Governor Baker Issues Statement Regarding Massachusetts Joining the U.S. Climate Alliance

Governor Baker Issues Statement Regarding Massachusetts Joining the U.S. Climate Alliance

BOSTON - Today(June 2nd), Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement regarding the decision to join the U.S. Climate Alliance:

“As the Commonwealth reiterates its commitment to exceed the emission reduction targets of the Paris Climate Agreement, today we join the U.S. Climate Alliance to expand on our efforts while partnering with other states to combat climate change.  After speaking with Governors Cuomo and Scott, our administration looks forward to continued, bipartisan collaboration with other states to protect the environment, grow the economy and deliver a brighter future to the next generation."

Governor Baker Issues Statement Regarding Trump-Pence Administration Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement

BOSTON - Today (June 1st), Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement in response to the Trump-Pence Administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement:

“While the decision by the Trump-Pence Administration to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is disappointing, the Commonwealth is committed to working with our partners around the nation and world to reduce carbon emissions. Despite today’s announcement, Massachusetts is aggressively working to exceed the goals of the Paris Agreement on the state level, while growing our economy through clean energy innovation and environmental stewardship. In Massachusetts and around the world, climate change is a shared reality and our ability to rise and respond to this challenge will shape future generations.”

USGBC Massachusetts stands together with Governor Baker, Mayor Walsh, and the more than 80 other Governors and Mayors across the region and across the country who have committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement and to pushing forward despite the failure of Federal leadership. We condemn the decision of the current Administration to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, and we redouble our commitment to drive sustainable and regenerative design, construction, and operation of the built environment!  As professionals, practitioners, and builders responsible for the construction and operation of our buildings, infrastructure, and communities, we can and will continue to lead the climate change fight! We can and will build carbon neutral cities and communities. Now more than ever, our vision of  thriving and diverse communities that are creating net positive buildings and neighborhoods provides a path forward.  Together, we are showing that positive environmental and social outcomes are not at odds with economics, but are actually drivers of new economic growth and new job creation. Today Massachusetts and Boston  lead the nation in energy efficiency and green building construction. We are a hub of innovation and economic growth and we are committed to a thriving and inclusive society. We are confident that even in the face of an antagonistic Administration,  we can demonstrate leadership and we can work together towards a positive future for everyone.   Join us in this!   Become a member, or a sponsor, or attend our upcoming Showcase of projects demonstrating this work, and together we will help fulfill on the Paris Climate Agreement. Sincerely, The Board of Directors and Celis Brisbin, Acting Executive Director

Newton Mayor Setti Warren Affirms City’s Commitment to Paris Climate Agreement

Newton Mayor Setti Warren Affirms City’s Commitment to Paris Climate Agreement

To Join Over 80 Mayors in Signing Climate Mayors’ Statement

Newton, MA – Newton Mayor Setti Warren will join over 80 mayors from across the country in signing a statement that affirms their commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.

“If Washington will not lead on climate change, cities and states must step in,” said Mayor Warren. “I am proud to sign this statement that affirms Newton’s commitment to the principles and goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement, joining us in partnership with cities across the country and countries across the world to protect the planet from the devastating impacts of climate change. In Newton, we have reduced the city’s carbon footprint in half since I took office in 2010. We will continue to invest in solar energy opportunities, build energy efficient buildings, and pursue additional technological advances to ensure that we are doing our part in this effort.”

By signing this statement, Mayor Warren commits Newton to “meet…current climate goals, push for new action to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, and work together [with other cities and international partners] to create a 21st century clean energy economy.”

