波士頓第三輪 SPACE 贈款名單出爐 32 家企業合得287.5萬元

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 ( Michelle Wu ) 今日 (11月18日) 宣佈，第三輪 “支持受疫情影響社區企業（SPACE）” 贈款，共收到250份申請，其中32 家小企業將合共獲得287.5 萬美元。

SPACE贈款是波士頓市政府動用美國救援計畫法案（ARPA）資金，濟助受新冠病毒疫情影響企業的一項作法，從2022年的第一輪迄今，已共斥資1,020萬美元，支持了90多家企業，支付與新租賃協議相關的費用。

前2輪的SPACE項目，已共支付730餘萬美元給60多家企業。

吳弭市長表示：「過去這幾年，這筆贈款計畫改變了許多人的生活，為社區帶來了活力，並改變了波士頓的經濟格局。我們致力於為小型企業提供關鍵支持，讓波士頓成為每個人的家園。

這次獲得補助款的企業，共有6大類32家，分別為:

餐飲娛樂類：1 more rep athletics（Roxbury）、Apex Bar and Lounge Inc.（Downtown）、Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant, LLC（Mattapan）、Brassica Kitchen and Cafe（Jamaica Plain）、Cha Feo（Downtown）、Cuffs & Collars （Downtown）、Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa（Jamaica Plain）、Eat Pho LLC（Chinatown）、Georgie's Wine Bar（Downtown）、Jenny's Pizza（Charlestown）、Leche y Miel, LLC（South End）、Murl's Kitchen LLC（Dorchester）、The Hummus Shop（Beacon Hill）、Silver Dove Afternoon tea（Downtown） 、SJ's（Downtown）、Sorrel & Lime（Dorchester）。

零售與服務類：Bondij Clothing（Dorchester）、cacao South End, LLC（South End）、Downtown Boston BID（Downtown）、DJ's Market（Dorchester）、Fit to Function（Roslindale）、Ink Source LLC（Roxbury）、Neighborhood Wash （Dorchester）、Noir Essence Studios, LLC（Dorchester）。

媒體與文化類：The Bay State Banner（Roxbury）。

兒童照顧與教育類別：Esther's Garden Childcare Inc.（Dorchester）、Genelys Early Learning Center（Jamaica Plain）。

社區市集類：Hebron Market（Mission Hill）、The Little Cocoa Bean Company（Jamaica Plain）。

合作社與特色店類：Nubian Notion（Roxbury）、Rozzie Bound Co-op, Inc.（Roslindale）。

SPACE 贈款計畫由市長辦公室與經濟機會與包容辦公室攜手承辦，旨在幫助小企業進商業區開張新店面，為波士頓市帶來活力，縮小種族財富差距。在所有的獲得贈款者中，有 34 家企業已開門運營，30 家已簽署租約，其餘企業正在進行租約談判。

經濟機會與包容長Segun Idowu 表示：「第三輪補助金得主都是充滿活力的企業，將為市中心和社區帶來正面影響。這些企業展現了創造力和創業精神，波士頓將受益於它們的成長」。

資金之外，波士頓市政府還為獲得補助企業提供全方位服務，包括租約談判、會計、稅務、合規、行銷和員工持股計畫等，以確保企業長期成功。另外有大波士頓商會、麻州相關產業協會（AIM）和麻州零售商協會（RAM）提供免費會員資格，當地金融機構如波士頓地方發展公司和多切斯特灣經濟發展公司提供資源，房東也為部分企業提供了租戶裝修貢獻。

即將在唐人街開業的Eat Pho 餐廳老闆Tran Le 表示：「非常感謝市政府的支持。SPACE 贈款將幫助我們打造一個凝聚社區、支持本地就業並增添美食活力的空間。」即將在多切斯特開設新現代活動空間Sorrel & Lime 的老闆Kurt Mclaughlin 也表達了衷心的感謝。

麻州長Healey簽署乳癌篩檢法 要求保險商承保更大範圍

(Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今天 (11月18日) 簽署了一項法案，以擴大關鍵乳腺癌篩檢和檢查的覆蓋範圍，確保費用不會成為早期發現的障礙。該法將於 2026 年生效。

該法案要求保險公司承保更廣泛的檢查，包括：乳癌的診斷檢查，數位化乳房斷層合成篩檢，使用乳房 MRI 和超音波進行醫學上必要的篩檢等，旨在透過使女性，特別是那些乳房組織緻密或在初始乳房X光檢查中發現異常的女性更容易獲得必要的後續護理，來處理患乳癌結果的差異。              

