Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $365K in Grants to Support Biodiversity & Habitat Resiliency

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $365K in Grants to Support Biodiversity & Habitat Resiliency  

 

The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program provides crucial support to partners to steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency, and promote outdoor recreation. 

  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $365,000 to restore 234 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is awarding MassWildlife Habitat Management grants to five organizations and two municipalities. The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP), provides crucial financial assistance to private and municipal owners of conserved lands to improve habitat for wildlife, steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency, and promote public recreational opportunities. Since 2015, MassWildlife has funded 112 projects that have restored over four thousand acres of natural habitat. 

 

“Partnership and collaboration will be essential for meeting our ambitious biodiversity and climate goals. Most forests and other wildlife habitats in Massachusetts are not state-owned, and we rely on conservation organizations, cities and towns, private landowners, and other partners to greatly expand our impact,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “This program provides us with the unique opportunity to not only directly benefit threatened species, but also create new outdoor recreation opportunities and support the sporting community.” 

  

While MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made substantial investments in land conservation within Massachusetts, many essential habitats are degraded, and vulnerable species face increasing threats from climate change. To address these challenges, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is investing in habitat management efforts on state wildlife lands and, through MHMGP, on all conserved lands across the state alongside private and municipal partners. Habitat restoration and management activities will create healthy, resilient landscapes that support a variety of species, particularly those of greatest conservation need. 

    

“MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program builds on success of ongoing efforts to advance our mission of preserving the great diversity and abundance of wildlife, plants, and habitats in Massachusetts,” said Mark S. Tisa, MassWildlife Director. “Public and private investment in habitat management is critical for promoting ecological resiliency and biodiversity, and we are thrilled to work with this year’s grant recipients as they commit to improving landscapes for people and nature.”  

 

The following seven projects will receive MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants: 

  

· Falmouth – The Town of Falmouth has been awarded $70,000 to improve sandplain grasslands by removing invasive vines, woody shrubs, plants, and trees. This project will also improve the connectivity of these parcels to upland forest habitats at Coonamessett Reservation, which will expand and improve rare species habitat. 
 

· Great Barrington – The Berkshire Natural Resources Council has been awarded $28,930 to treat invasive plant species on Housatonic River floodplain forest and a wooded oxbow at the Rising Pond Conservation Area. 

 

· Kingston – The Town of Kingston has been awarded $23,765 to treat the invasive aquatic plant species, variable‐leaved milfoil, at Smelt Pond. This aggressive non-native species outcompetes native aquatic species and reduces water quality.  

 

· Nantucket – The Nantucket Conservation Foundation has been awarded $75,000 to help protect pitch pine barren habitat at Ram Pasture. This funding will cover the removal, chipping, and safe disposal of southern pine beetle infected pitch pine.  

 

· Nantucket – The Nantucket Island Land Bank has been awarded $74,700 to help restore pine barrens at Gardner Farm. Areas of dense pitch pine forest that are most susceptible to southern pine beetle outbreaks will be thinned to promote site resiliency and a heathland / sandplain-grassland understory, both of which are beneficial to numerous rare moths and butterflies.  

 

· South Lee – South Lee Associates has been awarded $17,990 to treat invasive species along the Housatonic River to improve floodplain forest and early successional grasslands that are being overgrown with woody species. 

  

· Tisbury – The Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation has been awarded $75,000 to manage southern pine beetle-infested pitch pine and pitch pine/oak forest at Phillips Preserve. This expansion of a sanitation harvest is aimed at combating the spread of southern pine beetle, a southern species that has been expanding its range north, threatening our pitch pine forests. 

 

“Through active habitat management, we are not only protecting our diverse ecosystem but also addressing the ever-more present challenges posed by climate change. The Cape and South Shore, known for their unique ecological landscape, are committed to prioritizing the conservation of our precious natural resources. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support,” said State Senator Susan Moran (D-Plymouth, Barnstable).  