MAYOR WALSH vow to uphold Paris Climate agreement

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR WALSH

BOSTON - Thursday, June 1, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh released the following statement regarding today's announcement from the White House that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement: "Withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement isn't just a setback, it's irresponsible. This damages our nation's reputation as an international leader and puts future generations at risk to the threat of climate change. Boston will not standby given what's at stake. We are committed to addressing climate change head on and will accelerate Boston's efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050. Fighting climate change means fighting for all those affected by worsening air quality, extreme heat, eroding coastlines -- issues that will continue to impact residents for generations to come. As Mayor, I will continue to work with U.S. Mayors and cities around the world to uphold the tenets of the Paris climate agreement and protect Boston against the very real impacts of climate change." Mayor Walsh is a member of Climate Mayors (Mayors National Climate Action Agenda or MNCAA), a network of 87 U.S. mayors representing over 42 million Americans -- working together to strengthen local efforts for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting efforts for binding federal and global-level policy making.  Climate Mayors recently released an open letter to President Trump to oppose his actions thus far against climate action. In January, 30 Climate Mayors issued an EV RFI to show automakers and manufacturers that 114,000 of their cities' cars and trucks could be electrified. Mayor Walsh is also North American Vice Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, an international network of the world's major cities addressing climate change. June 01, 2017         Hi Chutze -- This afternoon the White House announced that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. This action does not change the course of Boston’s climate initiatives. The City of Boston and Mayor Walsh are committed to addressing climate change head on and will accelerate Boston’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050. Yesterday, Mayor Walsh held a press conference urging President Trump not to pull out of the Paris climate agreement. You can read Boston’s message on the Paris Agreement here and watch a short video of the press conference here. Greenovate Boston and the City will continue to reduce our carbon emissions, invest in clean energy, support green jobs, and help Bostonians take climate action.  Please help us spread the word by sharing the Mayor’s message far and wide with your friends, family, and neighbors and ask them to join us in protecting the climate.Austin Blackmon City of Boston Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON JOINING THE U.S. CLIMATE ALLIANCE

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON JOINING THE U.S. CLIMATE ALLIANCE

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today released the following statement on joining the U.S. Climate Alliance:

                “Massachusetts has always been on the front lines of the effort to address the threat of climate change and build a clean energy economy. Now more than ever, it is time to lead. We must protect our residents and uphold our commitment to future generations by joining other states in the U.S. Climate Alliance. When President Trump decides to abandon his obligation to protect this planet, we must step in, join together and fight for our future.”

C40 Mayors stands together for Paris agreement

It poses a unique threat to the future of our planet, and puts in peril the health, prosperity, security and the very survival of our children and grandchildren. The scientific evidence is undeniable and beyond doubt. 2016 was the hottest year globally since temperature records began and 16 of the planet’s 17 hottest years on record have occurred in the 21st century.   The effects of climate disruption are already being felt in the great cities of the world, from hurricanes in New Orleans and New York, floods in Paris, Houston and Montreal, deadly heatwaves in Sydney, to toxic air pollution in Beijing, New Delhi and in all large cities. This explains why more than 190 nations decided to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015.   That incredible diplomatic achievement could not have been secured without the decisive role of the United States of America. That is why it is a dramatic mistake for President Trump to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement.   As the Chair of C40, a network of 91 of the world’s major cities committed to tackling climate change, and as the Mayor of Paris, I urge the US Administration to reconsider their decision. The next four years will be crucial in determining if the worst effects of climate change can be avoided. American leadership on this urgent challenge is needed now more than ever.   Regardless of President Trump’s final decision, the great cities of the world, in particular the twelve American C40 cities, remain resolutely committed to doing what needs to be done to implement the Paris Agreement.   Not a single day goes by without C40 mayors on every continent making bold and pioneering choices, serving citizens of the future. We will be relentless. The evidence and urgency of the climate crisis as well as the economic potential in shifting towards a greener future, leaves us no alternative.   Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris & C40 Chair Read the full statement here.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL ARTIST FELLOWSHIP AWARD TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL ARTIST FELLOWSHIP AWARD TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS

Pilot program invests total of $50,000 in the advancement of five artists

BOSTON - Friday, June 2, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Boston Cultural Council, today announced the City's first-ever Artist Fellowship Award pilot program designed to invest in the advancement of artists living in Boston. The City of Boston will offer five fellowship awards in 2017, each worth $10,000, to recognize exceptional original artistic work through the City, helping recipients advance their careers and continue their work in Boston. "When we launched the Boston Creates Cultural Plan, we talked about what it will take to keep artists in Boston, and we committed to investing in individual artists," said Mayor Walsh. "The Artist Fellowship Award recognizes that artists offer an essential contribution to our City and will provide them with the resources necessary to dedicate their time to continuing to create high quality work." Awards will be distributed across artistic disciplines to artists from a diverse range of backgrounds who live and work in different neighborhoods throughout the City. Throughout the one-year fellowship, recipients will collaborate with the City of Boston on an event to showcase their individual work. In addition, recipients will receive professional development support, mentorship specialized to their needs and collaborative support from the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.   "Boston has a deep community of talented artists who have been creating extraordinary work," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "The Boston Creates Cultural Plan has allowed us to provide artists with additional support. The Artist Fellowship Award will help artists to grow and develop their careers while reinforcing their importance to the city." The Artist Fellowship Award is open to all individual artists who work professionally in art disciplines. The application is available in six languages, including English, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Spanish and Vietnamese. The applicant must be a City of Boston resident and must maintain residency through the year of fellowship. The artist must have lived in Boston for at least three years before applying and must be able to illustrate at least three years of experience creating art. An applicant cannot be enrolled in a degree program when applying for the Artist Fellowship Award and during the year of fellowship.   The Artist Fellowship Award is an unrestricted award that can be used for expenses at the discretion of the recipient, providing the support they need to be able to continue their work. Applications for the Artist Fellowship Award are now available and will be accepted through July 10, 2017. All application will be reviewed by a panel of jurors from the Boston Cultural Council. Award recipients will be announced in late summer. For more information and to apply, click here.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition at Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition at Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Secretary Walker to depart, Rosalin Acosta named incoming Secretary effective July 1st

