Registration for the 2016 Boston Marathon opens on 9/14

Field size will be 30,000 official entrants for the 120th running of event.

BOSTON -- Registration for the 2016 Boston Marathon opens on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The B.A.A. will use the same process to register qualified runners as it used in the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Boston Marathons, allowing the fastest qualifiers to register first.

Registration will be held entirely online at www.baa.org. The qualification window for the 2016 Boston Marathon began last year on September 13, 2014.

In cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route, the B.A.A. has set the field size for the 2016 Boston Marathon at 30,000 official entrants. The 120th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 and will mark the 31^st consecutive year that the event will have John Hancock Financial as its principal sponsor.

2016 BOSTON MARATHON REGISTRATION DATES

• Monday, September 14 at 10:00 a.m. ET: Qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard by 20 minutes, 00 seconds or more may submit their application for entry.
   
• Wednesday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. ET: Qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard by 10 minutes, 00 seconds or more may submit their application for entry (if space remains).
   
• Friday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. ET: Qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard by 5 minutes, 00 seconds or more may submit their application for entry (if space remains).
   
• Saturday, September 19: Registration closes for the first week at 10:00 p.m. ET.
   
• Monday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m. ET: All qualifiers who have met the qualifying standard may submit their application for entry (if space remains).
   
• Wednesday, September 23: Registration closes for the second week at 5:00 p.m. ET.
   
• If space remains after this initial period, then on Monday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m. ET registration will reopen to anyone who meets the qualifying standards on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will remain open until the maximum field size is reached.

The B.A.A. will not predict or provide an anticipated date for when the race will reach its maximum field of qualified applicants. However, the B.A.A.'s website, Facebook page and Twitter account will indicate the open or closed status of registration for the 2016 Boston Marathon, and these pages will be updated regularly.

The registration fee for the 2016 Boston Marathon for qualifiers is $180 USD for United States residents and $240 USD for international residents.

QUALIFYING TIMES

Potential qualifiers for the 2016 Boston Marathon must meet the designated time standard that corresponds with their age group and gender in a certified marathon on or after September 13, 2014 and prior to submitting an entry application. Proof of qualification must accompany each athlete's application, and participants are required to be 18 years or older on race day. All standards below are based on official submitted net time:   

AGE GROUP	MEN	WOMEN
18-34	3hrs 05min 00sec	3hrs 35min 00sec
35-39	3hrs 10min 00sec	3hrs 40min 00sec
40-44	3hrs 15min 00sec	3hrs 45min 00sec
45-49	3hrs 25min 00sec	3hrs 55min 00sec
50-54	3hrs 30min 00sec	4hrs 00min 00sec
55-59	3hrs 40min 00sec	4hrs 10min 00sec
60-64	3hrs 55min 00sec	4hrs 25min 00sec
65-69	4hrs 10min 00sec	4hrs 40min 00sec
70-74	4hrs 25min 00sec	4hrs 55min 00sec
75-79	4hrs 40min 00sec	5hrs 10min 00sec
80 and over	4hrs 55min 00sec	5hrs 25min 00sec

ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES - QUALIFYING TIMES & REGISTRATION DATES

Registration for individuals who wish to participate among the wheelchair division, visually impaired division, and mobility impaired program (including duo teams) will open on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Registration for these groups will occur on a “rolling admission schedule, beginning with the fastest qualifiers. For more information, click here.

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.’s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs, including high performance athletes and running club. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. More than 60,000 runners will participate in B.A.A. events in 2015. The 120th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

MEDIA: For further information, please contact media@baa.org.

21^st Annual Search Under Way for Nation’s Top Youth Volunteers

Volunteering as a teen can boost happiness and reduce stress, recent survey finds

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Over the past 20 years, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to more than 115,000 middle and high school students across the country for helping people in need, raising awareness of worthy causes, addressing needs in their hometowns and many other volunteer activities. Today, the search begins to identify thousands more young people who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the awards program kicks off its 21^st year.

Now through November 3, students in grades 5-12 who volunteer are invited to apply for 2016 awards at http://spirit.prudential.com or atwww.nassp.org/spirit.

These awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honor outstanding community service by middle level and high school students at the local, state and national level.

A recent survey of 1,200 teens by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards revealed the virtuous cycle that young people encounter when they volunteer. Nine in 10 teens who volunteer said service makes them feel good about themselves, and that their participation leads to feeling needed (59 percent), feeling happier and less stressed (59 percent), and feeling more connected to people (54 percent). Compared to teenagers who did not volunteer, volunteers rated themselves an average of 15 points higher across a variety of traits, including independence, leadership, dependability, confidence and optimism.

