who are responding to emergencies to keep people safe. All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors – and we encourage every Massachusetts resident to make sure they are prepared for this storm.” 

 

“As a former mayor, I understand the unique challenges that municipal leaders face during extreme weather events, and we appreciate their efforts to ensure their communities stay safe and help them recover from any damage,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This emergency declaration is a step to help bolster the process for delivering relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Lee.” 

 

Hurricane Lee is expected to bring wind, rain and coastal flood impacts to coastal southern New England Friday night into Saturday. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect along the entire Massachusetts coastline, including the Cape and Islands. Cape Cod and the Islands have the greatest risk of seeing tropical storm force winds. The strongest winds will impact the Cape and Islands with 50-60 mph gusts possible. Gusty winds are expected to knock down trees and limbs, which may cause power outages. The most significant coastal flooding is expected to impact the northern shoreline of Cape Cod (bay side) and Nantucket around the early morning high tide Saturday. The Cape and Islands may see 1-3” of rain Friday night into Saturday. 

 

“I am thankful for our emergency management partners at every level of government, as well as our private and non-profit partners, who have been coordinating daily to provide situational awareness and preparing for potential impacts, which include storm surge flooding, strong wind and the possibility of power outages,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “We are prepared to operate the State and MEMA East Regional Emergency Operations Centers 24/7 for as long as they are needed. MEMA will deploy one of our local coordinators to support the Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center on Cape Cod, where some of the most significant impacts are expected.” 

  

Preparation & Response Capabilities  

In anticipation of the storm, local, county, and state officials have participated in daily coordination calls with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. MEMA also initiated standard pre-impact planning with emergency support function partners that offer capabilities including search and rescue, mass care, debris management, communications, and damage assessment in the event they are needed. 

 

On Saturday morning at 7 a.m., the State Emergency Operations Center in Framingham, along with MEMA East Regional Emergency Operations Centers in Franklin and Tewksbury, will activate to provide a dedicated space for interagency coordination in response to requests for support from municipalities, state agencies, and organizations. 

 

Transportation 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is underscoring that the public should plan ahead if traveling during the severe weather. Although MassDOT does not anticipate any restrictions on passenger vehicles during this storm, drivers are reminded to take care and never drive through standing water. MassDOT is ready to respond to any impacts the storm may have on transportation infrastructure.  

 

Truck drivers should take special care if they must travel. if there are strong winds, upwards of 75 mph, MassDOT may restrict some truck travel for brief periods on specific bridge structures in the path of the storm should sustained winds and gusts create dangerous conditions.   

 

MassDOT Highway crews have been inspecting catch basins, drainage inlets and cross pipes and removing any obstructions from them over the last few days. Heavy equipment, pumps, and generators are fueled up and ready to be deployed if needed. Staff will be patrolling during the storm and emergency response crews are on standby. 

 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is preparing for potential flooding on roadways or parkways within its jurisdiction and may close affected areas as needed. Like MassDOT, DCR has teams standing by to address any fallen trees that require attention.  

 

The MBTA is closely monitoring the weather forecast and will provide updates as needed. Passengers should plan accordingly and allow extra travel time if they are traveling during periods of inclement weather. Ferry service will be adjusted on Friday, September 15, cancelled on Saturday, September 16, and operate normally on Sunday, September 16. Riders are encouraged to sign up for and check T-Alerts for the latest service information. 

 

Massport advises Boston Logan passengers to reach out to their airlines on the status of their flight. Information related to flight status can be found here.    

 

Recreation 

DCR has contacted all campers with reservations for this weekend and offered them the opportunity to cancel at no cost or to transfer their reservation to another campground that is outside of the forecasted storm area. 

 

As a reminder, waterfront services have ended for the season, including lifeguard services at all DCR-managed inland and coastal beaches across the state, and swimming is no longer permitted at these locations. DCR is encouraging the public to stay off of coastal beaches in areas that are in the forecasted path of the storm. 

 

Public Services 

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will close several customer service centers in Eastern Massachusetts on Saturday, September 16, and road test appointments are being postponed.  Customers may find additional information on mass.gov/RMV. 