 

“Protecting habitat on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard is key to ensuring local wildlife survives and thrives for many years to come,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Cape and Islands). “I am grateful the Healey-Driscoll Administration has invested in habitat management on the islands with a combined $150,000 in grants to Nantucket and Tisbury to restore and manage forests. Environmental stewardship is critical to maintaining a healthy and sustainable natural world.” 

 

"I am thrilled to see this $220,000 boost for organizations on the Cape and Islands that are protecting and restoring our precious natural resources. These projects are not just for wildlife – they're an investment in the future of our communities and the well-being of everyone who cherishes our natural spaces," said State Representative Dylan Fernandes (D-Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket). 

 

"I am thrilled to see the Town of Kingston receive a grant to help restore balance and a natural order to Smelt Pond. Local wildlife is so important to the local culture and history and it is critical that we invest in protecting and conserving its natural habitat,” said State Representative Kathleen LaNatra (D-Plymouth). “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and MassWildlife for this excellent investment into Kingston's local biodiversity." 

 

For more information regarding MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants, please visit the program’s webpage. 

Michelle A. Yee宣誓就任麻州遺囑認證、家事法庭法官

麻州州長Maura Healey指派Michelle A. Yee為遺囑認證及家事法庭法官。
(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 1月25日下午在州長的儀式廳，為Michelle A. Yee主持宣誓就任儀式。經過短短半小時的寒暄、問好，幾分鐘的宣誓後，Michelle A. Yee在家人圍賀中，正式成為麻州遺囑認證及家事法庭法官。

             麻州州長奚莉早在2023年12月時就已指派Michelle A. Yee出任遺囑認證及家事法庭法官，但為方便Michelle Yee的父母及親人分別從加州及密蘇里州等地趕來出席典禮，1月25日才約好時間，舉行宣誓儀式。

麻州州長Maura Healey(右起) 邀派Michelle A. Yee和她父母，余伯賜夫婦合影，
慶祝Michelle Yee就任遺囑認證及家事法庭法官。(周菊子攝)

             Michelle A. Yee的父親余伯賜，12歲時從廣東開平移民來美。如今已74歲的他和菲律賓籍妻子沒有為女兒取中文名字，但都為女兒升任法官，感到驕傲非常，特地從明尼蘇達州 (MN) 及加州趕來參加儀式。

麻州州長Maura Healey (前右)恭喜Michelle A. Yee(前左)上任遺囑認證及家事法庭法官。
後排為Michelle Yee的丈夫Robert W. Karninaki、2名兒子見證，(周菊子攝)

             Michelle A. Yee的丈夫Robert W. Karninaki，2個兒子，叔叔余尚仁，多名親戚，以及曾與她共事的多名法官，這天都來參加她的宣誓儀式。其中一名親人抱在手中的小朋友，見到麻州州長Maura Healey，竟然自己主動伸出雙手求擁抱，全場頓時驚嘆，爆笑，直問這小朋友怎麼那麼懂得選人來黏。

             Michelle A. Yee在明尼蘇達州的明尼阿波利斯 (Minneapolis) 出生、長大，從邁阿密大學畢業，來到麻州薩福克大學法律系取得法學博士 (J. D.) 學位後，就留在麻州工作。

麻州新任遺囑認證及家事法庭法官Michelle A. Yee(前中)
和家人及麻州州長Maura  Healey合影。(周菊子攝)

             過去這18年，她都在麻州遺囑認證及家事法庭工作，歷任行政辦公室的資深項目經理，途徑個案管理計畫主管，Essex分部司法個案經理，在Essex和Norfolk等分部，擔任會議書記官和司法書記官，麻州統一認證法規書記等等職位，

             在麻州的司法系統中，法院很多，有最高法院，上訴法院，初審法院執行辦公室、7個初審法院部門、麻州緩刑服務處和陪審團專員辦公室等等。

             這些法院的法官，加起來林林總總，有300到400多人，其中最高法院有7名法官，初審法院有9名法官，400多名副法官，以及分布在全州各地130多個地點的在地法官。波士頓市地方法院有法官30人，區域法院有法官159人，高等法院有法官82人，土地法院有法官5人，遺囑認證及家事法庭有法官54人，上訴法庭法官25人。

