Department of Public Utilities Joins National Campaign to Raise Awareness of Safe Digging Practices

Department of Public Utilities Joins National Campaign to Raise Awareness of

Safe Digging Practices

BOSTON – August 10, 2016 – In recognition of National 811 Day tomorrow, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is joining with utility companies in reminding Massachusetts homeowners and contractors not to “dig blind” and to call 8-1-1 to have underground utility lines marked before starting any outdoor digging project.

Calling 811 connects homeowners and contractors to Dig Safe, Inc., the local one-call center, which notifies gas, electric, telephone and cable companies of the intended digging project.  At no cost to the homeowner or contractor, professional locators are then sent to the requested dig site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.

Accidently striking an underground line can cause serious injury and costly service disruptions. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, installing a pool, building a deck and planting a tree are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.

“Contacting 811 before a digging project is the most simple and effective way to prevent accidents,” said Department of Public Utilities Chairwoman Angie O’Connor. “The call is not only simple and free, it's the law.”

In Massachusetts, calling 811 at least three days before beginning an excavation is required by state law and regulations. Failure to follow the provisions of the law and regulations can result in fines of up to $10,000.

The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.

For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, homeowners and contractors are encourages to visit www.call811.com or www.digsafe.com.

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Investing in Local Transportation Infrastructure

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Investing in Local Transportation Infrastructure

Establishes $50 million small bridge program, broadens Complete Streets authorization, leverages $750 million in federal highway  funding

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has signed legislation supporting major new investments in the Commonwealth’s local transportation infrastructure, including a $50 million Municipal Small Bridge Program, the broadening of the Complete Streets Funding Program to support projects in more municipalities, and a $750 million authorization for federal highway aid.

“We recognize the important role transportation infrastructure plays in the strength of our communities and economy,” said Governor Baker.  “I am pleased to sign this legislation providing additional support for our cities and towns to focus on important local projects and accessibility.”

The legislation, An Act providing for the financing of certain improvements to municipal roads and bridges(H. 4424), authorizes $50 million in investments over five years for the Municipal Small Bridge Program,first introduced by the Baker-Polito Administration earlier this year to support approximately 1,300 bridges on municipal roads across Massachusetts spanning lengths between 10 and 20 feet. The program targets small bridge projects not eligible for federal aid under existing replacement or rehabilitation programming and are at high risk for full or partial closure due to present condition, at up to $500,000 per year, per municipality for administration, design and construction.

“Since taking office, we have prioritized local investments and flexibility and thank the legislature for authorizing funding for critical small bridge repairs and municipal improvements,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Consistent with the Community Compact Program, I have been proud to champion on behalf of the administration, the expansion of Complete Streets encourages cities and towns to plan and adopt best practices for safe travel across all modes of transit.”

The bill broadens the authorization of the Complete Streets Funding Program. Launched with $12.5 million in funding by the Baker-Polito Administration earlier this year, Complete Streets provides up to $50,000 for technical assistance and up to $400,000 in construction costs for communities to plan and incorporate best practices into the design and build of safe modes of travel for the public, including pedestrians, cyclers, drivers and users of mass transit.

“Some projects can be game changers for citizens, and the Baker-Polito Administration aims through these programs to help communities preserve, refurbish, and rebuild small bridges or invest in accessibility for the people who live, work and attend school nearby,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.  “These programs are among the many examples of the administration’s partnership with cities and towns to ensure positive local impacts and vitality.”

“This legislation enables us to continue to make important investments in infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Executive Office of Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore. “The legislation expands on the already strong relationships the Baker-Polito Administration has with our municipalities and will greatly assist communities across the state address their deferred maintenance needs.”

“These bridges are critical pieces of infrastructure and posting or closing them can have major impacts on the lives of residents and business owners,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin. “We look forward to continuing our work with community partners on repairs to local infrastructure and investments that can prioritize these projects.”

