Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.6 Percent
9,100 jobs added in May
BOSTON, MA –June 19, 2014 – The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary estimates show that Massachusetts added 9,100 jobs in May and the total unemployment rate dropped 0.4 of a percentage point to 5.6 percent from the April rate.
Over the month, jobs were up 9,100 with private sector jobs up 8,800. Since May 2013, Massachusetts has added a net of 49,700 jobs; with 51,300 jobs added in the private sector and 300 added in the public sector. The total unemployment rate was down 1.4 percent from the May 2013 rate of 7.0 percent.
Not only are Massachusetts jobs above the April 2008 highpoint before the latest recession, they also exceed the February 2001 pre-recession job level.
BLS also revised its April estimates downward to a 2,000 jobs loss from the 1,600 job loss previously reported for the month.
May 2014 Employment Overview
Leisure and Hospitality added 4,200 (+1.3%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Leisure and Hospitality added 3,900 (+1.2%) jobs.
Education and Health Services gained 3,300 (+0.4%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Education and Health Services gained 16,500 (+2.3%) jobs.
Financial Activities added 1,200 (+0.6%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Financial Activities added 1,100 (+0.5%) jobs.
Construction gained 900 (+0.7%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Construction has added 2,100 (+1.7%) jobs.
Information added 500 (+0.6%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Information gained 4,400 (+5.1%) jobs.
Professional, Scientific and Business Services gained 400 (+0.1%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Professional, Scientific and Business Services added 10,400 (+2.1%) jobs.
Manufacturing added 200 (+0.1%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Manufacturing lost 200 (-0.1%) jobs.
Other Services lost 1,100 (-0.9%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Other Services jobs are up 3,400 (+2.8%) jobs.
Trade, Transportation and Utilities lost 900 (-0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 9,600 (+1.7%) jobs.
Government added 300 (+0.1%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Government lost 1,600 (-0.4%) jobs.
Labor Force Overview
The May 2014 estimates show 3,304,500 Massachusetts residents were employed and 197,300 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,501,800. The May labor force decreased by 3,800 from 3,505,600 in April, as 8,800 more residents were employed and 12,700 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was an estimated 15,200 above the 3,486,600 May 2013 estimate, with 63,400 more residents employed and 48,200 fewer residents unemployed.
The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends.
星期四, 6月 19, 2014
麻州助移民留居 推出駐地企業家項目
麻州州長派區克（Deval Patrick）昨（十九）日在林市（Lynn）的新美國人中心和來自全州各地的移民企業家，社區人士，攜手慶祝他們對麻州經濟成長的貢獻，並宣佈六月十五日至七月十五日是麻州移民月。
派區克表示，移民一向是麻州整體經濟，文化的一部份，他很驕傲能有機會表揚以麻州為家的移民企業家們。
移民在麻州人力中約占20%。 麻州州長派區克的辦公室表示，在州長辦公室，麻州難民移民辦公室（ORI）等努力下，他們為三萬二千名以上難民及移民增加了教育，就業，住宅，入籍等服務。聯邦政府的安置難民2014年就業結果報告也在僱用難民上，把麻州排為第三。
麻州難民移民辦公室（ORI）主任馬婷奈（Josiane Martinez）表示，移民及南民是麻州經濟的驅動力，而派區克政府一直都很支持移民，難民社區。
在新來者人數上，麻州排名全美第八，約有14%人口為移民。其中拉丁裔及亞裔擁有的企業就僱用了五萬名麻州居民，營業額高逾七十億元。
上個月，派區克政府宣佈了一項聯邦政府補助款，加強為移民，難民提供的職業，教育及入籍援助。來自全國及社區服務公司（Corporation
for National and Community Service (CNCS)）的四十萬元經費，將在未來三年內，安排九十名美國公司（AmeriCorps）會員，為五千名難民，移民提供培訓及支援服務。
四月份時，派區克州長宣布了“推廣成長及機會法（An Act to Promote Growth and Opportunity）”等經濟發展計劃，要把麻州人力培訓得更符合僱主需要，並投資近門戶城市，以在全州提供誘因，刺激經濟發展，創造就業機會。
藉該一法案，派區克還宣佈推出“駐地環球企業家項目（ Global Entrepreneur in
Residence Program）”，以吸引，留住企業家，在麻州內拓展公司，創造工作機會，該項目將容許符合資格，具備高技能，目前在麻州的國際學生，如果在創辦或拓展企業，畢業後可以留下來。
這一項目將經由“麻州科技合作（Mass
Tech Collaborative）”管理，會把有資格申請H1-B簽證，但礙於聯邦限額，而無法取得該簽証者，轉為公家或私營機構的“駐地企業家”，以確保他們能繼續為麻州的經濟做貢獻。GOVERNOR PATRICK CELEBRATES IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENURSHIP SUCCESSES IN MASSACHUSETTS
