星期三, 4月 12, 2017
Red Sox Mascots, City Officials Join Thousands of BPS Students for Annual Walk to School Day
| Red Sox Mascots, City Officials to Join Thousands of BPS Students for Annual Walk to School Day |
Safe Routes to School is part of 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 Walk to School Day. These efforts not only boost students' health and academic readiness, but they support the BPS Wellness Policy. The 2nd Annual BPS Spring Walk to School Day celebrates these efforts and kicks off the spring walking season. Children who walk to school tomorrow will get more than an academic boost. Students on their way to the Ellis Elementary school will get a surprise visit by Wally the Green Monster and his little sister Tessie, the Red Sox mascots. Other schools will congratulate walkers with stickers and other prizes, and many students will be greeted by a variety of city officials.
2017年加州中国论坛 留学生组织能力备受赞赏
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2017年加州中国论坛 留学生组织能力备受赞赏
由美西南中国学生学者联谊会（SWCSSA)和南加州大学中国学
美西南中国学生学者联谊会主席、加州大学洛杉矶分校医学物理专业
顾峥表示，希望论坛可以集中优势资源，催生高质量的创新创业项目
曾获得福布斯30岁以下青年领袖、美国Abundy科技公司创始
在加州中国论坛“联梦杯”留学生创业大赛中，留学生贾思路创办的
骆思典教授在演讲结束后，在场外就一直被留学生围绕着，耐心回答
来自凯撒集团的国际市场副总裁Bruce Bommarito和希尔顿市场和策略发展执行副总裁Charl
参与本次论坛的全美中华青年联合会理事长朱冰峰、洛杉矶邮报独立
全美中华青年联合会 www.aacyf.org 微信号：Richard3132
Baker-Polito Administration Files “Fine Time” Legislation
Baker-Polito Administration Files “Fine Time” Legislation
Bill to improve fairness will reduce the number of people incarcerated for their inability to pay a fine
BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito proposed legislation that will create an opportunity for individuals to complete community service rather than paying a fine or serving jail time for failure to pay the fine. “Fine time” is the informal name for the process by which criminal defendants who fail to pay fines, fees and assessments may be incarcerated until their debt is satisfied – at a rate of $30 per day. Providing the option to complete community service, rather than pay a fine, will create a fairer system where punishments ultimately better align with their crimes.
“The ‘fine time’ legislation we filed today will incarcerate fewer people for simply being unable to pay a fine, while ensuring that penalties are still repaid in a more timely fashion,” said Governor Baker. “If enacted, this bill will improve the fairness of how fines, fees and assessments are administered for criminal defendants, while upholding our laws and the meaningful penalties associated with breaking them.”
“The current system for imposing fines or serving jail time is capable of negatively compounding a situation well beyond its original intent if an offender can’t afford to pay their penalty obligation,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “We appreciate the hard work already done by the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee on this issue and look forward to working with our colleagues in the legislature to enact this law to make the system more fair for those involved.”
The legislation filed today allows defendants who cannot afford to pay a fine to fulfill their debt to the court and community by performing community service. Should certain extenuating circumstances prevent a defendant from either paying a fine or completing community service, the law sensibly empowers judges to grant waivers and establishes a thoughtful procedural process for determining whether someone has the ability to satisfy their obligations.
A court may incarcerate a person only after a hearing and a written finding is issued demonstrating a defendant’s willful choice not to satisfy their obligations. The legislation also ensures a counsel is provided for indigent defendants before a prison sentence is imposed. Should a person be incarcerated for failure to pay a debt to the court, this legislation triples the daily rate from $30 per day to $90 per day, reducing the amount of time someone would need to serve to satisfy their obligation.
“The Senate report confirms the disturbing persistence of ‘fine time’ in Massachusetts. Now comes the hard part: fixing the system,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D – Lexington). “I’m pleased the governor and lieutenant governor agree that something needs to be done. I look forward to working with them very much.”
In November 2016, the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee released a report entitled Fine Time Massachusetts: Judges, Poor People, and Debtors’ Prison in the 21st Century. The Committee’s report reveals that the present system lacks adequate procedural safeguards to protect individuals’ rights and leads to unjust outcomes. This legislation incorporates several of the Committee’s ideas and recommendations.
