星期五, 6月 28, 2024

麻州長Healey 指派Pamela Everhart擔任麻州港務局董事

Governor Healey Appoints Pamela Everhart to Massport Board of Directors 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced the appointment of Pamela Everhart to serve on the Massport Board of Directors. Everhart currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Regional Public Affairs, Inclusion, and Impact at Fidelity Investments. 

“Pamela Everhart is a highly respected business and community leader who understands the essential role that Massport plays in Massachusetts’ economy,” said Governor Healey. “I’m proud to appoint her to this role and know that she will do important work alongside the rest of the board. We’re grateful to Laura Sen for her service on the Board and wish her the best going forward.”

“From the airports to our seaports, it’s important for us to have steady leaders to steer the ship forward on the Massport,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “I am thrilled to see Pamela Everhart take on this new role.”

“I am honored to have been selected for this position and look forward to working with the Massport Board in continuing the great work that benefits Massachusetts,” said Everhart. “At Fidelity, my team and I focus every day on making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work on behalf of our customers and associates. I am committed to bringing this same passion and relevant experience to the new role.”

About Pamela Everhart:

Pamela Everhart is the head of Regional Public Affairs, Inclusion and Impact at Fidelity Investments, where she has worked for 30 years. In this role, she oversees the firm’s state and local government relationships, is responsible for the Global D&I strategy and community relations and corporate affairs activities at its Boston headquarters and across Fidelity’s regions in the U.S., India and Ireland. Prior to joining Fidelity, she was an associate with Ropes & Gray LLP and practiced as a CPA and senior tax manager with Ernst & Young.

Everhart received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Harvard Law School. She is active with several community service organizations and sits on several not-for-profit boards. She is one of the 19 Massachusetts

Black and Brown executives who launched the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund to help drive transformative social changes to address systemic racism and racial inequity. Last year, Everhart was appointed to serve on Governor Healey’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment to advise on issues related to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Massachusetts’ Black community. 

Everhart will be filling the position currently held by Laura Sen, whose term expires on June 30, 2024.

麻州地鐵喜報尚莫維爾市86、92、CT2巴士線每日載運8千乘客

 MBTA and City of Somerville Announce Bus Lane Improvements on Washington Street

Improvements expand on previous bus mobility work completed in fall 2021 to enhance travel time and reliability for MBTA Routes 86, 91, and CT2, serving 8,000 daily riders.

 BOSTON – Today, the MBTA and the City of Somerville announced bus lane improvements on Washington Street from Myrtle Street to Crescent Street, near the Boston city line. The work builds upon previous bus mobility work completed in fall 2021. The project involves extending bus queue jump lanes, which are short stretches of priority lanes that let MBTA buses bypass waiting traffic with early traffic signals. The project includes installing an eastbound dedicated bus lane from Myrtle Street to Inner Belt Road and a westbound shared bus-bike lane from Crescent Street to Inner Belt Road. Improvements along this corridor serve MBTA Routes 86, 91, and CT2, carrying 8,000 daily riders. Funding for the extension is through the MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant. Installation of the bus queue jump lanes began June 19 with completion anticipated within the following few days (weather depending). The project fulfills a critical need for bus priority improvements identified by the MBTA in the Transit Priority Vision and uses design guidance from the MBTA’s Transit Priority Toolkit.  

 “Dedicated bus lanes are a highly effective way to make service more reliable. System reliability is not only a transportation goal, but the highest concern of the public according to our Beyond Mobility outreach,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We are grateful to Somerville for extending bus queue jump lanes with the funding from the Shared Streets and Spaces grant program because faster travel will make a world of difference for our customers.”  

 “Similar to dedicated bus lanes, bus queue jumps are another cost-efficient way that we can quickly improve travel times for thousands of Route 86, 91, and CT2 bus riders traveling along Washington Street. MBTA buses will now be able to quickly bypass traffic waiting in this corridor,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We continue to be grateful to our MassDOT partners for funding these critical upgrades through the Shared Streets and Spaces grant, our partners at the City of Somerville for collaborating with us on improvements for our bus riders, and our Transit Priority team at the T for their work on improving bus service for all riders.”

 “These crucial improvements to the Washington Street bus lane will significantly enhance the daily commute for thousands of our residents. By working with the MBTA and MassDOT to prioritize efficient and reliable bus service, we are taking an important step toward a more connected and sustainable future for Somerville,” said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “These upgrades not only benefit public transit users, but also support our city’s ongoing commitment to creating safer and more accessible streets for all modes of transportation. I want to thank General Manager Phillip Eng and the MBTA for their work and continued partnership, as well as Secretary Tibbits-Nutt and MassDOT for funding these vital city improvements.”

