查理貝克簽新法 藥物上癮是病非罪 鴉片類藥物首次開方限七天藥量

麻州州長查理貝克簽署地標性鴉片類藥物法案。（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)麻州州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker）14日在參眾兩會議長，麻州總檢察官，波士頓市長等人聯袂出席，致詞者都很激動的儀式中，宣佈、簽署了標誌性的“鴉片類藥物法”，要加強管制讓人上癮藥物的來源。

            該法案全名為“關於濫用藥物，治療，教育及防範的法案（An Act relative to substance use, treatment, education and prevention）”。麻州長辦公室表示，這是全美第一個，鴉片類藥物首次開方限量七天的規定，也是查理貝克上任以來簽署的第五項法案。

            查理貝克表示，該法案強化處方藥管理，加強教育學生，醫師，是全美迄今最全面的打擊鴉片類藥物上癮辦法。他很高興州內兩黨都支持這法案。

            查理貝克致詞時，顯然情緒激動，聲音微顫。他說，希望藉這天簽署的法案，讓鴉片類藥物上癮者及其家屬們知道，州政府在聆聽人們的意見，會繼續幫大家想辦法。

麻州參眾議會議長，羅森伯（左），狄樂歐（右）都支持新法。
（周菊子攝）

麻州總檢察官奚莉（左）致詞時激動含淚。（周菊子攝）

             查理貝克透露，2014年他走遍全州各地競選時，幾乎每到一地都聽到有人因用藥過量致死，根據記錄，幾乎每天都有4人因此而死，總數甚至比因車禍，被槍殺而死的人還多，顯示出這問題嚴重。

            麻州近年面對嚴重的濫用藥物危機，幾乎每個月都有大約100人喪生。根據最近的數據，在2014年內，約有1,200人在無意中過量使用鴉片類藥物而死亡，約等於每10萬名麻州居民中，有17.4人因此死亡，比2000年時的5.3人，增加了百分之228倍。2015年1月到9月的初步估計數據，因鴉片類藥物死亡的人數已經超過了1,100。

            14日起立即生效的新法案，將限制鴉片類藥物首次開方時，最多開給七天藥量。今年七月起，麻州政府將規定醫院，看到任何一個走進急診室，有用藥過量徵狀的人時，必須執行濫用藥物評估。將來這新法案還將規定學校口頭篩檢學生是否濫用藥物。

            從10月起，這新法案也要求醫療人員在開具有高度可能被濫用的處方藥之前，做處方藥監管項目登記，藉以制止上癮者不斷更換醫生，以獲取奧斯康丁（OxyContin），波考賽特（Percocet）和維科丁（Vicodin）等鴉片類藥物。

            新法案也准許病患自願的減少他們從藥劑師那兒拿到的鴉片類藥物份量。

            新法案條文包括幾種例外情況，凡是慢性疼痛，癌症疼痛，或是治標性醫療，可以拿超過七天的藥量。學生，家長及學校可以選擇不參加規定的口頭濫用藥物篩檢。

            出席法案簽署儀式的政要，包括參議會議長羅森伯（Stanley C. Rosenberg），眾議會議長狄樂歐（Robert A. DeLeo），麻州總檢察官奚莉（Maura Healey），波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin J. Walsh），麻州健康及人民服務秘書長蘇德絲（Marylou Sudders），以及長期協助、輔導上癮者的許多人。

            羅森伯格表示，新法的簽署意味著正確看待上癮這問題的新方向，以前當作是犯罪，現在看成是疾病。他也指出，新法案採納了參議會濫用藥物委員會提出的12點建議。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊強調，濫用藥物上癮是並，不是罪。（周菊子攝）

            狄樂歐指出，新法是因應上癮問題的許多作法之一，打擊濫用藥物的行動要一直持續下去，簽署新法並不意味著打擊行動結束了。

            奚莉致詞時很激動，一度眼眶含淚，語音哽噎。她說，大家都知道，簽署法案帶不回那些各人心愛，已經辭世的藥物濫用者，但將會改變州內其他家庭，個人的未來生活。

            年輕時有過濫用藥物經歷的馬丁華殊，致詞時非常感性的特別感謝麻州長查理貝克推動此法。他透露當州長告訴他打算針對濫用藥物問題，訂定一些措施比較激烈的條文，徵詢他的意見時，他立即回應全部都喜歡，絕對支持。

