City of Boston funding updates

The Funding Update Subscribe to The Funding Update FEDERAL GRANTS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 8/5/2022 Citizenship and Integration grants support organizations that provide 1) citizenship classes and naturalization services; 2) extended integration services; 3) citizenship preparation services; 4) regional or statewide citizenship networks. Max awards range from $300,000 to $1M. National Park Service, 8/10/2022 Underrepresented Community grants are intended to diversify the nominations submitted to the National Register of Historic Places. Eligible projects include surveys and nominations of historic sites. Awards range from $15,000 to $75,000. National Science Foundation, Open Smart & Connected Communities is a program supported across NSF’s Directorates for Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Education and Human Resources; Engineering; and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.  Integrative Research grants will address technological and social science dimensions of smart and connected communities. Track 1 awards could range between $1.5M and $2.5M for 4 years max. Track 2 max award is $1.5M for up to 3 years. Planning Grants are for capacity building to prepare project teams to develop future Integrative Research proposals. Awards: up to $150,000 for 1 year. Federal funding opportunities are continuously updated on grants.gov STATE GRANTS Massachusetts Housing Partnership + Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency The Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund is available for homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of HAF is to prevent foreclosures and displacements of eligible homeowners.  Department of Early Education & Care, 9/30/2022 Short-term financing is available to child care providers to help sustain program operations despite enrollment fluctuations and ensure the continued availability of care in under-resourced communities. New This Week Town of Brookline, 7/21/2022 The Brookline Department of Public Health is seeking proposals for professional services to conduct, assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting of the Community Health Assessment. Executive Office of the Trial Court, 7/25/2022 Request for Proposals: mental healthcare vendor to provide non-therapeutic, clinician-led support for Massachusetts trial jurors who need one-on-one consultation due to exposure to trauma, or symptoms of anxiety, and depression, or stress as a result of juror service.  Town of Concord, 8/1/2022 Request For Proposals: Regional Affordable Housing Consulting Services/RHSO Senior Housing Consultant. Department of Public Health, 8/2/2022 Request for Responses: Community Innovation in Responding to Adolescent & Young Adult Substance Use. A key component of project models should include the promotion of community partnerships that address youth substance use and encourage positive youth development. Operational Services Division, 8/4/2022 Request for Responses: Management Consultant, Program Coordinator and Planner Services. The resulting primary Statewide Contract will be used by Executive Agencies and other Eligible Entities. PRF76 seeks to establish a pre-qualified list of vendors that can provide an array of services. Scroll down to "Important Links" on CommBUYS to see Newly Posted Bids. CITY GRANTS Environment Department, 7/18/2022 The Commissioner of Environment has issued a Request for Proposals from qualified consultants to provide energy procurement and supply bill reconciliation services to the City. Boston Public Health Commission, 7/18/2022 The Mayor's Office of Recovery Services is seeking organization(s) to fill a critical need in the daytime continuum of care for individuals with substance use disorder, specifically those individuals experiencing homelessness. Boston Public Health Commission, 7/22/2022 The Mayor's Office of Recovery Services is seeking organization(s) to support community engagement teams for up to three neighborhoods identified as high need. Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, 7/22/2022 Requests proposals for a design and installation of public art at the Copley Square Plaza. New This Week Boston Public Health Commission, 8/6/2022 Boston Youth Resiliency and Recovery Collaborative is seeking qualified youth-serving organizations to increase equitable access to high quality mentoring opportunities for BIPOC LGBTQ+ young people. Bids are updated continuously on the City of Boston Supplier Portal. FOUNDATION GRANTS E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, 7/15/2022 & 1/31/2023 Focus areas: theological education, performing arts, charitable purposes, museum collection maintenance, projects/programs offering support to LGBTQ persons of faith, and community health. Each area of giving has a specific geographical area served. Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.     JA Community Foundation, 7/21/2022 Grants (up to $50,000) support new projects or improvements to existing programs with the potential to benefit the senior Japanese American community. Priorities: health, history, arts and culture, and youth. Eastman Foundation, 7/31/2022 Funding focus: sustainable community improvement. Priorities: education, environment, empowerment and economic development. Awards range from $1,000 to $20,000. CoreCivic Foundation, 7/31/2022 Grants support nonprofits that work with former offenders, victims of crime and abuse, and underserved youth. Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 7/31/2022 Funding focus: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Priority is given to long-term service projects providing direct assistance to sick and injured veterans and their families. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Blue Sky, 8/1/2022 Grants support research focused on short-term risks for suicide that can be readily implemented in clinical settings. Max award: $500,000 per year for up to three years. Amelia Peabody  Charitable Fund, 8/1/2022 Focus areas: medicine (human and animal), social welfare, visual arts, land conservation, land conversation, and historic preservation. Awards range from $20,000 to $500,000.  New England Foundation for the Arts, 8/1/2022 & 3/1/2023 NEST grants support nonprofits and schools to provide presentations of New England-based performing artists from outside a presenter's state. Brady Education Foundation, 8/1/2022 Funding focus: helping to close opportunity and achievement gaps associated with race and family income. Previous grants have supported COVID-19 responses, PreK-12 education, data monitoring systems, partnership initiatives, early childhood education studies, program evaluations, Montessori research initiatives, and more. Emeril Lagasse Foundation, 8/1/2022 Seeking concept pacers that address appreciation of the source of food, development of life skills through food, nutrition and healthy eating and development of culinary skills. Max award: $10,000. Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, 8/2/2022 Focus areas: Environment and Health; Music; Education. Max award $75,000.00  TD Charitable Foundation, 8/26/2022 Funding priorities: Better Health, Financial Security, Connected Communities, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support low to moderate-income individuals. Average award $5,000.      Check the Funding Update Archives for back issues with open deadlines. THE RESOURCE TABLE Apply Now for Immigrants Lead Boston Boston immigrants who want to become leaders in the community can now apply for this opportunity through the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. Through a 12-week course, 20 selected residents will meet key City of Boston officials and learn how to effectively navigate local government. Ideal candidates are emerging leaders committed to advocating for their immigrant community. Register for a virtual information session on July 14 from 6-7 pm, or July 30 from 10-11 am; and apply by August 7. Boston Residents: Do you need help getting online? Request FREE High Speed Internet & a Chromebook Laptop through the Boston Public Library's Long Term Lending Program! Click here to learn if you qualify. More BPL events and services are listed here.   Daily Updates from the City of Boston News, Resources, Applications, Permits, Events and more