 

Massachusetts residents are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For the latest updates, follow the National Weather Service Boston/Norton and MEMA on Facebook and Twitter. Visit Mass.gov for more information on hurricane preparedness.  

 

Resources for flood impacted residents, businesses and municipalities can be found at mass.gov/floodrecovery.  

麻州農商旅遊展 9月15至10月1日一連17天

Massachusetts Building at the Big E Fair Officially Open

Over 30 businesses and organizations set to represent and promote

Massachusetts’ Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism Industries

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) today announced the annual opening of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building during the 2023 Eastern States Exposition, better known as “The Big E.” This year, the 2023 Big E will run from Friday, September 15, 2023, to Sunday, October 1, 2023.

 

The Massachusetts State Exposition Building opened in 1919 and is the oldest of the six original statehouse replicas representing each New England state located along the Avenue of States. The mission of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building is to showcase Massachusetts agriculture, culture, commerce, and tourism through informational, educational, promotional, and retail exhibits.

 

"From clam chowder to maple syrup, the Big E is a tremendous opportunity for visitors to learn about Massachusetts’ diverse businesses and products,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to see what Massachusetts has to offer as the Healey-Driscoll Administration works to better position the state as an innovative leader in developing a local economy around agriculture.”

 

Attendees of this year’s fair will be able to visit over 30 vendors inside and around the building including local artisanal small business owners, agricultural commodity groups, commercial vendors, and state agencies. Visitors can also expect to find a wide variety of products, including clam chowder, apples, Finnish pancakes, honey, maple syrup, candles, soaps, chocolates, jewelry, photography, dips, seafood, smoothies, sandwiches, and more.

 

Special days for the Massachusetts Building include Military Day on Friday, September 15^th, Massachusetts Day on Thursday, September 21^st and Harvest New England Day on Friday, September 29^th. Big E gates open at 8AM daily and the Avenue of States hours are 10AM to 9PM daily. Directions, parking, and ticket details are available online.

 

Below is a list of this year’s Massachusetts State Exposition Building vendors and exhibitors for the 17-day fair:

 

Amy's All Natural Soaps *- Offers 35 unique varieties of goat milk soaps, unscented/natural shea butter, moisturizing lip lotion and gift baskets. Soaps are made locally using a family recipe which contains no artificial colorants, scents or synthetic materials. 

Andrew Gordon Jewelry * - Provides a passion for the craft of handmaking one-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings and charms. 

Bees Boards *- Locally sourced, handcrafted cribbage boards, cutting boards, clocks, charcuterie boards, barware, cheese slices signs, kitchen, home goods and custom orders. 

 

Common Ground Ciderworks* - Small batch, hand crafted, hard cider, wine and beer made in North Brookfield.

 

Finn Cakes - What is a Finnish Pancake?  It is a sweet tasting egg pancake topped with Massachusetts Maple Syrup. It contains the same custardy taste from 50 years ago and it’s a one of a kind on the fairgrounds!

 

Gibby's Gourmet Marshmallows - Locally sourced marshmallow products that are loaded with flavor and come in a variety of shapes and styles. All come in YUMMMY!!!

 

Hampden County Beekeepers Association - Non-profit organization that provides a forum to educate the public and promote local honey products including liquid, creamed, comb, chunk and straws. Bee products including pollen granules, liquid propolis, moisturizer, lip balm, sip straws, and candy are available to purchase.

I Love Boston Sports * - Curates unique themed art-based products based on the rich history and athletic achievements of the New England sports teams.  These one-of-a-kind products are imprinted on t-shirts, sweatshirts, wall prints and novelty items. 

 

Impeckable - If you love to feed the birds, these one-of-a-kind bird feeders and houses will make a unique gift. Impeckable was created with the dual intention of being able to make you smile and give nature a helping hand.

 

Joey's Deli & Market - The Biggest Little Deli - The deli cases are always changing with a variety of sweet treats, create your own dinners, sides, cold salads and more.

Koffee Kup Bakery * - Chicopee based bakery that offers top quality made-from-scratch baked goods including everything from cakes, breads, sweets and more. 

Macken's Sliders * - Family owned and operated mobile catering company that specializes in BBQ Cowboy, Garlic Bomb, Bacon Waffle, and Vegetarian Caprese Sliders.

