賓州醫保公司被麻州總檢察官辦公室罰25萬圓

PENNSYLVANIA-BASED HEALTHCARE COMPANY AGREES TO PAY MORE THAN $250,000 FOR FAILING TO PAY MASSACHUSETTS WORKERS

Restitution to More Than 1,900 Massachusetts Employees Who Were Not Paid Properly for Work; Company Provides Services to Hundreds of Massachusetts Healthcare Facilities

BOSTON – A Pennsylvania-based healthcare company that provides services to hundreds of healthcare facilities in Massachusetts has agreed to pay more than $250,000 in restitution and penalties for failing to pay more than 1,900 Massachusetts workers properly, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HSG) has agreed to pay restitution to 1,931 Massachusetts employees for hours worked between July 2012 and July 2015. The vast majority of these workers made less than $11 per hour and more than 100 of them were underpaid for 35 hours or more. 

“Every employer in Massachusetts is responsible for paying workers the wages they have earned,” said AG Healey. “We are pleased that through this settlement, HSG will pay these low-wage workers the money they are owed and that the company has installed new systems to ensure workers are paid properly in the future.”

HSG is a corporation based in Pennsylvania that provides housekeeping, laundry, dining, and nutrition services to more than 250 healthcare facilities in Massachusetts.

The AG’s Office began an investigation after the AG’s Fair Labor Division received complaints from three HSG employees alleging non-payment of wages for hours worked at the Wingate at Reading Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center located in Reading, MA.

  The AG’s investigation found that inaccuracies in the company’s timekeeping and payroll systems prevented employees’ hours from being recorded and processed in the payroll system. Due to these clerical errors, between July 2012 and July 2015, the company failed to pay employees the correct wages for the full amount of hours worked.

The company has since changed its practices and implemented a new electronic system with safeguards for checking time adjustments installed at multiple levels of management.

HSG has also agreed to pay for costs, as to be determined, associated with locating former employees who are restitution recipients.

The Massachusetts Wage Act requires employers to pay workers for wages earned within six days of the end of the pay period.

AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing state laws regulating the payment of wages, including prevailing wage, minimum wage and overtime laws.

Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace can call the office’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465. More information about the state’s wage and hour laws is also available in multiple languages at www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Andrew H. Cahill and InvestigatorLeah Lucier, both of AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division.

教育部學海築夢亮點計畫 崑山科大為波士頓華裔族群發聲

教育部學海築夢亮點計畫　崑山科大為波士頓華裔族群發聲

崑山科技大學每年率領學生到波士頓參與仁人家園(Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston)義工實習活動，這項海外義工實習計畫在今年榮獲教育部「學海築夢」評選為亮點計畫。今年負責該項計畫的崑山科技大學呂之蕙教授再次帶領5位學生來到波士頓實習，駐波士頓教育組組長黃薳玉於7月7日辦理座談餐會，代表教育部鼓勵這些同學及肯定這項計畫的成功與奉獻精神。

席間，呂之蕙教授談及今年是這項計畫第4屆，回憶起當初主動與波士頓仁人家園聯繫時的忐忑不安，到現在每年與仁人家園合作，並獲教育部的肯定。呂教授說明，這項海外實習計畫為期2個月，納入學校的實習學分，學生在實習後，需要運用其廣告行銷專業，針對仁人家園提出建議，回臺灣後，也需在校內的成果發展會上，分享與展示心得及行銷專業分析。她提到，去年的學生就發現參與購買仁人家園所蓋屋舍的族裔，大多是非洲裔或西語裔，鮮少看到華裔參與，因此，建議仁人家園或許可加強在華裔社群的宣傳，讓更多有需求的華裔族群參與仁人家園的計畫，住進仁人家園蓋的房子。

提及每年帶領的學生，呂教授說，她要求參與這項海外實習計畫的學生要具備義工經驗，或者正在從事校內義工服務，像今年參與的5位學生都參與學校的偏鄉孩童服務等志工活動。問起學生為什麼會想參與這項計畫，有學生提到欣賞仁人家園的制度，想進一步瞭解仁人家園如何運用完善的制度，實踐讓低收入家庭擁有家的遠景，並且永續地循環下去。

