BIO六月四至七日來波士頓慶25週年 中港台都將組團與盛

               (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)生物科技創新組織(BIO)2018年大會，將於6月4日到7日在波士頓會議展覽中心舉行，慶祝成立25週年，預計將試圖打破吉尼斯世界紀錄(GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS)，成為全世界最大的企業合作活動。

               BIO已於4月2日在華府宣佈，今年的會議將有來自74個國家的1800多家廠商，16,000多人參展。BIO執行長Jim Greenwood興奮表示，今年的大會主題是”創造歷史(Making History)”。

                                波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)也於5月16日，在波士頓會議展覽中心宣佈了BIO 2018國際會議將回到波士頓舉行。

                           亞洲地區對這場BIO 2018顯然非常重視，已知台灣將組成規模大到200人的代表團來參加會議，香港也會有一個大代表團。去年已是BIO最大展館的中國，今年還安排了一場半日的”中國峰會”，Bayhelix，Jones Day， 復興(Fosun)藥業美國公司，輝瑞製藥，Serica，藥明康德，LEK，Zai實驗室，Ferring製藥等多家製藥、研發，創投公司高管都將講談。中國國務院研究發展中心社會發展研究部部長葛延風也出席，講談”中國醫療改革藍圖”。

                          波士頓地區的華人生物醫藥相關社團，也紛紛趕在BIO大會前舉辦活動，包括波士頓台灣人生物科技協會(BTBA)將於6月2，3兩日在哈佛大學科學中心舉行年會，紐英崙玉山科技協會(MJNE)將於6月3日在哈佛醫學院舉行年會，紐英崙美中醫藥開發協會(SAPANE)也將於6月2日在MIT史隆管理學院舉行第20屆年會。

                             紐英崙玉山科技協會還將於6月6日晚，在劍橋市萬豪酒店(Boston Marriott)再追加一場”2018美台夜:醫療界的人工智能”會議。

                        大會主講人之一將為克服了病魔的ABC電視台記者Robin Roberts。5月21日時，BIO再宣佈，在對抗毒癮上有個動人家族故事的演員，也是”當哈利遇上莎莉”電影導演的Rob Reiner也將應邀做大會主講人之一。

                                5月23日，BIO表示，儘管這會議是國際性的，但波士頓在生物科技方面的成就不容忽視。6月5日(週二)，大會將安排一場”食物，健康及未來環境日”的虛擬參觀，一探新英格來地區的農業生物科技。

               今年的會議將有19個教育系列會議，從基因剪輯，鴉片類藥物(opioids)，數位健康，腫瘤，個人化醫藥，食品及農業等等。

               包括比爾蓋茲基金會(Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)，食品及藥品監管局，諾華(Novartis)，賽諾菲(Sanofi)等企業的高管，以及Kraft集團暨新英格蘭愛國者球隊董事長Jonathan Kraft，都將在會中講談。

               BIO估計今年的”一對一合作洽談(One-on-One Partnering)”場次，將超過去年的41,000場。

               會場內的展覽，將分成支援病患亭，新興創新區，數位健康區，以及和電視節目”鯊魚池(Shark Tank)”類似的創業講談。

•             BIO表示，2012年的BIO大會就是在波士頓舉辦的，如今大波士頓內將近有1000家的生物科技公司，學術中心，一院及生命科學中心，數難以計的創新研究及發明，2018年該會慶祝25週年，回到波士頓，當然再理想不過。

               過去10年來，波士頓的生物科技從業人員增加了至少30%。麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)去年在BIO大會上宣佈了一項為期5年的5億元計畫，要增加生命科技業的基礎設施，研究發展及人力培訓，以維持麻州在生命科學上的優勢。

               在正式會議開始前，今年的BIO還從6月1日起，安排了為期三日的高管培訓活動。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Investment Plan

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Investment Plan

$2.34 billion plan will maintain and modernize existing assets and make targeted new investments, with an increased emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today released its Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Capital Investment Plan, which emphasizes care and maintenance of the Commonwealth’s existing assets while making targeted new investments to meet growing needs. The plan reflects a fiscally responsible approach to long-term planning and a continuing commitment to affordability.

