CITY OF BOSTON REVAMPS ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND OPEN SPACE CABINET FOR DEDICATED CLIMATE RESILIENCE FOCUS AND LEADERSHIP

CITY OF BOSTON REVAMPS ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND OPEN SPACE CABINET FOR DEDICATED CLIMATE RESILIENCE FOCUS AND LEADERSHIP

BOSTON - Monday, August 5, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the restructuring of the Environment, Energy and Open Space (EEOS) Cabinet to create a dedicated focus on climate resilience leadership through the Office of Climate Resilience (OCR). The staff of the new office will be made up of an existing team from the City’s Environment Department, now with greater coordination and focus through this budget-neutral reorganization. The Office will accelerate Boston’s citywide response to pressing climate challenges, such as coastal flooding, extreme heat, and stormwater flooding, and as one part of the City’s comprehensive leadership on climate action, coordinate departments across the City to deliver critical projects that protect Boston’s residents and make neighborhoods more livable. OCR will be led by Chris Osgood, who also serves as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor.   Mayor Wu has also announced other leadership positions within the EEOS Cabinet. In addition to his current role as Green New Deal Director, Oliver Sellers-Garcia will also serve as Environment Commissioner, formerly led by Alison Brizius. Jessica Morris will return to the City of Boston as Chief of Staff to the EEOS Cabinet and Chief Brian Swett. Osgood, Sellers-Garcia, and Morris are seasoned experts with tremendous energy and talent, furthering the Mayor's commitment to making Boston the greenest city in the country.  "With greater focus and accountability, we will move with even greater urgency on climate to protect our neighborhoods, support our residents, and build a resilient Boston for future generations,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “After many years of leadership in analyzing risks and setting broad plans, it’s time to accelerate getting these projects done so communities are beautiful, healthy, and safe, and Boston is thriving in the green economy. I am grateful to Chris, Oliver, and Jessica for stepping into these important roles with our Chief Climate Officer." The Environment, Energy and Open Space (EEOS) Cabinet leads the City’s climate and environmental justice agenda, focusing on decarbonization, energy transition, and resilience. The Office of Climate Resilience will spearhead a key part of that work, guided by Climate Ready Boston. These plans document the risks of climate change to Boston and prioritize interventions that reduce potential harm and strengthen the city’s resilience. With credit to departments across the City, implementation of these plans is already underway, including expanded tree planting efforts that cool neighborhoods, new standards for the right-of-way that add green space and better manage stormwater, and the largest capital investment into coastal resilience projects in the City’s history. The Climate Resilience team will lead priority efforts, such as implementing coastal resilience projects in vulnerable parts of the waterfront and executing strategies to reduce the impacts of rising temperatures. The creation of the Office is budget neutral.   Today’s announcement expands upon the City’s work to make Boston the most green and resilient city in the country. To bolster Boston’s leadership, recently, the Office of Workforce Development in collaboration with the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet, Green New Deal Office, and the Office of Green Infrastructure, have been awarded $9.8 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop the workforce needed to enhance Boston’s climate and coastal resilience. Additionally, the City of Boston was awarded a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant to develop schematic designs for an identified priority action area at Bennington Street, Frederick’s Park, and Belle Isle Marsh, where flooding occurs today and will increase in the future. In 2022, Mayor Michelle Wu announced $2.2 million secured for a climate-resilient Moakley Park. Additionally, the Boston Tree Alliance provides grants and technical support to community-based organizations to plant and care for trees on privately-owned land. The first round of fall tree planting grants closed at the end of June and awardees will be announced in the coming months. These grant awards underscores Boston’s leadership on climate resiliency.  "Climate resilience is a shared responsibility that requires both an all-of-government approach and extensive public-private partnership. The Office of Climate Resilience will work hand in hand with our communities, local businesses, and experts to develop and implement solutions that safeguard Boston’s future from our rapidly changing climate,” said Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett. “Additionally, I’m thrilled to be adding Chris, Oliver, and Jessica to the EEOS leadership team. It’s truly a championship group of talent. They bring the exact expertise, drive, and experience we need at this critical moment in our journey to create a decarbonized, climate resilient, just and vibrant Boston for all.” Prior to this appointment, Chris Osgood served as the interim Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space, while also serving as the Mayor’s Senior Advisor for Infrastructure. Since joining the City of Boston team in 2006, Osgood has served in a variety of roles and helped manage a series of new efforts for the City, such as relaunching the Mayor’s 24-hour call center, co-founding the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics, and working as the City’s first Chief of Streets. Also continuing to serve as Senior Advisor, Osgood will maintain supporting the implementation of a targeted set of priority infrastructure projects.  "Building a resilient Boston will require all of us to work together, focusing on those projects that address the challenges our residents face today and -- left unaddressed -- will face in the future,” said Senior Advisor and Director of Climate Resilience, Chris Osgood. “I am honored to work with this dedicated team, and I am excited to build an office that, through collaboration and leadership, will help deliver a more resilient city that every resident can call home." Oliver Sellers-Garcia joined the City of Boston in 2022 as the Green New Deal Director, charged with shaping an all-of-government approach to climate and equity-led governance while making Boston a groundbreaking model of city leadership. Sellers-Garcia will continue shaping and driving implementation of the Green New Deal agenda, while now also overseeing the City’s Environment Department. In this enhanced capacity, Sellers-Garcia will oversee the update of Boston’s Climate Action Plan and ensure the City is on track to meet decarbonization, electrification, and environmental quality goals. Prior to joining the City of Boston, Sellers-Garcia served as the Director of Resiliency and Equity at the MBTA and as the Director of the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Environment in Somerville, Massachusetts. More information about the City’s Green New Deal is available at boston.gov/gnd.  "Boston's commitment to environmental leadership and innovation is stronger than ever. As the Environment Commissioner, I am excited to advance our comprehensive Climate Action Plan and continue the vital work of the Green New Deal,” said Green New Deal Director and Environment Commissioner, Oliver Sellers-Garcia. “As we accelerate implementation of climate and environmental plans, Boston is creating a model for how City agencies can collaborate to deliver better jobs, quality of life, and health by focusing on climate and environmental justice." Jessica Morris returns to the City of Boston as Chief of Staff to the EEOS Cabinet and to the Chief Climate Officer where she will support and advise Swett, as well as provide leadership support on projects and processes within the Environment Department, the Office of Climate Resilience, the Office of Food Justice, the Office of Historic Preservation, and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Prior to starting her new role, Morris worked as the Vice President of Public Affairs for the consulting firm, Benchmark Strategies, as well as the Chief of Staff for former City Councilor Matt O’Malley. Morris also serves as a Program Advisor for Climate Beacon, which convenes experts and leaders to share ideas across sectors on building toward a positive climate future.   "I am thrilled to return to the City of Boston and join the EEOS Cabinet at such a pivotal time. The creation of the Office of Climate Resilience is a testament to our city's dedication to proactive and inclusive climate action,” said Chief of Staff to EEOS, Jessica Morris. “My focus will be on ensuring that our departments work seamlessly to implement innovative and impactful climate action strategies. I am committed to engaging with our communities and making sure that every resident is part of Boston's journey toward a greener future." For more information about the Office of Climate Resilience and its upcoming initiatives, please visit the City of Boston’s website at boston.gov/climateresilience