The legislation signed by the governor includes a $750 million authorization request for the federal aid highway program of which the Commonwealth will be responsible for $135 million and a change bringing bonds issued for the Rail Enhancement Program in line with similar projects like the Accelerated Bridge Program by making them exempt from the statutory debt limit.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Judge Kimberly Budd to Supreme Judicial Court

BOSTON -- Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito released the following statements on the Governor’s Council’s unanimous confirmation of Judge Kimberly Budd to the Supreme Judicial Court:

“Judge Kimberly Budd’s qualifications, temperament and confirmation today will ensure the Supreme Judicial Court is at full strength when they return for their first sitting in September,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I congratulate Judge Budd and Judges Frank Gaziano and David Lowy as we look forward to the impartiality and hard work they will bring to the Commonwealth’s highest court from decades of judicial practice. We further offer our thanks and appreciation to the Governor’s Council for their measured, timely and thorough examination and unanimous approval of all three confirmed nominees.”

“Judge Budd is an exceptional addition to the Commonwealth’s Supreme Judicial Court, defined by a career of extensive legal experience, integrity and impartiality for those who have and will come before her,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The successful and unanimous confirmations of Judge Budd and our nominees will ensure that along with their colleagues on the court, the people of the Commonwealth are served by fair and reasoned results on the important and complex legal matters before them. I would also like to thank the Governor’s Council for their hard work and careful consideration throughout this process.”

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grants to Promote Massachusetts Dairy Industry

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grants to Promote Massachusetts Dairy Industry

BOSTON – August 10, 2016 – The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board (MDPB) today awarded six grants totaling $183,420 to nonprofits for projects which seek to advance the image, sales and demand for Massachusetts dairy products.

“Our administration is committed to supporting the Commonwealth’s hardworking farmers, and ensuring Massachusetts residents have access to nutritious, locally produced food,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“These grants will assist initiatives and programs designed to maintain an economically viable dairy industry in the Commonwealth, and raise consumer awareness and demand for local dairy products.”

“As demand for locally-grown food increases, promotion and education are necessary to keep dairy products relevant in the marketplace,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board Grant Program helps support our state’s dairy farmers who contribute to our agricultural and tourism industries and provide fresh, nutritious food for the Commonwealth’s residents.”

The MDPB, a nine-member board of state officials and dairy farmers formed to promote Massachusetts dairy products, is chaired by a designee of the MDAR commissioner and helps promote increased consumption of dairy products through effective use of promotion, education and research. The MDPB Grant Program, overseen by the board, is funded by the state’s dairy farmers.

“The approximately 150 family-run dairy farms in Massachusetts are a vital part of the Massachusetts food system, producing not just nutritious milk but also yogurt, cheese, butter and famous New England ice cream,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This grant program not only supports our local dairy industry, but also assists efforts to educate consumers on buying local, which will help keep Massachusetts citizens healthy and boost our economy.”

Examples of Fiscal Year 2017 grant projects include supporting school nutrition and wellness through a mini-grant program that facilitates school breakfast program, as well as dairy promotion and education at Eastern States Exposition, along with a regional buy-local campaign educating consumers about the contributions and challenges of dairy farming. 

“These grant funds will be used to build capacity with our buy-locals, regional dairy industry promotion organizations, and dairy minded non-profits to keep dairy products relevant in the market place while also educating consumers of the positive contributions dairy farming has on agriculture across the Commonwealth,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux.

Governor Baker Signs Economic Development Legislation

Governor Baker Signs Economic Development Legislation

$1 billion initiative will advance community development, workforce training, and innovation 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today signed comprehensive economic development legislation into law, providing up to $1 billion in new investments in communities, workforce training, and innovation across Massachusetts, and deepening the state’s economic competitiveness.

The new economic development law, An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development (H. 4569), advances job creation by expanding the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to building a skilled workforce and connecting residents to economic opportunities, strengthening community and housing development efforts, and investing in the emerging technologies that will underpin the Commonwealth’s economic future.