麻州政府宣佈發出40萬元農場改善補助款

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces $400K in Farm Improvement Grants for APR Farms

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced grants totaling $400,000 has been awarded to several Commonwealth farms through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program (APR) to improve farm operations. MDAR provides farmers with business planning and technical assistance in addition to grants through its APR Improvement Program (AIP). This year’s grants have been awarded to farms in the following communities: the Cities of Amherst and Easthampton, and the Towns of Plainfield, Sunderland, Westport, and Whately, and will be used to construct hay and equipment storage buildings, produce washing and packing facilities, and a farmstand.

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration remains committed to the Massachusetts agricultural industry to ensure our local farmers continue to succeed and have the support they need to provide invaluable products for the public to enjoy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “These Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program Improvement grants will further strengthen the Commonwealth’s food supply system making it more resilient now and well into the future.”

 

“The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is steadfast with its commitment to our Commonwealth’s farming families,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Through the APR Program we have been able to conserve critical farm land, preserve Massachusetts agricultural history, and provide support to help keep these farm businesses sustainable now and for future generations.”

 

Since it began in 2009, AIP has provided $6,425,000 in total grants, averaging approximately $70,250 per farm. Additionally, to date a total of $558,958 has been provided in technical assistance to 100 Massachusetts farms, averaging approximately $5,590 per farm. Farms receiving AIP funds this round includes:

 

Farm	Town	Project Description	Nomination
Foxcroft Farm	Amherst	Hay/equipment storage building	$40,000
Long Plain Farm	Whately	Produce storage/packing building	$40,000
Orr’s Farm	Westport	Storage building	$40,000
Mountain View Farms	Easthampton	Storage barn	$40,000
D.A. Smiarowski Farms	Sunderland	Produce washing/packing building	$120,000
Wolf Tree Farm	Plainfield	Produce washing/packing building & farmstand	$120,000

