AG’S OFFICE AWARDS GRANT FUNDING TO ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE STATE TO HELP LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS PAY HEATING BILLS

 AG’S OFFICE AWARDS GRANT FUNDING TO ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE STATE TO HELP LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS PAY HEATING BILLS

AG Encourages Residents Who Are Facing Financial Difficulty to Contact their Utility for Assistance

 

            BOSTON – With the cold weather season approaching, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that she has awarded nearly $570,000 in grant funding to 14 organizations across the state to help low-income households pay off or lower their natural gas heating bills.

 

            “Each winter, thousands of Massachusetts households struggle to come up with the funds to pay their monthly heating bills, and we expect many more to be in need this year amid the COVID-19 public health crisis,” AG Healey said. “This grant program will help us ensure that families have the financial support they need to stay warm during the cold months.”

 

            This year, AG Healey’s Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Grant program is providing approximately $569,000 to programs run through state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations that currently assist residents in paying for gas service. Approximately one-in-four low-income eligible households in Massachusetts currently receive assistance on their heating bills, and many more are expected to need help this year with the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant program aims to close that gap by providing assistance to families who are in need but are not currently receiving assistance or not receiving enough help in paying their monthly bills.

 

           The grant program utilizes funds from a settlement the AG’s Office reached with National Grid for improperly charging customers reconnection fees. Since 2018, the grant program has awarded more than $2 million to programs and initiatives that provide fuel assistance.

 

            The AG’s Office is awarding grant funding to the following organizations:

 

• Casa Myrna Vazquez (Greater Boston and Boston Harbor Communities in Middlesex and Norfolk Counties): The organization will provide funds to survivors of domestic and dating violence who need assistance paying their natural gas bills.
• The Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) (Statewide): MASSCAP will provide 22 statewide organizations with additional funds to help natural gas customers who participate in the federal Low Income and Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as those who do not qualify for the program but make less than 80 percent of the state median income.
• City of Marlborough: The municipally-run heating assistance program will use the funds to enhance its current fuel assistance program to assist more families.
• Lend a Hand Society (Greater Boston): The organization will use the funding to enhance its current program to assist more households in need in Greater Boston with paying their heating bills.
• Town of Norton: The municipally-run program will expand its outreach to senior and veteran populations who need assistance in paying their heating bills.
• United Way (Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk Counties): The emergency heating assistance program will expand its outreach to families in need.
• Springfield Partners for Community Action: The organization will use the funds to increase the reach of its current program which helps residents in need who do not qualify for LIHEAP.
• The Towns of Palmer, Weymouth, and Dartmouth: The towns will expand the reach of their current fuel assistance programs.
• The Southeast Asian Coalition of Massachusetts (Essex, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester Counties): The organization will use the funds to enhance its current program that is geared toward assisting Southeast Asian and Arabic-speaking households gain access to fuel assistance programs.
• The Spanish American Center (Northern Worcester County): The organization will use the funding to expand its current program that provides assistance to Latinx families. 
• REACH (Greater Boston Communities in Middlesex County): The organization will provide funds for survivors of domestic violence in need of assistance in paying their gas heating bills.
• Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Greater Lowell): The organization will use the funds to help those in the Cambodian American community in Greater Lowell who are in need.

 

The grant program began on November 1, 2020 and will run through October 31, 2021.

 

            AG Healey is also encouraging residents who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic to contact their utility company to learn about the available assistance programs. The state’s utility companies are offering financial assistance to residents impacted by the pandemic, including flexible payment plans and balance forgiveness plans for those who are eligible. Utility companies are authorized to provide payment plans for up to 12 months for residents who are behind in their payments.

 

The AG’s Office urges residents who are experiencing a loss of income to consult with their utility to see if they may qualify for the utility’s low-income rate, arrearage management programs (AMP), or the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Customers may qualify for low-income assistance, even if they haven’t in the past, as eligibility is based on the last four weeks of gross household income. The AMP provides for an individualized payment plan that, if followed, allows the customer to have forgiven all or a portion of an outstanding unpaid balance. In order to qualify for LIHEAP, customers must have a household income that does not exceed 60 percent of the state median income. The office also urges residents who are struggling to pay their bills to contact their local Community Action Network to determine if they qualify for available financial assistance. Some recipients of the AG Healey’s Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Grant program will supplement LIHEAP funding at Community Action Networks.

 

As the state’s ratepayer advocate, AG Healey works to ensure that customers do not pay more for their natural gas service than they should.

 

            For more information about gas utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic visit the AG’s resource page, which includes contact information for Massachusetts utility companies. Customers who have concerns about their utility rights during the public health crisis should contact the AG’s consumer assistance hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint online.