            馬丁華殊表示，濫用藥物上癮是疾病，不單是個人，家庭，社會都會受影響。人們必須正視。

（麻州州長辦公室視頻）

Governor Baker, Senate President Rosenberg, Speaker DeLeo, Mayor Walsh, Attorney General Healey

Grand Staircase, Massachusetts State House

March 14, 2016

BOSTON – Yesterday, Governor Charlie Baker signed landmark legislation into law to address the deadly opioid and heroin epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth and was joined by a robust group including Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Mayor Marty Walsh, among others. The bill, titled An Act relative to substance use, treatment, education and prevention, passed with unanimous votes in both legislative chambers and includes numerous recommendations from the Governor’s opioid working group, including prevention education for students and doctors, and the first law in the nation to establish a seven day limit on first-time opioid prescriptions.

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Transcription:

GOVERNOR BAKER: “I want to thank you all for sharing your stories. May today’s bill passage signal to you that the Commonwealth is listening, and we will keep fighting for all of you.”

MAYOR WALSH: “One of my first conversations with the governor was about addiction and recovery. We spoke about, ‘How do we battle this issue?’ Because whether it’s Dorchester or Swampscott or Western Mass, wherever it is in Massachusetts, it doesn’t matter. It goes back to being a family disease. And he said ‘I’m gonna be bold here and I’m gonna take some chances,’ he said, ‘will you stand with me?’ And I said ‘absolutely, governor.’ And then he turned to the Attorney General, he said ‘will you stand with me?’ And she said ‘absolutely, governor.’”

SENATE PRESIDENT ROSENBERG: “I’m proud that here in Massachusetts we’ve turned a very big corner. This problem used to be seen as a crime. It’s now understood to be a disease.”

SPEAKER DELEO: “I’m heartened that this legislation builds off of last year’s landmark substance addiction law, which I’ve heard firsthand has saved lives, and that’s an incredibly powerful thing.”

ATTORNEY GENERAL HEALEY: “I recognize, we all recognize that this legislation will not bring your loved ones back. But I want you to know, and I hope that you find some measure and comfort knowing that today there is legislation that is going to change the course for other families.”

GOVERNOR BAKER: “Our administration will continue implementing recommendations from our Working Group, and finding new ways to pursue treatment, recovery and education for all. Thank you very much.”

BOSTON – Today at the State House, Governor Charlie Baker signed landmark legislation into law to address the deadly opioid and heroin epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth and was joined by a robust group including Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Attorney General Maura Healey, Auditor Suzanne Bump, members of the legislature, law enforcement, health care providers, community leaders, individuals in recovery and others. The bill, titled An Act relative to substance use, treatment, education and prevention, passed with unanimous votes in both legislative chambers and includes numerous recommendations from the Governor’s opioid working group, including prevention education for students and doctors, and the first law in the nation to establish a seven day limit on first-time opioid prescriptions.

“Today, the Commonwealth stands in solidarity to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic that continues to plague our state and burden countless families and individuals,” said Governor Baker.  “I am proud to sign this legislation marking a remarkable statewide effort to strengthen prescribing laws and increase education for students and doctors.  While there is still much work to be done, our administration is thankful for the legislature’s effort to pass this bill and looks forward to working with the Attorney General and our mayors to bend the trend and support those who have fallen victim to this horrific public health epidemic.”

“Today, we take another step forward by passing landmark legislation that will help the individuals and communities affected by the deadly opioid and heroin epidemic,”said Lt. Governor Polito.  “We are grateful for the legislature’s progress and for the partnership of Attorney General Healey, our mayors and several others as we continue pursuing aggressive reforms to combat this crisis from the Berkshires to the Cape.”

“Today our state takes a strong step to intervene earlier to save lives. This law will contain the amount of pills prescribed that can too easily lead to addiction. It will provide for screening to identify those at risk. It will allow people to voluntarily agree to treatment after an opioid overdose,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sudders. “Thanks to the hard work of legislators, families and providers who have spent countless hours raising awareness and calling for change, this bill increases the tools available to fight this powerful epidemic and stop the cycle of addiction.”