Main Street Deli * - Enjoy delicious "Comfort Foods" such as homemade hot entrees like the Pilgrim Sandwich and the Thanksgiving Bowl, made-to-order sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, salads and delicious desserts. 

Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) - The Department’s mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.. Visit their website to find local farms, farmers markets and more!

Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) - Manages state parks and oversees more than 450,000 acres throughout Massachusetts. It protects, promotes, and enhances the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. 

Massachusetts Department of Fire Safety (DFS) - Helps keep communities safe by providing firefighter training, public education, fire prevention, code enforcement, licensing, fire investigation, hazardous material response, and emergency response. 

Massachusetts Farmers Markets - Partners with farmers, consumers, and communities to improve the health of individuals, strengthen community vitality, and enhance local farm viability through farmers markets. Visits their website to find a farmers’ market near you!

Massachusetts Maple Producers Association – MMPA works with more than 250 producers across the Commonwealth to help them make delicious, all-natural, pure maple products. Visit your nearest sugarhouse, or order online!

 

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) - MOTT promotes the Commonwealth as a four-season travel destination. MOTT highlights Massachusetts’ culture, history, cuisine and outdoor resources and works closely with the 16 tourism offices across the state. To plan your Massachusetts getaway, visit www.visitma.com.

Massachusetts Secretary of State – The Secretary of State’s Office is the chief record-keeping, public information, securities regulator, and elections officer of the Commonwealth. Their office is responsible for the maintenance of public records, administration of elections, storage of historical data, preservation of historical sites, registration of corporations, and the filing and distribution of regulations and public documents.

Massachusetts State Grange - Are you interested in agriculture and leadership?  If so, the Massachusetts State Grange creates opportunities for leadership and community improvement through its commitment to expand agricultural education in order to raise the quality of life for all. Check out their website for a Grange location near you. 

Massachusetts State Lottery * - Feel like a winner? Try your luck at the Massachusetts State Lottery!  Each year, the Massachusetts State Lottery returns net profits to the Commonwealth for distribution of essential unrestricted local aid to all 351 cities and towns. 

Massachusetts State Treasury - Paid out over $225 Million over the last 2 years and has over $3 Billion dollars in unclaimed property.

Maureen's Sweet Shoppe * - True candy boutique that offers the finest handmade chocolates which are made in small batches to assure freshness. Caramel is made on site to ensure only the finest ingredients in their products. In addition to fine chocolates, they offer over 50 bulk candy choices including the world's best gummies.

 

Moeshmallows - Creating treats that bring the humble marshmallow into the limelight and let it be the star of the show. Nostalgic in nature, Moeshmallows will bring out the kid in you, sure to make you smile.

My Main Squeeze * - Get your squeeze on by visiting My Main Squeeze juice bar. A place where cold-pressed juice can help to supplement a healthy lifestyle and no matter what you purchase (even sweet treats!) you will know it's good for you (no processed or refined ingredients and no additives). Visit their website for the best smoothies, protein balls, acai bowls, and superfood mix you will ever have. 

 

Nantucket Wild Fish - From their Boats to Smoke to Table- try fish in a new way- smoked in either a tuna wrap, whole in a croissant or in a stuffed quahog. 

New England Apple Association - With more than 120 varieties grown in New England, you are sure to find a perfect apple for any occasion. Visit website to find an orchard near you!

Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography * - See all the beauty the world has to offer in a picture. Patrick Zephry is a nationally known artist and instructor whose works are available through print, notecards, calendars, wooden puzzles, coaster and more. Visit the Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography website to see his amazing works. 

Rustic Wood Flags by Wedge* - Hand crafted customized wooden agricultural, military, and patriotic flags, themed cutting boards, challenge coin holders and so much more!

S & P Foodies Hub*- Using Massachusetts products, Thai fries are fresh cut potatoes with a dry rub seasoning topped with cheese, spicy honey aioli and a habanero lemon basil aioli then covered with such toppings as bacon bits, gluten free chicken, and cheese. Yum!!

 

Simply Dip-Licious * - From bread to dips to desserts, Simply Dip-Licious is committed to offering you the finest and freshest ingredients that you will taste in every bite. They offer a large variety of gourmet dips and olive oil blends for all your dipping occasions.  

