EVERETT MAN ARRESTED FOR MASKED ARMED BANK ROBBERY

EVERETT MAN ARRESTED FOR MASKED ARMED BANK ROBBERY

 

BOSTON – An Everett man appeared in federal court today in connection with his alleged armed robbery of the TD Bank in Allston in November 2015.

 

Joseph G. Rachal, 64, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Boston and charged with armed bank robbery, carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler scheduled a detention and probable cause hearing for Jan. 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

 

According to court documents, on Nov.19, 2015, an individual later identified as Rachal, allegedly entered the TD Bank in Allston wearing a dark rubber mask.  Rachael approached two tellers, brandished a semi-automatic weapon, and demanded money.  The tellers gave Rachal $2,397 and he fled the bank. 

 

Law enforcement officers arrived within minutes of the robbery and observed a man hiding behind a parked SUV one block from the bank.  After the officers identified themselves, the man fled carrying a black nylon bag.  The man was caught and after a brief struggle and identified as Rachal.  The officers found an active radio scanner on Rachal which was tuned to the Boston Police radio frequency.  The black bag contained a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with one chambered round and a magazine containing 14 additional rounds, an extra magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dark rubber mask, gloves, a tan jacket, and $2,397.

 

Bank surveillance cameras confirmed that the items recovered from Rachal’s bag were consistent with those used during the robbery. 

 

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years to be served consecutive to the other charges.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

Baker-Polito Administration To Invest $5 Million Targeting Chronically High Unemployment

Baker-Polito Administration To Invest $5 Million Targeting Chronically High Unemployment

Governor’s Chronic Unemployment Task Force Releases Recommendations to Address Economic Disparity

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald L. Walker, II, joined members of the Governor’s Task Force on Persons Facing Chronically Higher Rates of Unemployment to announce new initiatives addressing higher rates of unemployment faced by some populations, and a $5 million investment in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget proposal to build a Massachusetts-based public workforce system that will enhance the existing federally-funded system. The state funds will provide grants to community-based organizations and others that partner with businesses to develop job training and employment opportunities for populations that face higher unemployment rates.

“Since taking office, our administration has focused on reaching individuals and families across the Commonwealth who have felt they have not been able to take advantage of or experience our state’s many economic strengths,” said Governor Baker.  “By building the capacity of community-based organizations and others who already have the expertise and experience working with individuals who face higher unemployment rates, we can to enable more people to find and keep jobs and support their families.

Last March, Governor Baker signed an Executive Order creating a task force to explore reasons for higher unemployment rates among certain groups, and find ways to improve economic opportunities. While the state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average – at 4.7 percent in December – African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Persons with Disabilities, Native Americans, and recently-returned veterans, continue to experience higher unemployment rates, ranging from 7 to 12 percent.

“There are still too many individuals for whom employment opportunities are infrequent or currently unattainable even in strong economic times for our Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “With these recommendations, we are going to empower those most involved within their communities and reach even more people in a meaningful way.”

Governor Baker’s FY ’17 budget will include:

1.     $2 million to create a new Economic Opportunity Fund, investing in community-based organizations who partner with businesses to offer job training and hiring opportunities for people who face employment barriers. The grants will allow organizations to provide a deeper level of engagement to help residents find a job.

2.     $2 million to the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, marking the first time funding would be available in two consecutive years. The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund is targeted toward unemployed or underemployed individuals who need job training or education to make the transition to employment. 

3.     $1 million to expand statewide re-entry and job training programmingfor former criminal offenders re-entering society.

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Walker chaired the Task Force that advised the Governor, consisting of administration officials, business leaders, educators, community-based organization representatives, and economic experts, who traveled around the state to listen to residents who face continued unemployment.

“Whatever their barriers, we realize certain people need a hands-on touch when it comes to job seeking and more attention than the federally-funded career centers are able to give them,” Secretary Walker said. “One of the recommendations from the Task Force is to build a Massachusetts-based public workforce system by leveraging community-based organizations, which can meet the specific needs of the target populations.”

The Task Force also recommends:

·       Improving the public workforce system through continued implementation of the federal Workforce Investment Opportunity Act of 2014. Through WIOA, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is refocusing the state’s 32 One-Stop Career Centers with a “Demand-driven 2.0” strategy that requires career center officials to build relationships with employers in their regions to help clients find job opportunities.

·       Extending the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) through March 2017, which links people with disabilities to job training.

·       Using the Career Centers to reengage long-term unemployed out of work for more than a year. 

The full Task Force report can be viewed here.  