“This legislation unleashes valuable opportunities for investments in the development of revolutionary new technologies and community-based innovation, connecting every region of the Commonwealth to the innovation economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By pairing those investments with a growing commitment to workforce development in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, computer science, and robotics, we will deepen our efforts to build the nation’s most competitive workforce. I am proud this bipartisan legislation will support the growth of our state’s nationally-leading innovation economy, and help develop the jobs of tomorrow.”

“Strong communities are the cornerstone of our Commonwealth, and this economic development legislation provides a robust set of tools that will allow state government to partner with communities, and advance our common goals,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “By providing critical funds for public infrastructure, site cleanup, and Gateway City redevelopment, this legislation will unlock local and regional economic development priorities, and connect citizens across Massachusetts to economic opportunity.”

“This bill will help our communities and businesses work together to build our economy,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg. “More and better jobs are on the way.”

“The 2016 economic development law will help Massachusetts remain a national leader and position us for growth,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “The programs in this bill complement one another and, in doing so, support residents from all backgrounds, encourage growth in every region of the Commonwealth, and provide opportunities for businesses in diverse industries. Additionally, I believe the college savings plan will provide vital support to our students and families as they prepare for a bright future.”

An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development provides new capital funding for local infrastructure, Brownfields site cleanup, Gateway Cities development, site assembly and site readiness, workforce development, emerging technologies, and community-based innovation. The legislation also reforms the state’s smart growth housing toolbox, streamlines the state’s Economic Development Incentive Program, and allows for the expansion of Boston’s Conley cargo terminal. And it updates obsolete liquor laws, ensuring that Massachusetts farmer-wineries will continue to be able to sell their products on their own premises.

“This legislation reflects the collaborative spirit that drives our economic development efforts,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “It is the result of more than a year of conversations with scores of legislators and administration officials, as well as thousands of conversations with business leaders, municipal officials, educators, community advocates and other stakeholders. And it reflects our shared vision of creating economic opportunities, economic prosperity, and economic mobility throughout the Commonwealth.”

“The Workforce Skills Capital grants established in this legislation will make a vital difference to many of our educational institutions across the state, which are training and educating tomorrow’s workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II. “These grants will enable vocational schools, career and technical schools, community colleges and other organizations focused on skill-building to purchase the most up-to-date equipment. These investments will lead to more skilled workers who are able to get good-paying jobs, and help businesses meet their increasing needs for a pipeline of trained workers.” 

“This new Workforce Skills Capital Grant program will help give schools and community colleges the equipment and infrastructure they need to train students and current workers in high need occupations on the latest technology,” said Education Secretary Jim Peyser. “We’ve already seen the impact this year’s capital investments have had on our ability to increase institutional collaboration and industry partnerships and we are thrilled to be able to expand this critical program thanks to this important piece of legislation.” 

“Smart growth housing helps build stronger communities, and stronger families,” said Undersecretary for Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay. “This legislation contains several powerful new levers for supporting the creation of workforce housing in all types of communities, from Gateway Cities, to town centers and urban neighborhoods, to suburban communities. I’m proud that this legislation will help working families across Massachusetts access more moderately-priced housing.”

An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development is organized around four main themes: community development, workforce development, innovation, and economic competitiveness. Highlights of the legislation include:

Community Development

·             MassWorks ($500 million capital authorization): Reauthorizes a capital grant program that provides municipalities and other public entities with public infrastructure grants to support economic development and job creation.

·             Transformative Development Initiative ($45 million capital authorization): Supports the revitalization of Gateway Cities, by enabling MassDevelopment to make long-term patient equity investments in key properties in Transformative Development Initiative districts, with the goal of accelerating the maturation of private real estate markets.

·             Brownfields Redevelopment Fund ($45 million capital authorization): Moves funding for the state’s Brownfields Redevelopment Fund to the capital program, providing a reliable long-term funding stream for a fund that is the Commonwealth’s primary tool for facilitating the redevelopment of contaminated properties.