「乳癌的早期發現可以挽救生命，」奚莉州長說。 “這項立法將有助於確保費用不會成為女性獲得所需檢查和護理的障礙。”

該法案獲得了立法者和倡導者的廣泛支持。

參議院議長Karen E. Spilka表示：“今天，我們消除了做乳腺癌篩檢的障礙，讓我們的居民能夠領先於奪走太多生命的癌症。”

               「這項法案將拯救生命，」眾議員James Murphy說。 “乳癌是女性癌症相關死亡的主要原因，必須採取一切措施改變這一現狀。” 

Governor Healey Signs Breast Cancer Screening Bill 

Legislation will increase access to breast cancer screening and early detection treatments for little to no cost 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act Relative to Medically Necessary Breast Screenings and Exams for Equity and Early Detection. This comprehensive legislation will ensure that patients have access to follow-up breast cancer screenings and exams, while also preventing any increase in patient cost-sharing by 2026. 

"We know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. This legislation will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for women to get the screenings and care they need,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful to the Legislature for their leadership on this bill, and to the patients, providers and advocates who made their voices heard in support of more affordable and accessible care for Massachusetts residents.” 

“Preventative care is essential. It helps save countless of lives and now, because of this legislation, patients across Massachusetts will have access to the necessary care they need at a lower cost,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We know that this legislation will improve cancer outcomes for so many people across the state.” 

This legislation would, starting in 2026, require insurers to cover diagnostic exams for breast cancer, digital breast tomosynthesis screening, and medically necessary and appropriate screening with breast MRIs and ultrasounds. This legislation would also prevent any increase in patient cost-sharing, thus removing cost barriers for patients who need more rigorous screenings due to dense breast tissue or abnormalities seen in their initial preventive screening mammograms. 

"Today we tear down a barrier to accessing breast cancer screenings and empower our residents to stay ahead of a cancer that takes far too many lives," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I am grateful to Governor Healey for her signature, Senator Lovely and Senator Rush for their leadership, our partners in the House, and every advocate who has used the power of their voice to get this issue across the finish line." 

“Ensuring that all residents in Massachusetts have access to early detection treatments for breast cancer, regardless of income, is a critical facet of catching cancer early and saving lives. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of this legislation, as it will help to prevent vulnerable residents from being denied the care that they need,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this bill into law, along with my colleagues in the Legislature for working hard to move this critical bill through the legislative process.” 

“We know that in the fight against cancer, early detection is absolutely vital for the long-term success of the patients. We also know that for one out of every ten women, initial mammogram screenings are not sufficient to detect possible indicators of breast cancer. This legislation signed into law by Governor Healey today ensures that all women in the Commonwealth have access to the digital breast tomosynthesis and MRI screening they need to catch cancer early, without facing financial barriers. I’m grateful to the Governor, Senator Lovely and Chairman Murphy, and Division Leader Balser for championing this issue with me, and to my legislative colleagues, particularly President Spilka and Speaker Mariano for their support. Finally, I thank the dozens of advocates and patients who shared their stories and pushed tirelessly to support women in the fight against breast cancer,” said Senator Mike Rush (D-West Roxbury). 

“This bill will save lives,” said Representative James Murphy (D-Weymouth). “Breast cancer is a major cause of cancer related deaths among women and everything must be done to change this. This groundbreaking legislation will provide life saving health care for women throughout our Commonwealth.” 

“Today is the culmination of work I have done for nearly a decade to ensure that all women have access to necessary, and possibly lifesaving, breast cancer screenings,” said Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. This legislation makes those diagnostic exams used for early detection accessible and affordable, giving women the vital resources needed to catch breast cancer in its earliest stages. Thank you to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law and bolstering the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing higher quality, more equitable, and more accessible healthcare for women.” 

"This legislation will ensure that women have access to essential breast cancer screenings and diagnostic evaluations by eliminating significant financial barriers. Once again, Massachusetts has stepped up to ensure that women's health care needs are met,” said Representative Ruth Balser (D-Newton). 

