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星期五, 8月 09, 2024
CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES 24TH ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST
Governor Healey Signs Bill Protecting Animal Welfare
Governor Healey Signs Bill Protecting Animal Welfare
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey signed An Act regulating the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, becoming the sixth state in the nation to pass similar legislation. This legislation bans the use of elephants, lions, giraffes and other animals in traveling acts like circuses.
“For years, circuses have harmed the welfare of animals for the sake of entertainment, allowing animals to suffer in poor living conditions and stressful environments,” said Governor Healey. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for taking the steps needed to prevent this kind of animal mistreatment in Massachusetts.”
“Here in Massachusetts, we believe in protecting those who can’t protect themselves, and that extends to animals,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This law protects animals from inhumane mistreatment and ensures that Massachusetts has safer and more humane animal welfare.”
In recent years, major exhibits and shows have trended away
from including these kinds of animals. Known for incredibly harmful conditions,
circuses and traveling shows routinely harm the animals they’re showcasing.
This is why the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey no longer exhibit
live animals, the Topsfield Fair stopped displaying elephants after a municipal
ban in 2019, and King Richard’s Faire ended its exotic cat show in
2020.
Effective January 1, 2025, this bill prohibits traveling acts, like circuses, carnivals and fairs, from using certain animals, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, and primates, for entertainment. Exceptions to the law include animals that live at the zoo; the use of animals in filming movies; and non-exotic animals like horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits can continue to be exhibited.
Authority has been given to the Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife to adopt rules implementing the prohibition, and the Executive Office
of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and state and local law enforcement
officers are authorized to enforce the prohibition, which carries civil
penalties of $500 to $10,000 per animal.
“Some of the most majestic creatures on our planet should not be treated inhumanely simply for profit or entertainment,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today with the Governor’s signature, we codify that important principle into law, and make sure that when we see these creatures, we do so in places that reflect their natural environments. I thank the Governor for her signature, Minority Leader Tarr for his leadership, my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House for their work to get this done.”
“While circuses can be a source of entertainment and joy for our residents, we must prevent animals from being abused or otherwise mistreated whenever we can. That’s why these reforms are so important,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chair Fiola and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for guiding this bill through the legislative process. Finally, I’m grateful to Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law.”
“The passage of this bill continues our state's leadership on animal welfare issues, and will protect these elephants, big cats, giraffes and others from the hardships and adversity involved in traveling from place to place for shows. Importantly, the bill preserves the opportunity for meaningful human interaction at facilities designed for that purpose on a permanent basis,” said Senate Minority Leader Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Thanks to the many stakeholders and legislators who have collaborated on the long legislative journey this bill has traveled to become law.”
“Massachusetts has long been a leader in promoting animal welfare by enacting laws to protect animals from abuse and neglect, but most of our current laws apply to domestic animals and common household pets.” House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “This new law will extend these same protections to exotic animals that are used in traveling exhibits and shows. These animals are often subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including prolonged periods of confinement and other forms of neglect and abuse, all to provide entertainment. While several communities in the Commonwealth have already implemented local bans, a statewide ban on traveling animal acts is long overdue.”
“Having witnessed the overwhelming evidence and strong
public sentiment against the use of wild animals in traveling acts, I am proud
to see this crucial legislation enacted," said Representative Carole A.
Fiola (D-Bristol). "As a sponsor of this bill, it has been a profound
responsibility and privilege to champion significant change. With over
two-thirds of Massachusetts voters supporting the ban on wild animal acts, it's
clear that our constituents demanded an end to animal exploitation for
entertainment. This legislation not only reflects that collective desire but
also reinforces our state's commitment to the humane treatment of all
animals."
Governor Healey Expands Protections for Victims of Sexual Assault by Health Care Providers
Governor Healey Expands Protections for Victims of Sexual Assault by Health Care Providers
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey signed An Act criminalizing sexual assault by fraud of a medical professional. This legislation protects vulnerable individuals by ensuring that Massachusetts can prosecute health care professionals and clergy members who influence patients or clients to engage in sexual activity under the guise of treatment or counseling.
“Health care and counseling environments should be a place of safety, respect and trust. This law ensures that patients are protected against sexual assault by medical professionals and that perpetrators will be held accountable under the law,” said Governor Healey. “We are grateful to the legislature and our law enforcement partners for working to end this dangerous loophole so that victims can get the justice they deserve.”
“This law is a powerful step toward safeguarding patients and clients in these horrific situations and ensuring that health care professionals who exploit their positions face serious consequences,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are thankful to all our legislative partners and the countless advocates who have been a voice for victims across Massachusetts.”