             2011年時，哈佛大學東亞法律系曾舉辦座談，讓人們得知麻州約有8名亞裔法官。時隔十餘年後，當年的法官中至少有最高法院 (Supreme Judicial Court)法官杜菲莉(Fernade R. V. Duffly)，以及前任麻州州長Deval Patrick指派的昆士市區域法院法官余達明已退休，都是高等法院法官的陳鉅超、呂友漢 (Jack T. Lu)是否依然在位，仍待查證。

麻州政府撥款200萬元資助沿岸社區

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Over $2 Million in Funding to Support Coastal Communities

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced over $2 million in Supportive Coastal Infrastructure and Local Maritime Economic Development Planning grants through the Seaport Economic Council (SEC) to six coastal communities that will support economic growth and unlock job creation through infrastructure projects.   These grants are an addition to the SEC’s previous round of $8 million blue economy grants in 2023. The total awards to date will be over $93 million invested through 206 grants in 56 Coastal Communities, which is administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED). Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced the awards during today’s meeting of the Seaport Economic Council in Boston.   “Our coastal communities are crucial to our maritime and ocean-based economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will play a crucial role in our efforts to ensure that communities have the resources necessary to reach their full potential, strengthen their maritime economy, promote economic development, and support resilient infrastructure for years ahead.”  "Our administration is committed to building on the achievements of our coastal communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re pleased to support them through the Supportive Coastal Infrastructure and Local Maritime Economic Development Planning grants. These funds will enable our communities to further invest in the fundamentals that sustain and grow their economies.”   “This funding from the Seaport Economic Council will act as a crucial catalyst for economic growth in our important coastal and maritime communities,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “These grants empower our communities to further innovate and leverage their unique advantages to fulfill job and economic growth, simultaneously steering Massachusetts towards greater affordability, equity, and competitiveness.”   "As a valuable resource for our coastal communities, the Seaport Economic Council plays a crucial role in providing essential funding to drive innovative ideas and infrastructure projects, fostering job growth,” said Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba, Vice Chair of the Seaport Economic Council. “We are proud to invest in our communities through these grants, contributing to statewide growth across all sectors.”   The Seaport Economic Council serves all 78 of Massachusetts’ diverse coastal communities and helps each use their unique economic assets to grow the economy and unlock job creation. The Council also assists communities to prepare for the impacts of climate change and awards competitive grants that offer flexible funding for locally grown ideas and projects.  The Seaport Economic Council has completed its solicitation for projects to be funded under Executive Order 587 and is funded through the Massachusetts Five-Year Capital Plan.     Seaport Economic Council Grants:    Town of Amesbury, Washington Landing Maritime Support Facility - $840,000  The project includes the shoreline restoration and revitalization of the Washington Landing Maritime Support Facility along the Merrimack River in Amesbury. The four main capital components of the project include: replacement of the boat ramp; addition of approx. 900 SF of landside boardwalk area to support the harbormaster office and access to the boat ramp; installation of a gangway and 100’ finger dock for the boat ramp facility and transient vessels; and improvements to the parking area and restoration of the living shoreline adjacent the boat ramp.  