LYNN – Thursday, June 19, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined immigrant entrepreneurs and community members from across the Commonwealth to celebrate their successes in driving the Commonwealth’s economic growth and proclaimed June 15 – July 15, 2014 as Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month. The event, held at the New American Center in Lynn, included first-hand accounts from immigrant entrepreneurs who have found success in Massachusetts, and musical presentations from refugees.
"Our immigrant communities have always been an integral part of our state’s economic and cultural fabric," said Governor Patrick. "I am proud to recognize the hard work of our immigrant entrepreneurs who have made Massachusetts home, and whose achievements help keep us in the leadership business.”
Immigrants compose nearly 20 percent of the state’s workforce. Under the Patrick Administration, the state’s Office of Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) has increased access to services including education, employment, housing and citizenship for more than 32,000 refugees and immigrants. In partnership with providers across the Commonwealth, ORI has helped refugees and immigrants participate in the Commonwealth’s larger economic growth. The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement's 2014 annual employment outcome report ranked Massachusetts third in the nation in employment of refugees.
“Immigrants and refugees are a driving force in our state’s economy and the Patrick Administration has consistently supported this community,” said ORI Executive Director Josiane Martinez. “These dedicated men and women bring with them a wealth of unique knowledge and skills that make the Commonwealth a richer and more diverse place to live.”
Governor Patrick was joined by officials from ORI, the Department of Public Health’s Refugee and Immigrant Health Program, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the New American Center, House of the Russian Community Association, Congolese Development Center, Southern Sudanese Solidarity Organization, Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center, Bosnian Center for Resource Development, International Institute of Boston local leaders, new Americans and immigrant and refugee organizations at Thursday’s event.
The proclamation Immigrant Entrepreneurship Month recognizes the vital role that immigrants have in the Commonwealth’s strong economic growth, continued job creation and maintaining its innovative edge, as well as the social and cultural contributions that advance the quality of life in Massachusetts and around the nation. Massachusetts ranks eighth in the nation for newcomers, with an immigrant population that represents over 14 percent of the population. Latino and Asian-owned businesses alone employ over 50,000 Massachusetts residents, with sales of over $7 billion.
“Lynn has been home to many immigrants who have launched their new homes from here,” said Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy. “We have witnessed the successes of individuals such as Fitzroy Alexander, who, in search of the American Dream, came to the United States from Grenada. Working his way up from a job as a dishwasher, he planned and built a bread factory that has become a landmark here in this city and an invaluable source of new jobs. It is our hope that with increased access to education, employment and housing services, an even greater number of immigrant entrepreneurs will realize their dreams.”
Last month, the Patrick Administration announced a federal grant to enhance vocational, educational and citizenship assistance to refugees and immigrants across the Commonwealth. The nearly $400,000 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will place 90 AmeriCorps members across Massachusetts who will provide training and support to over 5,000 refugees and immigrants over the next three years.