“We are in the midst of a public health crisis that is draining vitality from our hometowns, extinguishing lives and stealing souls,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “We’ve focused on workable solutions, consensus-building and legislation that complements our landmark 2014 law. I wholeheartedly thank my colleagues and the Baker Administration for their creative and compassionate work. I am personally indebted to the courageous individuals who shared their stories, paving a path for the recovery of thousands of our loved ones, and in fact, a path for our wounded Commonwealth.” 

“The opioid crisis has ripped apart our communities and families.  Over the past few years, the Legislature has focused on access to treatment, funding for substance abuse programs, and continuity of care.  This bill focuses on preventing addiction, enhancing public education, and removing pills from circulation,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “Twelve recommendations of the Special Senate Committee on Substance Abuse are included in this legislation and they will make a real difference in fighting the opioid scourge in our communities.  I thank my colleagues in the Legislature, Speaker DeLeo, and Governor Baker for their hard work on this bill and dedication to bringing an end to the opioid epidemic in our state.”

“This landmark legislation is the result of broad support and partnership from the many stakeholders we have worked with over the last year to tackle the very real struggle people in Massachusetts and across the country are dealing with right now when it comes to prescription painkillers and heroin. This bill will not only change how we as a society treat opioid painkillers, it will provide the treatment, education and prevention we so desperately need,” said Attorney General Healey. “I am grateful for the hard work of the Conference Committee and thank the Governor and Legislature for putting a significant solution in place that will save lives and prevent our future generations from seeing the devastating consequences of this epidemic.”

"Substance abuse has devastated families across the Commonwealth. In Boston, we have taken a multi-pronged approach, working from every angle to promote prevention, offer treatment and provide recovery and support services,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I applaud Governor Baker, Senate President Rosenberg, and Speaker DeLeo for passing this important legislation. Addiction is a powerful force, but this bill equips us with additional tools to reduce its impact in our communities."

This bill includes multiple provisions from Governor Baker’s legislation, most notably the first law in the nation to limit an opioid prescription to a 7-day supply for a first time adult prescriptions and a 7-day limit on every opiate prescription for minors, with certain exceptions.  Other provisions from the Governor’s recommendations include a requirement that information on opiate-use and misuse be disseminated at annual head injury safety programs for high school athletes, requirements for doctors to check the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database before writing a prescription for a Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 narcotic and continuing education requirements for prescribers—ranging from training on effective pain management to the risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medications.
 

Several measures were passed to empower individuals and update current prevention efforts. Patients will receive access to non-opiate directive forms and the option of partially filling opioid prescriptions in consultation with doctors and pharmacists. Schools must annually conduct verbal substance misuse screenings in two grade levels and collaborate with the Departments of Elementary and Second Education (DESE) and Public Health (DPH) around effective addiction education policies. To reduce the prevalence of unused medication, manufacturers of controlled substances in Massachusetts must participate in either a drug stewardship program or an alternative plan as determined by DPH. 

This bill strengthens access to insurers and the bed-finder tool website; requiring patients receive information on FDA-approved medication-assisted therapies after being discharged from a substance use treatment program; and ensuring civil-liability protection for individuals who administer Narcan.

Today’s bill signing symbolizes the latest collaborative effort across state government to combat the opioid epidemic claiming nearly 4 lives per day in the Commonwealth and marks the fifth piece of legislation signed into law by Governor Baker, including the Fiscal Year 2016 budget and supplemental budget, to help fight this public health epidemic and provide critical funding for prevention, treatment and education.

In late January, Governor Baker signed into law a bill to prohibit the civil commitment of women facing substance use disorders at MCI-Framingham and providing addiction treatment services at Shattuck and Taunton State Hospitals. This reform was a recommendation of the Governor’s Opioid Working Group and will end the practice of sending women committed for treatment for a substance use disorder under section 35 of chapter 123 of the General Laws to MCI-Framingham.  For the past 25 years, women committed under section 35 have been sent to this correctional institution instead of a detox center—preventing proper treatment options for women.  Under this law, women can only be committed to a facility approved by the Department of Public Health (DPH) or the Department of Mental Health (DMH).