法官批准Carney和Nashoba Valley醫院關門 Steward將裁員1243人

              (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 總部在德州的史都沃德醫療護理 (Steward Health Care) 將關閉Carney 和Nashoba這2家醫院。根據聯邦政府的工人調節及再培訓法規定，通知麻州政府，計畫裁員1243人，其中大部分在波士頓。

麻州政府規定企業在關門前120天。大規模裁員之前的至少60天發出通知，但週三時，已於5月6日申請破產，想要出售麻州內8家醫院，藉以還債的的史都沃德醫療護理 (Steward Health Care)表示，前述2家醫院沒收到符合資格的競標書，在德州休士頓的一名破產法法官批准史都沃德在月底關閉前述2家醫院。

史都沃德醫療護理體系在7月份遞交給破產法院的文件中表示，需要趕快關閉Carney和Nashoba這2家醫院，是因為已經要沒錢營運了。Carney在今年的1到5月，已經有赤字1470萬元，Nashoba Valley虧損230萬元，這還不包括利息支出，以及其他的帳戶費用。

該文件還說，這2家醫院的病人流失快速，Carney只有49名病人，Nashoba Valley只有31名病人。

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 週六 (3日)表示， 市府要Carney醫院在120天的通知期內，維持營運，以保護醫院員工及病人，並在過渡期保留人們獲取醫療服務的途徑。吳弭市長在一份聲明中譴責史都沃德醫療體系在裁員一事上”貪婪，未能優先考慮員工和病人的利益”，市府希望能夠幫助住院者及員工。

麻州州長奚莉( Maura Healey)的發言人Karissa Hand表示，"快速回應”團隊已經開始輔導史都沃德的員工，有關失業保險，相關行業空缺，以及找工作的工作坊。麻州聘僱 (MassHire)就業中心也有聯邦政府資助，以英語、西班牙文、中文、葡萄牙文、俄文及越南文提供的培訓機會及服務。

Karissa Hand 表示，這2家醫院已經有許多員工找到了新工作，州政府估計其餘的員工也會很快就找到工作。史都沃德的高層領導及其房地產合作夥伴需要馬上就其餘的醫院做最後決定。

多徹斯特的Carney醫院將裁員753人，Ayer的Nashoba Valley醫療中心將裁員490人，預定8月31日生效。麻州聘僱 (MassHire)的職業服務部門在網上公佈了這資訊。

麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)的一名發言人，週六 (3日)發出一份聲明，指責史都沃德醫療護理及其執行長Ralph de la Torre做事方法不負責任。

史都沃德醫療護理在宣佈逮算關閉位於麻州8 家醫院的其中2家之後，週五 (3日)公開提交這一通知。美國破產法院處理史都沃德醫療護理申請破產流程的法官，週三時批准了醫院關門這事。

根據史都沃德醫療護理為遵循WARN法，發給麻州政府的信件，該機構計畫在8月31日時關閉醫院，裁員將從9月24日起生效。

在那封信中，史都沃德醫療護理表示，「除非集體談判協議另有規定，否則與醫院終止僱傭關係的員工均無權根據資歷在公司申請另一份工作（所謂的『頂撞權』），」。

在法官批准關閉之前，位於多切斯特和Ayer兩地醫院的員工們趕到州政府聚集，遊行，呼籲州市政府領導宣佈緊急狀態，以徵用權讓醫院繼續開張。

「波士頓環球報」稱，吳弭市長辦公室已經說，市府將採取重大措施來制止Carney醫院的房地產物業，以醫療護理之外的任何目的來重新發展，

史都沃德醫院在週一 (7月29日)時，已收到來自Brighton伊莉莎白 (Elizabeth’s)醫療中心，Taunton的Morton醫院，秋河市 (Fall River)的聖安 斯(St. Anne’s)醫院，Brocton的Good Smarotan醫療中心，以及在Methuen 和 Haverhill有場地的聖家 (Holy Family) 等符合資格的競標書，並已把這些醫院的銷售聽證會，推遲到8月13日。每家醫院的潛在買家，還待公佈。 (更新版)

紐英崙中華公所10萬年薪聘鄭欣豪任物業發展經理 哈露街蓋樓計畫遇阻礙

紐英崙中華公所召開本年度第4次董事大會。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所7月30日晚在本年度第4次董事大會中宣佈聘請鄭欣豪 (Edbert Cheng) 為物業發展經理 (Development Management)，舉手投票通過捐款3萬元給中華耆英會，報告正在挑選投資服務公司，籌備發展喜露街50號，年底前博愛樓應可竣工。

