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

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Judge David Lowy 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 David Lowy to the Supreme Judicial Court:

“Judge David Lowy is a highly experienced and dedicated jurist and I am confident that he will serve the Commonwealth’s Supreme Judicial Court and all that comes before it with fair and impartial justice,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to congratulate Judge Lowy on his unanimous confirmation, and I thank the members of the Governor’s Council for their hard work evaluating and ultimately approving his appointment.”

“I would like to congratulate Judge David Lowy on his unanimous confirmation to the Commonwealth’s highest court, and know that as an Associate Justice, his temperament and diligence will bring objectivity and integrity to the Supreme Judicial Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I thank the members of the Governor’s Council for their thorough and thoughtful consideration.”

AG HEALEY SUBMITS APPLICATION TO U. S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CANCEL LOANS FOR THOUSANDS OF FOR-PROFIT SCHOOL STUDENTS

AG HEALEY SUBMITS APPLICATION TO U. S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CANCEL LOANS FOR THOUSANDS OF FOR-PROFIT SCHOOL STUDENTSAmerican Career Institute Admitted to Lying, Fabricating Records and Violating Massachusetts Law; AG Applies for Loan Discharges for More than 4,400 Students 

            BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today submitted a formal application to the U. S. Department of Education calling for the immediate cancellation of loans taken out by Massachusetts students deceived and abused by the American Career Institute (ACI), a former for-profit school that abruptly closed in 2013. 

            The application is based on the unprecedented consent judgment that the AG’s Office obtained against ACI, in which ACI admits to widespread violations of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The AG’s submission was sent today to Department Secretary John King and Chief Enforcement Officer Robert Kaye of the Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid. In November 2015, AG Healey sent a similar letterseeking loan forgiveness for former Corinthian students in Massachusetts, which has resulted in many such students having their debts eliminated.

“Thousands of students who took out loans to attend these predatory, low-quality programs are legally entitled to immediate forgiveness today,” AG Healey said. “Not only did this school fully admit to lying to its students, it left them with millions of dollars of debt and no real career training. I urge the Department to utilize its power to finally get these students the long-overdue relief they deserve.”

Today’s application asks for a group discharge of all federal loans taken out by approximately 4,400 student borrowers who attended ACI’s career training schools at five locations in Massachusetts – Braintree, Cambridge, Framingham, Springfield, and Woburn.  ACI had offered various certificate programs, such as information technology and medical assisting programs, with tuition and fees that cost up to $23,000.

In 2013, the AG’s Office sued ACI for falsely promising meaningful vocational training and opportunities to its students and then failing to deliver, as well as other widespread misconduct. The judgment against ACI last month in Suffolk Superior Court is believed to be the first time a for-profit school has admitted, in court, its predatory wrongdoing in violation of state law. ACI acknowledged that it knowingly overstated the employment prospects for its graduates; falsified student signatures, enrollment records, attendance records, and grades; used unlicensed and unqualified instructors; and provided valueless externships and no meaningful career placement services.

In its application today, the AG’s Office has requested that the Department cancel all federal loans taken out by 4,400 students who attended ACI from January 2010 through the school’s closure in January 2013 based on ACI’s numerous admissions and violations of Massachusetts law. Additionally, more than 1,400 of those students are entitled to loan discharges because they were enrolled at ACI at the time the school closed or withdrew in the four months prior to ACI’s closure. The Department has already used its existing authority to grant discharges to defrauded Corinthian students in Massachusetts and other states on the basis of Corinthian’s illegal conduct.

AG Healey continues to lead efforts to help students who were deceived by predatory for-profit schools. She has rallied state attorneys general and members of Congress to speak out on the importance of loan discharge, authored letters to the Department of Education, and organized calls and meetings with the Department to help students struggling with their federal loan debt.

