第三階段重新開放 麻州7月6日 波士頓市7月13日

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)強調民眾應該保持警惕心。

               (Boston Orange)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)在今日中午舉行的疫情簡報中宣佈，下週一(7月6日)，麻州重新開放邁入第三階段。健身房，博物館，還有賭場都可以營業了。波士頓市則將暫緩至7月13日才實施。

             室內聚會人數上限，現在提高至25人，每1000平方呎不宜超過8人，戶外聚會則提高至100人。各種職業體育賽事也可在沒有觀眾的情況下舉行。

麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)說明州政府和地方市鎮交流緊密。

             在第三階段的第一步驟中可以開始營業的企業，包括電影院及戶外表演場所，博物館，文化古蹟，健身中心及俱樂部，接觸機會低的某些室內娛樂活動，在聯盟規定授權下，專業體育隊可在沒有觀眾的情況下進行比賽。這些行業都須遵循依其行業特定性質所設的容客量與營運規定。

波士頓市決定暫緩一週，延至7月13日才開始進入第三階段，因為在麻州進入第二階段開放期間，北端(North End)出現人們擠成一堆用餐現象，引出抱怨無數，波士頓市甚至為此舉行公聽會。

          麻州健康及人民服務廳廳長Marylou Sudders表示確診率已大幅下降。

             查理貝克表示，尊重波士頓市的決定，但以整個麻州來說，州政府一直在觀察的公共健康數據顯示得很清楚，麻州的抗疫工作很有效率。第三階段的重新開放，將和第二階段一樣，分兩個步驟進行。

             麻州健康及人民服務廳廳長Marylou Sudders表示，最近的COVID-19一週7天確診平均率，和4月中相比，已下降了94%，住院病人的3天平均數也下降了79%，整個麻州已做了100萬人次的檢測，所有數據都讓人欣慰。

麻州7月2日疫情數據。195宗確診，51人死亡。

             查理貝克勸人們仍然要保持警覺心，戴口罩，保持社交安全距離，勤洗手，生病就待在家裏，在疫苗或是真正能夠醫治新型冠狀病毒的藥研發出來以前，人們恐怕得學習如何在大家可能稱為”新常態”的情況下，逐漸恢復正常生活。

             查理貝克指出，其他州的出現第二波疫情，或是疫情回升，和夜總會，酒吧等場所的開放有很大關係，也因此麻州把重新開方這些場所放在第四個階段進行。他相信麻州人會一起防範疫情再度高升。

             由於美國多地出現疫情回升現象，不少已重新開放的州、市都開始收緊規定。新澤西州原本今日開始開放室內用餐，但該州州長Phil Murphy週一時表示，將無限期展延。紐約市市長白斯豪(Bill de Blasio)也稱其他地方的個案快速增加，值得警惕。康州州長也說，他要重新考慮在本月內重新開放酒吧。

             查詢詳細的重新開放指導規定，可上網https://www.mass.gov/lists/reopening-health-and-human-services-in-massachusetts。

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Third Phase of Four-Phase Approach

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Third Phase of Four-Phase Approach

Consistent with Public Health Data and Trends, Phase III of Reopening Massachusetts Set to Begin on July 6

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that on July 6^th, Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will begin and updates on gatherings will be in effect. For the City of Boston, Phase III and the gatherings order will take effect on Monday, July 13th.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) also issued updated guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Step One of Phase III:

On May 18, the administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy based on public health data, spending at least three weeks in each phase. Key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, have been closely monitored and has seen a decline allowing for Phase III to begin on July 6th. Phase III will begin on July 13^th in Boston.

  

The public health dashboard designating the progress of key COVID-19 data metrics has been updated to reflect the number of COVID-19 patients in Massachusetts hospitals to green, indicating a positive trend. 

Since mid-April, the 7-day average for the positive COVID-19 test rate is down 94 percent, the 3-day average of hospitalized patients is down 79 percent and the number of hospitals in surge is down 86 percent.

More than 1,000,000 total COVID-19 tests have been administered, and testing continues throughout the state.