The FY19 plan makes affordable investments in housing, higher education, transportation infrastructure and technology upgrades. It also reflects the Administration’s continuing commitment to strong partnerships with cities and towns with investments that help communities meet their local infrastructure needs.

To address the potential impact of climate change on the Commonwealth’s assets, the Administration also evaluated every investment for potential climate change implications. The administration has provided more than $60 million in FY19  to directly address issues related to climate change and also proposed a $1.4 billion environmental bond bill that included $300 million to respond to and prepare for extreme weather, sea level rise, inland flooding and other climate impacts.

“Our fourth capital investment plan builds on our Administration’s responsible and targeted approach to maintaining and funding critical state assets that benefit residents in every corner of the Commonwealth from maintaining our roads to investing in our schools,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This plan addresses some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing needs to repair local infrastructure and invest in economic development opportunities for new businesses and workforce development, and also balances new development with an evaluation for climate change implications to protect the environment well into the future.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues our strong partnership with cities and towns through this capital investment plan, which funds more than a dozen programs that provide direct assistance to communities for local infrastructure needs,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “From technology upgrades at city and town halls to rebuilding crumbling seawalls, the Commonwealth’s communities will long benefit from these investments.”

By including a $108 million investment in South Coast Rail, this plan puts the Commonwealth on course to provide rail service for residents of Southeastern Massachusetts. The South Coast Rail project will meet the current and future demand for public transportation between Fall River/New Bedford and Boston, and will also support smart growth development in the region.

“The Administration’s approach to capital investing continues to be guided by a strong sense of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to managing the Commonwealth’s debt responsibly,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “This carefully-considered plan balances the need to invest in our Commonwealth’s infrastructure with prudent management of our long-term financial obligations.”

The $2.34 billion bond cap represents a responsible $80 million (3.5%) increase over Fiscal Year 2018, which is in line with the recommendations of the Debt Affordability Committee. The total capital investment for FY19, after accounting for non-bond-cap funding sources, will be $4.5 billion.

To view the FY19 Capital Investment Plan, visit: www.mass.gov/capital.

Within the Administration’s FY19 capital budget, projects focus on six major themes:

Responsible Asset Stewardship

The Baker-Polito Administration’s fourth capital plan is built on a fundamental commitment to repairing and modernizing the state’s existing capital assets, to avoid costly future repairs, while taking a strategic approach to new investments for future growth.

·       74 percent of the plan is dedicated to maintenance and modernization, including rebuilding, reconstructing or reconditioning existing assets

·       26 percent of the plan is dedicated to targeted growth through creation of new assets or increasing investments in priority areas

The plan funds:

·       $807 million in bond cap for maintaining and modernizing the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure

·       $190 million for projects on higher education campuses

·       $85 million to support maintenance and improvements at local housing authorities

·       $11 million for major improvements to skating rinks and swimming pools

·       More than $7 million in state-share of funding for a new, state-of-the-art long-term care facility for veterans at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, a $200 million project that is expected to receive 65% reimbursement by the federal government

·       $3.15 million in funding for renovations at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, for deferred maintenance, resiliency work, and site improvements

Supporting Local Communities

This plan also strengthens the Baker-Polito Administration’s partnership with cities and towns, which is most visible through the Community Compact program. As of May 2018, all 351 cities and towns have signed Community Compact agreements, making them eligible for technology grants funded through the capital plan, as well as other benefits.

In total, the FY19 capital plan funds more than a dozen grant programs that help local communities build libraries, improve access for people with disabilities to municipal buildings, and fund infrastructure projects that help unlock economic development opportunities.

The plan funds:

·       $200 million in Chapter 90 funding for local road and bridge repairs

·       $16.6 million to extend residential broadband internet service in underserved communities in Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires

·       $9 million for the municipal small bridge program, which funds repair and replacement of small bridges that don’t qualify for federal funding

·       $5 million for Housing Choice, a new initiative that funds capital grants to cities and towns that meet certain housing production goals and have adopted best practices that will help meet the housing needs of Massachusetts’ workforce

·       $2.5 million to help cities and towns redevelop brownfields sites

·       $2 million in Community Compact technology grants

·       $500,000 to provide state matching funds to local police departments to purchase bulletproof vests

Economic Opportunities for All

The plan provides for investments to promote economic development in every region of the Commonwealth. They include:

·       $80 million for MassWorks grants, which fund critical local infrastructure improvements that help pave the way for economic development projects

·       $35 million for dredging in Boston Harbor, and $4 million for other dredging projects to promote economic development in smaller port cities

·       $15 million for grants to high schools, community colleges and community-based nonprofits to purchase equipment that supports training for workforce development

·       $1 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust program to encourage economic opportunities in the food sector while bringing healthy food options to underserved communities

Preparing for a Changing Climate

The FY19 capital plan incorporates the goals of Executive Order 569, which was signed by Governor Baker in 2016 and outlines a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting and preparing the Commonwealth for the impact of climate change. In building the capital plan, the Administration evaluated every investment for potential climate change implications.

The plan funds:

·       $55 million for transit-oriented housing, increasing the use of public transportation

·       $20.9 million for sustainability and resiliency improvements to state facilities

·       $12 million to help communities address deteriorating dams and rebuild seawalls

·       $11 million in grants to cities and towns for climate change vulnerability planning and adaptation efforts.

·       $10.9 million for more energy-efficient transit fleets

·       $5 million for a new program to accelerate energy efficiency improvements in public housing

Customer Orientation

The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to delivering efficient and secure service to the public, and this plan funds technology and other capital improvements that prioritize enhanced security and modernization of core services. The FY19 capital plan includes:

·       $17.4 million to fund a more secure IT infrastructure for all Executive branch agencies by moving to a singular, modern, secure network

·       $1.75 million to support a shared, modern, online system to better serve residents and businesses interacting with the Departments of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Recreation, and Agricultural Resources

Value Optimization

The FY19 capital plan seeks to leverage other sources of funding to maximize the value of the Commonwealth’s investments. This year’s plan leverages over $1 billion in federal funding, including over $900 million for transportation programs such as the federal-aid highway program and the Green Line Extension (GLX) project. The Boston Harbor dredging project, for example, leverages matching funds from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Massport.

The plan also funds:

·       $5.7 million to make improvements to bicycle and pedestrian lanes, leveraging $12.3 million in federal funding sources for green transportation alternatives

·       $1.9 million in grants to public schools that complement federal grants to provide high speed internet and Wi-Fi access in schools; in FY19, the remaining 29 schools in Massachusetts that have reported a Wi-Fi need will be funded

13 ARRESTED IN JOINT STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR OPIOID TRAFFICKING OPERATION ON NORTH SHORE

13 ARRESTED IN JOINT STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL TAKEDOWN OF MAJOR OPIOID TRAFFICKING OPERATION ON NORTH SHORE

Authorities seize nearly 2.6 kilograms of heroin/fentanyl, 3,000 pills and $415,000 in total

BOSTON – Thirteen people were arrested and 12 were arraigned yesterday in connection with a major heroin/fentanyl and oxycodone trafficking operation on Boston’s North Shore dismantled as part of a large-scale joint takedown by federal, state and local law enforcement, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. Authorities seized nearly 2.5 kilograms of heroin/fentanyl, 1,900 pills and $415,000 in cash during yesterday’s takedown, and an additional 95 grams of fentanyl and 1,100 pills during the course of the investigation. 

                These charges are the result of an extensive investigation involving AG Healey’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crime Division, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET) and the AG’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Lynn, Beverly, Danvers and Peabody Police Departments.

“Heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone continue to cause hundreds of deadly overdoses across our state each year,” AG Healey said. “My office is committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to disrupt the trafficking networks that distribute these drugs onto our streets and into our communities.”

“Operations such as this one significantly degrade capabilities of local narcotics trafficking organizations,” said Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “I especially recognize the work of our State Police detective units, including those attached to our new Homeland Security Division, for working with local police to do the hard work and heavy lifting of building a solid case.”

“The DEA in New England is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who illicitly distribute oxycodone,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Opiate abuse is a major problem in Massachusetts and throughout New England. The diversion of prescription pain killers, in this case oxycodone, contributes to the widespread abuse of opiates, is the gateway to fentanyl and heroin addiction, and is devastating our communities. DEA and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to stopping this abuse. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts and our strong partnership with Attorney General Healey’s Office.”

            “The Lynn Police Department will continue to work with other agencies to bring an end to the opioid epidemic,” said Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec.