Town of Fall River & FRRA, Development Plan for North Point at City Pier and Three Mooring Fields - $396,000  The Fall River Redevelopment Authority (FRRA) will procure consultant services to: 1) Plan improvements for an overgrown spit of land, a part of the City Pier/600 Davol St. property, to replace invasive species with native vegetation and repair a deteriorated and eroding embankment to create a new fishing and recreation area while restoring the shoreline ecology; and 2) the addition of three new mooring fields along Fall River’s waterfront.    Town of Falmouth, Simpson's Landing New Bulkhead (Phase II, Construction) - $344,000  This project will replace the failing town bulkhead at Simpson's Landing located at the corner of Scranton Ave and Clinton Ave. This will be a new 115 LF bulkhead abutting the federal channel. The commercial loading and unloading bulkhead is located at the mouth of Falmouth Harbor next to the Clam Shack property. This bulkhead is used for commercial purposes including commercial fish landings, commuter boats, and permitted fueling by tanker trucks. It is the only commercial dock the town operates in Falmouth Harbor.  Town of Milton, Milton Landing Seawall & Access Improvements - $140,800  This project seeks to simultaneously increase the useability and accessibility of the waterfront by performing the necessary engineering work to significantly upgrade the dock system to add ADA accessibility and use by a wider variety of users, while also restoring the seawall to ensure that these improvements are resilient to the effects of the climate crisis.  Town of Provincetown, MacMillan Pier Security, Public Safety, and Commercial Fishing Improvements - $800,000  The PPPC as an entity was created by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2000 to operate and maintain MacMillan Pier. The 1,450 LF structure is a vital piece of public infrastructure, providing capacity for passenger ferry service, charter vessels, and commercial fishing. A waterfront inspection identified immediate concerns related to public safety and commercial catch offloading. In order to address these concerns, the PPPC proposes to replace the existing hoists, provide emergency ladders, install security cameras, and provide upgraded utility service and structural upgrades to the hoist locations.  Town of Scituate, Schematic Design of a New Harbormaster Facility - $128,000  The new facility will contribute to the harbor’s resilient infrastructure as well as address accessibility. The new facility will be designed to provide increased accessibility and support to the commercial and recreational activities of Scituate Harbor, which has both a vibrant and active fishing and maritime industries, as well as accommodations for recreational boaters. The new facility will feature accommodations for the public, a maintenance facility, harbormaster training center, and accommodations for search and rescue personnel during storm events.  About the Seaport Economic Council  The Seaport Economic Council advances the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s support for communities and residents across the state by leveraging unique economic assets to drive sustainable regional growth.  The Seaport Economic Council was re-launched in August 2015, with a mission to deepen the maritime economy, promote economic development, and support resilient infrastructure in all 78 of Massachusetts’ coastal communities while preparing them to engage with the challenges posed by sea level rise and increasingly powerful coastal storms. The council’s capital grant program supports working waterfronts, local tourism, coastal resiliency, and maritime innovation, from the North Shore to Cape Cod and the South Coast.   Since August 2015, the Seaport Economic Council has invested over $93 million in the Commonwealth’s coastal communities.