 The extension of the bus queue jump lanes is expected to reduce delays and improve safety for buses merging with traffic. This will provide greater reliability for thousands of riders. The corridor will also enhance bike mobility as it is a well-used bike corridor and connects with Somerville’s network of Shared Streets.

 Later this year, Route 86 is scheduled to undergo significant improvements as part of the Bus Network Redesign Phase 1, which is expected to be completed by December 2024. The bus lane improvements will support and accommodate the anticipated increase in bus service in the future. 

 The MassDOT Shared Street and Spaces Grant funds quick-build projects to help transit authorities and municipalities quickly implement improvements to public spaces. These include sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, and parking areas to support public health, provide safe mobility, and strengthen commerce.

 The MBTA Transit Priority Group is part of the Better Bus Project, which aims to transform bus service throughout the MBTA system. The group is responsible for designing and implementing transit priority infrastructure defined in the MBTA’s Bus Priority Vision and working with municipalities and fellow state agencies. To date, the group has delivered more than 40 miles of bus lanes and activated transit signal priority at more than 80 locations in 12 municipalities. 

 For more information, visit mbta.com/BNR or connect with the T on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA and @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta

麻州科技服務及安全廳新增3名數位獲取及平等委員會委員

EOTSS Announces New Digital Accessibility and Equity Board Members  

BOSTON – This week, the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board voted to confirm three new members to join the Board, further strengthening and advancing digital accessibility and equity within Massachusetts.  As a result of the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security’s (EOTSS) request for applications from members of the public to join the Board, the three new members bring valuable experience from outside of state government.  These new members will be appointed by the EOTSS Secretary in an advisory capacity for terms of two years. 

 The Board was formed as a result of Executive Order 614, signed by Governor Healey in July 2023 on the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Board advises the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) and the Chief IT Accessibility Officer (CIAO) on all aspects of policy, procurement and operations matters where accessibility must be strengthened to bring the services and information of state government to all residents.  Since January, the Board has been meeting regularly to develop a Board Charter and advance digital accessibility priorities. 

 “We were humbled to have received dozens of applications from highly qualified individuals who would make incredible additions to the Digital Equity and Accessibility Governance Board,” said EOTSS Secretary and state Chief Information Officer Jason Snyder. “Ensuring the public has robust representation on the DAEGB means advancing the Healey-Driscoll priority of equity and inclusion, into the digital space, and we at EOTSS are honored to welcome our newest Board members.”

 “I am excited to have three accomplished leaders in the field of accessibility to join the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board,” said Chief IT Accessibility Officer and Board Chair Ashley Bloom.  “These public members will provide valuable insight, expertise and experience for the Board and Commonwealth to advance digital accessibility and equity. I am looking forward to working with them toward the goal of creating a more accessible and equitable Commonwealth.”  

 “I’m deeply honored to be appointed as a public member to the Massachusetts Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board,” said new board member Larry Goldberg.  “I look forward to bringing my lifelong experience in media and technology accessibility to the work of the Board and helping Massachusetts serve all of our communities and people by embracing the principles of ‘Born Accessible’”

 "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board. I wholeheartedly believe as technology continues to innovate and flourish, it is critical that accessibility and universal design are considered from the beginning of any project so that no one is excluded,” said new board member Minh Ha. “I am eager to contribute my collaborative approach, technical expertise, lived experience as someone with disabilities, and passion for inclusion to guide the work of the Commonwealth going forward."

 “Improving digital accessibility is absolutely critical to members of the Commonwealth’s disability community,” said David Kingsbury, who also joined the board. “Too often, we have been denied access to employment, education, healthcare, and general quality of life. I am hopeful that this Board can make major inroads in improving access, and feel fortunate to be appointed a member.”

 About the New Members: 

Larry Goldberg has driven accessibility initiatives at Yahoo, WGBH/NCAM, and founded the TeachAccess and XRAccess accessibility programs. He is a leader in accessibility multimedia and contributed to the 21st-Century Video and Communications Accessibility Act. He has served as an accessibility advisor for major corporations including Apple and Google for multimedia policies and standards, and provided accessibility expertise for several legislative acts involving the White House and United Nations.