 

“I thank Governor Baker and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources for their continued support of the Massachusetts agricultural community,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

 

“The vital APR program has helped to preserve farmland throughout the Commonwealth, including at over 380 APR farms in the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district,” stated State Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health and Joint Committee on Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management. “I am delighted that these farm improvement grants will fortify the Commonwealth's food system, increase the availability of fresh and healthy local produce, and help keep farmland as farmland. Congratulations to Foxcroft Farm in Amherst, Long Plain Farm in Whately, and D.A. Smiarowski Farms in Sunderland for these very-well deserved awards.”

 

“The APR Improvement Program is critical in helping our farmers remain competitive in a changing food production world,” stated State Representative Paul Schmid (D-Westport). “We are deeply indebted to our Governor and Lieutenant Governor for their demonstrated commitment to farmers and food.”

 

“I am excited that the state is awarding these grants to local farms to support their financial viability. All of us need our farms and farmers to succeed. And we know our farms and farmers need greater attention and resources to survive. These grants look at supporting those farms with land that is already protected for agricultural use and maximizes their capacity for long-term success,” said State Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Acting Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I want to congratulate all of today’s recipients, the majority of whom are located in western Massachusetts, as these grants contribute to our region’s economy as well. And, a special shout-out to Foxcroft Farm, located in the 3^rd Hampshire District, with my appreciation for its efforts to secure these state resources for our community.”

 

“Support for our local farms is vital to the success of our food system,” said State Representative Natalie M. Blais (D-Sunderland). “These investments allow farmers to make improvements that will enhance operations and truly make a difference in their long-term viability.”

 

For more information about AIP, please visit MDAR’s program webpage. AIP is one of several programs within MDAR’s Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance (DACTA), whose mission is to advance the conservation and utilization of agricultural resources through preservation, environmental stewardship, technology, technical assistance and education in order to enhance the viability of agricultural enterprises and safeguard natural resources.

波士頓市老人局局長親自為華埠居民會介紹該局服務 麻州已有13家大麻店

波士頓市老人局局長Emily Shea親自到華埠居民會月會上介紹該局服務。 (視頻截圖)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華埠居民會 (CRA) 7月6日晚在網上舉行月例會，有波士頓市老人局局長到會說明該局各項服務，有「短距離 (. Stone’s Throw) 」大麻店陳情，還有華埠土地信託會籲請居民推動麻州議員通過法案，撥經費助地方保留可負擔住宅。

波士頓華埠居民會會議這晚由華人前進會的鄺寶蓮主持。 (視頻截圖)

波士頓市老人局 (Age Strong Commission) 局長Emily Shea親自到會，說明該局工作目標是藉由政府及相關社會資源，使老人家生活得更自在，如意，讓波士頓成為對老人更友善的城市。

Emily Shea介紹指出，波士頓市老人局和中華耆英會，波士頓耆英居家照顧會 (Boston Senior Home Care) 等社區機構長期合作，為需要服務的老人家介紹各種資源，並提供協助。

耆英們可經由前述3機構，查詢波士頓市府老人局為老人家們舉辦派對，運動會，健身練瑜珈，或參觀展覽，講座等等活動的資訊，或者申請找人看信，翻譯，填表，申辦耆英保險，醫療護理 (Medicare)，SNAP

6日晚的華埠居民會最多時有33人出席。 (視頻截圖)

、糧食券等社會福利，或者是申請打掃，煮飯，洗澡，穿衣，陪同就醫等等的居家服務。

Emily Shea特別說明，住在波士頓的65歲以上老人家，還可撥打311熱線電話，預約老人小巴 (Age Strong Shuttle) ，以免費的獲得接載服務。老人局也出售搭乘計程車優惠券，老人家只要付5元，就可買到一本10元券。該券在波士頓市政府，以及一些特定機構出售。經當晚出席居民建議，波士頓市府將研議，邀華人前進會協助代售的可行性。

身體健康，願意為各項社區活動當志工的耆英，也可經由該局協助，找自己喜歡的活動來當志工，為社會服務。

「短距離 (. Stone’s Throw) 」大麻店有8名股東。 (視頻截圖)