Governor Baker Tours CommonWealth Kitchen
Governor Baker Tours CommonWealth Kitchen
Dorchester food business incubator recipient of state urban agenda and agriculture support
Governor Charlie Baker, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega
Click here for more photos
BOSTON – Today Governor Charlie Baker toured CommonWealth Kitchen, a Dorchester food business incubator and commercial kitchen that provides shared commissary space and manufacturing capacity to entrepreneurs with food-based ventures. CommonWealth kitchen hosts over 55 businesses, employing over 200 workers. Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has supported CommonWealth Kitchen’s growth by providing the nonprofit organization with over $300,000 in capital equipment grants from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. CommonWealth Kitchen and the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative are also core partners in a $200,000 project, funded through the administration's Urban Agenda Economic Development grant program, to facilitate the launch of small local food manufacturing businesses.
“Our administration is focused on creating more jobs through community-based entrepreneurships by building off local assets in every corner of the Commonwealth,”said Governor Baker. “We are grateful for the passion and commitment of our partners in these efforts, CommonWealth Kitchen and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, as we continue to advance economic development in neighborhoods across Massachusetts.”
“Entrepreneurship strengthens neighborhoods and creates new economic opportunities,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Through our support for shared workspaces, business mentorship, and access to capital, we are unleashing the unmatched creativity of our residents.”
“By providing jobs that support fresh, locally grown food, CommonWealth Kitchen is an important economic driver,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Agricultural Resources are committed to ensuring the future of Massachusetts urban farming by promoting local and youth engagement in sustaining our food supply through grassroots efforts.”
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
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, visithttp://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.
SEIU, Congresswoman Katherine Clark Rally Against Extreme Federal Agenda
SEIU, Congresswoman Katherine Clark Rally Against Extreme Federal Agenda
Massachusetts Workers Continue Fight for Social, Racial, and Economic Justice for All
BOSTON – Congresswoman Katherine Clark joined hundreds of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) members and community allies today to rally against the extreme federal agenda and unite in a day of action to continue our fight for social, racial, and economic justice for all. At a rally on the State House Steps, Congresswoman Clark and workers celebrated the defeat of the Republican health care bill, reminded us that we must remain vigilant about ongoing attacks on affordable healthcare, immigrants, and working families, and talked about how we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to lead the nation on affordable healthcare coverage, inclusion, and economic justice.
“Americans across the country, including thousands of SEIU members in Massachusetts, took a stand and rejected Trump's plan to kick millions of people off their healthcare,” said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. “Your activism worked, but the wealthy and their corporate special interests aren't going to give up. Whenever this administration and the GOP Congress threaten to harm or divide us, we will organize, we will resist, and we will fight back. I'm proud to have SEIU fighting alongside me.”
“Our recent healthcare victory is a positive step and an affirmation of the power of collective action, but we must remain vigilant – affordable healthcare, immigrants and working families are still under attack,” said Roxana Rivera, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “Despite attempts to advance an extreme and divisive federal agenda that hurts working families, workers across Massachusetts are uniting with our allies to ensure the Commonwealth continues to lead the nation on affordable healthcare coverage, inclusion and economic justice. Together, we will stand up, rise up and fight back to build power for working people and win an America where all families and communities can thrive.”
At the rally, attendees raised a banner that says “Resist,” wrote on a piece of fabric what they are doing to resist the extreme federal agenda, and attached it to the banner with a safety pin. Members of SEIU spoke about how they are organizing to fight against ongoing attacks and to build a Commonwealth with social, racial, and economic justice for all.
“The first reckless plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act would have stripped healthcare coverage from 24 million hardworking Americans, ended Medicaid as we know it and jeopardized critical mental health and addiction recovery services. Through collective action, we proved that by coming together and raising our voices, we can win,” said Anestine Bentick, a Lead Medical Assistant at South Boston Community Health Center and a member of 1199SEIU. “But our work to protect affordable healthcare and Medicaid is not over – extremists in Congress have another disastrous healthcare plan that’s even worse than the first one. We need to unite just like we did before, and together, fight back to protect our patients and consumers, our healthcare facilities and our communities.”
“Attacks on low wage workers are an attack on us all – efforts to roll back protections for working people will only hurt our families and our communities,” said Dayail Gethers, a worker at Logan Airport and a member of 32BJ SEIU. “It’s time for Massachusetts to protect working families here by raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and invest in our communities, since it’s clear the federal government won’t.”
“Attempts to criminalize and marginalize immigrants are impractical, un-American and already proving to be dangerous,” said Jenny Rodriguez, a home care worker and a member of 1199SEIU. “We are a nation of immigrants, and together, we will stand up to demand our country stays true to our core values.”
“In light of the threats facing workers in Massachusetts and beyond, our fight back is more important than ever,” said Valerie Copeland, a state worker who connects families and individuals to health care coverage and member of SEIU Local 509. “As workers and as leaders in our communities, we must and we will keep up the resistance.
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.
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