LIGHTS TO BE INSTALLED TO RESTORE BOSTON CITY HALL

LIGHTS TO BE INSTALLED TO RESTORE BOSTON CITY HALL

Liven up City Hall Plaza, Increase Public Safety

A rendering shows City Hall's exterior with new LED lights, from a viewpoint at Faneuil Hall.  BOSTON - Monday, January 25, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that architectural lighting will be installed at City Hall to highlight and enhance the building's original design, building on the Walsh Administration's goals to liven up City Hall Plaza and create a safer area for pedestrians.   "We are committed to creating a welcoming, lively City Hall Plaza, and installing new lights will make the plaza safer while connecting us to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market," said Mayor Walsh. "The lighting restores the outside of City Hall to its original design and the LED technology will help us meet our sustainability goals."   The lighting will highlight the original tripartite design of City Hall, which organized the building into three parts -  the public spaces: the lower levels that house public transaction areas; the symbolic spaces: the middle sections that house the governmental offices of the Mayor and the City Council; and the administrative spaces, the crown of the building, that house the administrative functions of government.   New high-efficiency LED fixtures will replace the original exterior recessed lighting fixtures to illuminate the lower levels and highlight the entrances.  Other fixtures, intended to wash the building with light, will be hidden behind existing structures and attached to new light poles, which will be coordinated with the new MBTA light poles.   The new fixtures will wash the building in a warm white light, and also have the capability of projecting a wide-range of color options which will allow the City to light the building to acknowledge a variety of civic and celebratory events.   The new exterior lighting will allow for better security lighting, and  will allow for the flood lights and associated conduit that has been added to the building over the years to be removed in its entirety.   The lighting will be sustainable by replacing the existing Metal Halide fixtures with LED technology that has a 20 year life span. The current fixtures have a four year life span and have never been replaced. The project is coordinating with Eversource on an energy incentive program for a grant of approximately $76,000.   The new fixtures are also more energy efficient than the Metal Halide fixtures and the existing Flood Lights.  Cost savings are expected to be in the range of 300,000 kWh saved per year.   Arcade lights will also be retrofitted to complement the City Hall lighting.  Both will be operated by the same controller and will be able to be coordinated. The lighting is very flexible, so future building or plaza renovations can utilize the new lighting.    "City Hall's powerful forms and evocative spaces represent Boston's faith in its citizens and their government. It was always meant to evolve so it could meet changing needs and incorporate contemporary technologies," said David Eisen  AIA, Boston Society of Architects (BSA) vice president for communication. "We're delighted to see the city reaching out to the public with new ways of thinking about this--and other--civic places and spaces. Lighting will help this bold piece of architecture to engage the urban landscape around it."   The 1968 'Heroic' style City Hall Building is a pending Landmark therefore the Boston Landmarks Commission is reviewing this illumination plan and other future improvement plans.   Project will be bid on February 12th, construction is anticipated to start in April and be completed by the end of summer 2016.

Free Business Forum on Resources to Train Employees

Free Business Forum on Resources to Train Employees

 

Quincy, MA- A partnership consisting of business groups, media outlets and community-based organizations is hosting a free information session for businesses in Quincy and the South Shore on the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) on Thursday, February 4th from 8:30-10:00am at the Quincy Center for Innovation.

The WTFP is a pool of money that, according to the Massachusetts Department of Labor, "provide[s] resources to Massachusetts businesses and workers to train current and newly hired employees." Any business that pays into the Commonwealth's Unemployment Insurance system is eligible to receive Workforce Training Fund dollars to train incumbent workers.  

Participants in the forum will discuss eligibility requirements for those who wish to apply for WTFP monies as well as application pointers and tips. Grants from the Workforce Training Fund Program have been used to train workers in a wide variety of needs, including English language training, new manufacturing production methods, supervisory and leadership skills, and many other topics.

Businesses in the South Shore have long recognized the value in providing training for their employees.  James Dunphy, President and CEO of South Shore Bank in South Weymouth, stated that providing English language training for his employees through a grant from the WTFP "was a 'win-win' for both our employees the Bank."

"The ESOL [English for Speakers of Other Languages] classes instilled a greater confidence in our employees," Mr. Dunphy said. "Because of their increased levels of confidence, they were able to further excel in customer service and advance in their careers through promotional opportunities."

The diverse partnership hosting the event consists of English for New Bostonians-English Works Campaign, the South Shore Workforce Investment Board, the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, the Quincy Center for Innovation, and the Commonwealth Corporation.  The Quincy Patriot Ledger is the media sponsor of the forum.