            “I would like to praise the members of the Beverly Police Drug Control Unit and all of the agencies involved in this collaborative investigation. It shows a dedication and determination to combat the opiate epidemic throughout the Commonwealth and especially on the North Shore,” Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur said.

            “I appreciate the hard work of all of our partners in law enforcement and in particular, the ongoing efforts of Danvers Detective Tim Williamson,” said Danvers Police Chief Patrick Ambrose. “All agencies involved continue to work together to eliminate illegal drug distribution in Danvers and the related addiction problems these sales create. These dealers negatively impact the quality of life in Danvers and surrounding communities, we are committed to disrupting their operations.”

            “We appreciate the team effort of the Massachusetts State Police and our local law enforcement partners working together to slow the flow of opiates in the North Shore area,” said Peabody Police Lt. William J. Cook. “These combined efforts will assist us in dealing with our current crisis in opiate related overdoses. Our shared resources and information assists us in combating this problem.”

The following individuals were arraigned in Peabody District Court yesterday on the following changes:

Lymbel Guerrero, 28, of Peabody 

Trafficking Heroin, 200 Grams or More (one count)

Trafficking Cocaine, 36 Grams or More (one count)

Trafficking Oxycodone, 18 Grams of More but Less Than 36 Grams (one count)  

Bail set at $500,000 cash

Aggeliki Iliopoulos, 27, of Peabody

Trafficking Heroin, 200 Grams or More (one count)

Trafficking Cocaine, 36 Grams or More (one count)

Trafficking Oxycodone, 18 Grams of More but Less Than 36 Grams (one count)

Bail set at $500,000 cash

Anthony Lavacca, 28, of Peabody

            Possession with Intent to Distribute, Marijuana (one count)

Bail set at on $50,000 cash

           

Randy Suarez, 30, of Peabody 

Charged with Trafficking Heroin, 200 Grams or More (one count)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone (one count)

Bail set at $500,000 cash

The following individuals were arraigned in Lynn District Court yesterday on the following charges:

Frantz Adolphe, 23, of Lynn

Charged with Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Trafficking Oxycodone, More Than 100 Grams but Less Than 200 Grams (one count) Bail set at $500,000 cash 

Jason Desantis, 24, of Malden

Charged with Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Bail set at $5,000 cash

Erin Driscoll, 32, of Peabody

Charged with Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Bail set at $7,000 cash

Richard Grullon-Santos, 25, of Lynn

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Trafficking Fentanyl, More Than 10 Grams

Bail set at $500,000 bail cash

Gregory Inuyama, 27, of Lynn

            Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug (one count)

Bail set at $60,000 cash

Rajner Llanaj, 29, of Salem

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Bail set at $10,000 cash

Jose Luque Jr., 25, of Lynn

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Bail set at $2,500 cash

Nelson Mora, 25, of Lynn

Charged with Trafficking Oxycodone, 36 Grams or More but Less Than 100 Grams (one count)

Trafficking Fentanyl (four counts)

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count)

Bail set at $500,000 cash

Erick Delrosario, 26, of Kearny, New Jersey, was also arrested in connection with this investigation and will be arraigned in Massachusetts at a later date.

            This investigation is ongoing. These charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

            AG Healey’s Office has been working closely with its federal, state and local partners to combat illegal drug trafficking. AG Healey formed an internal task force to more aggressively combat the heroin and prescription drug abuse crisis in Massachusetts. The AG’s Office is using a multi-faceted approach that includes education for prescribers, pursuing illegal drug traffickers and pill mills, and expanding access to recovery and treatment programs.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Gina Masotta and Assistant Attorney General Cesar Vega of the AG’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division. The case is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the CINRET and AG Healey’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crime Division, the DEA, the Lynn, Beverly, Danvers and Peabody Police Departments, and AG Healey’s Digital Evidence Lab.

Tri-Caucus Announces Introduction of Health Equity and Accountability Act

Tri-Caucus Announces Introduction of Health Equity and Accountability Act

WASHINGTON, DC – The Congressional Tri-Caucus Chairs – composed of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Judy Chu (CA-27), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Michelle Lujan Grisham(NM-01), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Cedric Richmond (LA-02) – as well as U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement announcing the House introduction of the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2018:

“The Health Equity and Accountability Act is a bold, comprehensive vision for addressing persistent ethnic and racial health disparities and improving health outcomes in communities of color. By building on the successes of the Affordable Care Act and improving care for the families who need it most, we can ensure that all Americans – no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or language background – can stay healthy. 