Emily Shea透露，該局最近正積極與地方企業合作，透過培訓，讓企業把各自的營業場合，營運作業流程，都變得更加能夠照顧老人家需求，例如餐廳的座椅間隔寬些，餐牌字大些，燈光亮些，和老人家溝通有哪些叫巧等。培訓合格的餐廳或機構，還可得到一張證書，供張貼店內。該局刻正招標，邀請各機構遞交這類服務培訓計畫。

「短距離 (. Stone’s Throw) 」大麻店執行長為Blake Mensing。 (視頻截圖)

當晚協助主持會議的Annie Ren Wang在會中表示，大約二個月前，君子樓突然發生停水狀況，許多住在樓內的老人家們求助無門，很辛苦地從外面找水源，一桶桶的裝回家用。她希望知道，社區內的老人家遭遇這類狀況時，可以上哪兒求助。

「短距離 (. Stone’s Throw) 」大麻店預定開設地點在皮革區內，南車站巴士區對面的大西洋道727號這商業樓宇內。該店有8名股東，都住在麻州。執行長為Blake Mensing，當晚主講人為負責綜合管理與社區參與的Desiree Franjul。

大麻店面視意圖。 (視頻截圖)

該店預定營業時間為週一至週日的早上9點至晚上9點，零售店面約3192平方英尺，店門入口在必珠街 (Beach)，出口在大西洋道，500英尺內無學校，半里之內無其他大麻店，將實施嚴格的保安措施，包括21歲以下人士不准踏入店內，進門都要查身分證，所有員工將接受訓練，顧客不會碰到產品等。店外面向不同街道安裝3部監視錄影機。該店預訂聘請15名本地居民為工作人員，一班人員薪資將為每小時18至20元。該電表士曾和華美福利會聯絡，但未聯絡上。

「短距離 (. Stone’s Throw) 」大麻店綜合管理與社區參與的Desiree Franjul。 (視頻截圖)

Desiree Franjul透露，麻州現有13家大麻店在營運中，陸續將共出現52家。根據網路資訊，波士頓市內，現有5家大麻店。，

波士頓華埠居民會當晚並未就此陳情投票表決支持與否。

華埠社區土地信託會主任駱理德。 (視頻截圖)

波士頓華埠社區土地信託會 (CCLT)主任駱理德當晚簡單報告，該會在屋街 (Oak)，亞美社區發展協會 (ACDC) 在必珠街64號，分別買下2戶及1 戶單位，為華埠奢區保留可負擔住宅。在麻州議會內，今年有2項相關提案在討論中，一為要求擁有7戶以上單位的物業主在出售物業時，要給承租戶第一優先購買權，另一為由政府撥款，協助地方非牟利機構買下物業，為地方保留可負擔住宅。駱理德籲請居民促請州議員們支持這2議案。

                  當晚還有愛丁保羅街居民請波士頓市議員關注該街道上深夜噪音問題，食客任意停車阻礙交通等情況。當晚為大麻店做翻譯的波士頓市議會議長助理盧善柔表示，她和波士頓市公共工程局人員已約好要巡走華埠街道，查察人行道破損，缺乏殘障坡道等情況，屆時將一併觀察愛丁保羅街情況。

波士頓市長吳弭關心青少年精神健康 (市府視頻)

Boston Children's Physician and Harvard instructor Dr. Kevin Simon has been appointed as the first Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dr. Simon will guide public health strategy to support Bostonians’ growing mental and behavioral health needs at the the Boston Public Health Commission. I joined the Mayor, Dr. Simon, City Councilor Louijeune and State Representative Madaro at Zumix in East Boston to highlight youth mental health needs. As the Chair of Public Health, Mental Health and Homelessness, the first Order I filed as a City Councilor was to address the youth mental health crisis in our City. The second Order I filed was to address the lack of funding, and commitment, in our Boston Public Schools around athletics and arts for our youth.  Sports and arts provide our children with way more than just the opportunity to exercise their bodies. There are social, health and psychological benefits that allow our kids to do better in life. As a mother of student athletes (Go Dragons and Eagles!) who benefitted in so many ways from their time on school teams and art programs, and as a public school teacher who knows that educating the whole child has to include physical and social wellness to be successful, I will continue to advocate for more athletic and art opportunities for our children. Together, we will strive to move swiftly towards ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, affordable, and culturally competent mental health care. Connecting athletic and art opportunities in addition to medical care is sure to result in positive outcomes for our youth. As always, in a mental health emergency, 911 is available to assist. In a non-emergency situation, you may dial 311, or contact 617-431-0125. For questions, contact the Boston Public Health Commission: 617-534-5395  Erin J. Murphy  Boston City Councilor At-Large Erin.Murphy@Boston.gov 617-635-3115