AG Healey has been a national leader against predatory for-profit schools and continues to work to secure relief for students. In November 2015, AG Healey announced actions against student debt relief companies and the launch of a Student Loan Assistance Unit to assist borrowers having trouble paying their loans. The AG’s Office is in ongoing litigation with Corinthian and recently sued ITT Tech and an unlicensed for-profit nursing school for alleged unfair and deceptive practices. The AG’s Office also has reached settlements worth more than $6 million with Kaplan Career Institute, Lincoln Tech, Sullivan & Cogliano, and Salter College.

All former ACI students are encouraged to contact the AG’s Office by calling the Student Loan Assistance Unit Hotline at 1-888-830-6277 or by completing the ACI Student Contact Information Update Form so the AG’s Office can assist those students who may be eligible for various relief. 

Governor Baker Signs REAL ID Compliance Legislation

Governor Baker Signs REAL ID Compliance Legislation

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has signed bipartisan legislation to ensure Massachusetts’ compliance with the federal REAL ID Act, while adopting public safety standards so the Commonwealth’s citizens can continue to enter federal buildings and board domestic flights and ensuring that state credentials are issued to residents and those who are lawfully present in the United States. The RMV will continue to update customers throughout its compliance efforts and anticipates REAL ID compliant cards will begin to be issued in the fall of 2017.

“I thank the members of the Legislature for their attention to the Commonwealth’s compliance with federal REAL ID security standards and ensuring that all applicants must show proof of lawful presence in order to obtain any Massachusetts credential,”said Governor Baker. “The security standards and proper federal documentation requirements set out in this bill are imperative as the Registry begins the gradual process of implementation so credential holders may continue to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings in the coming years.”

Governor Baker first filed REAL ID compliance legislation in October of 2015, with the Legislature ultimately adopting the Governor’s bipartisan amendment to make explicit that both a REAL ID-compliant license and a Massachusetts license will only be issued to individuals with proof of lawful presence, ensuring undocumented immigrants do not obtain either type of license under the new system. The REAL ID Act, the result of work by the 9/11 Commission, sets minimum standards that states must meet during the issuance and manufacture of driver’s licenses and Massachusetts resident identification cards. Only a REAL ID carries certain benefits such as serving as a valid form of identification to enter federal facilities and, once enforcement begins, the ability to board domestic flights.

                                                                     

“A driver’s license is one of the most important forms of identification in our society, and it must have accuracy and integrity.  That’s why it’s imperative that our state comply with the REAL ID Act as soon as possible, and without taking any chances that a license could be given to someone not legally in our state,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester).

"The legislation Governor Baker has signed into law is an important clarification that eliminates any doubt as to who actually qualifies for a driver's license," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading).  "By explicitly prohibiting the issuance of a driver's license to individuals who do not have lawful presence in the United States, we are not only upholding the security and integrity of our licensing system, but also moving Massachusetts into full compliance with the federal Real ID Act."

Massachusetts credential holders currently are not subject to enforcement rules set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) because the Commonwealth has a valid compliance extension, as do approximately half of the states in the country. At least 23 other states are already issuing REAL ID compliant credentials.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ACTING COMMISSIONER OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FOR THE CITY OF BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ACTING COMMISSIONER OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FOR THE CITY OF BOSTON

BOSTON - Monday, July 25, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Gregory Rooney as Acting Commissioner of The Property Management Department for the City of Boston. Rooney will replace outgoing Commissioner John Hanlon, who has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Boston Public Schools (BPS). "I welcome Greg Rooney as the Acting Commissioner of Property and Construction Management, and thank him for taking on this important role,"said Mayor Walsh. "Greg has spent much of his career dedicated to improving the City of Boston and will be a great leader in this role." In his role as Commissioner, Rooney will serve in the Operations Cabinet and lead the City's management, maintenance, repairs and security for the City's municipal buildings. The Property Management Department also manages and maintains the coordinated street furniture program throughout the downtown areas, as well as provides technical assistance, scheduling and management of special events at City Hall and Faneuil Hall. The department will focus on preserving and protecting the city's assets in a way that positively impacts the delivery of service and quality of life for Boston residents and employees. Prior to accepting the role of Commissioner, Rooney served as the Director of Enforcement for the Boston Transportation Department. He also served as the Deputy Commissioner for Transportation in the City of Boston's Commission on Affairs of the Elderly. Rooney brings with him over 20 years of experience with the City of Boston. He holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Government from Northeastern University. He currently resides in West Roxbury with his wife Karla and daughters Ashley and Hailey.

