慶祝40億美元領先法過關 麻州要建氣候科技AI樞紐

麻州長Maura Healey再次簽署「麻州領先法案」。 (周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 12月10日邀集政、企業高管約200多人，在劍橋市麻州MGB醫療體系Ragon研究院大樓慶祝10年40億美元的「麻州領先法(Mass Leads Act) 」簽署成案，麻州的氣候科技，人工智慧領域，將在生命科學之後，也躍升為全美第一。

麻州經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平(前右)簡述「麻州領先法案」。 (周菊子攝)

麻州州長奚莉、麻州經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平 (Yvonne Hao)、麻州參議會議長Karen Spika，麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz）等人都強調，這放眼未來，旨在增加麻州競爭力，規劃期長達10年的「麻州領先法案」是「麻州隊 (Team Massachusetts)」分工合作的結果，內容包括多項法案新猷，通過法案的時間雖長，等待得卻很值得的。

麻州眾議會財政委員會主委麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)。(周菊子攝)

                      奚莉州長表示，這天把政府、企業界人士邀集一室，因為她知道，一旦這麼多優秀的人齊聚一堂，就會激發出火花，可以做成許多事。她感謝所有人的努力，交出這一份影響歷來最深遠的「麻州領先法案」，從醫藥研發、氣候解決方案，到人工智慧、機器人，以及旅遊業、小企業的好工作機會，未來都能贏。她指出，麻州有250年歷史，改變世界是藏在麻州人骨子裡的精神。

麻州眾議會財政委員會主委麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz) (右起)和麻州經濟發展廳廳長
郝伊平，哈佛費正清中心主任五人英。(周菊子攝)

奚莉州長在點名感謝許多推動落成此案的許多人之外，也例舉了幾項條文內容，藉以闡述麻州領先法的許多亮點，包括一億元的農村發展基金要支持地方社區的項目，制定現場劇院抵稅優惠，促進文化業的發展，1億5千萬元要翻修地方上的公共圖書館，甚至有機會蓋一座新的足球場。奚莉州長還提及，要現代化民事服務，讓持有外國執照醫師，也能在美國開業。

麻州經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平直言，她很感念奚莉州長看中她的能力，儘管踏進仕途才發現，政府和企業界的工作方法及速度，真的不一樣，但她覺得麻州團隊是最棒的隊伍，很感謝大家都是麻州隊的一分子。

她笑說州長不知道她有記日記的習慣，所以她還記得2年前，接到一個陌生人的電話，就是奚莉州長打來的。幾天之後他們碰面，竟也就此讓她從私營企業跳進公家機關服務，2023年1月23日正式加入麻州政府團隊。

劍橋市經理黃奕安(前中)為慶祝活動作開場致詞。(周菊子攝)

當她獲悉州政府每4年都得交出一份經濟發展計畫後，他們組織了 個巨星經濟發展計劃委員會，走進麻州各地，召開了9場區域會議，至少有300人親自出席提供意見，從高科技、醫院、金融服務，小企業，旅遊及農業，分成11個領域的深入研討，最後製作了一份厚達66頁的報告。今年3月，他們用那份報告做基礎，擬定了一份經濟發展的「麻州領先法案」。

麻州大學羅爾分校校長陳理珠表示，「麻州領先法案」也支持了該校的人才培訓。
(周菊子攝)

郝伊平廳長說，2008年當麻州前州長推出十年10億元法案，支持生命科學時，沒人知道後來會有Moderna這些公司，變成家喻戶曉的品牌。如今有「麻州領先法案」的支持， 2040年說不定也從麻州出現幾個家喻戶曉的的氣候科技和人工智慧品牌。

              麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威致詞時表示，「麻州領先法案」中有不少讓人興奮的條款，例如支持進軍百老匯之前的現場劇院表演抵稅優惠，30億元的麻州西部數據中心等。他還笑說，他很好奇郝伊平廳長在7月底8月初那幾天的日誌是怎寫的。在通過的細節項目之中，讓他最開心的當然是通過了把波士頓會議展覽中心重新命名為波士頓市前市長姓名的萬寧路中心 (Thomas Menino)。

              在這著眼於要為麻州現在及未來發展鋪路的「麻州領先法案」中，包括為已證明可促進經濟成長，豐富社區的項目，重新授權發行17.5億元債券，為新計畫授權發行10億元債券，已增強麻州的競爭力，可負擔性及平等。在以基礎、人才及個別領域為焦點的法案中，氣候科技倡議及生命科學是2大重點。