This legislation eliminates lack of consent as an element of a sexual assault or rape prosecution if the agreement to sexual contact was procured by a false representation by a health care provider or clergy member that the contact was for a legitimate treatment or counseling purpose. This closes a loophole in existing law that made it difficult to prosecute these cases due to a requirement of proof of lack of consent, even where the consent was fraudulently obtained. Now perpetrators could face up to 20 years in state prison for knowingly inducing a patient or client to engage in sexual intercourse by false misrepresentation during the course of diagnosis or treatment.
“This legislation is a critical step forward in protecting vulnerable patients and community members from exploitation by those they trust the most,” said Vilma Uribe, the Executive Director of Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. “By closing the loophole that allows perpetrators to evade justice under the guise of medical or spiritual authority, we are upholding the integrity of our health care and religious institutions and ensuring that survivors receive the justice they deserve.”
This bill also entitles victims of rape or sexual assault by medical or health care providers or clergy members to testify in person at the parole hearing of the perpetrator.
“Ensuring that Massachusetts residents are protected from sexual abuse when receiving medical care or counseling is of the utmost importance,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this legislation into law, as well as Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and all my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for sending these critical reforms to Governor’s desk for her signature.”
“Today with the Governor's signature, we take a strong step forward in safeguarding the trust between a patient and their doctor,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have heard far too many stories of trauma, and today we send a clear message that Massachusetts stands with survivors, and will hold accountable medical professionals who prey upon those who they are meant to serve. I thank the Governor for her signature, Minority Leader Tarr for his leadership, and my colleagues in the Senate for their support to get this important issue across the finish line.”
“We know – as lawmakers and citizens – that consent obtained through fraud is not consent. This bill, passed by the legislature and signed by our Governor, says to patients and survivors, 'We will support and protect you by closing this loophole now," said Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan (D - Stow), House Sponsor of the bill. “I would like to thank Speaker Ron Mariano, Chair of Ways and Means Aaron Michlewitz, Judiciary Chair Mike Day, and my colleagues in the House for passing this bill for the second consecutive Session and proving steadfast commitment to victims of sexual abuse. I would also like to thank DA Marian Ryan for advocating clarity over ambiguity in these situations and being my partner in this effort.”
“Trust is the foundation of the relationship between a
doctor and a patient, and when that trust is abused to commit sexual assault,
there must be clear and meaningful punishment,” said Senate Minority Leader
Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “This bill will ensure that such punishment is
available, and that prosecutors and victims have the tools they need to bring
justice to these types of cases.”
Healey-Driscoll Administration Concludes Statewide Child Care Listening Sessions
Healey-Driscoll Administration Concludes Statewide Child Care Listening Sessions
Hundreds of parents, providers and stakeholders offered feedback to inform state’s whole-of-government approach to affordable child care
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration concluded a series of 14 in-person and virtual listening sessions across Massachusetts this week that will inform the Early Education and Child Care Task Force’s recommendations and broader strategy to ensure accessible and affordable high-quality child care for all families. Nearly 1,000 community members engaged in the listening sessions, and the Task Force received direct feedback from hundreds of parents, child care providers, and community stakeholders who joined Secretary of Education Tutwiler, Secretary of Economic Development Hao, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Jones, Early Education and Care Commissioner Kershaw and other task force members. The feedback will be reviewed and included in the Task Force’s final report to be released later this year.
"Early education and child care is a top priority for our administration. I want to thank the providers, families, and community members who attended these sessions or submitted written feedback,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We made meaningful progress in the last year and a half, including continuing C3 grants and making them permanent, increasing provider rates, and expanding universal access to pre-k in gateway cities and rural communities – but we know there is much more work to be done. This input will be vital as we work towards creating a more equitable and affordable child care system.”
“These statewide listening sessions provided parents, caregivers, educators and child care providers a platform to share their experiences and ideas from Pittsfield to Bourne,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The feedback gathered will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing affordable and accessible early education and child care for all Massachusetts families, making our state the best place to live, work, raise a family and go to school.”
The listening sessions are part of the administration’s Early Education and Child Care Task Force established under Governor Healey's Executive Order 625 and a central component of their ‘Gateway to Pre-K’ agenda. The Early Education and Child Care Task Force is chaired by the Secretaries of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Economic Development, and includes all other secretariats or their designees.
“I was consistently inspired and energized by the powerful response we received from the early education and care community these last three weeks. Thank you to every person who came and shared their challenges and successes with us,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Education doesn’t start at kindergarten – it starts at birth. These sessions are a critical part of our work to ensure our youngest learners receive the highest quality education they deserve, setting them up for school and lifetime success.”