 

Sniffs of Adventure​​​​​​​ - Our products tell a story of adventures which are attributed through their smells. Our candles are whimsical and should transport you to a time and place that brings back a nostalgic memory. Our candles are 100% soy infused with natural fragrance oils, which are made in our Newbury Street and Provincetown store locations. 

Springfield Thunderbirds * - Calling all hockey fans. The Springfield Thunderbirds are a minor league professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League that began playing during the 2016–17 season. Show your Springfield pride by visiting their website to see their amazing apparel or to purchase game tickets. 

Valley Malt * - Have you ever wondered where malt comes from? Valley Malt is bringing the Malthouse back by offering artisanal malts from locally grown grains for craft and home brewers. Check out their website for growing and brewing partners.

Worcester Red Sox * - The Worcester Red Sox (nicknamed the Woo Sox) is a professional minor league Triple-A Affiliate baseball team for the Boston Red Sox. The Woo Sox began playing at Polar Park in Worcester in April 2021.

 

 

* Denotes a businesses that offers products or is open year-round.

BPDA approves new affordable housing in East Boston and Mattapan Redevelopment of real estate properties moves forward

BOSTON - September 14, 2023 - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors Thursday approved two new development projects representing approximately 111,230 square feet (SF). The new projects will create 82 residential units, 48 of which, or 56 percent of which, will be designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 96 construction jobs and 9 permanent jobs. The Board also approved the Dorchester Bay City Planned Development Area (PDA) Master Plan. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city.  Real Estate BPDA awards tentative designation for the redevelopment of Parcel P-12C The BPDA Board of Directors awarded tentative designation to the Asian Community Development Corporation and The Community Builders for the redevelopment of Parcel P-12C at 290 Tremont Street in Chinatown. This site was previously tentatively designated, but after that development did not move forward due to financial constraints brought on by the pandemic, the BPDA restarted a community process in 2022 to imagine what could be developed on the site. This site was also identified as a high-priority opportunity site for community planning in the City’s 2022 land audit. Following years of community engagement, the objective for the redevelopment of the site is to create a dense, mixed-use development that prioritizes affordable housing and activates the streetscape. This development is a long-awaited opportunity to create a significant number of income-restricted units in an area that has experienced market-rate development pressures. The development team proposes 119 total income-restricted units, which will be a mix of rental and homeownership opportunities. The development would also include community or commercial space on the ground floor. Like all BPDA-owned parcels in the City of Boston, the selected development team will be required to meet the BPDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. This project has also been identified as a potential recipient of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the Mayor’s Office of Housing. BPDA approves release of RFP for Boston Water and Sewer Commission Parking Lots The BPDA Board of Directors approved the release of an RFP to redevelop 17 parcels which exist as five parking lots in Roxbury known as the Boston Water and Sewer Commission Lots. This site was identified as a high-priority opportunity site for community planning in the City’s 2022 land audit. The BPDA seeks to convey the property to allow mixed-use development that will fulfill the property’s potential to address the City’s most urgent needs including affordable housing, community development, and climate resilience. The RFP seeks proposals which will create opportunities for wealth generation for the residents of Roxbury. BPDA staff held five community meetings to inform the draft of the RFP to ensure that this project is community led development in action. From those engagements, and in concert with the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan and PLAN: Nubian Square, the development objectives for this RFP include: equitable and affordable housing and wealth creation, bolstering of community infrastructure such as small business development, daycares, laundromats, etc, addressing urban heat island effect, and development without displacement. Like all BPDA RFPS, the selected development team will be required to meet the BPDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion evaluation criterion, and outline commitments to including Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs) in all aspects of their development process. The future redevelopment at this site has also been identified as a potential recipient of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The RFP will be issued in the coming weeks. Development Projects Project at 2 Ford Street and 970 Saratoga Street moves forward to bring new housing to East Boston Live: 41 residential units, seven income-restricted units Work: Approximately 42 construction jobs, approximately eight permanent jobs, commercial retail space Connect: Close proximity to public transportation, public realm improvements Sustain: Mitigation towards heat island effect, climate