The survey, which measured the attitudes of U.S. teenagers toward volunteering, was conducted this year in support of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards’ mission to promote volunteerism amongst middle and high school students. Compared to 20 years ago, when Prudential first surveyed teenagers about their attitudes toward volunteering, the number of teens who see volunteering as important has increased from 62 percent to 76 percent.

“The feeling of knowing that you truly have a hand in doing something that helps someone else…is great for your spirit,” one survey respondent said.

Applications for 2016 awards must be completed by November 3, 2015, and then submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or HandsOn Network affiliate. Paper versions of the application form are available by calling (877) 525-8491.

Participating schools and local organizations will select Local Honorees in early November and present them with Certificates of Achievement. These Local Honorees also will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award if they have contributed the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students). All Local Honorees are then reviewed by a state-level judging committee, which will name the top two candidates from each state and the District of Columbia – one high school student and one middle level student – as State Honorees on February 9, 2016. These State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent for four days of recognition events April 30-May 3, 2016. Runners-up at the state level will receive bronze medallions or Certificates of Excellence.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America’s top youth volunteers of 2016. These National Honorees will receive $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

“Every year for the past 20 years, we’ve been inspired by the stories of service we’ve heard from young people across the United States,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. “We look forward to honoring the top youth volunteers of 2016, and hope their example will inspire others to serve their communities, too.”

“Middle and high school students nationwide are making their mark on their communities through volunteer service,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. “We are honored to celebrate their initiative, their dedication, and the powerful example they’ve set for their peers.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represent the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. The awards program also is conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China and Brazil, where Prudential has significant business operations.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and 35 countries around the world. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high-quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

RED SOX FOUNDATION AND RED SOX WIVES TO HOST 14TH ANNUAL “FROM FENWAY TO THE RUNWAY” FUNDRAISER AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

RED SOX FOUNDATION AND RED SOX WIVES TO HOST 14^TH ANNUAL “FROM FENWAY TO THE RUNWAY” FUNDRAISER AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox Wives will hit the fashion runway at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Prudential CenterMonday, September 21, for the annual From Fenway to the Runway fundraiser benefitting the Red Sox Foundation.  Neuro Brands has partnered with the Red Sox Foundation to be the presenting sponsor of the ‘Fenway to the Runway’ event. 

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and includes lunch and a runway fashion show featuring the Red Sox Wives modeling the latest fall fashions. WCVB-TV anchor Liz Brunner will emcee the show, which includes a live auction with one-of-a-kind items donated by the players and their wives.

Red Sox wives and fiancées who will take the stage include: Kelli Pedroia, Tiffany Ortiz, Erin Bradley, Ashley Kelly, Brianna Hammonds, Kristen Lovullo, Lindsay Buchholz, Catherine de Rodriguez, Georgia Nua, Shannon Wright, Elisa Brenly, Kelly Breslow, and Laura Rutledge.  Red Sox Foundation Board members Linda Pizzuti Henry, Charlotte Wagner, and Joan Alfond will also be in attendance. To purchase tickets, please call 617-226-6440 or e-mailredsoxfoundation@redsox.com

  

The event, now in its 14th year, will benefit two of the Foundation's cornerstone programs: the Red Sox Scholars Program presented by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, which provides mentoring, enrichment activities and college scholarships to academically-talented, financially-disadvantaged students from Boston Public Schools; and the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Youth Baseball and Softball Program, which uses baseball to promote healthy choices and valuable life skills among inner city children and teens.

Heat Advisory: Superintendent Chang Urges BPS Families to Prepare for High Temperatures With the Return of School

Heat Advisory: Superintendent Chang Urges BPS Families to Prepare for High Temperatures With the Return of School  

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015 -- Superintendent Tommy Chang is asking families to take extra caution and prepare for this week's high temperatures as students return to school today.

With unseasonably hot weather forecasted, Boston Public Schools has taken steps to ready schools for the high temperatures. Extra fans have been distributed throughout schools that lack central air conditioning and schools that have water coolers have stocked up on extra supplies of bottled water. BPS is closely monitoring all schools to provide any support that is needed during the hot weather. 

"As we welcome our students back to school, we want to ensure they are safe and ready to learn," Dr. Chang said. "I am asking parents to make sure their children are dressed in weather-appropriate clothing, stay well-hydrated and bring extra bottles of water to school this week. We are ready and excited to kick off a great school year." 

For additional safety tips, please visit: http://ow.ly/RUW9c. 

The Boston Public Schools, the birthplace of public education in the United States, serves more than 57,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 126 schools.

Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury, MA 02119 | www.bostonpublicschools.org | Follow us on Facebook andTwitter @BostonSchool

CMS Releases First Ever Plan to Address Health Equity in Medicare

CMS Releases First Ever Plan to Address Health Equity in Medicare

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH), unveiled the first CMS plan to address health equity in Medicare. The CMS Equity Plan for Improving Quality in Medicare (CMS Equity Plan for Medicare) is an action-oriented plan that focuses on six priority areas and aims to reduce health disparities in four years.

The plan was released at a conference entitled: Medicare & Medicaid at 50: Their Past, Present, and Future Impact on Health Equity, which was held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid and the 30th anniversary of the 1985Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health, also known as the Heckler Report.                                                                                               

“As we strive to create a health care system that provides better care, spends dollars more wisely and creates healthier people, CMS is committed to achieving equity for minority and other underserved populations and eliminating health disparities among Medicare beneficiaries,” said CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt.

The Equity Plan focuses on Medicare populations that experience disproportionately high burdens of disease, lower quality of care, and barriers accessing care. These include racial and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas.

The priorities and activities described in the plan were developed during a rigorous year-long process in collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago, which included examining evidence, identifying opportunities, and gathering input from a broad array of stakeholders across the country. Six priority areas and several high-yield activities serve as the plan’s foundation. They include:

• Priority 1: Expand the Collection, Reporting, and Analysis of Standardized Data
• Priority 2: Evaluate Disparities Impacts and Integrate Equity Solutions Across CMS Programs
• Priority 3: Develop and Disseminate Promising Approaches to Reduce Health Disparities
• Priority 4: Increase the Ability of the Health Care Workforce to Meet the Needs of Vulnerable  Populations
• Priority 5: Improve Communication and Language Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency and Persons with Disabilities
• Priority 6: Increase Physical Accessibility of Health Care Facilities

“Making sure care is equitable is often the forgotten core area of focus for ensuring that the health system is meeting patient needs and delivering high quality care. The CMS Equity Plan for Medicare will help to ensure that as we work towards better care, smarter spending, and healthier people we also continue to work to achieve health equity in Medicare,” said Cara James, director of the CMS Office of Minority Health. “We know that in order to achieve the goals of the plan, we need to work with many stakeholders, and we hope that as we start to implement the activities in the plan, we will see a number of them join us on the path to equity.”

The foundation for addressing each of the plan’s priorities includes the following interconnected principles that guide CMS’ efforts to achieve health equity:

1. Increasing understanding and awareness of disparities;
2. Developing and disseminating solutions; and
3. Taking sustainable action and evaluating progress.

To learn more about the six priorities and achieving health equity in Medicare visit: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/omh/index.html

慶祝勞工節奧巴馬選擇訪麻州

大波士頓勞工協會昨（7）日邀得包括美國總統奧巴馬 （Barack Obama），聯邦參議員沃倫（Elizabeth Warren），馬基（Ed Marky）在內的多名政要出席早餐會，慶祝勞工節，強調勞工團結，權益才得保障。

美國勞工聯合會-產業工會聯合會（AFL-CIO）的麻州會長杜文（Steve Tolman）表示，美國總統奧巴馬選擇麻州來宣佈聯邦政府合約商必須給員工七天有薪假這行政命令，是為彰顯麻州近年來在爭取勞工權益上的傑出表現。

麻州工會表示，麻州勞工通過結盟，把工會，宗教團體，社區機構團結起來，不但成功爭取到把麻州的最低時薪，從9元提高到2016年將為10元，2017年11元，還推動民眾公投通過“有薪病假”法，從今年7月1日起，凡聘有員工11人以上的公司，都必須讓員工累計放有薪病假。

華人前進會指出，家居護理工人組織工會，時薪提高等，也都是該會參與推動爭取工人權益成果之一。

大波士頓勞工協會的這早餐會，政要雲集。代表麻州的兩名聯邦參議員沃倫及馬基，麻州總檢察長奚莉(Maura Healey)，波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh），美國勞工聯合會-產業工會聯合會（AFL-CIO）的麻州會長杜文（Steve Tolman）等人，都強調工會以及工人團結的重要。

許多出席者稱伊莉莎白沃倫的發言，發人深省。她感謝酒店工人，以及昨日在公園廣場酒店門外抗議的地鐵工人。

沃倫表示，今年的勞工節早餐會非比尋常，尤其是當總統候選人侮辱移民，呼籲遣返1100萬人，逼他們妻離子散；有些共和黨總統候選人不認為應該訂定聯邦的最低工資，或是同工同酬制度。儘管她也願意和大家一起慶祝勞工節的勞工成就，但在薪資停滯不前，醫療保險，教育及居住的開銷費用卻不斷上漲之際，勞工們所面對的挑戰非常真實。