“This series demonstrated the ‘whole-of-government’ approach, bringing together state agencies to not only listen to community stakeholders but also learn of creative ideas, feedback, and solutions that will strengthen Massachusetts’ early childhood education system,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Child care is critical infrastructure that is needed to attract and retain talent across industries and statewide, and also critical infrastructure to build the talent pipeline of early childhood educators ready to prepare our youngest learners.”
“Affordable, high-quality child care is a cornerstone of our state’s economic vitality and the strength of our communities,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “The feedback from the Statewide Child Care Listening Sessions is invaluable as we work to build a more inclusive and accessible child care system that supports working families and fosters the development of our youngest residents. The insights gained will guide our efforts to create solutions that not only meet the immediate needs of families but also set the foundation for long-term economic stability and prosperity.”
Key themes that emerged from the sessions include the need for more child care accessibility – particularly in underserved areas – affordability, quality of care and workforce supports, including better compensation, benefits and professional development opportunities to attract and retain qualified employees. Photos and videos from the listening sessions are available online.
"We need a strong child care sector in order for people to go to work, go back to work, or participate in education and training, advancing their economic mobility goals,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “I want to thank all of the partners who came out and shared their thoughts on the many strengths of our current system, the challenges and areas for improvement, and their aspirations for how we can transform our system to respond most effectively to the needs of all children and families across the Commonwealth.”
Many participants celebrated the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program, which contributed to a 7 percent increase in child care programs last year, adding more than 10,600 child care seats across the state. Governor Healey’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget last week made this program permanent, subject to appropriation. Massachusetts is the only state in the nation to continue funding this vital program at the same level that the federal government did previously.
“Access to high-quality, affordable early education and childcare is essential for the healthy development of young children, as well as for the economic well-being of working families and employers in the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Early Education and Child Care Task force for putting together these listening sessions across the state to ensure that their recommendations for future action reflect the needs of our families and childcare providers.
“Equity and opportunity in the Commonwealth can only exist when every child and family has access to affordable and high-quality childcare and early education,” said Cape and Islands Senator Julian Cyr. "Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket have long lagged behind the rest of the Commonwealth in our ability to obtain essential services such as childcare and early education. I am pleased and proud of the work that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is undertaking to address the needs of parents, guardians, and children for quality care and educational opportunities. I am grateful to Secretary Tutwiler, Commissioner Kershaw, and all the members of the Task Force for their robust engagement in our communities and across the Commonwealth. I look forward to the coming work of the Task Force and future action based on its work and findings.”
“Providing accessible and affordable high-quality child care for all families is a top priority for my administration and the Commonwealth,” said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to collaborative, open dialogue with families that help build a foundation where all children receive the care and education they deserve.”