              以金額論，涉及金額最高的項目有5億元的生命科學資本基金；4億元，支持公共基礎設施改良的「麻州工作基礎設施 (MassWorks Infrastructure)」項目；2億5千萬元的麻州影響(Mass Impact) 項目，用於支持大型，轉型，有早成重大經濟衝擊效果的項目；2億元的清潔能源投資基金；2億元的風力業投資信託基金；1億5000萬元用於新建，翻修或擴大麻州公共圖書館的施工費用；1億元的應用人工智慧 (AI) 樞紐，1億元的農村發展基金，1億元的海港經濟協會，以殖池沿岸社區發展；1億元的地方經濟發展補助。 (更正，劍橋市經理的中文姓名應為黃奕安)。

              新增項目中有每年3000萬元給氣候科技公司的抵稅優惠，為期10年的氣候科技策略，每年1000萬元的實習抵稅優惠，每年500萬元現場劇院表演抵稅優惠，30億元在麻州西部建數據中心，為在外國受訓、執業醫師提供，取得在美行醫資格的通道，容許非牟利機構董事領取最高500元津貼，而不需掃施個人責任保護的新作法。

              麻州的2025會計年度577億元預算是今年7月29日通過的。但今年3月遞進麻州議會，要提升麻州經濟發展力的「麻州領先法 (Mass Leads Act) 」，卻因麻州參眾議會與州政府在某些細節上意見不同，延宕多次後，才終於在參眾兩會進入休會期仍挑燈夜戰的審議法案細節後，協調定案，11月20日交付麻州州長奚莉簽署定案。

              法案中有多項重要的，促進麻州企業競爭力的投資，把每年撥給生命科學的減稅優惠額度，從3000萬元增加到4000萬元幅度，把麻州生命科學中心的使命擴大為包括支援預防性醫藥，以及和健康有關的人工智慧。

              在加強基礎設施，支持地方市鎮的經濟發展部分，「麻州領先法案」授權融資4億元，支援「麻州工作 (MassWorks)」的基礎設施項目，創造就業機會；2億5千萬元的麻州衝擊（Mass Impact）經費，支援大型，轉型姓，有贈成重大經濟影響潛力的項目提供經費；１億元農村發展基金，為農村社區的基礎設施改善提供財務支援；１億元的海港經濟協會經費，用於支持沿海社區經濟；１億元地方經濟發展補助款以支持市鎮發展；9000萬元未充分利用物業項目款，用於支援開發為充分利用，或棄置樓宇的重新發展；3000萬元宗地重新發展基金用於協助受環境汙染影響地塊轉型；1000萬元寬頻中間英里，用於麻州寬頻123中間英里網的維修經費；300萬元的場地已準備好做經濟發展費用。

              在政策方面，針對農村社區，寬頻、許可證、在丹佛的發展等。

              在人才方面，要留住，並吸引來自世界所有背景的人才。麻州歷經新冠病毒考驗後，2023年才首度出現居民人數小增。為留人，麻州為教育金融機構 (MEFA)提供8500萬元，支持學生、家長等人支付教育費用，得到可負擔的高等教育機會。其中包括每年1000萬元的為雇主提供最高每年10萬元，每人可得5000元，或薪資50%補貼的培訓實習補貼。

              還有些其他的支持小企業及麻州經濟力的細項，包括2億元的清潔能源投資基金，2億元清潔能源投資基金，2億元風電投資信託基金，氣候科技抵稅優惠項目，離岸風力抵稅優惠項目等