波士頓市加入國家電網地熱示範項目 多徹斯特7棟樓將改用地熱供應冷暖氣

波士頓市長吳弭(右一)和波士頓房屋局局長Kenzie Bok (左四)等政要，政府官員
連袂宣布波士頓市邁向零化石燃料之路的第一個地熱項目。 (周菊子攝)

           （Boston   Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導）波士頓市和國家電網 (National Grid) 達成協議，選中法蘭克林田野 Field）公寓加入地熱示範項目，預定2025年底為129戶公屋供應冷暖氣，每月費用可能低至10到20元。

波士頓市長吳弭感謝各界支持。 (周菊子攝)

                                  地熱 (geothermal)是全球重視環保，尋找高效率，替代性再生能源後出現的選項，採用地熱，取代瓦斯，做為供電來源，有助於減少碳排放，促進社會綠化。

                                  波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和波士頓房屋局局長白凱欣 (Kenzie Bok) 與多名政要，1月25日宣佈，這一合作計畫將容許7棟樓宇拋棄瓦斯，改用地熱系統來供應冷暖氣，協助波士頓市達到2030年零化石燃料這目標。

波士頓房屋局局長Kenzie Bok透露，她的祖母當年曾任國家電網高管。
(周菊子攝)

                                      國家電網和波士頓市房屋局 (BHA) 合作的這地熱試驗項目，將為波士頓房屋局麾下，位於多徹斯特 (Dorchester) 法蘭克林田野社區7棟公屋樓宇內的129戶人家，更換已年久失修的瓦斯熱水爐及相連管道。波士頓房屋局將動用來自聯邦政府的修繕樓宇經費，國家電網將研究，建造在樓宇外部的地熱網。這一項目還會用來自麻州政府能源效率項目的經費。

聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley專程出席，以示支持。
(周菊子攝)

                              這試驗計畫將為多徹斯特Ames Way，Ames街，以及Stratton街上的第7到第13號樓宇，約16萬5000平方英尺的面積上，建造平行配送圈，鑽鑿大約100個地熱井，以抽取、儲存來自地下，溫度穩定在55度左右的熱能。

現場有2名波士頓市議員。(周菊子攝)

                                  波士頓市長吳弭感謝聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley的支持，協助波士頓市獲得100萬元的環保署 (EPA)環境正義政府到政府項目 (EJG2G)補助款，將用於把包括電磁爐在內的80個瓦斯爐，改成電爐。

                波士頓市綠色新政 (Green New Deal)主任Green New Deal，聯邦房住局 (HUD)區域主管Juana Matias，國家電網新英格蘭區董事長Lisa Wieland，法蘭克林田野租客工作小組會長Aracelis Tejeda等人，都在宣佈儀式中發表言。

                                  國家電網共獲麻州政府批准建造4個地熱能源網。第一個在羅爾市，預定2024年春開始施工，將來為40客戶服務。第二個就是這天宣佈，波士頓市的第一個地熱項目，預定2025年底動工。

                                      麻州的另一家能源供應商永源( Eversource)也在傅萊明罕 )，以1400萬元做了一個地熱項目，預定今春起，為1英里範圍內的140戶住家及商戶服務。

伯克利音樂學院學生向中國政府舉報，恐嚇同學案 聯邦法官裁定有罪

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 美國司法部麻州辦公室1月25日公佈，伯克利 (Berklee) 音樂學院學生吳嘯雷 (Xiaolei Wu)跟蹤、威脅在校內張貼海報，支持中國民主的個別人士一案，波士頓聯邦法院法官裁決有罪。

              經過一連4天的審訊後，26歲的吳嘯雷被判網路跟蹤，跨州威脅2項罪名。美國地區法院法官Denise J. Casper預定4月24日再宣佈判刑。

              吳嘯雷是在2022年12月被捕，被控罪，之後在2023年1月由大陪審團起訴。

              代理法官Joshua S. Levy表示，” 在這個國家，沒有人應該為了表達自己的個人政治觀點而遭受暴力威脅，或是網路跟蹤、騷擾。吳先生，因為非法壓制波克利音樂學院同學批評中國政府，現在被確認為重罪犯。這種行為是絕不能被忍受的” 。” 司法部致力保障所有人的自由言論基本權利。我們的辦公室會要求個別人士為他們違反民主社會基本原則的威脅及暴力行為負責”。

              司法部國家安全組助理總檢察官Matthew G. Olsen表示，麻州地區法官這天的裁決強調了司法部的承諾確保美國居民能夠自由表達的基本權利” 。

              聯邦調查局波士頓辦公室負責人暨特工Jodi Cohen也說，”吳嘯雷試圖威嚇一名活躍份子表達對中國執政共產黨的不滿，不讓他說話的行為不只違法，更完全為了我們國家的民主價值”。”今日的裁決維護了我們最基本的權利之一，言論自由，聯邦調查局會確保任何人想已威脅、騷擾來侵害這權利的人，面對和吳嘯雷同樣的命運。

              2022年10月22日時，吳嘯雷還在伯克利音樂學院就讀，有一個人在伯克利音樂學院校園及附近張貼海報，上面寫著” 和中國人民站在一起” ，以及”我們要自由”，”我們要民主”。從2022年10月22日起，持續至2022年10月24日，吳嘯雷透過微信、電郵及Instagram，和張貼海報的人直接聯繫。