波士頓學校委員會11/25之前接受提名 有2席空缺

 

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that applications are being accepted by the Citizens Nominating Panel, for two open positions on the Boston School Committee, one four-year term opening in January 2021 and the other filling the remainder of an unexpired term, which will expire on December 31, 2021. The deadline to submit applications is November 25, 2020.   The Boston School Committee is the governing body of the Boston Public Schools. The School Committee is responsible for: Defining the vision, mission and goals of the Boston Public Schools; Establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget; Hiring, managing and evaluating the Superintendent; and Setting and reviewing district policies and practices The seven members of the School Committee are Boston residents appointed by the Mayor to serve four-year staggered terms. The Mayor appoints members from a list of candidates recommended by a 13-member Citizens Nominating Panel composed of parents, teachers, principals and representatives of the business and higher education communities.    The School Committee also includes a non-voting student member of the Boston Student Advisory Council.     The School Committee meets approximately twice per month during the school year to adopt, review and modify policies and practices that support teaching, learning and improved student achievement. With the exception of executive sessions, Committee meetings are open to the public, feature public comment periods and are broadcasted on Boston City TV.     Applications for the Boston School Committee can be found online here. For more information on the Boston School Committee, please click here.     ###

SIX MEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH MAJOR INTERSTATE GUN TRAFFICKING OPERATION AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION LED BY AG’S OFFICE

 SIX MEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH MAJOR INTERSTATE GUN TRAFFICKING OPERATION AFTER JOINT INVESTIGATION LED BY AG’S OFFICE

Defendants Allegedly Transported Guns from Florida and Michigan to
Sell in Massachusetts; Investigation also Uncovered Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms

 

BOSTON – Six men have been indicted in connection with a major interstate gun trafficking operation after a joint state, federal, and local investigation led by Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office.

 

The investigation was led by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, in collaboration with MSP’s Gang Unit, MSP’s Troop D Community Action Team, the Bristol County State Police Detectives Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation revealed that the defendants were allegedly conspiring to transport firearms into Massachusetts from out of state, specifically from Florida and Michigan. During the course of the investigation, the AG’s Office also uncovered evidence of heroin and cocaine trafficking.

 

A Statewide Grand Jury returned indictments against the following individuals last week:

 

Donald Ashcraft, age 38, of North Port, Florida

Transporting a Firearm into the Commonwealth (8 counts)

Trafficking a Firearm (1 count)

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

Carrying a Firearm (7 counts)

Carrying a Loaded Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (8 counts)

Possession of Ammunition (6 counts)

Possession Class B (2 counts)

Possession Class E (1 count)

 

Craig Baier, age 39, of Bradenton, Florida

Transporting a Firearm into the Commonwealth (8 counts)

Trafficking a Firearm (1 count)

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

Carrying a Firearm (7 counts)

Carrying a Loaded Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (8 counts)

Possession of Ammunition (6 counts)

Possession Class B (2 counts)

Possession Class E (1 count)

 

James Benassi, age 33, of New Bedford

Trafficking a Firearm (1 count)

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

Carrying a Firearm (2 counts)

Possession of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (3 counts)

Improper Storage of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Ammunition (3 counts)

Intimidation of a Witness (1 count)

Trafficking in Heroin, more than 100g (1 count)

Trafficking in Cocaine, more than 100g (1 count)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Class E (1 count)

 

Justin Pena, age 33, of New Bedford

Possession of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (1 count)

Improper Storage of a Firearm (1 count)

Possession of Ammunition (2 counts)

Trafficking in Heroin, more than 100g (1 count)

Trafficking in Cocaine, more than 100g (1 count)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Class E (1 count)

 

Mathew Capozzi, age 37, of West Wareham

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

 

Nicholas Ieronimo, age 33, of West Wareham

Conspiracy to Transport a Firearm into the Commonwealth (1 count)

 

            The defendants will be arraigned in Bristol and Plymouth Superior Courts on dates to be determined.

 

The AG’s Office alleges that Ashcraft and Baier transported numerous firearms across state lines, and that Benassi, Capozzi, and Ieronimo conspired with them to do so. Ashcraft, Baier, and Benassi are also each alleged to have trafficked a firearm. Baier and Ashcraft were arrested on July 28, 2020 with seven firearms in their possession, as well as ammunition and large capacity magazines. Subsequent investigation resulted in the coordinated execution of search warrants on August 20, 2020 at five locations, including Benassi and Pena’s residence, where investigators located two firearms, a large capacity magazine, ammunition and approximately 170 grams of cocaine. After continued investigation, investigators identified an additional location associated with Benassi, and on September 9, 2020 searched and discovered two more firearms, ammunition, a large capacity magazine, and approximately 118 grams of heroin/fentanyl for which Benassi and Pena face charges.