The free forum will be held at the Innovation Center, which is housed on the 3rd floor of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce at 180 Old Colony Ave in Quincy. Registration is required; interested parties can sign up online by clicking this link or should contact Franklin Peralta to sign up:(617) 982-6863 or

fperalta@englishfornewbostonians.org.

City of Boston to award $20,000 to 3 Artists in residence

Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture joined representatives from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) on Jan. 23rd and hosted a public forum of presentations from Boston artists in residence.

Last fall, 10 local artists were selected for participation in the program where they worked alongside representatives from departments throughout the City of Boston to generate ideas on how to integrate art and creative thinking into city government. The artists and city liaisons attended lectures and workshops co-organized by MassArt, the Boston Art Commission and the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics. Artists shadowed city liaisons to learn about day-to-day operations, challenges, and opportunities.

Of the 10, three artists' proposals will be chosen for further development and the artists will be awarded $20,000 stipends for six-month residencies within a city department to develop creative approaches that can be incorporated into the work of the city. The presentation serves as an opportunity for members of the public to view the proposals before artists are selected.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS FOR UPCOMING WINTER STORM

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS FOR UPCOMING WINTER STORM

BOSTON - Saturday, January 23, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been pre-treating roads in Boston since 2 p.m. to prepare for Winter Storm Jonas. PWD has deployed 200 salters, with the capacity to deploy 400 salters if there are changes to the forecast, and over 40,000 tons of salt is available.  "The Public Works Department continues to work in our neighborhoods to ensure we are prepared for the upcoming winter storm and our roads are safe," Mayor Walsh said. "While we are hopeful that Boston will not see the worst of this storm, I ask for everyone to be cautious if traveling, check on neighbors and call 911 if someone is in need of help or shelter." The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until Sunday at 7 a.m. Snow accumulation has shifted to 3-4 inches of snow in Boston and maximum wind gusts have increased to 40 mph. The Office of Emergency Management is actively monitoring the forecast.  Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app, or tweet at @BOS311 with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

2016年海外華裔青年英語服務營 2/1 起線上報名

2016年海外華裔青年英語服務營

全球網站自2月1日起開始開放線上報名

中華民國僑務委員會、教育部及客家委員會合作辦理之「2016年海外華裔青年英語服務營」(以下簡稱英語營)，歡迎現居美國、加拿大、紐西蘭、澳洲、英國、愛爾蘭、南非、或貝里斯地區，並以英語為母語，能以簡單中文溝通，身心健康、學行良好、能適應團體生活，且具高度從事志願服務意願者的華裔青年踴躍報名，本活動預計招募華裔青年445位（含70位客籍青年志工），另再新增25名志工名額前往原住民族委員會(簡稱原民會)。

申請資格為 :未曾參加本活動者，報名時已就讀11年級以上且於2016年11月30日前年滿17足歲，但未滿25足歲之華裔青年（以護照所載年齡為準）。
活動期間為:2016年7月2日至7月30日止，為期四週，活動內容：第1週由教育部安排英語教學訓練課程，第2至3週則前往偏遠地區國中、國小(海外客籍青年志工所服務之學校將以客家文化重點發展區的偏鄉學校為原則) 實地從事英語教學志願服務，第4週由僑務委員會負責安排寶島參訪活動。全程參與者將由僑務委員會核發80小時中英文服務證明。

相關報名表及簡章請至僑務委員會網站（www.ocac.gov.tw）/華裔青年活動專區或至營隊網站（www.aidsummer.net）下載。

本活動報名時間為2016年2月1日至2月29日止，採網路報名，申請人須先於營隊專屬網站（http:/www.aidsummer.net）完成線上報名後，印出「網路登錄確認單」連同報名文件(如下)必須在3月1日之前寄(送)達波士頓華僑文教服務中心，逾期不受理。

Law Students Host Legal Experts to Discuss the Future of School Choice

Law Students Host Legal Experts to Discuss the Future of School Choice


BOSTON (January 22, 2016) – The Boston University School of Law Chapter of the Federalist Society is hosting a presentation of legal experts to discuss the impact of school choice on education on Monday, January 25.

The event, “An Idea Whose Time Has Come: School Choice for Everyone,” will feature a discussion with legal experts and members of the faculty and will be held at the Boston University Sumner Redstone Building, Room 410, from 12:45 to 2 p.m. The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week (January 24-30, 2016), which will be the largest series of education-related events in U.S. history.

Clark Neily, senior attorney with the Institute for Justice, will be the keynote speaker, addressing the importance of school choice and how the students, as future lawyers, can impact the legal landscape.