              這天現場還有劍橋市市經理黃奕安 (Yi-an Huang)、麻州大學羅爾分校校長陳理珠 (Julie Chen)等嘉賓出席。

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES PLANNING AND DESIGN INITIATIVES, OFFICE CONVERSIONS

BOSTON - December 12, 2024 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of the Boston Design Vision, the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook, and seven new development projects to the BPDA Board. All were approved. The newly approved development projects represent approximately 347,010 square feet (SF). The new projects will create 278 residential units, including 44 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 491 construction jobs and 729 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Planning & Zoning Planning Department advances Boston Design Vision Staff of the Planning Department advanced the Boston Design Vision which will create a human-scale, inclusive, and heterogenous vision for the design of the built environment across Boston, and shape Boston’s public spaces and built environment through design strategies. The Planning Department released the draft Design Vision Report in October which kicked off a 30 day public comment period, during which there were multiple opportunities for public engagement. Staff then incorporated the feedback from that comment period into the final draft. This work is the result of more than a year of public engagement in which staff heard from hundreds of community members about what kinds of design make their communities feel like home. The report includes the design principles which guide this work, as well as new ideas and a five-year roadmap for moving the Design Vision forward within future design and development. These principles are meant to help us build what the City values, center people, and uplift diverse lived experiences in Boston. Planning Department advances Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Guidebook Staff of the Planning Department advanced the new ADU Guidebook which features realistic, buildable designs tailored to Boston’s neighborhoods that offer a clear starting point to help residents more easily move forward with building an ADU. The ADU Guidebook was launched at a virtual public meeting on November 19. ADUs can not only help increase the housing stock, but also offer residents opportunities to age in place, provide extra space for growing families, or generate rental income. Staff will use the guidebook as a reference in preparing recommendations to the Board of Appeal for zoning relief, since most of the ADUs outside of Mattapan will require zoning relief under current zoning. Based on the ADU Guidebook, and building on zoning adopted last year to enable attached and detached ADUs in Mattapan, the Planning Department is now embarking on a study of small-scale residential zoning and ADUs through the new Neighborhood Housing zoning initiative. The first phase will focus on areas in Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, and West Roxbury, in areas that are made up of a high percentage of larger lots, and where properties have four units or less. Additional phases will expand this rezoning work across the city, looking at lots with smaller areas and higher maximum unit counts. Development Projects Animal Rescue League of Boston to get new facility at 10 Chandler Street in the South End Jobs: Approximately 41 construction jobs Community: New accessible sidewalks, ground floor bike storage, open space Sustainability: LEED, all-electric The two-story building which currently houses the Animal Rescue League of Boston will be demolished and replaced with a completely new, three-story modernized animal shelter and veterinary clinic, and an improved public realm. The project is in close proximity to various public transportation options.  Office building at 259-267 Summer Street on the South Boston Waterfront to be converted to housing Housing: 77 residential units, 15 income-restricted units  Jobs: Retail space Community: New public bike parking, close proximity to public transportation Sustainability: LEED Silver, Passive House As part of the City’s Office to Residential Conversion Program, this project will convert what is currently semi-vacant office space into a mixed-use building of commercial space and housing on the South Boston Waterfront. This project will contain 77 new units of housing, including 15 income-restricted units. The project will also include bike parking for residents. As part of the community benefits for this project, the sidewalks in the vicinity of the site will be reconstructed to improve the pedestrian experience, and the Boston Wharf Company sign which is currently neon will be preserved and replaced with more efficient LED lights. Project at 99-105 Addison Street to build new housing in East Boston Housing: 20 housing units  Jobs: Approximately 22 construction jobs Community: Contribution to Tree Eastie to add to street trees in East Boston Sustainability: Passive Building Design, meets Coastal Flood Resiliency guidelines  This project will create a four-story, 20-unit residential building in East Boston. There will be four one-bedroom units and 16 two-bedroom units. The building will be compliant with PLAN: East Boston and all residential uses will be elevated two feet to account for sea level rise. Streetscape improvements will be made along Addison Street to enhance the area for bikers and pedestrians. The project will include two new street trees and a contribution of $17,600 to Tree Eastie as a mitigation measure. In addition, one mature tree on site will be protected. The project will also contribute $5,500 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the City’s bikeshare program.  New housing to be built at 1690-1700 Hyde Park Avenue in Hyde Park Housing: 115 housing units, 20 income-restricted units Jobs: Retail space, approximately 113 construction jobs Community: Residential plaza, pocket park and retail activation Sustainability: Passive House principles, all-electric efficient heat-pump mechanical systems, 30 percent of site is open space/native plants This project will bring 115 housing units and retail space to Hyde Park Avenue in Hyde Park. The site’s location, just 300 feet from the Readville commuter rail station and close to several MBTA bus routes, makes this a transit-oriented development. The sidewalk along Hyde Park Avenue will be widened to improve the pedestrian experience, and a bike lane will be put in as well. This project will also create a new short-term drop-off area at the request of local business owners for Uber and Amazon type drop-offs. Included in this project will be at least 23 new trees across the site and a pocket park for residents and the public. This project will contribute $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department bikeshare program, as well as space for one 15-bike dock nearby. As part of the community benefits for this project, it will contribute three $10,000 contributions to the BCYF Hyde Park, Hyde Park Main Streets, and the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department for the IACONO Playground/Park. New housing at 1305 Hyde Park Avenue advances Housing: 54 residential units, seven income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 36 construction jobs Community: 93 walk score, 90 transit score Sustainability: 50 bike parking spaces, seven street trees Located in Hyde Park, this project will turn two lots with vacant two-family homes and a parking lot into a four-story, energy-efficient building with 54 housing units. This is a transit-oriented development as it is walking distance from the Hyde Park and Fairmount MBTA Commuter Rail Stations, and multiple MBTA bus lines. The development will be set back from the street to create a larger sidewalk and make room for street trees. The project will contribute $11,550 to the Boston Transportation Department to support the City’s bikeshare program.  Project at 2 Financial Center will convert office building into lab space Jobs: Approximately 194 construction jobs, approximately 632 permanent life science jobs   Community: Contribution to the Rose Kennedy Greenway for maintenance Sustainability: Reduction of carbon footprint, compliance with new stretch energy code This project in the Leather District will renovate over 21,000 square feet of office space and convert it into lab space. No changes will be made to the building’s footprint or ground floor retail. A roof deck will be designed to comply with the Leather District’s guidelines for rooftop structures, ensuring any new mechanical units will not be seen by the public. The project will contribute $10,000 to the maintenance of the Rose Kennedy Greenway.  Project at 736-742 East Broadway in South Boston to create new mixed-use building  Housing: 12 units, two income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 16 construction jobs Community: Expanded tree canopy, sidewalk improvements Sustainability: All-electric Located in South Boston, this project will build 12 new residential units, two of which will be income-restricted, as well as a ground-floor restaurant. The mitigation and community benefits resulting from this project include improved sidewalks, bus signage, and new street trees. In addition, this project will contribute $4,834 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system. In addition to these projects, the board approved: An update to a previously approved project at 40-50 Warren Street to increase the total number of homeownership units, eliminate office space on site, and increase the size and alteration of the overall development An update to a previously approved project at 246-248 Dorchester Avenue in South Boston to add more hotel rooms.

Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Releases Biennial Report

 Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Releases Biennial Report  

BOSTON –Today, the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking (GCSADVHT) released its first Biennial Report of the Healey-Driscoll Administration highlighting accomplishments from January 2022-2024 and outlining recommendations for the next two years.   

“These recommendations will help us enhance public safety, prevent these horrible crimes, and support survivors,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and am deeply grateful for the hard work of this Council, including Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Executive Director Vilma Uribe, to protect the safety and wellbeing of the people of Massachusetts.” 

“As Chair, I’ve worked closely with the advocates and experts on the Council to prevent and address sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Chair of the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. “This report and these recommendations are informed by their collective expertise and offer concrete, actionable solutions that can improve outcomes for survivors. Through this work, we are reminded that behind every statistic is a human story — a life forever altered by violence and exploitation. This report serves as an opportunity to directly impact those stories.”  

The report details the Council’s accomplishments and initiatives over the last two years and provides a series of recommendations to help inform the next two years of the Council’s work. Those recommendations align with the Council’s six subcommittees – Assessment and Response; Early Interventions; Economic Mobility; Housing Stability; Human Trafficking; and Veterans, Military, and Families. These recommendations are meant to advise the Governor on how to help residents of the state live a life free of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking by improving prevention for all, enhancing support for affected individuals and families, and insisting on accountability for perpetrators.  

“I am incredibly grateful to work alongside dedicated advocates who are committed to improving the lives of those affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. The recommendations in the report address some of the most pressing needs of survivors, as identified by both survivors and advocates throughout the state. We hope that these recommendations drive meaningful change in the lives of those impacted by gender-based violence,” said Executive Director of the GCSADVHT Vilma Uribe.   

Over the last two years, the Council has launched several initiatives focused on improving the lives of survivors in Massachusetts and has supported legislative action aimed at supporting survivors and strengthening protections. These accomplishments include:  

• Roundtables: The Council has facilitated roundtable discussions with advocates, experts and community leaders across the state about how to better serve and support survivors. These roundtables centered stories from those with lived experience and featured discussions with key stakeholders on how Massachusetts can continue to be a partner on this work. The Council hosted four roundtables in 2024: Survivor Listening Session, Immigrant and New Arrival Communities Roundtable, Campus Sexual Assault Law/Title IX 5th Anniversary Roundtable and LGBTQIA+ Communities Roundtable. 