BOSTON - Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced the upcoming departure of Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II, and introduced Rosalin Acosta, a financial and banking service professional with over thirty years of experience, as incoming Secretary, effective July 1st.

“Since taking office, we have been committed to growing Massachusetts’ economy, creating jobs and ensuring our workforce has the opportunity to gain the skills and education necessary to meet the demands of employers today and into the future,” said Governor Baker. “Our success in doing so is a testament to the Commonwealth’s already highly-skilled and educated workforce, and Secretary Walker’s ability to empower employers, educators and advocates to collaborate. We are grateful for Ron’s strong contributions and efforts to lead the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and wish him well in his future endeavors.  Our administration welcomes Rosalin to pick up where he left off, bringing her devotion and experience to the cabinet to make Massachusetts’ communities stronger.”

“Across the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, employers and educators are communicating and collaborating at a deeper level on regional strategies for workforce development and economic growth thanks to Ron’s leadership and his hard work on important initiatives like the Workforce Skills Cabinet,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We welcome Rosalin’s experience and passion for community and public service as she joins the administration and begins her work to continue bolstering Massachusetts’ workforce.”

Under Secretary Walker’s management, the Baker-Polito Administration has made many advancements in the development of the Commonwealth’s labor workforce, including a focus on addressing the workforce skills gap and investing in equipment and capacity building for training programs which included:

·       Established the Workforce Skills Cabinet under the leadership of the Secretaries of Labor and Workforce Development, Housing and Economic Development and Education, and the task force to address Economic Opportunity for Populations Facing Chronically High Rates of Unemployment to develop recommendations and implement strategy for bridging the gap in employers’ demand for skilled workers and the training for residents to obtain successful careers, especially among chronically unemployed or underemployed populations.

·       Established the Workforce Skills Capital Grant Program, which as of this afternoon will have awarded over $26 million to 67 different vocational schools, community colleges and traditional public high schools to purchase vocational technical equipment and expand skills training programs for careers in growing industries. This included economic development legislation signed by Governor Baker last legislative sessionauthorizing $45 million for the program over three years.

·       Developed and passed legislation establishing and streamlining theMassachusetts Workforce Development Board to meet federal requirements and advise the administration on improving the public workforce system and aligning policies to strengthen regional economies.

·       Modernized the Department of Unemployment Assistance to help improve services for the unemployed, including bringing down wait times for assistance, significantly reducing the backlogs of claims, improving customer service, and catalyzing programs into federal compliance for the first time in 10 years.

·       Created a new Regional Planning Initiative aimed at addressing the skills gap by bringing together regional teams of employers, educators, and workforce and economic development professionals to create a statewide blueprint for growth strategies across every region of the Commonwealth, and $2 million in support for 14 regional partnerships preparing unemployed or underemployed residents.

·       Awarded over $37 million in Workforce Training Fund Program grants to advance the job skills of 28,934 of Massachusetts’ workers.

·       Secured over $9 million in federal funding to increase apprenticeships in education and healthcare and improve job opportunities for women, minorities, lower-income populations, those with disabilities and the unemployed.

·       Launched an Opioid Alternative Pathway pilot with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to help injured workers who have settled workers’ compensation claims coordinate alternative pain management treatment, aimed at limiting the use of opioids or other narcotics.

During Secretary Walker’s tenure the unemployment rate has dropped from 5.1% to 3.9%, 142,300 jobs have been added to the economy, unemployment has been reduced by 41,302 residents, and today the Massachusetts labor force is the largest it has ever been since they began taking records in 1976.

“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the Commonwealth and the Baker-Polito administration. I’m particularly proud of our efforts to improve services for the unemployed and address the workforce skills gap” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II. “Ensuring that employers have access to a talented workforce, and that employees have the skills they need to get a good paying job in the new economy, is of vital to the welfare of Massachusetts. I have every confidence in Rosalin’s unique ability to take the Baker-Administration’s modernization efforts at the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development to the next level.”