沃倫認為，沒有人應該全職工作，卻仍然生活在貧窮之中。她呼籲爭取時薪15元。沃倫還指出，人們有權退休得有尊嚴，換言之，政府必須保護人們的退休金，擴大社會安全網。她強調，我們爭取，我們就會贏。

            麻州總檢察官奚莉在會上強調該辦公室保護勞工的職責，成績，也宣佈了新聘麥小瓊出任該辦公室的公平勞工組組長。

            美國總統奧巴馬昨日一早搭專機抵達羅根機場，在麻州州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker）夫婦和波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh）的迎接中，走下飛機，和趕到機場歡迎他的五，六十民眾握手寒暄後，就在包括警車開道下，十幾輛車一起開往公園廣場酒店，出席大波士頓勞工協會的勞工節早餐會。

            奧巴馬在早餐會中的發言，詼諧有趣，還拿多名總統候選人的言行來說笑。他表示今年是美國連續第七年失業率最低的一年，他也不斷找錢幫助人們回到崗位上工作。他強調只有讓更多人成為中產階級，整個社會的經濟及各項發展才會前進，幫助勞工生活穩定，是達成該理想的最佳途徑。

圖片說明：

            大波士頓勞工會在公園廣場酒店舉行的早餐會現場。（聯邦參議員辦公室提供）

美東國術會以武相會慶中秋

美東國術會9月5日晚在喜臨門大酒樓慶祝羊年中秋，八，九個武術團體輪流上場獻藝，切磋交流，近三百人歡聚一堂，熱鬧非常。

            美東國術總會紐英崙總分會從前年開始，改以中秋武林大會，取代農曆新春大宴。由於團隊處於新陳代謝階段，這兩年參加”武林大會“的武術團體，每次都不盡相同。

            5日晚，在余積堯，周紹球， 分任中英文司儀的主持中，胡清白鶴派，黃強白眉派，華林派，駱瀚源空手道，波士頓少林功夫中心，巾幗醒獅團，東方文化學院，Mike Williams的武藝研究院等八個武術團體，輪番上場，展示功夫。

            羅德島州功夫團也有創辦人兼教練邵鹿邑應邀與會。

美東國術會現任會長，東方文化學院創辦人譚輝，副會長，黃強醒獅團的李迪輝，當晚先為一頭新瑞獅點睛，請嘉賓，以及到會的各社團首長合影，再進入示範功夫環節。

在胡衛正率領的胡清白鶴派示範之後，創辦武藝研究院的Mike Williams，調遣該院許多童稚學員出場示範，還介紹了來自東南亞地區的許多特別武器。他為感謝胡衛正邀他加入波士頓華埠的武術界大團體，特地送出一把精緻小刀。

輪番上場的個團體，分別展示了太極，推手，虎鶴拳，羅漢拳，連環腿，刀槍劍戟等各種功夫。儘管表演有不少雷同之處，但觀眾們百看不厭，交相點評，會場氣氛一直很熱鬧。

去年與會的芳太極氣功協會，今年未能到會。在大波士頓華埠內人們熟知的南派武館，陳耀祥武術學院，超武館，朱振舜太極武館等數個武術團體，當晚也都未參加示範。

            當晚到賀嘉賓，包括駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處副處長陳銘俊，波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文，波士頓僑務委員馬滌凡，紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦，麻州眾議員黃子安。

            英文名為Bruc Chan的經文處副處長陳銘俊，致詞時先藉功夫名人來介紹自己，笑說他是成龍（Jackie Chan)，李小龍（Bruce Lee）的兄弟，再感謝華洋功夫愛好者的發揚，傳承中國武術，一改西方人對亞洲人的“東亞病夫”印象。

查詢美東國術總會紐英崙總分會詳情，可發電郵到，e92ken@gmail.com。

圖片說明：

            美東國術會慶中秋，會長譚輝（中左五）邀經文處副處長陳銘俊（中左四），波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文（後右七），麻州眾議員黃子安（中右六），紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦（中右五）等僑團首長合影。（菊子攝）

            麻州眾議員黃子安（左三）送表揚狀給美東國術會。會長譚輝（左二），副會長李迪輝（右三）代表接受。（菊子攝）

            美東國術會。會長譚輝（右二），副會長李迪輝（左二）為新獅點睛。（菊子攝）

            華林派女師父余翠梅（後左二）帥麾下小朋友示範功夫。（菊子攝）

胡衛正獲贈一把小刀。（菊子攝）

            Mike Williams（左）送刀，胡衛正（右）鞠躬接受，以示感謝。（菊子攝）

麥小瓊將出任AG辦公室公平勞工組組長

麥小瓊（左起）將出任公平勞工組組長，麻州總檢察官奚莉，華人前進會
名譽主席李素影，華人前進會共同主席陳玉珍（右三），
駱理德（右二）等人道喜。（圖由華人前進會提供）