Governor Baker also recently signed a fentanyl trafficking bill, authored by Attorney General Maura Healey, making trafficking in more than 10 grams of fentanyl a crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

In addition to legislative action, the Baker-Polito Administration has implemented numerous initiatives from Governor Baker’s action plan announced in June, completing 26 initiatives and currently implementing another 23.  The administration has allocated more than $250 million toward the opioid epidemic for substance use disorders, education, prevention and treatment, increased bulk purchasing of Narcan in municipalities by offering Narcan at a discount to our first responders and changed reporting requirements for the Prescription Monitoring Program from 7 days to 24 hours.  More than two hundred substance use treatment beds have been opened throughout the Commonwealth.

Since taking office, the Baker-Polito Administration has added 28 dedicated section 35 beds at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and 15 beds at Taunton State Hospital, with an additional 30 beds at Taunton expected in the summer of 2016.  Last July, Governor Baker allotted $5.8 million in a supplemental budget to move women civilly committed for substance use problems to Taunton State Hospital.  The Baker-Polito Administration has also launched two multi-media awareness campaigns and partnered with medical and dental schools to develop core competencies and require increased education on opioids for medical and dental students.

The opioid epidemic continues to impact every community in Massachusetts. According to the most recent data, it is estimated that there were nearly 1,200 unintentional and undetermined opioid deaths in 2014. The estimated rate of 17.4 deaths per 100,000 residents for 2014 is the highest ever for unintentional opioid overdoses and represents a 228% increase from the rate of 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2000. And the trend isn’t slowing. Preliminary data estimations show, there were over 1,100 opioid deaths between January and September of 2015.

Fighting this ongoing epidemic has been a priority of the Baker-Polito Administration since day one. In February 2015, Governor Baker appointed a working group to develop a plan to reduce opioid deaths in the Commonwealth. In June 2015, the Governor’s Opioid Working Group released 65 recommendations and a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. These short and long-term recommendations focus on Prevention, Intervention, Treatment and Recovery Support. Approximately ninety percent of the initiatives in the Governor’s action plan are complete or underway.

Statement by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on the Publication of New Regulatory Changes for Cuba Sanctions

Statement by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on the Publication of New Regulatory Changes for Cuba Sanctions

As President Obama said in his State of the Union address, we have sought ways to increase opportunity for Americans and improve the lives of the Cuban people, including by opening the door to increased travel and commerce between our two countries. Among other changes, today the Departments of the Treasury and Commerce announced significant regulatory changes to make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba, expand access to U.S. financial institutions and the U.S. dollar from Cuba, and expand the ability for Cubans living in the U.S. to earn a salary. These changes, coupled with the arrangement recently announced by the Departments of State and Transportation allowing up to 110 non-stop flights daily between the United States and Cuba, will significantly increase the ability of U.S. Citizens to travel to Cuba to directly engage with the Cuban people.

The goal of the President's policy with Cuba is simple: to improve the lives of Cubans and to advance the interests of the United States. The President fundamentally believes that the best way to achieve that goal is by facilitating more interaction between the Cuban and American people, including through travel and commercial opportunities, and through more access to information.

Engagement and purposeful changes like those announced today will continue to empower the Cuban people and advance our enduring objectives of supporting human rights, improving the lives of the Cuban people, and promoting closer ties between our peoples. We have great confidence that this engagement will lead to a better future for both the American and Cuban people.