              在其他是之外，吳嘯雷說，”張貼更多，我會切掉你那混帳的手”。他還告訴受害者，他已經通知中國公安，關於受害者的行動，中國公安會晤見他的家人。另外，吳嘯雷還找其他人查出受害者住在哪兒，公開張貼受害者的電郵地址，希望其他人也來在網上虐待受害者，而且他把受害者的資訊報告給一名中國政府人員。

              網路跟蹤的控罪可導致最高入獄5年，監管釋放3年，以及最高可達25萬元的罰款。跨州恐嚇可導致入獄5年，監管釋放3年，以及最高25萬元的罰款。刑罰由聯邦政府區域法院法官基於美國量刑指南及法規來判裁。

              司法部代理檢察官Levy, AAG Olsen，以及聯邦調查局SAC Cohen在1月25日作此宣佈。美國助理檢察官Timothy H. Kistner，以及國家安全組的Alathea E. Porter，在反情報及外銷控制組初審檢察官Menno Goedman的協助下承辦此案。

Berklee College of Music Student Convicted of Stalking, Threatening Individual Promoting Democracy in China

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Defendant, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, initiated stalking and threats campaign against individual who promoted freedom and democracy in China

BOSTON – A Berklee College of Music student, who is a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was convicted by a federal jury in Boston today of stalking and threatening an individual who posted fliers in support of democracy in China around the Berklee campus area.

Xiaolei Wu, 26, was convicted following a four-day jury trial of one count of cyberstalking and one count of interstate transmissions of threatening communication. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Wu was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in December 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023. 

“No one in this country should ever be subjected to threats of violence or a cyberstalking harassment campaign for expressing their political views. Mr. Wu now stands as a convicted felon for his illegal efforts to suppress speech by a fellow Berklee School of Music student who was critical of the government of China. This type of conduct will never be tolerated,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The Department of Justice is committed to safeguarding the fundamental right to free speech for all. Our office will hold accountable individuals whose actions threaten or violate this fundamental tenet of our democratic society.”

“Today’s verdict by a jury in the District of Massachusetts underscores the Department’s commitment to ensuring all U.S. residents are able to freely exercise their fundamental rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

“What Xiaolei Wu did in attempting to silence and intimidate an activist who expressed dissension with the ruling Communist Party of China is not only criminal, but completely against our country’s democratic values,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Today’s conviction upholds one of our most fundamental rights –freedom of speech –and the FBI will ensure that anyone who tries to infringe on this right using threats or harassment will face the same fate as Mr. Wu.”

On Oct. 22, 2022, while Wu was attending the Berklee College of Music, an individual posted a flier on or near the Berklee College of Music campus which said, “Stand with Chinese People,” as well as, “We Want Freedom,” and “We Want Democracy.” Beginning on or about Oct. 22, 2022, and continuing until Oct. 24, 2022, Wu made a series of communications via WeChat, email and Instagram directed towards the victim who posted the flier.

Among other things, Wu said, “Post more, I will chop your bastard hands off.” He also told the victim that he had informed the public security agency in China about the victim’s actions and that the public security agency in China would “greet” the victim’s family. Additionally, Wu solicited others to find out where the victim was living, publicly posted the victim’s email address in the hopes that others would abuse the victim online, and he reported the victim’s information back to a member of the Chinese government. 

The charge of cyberstalking provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transmissions of threatening communication provides for a sentence up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, AAG Olsen and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy H. Kistner and Alathea E. Porter of the National Security Unit are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorney Menno Goedman.

麻州長Healey簽行政命令要求州政府部門聘僱時看重技能

 Governor Healey Signs Executive Order Directing State Agencies to Institute Skills-Based Hiring 

 

Through the “Lead by Example” Employer Talent Initiative, Healey-Driscoll Administration will work with business community to eliminate unnecessary education requirements and increase job opportunities 

 

NEWTON – In her address to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) today, Governor Healey announced that she signed an executive order instituting skills-based hiring practices for the state’s workforce. Through this Executive Order, for the vast majority of job postings, the administration will focus primarily on applicants’ skills, knowledge, and abilities rather than educational credentials. Job postings will only be allowed to include degree conditions when absolutely necessary to the performance of the job. Additionally, for the first time, hiring managers will receive training and tools to implement this new hiring strategy effectively.   