• Human Trafficking Prevention and Response: The Council led the development of a comprehensive statewide plan on Massachusetts' approach to addressing sex trafficking. In collaboration with the Attorney General's Human Trafficking Taskforce, the plan aims to strengthen the state's capacity to identify and address sex trafficking cases while ensuring survivors receive the necessary resources and support for recovery. 

• Law Enforcement Guidelines Update: Beginning in March 2024, the Council launched a comprehensive update to the Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Guidelines, representing a critical shift in how law enforcement responds to domestic violence cases. The revised guidelines aim to improve officer response, risk assessment, and coordination with victim service providers. Particular attention was given to cultural competency, language access, and the unique needs of marginalized communities. The update process involved input from a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure an effective, inclusive approach. 

• RESPECTfully Campaign Expansion: In 2024, the RESPECTfully Campaign entered a new phase, expanding its focus to include healthy relationship breakups—both platonic and romantic. This public education initiative primarily targets Massachusetts youth ages 12-18, with secondary audiences including youth-serving organizations, parents, caregivers, and educational institutions. The RESPECTFully Subcommittee convened providers working directly with youth and a youth advisory committee to inform and develop the campaign.  

Informed by their continuous work in the community and consulting with experts, advocates and researchers, the Council has released the following recommendations for policy and practice improvements over the next two years, addressing the complex needs of those affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking in Massachusetts: 

• Assessment and Response: The Subcommittee recommends ways to improve criminal justice and community-based responses to address and reduce domestic violence by increasing referrals to Intimate Partner Abuse Education Programs and improving the practices of domestic violence high-risk teams. 

• Early Intervention Subcommittee: The Subcommittee recommends solutions meant to increase safety and well-being for children and families, emphasizing evidence-based, trauma-informed referrals to services and treatment within all communities. Those recommendations include additional training programs and improved workforce pipeline for Behavioral Health and Education Professionals, establishing a youth trauma care advisory committee with clinical experts, and implementing inclusive healthy relationship education in schools. 

• Economic Mobility: The Subcommittee focuses on finding ways to increase the economic success of victims and survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and trafficking by increasing awareness of and access to available resources in a trauma-informed way. Their recommendations include integrating lived experiences and survivor stories into benefits cliff analysis and research, including survivors as a priority population for MassMobility, and improving workforce access for survivors. 

• Housing Stability: The Subcommittee aims to develop creative housing, housing stability, and homelessness prevention strategies for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking (SADVHT). Their recommendations include expanding the training opportunities available to advocates (on housing) and housing providers (on SADVHT), expanding housing resources available to survivors, and changing state housing policies to expand housing protections for survivors. 

• Human Trafficking: Established by Governor Healey, the Subcommittee is working to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat sex trafficking in Massachusetts. This initiative combines both research and action-based approaches to address the issue. The strategy operates on three fundamental objectives: (1) strengthening prevention efforts, (2) enhancing support for those impacted by human trafficking, and (3) holding perpetrators accountable. The Plan seeks to create tangible solutions and concrete steps to fight human trafficking across Massachusetts. Beyond the development and execution of the Plan, the Subcommittee also recommends additional Human Trafficking awareness training to transportation personnel and the establishment of a Labor Trafficking Subcommittee.  

• Military, Veterans, and Families: The Subcommittee’s goal is to ensure seamless access to domestic and sexual violence prevention and response services for military members (past and present) and their families. This includes comprehensive training for civilian and military entities to ensure that service referrals are trauma-informed, well-equipped, and timely. 

波士頓市推出2500萬元「收購基金」 頭5年將保500戶住宅 可負擔 (市府視頻)

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈推出「波士頓收購基金」。

                     (Boston Orange綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭12月12日率同政府官員、機構首長在市長辦公室老鷹室宣佈，推出「波士頓收購基金 (Boston Acquisition Fund) 」，期以支持非牟利機構以市價購買市內住宅，使成為永久性的可負擔住宅，穩定房屋市場價格。基金籌款目標2500萬元。