resiliency measures  This project in East Boston sits on two separate parcels of land at 2 Ford Street and 970 Saratoga Street and will consist of two separate four-story, mixed use buildings. The building at 2 Ford Street will contain 27 residential units and retail space, and the building at 970 Saratoga Street will contain 14 residential units and retail space. Seven units will be income-restricted; at least one other will be considered for the City of Boston Voucher Program. The units will be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units. The retail space is intended to be tenanted by local residents from the East Boston community. This will be a transit-oriented development, as it is in close proximity to the MBTA Blue line, and will have space for bike parking for residents and visitors. This project is located within the boundaries of PLAN: East Boston, the BPDA’s ongoing neighborhood planning initiative. As one part of the planning process so far, BPDA staff delivered draft recommendations for all squares and corridors in May 2021. These recommendations include active ground floor uses supported by added height and density and transformational public realm improvements, which this project will deliver. During the review of this project, staff focused on ensuring the buildings are sensible to the neighborhood’s character, and securing street and sidewalk improvements that include safer and accessible crosswalks, wider sidewalks, and an expanded public realm to make space for street trees and green infrastructure. A financial contribution of $50,000 will be used toward making these pedestrian improvements, adding an art installation, and upkeeping Noyes Playground or another East Boston public park. A final portion of the contribution will go to the Boston Transportation Department to support the bikeshare program.  1471 Blue Hill Avenue project will bring new income-restricted housing to Mattapan Live: 41 housing units, 100 percent income-restricted units  Work: 1,400 square feet of community space, 54 construction jobs Connect: Bike parking, walking distance to Commuter Rail, MBTA bus services  Sustain: 48 percent on-site renewable energy, all electric design, rooftop solar This project at 1471 Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan will convert a vacant lot into a five-story  residential building with 41 energy-efficient and income-restricted rental units. The units range from one-bedrooms to three-bedrooms. There will be bicycle parking spaces for residents and for visitors. In addition, this project will contribute a bike-share station on site. There will also be a community art and workroom on site. Approximately 43 percent of the project site will be open space, and there will also be a publicly accessible pocket park on site. The project is within the boundaries of PLAN: Mattapan, approved and adopted by the BPDA Board in May 2023, by encouraging transit-oriented development of affordable housing and by improving nearby streetscape. Nine new trees will also be added along the street. Blue Hill Avenue is an important corridor identified in PLAN: Mattapan. Corridors are envisioned for denser residential development, commercial uses, and community-centered amenities due to their rich transit resources and high degree of accessibility. This project is consistent with the PLAN’s recommendations for public realm investment and green infrastructure, as it will have a small community garden, a publicly accessible pocket park and new street trees on Blue Hill Avenue. The proposed project leverages taller heights encouraged for PLAN: Mattapan corridors to bring people closer to existing transit access, retail, and community resources. The creation of a ground floor community use supports the vision for corridors to be places of gathering and public life. .  1000 Washington Street project will convert building from office to life science  Live: Support for Friends of Peters Park, Pao Arts Center Work: Approximately 276 construction jobs, approximately 790 permanent jobs, vacant office space converted to life science uses Connect: New terrace space to gather and connect, reduced parking and vehicle trips Sustain: LEED Gold,100 percent renewable electricity & carbon offsets to achieve Zero Net Carbon, 40 percent carbon reduction, critical building infrastructure elevated Located in the South End, this project will convert the existing building at 1000 Washington Street from an office into new life science uses. The changes will primarily be interior to the building, but will also include some exterior changes as well including: new thermally efficient windows; substantial changes to the exterior envelope at the eleventh floor and expanded mechanical penthouse and rooftop mechanicals; increased energy efficiency measures; and minor changes to the loading dock. In addition, this project will contribute approximately $1,976,83 towards affordable housing and approximately $395,841 towards jobs training. The project will also contribute $20,000 in funding to the Friends of Peters Park and $20,000 in funding to the Pao Arts Center. In addition, the project will deliver another $10,000 in funding to the BPDA to be distributed to the community. In addition to these projects, the Board approved:  An update to the previously approved Allston Square project to change a portion of the project from homeownership units to rental units. An update to the previously approved Nubian Square Ascends project at 2164 Washington Street to increase the number of income restricted units from 10 to 15.