波士頓今年撥2000萬元資助學前教育 3、4歲兒童學位即起接受申請

波士頓市長吳弭表示，希望將來能夠推出一條龍式的學前教育服務，讓家長們不再頭痛。
(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今 (6) 日一早率市府人員，在波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC) 大樓旁宣佈，市府新年度預算撥款2000萬元，經由市府的統一學前項目 (UPK)，增加992個3歲及4歲學齡前兒童學位。

波士頓市府為使托兒服務在時間，語言，收容兒童年紀，以及收費等更具彈性，補助經費將同時開放給經辦學前兒童般的非牟利機構，或者提供托兒服務的家庭企業申請。

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) (左三)和波士頓華埠社區中心主任Ben Hire (左一)，以及
學前班主任鄭敬群  (前右三)等BCNC員工合影。 (周菊子攝)

            吳弭指出，波士頓市的終極目標是設計出一套一條龍式系統，讓家有新生兒的父母，從知道家中即將新添成員的那刻起，完全不須操心，就能知道市府有哪些相關服務，以及各種服務的申請流程。

            波士頓市幼兒時期 (Early Childhood)辦公室主任Kristin McSwain表示，從新學年開始，波士頓市的統一學前項目 (UPK)的經費補助辦法，也將從往年的以每名學生，改為以每班計算，以期托兒服務經營者可以更穩定的營運，同時容許這些機構提供比6.5

學前兒童教育備受關注，有許多人出席發佈會。

個小時更長的服務時間，從而更符合上班家長們的需要。

              從7月起的這新學年，波士頓公校系統和波士頓市幼兒時期辦公室將和20個家庭托兒服務供應商，學齡前項目委員會委員，以及其他專家合作，來設計波士頓市的學前兒童項目。

                  波士頓統一學前項目主任TeeAra Dias指出，波士頓市從2019年開始辦理學齡前兒童項目，今年是第二年增加3及4歲兒童在社區機構中的學位，總共提供992個學位，其中4歲兒童學位627個，3歲學童學位365個。整個波士頓市的學齡前項目還包括波士頓功效為4歲兒童提供的2556個幼稚園一年級學位，以及為3歲及4歲殘障兒童提供的880個幼稚園一年級及零年及學位。

波士頓統一學前項目主任TeeAra Dias 說明，家庭式托兒服務供應商必須開業已滿一年，符合
波士頓市府各項規定，就可申請經費補助。波士頓市可提供申請輔導。 (周菊子攝)

             波士頓市的學齡前項目還將在2022-2023學年，為3歲班引進由波士頓功效和麻州早期教育護理部門，以及幼兒支持組織 (ECSO)合作的 「關注3s (Focus on 3s)」課程。

            波士頓華埠社區中心學前班主任鄭敬群 (Kathy Cheng)表示，該中心原有3歲及4歲兒童的學前班各一班，在新年度經費增加後，將可增開一班3歲班，學位增至共56個。她指出，波士頓市府提供的這免費學前班學位，每天6個半小時，平均可讓幼兒父母一年節省一萬餘元的托兒費用。該中心另安排有早上7點半至8點半，以及下午3點至5點半的延長時段服務，以因應上班族父母的工作時間需求。

            波士頓市學齡前項目的社區組織學位，即日起接受申請。符合資格學生必須市波士頓居民，在2022年9月1日前已滿4歲。查詳情可上網 www.bostonpublicschools.org/upk。查詢波士頓市府名單上的社區服務供應商，可上網https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/upk-sites。各服務機構的所在位置圖為https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/viewer?mid=1EN5uxG_IhyEzS-D7Ii94V3TipCe-KjUo&ll=42.31486221884583%2C-71.09517675000001&z=12。