The following businesses will be eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase III, subject to industry-specific rules concerning capacity and operations:

• Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues;

• Museums, cultural and historical sites;

• Fitness centers and health clubs;

• Certain indoor recreational activities with low potential for contact;

• Professional sports teams, under the authority of league-wide rules, may hold games without spectators

Full guidance and list of businesses eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase III can be found at www.mass.gov/reopening. Businesses and sectors set to begin opening in Phase III are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

Revised Gatherings Order:

Under the updated gatherings order, indoor gatherings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet, but should not exceed 25 people in a single enclosed, indoor space.

Outdoor gatherings in enclosed spaces are limited to 25 percent of the facility’s maximum permitted occupancy, with a maximum of 100 people in a single enclosed outdoor space. This includes community events, civic events, sporting events, concerts, conventions and more. This order does not apply to outdoor, unenclosed gatherings if proper social distancing measures are possible.

This revised order does not supersede previously issued sector guidance, and is effective beginning Monday, July 6. It will be effective Monday, July 13 in the City of Boston.

  

Public Health Guidance:

In Phase III, health care providers may continue to provide in-person procedures and services as allowed in Phase II, with the addition of certain group treatment programs and day programs. These programs include adult day health, day habilitation programs, and substance abuse services day treatment and outpatient services. Certain human services programs can reopen including community based day services for adults with intellectual and cognitive disabilities and psychosocial rehabilitation clubhouses.       

Health care providers are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards, and must continue to utilize prioritization policies established in Phase II for care delivery and scheduling, as well as monitor patient volume for non-essential, elective procedures and services.

Read the full guidance here.

In Phase III, visitation guidelines have been updated for 24/7 congregate care facilities and programs overseen by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, including the Departments of Developmental Services, Youth Services, Children and Families, Public Health, Mental Health and the Mass Rehabilitation Commission. Offsite visits, including overnight visits, will be allowed, under specific guidelines. Other updated guidelines, including visitation for long term care facilities, will be released later today. Complete visitation guidance is available at www.mass.gov/hhs/reopening. 

MassHealth will also extend its current telehealth flexibility through at least the end of the year to ensure member access to critical health care services and encourage continued adherence to preventative public health precautions.

MAYOR WALSH AND BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND STEERING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION IN GRANTS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE MOST IMPACTED BY COVID-19