Minh Ha currently serves as the Chair of the Accessibility Taskforce at Perkins School for the Blind. She is a subject matter expert on disability and education, serving as past President of ACB Blind Students Association for 5 years. She advocates for individuals with disabilities and access to technology on a state and national level, and has a great deal of experience training on assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. 

 David Kingsbury is the current president of the Bay State Council of the Blind. An accessibility leader in assistive technology and web accessibility, he has written and been included in multiple publications on the subject. He contributed his expertise to create an accessible voting election ballot for MA, and contributes to several initiatives related to transportation throughout MA to provide accessibility expertise.

For more information on the Digital Accessibility and Equity Governance Board, please visit this link to the DAEGB website on Mass.gov. 

As the state’s lead technology and cybersecurity secretariat, EOTSS is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the Administration’s information technology activities and ensuring that all executive department agencies adhere to its published standards, policies, and procedures. This enterprise approach provides a single, comprehensive framework and ensures that the state is in alignment on all technology needs, including data privacy, cybersecurity risk management, and now digital accessibility and equity through the creation of the Digital Accessibility and Equity Program.

星期四, 6月 27, 2024

麻州公衛處撥款830萬元資助5機構續辦988生命線服務

Funding for 988 Lifeline to provide free, anonymous, and confidential emotional support to anyone experiencing distress and/or suicidal thoughts  

BOSTON (June 27, 2024) – The Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that $8.3 million in state and federal grant funding will be awarded to five community organizations to support the continuation of services for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network. The funds will provide infrastructure, operational capacity, and staffing to these organizations so they can offer emotional support, and de-escalation to those who call the 988 Lifeline, seeking someone who will listen, understand, and be present.  

“The 988 Lifeline is critical to ensuring that Massachusetts residents can access the care that they need how and when they need it, whether that’s via call or text,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know how important it is to have these resources in place, and I am thrilled that continued funding means that these organizations will still be able to make 988 available to anyone who needs it.”  

“Everyone in Massachusetts, no matter how they identify or what language they speak, should be able to access the resources that 988 provides,” said Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll. “We can prevent an unnecessary loss of life by continuing to provide this life-saving resource, which can mean everything for an individual who just needs help or some form of connection in a time of crisis or need.”   

The five crisis call centers are being funded by DPH’s Suicide Prevention Program as part of the Massachusetts 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network. The 988 Lifeline Network is available 24/7, 365 days a year, via phone, chat, and text to provide free and confidential support to those experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide. It features dedicated support for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults, videophone and TTY services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and translation services spanning more than 200 languages.   

“We will do whatever we can to prevent the pain and tragedy of suicide,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “It is imperative that we identify people who are suffering and provide comprehensive resources and support to those who find themselves at a loss and unable to cope. One important and simple thing we can do is preserve the funding for this important lifeline that can help deescalate a crisis, connect someone to life-saving services, and offer hope.”    

“When someone is struggling with feelings of despair, a caring and compassionate presence on the other end of the 988 Lifeline can be lifesaving,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Suicide prevention is a critical public health responsibility, and the 988 Lifeline is a resource that offers emotional support at some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life. Seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength, and we want all residents of the Commonwealth to know that they are not alone, even in the darkest of times."    

Suicidality, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths among Massachusetts residents are a significant and preventable public health issue. Data from the 2021 Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System reported that there were 596 suicides in Massachusetts, a rate of 8.5 per 100,000, with 22 percent of suicides resulting from firearms.  The Commonwealth seeks to reduce the incidence of suicidal ideation, behavior, and deaths in Massachusetts through compassionate crisis services. The 988 Lifeline is a core component of this strategy.  

Funding for the five community organizations will begin July 1, 2024, and will continue for two years.   

The Suicide Prevention Services crisis call center funding recipients are: 

·       Family Services of the Merrimack Valley  

·       Samaritans of Cape Cod and the Islands  

·       Samaritans, Inc, Boston 

·       Samaritans of Fall River and New Bedford, Inc. dba Samaritans Southcoast  

·       United Way of Tri-County, Framingham   

This summer, DPH will launch a statewide public awareness campaign to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and inform people throughout Massachusetts that they can access it by calling or texting 988. The campaign will run in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole and will include TV, radio, social and digital media, and out-of-home.  