Chamber Achieves Goal of Board Gender Parity Two Years Before Deadline

 Chamber Achieves Goal of Board Gender Parity Two Years Before Deadline

Women on Chamber Board of Directors increased to 50%

 

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce today successfully achieved a significant goal as part of its continuing efforts to promote business community equity and inclusion.  With its vote today adding three additional women to the Chamber Board, women now represent 50% of Directors.

Not only has board gender parity been achieved, but the Chamber has reached this goal two years early.

 

The Chamber’s journey to create a diverse Board began in 2017 when we established the first ever five-year diversity goals.  After meeting those goals a year early, in 2021, the Chamber issued a call to action to the business community to commit to Board diversity with intention and action. And in 2021, the Chamber Board publicly committed to a new ambitious set of 5-year diversity goals for itself: a board that is 50% women and 37% people of color, including 17% Black, 10% Asian, and 10% Latinx by 2026.  The Chamber is well on its way to achieving its racial diversity goals by 2026 as well, with people of color holding 30% of the Board seats.  

 

The Chamber’s immediate past Board Chair, Micho F. Spring, strategized and launched the new 5- year diversity goal plan and the broader call to action to the entire regional business community.  During his term as Board Chair over the past fifteen months, current Chamber Chair and State Street CEO Ron O’Hanley has embraced and led the implementation efforts.

 

“This important milestone took diligence and a firm commitment by our Board to recruit new leaders. I hope this progress encourages our members to redouble their efforts to make Boston’s business community more inclusive, which is key to our future economic success,” said Micho F. Spring, former Board Chair, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

 

“Advancing Board diversity is one of the most significant ways to champion a more representative, equitable, and inclusive economy. Building inclusive commerce demands intentionality, urgency, and action.  With this momentum, our Board will continue this important work to build a more inclusive future,” said Ronald P. O’Hanley, Chair and CEO of State Street.

 

“Our Board’s impact will be even stronger and more meaningful because of the diverse voices and life experiences that have joined us.” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “I am grateful to our Board of Directors for their leadership and efforts to help us meet these goals, especially the Nominating and Governance Committee Co-Chairs, Yvonne Garcia of State Street and Paul Ayoub of Nutter, who as a former chair oversaw the effort in 2017 to create the first Chamber board diversity goals.

德州南區法官裁決不利DACA 亞美促進正議會促國會通過法案永久保護移民青少年

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice Responds to District Court Ruling Against DACA

Congress Must Get Its Act Together and Pass Permanent Protections for Immigrant Youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday evening, Judge Andrew Hanen of the Southern District of Texas ruled against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in Texas v. United States. As this court case goes through appeals, current DACA recipients are still protected—with their status and ability to work still intact—and can continue to renew their DACA. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation of five independent civil rights organizations, responds with the following statement: 

“While expecting this ruling, Asian Americans Advancing Justice is appalled by the relentless attacks on DACA and the callousness shown for the lives and futures of DACA holders, immigrant youth, and families across the country.  

“For too long, hundreds of thousands of people with DACA have been forced to live with uncertainty as the program endures such attacks, while millions of other undocumented community members without access to these protections are stuck in an unending limbo. This is a direct result of Congressional inaction and failure to deliver permanent protections for our communities.  

“Of the 1.7 million undocumented Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States today, over 14,000 Asian Americans and more than 150 Pacific Islander youth are currently protected by DACA. If DACA were to end, these community members—who have long called the United States home alongside millions of others—face the loss of their jobs and ability to care for their families as well as the threat of deportation and separation from their loved ones.  

“But the fight is not over, and we continue to call on our elected officials to ensure the safety and livelihoods of our communities. While our moral compass should ultimately guide our immigration policies, the significance of a permanent solution for DACA holders and undocumented people on the economy, workforce, and fabric of America must also be understood by our country’s leaders. Congress must act now before it is too late. 

“In the meantime, neither this order nor the accompanying supplemental injunction requires the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice to take any immigration, deportation, or criminal action against any DACA recipient, applicant, or any other individual that would otherwise not be taken. DACA holders continue to maintain their status and can continue to renew their DACA and work authorization as this fight continues.”