麻州房屋投資公司 (MHIC)執行長Moddie Turay發言。該公司將管理「波士頓收購基金」。

                     「波士頓收購基金」目前已募得1300萬元，其中500萬元來自波士頓市政府，800萬元來自地方組織，MGB  (Mass General Brigham)、波士頓醫療中心、波士頓基金會、波士頓兒童醫院，Barr基金會，達娜法柏癌症研究機構 (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)、波士頓醫療中心、貝斯以色列醫療中心 (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)、東方銀行、塔芙茨醫學院 (Tufts Medicine)等大醫院，以及非牟利機構。麻州房屋投資公司 (MHIC)將負責管理，用這筆錢來提供低利率貸款給發展商，非牟利機構，以市價購買市內住宅單位，再以可負擔價格出售或出租給有需要人士，以降低人們流離失所的機率，穩定社區內的住房市場。

波士頓基金會執行長Lee Pelton。

                  此外，「波士頓收購基金」也志在永久性的”自然形成”可負擔住宅脫離投機市場，同時促進地方上開發團隊的多元化。波士頓市政府會在達成留住現有佔住者，限制租金上漲的協議後，發放補助。

                  波士頓市府表示，這個新基金將可支持購買500各單位，在頭5年就幫助約1500人，避免流離失所的可能。這筆經費設計得有如”公私合營循環貸款 (public-private revolving loan)”，用於貸款的錢在收回來之後，會再貸出去支持下一筆購買行動。

波士頓房屋長Sheila Dillon回答提問。

                     波士頓市早從2016年就推出了「收購機會計畫 (Acquisition Opportunity Program)」，迄今共用了9000萬元經費，已收購了大約1000戶可負擔住宅。

             麻州參議會民主黨員 (The Massachusetts Senate Democrats)在今年6月時也宣佈過，有5年50億元的房屋債券法案，將撥款8億元給麻州的可負擔住宅信託基金，支持中等收入家庭置辦房屋。

                   (Boston Orange) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和合作夥伴今 (12)日中午在波士頓市市長辦公室宣佈，推出「波士頓收購基金」，將在公私機構合作下，致力解決波士頓市面對的房屋危機，保護居民免於流離失所。

              吳弭市長指出，經由各合作夥伴的同心協力，波士頓市將為本地，抱有使命感的與開發商提供由公家、私人資金支援的低息貸款，以幫助他們在波士頓社區購買和保留可負擔住宅，並穩定波士頓居民的住房。

波士頓收購基金奠立於吳市長為使波士頓成為每個人的家所做的努力上。該計劃迄今為止已在波士頓保留了 1,000 多個負擔得起的單元。

出席宣佈儀式的合作夥伴包括:

Sarah G. Kim 將出任麻州高等法院副法官

Sarah G. Kim。 (圖片來自AALAM)

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 麻州亞裔律師協會 (AALAM) 發文恭喜11月6日獲州長提名的Sarah G. Kim，甫於12月11日得到州長的委員會無異議通過，將出任麻州高等法院副法官。

              韓裔的Sarah G. Kim目前擔任麻州財政廳的副廳長，也是麻州財政及收款總監辦公室的總法律顧問。之前她還擔任過大麻管制局代理主席，麻州總檢察官辦公室詐欺及金融犯罪小組助理總檢察官。她曾在Bingham McCutchen擔任訴訟律師約10年，經辦民事訴訟個案，協助客戶面對和違反證券法有關的各種調查。她還曾經擔任過多年的麻州亞裔律師協會會長，反家庭暴力工作小組 (ATASK) 的董事會主席。

              目前Sarah G. Kim還是波士頓男子及女子童子軍俱樂部董事，波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC)董事。

              Sarah G. Kim畢業於達特茅斯學院，以及Villanova大學法學院。

              麻州有最高法院、上訴法院、高等法院、區域法院、波士頓市政府院、青少年法院、土地法院、遺產及家事法院等不同種類的法院。高等法院主要掌理大型民事及刑事案件。

麻州曾經同時有8名亞裔法官，但在余達明從昆士市地方法院法官，以及Fernade R. V. Duffly從最高法院法官席位上退休以來，前有Jason Chan在前州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 任內獲指派為區域法院副法官，現有Sarah G. Kim在現任州長Maura Healey任內獲指派為高等法院副法官。麻州內現有多少亞裔法官還待確認。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $12.4 Million to Support Behavioral Health Workforce

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $12.4 Million to Support Behavioral Health Workforce 

Funds issued to students pursuing careers treating mental health or substance use disorders 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they have issued $12.4 million through the Behavioral Health Trust Fund to 37 colleges and universities to financially support behavioral health students completing unpaid internships and field placements. These grants are for undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing careers treating mental health or substance use disorders and are part of the state’s efforts to grow a culturally and linguistically diverse behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts.  