 

These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Kaitlyn O’Leary and Caitlin McDermott of the AG’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division and was investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, in collaboration with MSP’s Gang Unit, MSP’s Troop D Community Action Team, the Bristol County State Police Detectives Unit and ATF.

MAYOR WALSH, PARKS DEPARTMENT REOPEN TWO HYDE PARK PLAYGROUNDS IN $1 MILLION INVESTMENT

 

MAYOR WALSH, PARKS DEPARTMENT REOPEN TWO HYDE PARK PLAYGROUNDS IN $1 MILLION INVESTMENT

BOSTON - Monday, November 9, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods announced this week the unveiling of recent improvements at two playgrounds in Hyde Park, Amatucci Playground at 1460 Hyde Park Avenue and Stonehill Park at 25 Stonehill Road. The budget for each facility was approximately $500,000. The projects were funded by Mayor Walsh's Capital Improvement Plan.  "These investments in Hyde Park are part of Boston's plan to provide quality green spaces for all residents, and play spaces for the children of our city," said Mayor Walsh. "We encourage families to follow social distancing guidelines and enjoy some fresh air and exercise at these two newly improved playgrounds before the winter weather sets in." Improvements shared by both facilities include new play equipment and resilient safety surfacing, open lawn areas, site furniture and fencing, and tree plantings. The parks feature swings and separate play structures for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 with a wide variety of activities such as puzzles, climbing nets, slides, rope bridges, and multi-level ramps and platforms.  Improvements unique to Stonehill include improved lighting and incorporation of a previously existing nature-themed stone and concrete sculptural piece into the playground. The structure is accompanied by instructions encouraging climbing by children and features whimsical handholds that include seashell and turtle shapes. The playground also includes a Cozy Cocoon especially designed for children with autism spectrum disorders. The unit features an enclosed space for a child to escape the playground when over-stimulated and interior textures and molded-in features for tactile exploration. The improvements at Amatucci feature two age-appropriate play structures, a Spinami upright spinning whirl accommodating several kids at once, a swing set for multiple ages and abilities, a water bubbler, and a trio of tables with accompanying seating.  Since 2014, the Walsh administration has invested more than $114 million across the city's parks systems, representing some of the most significant parks investments in Boston's history. The Fiscal Year 2021-2025 (FY21-FY25) Capital Plan includes enhanced support to maintain the City's Urban Wilds and Tree Canopy, increases in funding to plant and maintain trees across the city, as well as $36 million for new and ongoing open space projects. For current social distancing guidelines in City of Boston parks please visit www.boston.gov/news/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-boston-parks-and-recreation. ###  New and improved play equipment at Stonehill Park includes a climbing boulder and a special seat for children with autism spectrum disorders.  Two state-of-the-art play structures were recently opened at Amatucci Playground in Hyde Park.

全世界新型冠狀病毒確診人數 11/8 打破5000萬大關 麻州微回降至1809宗

 

波士頓市長率州市民選官員、議員賀拜登當選 誓言為人民服務 (圖片)

15組織集會遊行 呼籲州市聯邦政府保護人民

波士頓教師工會會長唐佳宇(Jessica Tang)質疑麻州政府要求
教師回校上課的決定。(周菊子攝)

                       (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) ”波士頓日出行動(Sunrise Movement Boston)」，「亞裔資源工作室(AARW)」等15個組織，11月7日近午時分在柯普利廣場集會，遊行，呼籲地方市鎮及州和聯邦政府改變，「保護我們的人民，增長我們的力量(Protect Our People, Grow Our Power )」。

             發言者們在三一教堂前指出，今年多災多難，但他們要聚集人氣，確保彼此安全，聆聽社區的聲音，鼓吹社會公平，族裔、移民，房屋及環境正義，要把”保護民主，每一票都計算，社區得到應有的政府服務”等所有議題聚攏一處，一起爭取。「當我們爭取(fight)，我們就贏」。

華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍(Karen Chen)出席活動。

             其中一名發言者表示，在COVID-19發生前，他們已經在為人們爭取工作，就業，居住，醫療健保，移民，族裔，環境等等各方面的公平、正義。但誰想沒有想到，新型冠狀病毒大流行，使得情況更糟糕。例如麻州雖然通過了全美最高規格的暫緩逼遷法，但該法已於10月17日到期，而麻州州長查理貝克並未展延該法，許多人開始面對流離失所的威脅。

             這名發言者請在場的數百人拿出手機，鍵入Protection(保護)這個字，發送到617-934-5006這個號碼去，以帶動人潮，催促麻州州長設立住宅穩定基金，保護受COVID-19影響的家庭。