“As conservative and libertarian law students, we seek to show the importance of parental choice and its impact on how children are educated. We believe in keeping education matters local to the extent possible so that decisions can be as effective as possible,” said Jaclyn Reinhart, a second-year law student and executive vice president Boston University School of Law Chapter of the Federalist Society.

Organizers expect over 75 law students and faculty members to be in attendance.

For more information, contact Jaclyn Reinhart at jreinha3@bu.edu.

Baker-Polito Administration Proposes Increased Local Aid, Historic Education Funding

Baker-Polito Administration Proposes Increased Local Aid, Historic Education Funding

Municipalities to benefit from 100% of revenue growth, new Community Compact technology investments

BOSTON – Speaking at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s (MMA) Annual Meeting the day following his State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Charlie Baker announced unrestricted local aid will increase by 100% of tax revenue growth in the Baker-Polito Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget proposal, amounting to over $42 million. Governor Baker also announced that next week’s budget proposal will include a $72.1 million increase for Chapter 70 local education funding and a $2 million competitive Community Compact Information Technology (IT) capital grant program to drive innovation and efficiency through local technology improvements.

“Lt. Governor Polito and I are proud to follow through on our commitment to ensure that the Commonwealth’s cities and towns are benefitting from the grassroots economic growth driven by our communities,” said Governor Baker. “These investments are key to continue building stronger, safer communities for our families and ensuring schools across the Commonwealth are able to prepare our children for success.”

Since Governor Baker announced the Community Compact Cabinet at last year’s MMA meeting, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito has served as a champion for the administration’s municipal partnerships, entering into 114 Community Compacts that represent over 380 community-crafted, mutual best practices aimed at improving local fiscal policies, sustainable energy practices and advancing economic development and affordable housing.

“Over the last year, we have built a strong partnership with our cities and towns serving our mutual constituents on the front lines every day,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “Our collaboration, this increased assistance and the active engagement municipalities have taken to identify and implement best practices through the Community Compact program, will ensure state and local government are working closer than ever to better serve the people of Massachusetts.”

Compact communities also have access to incentives through various state grants and programming, beginning with last year’s round of MassWorks Infrastructure Program applications, and including the $2 million Community Compact IT Grant Program announced today. This competitive grant program funded through the FY 2016 capital budget will make grants of up to $400,000 available to Compact communities to invest in the implementation of innovative IT projects, including technology infrastructure and software or equipment purchases.  More information on the program and how Compact Communities can apply will be available atwww.mass.gov/ccc.

“We faced a lot of difficult budget decisions over the past year that municipal officials can relate to,” said Kristen Lepore, Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. “While the Commonwealth tightened our belts, just like cities and towns do on a regular basis, our commitment to increasing local aid remained a top priority of the Baker-Polito Administration.”

In his first budget proposal for FY 2016, Governor Baker honored a commitment to increase unrestricted local aid by 75% of revenue growth in his first year and this year’s 4.3% increase honors a further commitment to increase local aid by 100% of projected revenue growth. In January, Secretary of Administration and Finance Kristen Lepore and the chairs of the Senate and House Ways and Means Committees announced a consensus projected revenue growth of 4.3%.

In December, the Baker-Polito Administration also filed municipal modernization legislation aimed at improving critical components of the partnership between state and municipal governments by eliminating or updating obsolete laws, promoting local independence, streamlining state oversight and providing municipalities with greater flexibility.

OPERATOR OF SUDBURY NURSING HOME AND DAY CARE CENTER TO PAY $50,000 TO SETTLE CLAIMS OF ILLEGAL RELEASES OF UNTREATED SEWAGE

OPERATOR OF SUDBURY NURSING HOME AND DAY CARE CENTER TO PAY $50,000 TO SETTLE CLAIMS OF ILLEGAL RELEASES OF UNTREATED SEWAGE

Settlement Requires Defendants to Construct a Wastewater Treatment System by December 2016

BOSTON — The owner of a Sudbury nursing home and childcare center will pay $50,000 to settle allegations that she failed to repair and upgrade the deteriorating septic system serving the facilities, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. 

According to a consent judgment, approved Thursday by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Douglas Wilkins, Roberta C. Henderson has agreed to have a modern wastewater treatment system constructed at the property by Dec. 1, 2016. Henderson owns Sudbury Pines Extended Care Facility, a 92-bed nursing home, and Kids Corner at the Pines, a day care center for children.

The Attorney General’s Office filed the lawsuit in March 2014 after Henderson failed to construct a new sewage disposal system as required by a permit issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), despite an overflow of untreated sewage from the septic system to the facility’s grounds.