呂教授另也補充，這樣的海外義工實習計畫不僅讓學生親自學習美國志工組織運作方式，拓展視野，鼓勵學生志工奉獻精神，也曾經成功地為該校一位學生大為加分，成功錄取臺灣知名國立大學研究所，突顯高等教育越來越重視學生國際胸襟及奉獻社會態度，也肯定崑山科技大學的波士頓仁人家園海外實習計畫。今年崑山科技大學的學生更將於仁人家園辦理臺灣日，介紹臺灣文化，讓更多美國居民認識臺灣。每年表現良好的崑山科技大學學生讓波士頓仁人家園留下很好的印象，開始考慮擴大與臺灣的志工合作交流，派遣美國志工赴臺擔任義工。

仁人家園是一個義工組織，接受民眾的物資捐贈，整理成二手商店的Restore，並接受民眾的募捐及義工的協助，建造房舍，以可負擔的價格或貸款賣給低收入戶家庭，實現每個家庭都有房子住的願景。(波士頓經文處教育組提供)

MAYOR WALSH JOINS 50 MAYORS TO ADVOCATE FOR NET NEUTRALITY ON DAY OF ACTION

MAYOR WALSH JOINS 50 MAYORS TO ADVOCATE FOR NET NEUTRALITY ON DAY OF ACTION

Mayor Walsh to submit joint letter to the FCC to call for the continuation of net neutrality