南端Titus 麻雀公園重新開張 波士頓市長吳弭欣然剪綵 (圖片)

 

美海軍新瀕海戰艦 「南塔基號」啟動服役

麻州州長Maura Healey致詞。

          (Boston Orange 綜合摘譯) 美國海軍瀕海戰艦 「南塔基號（USS Nantucket）」11月17日在麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 和波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 聯袂出席的隆重中，假查理士城海軍造船廠舉行儀式，和美國最古老戰艦首尾相接地正式下水服役，成為海軍艦隊一員。

海軍第76 任部長理查德・斯賓塞（Richard Spencer）的妻子波莉・斯賓塞（Polly Spencer）依照傳統，下達“登船並使其運轉起來”指令，船員升起服役三角旗后，這第三艘以南特基號為名的戰艦正式成為艦隊一員。

波士頓市長吳弭致詞。

美國從2002年開始推出瀕海戰鬥艦計畫，其陸續出現戰艦機械、系統、武器故障、拋錨事件，相關部門一度宣佈，「皮埃爾（USS Pierre）」號和「克里夫蘭（USS Cleveland）」號將是該計畫最後一批次戰艦。2023年還傳出，有調查發現這計畫花了美國人1000億美元稅款。

根據非正式資料，美國海軍現有約470艘戰艦，其中9艘為頻海式戰艦，這南特基號是其中最新的一艘。

南特基號從2020年7月開始建造，耗時4年，費資3億6000萬元，長約127米，寬約16米，排水量9000頓，配備有配備 “海拉姆” 飛彈防禦系統、57 毫米艦炮、“魚叉” 反艦飛彈等。可搭載兩架MH - 60R 「海鷹」 直升機，能執行反潛戰、反水面戰、電子戰等，能夠執行多種任務，在全球海域活動，還能和其他艦艇和飛機協同作戰，在未來海戰中發揮多種重要作用。

南特基號指揮官Angela Eickelmann在儀式開場致詞中宣佈，南特基號已經過測試，做好戰鬥準備了」。

麻州州長奚莉及波士頓市長吳弭都為新戰艦在波士頓舉行這具歷史傳承意義的傳統服役儀式感到驕傲、光榮。

波士頓市新年度青少年就業機會增至2500 早鳥申請12月1日前

                    (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市2024-2025年度有2500個青少年工作機會，即起至12月1日，在YEO帶領的FutureBos(未來波士頓)平台上，接受14至24歲青少年申請。

            工作職位涵蓋非營利、藝術娛樂、STEM、地方政府、醫療等各個領域。

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)表示，市府推出的青少年就業計畫推動得十分成功，過去這2年夏天聘用的青少年數量，屢創新高，2023 年 有9357 人，2024 年有 10427 人）。

東北大學的一項研究顯示，波士頓市的青年就業計畫 SuccessLink ，在經濟、學術和刑事司法上，對青少年都有積極影響。吳弭市長和波士頓市府因此去年投資1870萬元，經由YEO來推廣這計畫，並提高效率，簡化申請流程。

包括SuccessLink的FutureBos不僅旨在招募和僱用年輕人，還確保就業經驗具有吸引力和意義，並促進年輕人的職業和個人發展。波士頓市青少年就業及機會辦公室主任 Allison Vernerey表示，該辦公室已經開始著手協助青少年，極力在外展、品質上，最大化對青年就業的影響。

YEO 與 200 多個市府局處、非營利組織、高等教育機構和諸如波士頓社區發展行動會 (ABCD)、波士頓私營工業委員會、人文藝術家協會(Artists For Humanity)和麻州的青年工作者聯邦公司(Commonwealth Corporation YouthWorks)等夥伴合作，為青少年提供優質就業機會。2024年暑期，有50%以上參加者是波士頓公校學生。

波士頓市政府鼓勵年輕人及早申請，網上有申請流程指南，查詢更多資訊可上網boston.gov/futureBOS。

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES YOUTH JOBS APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR 2,500 employment opportunities available for Boston’s young people this school year, building on record high in number of young people –10,427 – hired for jobs during summer 2024