波士頓租房出現多宗網路詐騙案

薩福克郡地方檢察官康雷（Daniel F. Conley ）和波士頓警察局局長伊凡斯（William B. Evans）今（14）日聯袂表示，他們正在調查數宗個案，租屋者宜謹防在網上簽約租屋受騙。

薩福克郡地方檢察官辦公室和波士頓警察局正在調查的數宗個案，都是受害者在諸如奎格名單（Craigslist）等網站上看到房屋出租訊息，寄出款項後，以為他們已租下了廣告上的房屋單位，不料準備搬進去時，才發現已經有人住在裏面，或是真正的物業主根本不知道有人簽了租約這回事。

            康雷表示，找房子，搬新家本身，已經是很累人的事，他勸每個租屋人在簽任何租約時，都要小心調查，的確是能得到自己付款要租的房子。

            伊凡斯表示，警方呼籲在波士頓使用網路服務租房屋的人格外小心，多驗證一下，以減少成為受害者的機會。

            他們建議租屋者可採取的步驟包括，和有牌照的專業房地產經紀合作，避免遇上假的出租訊息。麻州的有牌照經紀可上網查；和未來房東一起去看看要租的房屋；除非確認過收受者是真的物業主，別把款項寄出去。

            遭遇類似情況，要報案，可洽地方檢察官辦公室特別起訴小組617-619-4090。

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES NEW RESOURCES AS PART OF “SUNSHINE WEEK”

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES NEW RESOURCES AS PART OF “SUNSHINE WEEK”

Resources Provide Transparency and Education to Assist with Compliance

BOSTON – As part of “Sunshine Week,” Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that her office is offering new resources to provide additional transparency and help the public better understand and comply with the Open Meeting Law (OML).

 

These resources include an updated webpage where people can view pending OML complaints as well as a new training video about accessibility to public meetings.

“Our office works to provide transparency and access to information about the Open Meeting Law, and these new resources help to further those efforts,” AG Healey said. “With these additional resources, we aim to offer a wealth of information so that the public can better understand and follow the law.”

As part of an ongoing commitment to transparency, a new feature on the AG’s website allows people to view information about OML complaints pending with the AG’s Office for review. This resource can be accessed through the AG’s website at www.mass.gov/ago/openmeeting under “Open Meeting Law Pending Complaints.” The AG’s OML determinations and declinations are already available online through the AG’s interactive database.

The AG’s Office also unveiled a new training video which provides guidance to public bodies and members of the public on compliance with laws governing accessibility to public meetings and ensuring rights for people with disabilities. The video also covers a recent change to the Open Meeting Law on the use of remote participation for local commissions on disability, and shows public bodies how to comply with this law by making services available, such as assistive listening devices or screen reader technology. 

The AG’s Division of Open Government was created in 2010 to ensure a continued and consistent focus on the law by educating individuals about the OML, enforcing the OML, and acting as a readily accessible resource for members of government, the public, and the press.

"City and town leaders across the Commonwealth strongly support the Open Meeting Law," said Geoff Beckwith, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. "Municipal officials are committed to working with Attorney General Healey and the Division of Open Government to ensure full compliance with the law, and to promote best practices and full transparency at all levels of government.  The staff of the division does outstanding work educating local officials and the general public on the complexities of the law, and we look forward to continuing our support and assistance in these efforts."

Since assuming responsibility for enforcement of the Open Meeting Law at all levels of government in 2010, the division has responded to more than 11,000 telephone and email inquiries from members of public bodies, municipal counsel, and the public. The Division has also conducted 34 regional trainings across the state, 12 webinars, and issued more than 720 written determinations.

In 2015, the division issued 200 determination letters resolving OML complaints. The most frequently occurring violations were:

·         insufficient meeting notices;

·         deliberation outside of a properly posted meeting, including email deliberation;

·         failure to follow appropriate procedures for entering executive session;

·         insufficiently specific or inaccurate meeting minutes; and

·         failure to follow the requirements of the OML complaint process.

The remedial actions most frequently ordered by the division were:

·         immediate and future compliance with the OML;

·         public release of documents, such as emails, used in deliberation outside of an open meeting;

·          attendance at a training on the OML or review of all or part of the Attorney General's online training video;

·         creation or amendment of open or executive session minutes; and

·         public release of open or executive session minutes.

The division has created a host of resources intended to assist the public with understanding and complying with the OML. These include answers to certain frequently asked questions, checklists about meeting notices, minutes, and executive sessions, and an online training video that can be found on YouTube and can also be accessed through the AG’s OML web page. 

In an effort to better inform the public and government officials about the Open Meeting Law and its requirements, the AG’s Office will hold two training events this spring in Auburn and Martha’s Vineyard. The AG’s Office will also offer a live web-based training on the law, and more information is available on the OML Training webpage.

