Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Southeastern Massachusetts Municipalities

Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Southeastern Massachusetts Municipalities

Six Communities Receive $1,830,735 for Clean Energy Projects

Boston – April 12, 2017 – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded Green Communities designation grants totaling $1,830,735 to Brockton, Medfield, Dartmouth, Dover, Marshfield, and New Bedford. The awards will fund clean energy projects and were presented by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito at a ceremony at Brockton City Hall.

Earlier this year, 30 Massachusetts cities and towns were designated by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as Green Communities, committing to an ambitious renewable energy agenda to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Over half of the Commonwealth’s municipalities have earned their Green Communities designation and 64 percent of residents live in a Green Community. Since the program began in 2010, DOER’s Green Communities division has awarded over $65 million in grant funding to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns through designation and competitive grant rounds.

“The Green Communities program is an excellent example of how state and local governments can work together to save taxpayer money and promote responsible energy policies,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our newest Green Communities will now have additional resources to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, locking in energy savings for residents and reducing their carbon footprints.”

“Our municipal partners continue to help us lead the way on renewable energy by adopting practices that allow them to reduce energy consumption, while saving money that can be directed to vital municipal functions, like public safety and education,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to continuing to provide cities and towns across the Commonwealth the tools they need to reduce energy costs, usage and emissions.”

The Commonwealth’s 185 Green Communities range from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and are home to 64 percent of Massachusetts’ population in municipalities as large as Boston and as small as Rowe. Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding, including reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. The 30 newly designated Green Communities have committed to reducing their energy consumption amounting to savings of $6,241,862 of energy costs and 2,234,090 MMBtu in five years, energy use equivalent to heating and powering nearly 2,718 homes, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 27,641 metric tons, equivalent to taking 5,819 cars off the roads. 

“When Massachusetts’ cities and towns invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs everyone wins, from taxpayers savings to a statewide reduction in emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beaton. “With these designations, DOER’s Green Communities program continues to prove an effective tool in building a clean, renewable energy future for the Commonwealth.”

“DOER is proud to work with cities and towns across Massachusetts as they take important steps in embracing renewable energy and energy efficiency at the local level,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judson. “These designations are simply the beginning of an important relationship between the Commonwealth and our municipal partners as we work towards our shared clean energy goals.”

DOER awarded funding for projects in these newly designated Green Communities include:

Municipality                        Award

Brockton                              $526,000

Dartmouth                            $233,750

Dover                                   $137,145

Marshfield                            $182,720

Medfield                              $146,815

New Bedford                       $604,305

A full list of projects funded by the Green Communities program can be foundhere.

“I am thrilled to see Marshfield be designated as a Green Community,” said State Senator Patrick O'Connor (R-Weymouth). “I thank Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness, especially in areas of greater environmental concern. As a coastal community, Marshfield, and the entire South Shore are taking on the responsibility to promote and use renewable resources, and I look forward to our future investments in greener communities.”

“It is great to see Medfield joining over 175 communities in the Commonwealth committed to prioritizing forward-thinking energy strategies.  I’m thankful to the Baker-Polito administration and the Department of Energy Resources for including Medfield in this most recent group of grant recipients,” said State Senator James Timilty (D-Walpole). “The Green Communities initiative is a perfect example of what makes Massachusetts a national leader in enacting responsible energy policy.”

“Congratulations to New Bedford and Dartmouth for being designated as Green Communities,” said Assistant Majority Leader Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “I am proud to have a role in the legislative leadership that ensures both communities have the resources to pioneer the way in solar energy and numerous other green initiatives making our environment cleaner and securing it for future generations.”

“The old adage, ‘think globally, act locally’, applies most truly to efforts addressing climate change and sustainability,” said State Representative Jim Cantwell (D-Marshfield). “Our cities and towns are the prime movers and shakers in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and I commend the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary Beaton for their continued support of these local efforts.”

“Brockton’s designation as a Green Community demonstrates our commitment to furthering clean energy and energy efficient projects in our city,” said State Representative Claire Cronin (D-Easton). “This designation is a great example of state and local partnerships investing in and supporting local renewable energy initiatives.”

“This designation means a lot to New Bedford, because it proves that we have re-established ourselves as leaders in energy and highlights our dedication to clean, renewable sources.” said State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D – New Bedford). “If we want to succeed as a state in achieving our clean energy, efficiency and emissions goals, all cities and towns have to work together and I’m proud that New Bedford has been recognized for contributing to this collective effort.”

“I am thrilled that Brockton is one of 30 new communities to be named a Green Community and has committed to reducing energy consumption by 20 percent in five years,” said State Representative Gerry Cassidy (D-Brockton). “This grant will allow the city to achieve these goals and work towards cleaner, renewable energy.”