In April, Governor Patrick announced an economic development package that provides new tools and training so the Commonwealth’s workforce is prepared to meet the needs of employers, invests in its Gateway Cities to promote development across the entire state and provides incentives to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The Governor’s bill, An Act to Promote Growth and Opportunity, builds on the Administration’s proven growth strategy of investing in education, innovation and infrastructure that has led to record job creation in Massachusetts and made the Commonwealth a global leader in key innovation economy sectors.
As part of his bill, the Governor announced the creation of a Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program to retain and attract entrepreneurs who are growing companies and creating jobs in the state. The program will allow qualified, highly skilled, international students currently in Massachusetts to stay here after graduation if they are starting or growing a business. Administered by the Mass Tech Collaborative, the program will place selected students – who are eligible for H-1B visas but unable to get them due to a federal cap – as “entrepreneurs in residence” at public and private institutions and will ensure that they continue to contribute to the Massachusetts economy.
華人醫務中心開年會 將籌款三百萬元
華人醫務中心（South cove Community Health Center）十七日晚在昆市門診中心舉行第42屆年會，宣佈將展開行動，籌款三百萬元，以翻修位於波士頓市的兩個服務處。
華人醫務中心當晚還頒發獎學金給何嘉盟等五名高中生，每人一千元，並由該中心董事李炯文興奮報告，華人醫務中心所組隊伍在今年的波士頓龍舟賽中，划舟時間打進前廿名，分組比賽奪得一銀一銅佳績。他說，該中心今年共下水划船比賽四次，報名費花得太物有所值了。
華人醫務中心行政主任衛優俊（Eugene Welch）當晚做行政年報，說明該中心如今無債一身輕，過去一年來的成就包括為三萬名病人服務，每年看診人次十六萬五千，在昆市開張了340B藥房，第五度獲得全國性的聯合委員會認證，也獲得醫療護理(Medicare)及醫療補助（Medicaid)服務中心為推廣電子醫療記錄及改善醫療護理所頒發的“有意義使用（meaningful use）“証。
他表示，該中心六月份起將為翻修位於波士頓市南街145號，華盛頓街885號兩處門診中心，展開籌款活動，目標為三百萬元。
該一翻修計劃包括先在南街設立婦女健康門診，增加五個檢驗室，以及家庭計劃，骨髓密度，乳房攝影篩檢，行為健康，牙科，驗光室，早期干預，婦孺（WIC）部等，再第二度翻修華盛頓街門診中心，包括拓寬等候區，把社會服務室增加至六個房間，小兒科增加到五個房間，成人醫藥室從十增加到十三間等。
目前該中心在波士頓市，昆士市共設有四處門診，大約250名職工， 另在布萊頓/奧斯頓（Brighton/ Allston）設有課後服務項目。
衛優俊表示，該中心希望到2015年底時，使用該中心服務的病人可增加到三萬兩千人，看診人次可增加到十七萬以上。
華人醫務中心創辦人唐哲君當晚報告了董事會更動狀況，任期屆滿的五人，Thomas
Birth，李炯文，April Tang，Thuy Tran
Leung，David Yee等人或投票通過連任，一任三年，任期至2017年。董事會新任董事長為April Tang，秘書伍振耀，財政Cindy
Chen。
圖片說明：
華人醫務中心的董事們，右起廖國鵬，黎美惠，Thuy Leong，以及李愛敏（右五起），李錦堂，April Tang，伍振耀，李炯文，唐哲君（後左一）。左一為營運長Eric，左二為行政主任衛優俊（Eugene Welch）。（菊子攝）