MAYOR WALSH AND BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND STEERING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION IN GRANTS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE MOST IMPACTED BY COVID-19 Grants will support food access during the summer months, domestic violence services BOSTON - Thursday, July 2, 2020 - Continuing his commitment to an equitable recovery for City of Boston residents most impacted by COVID-19, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee today announced the distribution of nearly $1.9 million to 15 organizations. In total, the Resiliency Fund has granted over $22 million to 295 nonprofit and local organizations to provide support to Boston's most vulnerable residents.  "The COVID-19 pandemic is still having major impacts on the City of Boston and our residents, and we will continue to use the Boston Resiliency Fund to support our communities with the greatest need," said Mayor Walsh. "As we enter the summer months, I am pleased that the Fund will help us support essential and vital services, including providing and delivering meals, expanding capacity in the domestic violence shelter system, supporting those in recovery, and more." In total, 49 percent of grantee organizations are led by a person of color and 55 percent of grantee organizations are led by a woman. The Fund serves every neighborhood in Boston, but has focused on the neighborhoods hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. A map showing the neighborhood impact of Boston Resiliency Fund grantees across the City of Boston can be found on the Fund's website. Of the new grants announced today, 43 percent are led by a person of color and 57 percent are led by a woman. Since the first round of fund distribution, the Fund has raised over $32.4 million from over 6,400 donors.     "Ellie Fund is grateful to the Boston Resiliency Fund for this crucial support of patients being treated for breast cancer amid this pandemic," said Meredith Mendelson, Executive Director of Ellie Fund. "This critical funding will ensure that our patients have safe and reliable transportation to treatment, and access to nutritious food. These services also lower their risk of exposure to COVID-19 because our supports are delivered to patients directly. The financial, physical and emotional hardships patients face during treatment are now exacerbated by COVID-19. BRF's funding will help us provide the extra support our patients need at this especially stressful and overwhelming time." This week, grants will support the expansion of capacity in the domestic violence shelter system, the reopening of farmers markets, a campaign to close the SNAP gap, and additional supports for community-based organizations across the city. The grants range in size and will be awarded to the following organizations:  Boston Area Domestic Violence Partnership: Boston Area Domestic Violence Partnership will use the funding to expand capacity in the domestic violence shelter system over the summer and provide food, and emergency supplies to these families. Casa Myrna will serve as the lead partner for the group that includes: Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery at BIDMC of Boston, Domestic Violence Program at Boston Medical Center, Elizabeth Stone House, HarborCOV, HAVEN at MGH, Passageway at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Renewal House of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, RESPOND, and Transition House. Common Good Project: The Common-Good Project will use BRF funds to provide CSA shares to working-class and underemployed minority women, isolated seniors, and community members with disabilities in the Dorchester, Mattapan, and Greater Boston area. The grant does not cover community health worker salaries.  Community Outreach Ministries, Inc.: Community Outreach Ministries will use the BRF grant to help connect seniors to services and their broader support community through technology.  DRIVE Boston Community Resources, Inc.: DRIVE Boston will purchase grocery store and general gift cards, along with needed supplies, to support residents in need across the City.  Ellie Fund: Ellie Fund will use the funding to support and protect vulnerable breast cancer patients from COVID-19. Services include grocery support and delivery, prepared & delivered meals, and safe transportation to/from medical appointments Family Aid Boston, Inc.: Family Aid Boston will use the funding to deliver food, supplies, and grocery gift cards weekly, directly to client apartments. Social workers will survey clients bi-weekly to assess needs and monitor health and housing status.  Faith Based Grassroots Addiction Recovery Coalition: Leaders of the Faith Based Grassroots Addiction Recovery Coalition (FBGARC), along with The Gavin Foundation & community partners, will provide support to people in recovery and returning citizens during the pandemic through: Care Packages: Provide care packages to people entering sober homes, either through the probation/parole partnership or through other treatment programs. These care packages will include personal hygiene items, bedding, towels, flip-flops, and a grocery store gift card, and will be provided directly to the 14 participating sober homes in Boston. Peer Support Meetings: Bring together local houses of worship and recovery service providers to facilitate outdoor peer support meetings. FBGARC plans on enlisting approximately 5-6 places of worship or community spaces, which would be equipped with picnic tables, sun umbrellas, podiums, PPE, and cleaning supplies. All meetings would comply with social distancing and other public health guidelines.  Friday Night Supper Club: For Boston's homeless population, the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly devastating as food, shelter and medical care are even harder to secure during this health crisis. Friday Night Supper Club will use the funding to purchase groceries and supplies for their Friday Night Supper Program (FNSP), which serves nutritious takeaway meals at the Arlington Street Church in Boston to anyone in need.   Lena Park Community Development Corporation (CDC): Lena Park CDC will use the funding to secure essential goods and supplies, for 750 residents for a 4-week period. They are planning for the re-opening of the Community Engagement Center (contingent upon and in accordance with local, state, and federal approval/guidance) and will also prioritize funds to offer their broader, non-resident community access to their COVID-19 relief supports and services as they continue moving their lives forward as the community recovers from the devastating effects of the pandemic. The funding will support work to support Lena Park households with grocery store gift cards. Mass Farmers Market: Mass Farmers Market will use the funding to provide access to farm fresh local fruit and vegetables for families, seniors, and individuals this summer. The program will provide weekly coupons to those in need regardless of immigration status, while supporting the local economy and urban agriculture. A map of farmers markets in the City, days and hours of operation, and available payment methods can be found here. New England Community Services: New England Community Services will provide grocery gift cards to families in the community.  Project Bread: Project Bread will develop and implement a public awareness campaign to promote Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment and utilization, targeting SNAP gap households and other eligible but unenrolled families. These funds will provide operational and additional language support to the FoodSource Hotline and train community-based organizations and health centers to screen for SNAP eligibility and support with applications. Voice of the Tabernacle Multi Service Center Inc (VTMC): VTMC would use the funding to support critical support services to Haitian refugee and immigrant youth and emergency housing assistance. This program is heavily utilized by unaccompanied youth who need assistance in finding stable, long-term housing in culturally-connected communities.  We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project: We Are Better Together (WABT) will use the funding to purchase food gift cards and groceries. Access to food/financial insecurity is a significant need for their families, many of whom are seniors or single caregivers caring for children due to the loss of a parent/caregiver to homicide and/or incarceration. These families often face barriers in mainstream supportive services. West End House: The West End House Boys and Girls Club in Allston will use the funding to continue their food delivery program to families they serve.  ###