            “We allege this defendant put the health of this facility’s staff, elderly residents and children at risk by failing to prevent the overflow of untreated sewage on-site,” AG Healey said. “Today’s settlement requires a much-needed upgrade to this septic system. Our office is committed to enforcing environmental laws put in place to protect the health of the public and the environment.”

            “This case was brought to protect public health,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg.  “Today’s decision underscores the need for non-compliant facilities to take action.” 

The court previously issued a preliminary injunction agreed to by both parties in March 2014 requiring Henderson to put interim measures in place to prevent further overflows of sewage. Henderson ultimately made repairs to the system in accordance with that order, and there have been no overflows from the system since January 2014.

The consent judgment requires Henderson to obtain MassDEP approval of a final design plan for a new wastewater treatment system plan by March 1, 2016. It also requires Henderson to begin construction by May 1, 2016.

Under the terms of the settlement, $30,000 will be paid to the Commonwealth within three months, and the remaining $20,000 is to be paid within a year after the new treatment system is completed.

The lawsuit alleged that Henderson knew for years that the septic system serving Sudbury Pines and the Kids Corner did not comply with environmental laws. It also alleged that in early January 2014, the septic system discharged untreated sewage to walkways and a parking lot, all of which are adjacent to a playground and an entrance to the day care.

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Tracy Triplett from AG Healey’s Environmental Protection Division with assistance from Dorothy Montouris and Heidi Zisch of MassDEP’s Office of General Counsel and MassDEP engineers Kevin Brander and Gregory Tomaszewski.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $83.5 Million for Career Vocational Technical Education

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $83.5 Million for Career Vocational Technical Education

Significantly expands access to high-quality career education programs aligned with workforce needs

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Secretary of Education James Peyser, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald Walker II, and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash announced a series of new initiatives to support career vocational technical education, including $83.5 million to be proposed between the Governor’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget recommendation and new capital grant funding to be filed in an economic development bill next week. 

“With too many good-paying jobs going unfilled, we are pleased to announce this critical investment in our career and technical schools,” said Governor Baker.  “Our proposal will make it possible for more students to explore a pathway to success through stronger partnerships with our schools and local businesses in the Commonwealth.” 

The funding in the FY17 budget will be coupled with a substantial capital grant program for vocational equipment that further aligns the administration’s investments with local economic and workforce development needs and employment partnerships:

1.     $75 million over five years: new capital authorization to fund grants for equipment to expand and improve career technical education programs, building on a $9.2 million Skills Capital grant program announced this year.

2.     $7.5 million: work-based learning grants, including nearly doubling support for school-to-career connecting activities to $5.5 million, and doubling support for Dual Enrollment to $2 million, to expand and replicate STEM-focused early college career pathways, including middle school curriculum and workplace experience and learning.

3.     $1 million: new Career Technical Partnership Grants, funded through federal Perkins Act grant funding, to strengthen relationships between vocational schools, comprehensive high schools, and employers.  

“Massachusetts has some of the strongest career-technical programs in the country, at both the high school and college levels, but access and quality are uneven across the commonwealth, and there’s currently little alignment across education levels,”said Secretary Peyser. “Our efforts will significantly expand student access to high-quality career education programs in STEM fields, manufacturing and traditional trades, with a focus on underserved populations and communities.”

“Finding ways to make sure people get the skills and job training they need to get a good paying job is one of the biggest challenges before us,” said Secretary Walker.“With these initiatives we will engage employers as full partners in program design and implementation to help them create a pipeline of workers.”

“Vocational institutions are an important part of training the workforce to address the skills gap,” said Secretary Ash. “These additional resources will continue to equip vocational institutions as they train the next generation of skilled workers who will help grow the Commonwealth’s economy.”

To take advantage of growing job opportunities in the trades and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, the administration is putting forward a set of proposals and initiatives that will strengthen and expand the capacity of our vocational schools and community colleges by upgrading their capital equipment through a matching grant program.   In the FY17 budget, they will prioritize engaging employers as full partners in program design and implementation, to create an effective jobs pipeline, as well as broadening the reach of STEM-focused career education by developing more early college pathway programs and expanding the number of students who graduate from high school with real work experience. In addition, the administration will utilize federal grants to deepen program alignment and integration among community colleges, regional vocational schools, and in-district vocational programs.

The Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet was created by executive order on February 25, 2015 to align education, workforce and economic development strategies across the state. Governor Baker tapped Education Secretary James Peyser, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker, II, and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, who have been engaging with business leaders and educators around the state to find ways to create partnerships between the employer community, the state workforce system and education in order to open up more job opportunities around the Commonwealth.