More information about the Massachusetts 988 Lifeline network can be found here

Massachusetts Public Health Officials Award $8.3 Million for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network

Massachusetts Public Health Officials Award $8.3 Million for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network 
 

Funding for 988 Lifeline to provide free, anonymous, and confidential emotional support to anyone experiencing distress and/or suicidal thoughts 

 

BOSTON (June 27, 2024) – The Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that $8.3 million in state and federal grant funding will be awarded to five community organizations to support the continuation of services for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network. The funds will provide infrastructure, operational capacity, and staffing to these organizations so they can offer emotional support, and de-escalation to those who call the 988 Lifeline, seeking someone who will listen, understand, and be present.  

“The 988 Lifeline is critical to ensuring that Massachusetts residents can access the care that they need how and when they need it, whether that’s via call or text,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know how important it is to have these resources in place, and I am thrilled that continued funding means that these organizations will still be able to make 988 available to anyone who needs it.”  

“Everyone in Massachusetts, no matter how they identify or what language they speak, should be able to access the resources that 988 provides,” said Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll. “We can prevent an unnecessary loss of life by continuing to provide this life-saving resource, which can mean everything for an individual who just needs help or some form of connection in a time of crisis or need.”   

The five crisis call centers are being funded by DPH’s Suicide Prevention Program as part of the Massachusetts 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network. The 988 Lifeline Network is available 24/7, 365 days a year, via phone, chat, and text to provide free and confidential support to those experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide. It features dedicated support for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults, videophone and TTY services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and translation services spanning more than 200 languages.   

“We will do whatever we can to prevent the pain and tragedy of suicide,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “It is imperative that we identify people who are suffering and provide comprehensive resources and support to those who find themselves at a loss and unable to cope. One important and simple thing we can do is preserve the funding for this important lifeline that can help deescalate a crisis, connect someone to life-saving services, and offer hope.”    

“When someone is struggling with feelings of despair, a caring and compassionate presence on the other end of the 988 Lifeline can be lifesaving,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Suicide prevention is a critical public health responsibility, and the 988 Lifeline is a resource that offers emotional support at some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life. Seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength, and we want all residents of the Commonwealth to know that they are not alone, even in the darkest of times."    

Suicidality, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths among Massachusetts residents are a significant and preventable public health issue. Data from the 2021 Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System reported that there were 596 suicides in Massachusetts, a rate of 8.5 per 100,000, with 22 percent of suicides resulting from firearms.  The Commonwealth seeks to reduce the incidence of suicidal ideation, behavior, and deaths in Massachusetts through compassionate crisis services. The 988 Lifeline is a core component of this strategy.  

Funding for the five community organizations will begin July 1, 2024, and will continue for two years.   

The Suicide Prevention Services crisis call center funding recipients are: 

·      Family Services of the Merrimack Valley  

·     Samaritans of Cape Cod and the Islands  

·      Samaritans, Inc, Boston 

·      Samaritans of Fall River and New Bedford, Inc. dba Samaritans Southcoast  

·      United Way of Tri-County, Framingham   

This summer, DPH will launch a statewide public awareness campaign to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and inform people throughout Massachusetts that they can access it by calling or texting 988. The campaign will run in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole and will include TV, radio, social and digital media, and out-of-home.  

More information about the Massachusetts 988 Lifeline network can be found here. 

波士頓市長辦公室人事變動 RICARDO PATRÓN升任市長副幕僚長 Emma Pettit升任新聞秘書

                (Boston Orange 摘譯) 波士頓市長辦公室今 (27) 日宣佈人事變動,七月一日起,RICARDO PATRÓN升任為市長的副幕僚長,Emma Pettit升任為新聞秘書。波士頓市長辦公室證實,因為這一人事變動,市長新聞辦公室現有一席位出缺。

            根據波士頓市長辦公室新聞稿,RICARDO PATRÓN出生於墨西哥猶加敦州 (Yucatán)梅里達市(Mérida)市,孩童時代移民來美,畢業於Marquette大學,獲有國際事務學士學位,曾在威斯康辛州 (Wisconsin) 擔任Milwaukee郡司法系統個案經理,以及該州的學校老師。

RICARDO PATRÓN家住東波士頓,在20221月代表東波士頓的市議員Lydia Edwards當選為麻州參議員之前,他在Edwards的辦公室當助理,Edwards進州政府後,他加入了波士頓市長辦公室新聞團隊。

現任波士頓市長副幕僚長的Yusufi Vali,在20122019年間是波士頓伊斯蘭協會文化中心(Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center)主任,經波士頓市前市長馬丁華殊 (Marty Walsh)聘任為波士頓市移民進步辦公室 (MOIA) 主任,20225月被吳弭市長提升為波士頓市長副幕僚長。