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SECOND FUNDING ROUND FOR THE CHILDCARE ENTREPRENEUR FUND

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SECOND FUNDING ROUND FOR THE CHILDCARE ENTREPRENEUR FUND Grantees selected will participate in six virtual workshops and will receive $3,500 in funding

BOSTON - Thursday, July 2, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the second funding round of the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund, which will provide cash grants and business skills workshops to 25 family childcare entrepreneurs in Boston this summer and 25 more in the fall. As the City transitions through a safe, phased reopening, access to childcare is critical for parents and guardians returning to workplaces, and the early educators who provide it need additional support. Applications are available starting today through July 22, 2020 at www.boston.gov/childcare-fund. "In Boston, we are dedicated to a safe, gradual reopening to ensure the safety of residents while also ensuring that families have access to the childcare they need," said Mayor Walsh. "As more businesses begin to reopen as a part of the State's reopening plan, this next round of the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund will increase access to childcare and help families who must return to physical workplaces." Childcare Entrepreneurship Fund grant recipients will attend six virtual workshops on topics including accounting, marketing, shared services, and resources available to them as they reopen. After completing the workshops, grantees will receive a $3,500 grant to use to stabilize or expand their business.  In May of this year, the first round of 22 childcare professionals graduated from the pilot program.  "I learned that my business is very important to society. We are contributing to a better future with the education and love that we give to the children we have in our program," said grant recipient Maria Estevez. "I hope other colleagues can have the same opportunity that I had, for the education of our children and for the improvement of our community." Building on Mayor Walsh's commitment to helping small businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund has $175,000 available for grant rounds in summer 2020 and fall 2020. In addition to this Fund, Mayor Walsh has previously made available several grant programs to assist small businesses throughout the pandemic. The Small Business Relief Fund has awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to businesses most impacted by COVID-19, totally $5.9 million so far. The Reopen Boston Fund was created to help small businesses put safety measures in place, including buying personal protective equipment, installing safety partitions for customers and employees, and managing outdoor space approved for business use. To date, $1.2 million has been provided to 713 businesses. Finally, the Boston Resiliency Fund has granted $941,625 to 32 emergency child care providers to ensure their financial viability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the second round of funding will close on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the closing date. The application is available at www.boston.gov/childcare-fund. Virtual sessions will be held to provide information about the program and the application process to all interested residents. They will take place on the following days on the Women's Advancement Facebook page: Thursday, July 9, 2020 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Wednesday July 15, 2020 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (in Spanish) Saturday July 18, 2020 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. For more information, on the Childcare Entrepreneurship Fund, go to www.boston.gov/childcare-fund. Please direct all translation requests to bostonwomen@boston.gov. ###

Registration for 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience to Open Tuesday, July 7

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that registration for the 124^th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will open on Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00 a.m. The virtual race is open only to participants who were originally entered in the Boston Marathon scheduled for April 20, 2020.

“The world cannot come to Boston this year, so we will bring the Boston Marathon to the world through a virtual experience that captures the spirit, community, and celebration of the race,” said Tom Grilk, C.E.O of the B.A.A. “The 124^th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will allow participants to be part of Boston Marathon history."

The cost to register for the 124^th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will be $50. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 7, participants will be emailed their unique registration code. The first 15,000 registrants will receive a Pre-Race Package delivered by Amazon containing a commemorative 2020 Boston Marathon bib and training items from Clif Bar, Poland Spring, Abbott, and more.