·             Site Readiness Fund ($15 million capital authorization):Advances regional job creation by creating a new fund for site assembly and pre-development activities that support regionally significant commercial or industrial development opportunities.

·             Massachusetts Food Trust Program ($6.4 million capital authorization): Capitalizes a financing program to support rural agriculture and increase food security in low- and moderate-income communities.

·             Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund ($15 million capital authorization): Moves funding for the state’s Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund to the capital program, providing a reliable long-term funding stream for a fund that is the Commonwealth’s primary tool for facilitating smart growth housing development.

·             Starter Home Zoning: Incentivizes the creation of smaller, denser, and more affordable single-family homes by creating a new starter home option under the Chapter 40R smart growth housing program.

·             Housing-Related Tax Increment Financing: Supports housing production in town centers and urban neighborhoods by reforming a seldom-used local-only smart growth tax incentive program, removing onerous regulations, and allowing communities to set their own affordability requirements.

·             Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) Reform:Supports the development of market-rate housing in Gateway Cities by allowing credits to support new construction, and by raising the formula that sets housing development incentives.

Workforce Development

·             Workforce Skills Capital Grants ($45 million capital authorization): Establishes a new grant program for workforce development training equipment, to strengthen workforce skills, and create strong employment pipelines.

The Massachusetts Innovation Initiative

·             Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) ($71 million capital authorization): Provides matching grants to establish public-private applied research institutes around emerging manufacturing technologies. The state’s capital funds will be matched with federal and private industry funds.

·             Scientific and Technology Research and Development Matching Grant Fund ($15 million capital authorization):Reauthorizes a capital grant program that funds nonprofit, university-led research collaboratives working to commercialize emerging technologies, thereby supporting the development of emerging industry clusters.

·             Community Innovation Infrastructure Fund ($15 million capital authorization): Creates a new fund for making capital grants that support community-based innovation efforts, including co-working spaces, venture centers, maker spaces and artist spaces.

·             Digital Health Care Cluster Development: Broadens the statutory charge of the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI) to include digital health cluster development.

·             Angel Investor Tax Credit: Promotes startup activity and job creation in the Gateway Cities, by incentivizing investment in early-stage life sciences and digital health firms.

Economic Competitiveness

·             Conley Terminal Rehabilitation ($109.5 million capital authorization): Permits the Massachusetts Port Authority to pursue the reconstruction of South Boston’s Conley Terminal, including berth construction and crane procurement, to accommodate new, larger cargo ships.

·             College Savings Tax Deduction: Provides Massachusetts residents with tax deductions for making deposits into prepaid tuition or college savings accounts.

·             Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) Reforms:Builds accountability in the state’s primary job-creation incentive program by strengthening the link between the issuance of tax credits, and job creation that would not otherwise occur; adds flexibility to the incentive program by eliminating obsolete, formula-driven incentive categories.

·             Liquor Law Reforms: Protects the ability of farmer-wineries, farmer-breweries, and farmer-distilleries to serve their products on their own premises; supports consumer choice and access to markets by allowing retailers who sell alcohol to also serve alcohol in in-house cafés; liberalizes restrictions on the sale of alcohol around certain holidays.

·             Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) Modifications: Shifts the focus of nonprofit regional economic development nonprofits toward systems-based efforts to stimulate economic growth, including strengthening the regional skills pipeline, and executing regional industry cluster development strategies.

·             Fantasy Sports: Legalizes daily fantasy sports contests operated in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Attorney General.