“The racial disparities in health care are stunning and unacceptable. Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, heart disease, and hepatitis continue to disproportionately affect African American, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian populations. And despite coverage gains made under the Affordable Care Act, Latinos and African Americans are still at a higher risk of being uninsured.

“We must address the underlying challenges that prevent underserved communities from gaining coverage and accessing high-quality health care. The Health Equity and Accountability Act is a critical step towards ensuring that all Americans have the resources and care that they need to thrive.”

BACKGROUND: The Health Equity and Accountability Act has been introduced in every Congress since 2007. This legislation reforms policies and expands federal health care resources for racial and ethnic minorities, as well as other underserved populations who face discrimination and barriers to care due to their immigration status, sex, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and English proficiency.

Reps. Chu and and Barbara Lee published an op-ed on the Health Equity and Accountability Act in The Hill today.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND THE REACH OF BOSTON'S COMMUNITY GARDENS WITH THE TRUSTEES AND TD BANK

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND THE REACH OF BOSTON'S COMMUNITY GARDENS WITH THE TRUSTEES AND TD BANK

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 23, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a three-year partnership between the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, The Trustees, and TD Bank to expand the reach and highlight the role of community gardens in Boston's neighborhoods with community-driven design projects, community-building events, and skill-building workshops planned for up to 40 gardens. In the first year, the City will seek ideas for  innovative design installations at three community gardensincluding: The Trustees' Nightingale Community Garden in Dorchester, Chilcott & Granada Community Garden in Jamaica Plain, and the Fenway Victory Gardens, owned by Boston Parks and Recreation and administered and maintained by the Fenway Garden Society. The installations may support community dinners, storytelling and community conversations, performances, and interactive play. In addition, The Trustees will hold 10 community-building events and skill-building workshops at its community gardens in Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, Roxbury, and the South End as part of the partnership with the goal being to allow the Trustees to expand garden programming by nearly 40% with larger community-building and wellness programs. (There are more than 20 activities through Seed, Sow & Grow that bring people together for skill-building workshops and events at City Natives in Mattapan and throughout Boston. You can find a list of community-building events and skill-building workshops here.) "I am proud that Boston is home to more than 10,000 gardeners and 200 community gardens spanning 50 acres across our city," said Mayor Walsh. "This City is lucky to have great partners like The Trustees, TD Bank, and dedicated members of our community to help advance the state of our public spaces by incorporating community driven design projects like this. Together, with our communities, we are making Boston a place where the gardening community can flourish." Over the next three years, the program aims to engage and enhance up to 40 community gardens in six neighborhoods in Boston, including the following: El Jardin de la Amistad, Roxbury Eagle Hill Community Garden, East Boston Berkeley Community Garden, South End Southwest Corridor Community Farm, Jamaica Plain Windermere Community Garden, Dorchester Paul Gore & Beecher Community Garden, Jamaica Plain Worcester Community Garden, South End Mission Hill Community Garden, Mission Hill City Natives, Mattapan Woolson Community Garden, Mattapan TD Bank will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Boston Community Gardens partnership, granting a total of $225,000 over three years. "TD Bank is committed to creating a more vibrant planet and enhancing urban green spaces that bring the community together," said Mark Crandall, Regional President, Southern New England, TD Bank. "As a company with deep roots in Boston, we are excited about our partnership with the Mayor's Office and The Trustees of Reservations to enrich our community gardens. Together, we expect this three-year collaboration to provide Boston with an array of cultural, educational, and environmental programs in gardens across the city for all people to enjoy." "We are excited to partner with TD Bank and the Mayor's office to create these unique community-focused experiences in Boston community gardens," said Vidya Tikku, General Manager for The Trustees' Greater Boston region. "We have a long history of working with public and private partners here in the City of Boston and around the state to advocate for green spaces and expand urban gardening, education, and community-building. This partnership will enable us to offer neighborhood residents new and creative ways to gather, learn, and enjoy our community gardens."