The forums are open to the public, and are being offered free of charge. Individuals interested in attending an educational forum or the webinar are asked to register in advance by emailing OMLTraining@state.ma.us.

薩福克郡檢察官、波士頓警察局長攜手呼籲租客謹防網路詐欺

Police, Prosecutors Advise Caution Amid Apartment Leasing Scams

BOSTON, March 14, 2016—Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley and Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans are warning potential renters to avoid online leasing scams amid an ongoing investigation into several incidents in Boston.

Suffolk prosecutors and Boston Police detectives are currently investigating incidents in which victims responded to apartment listings on web sites such as Craigslist and sent payments with the expectation that they would be leasing the apartment in the ad.  The victims would later arrive at the residence prepared to move in, only to find the property already occupied and the rightful owner unaware of any lease agreement.

“The process of renting an apartment and moving into a new home is stressful enough,” Conley said.  “I urge every renter to do careful research before entering into any agreement to ensure you’re getting what you paid for.” 

“We ask that people using on-line services to rent apartments in Boston use caution,” said Evans. “By taking a few extra steps you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this type of scam.” 

Prospective renters are encouraged to:

·         Consider working with a licensed real estate professional to avoid phony apartment listings; Massachusetts licensure can be checked here.

·         Meet in-person with a prospective landlord to view the apartment yourself.

·         Don’t send payments unless you have independently confirmed that the recipient is the true owner of the property.

Anyone with information or who would like to report a similar incident may contact the DA’s Special Prosecutions Unit at 617-619-4090.

麥小瓊獲華人前進會工人正義獎

Cyndi Mark Recognized for Longtime Dedication to the Chinese Labor Community

            BOSTON – In recognition of her commitment to advocating for the rights of low-income and immigrant workers, the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA) awarded Attorney General Maura Healey’s Fair Labor Chief Cynthia Mark with its Worker Justice Award last Friday.

            Mark, a Cambridge resident, was honored at the CPA’s 2016 Year of the Monkey Banquet for devoting her professional career to advocating for social justice.

“Our office is committed to making sure the rights of workers in Massachusetts are protected and we are proud to have Cyndi at the helm of our Fair Labor Division,” said AG Healey. “We congratulate her on receiving this honor from the CPA in recognition of her dedication and commitment to workers and their families across this state.”

            “Cyndi Mark is not a stranger to our community. For twenty years, she has been the workers’ lawyer in the Chinese community,” said CPA Co-Director Karen Chen. “She has probably either represented you on a case or you have referred someone to her. She has worked on the day-to-day details of hundreds of cases as well as landmark cases to create systematic change. And we at CPA are very proud to say that Cyndi’s career for social justice started right here.”

AG Healey appointed Mark to serve as head of her office’s Fair Labor Division in September 2015.

            The AG’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing the laws regulating the payment of wages, including prevailing wage, minimum wage and overtime laws.

Under Mark’s leadership, the Fair Labor Division has pursued several cases that reflect the AG’s Office’s commitment to combatting wage theft and protecting vulnerable workers.

In November 2015, the AG’s Office cited a Peabody convenience store and its owner more than $43,000 for failing to properly compensate an employee who was working more than 100 hours a week and provided temporary housing accommodations in a broken walk-in cooler. In December 2015, a Dorchester grocery store and its owner agreed to pay more than $100,000 after the AG’s Office learned through an investigation that the market failed to pay seven of its employees the required minimum wage and overtime rate.

Prior to her appointment in the AG’s Office, Mark 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 successfully litigated complex employment cases under the Massachusetts Wage Act and Fair Labor Standards Act including a case that resulted in a $950,000 wage theft settlement with Super 88 Market that changed employment practices at Chinese supermarkets throughout the region.

Mark also helped garment workers secure job training opportunities as Boston’s factories were closing. She later worked as an instructor in one of Greater Boston’s first Chinese bilingual job training programs. She helped the CPA develop its Workers Center and Adult Education Program as pathways for immigrant workers to secure their rights. Mark is a graduate of Tufts University and Northeastern University School of Law.