波士頓市長辦公室新聞稿稱,Yusufi Vali將離城處理家事,並在七月份逐步移交工作。

根據新聞稿,波士頓市長幕僚長朱為婷 (Tiffany Chu)表示波士頓市很幸運,能夠從內部晉升員工。她也為能夠和RicardoEmma在他們的新領導職位上合作,感到喜出望外。

Emma Pettit住在多徹斯特 (Dorchester)獲有東北大學政治學及國際事務學士學位,20197月加入波士頓市新聞團隊,在3位市長手下工作,歷任新聞助理,副新聞秘書等職位。

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS OF RICARDO PATRÓN AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF AND EMMA PETTIT AS PRESS SECRETARY

BOSTON - Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the appointments of Ricardo Patrón as Deputy Chief of Staff and Emma Pettit as Press Secretary. Pettit will begin serving as Press Secretary on July 1, 2024. Patrón will transition into the Deputy Chief of Staff role through the month of July. Deputy Chief of Staff Yusufi Vali will be moving out of the City to attend to family matters and will transition out of the role.


“Ricardo and Emma bring a wealth of experience, institutional knowledge, and passion for ensuring City Hall connects with residents in every neighborhood,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled that Ricardo is transitioning into this new critical role to build on our work to make Boston home for everyone and for Emma’s bold leadership of our Press Office. Their leadership will help Boston move forward in our work to deliver for all of Boston’s communities.”


Patrón will support Mayor Wu and Chief of Staff Tiffany Chu in leading the Mayor’s Cabinet and implementing Mayor Wu’s vision to make Boston a home for everyone. He will play a key role in advancing Mayor Wu’s priorities, strengthening City government to be responsive to residents’ needs and voices, and ensuring strong collaboration between City departments, local organizations, and other levels of government to effectively deliver programs and services. 


“We are incredibly lucky to have such a strong team and to be able to promote from within,” said Chief of Staff Tiffany Chu. “Ricardo and Emma have been indispensable in the Mayor’s Office from day one, and I am overjoyed to partner with them even more closely in their new leadership roles as we continue to make impactful change across our organization and our city.” 


“Ricardo and Emma embody the best of public service,” said outgoing Deputy Chief of Staff Yusufi Vali. “I am overjoyed in particular to have my post filled with Ricardo, who always puts our residents first, works to solve problems by bringing all parties and perspectives to the table, and leads with compassion.”


Patrón joined the administration as Mayor Wu's Press Secretary in January 2022. Before joining the administration he served as former City Councilor Lydia Edwards' chief of staff. His previous experience includes working as a teacher in the Milwaukee Public Schools and as a case manager in the Milwaukee County criminal justice system. Patrón was born in Mérida, Yucatán and immigrated to the United States as a child. He lives in East Boston with his wife Kathleen and their son Rafael. Patrón is a graduate of Marquette University with a Bachelors in International Affairs.


“I’m so thankful to Mayor Wu for this opportunity to serve our city in a new capacity,” said Ricardo Patrón. “I’m also grateful to Yusufi for his mentorship over the years and look forward to building on his work to make city government work effectively for every resident. Emma has been a leader in the press office for years and I’m excited for her continued leadership as she steps into her new role.” 


As Press Secretary, Pettit will lead the Mayor’s Press Office. The Press Office serves as a liaison between the Mayor and reporters, conveying the Mayor’s policies through press conferences, interviews, public events, and press releases. The office works closely with the speechwriting, digital, and photography teams to convey a unified message about the Wu administration’s vision and to build transparency and trust. 


Pettit has been a part of the Mayor’s press team since July 2019, serving three administrations. She worked as press assistant and deputy press secretary prior to becoming press secretary. Pettit is a graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelors in Political Science and International Affairs. She lives in Dorchester. In her free time, she enjoys playing field hockey, running, spending time at the beach, trying new restaurants, and walking around the Arboretum. Pettit will serve under Chief of Communications Jessicah Pierre, who oversees the City’s press, speechwriting, digital, and photography teams.


“I’m very grateful to Mayor Wu, Jessicah and Ricardo for the opportunity to continue working with the press team in this new role,” said Emma Pettit. “Ricardo leads with transparency and passion, and I look forward to continuing his work to ensure residents are informed of the work of the Mayor and all City government.”