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 12, 2017 - Building on Boston's commitment to fostering an equitable, accessible environment for all residents and businesses, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today a signed letter with 50 cities urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to maintain the current rules protecting the free and open internet. By prohibiting blocking, prioritization and other discriminatory practices, current FCC rules enforce openness, equity and nondiscrimination, and enable the internet to thrive as a platform for the innovation that drives the future American economy. "A free, open internet is vital to residents and businesses throughout Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "Net neutrality is one tool we have to create an equal playing field for all, and I stand with mayors throughout the U.S. to support an open internet." The letter, addressed to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, reinforces the nondiscrimination principles first called for in a 2014 U.S. Conference of Mayors resolution: Commitment to transparency; The free flow of information over the internet; No blocking of lawful websites; No unreasonable discrimination of lawful network traffic; and No paid prioritization. "Boston has worked hard to ensure our residents and businesses have choice in the broadband marketplace -- five broadband companies offer service in Boston, and just last year, Verizon announced that they will begin offering Fios service in Boston," said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief Information Officer for the City of Boston. "Broadband customers should be able to choose what content to access without their Internet Service Provider acting as a gatekeeper or toll taker.  An open Internet puts consumers in the driver's seat, where all websites, apps, and online services compete on a level playing field." The FCC's 2015 Order Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet under then-Chair Tom Wheeler reclassified internet service as a telecommunication service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The move came after a legal and regulatory process during which nearly four million people submitted comments, mostly in favor of strong open internet protections under Title II. This order established the net neutrality protections that exists today. A copy of the letter is enclosed below. ### Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St SW Washington, DC 20554 July 12, 2017 Dear Chairman Pai: Our nation's residents benefit immensely from an open internet, which drives innovation and economic growth across every segment of American society.  "Net neutrality" rules recognize the importance of maintaining a level playing field for all internet content - regardless of the creator or owner - to be enjoyed by all users, regardless of their internet provider.  For this reason, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has consistently advocated for strong federal actions on this issue across two federal administrations.   This message has been consistent and simple.  Be it through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or through legislative action, the U.S. Conference of Mayors first called in 2014 for nationwide internet protections that enforce the following nondiscrimination principles: Commitment to transparency; The free flow of information over the internet; No blocking of lawful websites; No unreasonable discrimination of lawful network traffic; and No paid prioritization. In 2015, the FCC enshrined these same principles of free and open internet service into law, through the reclassification of internet service under Title II of the Communications Act. On May 18th, the FCC voted to consider full repeal of Title II and net neutrality rules.  The FCC's proposal poses a significant risk of stifling American innovation and harming local economies across the country.    Net neutrality is a pocket book issue for American households.  Full repeal would have a particularly negative impact on middle and working class families, while simultaneously restricting access to certain types of online content and services to those who cannot afford to pay more. When internet providers restrict access to certain types of content and services and charge residents for the luxury of accessing information and services online, we are all less free to participate in the modern economy.  For these and many other reasons, repealing these crucial protections will prove disruptive for our residents, our families, our small businesses, and countless others including nonprofits, schools, and libraries. Additionally, technology startups depend on net neutrality to gain fair and competitive access to customers. A repeal of net neutrality rules could see innovative solutions from these startups relegated to the background as entrenched internet providers steer consumers to established solutions that can afford to pay for privileged status. Our cities depend on a thriving startup community to drive innovation and our continued economic growth. The FCC must maintain and enforce the 2015 Open Internet Order, to ensure the principles of openness, freedom, and innovation continue to drive the American economy into the twenty-first century. Sincerely, Edwin M. Lee, Mayor, City and County of San Francisco Bill de Blasio, Mayor, City of New York, New York Martin J. Walsh, Mayor, City of Boston, Massachusetts           Muriel Bowser, Mayor, District of Columbia      Ed Murray, Mayor, City of Seattle, Washington Rahm Emanuel, Mayor, City of Chicago, Illinois   Allison Silberberg, Mayor, City of Alexandria, Virginia   Dana Kirkham, Mayor, City of Ammon, Idaho   Ben Kessler, Mayor, City of Bexley, Ohio            Melvin Kleckner, Town Administrator, Town of Brookline, Massachusetts          Deborah Frank Feinen, Mayor, City of Champaign, Illinois          Andy Berke, Mayor, City of Chattanooga, Tennessee   Mary Casillas Salas, Mayor, City of Chula Vista, California            Kim McMillan, Mayor, City of Clarksville, Tennessee     John Woods, Mayor, Town of Davidson, North Carolina Lucy Vinis, Mayor, City of Eugene, Oregon        Lioneld Jordan, Mayor, City of Fayetteville, Arkansas   William McLeod, Mayor, Village of Hoffman Estates, Illinois       Archibald L. Gillies, Chairman, Islesboro Board of Selectmen, Town of Islesboro, Maine Peter D'Errico, Chair of Select Board, Town of Leverett, Massachusetts Chris Beutler, Mayor, City of Lincoln, Nebraska Edward J. Kennedy, City of Lowell, Massachusetts        Paul Soglin, Mayor, City of Madison, Wisconsin Alex Morcos, Mayor, City of Medina, California Betsy Hodges, Mayor, City of Minneapolis, Minnesota   Hans Riemer, Council Vice President, Montgomery County, Maryland Jennifer Gregerson, Mayor, City of Mukilteo, Washington         Megan Barry, Mayor, Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County           Jon Mitchell, Mayor, City of New Bedford, Massachusetts         David J. Narkewicz, Mayor, City of Northampton, Massachusetts           Libby Schaaf, Mayor, City of Oakland, California Greg Stanton, Mayor, City of Phoenix, Arizona   Ted Wheeler, Mayor, City of Portland, Oregon   Tom Butt, Mayor, City of Richmond, California Ron Nirenberg, Mayor, City of San Antonio, Texas         Sam Liccardo, Mayor, City of San Jose, California and Member, Federal Communications Commission Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee       Pauline Russo Cutter, Mayor, City of San Leandro, California     Zach Friend, Vice Chair, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, Santa Cruz County, California   Ted Winterer, Mayor, City of Santa Monica, California Joanne Dittes Yepsen, Mayor, City of Saratoga Springs, New York          Gary R. McCarthy, Mayor, City of Schenectady, New York          Patricia Smith, Mayor, City of South Portland, Maine    Christine Lundberg, Mayor, City of Springfield, Oregon Stephanie Miner, Mayor, City of Syracuse, New York   Marilyn Strickland, Mayor, City of Tacoma, Washington Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor, City of Urbana, Illinois        William D. Sessoms, Mayor, City of Virginia Beach, Virginia         John Heilman, Mayor, City of West Hollywood, California           Joe Dominick, Mayor, City of Westminster, Maryland Gary Resnick, Mayor, City of Wilton Manors, Florida

AG HEALEY SUES EDUCATION SECRETARY BETSY DEVOS AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR ABANDONING CRITICAL STUDENT PROTECTIONS

AG HEALEY SUES EDUCATION SECRETARY BETSY DEVOS AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR ABANDONING CRITICAL STUDENT PROTECTIONSLeads Coalition of States in Lawsuit Against DeVos for Canceling Rules That Protect Students and Taxpayers from Abuse by Predatory For-Profit Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Standing up for students in Massachusetts and across the country, Attorney General Maura Healey today led a coalition of 19 states in suing the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary Betsy DeVos for abandoning critical federal protections that were set to go into effect on July 1, 2017. 