Stop & Shop 母公司將和Hannaford連鎖超市合併

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT ALLOWING PARENT COMPANIES OF STOP & SHOP AND HANNAFORD SUPERMARKET CHAINS TO MERGE

            BOSTON – Following a review of the proposed merger between Stop & Shop and Hannaford supermarkets, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today the terms of a settlement allowing the companies’ transaction to move forward.

            The AG’s Office joined attorneys general in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the Federal Trade Commission to complete a national review of the transaction. The proposed merger combines the parent companies of multiple supermarket chains in the United States and Europe. In a settlement, filed in conjunction today with a lawsuit in the federal district court for the District of Columbia, Ahold and Delhaize are required to divest 81 of their stores nationwide to competitors in order to complete the merger.

            “Stop & Shop and Hannaford supermarkets are located in numerous Massachusetts communities,” said AG Healey. “By requiring divestitures in cities and towns where the merger would significantly reduce competition, this settlement maintains a marketplace with incentives for stores to offer the best prices, service, and merchandise to consumers.”

Eight of the stores required to be divested before the merger takes place are located in Massachusetts. Big Y Foods, Inc. will be acquiring Hannaford stores in Kingston, Quincy, Norwell, Milford, Norwood, Saugus and Easton, and Tops Markets, LLC will be acquiring a Stop & Shop store located in Gardner. 

Ahold operates more than 130 Stop & Shop stores in Massachusetts and its principal U.S. subsidiary, Ahold U.S.A., Inc., is headquartered in Quincy. Delhaize operates more than 20 Hannaford stores in Massachusetts its principal U.S. subsidiary, Delhaize America, LLC, is headquartered in North Carolina.

            This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Michael MacKenzie, Division Chief William Matlack, and Paralegal/Economic Analyst Kyle Barr of Attorney General Healey’s Antitrust Division.

Boston Public Schools and Mayor Walsh's City Hall to Go Launches BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks

Boston Public Schools and Mayor Walsh's City Hall to Go Launches BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks

Boston, MA - Friday, July 22, 2016 - The Boston Public Schools (BPS) in partnership with Mayor Martin J. Walsh's City Hall to Go, today announced "BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks," which are "pop-up" spaces for Boston residents to engage with one another, as well as BPS staff, about the district's 10-year educational and facilities master plan. Based on the premise that the best conversations happen around the kitchen table, BPS and City Hall to Go will be bringing the kitchen table to Boston's neighborhoods. "The most important investment we can make is in our young people, and we do that by supporting their education and making sure they have the best opportunities and learning facilities available to them," said Mayor Walsh. "These Kitchen Table Talks are a fun, innovative way to foster healthy dialogue around how we can better equip our students with the education, skills and facilities needed to meet the standards of 21st century learning."   BuildBPS will provide a strategic framework for facilities investments, as well as curriculum and instruction reforms that are aligned with the district's educational vision. BPS and the Mayor's Education Cabinet are working with Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates (SMMA) to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations submitted to Mayor Walsh, Superintendent Tommy Chang, and Boston School Committee by the fall of 2016.  The project is guided by five advisory committees that include educators and representatives of parent and community partner organizations. "It is great that BPS is partnering with the Mayor's City Hall to Go effort to boost community engagement," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "The Committee looks forward to seeing the many more ways that BPS will engage the public in BuildBPS." For more information, visit: bostonpublicschools.org/buildbps. "Kitchen Table Talks enable families and friends to come together to have great conversations and learn of BuildBPS updates," said Superintendent Tommy Chang. "That's what we want for this experience. We want students, parents, teachers, and staff to stop by a pop-up location and hear how the process of the master plan connects with our future plans for facilities and public education in the city of Boston." The BuildBPS Kitchen Table Talks schedule is as follows: Thursday, July 28 4-6 pm Roxbury Dudley Town Common Tuesday, August 2 12-3 pm Jamaica Plain 677 Centre St. Thursday, August 4 5-7 pm South End BCYF Block Party, Blackstone Wednesday, August 10 5-7 pm Charlestown Charlestown Farmers Market, Thompson Square Saturday, August 13 9 am - 12 pm Roslindale Adams Park Thursday, August 18 5-7 pm Dorchester Leahy/Holloran BCYF Block Party Thursday, August 25 5-7 pm East Boston BCYF Block Party, Paris Street Pool About BuildBPS Launched on September 29, 2015 by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Superintendent Tommy Chang, BuildBPS is a 10-Year Educational and Facilities Master Plan for Boston Public Schools (BPS). The work is conducted in partnership with BPS, SMMA, the Mayor's Education Cabinet, and several City agencies, including Property and Construction Management, Environment, Energy and Open Space, Neighborhood Services, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, in consultation with designer and project manager Margaret Wood of Pinck & Co. For additional information, please visit BPS' website: http://bostonpublicschools.org/buildbps.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Solar Energy Grants to Two University of Massachusetts Campuses

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Solar Energy Grants to

Two University of Massachusetts Campuses

Solar Canopies at UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell Will Lower Energy Costs and Generate Clean Power

BOSTON – July 22, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $650,660 in funding for two solar canopy projects for the Amherst and Lowell campuses of the University of Massachusetts.  The funding, awarded by the Department of Energy Resources’ Leading by Example (LBE) program, will provide $500,000 for a 4.5 MW solar array at two parking lots at UMass Amherst and $150,660 for a 200 kW system at the South Parking Garage of UMass Lowell.

“These solar canopies are a prime example of state agencies successfully working together to increase renewable energy while decreasing costs for taxpayers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Investing in clean energy projects at state properties helps the Commonwealth continue to lead the way on clean energy, energy efficiency and the adoption of innovative technologies.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to expanding the use of renewable energy to fuel our state facilities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “It is fitting that UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell, two of our state’s flagship public campuses, will once again be on the forefront of innovation with the Leading by Example solar canopies.”

Upon completion of both projects, solar installations at state facilities will total more than 19 MW, up from just 100 kW in 2007. The projects will also install two electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Amherst campus and one charging station at the Lowell campus, a requirement of the Leading by Example grants. Once complete, there will be 11 charging stations on the UMass Amherst campus, including two fast chargers that can fully charge an EV to 80 percent of full capacity in just 20 minutes.

“These solar canopy projects will add to the sizeable number of solar installations at state facilities, all of which are helping to save taxpayer dollars and generate clean, renewable power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “UMass Amherst and Lowell will receive net benefits of more than $7 million over the life of the projects, thanks to reduced electricity costs and long term contracts.”

“These grants demonstrate the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to renewable energy and to the students, faculty and staff of the University of Massachusetts,” said University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan. “The Commonwealth and UMass are both taking on leadership roles in the effort to create a better and cleaner future, and I commend Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for this action and for everything they are doing on behalf of this critical cause.”

The canopy projects combined will generate enough electricity to power approximately 900 Massachusetts homes each year. The UMass Amherst canopies will be a privately financed and constructed system features a long-term energy contract that provides the campuses with a known rate of electricity over 20 years, helping to stabilize energy costs and result in savings of more than $6 million over the life of the contract. UMass Lowell will finance, own and operate its solar array, receiving the full benefit of electricity savings, which will reduce the campuses energy costs by roughly $1 million over 20 years.