雷國輝做主席報告。左為財政陳余寶愛，右為中文書記翁宇才。

              中華公所主席雷國輝在會中感謝各合作夥伴努力籌備第54屆波士頓華埠中秋節聯歡會，籲請各界參加義工行列，8月11日早上10點出席大合照。

             由於中華耆英會即將舉辦年度籌款會，中華公所當晚為該捐多少錢，討論了一陣，最後投票決定捐3萬，另外同意以後在董事大會中討論、制定捐款準則。

中華公所董事大會。 (周菊子攝)

紐英崙中華公所聘鄭欣豪 (立者)任全職物業發展經理。 (周菊子攝)

              在中華公所的土地發展事務上，博愛樓預定年底前竣工，已收到近5000份申請表格，將由波士頓市政府相關單位和土地發展商Beacon Communities處理相關審批，抽籤事宜。中華公所將不介入。

              哈露街50號的土地發展，已進入籌備階段，目前狀態是州政府支持，市政府不支持。

              紐英崙中華公所的董事大會，自從雷國輝上任主席以來，會議鮮少出現爭吵局面，7月30日晚的會議，甚至僅約一小時就結束，不少董事讚許雷國輝事必躬親，認為效率大增，總體向好發展。

聘請物業發展經理

              中華公所為改善營運，4月就已請ADP’s Career Plus代為刊登招聘廣告，要聘請發展主任 (Development Director)，5月在董事大會中成立由5名職員，另加余麗媖、周樹昂，以及後來以其有在企業人事部門工作經歷，由主席特邀加入的司徒文信等3人組成招聘小組。

紐英崙中華公所在董事大會中討論捐款應設準則。 (周菊子攝)

              根據中華公所的7月11日閉門緊急會議，共有19人應徵，招聘小組認為只有3人符合職位要求。公所財政陳余寶愛發信邀請這3人面試後，只有鄭欣豪回應。

鄭欣豪從中華公所和Beacon Communities合作，把大同村南停車場建為有85個出租單位的博愛樓 (Pok Oi)時的2023年7月，就被聘為房屋顧問 (Housing consultant)，和被聘為資產顧問的Iphigenia Demitriades，以及房地產顧問Peter Munkenbeck一起協助主席雷國輝，和Beacon交涉建造博愛樓相關事宜，和中華工所已有一年的共事經驗。

座落在Marginal路旁的博愛樓預定年底前竣工。(周菊子攝)

              招聘小組6月27日和鄭欣豪面談後，給出年薪10萬元，每年最多調薪3%，可享有津貼獎勵，3天有薪喪親假，第一年每月最高650元，由雇主支付80%的醫療及牙醫保險，年薪4%的退休計畫，一年14天假期，每週約工作40小時，核心時間為週一至週五的早上11點至下午3點，為期5年，之後每年一續的合約。鄭欣豪在面試時接受了這些條件。

              由於中華公所要趕在7月份董事大會前確認董事大會通過這一聘任決定，會議記錄形容雷國輝主席在7月5日發出聘用函給鄭欣豪，並以電子郵件請公所董事們投票認可。

王氏青年會新任執行主任Sokthea Phay現年36歲，可能也是目前最年輕，
也最新的中華公所董事。只會英文，不懂廣東話的他，坦言職責所在，將慢慢學習。
(周菊子攝)

              據悉，有至少數名董事收到電郵後，不能理解為何要趕在7月份董事大會前投票，提出質疑，於是有了7月11日的閉門緊急會議。

              在這次的共有36名董事，5名職員出席的緊急會議中，會議記錄指出，有一名應徵者經面試後，招聘小組認為不適合，但可留為行政助理級別候選人。

              會議記錄也指出，在問答時間中，董事陳家驊質疑鄭欣豪在Arrow Street擔任建築師及前端發展人員，被視為藝術家，沒有住宅發展、合約法或財務經驗，未必能在談判中為中華公所爭取最佳利益，再者8萬5千的年薪，恐怕難以吸引合格候選人。