All finishers of the 124^th Boston Marathon will receive a Post-Race Package delivered by Amazon containing their Boston Marathon Official Participant shirt, unicorn finisher’s medal, Official 2020 Boston Marathon Program, Sam Adams 124^th Boston Marathon bottle opener, and additional celebratory items. The limited edition Pre- and Post-Race Packages will be branded in the Boston Marathon blue and gold and feature the iconic B.A.A. unicorn.

All registrants will receive access to a unique Boston Marathon Virtual Experience platform where runners can track and upload their 26.2-mile results, view leaderboards and standings, and download a virtual tool kit. The platform, which will be available in a to-be-launched application as well as in a web-based platform, will feature unique Boston Marathon audio cues to enhance the pre-race and race experience. To be considered a finisher of the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience, entrants must complete 26.2 miles in one continuous run on any day between September 7–14 and submit proof of completion to the B.A.A. Participants will not have a time limit by which to complete their race, but are required to complete the full marathon distance continuously on the same day.

The Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will also engage the more than 10,000 volunteers who originally registered to assist with events throughout April’s canceled race weekend. All volunteers will be encouraged to give back to their local communities in a way that celebrates the spirit of the Boston Marathon. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to receive their Official 2020 Volunteer Jacket or donate it to a frontline worker.

Leading up to September’s race week, participants will receive more information on the virtual experience. Participant newsletters will provide information on training tips, summer running, hydration, and tips on creating your own 26.2-mile course.

The 2020 Boston Marathon, originally scheduled for April 20, 2020, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. All entrants were offered a full refund of entry fees associated with April’s race.

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

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and also supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

波士頓經文處再送出20萬片口罩 塔醫、MGH受惠

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(中)在塔芙茨醫療中心捐贈口罩。

         (Boston Orange)剛過去的6月份，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處很忙碌，從麻州，羅德島州到佛蒙特州，共代表中華民國(台灣)政府送出30餘萬片醫用口罩，以及1萬片N95口罩，協助新英格蘭各地政府、機構抗疫，儼然發動”口罩外交”，所到之處，一片感謝聲。

如果加上波士頓經文處從4月份開始送出的口罩，總數量可能已逾半百萬。

6月29日、30日，駐波士頓辦事處徐處長佑典代表中華民國(台灣)政府捐贈各10萬片醫用口罩給守護大眾健康的第一線醫療照護人員，塔芙茨醫療中心(Tufts Medical Center)及麻省總醫院(Massachusetts General Hospital)。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(中)捐口罩給麻省總醫院。

經文處表示，大波士頓是世界頂尖醫學中心的聚集地，既有塔芙茨醫療中心及麻省總醫院等許多優秀醫院，也有塔芙茨大學醫學院及哈佛大學醫學院等為美國及世界培育第一流醫療人才的多個機構。麻州近來疫情雖然趨緩，但美國各地正陸續出現第二波疫情，防範新型冠狀病毒疫情，仍有迫切需要。這次捐贈給塔醫和麻省總醫院的共20萬片醫用口罩，是由台灣直接運抵醫院，並由院方於第一時間立即派送到第一線醫療人員手中。

塔醫中心資深副總裁Terry Hudson-Jinks當天代表接受這10萬片醫用口罩。台裔美籍皮膚科主任Clarissa Yang，醫材營運主任Ryan Flaherty也出席見證，也同聲感謝台灣捐贈。

新英格蘭玉山科技協會會長蘇皓瑋(左起)，僑務促進委員康麗雪，
和駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典代表台灣捐贈口罩。劍橋市市長
Sumbul Siddiqui代表接受。

麻省總醫院由外科首席主任Keith Lillemoe代表受贈，外科醫療照護研究發展主任David Chang、腫瘤外科主任Dr. Kenneth Tanabe及急診室主任Dr. Jorone Lee 亦到場表示支持。Keith Lillemoe還代表麻省總醫院院長Peter L. Slavin宣讀致台灣感謝信，稱許台灣的善舉，為該院第一線醫療人員的生命安危因此得到更多保障，表達謝意。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(中)代表台灣捐口罩給波士頓消防局，
該局副局長黃瑞瑜(右)等人代表接受。