代表華人醫務中心參加波士頓龍舟賽的隊員們在年會中領取獎牌。（菊子攝）
華人醫務中心行政主任衛優俊（Eugene Welch）（左）頒發獎學金給出席的得獎高中生，何嘉盟，朱康文，楊巧儀等人。（菊子攝）
羅德島州長共和黨初選 馮偉杰迎戰 Ken Block
 |
| 羅德島州的兩名共和黨籍候選人，克蘭斯頓市現任市長馮偉杰（Allan Fung） （右），軟體公司總裁布洛克（Ken Block）（左）出席首場電視辯論。 （圖由馮偉杰競選陣營提供） |
（Boston Orange 周菊子羅德島州報導）羅德島州的州長選戰，十七日晚推出共和黨籍候選人首場電視辯論。克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉杰和對手布洛克（Ken Block）各陳己見。羅州普域敦斯報（Providence
Journal）稱兩人觀點相近。
羅德島州今年的州級選舉，共有六名州長候選人，其中兩人為共和黨籍，四人為民主黨籍。兩黨初選將在九月九日舉行。
共和黨籍的兩名候選人，分別是已連任三屆的克蘭斯頓市現任市長馮偉杰（Allan Fung），以及在巴靈頓（Barrington）市經營軟體公司的布洛克（Ken Block）。
他們倆人都曾經轉換過黨派歸屬。馮偉杰曾經加入民主黨。布洛克則在2010年時，以溫和黨（Moderate
Party）領導身份參選過羅德島州州長。
十七日晚，由普域敦斯報（Providence Journal）和WPRI-TV主辦，他倆在羅德島州普域敦斯表演藝術中心做了首場電視辯論。
布洛克在辯論會中指控馮偉杰對該市的警察濫發120 多張左右停車罰單給兩名市議員，以報復他們未支持警察局預算的醜聞，處理不當，不適於擔任州長。他也稱馮偉杰是傷害羅州改變向好企圖的那類政治圈中人之一，表示只有像他這樣的局外人，才能修補羅州缺失。
馮偉杰把布洛克形容為偽裝的自由派，曾經兩度投票給民主黨的美國總統奧巴馬，支持奧巴馬的醫療保險法（Obamacare），還因為撥款給他的溫和黨被道德委員會罰款。馮偉杰說布洛克吹噓的億元預算節省案，是假的，說來聽的而已，布洛克說的任何話，人們都得仔細檢視。
馮偉杰還表示，他在克蘭斯頓市創造了一千個就業機會，把市府從財政危機中挽救出來，不但有盈餘，債信還節節升級等政績，都是他可帶領羅德島州走向康莊大道的證明。
布洛克把他的十億元節約計劃，稱為三二一計劃，表示有三分之一將來自州政府預算，包括數以百萬元計經費，將從州政府的失業保險計劃中節省出來。
馮偉杰說，那聽起來很棒，但是三減二減一等於零，其實是說的比唱得好聽。馮偉杰提出的二億元減稅計劃，要刪減企業，房地產，以及銷售稅。至於從哪兒找錢來彌補減稅失去的收入，馮偉杰指出，可以研究諸如羅州公共交通局等的服務，是否可以私營化。他也將要求各部門首長只索取需要的經費。
普域敦斯報指出，在二名共和黨，四名民主黨的六名州長候選人當中，共和黨的這兩名候選人最早展開攻訐戰，互控對方不是。但這兩人的主要政見卻非常相似，包括都支持減稅來刺激企業及就業機會成長，限制槍枝，發駕照給無証移民，反對大麻合法化，還都贊成不必還錢給貸款給電動遊戲公司-38工作室的投資者。該公司由紅襪隊前球員Curt Schiling所創辦，經營失敗，宣佈破產。
民主黨籍的羅德島州州長候選人，主要有三人，已於六月十一日做過辯論。這三人分別是羅德島州現任財政廳廳長Gina
Raimondo；普域敦斯市市長，也是馮偉杰的高中同學塔維諾斯（Angel Taveras）；以及華裔溜冰冠軍關穎珊的律師丈夫貝爾（Clay Pell）。
星期三, 6月 18, 2014
Patrick Administration Announces $3.4M for Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and Charging Station Grant Program
Patrick Administration Announces $3.4M for Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and Charging Station Grant Program
BILLERICA
– Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – The Patrick Administration today announced
that applications are being accepted for two programs aimed at growing
the number of electric vehicles (EV) on the road in Massachusetts,
including a rebate program for drivers purchasing or leasing a new EV
and a grant program to help install charging stations at workplaces like
businesses, nonprofits and state agencies with 15 or more employees.