“I know the entire Town of Dartmouth and the City of New Bedford are proud of their efforts in obtaining this distinction,” said State Representative Christopher Markey (D-Dartmouth). “Lots of people within both communities and the Baker administration should be proud of their determination in making this happen.”

“New Bedford’s designation as a green community will ensure that New Bedford will be eligible for state grants which will result in energy savings and efficiencies and at the same time contribute to a clean and healthier environment for our residents,” said State Representative Robert Koczera (D-New Bedford).

Under the Green Communities Act, DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can provide up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns.  The goal of the Designation Grant Program is support communities’ investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the clean energy goals determined by the designated communities.  Initial Designation Grants are based on a $125,000 base for each designated Green Community, plus additional amounts tied to per capita income and population, and for municipalities that provide as-of-right siting for renewable energy generation.

“The Green Communities Program is an outstanding example of the strong partnership that the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature have forged with cities and towns,” said Geoffrey C. Beckwith, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. “Communities all across the state will use these grant funds for innovative programs to reduce energy usage and invest in renewable energy projects, and the benefits will flow to taxpayers and the environment.”

Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) paid by retail electric suppliers that do not meet their Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates.

Thousands of Boston Public Schools Students Take to The Streets for Annual Spring "Walk To School Day"

Thousands of Boston Public Schools Students Take to The Streets for Annual Spring "Walk To School Day"

BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang, Red Sox Mascots, and City and School Officials Accompany Students on Their Walks

BOSTON - Wednesday, April 12, 2017 -  An estimated 4,000 Boston Public Schools (BPS) students from over 22 elementary, middle, and K-8 schools took to the streets today in the 2nd Annual BPS "Walk to School Day" event. This event celebrates the efforts of "Safe Routes to School Boston," a city-wide initiative aimed at making walking to school safe, popular, and fun.   "Boston truly is a walkable city, and I'm proud of that. Growing up in Dorchester, I was able to walk everywhere, easily and safely," Mayor Martin J. Walsh said. "Children growing up today deserve that same level of freedom and mobility. That's why people from across the city, including those in our police, school and transportation departments, have come together to create safer environments that make it easier for students and all of our citizens to walk our streets." Red Sox mascots Wally the Green Monster and his sister, Tessie, joined the movement by greeting students walking to the Ellis Elementary School in Roxbury. Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill said the benefits of walking to school go beyond exercise. "Research shows that physical activity prepares students to learn. For this reason, walking to school is a great way to start the day," he said. "We want to give all of our students the chance to achieve academic success and this is one way to meet the needs of the whole child." BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang said the Safe Routes to School Boston effort aligns with the district's overall mission of promoting the health and wellbeing of all students. "Something as simple as walking to school can be part of the solution to closing achievement gaps," said Dr. Chang, who joined students walking to the Haley Pilot School in Dorchester. "Not only does walking provide students with needed physical activity to support health, it does wonders for a child's mood and readiness to learn." Safe Routes to School is a national program with a comprehensive approach that encourages students and their families to walk, bike, or use other forms of active transportation to commute to and from school. It teaches students and families safe walking habits; works with city agencies to improve infrastructure; and engages families through events such as the annual Walk to School Day. "These efforts not only boost students' health and academic readiness, but they support the BPS Wellness Policy," said Amalio Nieves, Assistant Superintendent for Social Emotional Learning and Wellness.  "BPS has one of the most comprehensive wellness policies in the country. Safe Routes to School Boston is an initiative that promotes physical activity across the school day, and provides students with the tools to be active adults." The 2nd Annual BPS Spring Walk to School Day celebrates these efforts and kicks off the spring walking season. Children who walked to school today got more than some healthy exercise. Walkers, many of whom were accompanied by city officials, were congratulated with stickers and other prizes. Students walking to the Ellis Elementary School got a surprise greeting by Red Sox mascots Wally the Green Monster and his sister, Tessie The Safe Routes to School Boston program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is one of the CDC's Hi-5 initiatives, meaning this program has the greatest potential to positively impact health across the population.

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Mark A. Hallal to the Superior Court, and Matthew G. McGrath to the District Court. During their long careers, Hallal and McGrath have practiced law in private firms and the public sector.

“Mark Hallal and Matthew McGrath are experienced trial lawyers with over five decades of combined experience in the Commonwealth’s courts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “If confirmed, the Superior Court and District Court will benefit greatly from their experience, wisdom and skill.”

“I am pleased with the nomination of these two highly respected attorneys,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Attorneys Hallal and McGrath have decades of experience in the Massachusetts courts that will allow them, if confirmed, to serve the Commonwealth with proficiency and distinction from day one.”