The Task Force is still eager to hear from working parents, caregivers, education and business leaders, early education and child care providers, and all others in the community. For more information about the Massachusetts Child Care Task Force and how to provide written feedback, please visit Mass.gov/ChildCareTaskForce.波士頓市城中區一餐廳酒牌以60萬元出售給海港區新大樓
(Boston Orange 摘譯) 波士頓市牌照委員會8月8日批准銀石 (Silverstone) 酒吧燒烤店的酒牌，以60萬元的價格，賣給John Hynes四世，將在海港區一棟17層高世貿大樓中所開餐館使用。
波士頓環球投資者 (Boston
Global Investors) 正斥資6億元，蓋一座17層樓高，以生命科學產業及實驗室為主的「十世貿 (10 World Trade)」大樓。John
Hynes四世是該公司副總裁，目前也是這棟大樓內，一家佔地3層樓，價值300萬元餐廳的經理。他正在和波士頓地區的餐館經營者洽談入駐事宜。
牌照律師Stephen
Miller表示，John Hynes四世有12年的酒吧及侍應經驗，也符合具美國公民身分，住在麻州等酒精飲料管制委員會 (ABCC)的規定。
Miller表示，未來數個月要做的事包括找到一家餐飲集團，通過牌照局和ABCC的管理協議流程，然後會刪除John Hynes四世做為經理的記錄。
新冠病毒疫情後，餐廳及酒吧生意，逐漸從波士頓市中心轉移到有好幾家生物科技公司，因為企業性質，員工必須到公司上班的海港區等鄰里。
星期四, 8月 08, 2024
元太科技E-Ink 電子紙彩色化贏環保獎 麻州經濟發展廳長郝伊平應邀參訪
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| 波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(前中)邀麻州經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平 (Yvonne Hao)參訪元太科技E-Ink。 (波士頓經文處提供) |
(Boston
Orange 周菊子綜合報導)
麻州經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平
(Yvonne Hao) 應波士頓經文處之邀，8月7日率員參訪臺灣元太科技E-Ink位於麻州Billerica的美國總部，聽取簡報，了解麻州與臺灣企業之間的往來概況，祝賀元太科技電子紙走進彩色世界。
出身於永豐餘，創立於1992年，從麻省理工學院分流出來，曾是世界最小面板廠的E-Ink公司，在電子紙技術及相關產品上，一直是全球佼佼者。8月8日E-Ink再傳捷報，在第四屆「TSAA台灣永續行動獎」以及第三屆「APSAA亞太永續行動獎」中囊括四座金獎，並有和高雄市立民生醫院「飛象家園」合作，推出「電子紙醫療照護筆記本」，實現醫療紀錄無紙化，等成就。
今年7月底，元太科技和奇景光電攜手，成功開發出新一代彩色電子紙時序控制晶片
T2000，可以更快速度、更少電力來驅動畫面更新，支援元太科技全系列彩色電子紙技術平台，達到比LCD平板電腦二氧化碳排放量減少50倍的成績。
E-Ink商務暨營運長Paul
G. Apen這天親自做簡報，並陪同參訪。
波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏稱許E-Ink公司深植麻州，經營有成，希望這次的邀請麻州經濟發展廳參訪，能讓麻州對臺灣的科技實力印象更為深刻，助益推動、加強臺灣和麻州之間的經貿往來與合作。
麻州經濟發展廳這天隨同參訪人士，還包括經濟策略副廳長Sarah
Stanton，國際貿易暨投資處
(MOITTI) 處長Jeevan
Ramapriya。波士頓經文處有組長黃翊弘隨同參訪。
MBTA 徵求重建Alewife車站合作夥伴
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星期三, 8月 07, 2024
波士頓大同村警民聯歡日表揚王氏青年會
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| 紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝(左一)，請吳弭市長(左五) ，警察局長Michael Cox (後) 和波士頓華埠治安巡邏隊部分隊員合影，以示鼓勵。(周菊子攝) |
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| 新主任Sokthea Phay(前)率員工(左一至四)為領獎致詞感謝。(周菊子攝) |
波士頓警察局局長Michael
Cox也強調，沒有人民就沒有公安，居民是公安系統中最重要的人。他感謝民眾做為警察的夥伴，攜手維護治安，也感謝這天的獲獎者
(單位) 和警察合作。
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| 波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu)感謝民眾和警察合作。(周菊子攝) |
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| 懷著第三胎的波士頓市長吳弭欣然應請和小朋友合影。(周菊子攝) |
紐英崙中華公所主席，也是CNC共同主席的雷國輝，特地請吳弭市長和撥士頓華埠治安巡邏隊的部分隊員，以及大同村工作人員合影，以示獎勵。
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| 波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox致詞。(周菊子攝) |
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| 紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝(右一)，請市長吳弭(右四)和居民合影。(周菊子攝) |
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| 薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden(左二)和亞裔青年會主任游誠康，波士頓 安良工商會會長陳偉民。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓警察局社區警察副總監陳孔恩 (右)和華裔警察。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓警察局社區警察副總監陳孔恩 (左)和大批警局高層隨著 警民聯歡日列車近社區拜會。(周菊子攝) |
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| 在波士頓市耆英局 (Age Strong)服務已約15年的局長Emily K. Shea (右一) 和2天前才從波士頓市議員Ed Flynn辦公室轉至該局任職的 Sophia Wong(中)等人擺攤向民眾介紹耆英服務。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓市推廣環保，介紹零廢物計畫。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓急救服務局攤位。(周菊子攝) |
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| 現場示範急救。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓市選務局擺出攤位登記選民，也提醒民眾今年是美國總統大選年。(周菊子攝) |
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| 華人前進會主任陳秀珍(右二)率員工在華埠警民聯歡日擺攤，登記選民。(周菊子攝) |
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| 華埠警民聯歡日會場棉花糖很受歡迎。(周菊子攝) |
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| 塔醫的牙醫系教授陳錦坤(右一)與同事和波士頓市議員Ed Flynn合影。(周菊子攝) |
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| 伍詹淑慧 ( Yoshie Ng) 介紹塔醫的耳科醫生。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓華埠警民聯歡日會場擺出2座充氣彈跳屋，小孩子們玩得不亦樂乎。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓華埠警民聯歡日會場擺出2座充氣彈跳屋，小孩子們玩得不亦樂乎。(周菊子攝) |
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| 波士頓警民聯歡日巡迴拜訪列出，8月6日下午近5點時，才到大同村拜會， 接著再去堡壘村，最後一戰是晚上七點半左右抵達北端。大同村的舞台前， 今年人丁稀落。(周菊子攝) |