“These
programs further advance the Patrick Administration’s goals to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs
Secretary Maeve Vallely Bartlett. “The transportation sector accounts
for about one-third of the greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted, so the
deployment of more electric and plug-in vehicles is an important step
toward Massachusetts achieving its ambitious goals.”
Department
of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia unveiled the
website that that new purchasers/leasers can use to apply for their
rebates from the $2 million Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric
Vehicles (MOR-EV) program. MOR-EV enables Massachusetts residents who
purchase or lease an eligible vehicle to receive a rebate of up to
$2,500 on vehicles purchased on or after June 18, 2014.
“The
Patrick Administration is making it easier for more people to choose
cleaner cars that have great fuel economy,” said Commissioner Sylvia.
“Electric vehicles are a win-win for the environmental and economic
bottom line and the MOR-EV program moves us closer to meeting the
Commonwealth’s emissions reduction goals for transportation.”
Interested drivers can learn more about how to apply for rebates at www.mor-ev.org.
Rebates are being funded with proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative (RGGI) auctions and are available on a first-come
first-served basis until all the funds have been committed. All
applications must be submitted within three months of purchase or lease,
starting on June 18, 2014.
Department
of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner David W. Cash
announced the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program’s
(MassEVIP): Workplace Charging grants. Under this grant program,
MassDEP will provide 50 percent of the funding for charging station
hardware costs (up to $25,000) for employers to install Level 1 and
Level 2 charging stations for electric and plug-in electric vehicles.
This program will operate on a first-come first-served basis.
“By
collaborating across agencies and the private sector, we are solving
the chicken-and-egg problem – getting more plug-in vehicles on our roads
and more charging stations at the same time,” said Commissioner Cash.
”With the launch of the Patrick Administration’s innovative programs to
support increased electric vehicle deployment, we can reduce greenhouse
gases and petroleum use, save drivers’ on energy costs, and meet our
aggressive local air pollution, clean energy and climate goals.
Today’s
announcements were made at a workplace charging workshop hosted by
DOER’s Clean Cities Coalition at EMD Serono Research and Development
Institute in Billerica. The workshop emphasized the importance of being
able to charge EVs at work and outlined basic facts on electric
vehicles, charging stations and resources available to employers to
provide EV benefits to their employees. The Massachusetts Clean Cities
Coalition promotes the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and
supports the development of infrastructure necessary to make these
vehicles a viable transportation option.
“These
grant programs further demonstrate the Commonwealth’s commitment to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging more residents to
choose environmentally-conscious modes of transportation and protect the
health of our communities,” said Senate President Therese
Murray. “I want to thank the Patrick Administration and the Executive
Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for increasing our state’s
status as a national leader in setting clean energy and environmental
standards.”
The
Patrick Administration has already invested more than $20 million in
electric and alternative fuel vehicles in the Commonwealth. In May,
Governor Patrick signed an eight-state MOU to have at least 3.3 million
zero emission vehicles (ZEV) in the eight states by 2025 and to work
together to establish a fueling infrastructure to support this number of
vehicles. For Massachusetts’ participation in this MOU, the goal is
300,000 ZEVs.
New report shows premium affordability, competition and choice in the Marketplace in 2013-2014
New report shows premium affordability, competition and choice in the Marketplace in 2013-2014
Shoppers paid an average of $69 per month after tax credits for silver plans and had, on average, a choice of five health insurers and 47 plans
A new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds that people who selected silver plans, the most popular plan type in the federal Marketplace, with tax credits paid an average premium of $69 per month. In the federal Marketplace, 69 percent of enrollees who selected Marketplace plans with tax credits had premiums of $100 a month or less, and 46 percent of $50 a month or less after tax credits. Today’s report also looks at competition and choice nationwide among health insurance plans in 2013-2014, and finds that most individuals shopping in the Marketplace had a wide range of health plans from which to choose. On average, consumers could choose from five health insurers and 47 Marketplace plans. An increase of one issuer in a rating area is associated with 4 percent decline in the second-lowest cost silver plan premium, on average.