“Ricardo and Emma’s leadership has been instrumental to ensuring the City’s communications work empowers residents to feel connected to City government,” said Chief of Communications Jessicah Pierre.”I am very excited about their transitions and how their efforts will continue to drive Mayor Wu’s vision to make Boston home for everyone.”


波士頓台大校友會李佳蓉接會長 講座談理財年金

主辦人,講者和部分出席者合影。(周菊子攝)
       (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓台灣大學校友會和Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc合作,623日以「美國退休及稅務計畫、節稅策略」為主題,在波士頓僑教中心舉辦講座。不下50名出席者提問踴躍,會後紛紛加入line群組,以備未來諮詢財稅規劃。

波士頓台大校友會新任會長李佳蓉()和主講人Transamerica
Financial Advisors, Inc.
西雅圖辦公室負責人謝欽宇,TransAmerica
波士頓理財師曾雅怡。(周菊子攝)
                  當天的講座由臺大校友會新任會長李佳蓉主持,TransAmerica西雅圖辦公室負責人謝欽宇主講,駐波士頓的曾雅怡等派發問卷,做會後意見調查。

                   交通大學畢業,持有喬治亞理工碩士學位,2017年獲交通大學校友楷模獎,持有美國35州證券及保險等執照的謝欽宇,以大約80頁簡報資料,為出席者闡述美國稅務基礎,如何利用美國各類省稅及免稅計畫,如何計算收入稅及投資盈利稅,如何用小企業折抵收入稅。

50多人出席會議。(周菊子攝)
              謝欽宇指出,一般人最容易困惑的是如何利用美國各種有稅務優惠帳戶來儲蓄理財,常搞不懂為什麼繳稅好多,不知道有哪些合理減稅方案,也沒想到要規劃退休。由於社會安全董事會的最新報告指信託基金將於2034年耗盡,社會福利金 (SSB)預計將調降至70%~80%,謝欽宇認為美國居民應盡早為自己的退休歲月規劃,善用401 (k)和終身有收入型年金等理財工具,顯得格外重要。

臺大校友會會長李佳蓉在會末提醒出席者申請i僑卡。(周菊子攝)
                 針對退休稅務,謝欽宇在會中重點講談傳統退休帳戶401(K)/IRA迷思及風險,IRA/Roth IRA,以及529 ROTH & 7702 IUL /VUL等各類型省稅、延稅等理財帳戶,以及終身收入型的退休年金。他也提點與會者,有錢人一般有2大節稅秘密,一是擁有一家公司,可藉由報銷、扣減例如廣告,保險,車輛,折舊,居家辦公室空間,發薪資,股息等做法,達到省稅目的;另一方面是多利用能延稅,抵稅、免稅帳戶來降低投資營利稅。

由於持有401(k)者所面對的退休挑戰包括,美國的國債持續高漲,將來領取401(K)時要繳的稅可能更高,持有股票和債券的比例,為減少風險,或應保守的隨年齡調整,各人壽命及家庭狀況的不同,對退休後生活品質的要求差異,都使得為退休做準備該存多少錢難以估算,解決方案之一就是各人資助自己的退休金,而年金就是這種理財工具。

謝欽宇在會中解釋了什麼是收入型年金。他說,年金是個人和財務機構之間的一份合約,為個人提供有保障的某種比率現金流,而且稅可展延,給付額會持續到簽約人辭世,領取年齡可從59歲半開始,資金來源可以是SEP IRAIRARoth IRA401k403b457 退休金,以及現金。

謝欽宇指華人對年金常有誤解,但其實年金基本上沒有費用,還可以增訂附帶合約來獲得更多優惠,其回報率可以跟隨市場波動,在美國的年金是退休帳戶,從59歲半起就可提領,而且在美國50州中大多數的州,都有本金25萬元的保障。

由於理財涉及的各種金融、稅務知識複雜,謝欽宇當天為出席者提供了第一次免費60分鐘的財務諮詢服務,還歡迎各人加入line群組,獲取相關資訊。

紐英崙玉山科協理事許翠玲、前會長許衍明;波士頓台灣影展協會會長林致中,波士頓台灣人醫師協會會長羅盈智、前會長陳思達,紐英崙中華專業人員協會理事趙育川,前臺大校友會會長藍凡耘等人,這天都專程出席講座,學習稅務知識,支持臺大校友會活動。   (更新版)(僑務電子報:     https://ocacnews.net/article/372797