            In 2005, Mark represented elderly and immigrant voters and community organizations in a case that led to Boston implementing bilingual ballots for Vietnamese and Chinese voters.  In 2014, Mark was honored as a recipient of the Top Women in Law award by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $163,000 to Urban Agriculture Projects

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $163,000 to Urban Agriculture Projects

BOSTON – March 14, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration has announced grants totaling approximately $163,000 for five urban agriculture projects that will support the growth and viability of this growing sector. Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux announced the grants at the 4^th Annual Massachusetts Urban Farming Conference held at Northeastern University.

“These projects are committed to bringing local, nutritious produce to urban communities across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The state’s continued investment in projects such as these strengthens our local food system and makes it accessible through innovative farming and food production practices.”

“City farms generate a variety of economic, social and environmental benefits, including promoting good health and preventing chronic disease,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Many municipal officials, community leaders, and organizations like those receiving DAR awards have been working hard to not only  improve neighborhood environments, but increase access to fresh produce so all of their constituents may have fresh food readily available.”

The grants were provided through DAR’s Urban Agriculture Grant Program. Including this round of grants, the program has released four rounds of funding since 2014 which have provided support for 36 urban agriculture projects and facilitated three state-wide urban agriculture conferences, attracting hundreds of practitioners, advocates, and policy makers.

“Today’s awardees will continue to impact and strengthen local neighborhoods and facilitate new opportunities through the production, processing, marketing and sale of local food,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton.  “Through these grants, this administration demonstrates its commitment to supporting the production of sustainably-grown, fresh food within our cities and increasing access to healthy food for all Massachusetts residents.”

Urban agriculture ranges from traditional in-ground growing and rooftop farms, to aquaponics, greenhouses and “freight farms.” The local food movement is taking root in neighborhoods, especially where vacant land or buildings are available and there is challenge to source fresh food. 

“These grants will assist urban agricultural enterprises whose projects range from expanding production space, creation of innovative aquaponics and hydroponics facilities and investment in market opportunities within under-served communities,” said DAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. 

The following projects have received funding:

Nubian Society (NUBIA), Boston $6,476.95

With this funding, NUBIA will increase their production yield from a 1.2-acre site with the purchase and installation of a rainwater catchment system, a sustainable solution to water access. The funds will also be used for the purchase of a drip irrigation system, thus allowing them to instead utilize staff for youth outreach and education programming. The catchment system will also offer the benefit of diverting excess runoff and reduce both soil erosion and demand of city water.

The Trust for Public Land, Boston $22,500.00

With this funding, the Trust for Public Land will acquire nutrient dense soil and other materials, as well as demonstrate soil management and soil quality practices, critical to ensuring a healthy production environment on a ground level urban farm. This key capital investment will utilize the EPA’s Best Practice “Raised Bed Method” to ensure soil safety and will enable urban farmers to cultivate healthy crops and perpetuate the urban agriculture economy. 

Commonwealth Kitchen, Dorchester $61,521.45

With this funding, Commonwealth Kitchen will utilize this award to expand their manufacturing services with the purchase of select manufacturing equipment. This needed infrastructure will help scale up their operations and provide increased value-added processing for many local/urban farms, thus directly increasing the amount of locally-grown produce that is sold and consumed in the region. Commonwealth Kitchen has raised matching funds for this project.

Nuestra Raices, Holyoke $11,262.60

With this funding, Nuestra Raices will utilize their funding to purchase and install new refrigeration units at their farm. The site preparation, electoral work and purchase of a lock will provide a critical component for food safety and freshness for several of Nuestra Raices’ farmers, representing 9 businesses. The project is part of collaboration with the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce to co-brand and co-market all Holyoke Farmers’ Markets.

Mass Audubon and City-Soil & Greenhouse, Mattapan $62,100.00

With this funding, Mass Audubon and City Soil & Greenhouse LLC will implement the second phase of site expansion at the Mattapan Ecovation Center. The grant will invest in nearly 1.5 acres of urban agriculture infrastructure on a formerly blighted site. Funds will be utilized for soil, irrigation, season extension, as well as innovative technology for crop production and efficient harvesting. This is an important project for surrounding communities, as project leaders continue reach out to surrounding neighborhoods, partner with local organizations and facilitate youth training and educational access.