波士頓執法人員與政要開閉門會議 防範白人至上主義者再肇事

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 為國慶日週末發生的白人至上主義團體遊行，發生衝突事件
召開會議討論因應之道，回應媒體提問。 (周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和聯邦，州，市警政執法人員、議員及社區領袖，7月5日中午，在波士頓警察局總部閉門開會討論後，告訴在門外等了一個半小時多的記者們，礙於美國憲法第一修正案賦予人們的自由表達權， 警方能做的有限。

             但執法人員及州市議員都將竭力防範類似事件再次發生。

聯邦及州市執法人員及議員都出席了會議。 (周菊子攝)

             事件源起於7月2日，大約有100人，在摩頓市 (Malden)集合後，搭地鐵進波士頓市的後灣站 (Back Bay)。這批穿著卡其色長褲，藍上衣，屬於「愛國前鋒 (Patriot Front)」這白人至上主義組織的人，接著從一輛租來的 U-Haul卡車上，拿出盾牌和旗幟，蒙上面，戴著棒球帽，開始在波士頓市中心沿著自由徑 (Freedom Trail) 遊行，經過波士頓公共圖書館，還和一名黑人起了衝突。

 聯邦調查局波士頓辦公室負責人Joseph Bonavolonta表示，在暴力行為出現前，警方只能
干預。 (周菊子攝)

             他們拿的是只有13顆星，象徵美國最初13個殖民地的旗幟。

             波士頓市長吳弭和麻州的美國檢察官Rachel Rollins在7月5日的記者會上都說，波士頓警察和聯邦調查局 (FBI)告訴她們，事前不知道這個「愛國前鋒 (Patriot Front)」組織會遊行。

 波士頓市代理警察局局長Gregory Long表示，會起訴在起衝突事件中的肇事者。
(周菊子攝)

             吳弭市長說，美國憲法第一修正案賦予了人們自由表達權，但並不保護暴力，以及其他的不合宜行為。在Idaho發生的事件，執法人員事先獲得資訊，得以及早因應，但在波士頓這兒，事前並無消息。下次如果有仇恨組織要公開遊行，波士頓市得更好的做準備。波士頓市將和社區人士合作，有策略的因應這持續高漲的白人至上主義及仇恨。

            波士頓市代理警察局局長Gregory Long表示，會起訴在起衝突事件中的肇事者。

             美國檢察官Rachel Rollins稱「愛國前鋒 (Patriot Front)

波士頓市長吳弭  (右)和美國檢察官Rachel Rollins   (左)進一步回應提問。 (周菊子攝)

」是個創辦人來自德州的組織，在新罕布夏州，羅德島州，緬因州等地，都發動過類似的遊行。執法人員能做的是，在憲法範疇內盡可能的策略性回應，但公眾能給執法人員更多資訊，尤其是白人社區，可以及早通知執法人員，他們擔心自己的親人涉入類似事件。她說，人們應寧願這些擔心是過慮，而不至於等事件發生後再後悔。執法人員也將研究可以如何來主動防範這類事件。

                 Rachel Rollins還指出，在麻州，這也不是白人至上主義者第一次遊行，今年早前在布里根婦女 (Brigham and Women’s) 醫院前，在南波士頓的聖派翠克日遊行時，他們都出現過。

麻州眾議員Aaron Michlewitz指出，如何不給白人至上主義者想要得到的關注，讓人頗為難。
(周菊子攝)

             根據南方貧窮法律中心 (Southern Poverty Law Center)，「愛國前鋒」是一個在全美40州有分會的白人至上主義團體。

             上個月在Idaho州，執法人員獲悉這組織計畫打擊一項「驕傲 (Pride)」活動後，逮捕了31人。

波士頓市議員Tonia Fernades Anderson (右) 在網路上看到了Rod Webber(左)發佈的白人至上
主義團體的視頻。  (周菊子攝)