              董事余麗媖則指出，中華公所之前聘用的行政主任 (朱蘇珊)上任前也沒有房屋開發經驗，但以其具有的法律背景，迅速上手。她認為中華公所應聘請更多具有專業經驗的人來參與營運。

              董事梁添光認同中華公所應增聘專業人士協助營運，但認為中華公所應建立更健全招聘制度，在鄭欣豪已然是中華公所房屋顧問之際，他不認為趕時間的聘用鄭欣豪，對中華公所目前的日常營運會有多顯著幫助。

              董事司徒宗達說招聘小組應該在面試候選人後，向董事會大會提交建議報告，再做決定。中華公所主席雷國輝解釋，是鄭欣豪要求在7月份常規董事會之前確認是否獲聘，司徒宗達回應表示，中華公所不需要急著因應鄭欣豪所提要求。

              關於聘用鄭欣豪一事，中華公所董事大會當天還在會中討論聘僱合約中的解約條款，並投票決定雙方協議解約時，須有90天通知期。

中華公所主席報告

              紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝當晚提交中英文各一頁半的主席報告，分列中華公所事務，投資小組、物業、招聘小組4項。

成人英語班

              雷國輝指出，中華公所承辦的成人英語班，第一期10週，共50名學員，已於6月14日結業。第二期學員56人，已於7月9日開課。哈佛學生團體 PBHA主辦的免費夏令營，7月1日開營，預定8月中結束。

投資小組

              中華公所投資小組發出招標書給6家投資公司後，已收到Noble Financial和 Merrill Lynch這2家遞出的競標書，另有Fidelity訂7月31日繳交。State Street已拒絕，UBS和Vanguage還未回應。投資小組將在收到第3家公司的競標書後，開會討論。

中華物業

              中華公所大樓部分，電動車輛充電站的安裝，已由鄭欣豪承辦完成。收費辦法還代財政及物業小組商議。安裝電梯一事，物業小組已於7月25日召開過會議，鄭欣豪這晚做了簡報。董事陳家驊就執行細節提出不同意見。事後有多名董事另以電郵繼續討論。

              大同村/華福樓部分，雷國輝報告，中華公所項塔芙茨醫院租用停車位一事，現可續租致9月。

              哈露街 (Herald)50號，中華公所董事大會已於5月董事大會中通過挑選Beacon Communities為合作夥伴，並已聘請Mintz律師樓的Rebecca Lee代表中華公所及Beacon向政府申請相關牌照及施工安排，聘請Klein Hornig律師樓的Kathryn Days負責申請低收入房屋津貼的稅務信用款項。目前州政府支持中華公所哈露街50號的發展計畫，但波士頓市房屋長Sheila Dillon不支持。

波士頓華埠韓戰老兵黃沛儒辭世 享年94歲

               (Boston Orange) 美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會成員黃沛儒 (Perry Wai Yee Wong) 7月24日辭世，享年94歲。

              黃沛儒1930年2月27日出生於中國廣東，父母Goe Shing Wong 和Lem Ding 來自中國廣東開平。他身後遺有3名子女及6名孫子女。以及姊妹Jeniffer Dow，兄弟Douglas Wong。他也是麻州眾議員黃子安的叔叔。

              他在小學時移民來美，繼續學業後，升讀波士頓技術高中，一生熱愛並練習武術。高中畢業後，他被徵入伍，進了美國陸軍，參加過韓戰，並在軍旅中結交了許多他一生珍視的朋友，一直都是美國海外戰爭退伍軍人協會 (VWF) 和美國退伍軍人會的活躍成員，支持那些有需要的人。

 左起，李錦堂，陳毓璇，黃沛儒，黃國麟等人都曾代表美國上戰場。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

              作為美國退伍軍人權利法案的受益者，黃沛儒成為他兄弟姊妹中第一個上大學的人，進了東北大學，主修商務。他熱愛語言，更有天分，學會法語，德語，義大利文，日語，拉丁文，國語，以及西班牙文等許多語言。