“When we invest in urban agriculture, we provide many Massachusetts citizens a sustainable, innovative pathway to nourishment – regardless of location or socioeconomic status,” said State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D – Boston). “These projects play a crucial role in developing the state’s green economy, and yield immense benefits for both residents of Boston and the Commonwealth at large.”

“I am excited to see support for urban agriculture in the City of Boston,” said State Representative Evandro Carvalho (D - Dorchester). “Innovative and creative Urban Agriculture programs, like Commonwealth Kitchen, are opening up new sectors of the job market that build on the skill sets of many entrepreneurs already in the neighborhoods.”

“Congratulations to Nuestra Raices for receiving this well-deserved funding. For over twenty years, Nuestra Raices has been providing area residents with fresh, local food options, and this grant will support their continued success,”said State Senator Don Humason (R - Westfield). “Thank you to the Baker Administration for recognizing the great work that this organization is doing for the residents of greater Holyoke.”

“We are excited to receive this funding to allow Nuestra Raices to grow and continue having a positive impact on the Holyoke community,” said State Representative Aaron Vega (D - Holyoke).

 “CommonWealth Kitchen will use the grant funding to purchase specialized processing equipment so we can help urban farms preserve the harvest.  We can add value by turning their local produce into sauces, stocks, pickles, relishes, jams, and the like, keeping more locally-grown food out of the waste stream and into the regional food supply,” said Jen Faigel, CommonWealth Kitchen's Executive Director.  “We're absolutely thrilled by Governor Baker's commitment to strengthening the regional food economy and supporting urban farms.”

The 4^th Annual Massachusetts Urban Farming Conference (UFC) attracted 400 participants representing non-profits, municipalities, community leaders, farmers, investors, and others. DAR partners with the Urban Farming Institute and City Growers to host the conference, which is designed to advance the opportunities and address the barriers involved in cultivating a resilient and thriving Urban Farming sector.

QARI 5/20 辦社區宴

On May 20th, QARI will be hosting the 9th Annual Community Banquet. All proceeds raised from this fundraiser will directly benefit the youth scholarship fund as well as youth programs and services. As part of QARI's fundraising campaign, raffle prizes will be sold several weeks before the Banquet and also on the day of. If you are interested in donating a raffle prize to help a wonderful cause, please contact Dahnieor Linda.

Let's help send our youth to Camp Burgess! QARI provides numerous of programs and services for communities in Quincy and its surrounding cities and towns. We cater to many age groups to ensure that an entire family can benefit from utilizing QARI as their one-stop resource center! One age group in particular are the youth teenagers, and their ages range from 14 to 18 years old, a prime time for personal development. The QARI Youth ServiceCorps consists of over 300 teenagers from multiple high schools, who volunteer in their community throughout the year. Every year, QARI works hard in raising the necessary funds to get as many of these deserving ServiceCorps members to Camp Burgess! According to Peter Tam, the Youth Program Director of QARI, the Camp Burgess retreat "...is the culmination of a year of service for this particular group of youth. The retreat assists ServiceCorps members to develop a range of skills from leadership and teamwork to project planning and public speaking. It will also support team building, focused on learning to respect and appreciate each other and to communicate effectively. Through team building trips like this, first- and second-generation immigrant ServiceCorps members will bridge their cultural differences and open dialogue with their peers. Most importantly, it is a way for QARI to show our gratitude to these young people for all the work they have done." If you are interested in learning more and/or donating to this particular cause, please click here to view their campaign on FirstGiving.

QARI provides Survival English classes for elders who are aged 60 or older! Classes are taught by a volunteer teacher and will be in both English and Mandarin. Elders can learn basic English for their everyday life. Registration starts now. If you or someone else you know who might be interested, please contact Qi Qin or call our front desk at 617-472-2200.  Save the date: QARI's Community Banquet, Friday, May 20th! For more information, please email us here. Copyright © 2016 Quincy Asian Resources, Inc., All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website Our mailing address is: Quincy Asian Resources, Inc. 1509 Hancock St Quincy, MA 02169 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list