             聯邦調查局波士頓辦公室負責人Joseph Bonavolonta表示，在波士頓發生的這一事件，警方事前並不知道，而且就算知道有特定的暴力威脅，他們也只能干預。他說，”有時候，卑鄙或令人反感的仇恨語言，有時是會被第一修正案所保護的”，只有在這種言論達到威脅或使用暴力的程度時，他們才可以涉入，並啟動調查。

             麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz) 表示，出席討論會的人對這事件該如何處理都感到有點為難。他們認為那些人的遊行、示威，就是想要引人注意，而他們這麼認真的聚集這麼多人來討論，似乎就正好引起更多人注意，如何平衡，讓人頗費腦筋。

             波士頓市議員Tonia Fernades Anderson表示，做為市議員，她覺得得和同僚們，和市長討論，怎麼樣才能防範於未然，而不是等事件發生後再反應，而且應該定調的讓人知道，波士頓不是個可以做這種示威遊行的地方。

法院將快速檢視郵寄選票永久化新法

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 今年的麻州選舉黨派初選日為9月6日，距離現在不到2個月。麻州最高法院動作迅速的將檢討麻州共和黨所質疑，” 讓統一郵寄投票成為永久性的新法違憲” 這說法。

            投票法案 (VOTES Act)將受影響。

            投票法案是讓郵寄投票不需理由永久化的全面性法案，其他改革還包括擴大提早投票的選擇，以及實施選後稽核。該法案讓數以百萬計的麻州選民可以在初選日級大選日的幾天之前，舒服地從他們自己家中投票，不需要給出任何理由。

            由於9月6日的初選迫在眉睫，時間很是關鍵。共和黨聲稱郵寄選票可能導致選舉詐欺，提起這一法律訴訟後，不到2星期，口頭辯論就已安排在星期三早上進行。

            在此同時，麻州州務卿威廉蓋文 (William F. Galvin) 已經準備在7月23日前把選票申請書寄給470萬多的選民。他說，州政府已花了數百萬元買郵票，也已經批准了選票設計及標誌，現在就等法院開綠燈了。

            在新法執行前，麻州州法准許選舉日那天不在城裡，有宗教衝突，或殘障的選民缺席投票。在新冠病毒疫情高漲之際，麻州臨時批准了無藉口郵寄投票，以保護選民免於感染新冠病毒。

            在2020年時，有360多萬麻州居民在麻州大選中投了票，其中42%郵寄投票，23%提早親自投票，僅有35%在選舉日當天出席投票。

            上個月，麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 簽署通過了這涵蓋範圍廣闊的投票法，使得”郵寄投票”在麻州成為永久性選項，也將使得殘障人士，在海外的軍人更容易投票，還確保了關在監牢，但有投票權的人，能夠索取郵寄選票。

            根據全國州議會會議資訊，這法令讓麻州加入其他26州，以及華府特區行列，讓選民不需理由就缺席投票。

            共和黨辯稱，新冠病毒已不再那麼緊急，這辦法不應該永久化，郵寄投票容易導致詐欺，而最重要的是議會沒有權力制定違反憲法的法令。

            麻州共和黨黨主席，州及聯邦職位的共和黨候選人，以及一名麻州共和黨州委員會委員，一名選票問題委員會委員在查理貝克簽署該法案次日，挑戰該法的合法性，還申請緊急臨時禁制令，要不讓麻州州務卿威廉蓋文在今年州級選舉的初選及大選中執行新法。

            上星期二，威廉蓋文辦公室提出駁回申訴動議，以及反對臨時禁制令的動議。

            共和黨向法院遞交了一份長72頁的文件，反對州議會執行”選票法”的權力，聲稱這個案不是關於選舉權，而是議會執行現行缺席投票，以及提早投票辦法的權力。

            威廉蓋文告訴波士頓環球報，”在這兒，唯一騙人的是他們的辯詞”，”這更像政治噱頭，而不是可信的法律挑戰”。

            麻州總檢察長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 週二遞交了一份長87頁的簡報，位威廉蓋文辦公室辯護新法，稱”選票法”讓有資格投票的選民投票更容易，而且新法反映了一會就如何規範麻州選舉辦法更近期，更合理的判斷。