BOSTON - Friday, November 15, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO) today announced that youth job applications are open for the 2024 - 2025 School Year. Boston youth and young adults ages 14 - 24 can apply at futureBOS, the hub for all youth employment opportunities throughout the City. The platform, led by YEO, allows young people to better navigate the application, onboarding, and hiring processes, ensuring that these employment opportunities are centralized. Jobs are available in various industries including nonprofit, arts and entertainment, STEM, local government, and healthcare. “The City’s youth job program provides incredible opportunities for Boston’s young people to learn, grow, and opens doors for future career pathways,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This program has grown tremendously over the past few years and brought job opportunities to thousands of youth across the city, and I encourage all young people in Boston to apply for the coming year.” futureBOS (which includes opportunities from the SuccessLink program) is designed to not only recruit and hire youth, but also ensure that the employment experience is engaging and meaningful, and advances young people’s professional and personal development. Research from Northeastern University demonstrates that SuccessLink, the City’s youth employment program, positively impacts a range of economic, academic, and criminal justice outcomes for youth. Recognizing the importance of this work, Mayor Wu and the City invested $18.7 million in youth jobs last year. Bolstered by these funds, YEO expanded and improved the program to increase efficiency and streamline the process for youth and their families. The program has since experienced record highs in the number of young people employed each summer with 9,357 youth hired in Summer 2023 and 10,427 in Summer 2024, the highest in the program's history. "We had a tremendous record-breaking Summer and are excited to bring these opportunities for youth into the school year,” said Allison Vernerey, Executive Director of the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity. “Our office has already started supporting youth hands-on for the season and we look forward to maximizing the reach, quality, and impact of youth employment year around!" futureBOS participants have also expressed satisfaction with the program. Ninety-four percent feel better prepared to enter the workforce, 90% leave the program with references for future employment, 83% feel prepared to achieve future educational and career goals, and 97.3% would recommend this job opportunity to a friend. These accomplishments are a result of Boston’s collaborative approach to developing a holistic and inclusive youth workforce development system. To increase coordination and alignment among the City’s youth employment providers, YEO has deepened partnerships with more than 200 City agencies, non-profits, higher education institutions, and lead entities – Action for Boston Community Development, the Boston Private Industry Council, Artists For Humanity, and the State's Commonwealth Corporation YouthWorks –  to offer high-quality employment opportunities to youth year-round.  “School-year employment can be an excellent after-school activity.  It allows students to develop workplace skills like communication and collaboration while allowing them to imagine themselves in different environments,” said Neil Sullivan, Executive Director of the Boston Private Industry Council, “and the paycheck doesn’t hurt either!”  Last summer, Mayor Michelle Wu made an extraordinary promise, guaranteeing a summer job to every eligible Boston Public School (BPS) student who wanted one. Building on this commitment, YEO increased its collaboration with BPS through strategic engagement and outreach. As a result, over 50% of 2024 summer youth jobs participants were BPS students. YEO will continue its partnership with BPS to prioritize students during the 2024-2025 school year. “I am grateful for the collaboration between the Boston Public Schools and the Office of Youth Engagement and Opportunity, which has ensured that every BPS student who wanted a summer job was able to access one, giving our students an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world working experience, and explore careers and professions that they are passionate about,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “I am excited that this crucial partnership will provide more access to youth employment opportunities for BPS students, especially during the school year.”  YEO will continue its partnership with Bank On Boston and the Center for Working Families to provide youth with financial education, instilling healthy financial habits that will last a lifetime. Bank On Boston provides free financial workshops on various topics including credit building and banking basics. The full schedule can be found here. Job applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Youth are strongly encouraged to apply early, ideally by December 1, 2024. There is a step-by-step guide available online to help youth navigate the application process. Youth can also visit the office in person, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1483 Tremont Street in Roxbury, or call 617-635-4202 for additional assistance. For more information, visit boston.gov/futureBOS.

麻州長Healey指派Shawn Jenkins出任獄政官

               (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 11月15日宣佈，在麻州獄政署 (DOC)署長Carol Mici今年3月退休後，代理其職的Shawn Jenkins，即起真除。

               奚莉州長和Kim Driscoll副州長稱許Shawn Jenkins思想具前瞻性，在營造安全環境，推動創新改造方案上表現傑出。公安及保安廳廳長Terrence Reidy也說在這獄政改革的重要時期，Shawn Jenkins的領導力，將在優化設施，改善安全上為獄民帶來更多的創新措施。

               在擔任代理署長一職期間，Shawn Jenkins推動了許多獄政改額措施，包括進行全面安全審查（如在某懲教中心進行安全評估、部署特殊單位、實施隨身攝影計劃）；強化健康和安全政策（實施新的不明物質應對政策）；擴大女子再入獄項目（在弗雷明漢女子監獄推出相關計畫）；完成平板電腦計畫實施（為服刑人員配備設備方便其學習等）；加強與假釋委員會合作（推出試點計畫）；透過策略整合提高營運效率（關閉部分監獄等）；宣布新的醫療保健合作夥伴。

               Shawn Jenkins從2024 年3 月起擔任麻州獄政署代理署長，之前曾任Middlesex郡治安官辦公室特別治安官8年，Worcester郡治安官辦公室特別治安官4年，負責監督各監獄的安全、保密，以及人事等各項營運事務。他也曾在公安相關機構擔任過不同職務，其中包括擔任性犯罪者登記委員會委員5年。

               Shawn Jenkins擁有Colby學院政府系學士學位和兩個碩士學位：一個是麻州大學羅爾分校的刑事司法管理​​碩士，另一個是麻州大學波士頓分校的公共事務碩士。

 Governor Maura Healey Appoints Shawn Jenkins as Massachusetts Department of Correction Commissioner

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced the appointment of Shawn Jenkins as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). Jenkins has been serving as the DOC’s Interim Commissioner since Commissioner Carol Mici’s retirement in March 2024. Commissioner Jenkins brings a wealth of experience in correctional management and a forward-looking vision that focuses on strengthening safety and security across all facilities, enhancing staff support and wellness, and implementing robust rehabilitative programming for all entrusted to the DOC’s care. 