(Boston Orange) 麻州總檢察官奚莉（Maura Healy）昨（7）日在大波士頓勞工協會的勞工節早餐會中宣佈，麥小瓊（Cindy Mak）將出任該辦公室公平勞工組（Fair Labor Division）組長。

麥小瓊將是麻州總檢察長辦公室內首名出任該職的華人。

麻州總檢察長辦公室麾下，設有犯罪，能源及環境，行政，政府，醫療護理及公平競爭，公共保護及支持，以及區域辦公室的七個局處。

公平勞工組是公共保護及支持局裏的4個小組之一。其他3個小組為消費者保護，保險及金融服務，民權。

公平勞工組的主要職責是保護麻州的工人及雇主，執行麻州的工資及時薪法，包括現行工資，最低工資，付給薪資，逾時工作，共享小費，兒童勞工，週日及假日的額外給付等。

該小組有權就違反刑事及民權法的侵犯勞工權益行為，進行調查，並執行法令，藉以保護員工不受僱主剝削，並起訴那些不遵守麻州工資及時新法的雇主。

麻州總檢察官辦公室在網站上指出，過去數年來，該小組在最高法院打贏數樁案件，為員工爭取到共約二千萬元的賠償款。

麥小瓊在華埠勞工界已是知名人士，在大波士頓法律事務援助處工作已廿年，最近這十年擔任外展組主管，協助華埠移民勞工處理過許多加班費拿不到，雇主未付給最低薪資等案件，其中包括2012年的88超市案。

在麻州新貝福市（New Bedford）出生，畢業於塔芙茨大學，獲有東北大學法學院學位，能說廣東話的麥小瓊，父母都是廣東人後代。她表示，一旦上任新職，盼能充分應用以往經驗，保護全麻州工人，尤其是新移民的勞工權益。

ON LABOR DAY, AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR THE OFFICE’S FAIR LABOR DIVISION

BOSTON – With a focus on strengthening worker protections across Massachusetts, Attorney General Maura Healey today announced new leadership for the office’s Fair Labor Division.

AG Healey has named Cynthia Mark as Chief of the Fair Labor Division, and Lauren Goldman as Deputy Chief.

“Our job is to make sure that workers across Massachusetts are protected. People who work hard should be able to provide for themselves and their families,” said AG Healey. “Cynthia and Lauren bring years of experience and a deep well of talent to the AG’s Office and I am excited to have them on board.”

Cynthia Mark will serve as Chief of the Fair Labor Division. Prior to her appointment, she worked for the last 10 years as the managing attorney of the Asian Outreach Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services, representing Asian immigrant clients with multiple barriers to accessing the legal system.

Mark has devoted her professional life to advocating for the rights of low-wage immigrant workers and has successfully litigated complex employment cases under the Massachusetts Wage Act and Fair Labor Standards Act.

In 2014, Mark was honored as a recipient of the Top Women in Law award by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. She currently serves as a board member of Justice at Work, a non-profit that provides legal support to immigrant workers, and is a trustee with the Harry H. Dow Memorial Legal Assistance Fund. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, Mark is a resident of Cambridge.

Lauren Goldman will serve as Deputy Division Chief of the Fair Labor Division. Goldman previously worked under Attorney General Martha Coakley as an Assistant Attorney General in the Fair Labor Division until 2012.

Since then, Goldman has served as chief of staff and policy advisor for the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, advising the Director on policy, human resources, and labor relations issues for the agency. As chief of staff she also managed more than 700 staff members for the agency’s five regional offices.

During Goldman’s time at the AG’s Office, she enforced the state’s wage and hour laws, prevailing wage and child labor laws, and investigated cases for both criminal prosecution and civil enforcement action against employers who violated the rights of their workers.

Goldman is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School and Syracuse University. She resides in Cambridge.

Together, Mark and Goldman will oversee the Fair Labor Division’s enforcement of Massachusetts laws that protect workers including the payment of prevailing wage, minimum wage, and public construction bid laws, as well as the state’s new Earned Sick Time Law and Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division has broad powers to investigate and enforce violations of these laws through criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions. The division uses this authority to protect employees from exploitation by employers, prosecute employers who are failing to follow the Commonwealth’s wage and hour laws, and set a level playing field with clear rules that employers can follow, ensuring that strong economic growth and fairness for workers go hand-in-hand.