 

“As the state’s largest employer, we rely on a strong, diverse workforce to deliver crucial services and programs for Massachusetts residents, businesses and communities every day. But too many job applicants are being held back by unnecessary degree requirements,” said Governor Healey. “This Executive Order directs our administration to focus on applicants’ skills and experiences, rather than college credentials. It will expand our applicant pool and help us build a more inclusive and skilled workforce than ever before. Our administration is leading by example, and we encourage the business community to join us by adopting similar skills-based hiring practices.” 

  

“Our administration recognizes that job applicants have a wide range of skills and that nobody can be reduced to a line on a resume,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We have so many jobs across the state that need to be filled and we have qualified, talented workers who want them. We just need to lower the barriers to entry, which is exactly what this Executive Order aims to do. We look forward to continuing to share our lessons learned and best practices with the business community as we all work toward these common goals.”  

  

The Executive Order directs all executive departments and agencies to utilize skills-based employment practices to attract, recruit, hire, retain, and develop workers. The Executive Order also requires the completion of a skills-based hiring training course for all agency managers and support teams and ensure job postings and interview questions promote a candidate’s set of skills, knowledge, and abilities. Additionally, as part of the Administration’s “Lead by Example” Employer Talent Initiative, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development will collaborate with private, non-profit, and government employers to develop and publish best practices resources for the broader business community to also adopt skills-based hiring strategies. 

 

“Massachusetts has an incredible opportunity to leverage its platform as a major employer, lead by example, and encourage more employers to do the same,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “As employers, including the Commonwealth, embrace a skills-based hiring practice, we will collectively open more opportunities to hire, retain, and develop the diverse, skilled talent employers need to grow and thrive in regions across the state.” 

 

The Executive Order also calls for new job postings not to specify a minimum level of education as an entrance requirement unless it is determined that a particular level of education is necessary to perform the job. While only 7 percent of current positions require an education requirement, the state’s Human Resources Division (HRD) will routinely review positions to determine if education requirements are necessary to perform the job.  

 

As part of its guidance to departments and agencies, HRD will develop tools for skills-based recruiting such as identifying and reducing bias, writing a job description, and creating a recruitment plan. HRD will also provide best practices when screening and interviewing candidates. As part of a skills-based hiring strategy, the Healey-Driscoll Administration aims to reduce unconscious bias in the workplace by focusing on eliminating biases during the hiring process.  

 

Residents interested in a career in state government, including roles in health, human services, transportation, IT, finance, housing, economic and workforce development, veterans’ services, energy, climate, environmental affairs, public safety, and education, can visit the MassCareers website for job opportunities. 

麻州扭轉逆勢 2023 人口恢復成長

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 麻州人口連續2年減少後，2023年終於扭轉局勢，總人口增加了11,498人。麻州的經濟是否因此好轉很難說，但從人口流失恢復到人口增長，總歸是好事，讓麻州經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平 (Yvonne Hao) 可以更從容的計劃經濟。

             美國人口統計局的數據顯示，在2022年7月1日到2023年7月1日之間，麻州從2020年以來的人口流失模式扭轉了，總人口又恢復到700萬以上。

             在這段期間，麻州有6萬8387人出生，6萬1404人死亡，外移3萬9149人，移入5萬647人，於是淨增長18481人。

             原本在PillPack和貝恩資本 (Bain Capital)等創投界擔任執行長之類高管職位的郝伊平，抱著貢獻己力，為社會服務之心，應邀出任麻州經濟廳廳長一職後，對政府和企業的業績衡量方式差異，頗花了些時間適應。她開玩笑地說，自己剛接任時，差點要在身上弄個”1100”的刺青，以提醒自己，那段時間，每星期有大約1100人遷出麻州，如今這每週的遷出人數降至大約750，讓人略感安慰。