“I am honored by the opportunity Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito have extended to me to join this administration, serve the Commonwealth and build on the progress that has been made thus far under Secretary Walker’s stewardship,” said incoming Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “I look forward to working with the dedicated public servants throughout the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, its agencies and advising bodies to advance the development and strength of Massachusetts’ workforce.”

About Rosalin Acosta:

Rosalin Acosta recently stepped down as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Enterprise Wealth Management at Enterprise Bank in Lowell, where she oversaw the operations of the bank’s Wealth Management and Brokerage divisions since 2013. A widely respected financial and banking service professional with over thirty years of experience in Greater Boston financial institutions, Acosta has also worked in senior executive roles at TD Bank and Sovereign Bank (now Santander).  Acosta serves in many community and civic capacities, including as a Board Member of The Boston Foundation, a Board Overseer at Boston Children’s Hospital since 2009, where she was a founding member of Milagros Para Ninos, and a 14-year Member of the Boston Chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA). Acosta is a Director and Planning Member of the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board and was appointed a Northern Essex Community College Trustee by Governor Baker in 2016. Acosta has been named one of Boston’s Most Influential Women by the Women of Harvard Club in 2014, where she serves on the Leadership Committee, and El Planeta’s Top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Massachusetts for three consecutive years. Born in Cuba, Acosta earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University in Connecticut where she was a member of the Women’s Varsity Ice Hockey Team. She is the proud mother of five children and an avid traveler, runner and cyclist.

Boston Kicks Off Free Summer Fitness Class Series

Boston Kicks Off Free Summer Fitness Class Series

Three-month series brings free classes to parks across the City,  increasing access to physical activity

BOSTON - Friday, June 2, 2017 - The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department yesterday launched the 2017 Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield. The three-month series brings 26 free fitness classes per week to parks in 14 neighborhoods across the city, aiming to activate these spaces while increasing access to physical fitness opportunities across all of Boston's neighborhoods. "We know that being active is important for overall health, but we also know how tough that can be to achieve for some people who have less access to physical fitness options," said BPHC Executive Director Monica Valdes Lupi, JD, MPH. "The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series is a fun way for people to stay on track to meet their health goals, by bringing free fitness opportunities to the very neighborhoods where our residents live, work, and play." According to the Health of Boston report, 21 percent of adults and 14 percent of high school students are obese. These rates are even higher among communities of color where 33 percent of Black adults and 27 percent of Latino adults were obese, compared to 16 percent of White adult residents. Only about half of adults in Boston have reported to exercise regularly.  By engaging in a citywide effort to increase opportunities for physical activity, the Parks Department and BPHC aim to increase physical health for all of Boston's residents. This year's series looks to build upon previous program efforts by expanding the number of parks that offer free classes to city residents and making them more accessible to all neighborhoods. In extending this opportunity into the neighborhoods, the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series aims to further reduce barriers to active living and achieve the goal of ensuring that Bostonians across the city have ample opportunity to be active. This year's Summer Fitness Series classes continue to be tailored to the interests of residents and participants. Many classes for the first time will be offered in Spanish. "We are pleased to be teaming up again with the Boston Public Health Commission and Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer these healthy activities in our parks," said Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook. "Getting people outside and improving their lives is an important part of our mission at the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. To allow people to do this right in their own neighborhoods means that fitness is within reach of so many more Boston residents." "At Blue Cross, we believe that the public and private sector have a responsibility to help all Massachusetts residents lead healthy lives by increasing their access to positive environments and experiences that inspire healthy eating and physical activity," said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross. "Staying active and setting goals keeps your health moving in the right direction. The Boston Parks Summer Fitness series provides accessible physical activity opportunities that are high-quality, safe, and fun. We could not be more thrilled to partner with the City of Boston on this innovative program." The June 1 kick-off event featured free high-energy 30-minute Zumba and line dancing classes open to all fitness levels, providing an introduction to all that the series has to offer Bostonians this summer including salsa dancing, yoga, tai chi, Zumba, boot camp, line dancing, and more. Polar Beverages provided free water at the event. This year's series includes classes specifically for seniors, children and families. Fitness classes will be offered from June 3 to August 31. For a full schedule of Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series classes, visit bphc.org/summerfitness. For updates, follow @HealthyBoston, @BostonParksDept, and #BostonMoves on Twitter.

About the Boston Public Health Commission

The Boston Public Health Commission, the country's oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission - to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission's more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services.