麻大波士頓孔子學院漢語橋美國高中生夏令營圓滿結束

麻州大学波士顿孔子学院“汉语桥”美国高中生赴华夏令营圆满结束

        7月19日，由中国国家汉办/孔子学院总部、美国麻州大学波士顿孔子学院和中国人民大学共同主办的2016年“汉语桥”美国高中生赴华夏令营圆满结束。

        在为期近两周的北京和上海行程中，营员们以沉浸式汉语学习方式为主，进行了集中的语言学习和应用交际实践练习。在京期间，营员们不仅在中国人民大学举行了别开生面的开营仪式,而且在国家汉办波士顿地区项目负责老师的带领下，参观了孔子学院总部， 更有机会与北京广渠门中学的学生们互动交流。除此之外，营员们还游览了故宫、长城、天坛等具有中国历史传承的名胜古迹，以及国家博物馆、798艺术区、宋庄画家村等富有人文特色的文化艺术场所， 体验并学习了书法、剪纸等中国传统文化艺术。在沪期间，营员们惊喜体会到江南水乡与大都市的完美结合，除了游览豫园、田子坊等极具江南风情的历史人文经典，也参观了代表中国现代标志性建筑的东方明珠塔，一览尽收浦东繁华。

        此次“汉语桥”夏令营营员主要来自美国麻州大学波士顿孔子学院主办的第11届美国中学生“汉语桥”中文演讲比赛获奖者。他们来中国前，在美国不同州的高中学习汉语，已经具备一定的中文基础 。经过此次夏令营沉浸式强化训练，不单营员们的汉语水平普遍得到提高，而且他们对于中国的认知也从书本上的介绍转变为亲眼所见、亲耳所闻的中国。传统中国的博大精深和现代中国的日新月异，都进一步激发了营员们学习汉语和了解中国的热情。

        作为美国麻州大学波士顿孔子学院首次发起的“汉语桥”中文演讲比赛的拓展项目，本届夏令营起到了推动促进美国当地中小学汉语学习的积极作用，获得了参营学生和家长们的一致好评，取得了很好的成果。（麻大波士頓分校孔子學院提供）

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Energy Diversity Legislation

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Energy Diversity Legislation

Reduces Ratepayer Costs, Embraces Advanced Technologies and Diversifies Energy Portfolio to Include Hydropower and Other Renewables

BOSTON – Yesterday, in a continued effort to stabilize electric rates, ensure a diversified energy portfolio for the Commonwealth, and embrace advanced technologies, Governor Charlie Baker signed comprehensive energy diversity legislation into law at the State House with Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, legislative leaders, and members of the Legislature. An Act Relative to Energy Diversity (H. 4568) garnered bi-partisan support and promotes the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to reducing energy costs while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas reduction requirements. 

Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Secretary Beaton and members of the Legislature

State House – Kennedy Statue Lawn

Press: Open

August 8, 2016

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Transcription:

GOVERNOR BAKER: Over the course of the past eighteen months, we’ve worked collaboratively making targeted decisions and investments regarding that regional energy and electricity infrastructure, and this legislation is a testament to the collective spirit the so many people brought to this conversation and takes the Commonwealth one step

closer to that energy future.

We believe that through the solicitation and procurement of long-term contracts for both hydropower and offshore wind power, Massachusetts and New England can remain national leaders in clean and renewable energy production.

I am also proud to say that with the passage of this legislation, and the combined 1200MW of hydropower and 1600MW of offshore wind authorized under this act, the Commonwealth moves closer to meeting our aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Hydroelectric generation will also play a crucial role in the Commonwealth’s new balanced and diverse energy portfolio by offering clean, reliable, and cost-effective base load 24/7, 365 energy to assist in replacing the estimated 10,000MW the region stands to lose by 2020. 

In addition, the bill spurs the development of an emerging offshore wind industry, creates jobs and represents the largest commitment by any state in the nation to offshore wind.

In addition to reducing and stabilizing the cost of energy for residents and businesses throughout the region, this legislation assists Massachusetts in meeting our environmental requirements under the Global Warming Solutions Act.

To build upon this commitment, in the coming weeks our administration will begin to take strong, coordinated action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,  safeguard our residents from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. 

It’s a testament and a tribute to the leadership of both the House and Senate that through it all we managed to come up with a piece of legislation that I believe will set Massachusetts course for the future in a proper and appropriate way to ensure that we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and at the same time deliver reliable and competitively priced energy for the people of this region.