駐波士頓台北經文處在徐佑典處長，以及王麗芬，洪麗玲等處內一眾領事人員在6月份內，還穿梭麻州的波士頓市消防局，劍橋市，春田市，鱈魚角Barnstable郡，分別前往羅德島州，佛蒙特州議會及威爾猛軍校(Norwich University)等地捐贈口罩。其中劍橋市的捐贈，是由僑務促進委員康麗雪及新英格蘭玉山科技協會會長蘇皓瑋協助促成，當天他們也出席了捐贈儀式。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(左二)代表台灣捐口罩給春田市，
由春田市市長Domenic J. Sarno(右二)等人代表接受。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(左四)代表台灣捐贈
口罩給鱈魚角的Barnstable郡，多名眾議員及地方官員
出席接受捐贈。

KENNEDY RAISES OVER $1.9 MILLION IN TWO MONTHS

KENNEDY RAISES OVER $1.9 MILLION IN TWO MONTHS

Shows continued financial momentum despite pausing fundraising due to COVID-19

Watertown, MA –– During the second fundraising quarter of 2020, Kennedy for Massachusetts announced over $1.9 million raised -- over $1 million of that in June alone -- despite temporarily suspending campaign fundraising operations due to COVID-19. Kennedy heads into the final quarter before the U.S. Senate primary race with $4.7 million cash on hand. 

Due to COVID-19, Kennedy temporarily suspended all political operations, including fundraising, in mid-March. He did not resume digital fundraising or virtual fundraising events until the last days of April. During the campaign suspension, Kennedy used his email list to raise over $100,000 for organizations and workers on the frontlines of COVID response. Additionally, Kennedy raised over $15,000 in grassroots donations for Black-led racial justice organizations in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

“These strong fundraising numbers reflect the energy for Joe and the momentum behind our efforts to bring Massachusetts stronger leadership to the United States Senate,” said Campaign Manager Nick Clemons. “When Joe decided to pause all fundraising in the wake of COVID-19 to help raise money for the hardest hit families, communities, and frontline workers, we fully expected to take a financial hit this quarter. The extraordinary outpouring of support since we resumed fundraising in May indicates the growing excitement around Joe and this campaign. We are proud of the effort this quarter, humbled by the support, and ready for the next two months.”

Kennedy was grateful for the support of many high-profile colleagues and supporters who helped raise money on his behalf, including: Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep.Adam Schiff, Rep. David Cicilline, Rep. Annie Kuster, Rep.Sean Patrick Maloney, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Beto O’Rourke, Jim Obergefell, and Jason Collins.

Kennedy for Massachusetts began an aggressive digital and television communications effort in the second quarter, investing heavily in communicating Joe’s message to communities across the Commonwealth. 

Meanwhile, Senator Markey has relied on a Super PAC to run his paid media efforts, bringing hundreds of thousands of undisclosed, outside dollars into Massachusetts.

Baker-Polito Administration, MBTA and Community Partners Highlight Food Security Partnership with The RIDE

Baker-Polito Administration, MBTA and Community Partners Highlight Food Security Partnership with The RIDE

From The governor's office.

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak and officials from the City of Boston, Greater Boston YMCA and Greater Boston Food Bank to highlight an innovative partnership to help provide Boston’s most vulnerable residents with access to food by utilizing RIDE paratransit service.

“Our administration is committed to addressing food security concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this partnership between the MBTA, City of Boston, YMCA and Greater Boston Food Bank is an innovative way we can support our most vulnerable residents during these unprecedented times,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are glad this initiative is making a difference, and appreciate the work of so many partners to make it happen.”

“This unique initiative to address food insecurity is another way that the RIDE is serving residents in need during this public health emergency,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is grateful to the many leaders, organizations and residents that have stepped up to help their neighbors through the pandemic.”

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the operators of our RIDE vehicles who have stepped up to help our most vulnerable neighbors access food,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “This partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank, the City of Boston and the YMCA has been a tremendous success, resulting in the delivery of tens of thousands of bags of groceries to citizens in need.”  

"Our work in providing food during the COVID-19 public health emergency is a great example of everyone coming together to support our residents' most immediate needs, and we look forward to continuing this work during the summer and beyond,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I thank the MBTA, and our partners at the YMCA, and the Greater Boston Food Bank for helping us strengthen the City of Boston’s food access work that has already provided over two million meals to our residents most in need and negatively impacted by COVID-19.”  