The Superior Court is a statewide court of general jurisdiction – handling both criminal and civil actions.  The court’s 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth.  The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought.  It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, has exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, has appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town.  The court has exclusive original jurisdiction of first degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

For more information about the Superior Court, visit

http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/sc/

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and determine with finality any matter in which the likelihood of recovery does not exceed $25,000. The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, with a defense right of appeal either to a judge or to a jury). The District Court's civil jurisdiction also includes many specialized proceedings, including abuse prevention restraining orders and civil motor vehicle infractions (tried initially to a magistrate, with right of appeal to a judge).

For more information about the District Court, visit http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/dc/

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About Mark A. Hallal

Mark Hallal has served as an Assistant District Attorney for over 21 years in the Boston Municipal and Juvenile Courts, Chelsea District Court and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office where he is currently Chief of the Senior Trial Team, supervising the prosecution of major felony and homicide cases and serving as a member of the office’s Conviction Integrity Program. He previously served on the Boston Bar Association’s Criminal Law Steering Committee and was an adjunct professor at Bridgewater State College and the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Mr. Hallal previously worked as a civil litigation associate in Boston for both Lemelman and Lemelman and Stanzler, Levine and Joyce.  Mr. Hallal was born in Boston and graduated cum laude from Boston University in 1990.  He received his J.D. from the Boston University School of Law in 1993.  Hallal resides in Hingham with his three children.

About Matthew L. McGrath

Matthew McGrath is currently in private practice in Framingham and was until November of 2016, managing attorney for McGrath and Associates, a four-person insurance defense firm that served as the staff counsel for National General Insurance Company and handled personal injury actions in the state District and Superior Courts and federal district court. Prior to opening this practice in 2010, McGrath was a Senior Trial Counsel for the Law Offices of Robert E. Noonan, trying personal injury actions and arbitrating and mediating hundreds of uninsured, underinsured, and bodily injury claims.  Mr. McGrath previously worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office from 1980 to 1986 and served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1985 to 1992.  He graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in History in 1976, and received his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 1979.  He resides with his family in Franklin.

麻州總醫院助建上海新醫院

(Boston Orange)波士頓商業期刊(BBJ)4月10日的一篇報導指出，麻州總醫院和上海嘉輝國際醫院簽署了300萬元協議，將和已於2015年合作的布瑞格罕(Brigham)醫院合作，協助發展包括產科，婦科及體外授精項目的優良婦女健康中心。

麻州總醫院已在新醫院的空間規劃，建築設計上協助嘉輝國際醫院。兩院也早已於2012年就合作改變腫瘤醫療。

最近的這一合作將為預定10月開張，有300張病床的嘉輝國際醫院增加更多的麻州醫療專業能力。

根據這一協議，麻州總醫院將協助發展醫院的實體建設，營運及管理，同時在護理，病人照顧服務，癌症醫療等方面提供專業協助。將來麻州總醫院可能還會遠距為嘉輝的病人提供第二意見。

              麻州總醫院董事長Peter L. Slavin博士在一份聲明中表示，”作為一個學術醫療中心，我們珍惜分享累積了兩個多世紀的頂級醫治病人經驗，以及領導前沿研究的機會。這一關係也將讓該院有機會把新學到的東西應用在麻州的工作中。

            雙方並未透露這合作的財務細節。不過伙伴(Partners)醫療健保公司國際辦公室去年表示，該公司為上海醫院作建造作顧問，一年收150萬元。

              嘉輝國際醫院董事長暨嘉輝醫療(Jiahui Health)門診及營運長的David Cook博士表示，透過和麻州總醫院的策略合作，該院能夠把世界級，以病人為中心的頂級醫療概念帶到中國。他們的目標是向政府，企業及病患，公眾展示這概念能帶來高品質，容易獲得的醫療，而且開銷透明。

              夥伴公司早有海外合作經驗，其國際部們一直都在印度的數個地方和人合作，也在卡達(Qatar)從事品質改善，醫生領袖利，災難管理等項目。麻州總醫院也協助馬爾他(Malta)及象牙海岸(Ivory Coast)的數家醫院改善醫療。

在嘉輝，麻州總醫院會在建造新醫院期間，首先關注癌症治療，與研究，再擴展到其他疾病。麻州總醫院的癌症中心將協助嘉輝推出癌症中心，並先把重心放在乳癌，肺癌，胃腸道，淋巴瘤，骨隨瘤的治療上。在麻州總醫院之外的護理及病人照顧服務，也有助於為門診員工制定培訓及教育項目。