The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court, alleges that the Department of Education violated federal law by abruptly rescinding its Borrower Defense Rule which was designed to hold abusive higher education institutions accountable for cheating students and taxpayers out of billions of dollars in federal loans. The rule was finalized by the Obama administration in November 2016 after nearly two years of negotiations, following the collapse of Corinthian Colleges, a national for-profit chain.

 “Since day one, Secretary DeVos has sided with for-profit school executives against students and families drowning in unaffordable student loans,” AG Healey said. “Her decision to cancel vital protections for students and taxpayers is a betrayal of her office’s responsibility and a violation of federal law. We call on Secretary DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education to restore these rules immediately.”  

In May 2017, Secretary DeVos announced that the Department was reevaluating the Borrower Defense Rule. On June 14, the Department announced its intent to delay large portions of the Borrower Defense Rule without soliciting, receiving, or responding to any comment from any stakeholder or member of the public, and without engaging in a public deliberative process. The Department simultaneously announced its intent to issue a new regulation to replace the Borrower Defense Rule.

In a short notice published in the Federal Register, the Department cited pending litigation in the case California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) v. Betsy DeVos as an excuse for delaying implementation of the Borrower Defense Rule. State attorneys general argue in their lawsuit that “the Department’s reference to the pending litigation is a mere pretext for repealing the Rule and replacing it with a new rule that will remove or dilute student rights and protections.”

Last month, AG Healey led a coalition of attorneys general in filing a motion to intervene in the CAPPS case in order to defend students and taxpayers from the challenge to the Borrower Defense Rule brought by the plaintiffs – a trade association representing many for-profit schools.

Additionally, without the protections of the current Borrower Defense Rule, many students who are harmed by the misconduct of for-profit schools are unable to seek a remedy in court. The Borrower Defense Rule limits the ability of schools to require students to sign mandatory arbitration agreements and class action waivers, which are commonly used by for-profit schools to avoid negative publicity and to thwart legal actions by students who have been harmed by schools’ abusive conduct.

Today’s complaint asks the Court to declare the Department’s delay notice unlawful and to order the Department to implement the Borrower Defense Rule.

AG Healey’s Office served on the Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking committee that helped develop the Borrower Defense Rule – in large part as a result of state and federal investigations into for-profit schools such as Corinthian Colleges. Under the rule, a successful enforcement action against a school by a state attorney general entitles borrowers to obtain loan forgiveness, and enables the Department of Education to seek repayment of any amounts forgiven from the school. Attorney General Healey has assisted more than 5,500 victimized Massachusetts borrowers in securing millions in federal student loan relief.

The coalition involved in today’s lawsuit, led by AG Healey, include the attorneys general of Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

In another lawsuit filed today against the Department of Education, the consumer rights advocacy group Public Citizen and the Project on Predatory Student Lending argue on behalf of two student borrowers that the delay of the Borrower Defense Rule is unlawful.

AG Healey continues to lead efforts to help students who were deceived by predatory for-profit schools – and has secured debt relief for students that went to Corinthian Colleges and the American Career Institute. The AG’s Office has also reached settlements worth more than $6 million with Kaplan Career Institute, Lincoln Tech, Sullivan & Cogliano, and Salter College, and has filed a lawsuit against ITT Tech. The AG’s Office has rallied state attorneys general and members of Congress to speak out on the importance of loan discharge, authored letters, and organized calls and meetings with the Department of Education to help students struggling with their federal loan debt.

Students looking for more information or assistance should visit the AG Healey’s Student Lending Assistance page or call the Student Loan Assistance Unit Hotline at 1-888-830-6277.