“The unique collaboration between GBFB, the YMCA, the City of Boston and the MBTA was born out of necessity and sheer will power to get food to those in need during this historic public health crisis,” said Carol Tienken, COO of The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). “We aim to continue our work together, to end hunger here.”

“We acknowledge the strong leadership of Governor Baker during the pandemic and relish this opportunity to partner with the MBTA, Mayor Walsh and City of Boston to deliver food to our most vulnerable children, families and seniors. It is a blessing to coalesce our organizational skills, infrastructures and ‘people power’ in the spirit of serving others,” said James Morton, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “We thank the MBTA and City of Boston for allowing the YMCA of Greater Boston to participate in this important partnership, as we are universally committed to mitigating hunger for all Bostonians during this crisis and beyond. We appreciate the recognition of our work from our partners, Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh.”

As ridership on the MBTA’s RIDE service has significantly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, available RIDE vehicles are currently being utilized to pick up and deliver food items and school meals to residents. Collaborating with GBFB and the YMCA, RIDE drivers arrive at the YMCA location on Huntington Avenue daily to pick up an assortment of grocery bags and shelf stable school meals. Groceries are delivered by RIDE vehicles to designated homes, the amount based on the size of the household and whether or not the family is enrolled in the Boston Public School partnership. 

As of the end of June 2020, the RIDE has completed over 8,000 deliveries, totaling more than 12,000 grocery bags and nearly 60,000 school meals to over 1,200 Boston Public School children. 

In May, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a $56 million investment to combat food insecurity, consistent with the recommendations of the Food Security Task Force. Last month, the Administration announced the opening of applications for the largest portion of that investment, the $36 million Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Group Insurance Commission Deferring $190 Million in FY21 First Quarter Premium Payments for Municipal Members

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Group Insurance Commission Deferring $190 Million in FY21 First Quarter Premium Payments for Municipal Members

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) will defer $190 million in premium payments during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) from local cities and towns, regional school districts, and other entities that became members of the GIC through the Municipal Partnership Act.

This measure will provide important cash-flow relief to GIC municipal members across Massachusetts without compromising the GIC’s ability to pay all member claims without any impact on total FY21 revenue.

“By deferring these monthly GIC premium payments, we are providing relief to local municipalities that are facing budget challenges and cash-flow constraints due to COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to implement this payment deferral and will continue working to support municipal budgets and government services that are important to the people of Massachusetts.”

“Our Administration continues to seek ways to assist local cities and towns as we move forward with our phased reopening process and navigate the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Working closely with our partners at the state and local levels, we are providing municipalities with resources and tools to protect public health, navigate the unique challenges caused by COVID-19, and ensure responsible governance.”

All FY21 revenues will be billed and collected later during the fiscal year. The total cash-flow relief anticipated as a result of the FY21 first quarter deferral is approximately $63 million per month or approximately $190 million total.

“We are continuing to coordinate with our state and local partners, and the Massachusetts Legislature, in order to promote economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “This premium payment deferral will support local cities and towns and provide them with much-needed cash flow relief.”

“As municipal leaders confront the extraordinary challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the GIC is committed to delivering value and supporting our municipal members,” said GIC Executive Director Matthew Veno. “Measures such as this reflect the GIC’s strong belief in this partnership with cities and towns at a time when preserving essential services at the local level is critical.”

This announcement builds upon additional measures put in place by the Administration to provide cash flow relief and budgetary support to municipalities. This includes making up to $502 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available to cities and towns for COVID-19 response efforts, as well as making up to $200 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available for costs related to reopening public schools, $194 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grants, and $25 million in matching funds for remote learning technology grants.

The Group Insurance Commission is a quasi-independent state agency governed by a seventeen-member Commission. It provides and administers health insurance and other benefits to 460,000 members including the Commonwealth's employees and retirees, and their dependents and survivors, as well as participating municipalities, Housing and Redevelopment Authorities' personnel, retired municipal employees, and teachers in certain governmental units.