“Shawn Jenkins has demonstrated exceptional dedication to creating safe, secure environments while advancing innovative, rehabilitative solutions across DOC’s correctional facilities," said Governor Maura Healey. "With his extensive experience and strategic approach, Commissioner Jenkins is well-equipped to shape the DOC’s future, where evidence-based practices will continue to promote safety and support positive outcomes for incarcerated individuals and staff alike." 

“Commissioner Jenkins’ forward-thinking approach, commitment to safety and security, and deep understanding of effective reentry programming will advance a modern corrections system that supports public safety while creating opportunities for transformative change,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 

“Commissioner Jenkins’ appointment comes at a critical time as we seek to build upon the strides made by the DOC in recent years. His leadership combined with his significant security expertise and compassionate approach will prioritize safe and secure environments across DOC facilities while providing innovative rehabilitative programming for those in DOC’s care, ensuring that Massachusetts remains at the forefront of correctional innovation," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.  

During Commissioner Jenkins’ interim tenure, the DOC has advanced many initiatives to strengthen safety and security across facilities, enhance policies to support health and safety, expand rehabilitative and reentry programming, and improve operational efficiency, including:  

• Launched comprehensive safety and security review: the DOC launched a comprehensive security assessment at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in response to recent incidents, including the strategic deployment of specialized units and ongoing implementation of the Body-Worn Camera Program to enhance overall safety and security. 

• Enhanced health and safety policies: the DOC implemented a new  Unknown Substance Response Policy to further safeguard correction officers, staff, and incarcerated individuals from the risks posed by potentially hazardous or illicit materials.  

• Expanded reentry programming for women at MCI-Framingham: the DOC launched The PEACE Unit, a program designed to advance rehabilitation and promote successful community reentry by supporting incarcerated women with essential skill development, transformative mentoring and building familial bonds.  

• Completed implementation of tablet initiative: the DOC announced the successful implementation of an innovative tablet program that equips incarcerated individuals with personalized electronic devices for convenient access to a wide range of online courses to accelerate education, job skill training, and self-improvement programs.  

• Strengthened partnership with the Parole Board: the DOC launched a pilot program in partnership with the Parole Board to educate and support incarcerated individuals through the parole process.  

• Enhanced operational efficiency through strategic consolidation: Amid the state’s lowest prison population in 35 years, the DOC continues to identify strategies to enhance operational efficiency and advance cost-saving solutions, including the successful closure of MCI-Concord and conclusion of housing operations at  Old Colony Correctional Center minimum-security men’s facility (OCCC-Minimum).  

• Announced a new health care partner: the DOC selected a new independent health care partner to deliver comprehensive patient health care services for residents living at 10 state correctional facilities. 

“I’m grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Secretary Reidy for putting their faith in me. I am honored to lead a team so dedicated to public safety and service. Together, we will continue to strengthen our facilities’ security, support the health and well-being of our staff and housed population, and advance innovative programs that empower individuals in our care to successfully return into their communities," said Commissioner Shawn Jenkins.  

About Commissioner Shawn Jenkins 

Shawn Jenkins has served as the Massachusetts Department of Correction Interim Commissioner since March 2024. He joined the DOC as Chief of Staff in March 2022. As Chief of Staff, Jenkins served as the agency’s second in-command and had direct oversight of legislative and public affairs. As Interim Commissioner and Chief of Staff, Jenkins was integral to advancing the Department’s vision and mission while collaborating with command staff and numerous stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Department’s annual goals. 

Before joining the DOC, he served as the Special Sheriff with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for approximately eight years. He also served as Special Sheriff with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for nearly four years. In both roles as Special Sheriff, he oversaw all aspects of facility operations including security, classification, personnel, legal and as primary point of contact for outside law enforcement agencies. Shawn began his career in public service with different roles within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, including a five-year appointment to the Sex Offender Registry Board.   

Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Colby College and two Master’s degrees: one in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and another in Public Affairs from the University of Massachusetts Boston.