             她也呼籲人們關注麻州政治，指已當選的民意代表們，日子過得太舒服了。人們必須提醒這些議員，他們是人民的代表。

             波士頓市教師工會首名華裔會長唐佳宇也發言表示，別以為拜登(Joe Biden)當選了第46任美國總統，就沒問題了，事實上爭取正義的行動，才正開始。無論是住宅正義，全民健保，或移民權益或公共教育等議題，都不會一夜之間就奇蹟的變好了，人們必須團結起來爭取。她並以麻州州長前一天才鼓吹中小學應讓學生回校上課一樣，但是學校還未能做到讓學校的學習環境真正安全，為學校師生及護理人員提供足夠的個人防護設備之際，這樣要求似不合理。

             在集會途中，主辦單位宣佈拜登(Joe Biden)當選為第四十六任美國總統，在場數百人頓時歡聲雷動，但稍後仍繼續發言、致詞，然後才列隊跟在「是我們崛起的時候(Our Time to Rise)」，「每一張票都算(Every vote count)」等標語牌之後，沿著波約斯頓街遊行。(更新版)

數百民眾聚集在三一教堂前。(周菊子攝)

遊行示威團體以標語橫幅強調人民發聲。(周菊子攝)

 

波士頓僑界支持臺灣完整參與「世界衛生組織」(WHO) 共同聲明

共同聲明

波士頓僑界支持臺灣完整參與「世界衛生組織」(WHO)

所有會議、機制及活動

臺灣的公衛成就及全民健保舉世稱羨，且長期關注及貢獻全球公衛議題，是達成「世界衛生組織」(WHO)追求全人類最高健康水平目標不可或缺的夥伴。儘管WHO幹事長曾自2009年起，連續8年主動邀請臺灣以觀察員身分出席世界衛生大會（WHA），但自2017年起即因中國阻撓，未再致發邀請函予臺灣；此外，臺灣自2009年至2019年曾向WHO申請參加187場技術性會議，只受邀出席57場，被拒率高達7成；另臺灣所在地區屬WHO西太平洋區署(WPRO)負責，但WPRO一向拒絕與臺灣聯繫，也未曾提供任何區域內的公衛資訊予臺灣。這些歧視性的做法，不僅嚴重損害臺灣2,350萬人的健康人權，更使全球公衛及防疫體系出現缺口及漏洞。本年的COVID-19已造成全球超過4,759萬人確診，逾121萬人死亡，益加凸顯不遺漏任何人(leave no one behind)的必要性及急迫性。WHO既然是負責全球公衛議題的跨國專門機構，就應該堅守專業中立原則，堅拒中國無理的政治壓力，接納臺灣完整參與其所有會議、機制及活動。因此，波士頓僑界共同聲明如下：

一、  COVID-19疫情不僅對全球政治、經濟、貿易、金融及就業等產生巨大衝擊，亦嚴重影響包括良好健康及福祉等17項聯合國永續發展目標(SDGs)的達成。

二、  在政府及民間通力合作下，臺灣秉持審慎以對、迅速應變、超前部署、公開透明的原則，透過專業化的指揮體系、嚴謹的邊境管制、充分且分配得宜的供應防疫物資、居家檢疫隔離與關懷管制並重、妥善運用科技、資訊透明公開、精準篩檢及疫調等策略，創造成功防疫及抗疫的「臺灣模式」。至2020年11月5日止，臺灣只有569個確診案例、7人不幸死亡，人民也享受正常的生活。

三、  在確保國內疫情穩定且民眾防疫物資需求無虞後，臺灣即透過捐贈超過5,100萬片外科口罩、隔離衣、額溫槍及醫療器材等防疫物資給80多個國家，積極協助提升全球防疫能量；另也藉由雙邊及多邊管道，向各國衛生官員或專家學者分享臺灣的防疫經驗及最佳實踐，致力協助強化全球衛生安全。

四、  這次疫情充分體現臺灣對全球公衛體系的重要性，WHO不應該繼續基於不當政治考量，將臺灣排除在外。我們籲請WHO正視臺灣2,350萬人的健康人權，仔細聆聽國際社會堅定支持臺灣參與WHO的正義之聲，堅拒政治干擾，讓臺灣完整參與其所有會議、機制及活動，以期「全民均健」(Health for All)目標的早日達成。

聯署團體 

波士頓臺灣世衛協進會	北美波士頓 WHO 委員會
北美臺商總會衞生福利委員會	波士頓大陳同鄉會
波士頓政大校友會	波士頓僑界急難救助協會
波士頓臺大校友會	波士頓臺灣同鄉會
波士頓臺灣媽媽親子會	波克萊臺灣商會
紐英倫客家鄉親會	紐英崙中華公所
紐英崙中華專業人員協會	麻州牛頓元極舞健身會
國立臺灣師範大學紐英倫校友會	國民黨波士頓分部
新英格蘭大波士頓臺灣商會	新英格蘭中文教師專業協會
新英格蘭成大校友會	璞石中華文化工作室