             不過麻州仍然和加州、伊利諾州、新澤西州、紐約這些州境況類似，因為生活消費水平高而人口不斷流失。

             郝伊平相信，儘管奚莉政府才上任一年，許多政策的效果還不那麼明顯，但是奚莉州長推出的10億元減稅方案，增加了的兒童及家庭抵稅優惠，以及物業稅改革等，都有助於改善人口外移現象。

             她指出，麻州爭取到聯邦政府透過晶片及科學法 (CHIPS and Science Act)，把麻州選為東北部微電子樞紐 (Northeast Microelectronics Hub)，要撥給2000萬元，在劍橋市為國防部設立「健康高級研究計畫署(“Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health)」，以及推出「麻州人才 (MassTalent)」，幫雇主找到適用人才等努力，也都有關係。

             在新的一年中，郝伊平將在奚莉政府再振生命科學產業，鼓勵氣候領域科技發展之際，加強旅遊業，充分利用2026年，美國將以麻州為重點，慶祝革命建國250週年，同時更加關注人工智能，先進製造及機器人等的產業發展。

麻州政府將為227個地方市鎮7萬8千員工培訓資安意識

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces 2024 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program Awards

78,000 employees from 227 municipalities and public school districts will receive cybersecurity awareness training

 

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the 2024 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program award recipients. Administered by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security and its Office of Municipal and School Technology, this program will provide 78,000 employees from 227 municipalities and public school districts across Massachusetts with critical cybersecurity training to better detect and avoid cyber threats.

 

The 2024 Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program is designed to support local government efforts to improve overall cyber readiness through comprehensive online end-user training, evaluation and threat simulation. Awarded communities will receive licenses for end-user training, assessment and phishing simulation procured by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS).

 

Program participants begin their training with an initial cyber strength assessment to measure baseline cybersecurity awareness. Following the assessments, periodic assessments consisting of training modules and simulated phishing email campaigns help participants build good cyber hygiene habits to increase their awareness of deceptive techniques used by bad actors to gain unauthorized access to government systems. At the end of the program, participants complete a final cyber strength assessment to measure their progress.

 

“Our administration is committed to partnering with our municipalities to move forward on our shared IT and cybersecurity goals” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are thrilled to see so many cities and towns prioritize cyber readiness through the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Training Grant Program.”

“Programs like the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant really move the needle with our municipal workforce, which is where the rubber meets the road on cybersecurity,” said Lt. Governor Kimberley Driscoll. “This program, provided at no cost to municipalities or employees taking the training, makes clear that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, whether we have IT in our job titles or not.” 

“In my time as the Commonwealth CIO I’ve had a chance to talk to municipal officials from all over the state.”  said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder. “In every discussion, cybersecurity comes up as a top priority. EOTSS is proud to advance the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s priority of supporting municipal cybersecurity readiness. We work best in Massachusetts when state and municipal organizations work together, and this grant program exemplifies this commitment.” 

 

The Commonwealth offers the training program free to municipal organizations, who are further supported with quarterly threat briefings and weekly newsletters with cybersecurity best practices and program updates provided by the EOTSS Office of Municipal and School Technology. Municipal information technology officials also receive monthly summary progress reports that detail the number of employees who inadvertently clicked on malicious links contained in the simulated phishing emails, offering important visibility on the threat landscape.

 

In addition to the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program, The Healey-Driscoll Administration offers a number of other programs to further support municipal officials in their cybersecurity and information technology modernization efforts, including a Free Cybersecurity Health Check Program, the Community Compact IT Grant Program, and the Community Compact Municipal Fiber Grant Program.

  

For more on the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program, visit: https://www.mass.gov/municipal-cybersecurity-awareness-grant-program.

 

For more information on the full list of municipal cybersecurity and IT program offerings from the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security’s Office of Municipal and School Technology, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/all-office-of-municipal-and-school-technology-omst-programs.