波士頓又出現帶西尼羅病毒蚊子

First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes of the Season Detected in Boston

BPHC advises residents to avoid mosquito bites and mosquito-proof their homes

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 11, 2017 ­- The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today announced that a mosquito pool in Roslindale has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Although there have been no recorded human cases of mosquito-borne illnesses in Boston this year, BPHC advises residents to prevent mosquito bites and protect their homes by using window screens and emptying standing water.   WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus, but it poses very low risk to most people. The risk can be further reduced by using insect repellant when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn and, when possible, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.   Residents should also mosquito-proof their homes by making sure that their window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside. To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, BPHC advises residents to empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.   The City of Boston, in partnership with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project, has placed larvicide in catch basins and wetlands, a process designed to reduce the mosquito population. Targeted, truck-mounted aerosol spraying is also performed to help control the mosquito population in certain areas of Boston.   If residents have any questions related to the spraying or any questions on mosquitoes, they may call the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project at (781) 899-5730. For more information on sprayings, please visit bphc.org/mosquitocontrol.   For more information on mosquito-borne illness, call the Boston Public Health Commission at (617) 534-5611 or visit bphc.org/mbi.

麻州長提名二法院法官人選

Governor Baker Nominates Western MA Superior Court Judge Edward McDonough to the Appeals Court and Bruce Melikian to Western MA District Court

BOSTON—Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Superior Court Regional Administrative Justice Edward McDonough of Longmeadow to serve as an Associate Justice of the Appeals Court, and Bruce Melikian of Wilbraham to serve as an Associate Justice on the District Courts in Western Massachusetts. After a distinguished 32 year career as a trial attorney, McDonough was appointed to the Superior Court in 2013 and as Regional Administrative Justice covering Hampden, Hampshire, Granklin and Berkshire Counties in 2015; Melikian has over 33 years of experience in both criminal and civil litigation and has operated his own firm in Springfield since 1987.

“Throughout their careers, Judge McDonough and Attorney Melikian have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the Western Massachusetts community,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am confident, should they be confirmed, that their knowledge of the law, wisdom and temperament will serve the Commonwealth and their respective courts well.”

“I am pleased with the nominations of two well-respected and skilled attorneys from Western Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Their broad experience and dedication make them great candidates to continue to serve the Commonwealth and those who appear in their courts.”

The Appeals Court is the intermediate appellate court to which most appeals from the Massachusetts Trial Courts and a number of administrative bodies are made.  The Court has one Chief and 24 Associate Justices.

For more information about the Massachusetts Appeals Court, visithttp://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/appealscourt/.

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 The Honorable Edward McDonough

Edward J. McDonough Jr. currently serves as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court, and its Regional Administrative Justice for Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties. McDonough began his career as a student law clerk, becoming an Associate Attorney in 1981 and later Managing Partner at the Springfield firm of Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, P.C. until his appointment to the bench in 2013.  His trial practice in the Superior and Federal Courts focused primarily on civil rights law, product liability and medical malpractice.  McDonough has represented clients in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court, First Circuit Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court of the United States. McDonough has served as an adjunct faculty member at Bay Path University and Elms College.  In 2004, he was admitted to fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers and his professional affiliations include the Hampden County and Massachusetts Bar Associations. McDonough graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University School of Law in 1981 and from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1977 earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. He resides in Longmeadow with his wife Melissa and family

About Bruce S. Melikian

Bruce Melikian has over 33 years of legal experience in both civil and criminal law. He started his legal career as an associate in 1983 for the Law Offices of Edward N. Hurley in Springfield, where he focused on family law and criminal and civil litigation. After four years, he became a partner/owner at Hurley, Melikian, P.C. in Springfield, continuing his work in litigation and engaging in trial work in the Probate, District and Superior Courts to this day. His professional associations include the Massachusetts Bar Association, Hampden County Bar Association and the Armenian Bar Association. Attorney Melikian has received a very high peer review rating for over 20 years with  the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. Attorney Melikian graduated magna cum laude from the Western New England University School of Law in 1983 and from the American International College in 1979, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree with High Honor. He is a life-long resident of Hampden County and currently resides in Wilbraham with his family.

麻州香港協會慶祝回歸20週年 (圖片)