              1957年，他遇見從加拿大Orillia遷居波士頓的Joan，1960年1月17日結婚，同年8月1日在劍橋市哈佛廣場開了家餐館「Young and Yee」。兩夫妻胼手胝足地承擔起經營餐館的所有工作，為數以千計的食客服務，更和其中的許多人成為一生的朋友。他們倆夫妻最終在2001年3

2014年，黃沛儒(第二排右三)出席華埠退伍軍人會活動。(周菊子攝)

月決定退休，快樂的享受退休生活，研習跳舞，說國語。他們也和在跳舞和波士頓華埠社交網，以及他們每週末到黃氏宗親會走動中認識的一批親近朋友，一起到世界各地旅遊。

              閒暇時，他倆也總是支持有需要的家庭，提供忠告，協助翻譯，或送贈衣服及物資。自從太太Joan於2018年辭世後，黃沛儒幾無一日不思念。他對妻子、家人及朋友的忠誠，啟人深省。

華埠退伍軍人會提供的臉書圖片。前左起，黃沛儒、黃國麟、黃廷琛等人領獎，時任波士頓
市長，現為美國勞工部部長的Marty Walsh (後)，以及波士頓市議員Ed Flynn(後右一)合影。
(檔案照片，華埠退伍軍人會提供)

              黃家感謝那些獻身照顧耆英者，竭盡其力的以家人都做不到的方式，照顧了黃沛儒的身體健康、日常生活及社交興趣。黃家人表示永遠感謝。

麻州議會通過英雄法案 增加退伍軍人福利促進包容性

Massachusetts Legislature Passes HERO Act

Bill increases benefits, modernizes services, and promotes inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans

 

(BOSTON—8/02/2024) The Massachusetts Legislature has passed An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans (HERO Act), legislation designed to boost support for hundreds of thousands of individuals across the state who have served in the United States military, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.

 

This compromise legislation increases and simplifies benefits and opportunities, modernizes services, and promotes inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans while reaffirming the Commonwealth’s commitment to recognizing and serving all service members and their families. It increases benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members, bolsters new and existing initiatives for municipalities and businesses to support veterans, creates comprehensive services for active-duty service members and military families, expands the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board, updates the Chapter 115 definition of a veteran to expand eligibility, and codifies medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits.

  

Further, it establishes new recognitions for military service in the Commonwealth and requires several working groups to review post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, mental health treatments for veterans, and overall quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts.

 

“We have a responsibility to support and empower every person who has served and sacrificed for our nation once they return home—as well as their families,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are a Commonwealth that has the deepest respect and gratitude to our veterans, and the HERO Act doubles down on that commitment to our service members by delivering the support that they and their families deserve. I’m deeply grateful to Senator John Velis for his work and sustained leadership on this issue, all of the conferees, and to Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House for their efforts to get this important legislation over the finish line.”

 

“Ensuring that state government is doing everything that it can to support the Commonwealth’s veterans is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as elected officials. Veterans represent the very best of us, having risked their lives in service of this country, which is why we owe them nothing less than our unwavering support,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation not only provides increased support for veterans in Massachusetts, through tax credits and enhanced benefits, it also takes steps to ensure that the Commonwealth goes to even greater lengths to honor our veterans and Gold Star families. I want to thank Governor Healey for filing the HERO Act, Majority Leader Moran and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the importance of supporting our veterans however we can.”

 

“Massachusetts has a long history of prioritizing the needs of our veterans and service members and I am thrilled that the HERO Act is on its way to the Governor's desk to continue this tradition. The final legislation is a product of collaboration—taking the strongest elements from the Governor’s original bill, the House's bill, and the Senate’s own diligent work—to create a comprehensive package that will expand services and resources for veterans, active duty service members, and military families throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and Senate Chair of the Conference Committee. “Less than one half of one percent of our nation bravely raise their right hand and pledge to defend our nation no matter the costs. We must always remember, recognize, and honor these sacrifices however we can, and passage of this legislation is an important step towards fulfilling that mission.”