“Massachusetts needs more qualified behavioral health professionals, and our administration is committed to supporting students eager to do this work,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By investing in students looking to treat those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, we’re investing in the long-term health and wellness of communities across Massachusetts.”  

“We want Massachusetts residents to be able to access qualified behavioral health professionals when and where they and their families need them, and that will only happen if we lift barriers for entering this field,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “One crucial step to creating a strong behavioral health workforce is making earning a degree financially feasible for students driven to fill the roles.” 

Many behavioral health degree and certificate programs require workplace-based internships, apprenticeships, or practicum credit hours as a condition for program completion. Required field placements play a central role in helping students prepare to serve as behavioral health practitioners, but these experiences are often unpaid and often require students to sacrifice paid work. To support students pursing these careers, the funding is going to colleges with behavioral health degrees that require field placements, with a focus on institutions in geographic areas that are priorities for advancing health equity.  

“By lifting financial barriers for students pursuing behavioral health degrees, we are encouraging a more diverse student body to enter this field, which helps us create a more diverse workforce to meet the needs of residents from various backgrounds,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We’re proud to launch a program that helps those looking to help others.”  

“A good internship or field placement can teach a person much-needed skills and help them gain experiences that last long into that individual’s career,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “I am grateful this funding gives us the chance to support people financially, which not only helps build a more diverse workforce but also ensures people reach the right behavioral health services when and where they need it. Building a stronger workforce that does not have to worry about financial limitations means we can help every person and community throughout Massachusetts get the care they need and in a way that truly makes a difference.”  

The behavioral health internship funds are being issued to campuses as grants to be distributed to qualifying students over a two-year period and can be applied to internships being completed in the 2024-2025 academic year and 2025-2026 academic year. Students at the awarded institutions who may be eligible for the funding should speak with their program advisor and financial aid office. 

“Internships help behavioral health graduates prepare to serve community members on day one, and these funds will lessen the financial burden of completing these essential learning experiences,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “The more we make entering the behavioral health workforce possible, the more we can create a pipeline of talented professionals prepared to serve residents across the Commonwealth.”   

This funding is from the Behavioral Health Trust Fund that was established by the state with American Rescue Plan Act funds and is managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Behavioral Health Trust Fund was a recommendation of the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission, which was comprised of 22 members from government and the behavioral health sector. Funds are used for addressing barriers to the delivery of an equitable, culturally competent, affordable, and clinically appropriate continuum of behavioral health care and services. 

“This program is a strong step to make working in behavioral health more accessible for Massachusetts students,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This is an investment in homegrown talent that will help alleviate the workforce shortages in our behavioral health system. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for dispensing these funds, and look forward to seeing these young people make a difference in our state.” 

Massachusetts’ public and private colleges and universities receiving funds include: 

• American International College: $310,000  

• Anna Maria College: $130,000  

• Assumption University: $170,000  

• Bay Path University: $695,000  

• Berklee College of Music: $85,000  

• Boston College: $785,000  

• Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis Inc: $50,000  

• Boston University: $935,000  

• Bridgewater State University: $580,000  

• Cambridge College: $460,000  

• College of Our Lady of the Elms: $165,000  

• Emmanuel College: $110,000  

• Fitchburg State University: $70,000  

• Framingham State University: $70,000  

• Gordan College: $50,000  

• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary: $105,000  

• Harvard University: $50,000  

• Lesley University: $675,000  

• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts: $50,000  

• MCPHS University: $150,000  

• Merrimack College: $80,000  

• MGH Institute of Health Professions: $55,000  

• Northeastern University: $180,000  

• Regis College: $285,000  

• Salem State University: $930,000  

• Simmons University: $1,540,000  

• Smith College: $260,000  

• Springfield College: $1,045,000  

• Suffolk University: $65,000  

• Tufts University: $230,000  

• University of Massachusetts – Amherst: $50,000  

• University of Massachusetts – Boston: $370,000  

• University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth: $140,000  

• Western New England University: $180,000  

• Westfield State University: $400,000  

• WILLIAM JAMES College: $395,000  

• Worcester State University: $485,000