“What we’re finding is that the Marketplace is working. Consumers have more choices, and they’re paying less for their premiums,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “Nearly 7 in 10 consumers who signed up for Marketplace coverage are paying $100 or less for that coverage. When there is choice and competition, everybody benefits.”
According to today’s report, on average, monthly premiums for people who selected plans with tax credits fell 76 percent after tax credits, dropping the cost of the average monthly premium from $346 before tax credits to $82 after tax credits across all plan types. People who selected silver plans, the most popular plan type in the federal Marketplace, with tax credits paid an average premium of $69 per month.
The Marketplace is also providing consumers more easily comparable, quality health plan choices than ever before. In 2014, there were a total of 266 issuers in the Marketplace by state, offering over 19,000 Marketplace plans across all ratings areas, excluding catastrophic plans. Overall, 82 percent of people eligible to purchase a qualified health plan could choose from 3 or more health insurance issuers, and 96 percent could choose from 2 or more health insurers in the Marketplace. In 2014, new issuers represent almost 26 percent of all issuers in the Marketplace, and the new Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs) tended to have lower premiums than other plans. Early reports from the states suggest that additional issuers will be entering the Marketplace in 2015.
Today’s report demonstrates that the new tax credits are working as intended to make premiums affordable, and the Marketplace is bringing much-needed competition to the insurance market. In addition, the Affordable Care Act includes a number of other provisions to keep premiums affordable. The rate review grant program provides states with resources to enhance their rate review programs. HHS has previously awarded nearly $238 million to states to enhance their rate review programs, and, since the passage of the law, the proportion of insurance company requests for double-digit rate increases was cut by more than half. Consumers saved nearly $1.2 billion on their premiums in 2012 when compared to the amount originally requested by insurers. Health insurance companies also now have to spend at least 80 cents of your premium dollar on health care or improvements to care, or provide a refund. In 2012, 8.5 million consumers received half a billion dollars in refunds – with the average consumer receiving a refund of around $100 per family.
To read today’s report visit: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/
Shoppers paid an average of $69 per month after tax credits for silver plans and had, on average, a choice of five health insurers and 47 plans
A new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finds that people who selected silver plans, the most popular plan type in the federal Marketplace, with tax credits paid an average premium of $69 per month. In the federal Marketplace, 69 percent of enrollees who selected Marketplace plans with tax credits had premiums of $100 a month or less, and 46 percent of $50 a month or less after tax credits. Today’s report also looks at competition and choice nationwide among health insurance plans in 2013-2014, and finds that most individuals shopping in the Marketplace had a wide range of health plans from which to choose. On average, consumers could choose from five health insurers and 47 Marketplace plans. An increase of one issuer in a rating area is associated with 4 percent decline in the second-lowest cost silver plan premium, on average.
“What we’re finding is that the Marketplace is working. Consumers have more choices, and they’re paying less for their premiums,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “Nearly 7 in 10 consumers who signed up for Marketplace coverage are paying $100 or less for that coverage. When there is choice and competition, everybody benefits.”
According to today’s report, on average, monthly premiums for people who selected plans with tax credits fell 76 percent after tax credits, dropping the cost of the average monthly premium from $346 before tax credits to $82 after tax credits across all plan types. People who selected silver plans, the most popular plan type in the federal Marketplace, with tax credits paid an average premium of $69 per month.