 

“I want to thank Senator Velis, Representative Cassidy, Senator Michael Rush, Senator Fattman, and Representative Xiarhos for their work on the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and their invaluable contributions putting the HERO Act together,” said Representative Michael J. Moran (D-Boston), House Majority Leader and House Chair of the conference committee. “This Act creates a path for veteran medics to gain EMT certification, annually recognize all service branches and Gold Star families, enhances benefits for blind and disabled veterans, and ensures that employers with more than 50 employees provide information of available veteran benefits to all their employees.”

 

“From the BRAVE Act, to HOMES, to VALOR Acts I and II, and now the HERO Act, the Massachusetts Legislature has made it loud and clear that we will stand by our veterans, active service members, and their families,” stated Senator Michael Rush, Senate Majority Whip and member of the conference committee. “I am grateful to the Senate President, Governor Healey, Secretary Santiago, my colleagues on the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, and all the advocates who helped to shape and guide this bill to its final passage.”

 

“I am pleased that we were able to produce a meaningful compromise to address issues faced by our veterans and their families. The HERO Act enhances the quality of life for veterans in the Commonwealth by making critical investments in benefits programs, expanding access to services, and creating policies to ensure our veterans and their families are well-informed about the benefits and services available to them,” said Representative Gerry Cassidy (D-Brockton), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “I am thankful for the collaborative efforts of the conferees. Our veterans embody courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to our country and this bill highlights our commitment to their wellbeing.”

 

“This legislation is vital to ensuring that our veterans, men and women who their lives on the line for our freedom, have access to services and benefits rightfully due to them,” stated Ryan C. Fattman, a member of the conference committee. “I’m glad to have been part of putting the final language together and happy to see it pass.”

 

“As a Gold Star Father, I know all too well the importance of the sacrifice our men and women in uniform make when they serve. Some, like my son, make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Representative Steven George Xiarhos (R-Barnstable), a member of the conference committee. “We must honor the families they left behind. Others have the gift of returning home, but they face challenges with employment, and housing, and mental health issues here on the home front. It is equally important that we honor their service by helping them. That's ultimately what this bill does. It is a statement that we are committed to supporting our veterans and we will help them in their hour of need, just like they helped us by keeping us safe.”

 

A compromise having passed the Legislature, the bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature. 

麻州地鐵預定2025春開始提供南岸鐵路服務

               (Boston Orange編譯)麻州地鐵管理局 （MBTA） 今天宣佈，南海岸鐵路地區的調度職責已移交給 MBTA 的鐵路運營部門，現在將由其運營合作夥伴 Keolis Commuter Services 執行，這標誌著該專案進展的一個重要里程碑。

              麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華 (Philip Eng)表示，MBTA仍在繼續努力，為居民提供人們期待已久的鐵路服務，給人們開車以外的其他出行選擇。在自動列車控制測試完成，Keolis接管調度後，麻州地鐵在為更多社區提供安全可靠服務上，又邁一步。

即將到來的過渡包括讓 Keolis 從 2025 年 2 月 1 日起承擔維護職責的準備工作，進一步鞏固 MBTA 管理層的運營監督。

              目前，馬薩諸塞州沿海鐵路公司負責管理調度業務，並正在積極促進向Keolis的過渡，確保無縫集成到通勤鐵路系統中。

              客運服務預計將於 2025 年春季開始，所有南海岸鐵路車站的票價結構將與現有通勤鐵路票價結構的 8 區定價保持一致。

              一些火車可能以高達每小時 79 英里的速度行駛。MBTA強調公共安全，敦促在鐵軌附近保持謹慎，並強調避免非法侵入的重要性。

              隨著 自動列車控制（ATC）測試的完成，正在進行的其他測試包括測試800多種正向列車控制（PTC）功能。從8月開始，兩列測試列車將同時進行測試。