The LBE Solar Canopy Grant Program has awarded more than $1.4 million for solar canopy projects at state agencies and colleges, which will result in the installation of more than 6 MW of solar canopy systems by the end of 2016. Additionally, 17 EV charging stations will be installed as part of these projects and other LBE efforts.

“By entering into partnerships to install a total of 4.7 MW of solar at both campuses, Massachusetts is making a clear commitment to continue our proud tradition of leading by example,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “These innovative installations showcase a prudent fiscal model for solar development at state facilities.”

The grant program is funded from Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) funds. ACP funds are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs.

“This grant will increase the use of renewable energy for UMass and reduce the carbon footprint of the University.  I thank the Baker administration for continuing their commitment to our clean energy future,”said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “If we are going to continue to lead the nation in solar energy production the state must set an example by adding installations like this to our state facilities.”

“Congratulations to UMass Lowell on winning a Leading by Example grant for its new solar canopy,”said State Senator Eileen Donoghue (D-Lowell). “The legislature has been working to create energy policies that benefit the environment without increasing costs, and this project shows that it’s possible. Smart investments in renewable energy can help us reduce both our energy bills and our greenhouse gas emissions.”

“I would like to thank Commissioner Judson, Secretary Beaton, and Governor Baker for their continual support of Umass Lowell and the incredible work they are doing at the University,” said State Representative Rady Mom (D-Lowell). This grant will help UML diversify its energy portfolio as well as continue its work as a statewide leader in adopting the best and most efficient technology for its facilities. I look forward to seeing UML implement the project and continue the partnership between the University and State government.”

“I am so proud of the University’s commitment to renewable energy and green building design. I am grateful beyond words to DOER for supporting the University’s ambitious solar project,” said State Representative Ellen Story (D-Amherst). “This grant is evidence that when it comes to solar adoption, the entire Amherst community leads by example.”

“I am very pleased that the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, along with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, will be receiving this grant for solar panel canopies through the Leading by Example program,” said State Representative David Nangle (D-Lowell). “I am certain that this will set a further example of how the State Office of Energy Resources and the universities can successfully collaborate to develop new and innovative energy technologies that will be both cost effective and protect the environment.”

“This is a great opportunity for UMass Lowell to transform underutilized space on a parking garage roof into a large-scale solar canopy that realizes financial and environmental benefits for the university,” said State Representative Thomas A. Golden Jr. (D-Lowell). “This will further build on the school’s successful Accelerated Energy Program, which aims to increase energy efficiency across the UMass Lowell campuses.”

The Leading by Example (LBE) program at the Department of Energy Resources works with state agencies to meet specific targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy consumption reduction and renewable energy installations. Since 2007, state agencies have made significant progress, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent, generating 20 percent of electricity demand from onsite renewable and combined heat and power systems, and reducing heating oil use by 78 percent.

劉雲平獲選為新國會議員明星

國會眾議員劉雲平在眾議院的社交媒體競賽中，獲選為明星新議員。

7月24日，在眾議院民主黨鞭Steny Hoyer主辦，每年一度的會員全明星社交媒體線上競賽中，劉雲平在民主黨新議員中排名第一，獲頒2016年新議員明星（MVP）頭銜。

劉雲平在臉書，推特， Instagram等新社交媒體上，新增了4185名追隨者。

REP. LIEU NAMED FRESHMAN MVP IN HOUSE SOCIAL MEDIA COMPETITION

Washington - Yesterday, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) finished first among Freshman Democrats in the 2016 Member Online All-Star Competition.  As a result, Mr. Lieu was awarded the title of 2016 Freshman MVP.  The annual Member social media contest is hosted by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer.

Freshman MVP Lieu gained 4,185 new social media followers (on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram andYouTube) in part by advocating for an end to the influence Super PACs have on elections, testifying against LGBT discrimination, calling for common sense gun legislation, and well-received questioning of FBI Director James Comey.