BCNC Seeks Funding from 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant

BCNC Seeks Funding from 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant
Boston (MA) - Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) intends to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program (MA 21st CCLC), as provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Public comment to this application can be submitted by April 25 to Nathaniel Kerr, BCNC’s Manager of Foundation Relations, at nathaniel.kerr@bcnc.net.
The purpose of the federally funded 21st CCLC grant is to support the implementation of additional learning time through out-of-school time (OST) programming and/or Expanded Learning Time. Programming is designed to help close proficiency/opportunity gaps, increase student engagement, support social and emotional learning, and promote college and career readiness and success
In partnership with the Josiah Quincy Elementary school (JQES), BCNC’s Red Oak After School Program will implement an expanded English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and literacy curriculum aimed at closing the achievement gap and increasing student engagement, success and social/emotional learning through the provision of expanded learning time.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Sale Results of Commonwealth Green Bonds

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Sale Results of

Commonwealth Green Bonds

Deal Will Generate Proceeds That Will Fund Water Infrastructure Projects Throughout Massachusetts

BOSTON – The State Treasurer’s Office announced today that the Commonwealth and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust have successfully completed the sale of more than $1 billion in a mix of new money, green, and refunding bonds.

Both transactions saw strong retail investor demand. The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s original two-day order period was accelerated, and all bonds were sold on the first day. Receiving significantly more orders than available bonds, the Trust adjusted its final pricing, which resulted in lowered borrowing costs for the Trust.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s refunding of just under $100 million will generate budgetary savings of nearly $8 million. These savings will allow the Trust to invest in additional water infrastructure projects around the Commonwealth. Separately, the Commonwealth’s refunding of approximately $270 million is expected to generate $22 million in debt service savings for taxpayers.

The Commonwealth’s transaction marks the fourth time it has issued green bonds since it became the nation’s first issuer of municipal green bonds in 2013. This transaction also marks the third time the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust has issued Green bonds.

The Trust’s deal was led by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, while the Commonwealth’s transaction was led by Citi Bank.

SENIORS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $130,000 IN SETTLEMENT WITH INSURANCE AGENT AND MORTGAGE BROKER OVER DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

SENIORS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $130,000 IN SETTLEMENT WITH INSURANCE AGENT AND MORTGAGE BROKER OVER DECEPTIVE PRACTICESRefunds to Supplement Nearly $900,000 Paid by the Insurance Agent’s Former Employer

            BOSTON – Massachusetts seniors will receive more than $130,000 in refunds as a result of a settlement with a mortgage broker, its employee and an insurance agent that resolves claims they induced elderly clients to take out reverse mortgages and invest the proceeds in unsuitable variable annuities, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

This settlement resolves allegations from a lawsuit filed by AG Healey in August 2015 against mortgage broker Direct Finance Corp., its employee Daniel Matthews, and insurance agent James Moniz.

“We found that these defendants took advantage of elderly homeowners who spent decades building equity in their homes,” said AG Healey. “My office is focused on stopping the financial abuse of seniors.”

The AG’s lawsuit alleged that while employed by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Moniz developed an association with Matthews to induce elderly clients to take out reverse mortgages through Direct Finance and invest the proceeds in unsuitable variable annuities. John Hancock terminated Moniz for conduct uncovered during the investigation. 

As a result of this settlement, affected consumers will receive a total of $137,500 in refunds that will be distributed by the AG’s Office. Eligible consumers will be contacted by the AG’s Office.

In addition to monetary relief, the settlement imposes restrictions on Moniz, Matthews, and Direct Finance to prevent improper association between the origination of reverse mortgages and the investment of the proceeds in annuities or other investment products. The defendants are also prohibited from misrepresenting the sources of investments or investment intentions of their clients. 

The AG’s Office previously settled allegations with John Hancock that it unfairly failed to effectively supervise Moniz, permitting him to sell unsuitable variable life insurance policies, variable annuities, and other insurance and financial products. In September 2014, John Hancock paid nearly $900,000 to seniors in Massachusetts to resolve those allegations. 

Unlike traditional mortgages, reverse mortgages do not require borrowers to make monthly payments to pay off the loan. Instead, borrowers receive money from lenders, and the lender is often paid back when the last surviving borrower dies. With reverse mortgages, home equity decreases over time as interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month. With deferred variable annuities, an insurance company invests money from consumers in securities and, after several years pass, begins making periodic payments to consumers over time.

            Consumers should be aware that using funds from a reverse mortgage to invest in financial products like annuities is always risky. Variable life insurance policies and variable annuities may not be appropriate investments for older individuals because of steep surrender and withdrawal penalties. Before purchasing any financial product, consumers should always ask questions and make sure that they understand the investment risks, read any forms that they sign, and never sign blank forms. 

Consumers seeking more information can contact the Attorney General’s Insurance and Financial Services Division at 1-888-830-6277.

The litigation and the settlement implementation are being handled by staff of Attorney General Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division, including Assistant Attorneys General Tiffany Bartz, Claire Masinton, and Tim Hoitink, as well as Legal Analyst John-Michael Partesotti and Civil Investigator Kristen Salera.