The Marketplace is also providing consumers more easily comparable, quality health plan choices than ever before. In 2014, there were a total of 266 issuers in the Marketplace by state, offering over 19,000 Marketplace plans across all ratings areas, excluding catastrophic plans. Overall, 82 percent of people eligible to purchase a qualified health plan could choose from 3 or more health insurance issuers, and 96 percent could choose from 2 or more health insurers in the Marketplace. In 2014, new issuers represent almost 26 percent of all issuers in the Marketplace, and the new Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs) tended to have lower premiums than other plans. Early reports from the states suggest that additional issuers will be entering the Marketplace in 2015.
Today’s report demonstrates that the new tax credits are working as intended to make premiums affordable, and the Marketplace is bringing much-needed competition to the insurance market. In addition, the Affordable Care Act includes a number of other provisions to keep premiums affordable. The rate review grant program provides states with resources to enhance their rate review programs. HHS has previously awarded nearly $238 million to states to enhance their rate review programs, and, since the passage of the law, the proportion of insurance company requests for double-digit rate increases was cut by more than half. Consumers saved nearly $1.2 billion on their premiums in 2012 when compared to the amount originally requested by insurers. Health insurance companies also now have to spend at least 80 cents of your premium dollar on health care or improvements to care, or provide a refund. In 2012, 8.5 million consumers received half a billion dollars in refunds – with the average consumer receiving a refund of around $100 per family.
To read today’s report visit: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/
Sullivan Square Resurfaced for First Time in 25 Years
Sullivan Square Resurfaced for First Time in 25 Years
36,000 square yards of asphalt pavement
totaling 3,740 tons laid
BOSTON
– Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh thanked residents and commuters through
Charlestown for their patience during extensive road improvement work to
Sullivan Square. The Public Works Department (PWD)
paved the heavily trafficked roads in Sullivan Square over the course
of two weeks, smoothing the roadway to improve safety and transportation
access. Additional roadway striping and pedestrian ramp improvements
will continue through the summer. The last time that any major
resurfacing work was done in the area was more than two decades ago.
“Roadway
infrastructure improvements can be disruptive while they’re underway,
but keep our city and economy moving in the long term,” said Mayor
Walsh. “We appreciate the public’s patience in allowing the Public Works
crews to complete this much needed work in a timely and safe manner.”
More
than two lane miles of road in and around Sullivan Square were paved,
including Alford Street, Cambridge Street, Main Street, Mishawum Street,
Rutherford Avenue, and West Street. PWD put down 36,000 square yards
of asphalt pavement amounting to 3,740 tons of material, and 200
utility manholes and castings were raised or improved to meet the level
of the new road.
The
improvements began with grinding on Tuesday, May 27 and paving was
completed on Monday, June 9, one day ahead of schedule. All of the work
was done at night and in close coordination with the Boston Police
Department, the State Police, the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation, and the Alford Street Bridge project.
Through
the rest of the summer the Sullivan Square area will receive new
roadway striping, improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and
new pedestrian ramps, with total investment in the roadways and
sidewalks totaling around $900,000.
As
a thank you to the surrounding community, PWD has put up temporary
electronic sign boards expressing thanks to all of the travelers who
helped to make the project successful, saying "Bost Pub Works Says -
Thank You For Your Patience - Boston Works for You!"
波士頓市長內閣 6/24 進華埠開社區會議
波士頓市長辦公室鄰里服務辦公室主任史密斯（Jerome
Smith）將于六月廿四日（週二）下午六至八點，假昆士小學禮堂舉辦社區會議。
波士頓市長辦公室亞裔協調員翁耀漢（Denny Ching）昨（十七）日通告華埠社區，波士頓市長辦公室鄰里服務辦公室邀請華埠社區居民，市務及企業領袖出席社區會議，討論與華埠有關的基本市府服務。
波士頓公共圖書館，老人事務局，波士頓重建局，公共工程局，鄰里發展局，檢查服務（ISD），新波士頓人辦公室，波士頓青少年及家庭中心等市府單位，都將派員出席。
昆士小學地址為885
Washington Street， Boston MA, 02111，查詢相關詳情，可洽翁耀漢（Denny Ching)，617-635-3891。
訂閱：
文章 (Atom)