麻州長候選人 Berwick 揚言五年無饑餓十年無流民

民主黨籍麻州州長候選人貝里克（Don Berwick）廿七日晚在華埠表示，一眾候選人中，只有他反對賭場。他還聲言，將重點關注貧窮問題，要在五年內終止饑餓（end hunger），十年內解決流民（Homeless)問題。

貝里克強調，只要有毅力，有想法，肯執行，前述理想是做得到的事。關鍵在於什麼時候做什麼事，以及怎麼做。他以自己曾經訂下，要藉著減少不當醫療（malpractice）拯救十萬條人命的理想，結果實施一年半多，就已快達到目標。

一旦當選麻州州長，他的首要重點是改善醫療保險，交通體系及教育。

貝里克指出，麻州的醫療保險費用全美最貴，但醫療品質卻不見得最好，浪費了的錢，數難以計，至少有20%到30%。他贊成交稅要公平，富人就該多交一點稅。

談到可負擔住宅時，他以自己在競選州長，巡迴各地時聽到一家數口，從一家旅館搬到另一家旅館的故事為例，指政府每月花幾千元，安置無家可歸者的做法，非常浪費。他認為解決之道有二，一為多建房屋，增加供應量，二為政府在貸款融資上做投資，幫助民眾買得起房子。

他相信藉著整合政府部門，強調社會正義，公平與熱情，許多理想都是可行的。以降低醫療保險費用來說，紐西蘭為類似目標訂定的四年計劃，迄今執行得很不錯。

麻州州長亞裔顧問委員會（Governor Patrick's Asian American Commission/Advisory Council）主辦的麻州州長候選人論壇，廿七日晚進行第四場，出席候選人是民主黨籍的貝里克（Don Berwick）。

根據維基百科，貝里克今年六十七歲，1946年九月九日出生，在康州長大，從哈佛大學本科畢業後，又在哈佛醫學院取得醫學博士（M.D.）學位，以及甘迺迪政府學院的公共政策碩士學位。

在美國總統奧巴馬於2010年七月指派他擔任醫療保險及醫療補助中心（The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ，簡稱CMS）行政長（Administrator)之前，他曾任哈佛大學醫學院小兒科教授，麻省總醫院顧問，1991年在麻州劍橋市創辦了“改善醫療保健研究所（Institute for Healthcare Improvement）。

2011年十二月，他辭去聯邦政府醫療保險及醫療補助中心行政長一職。2013年六月十八日，宣佈參選麻州州長。

廿七日晚，他向出席者介紹自己出生於小鎮，有四名子女，三名孫子女。妻子有法律背景，目前在州政府公共電力部門工作。

貝里克認為，麻州很有潛力，他希望能藉著當選州長，進一步實現很多理想。

            廿七日晚到會者，包括刻正競選麻州副州長的張禮能，以及麻州州長亞美顧問委員會委員陳秀英，陳綽敏等人。

            貝里克的助選義工中，有一名來自中國大陸，目前在校讀政治系的大二學生蕭子玄。他表示自己在挑選實習對象時，瀏覽了各個州長候選人的資歷，政綱，認為貝里克經驗最豐富，最聰明。
            下一場論壇訂三月三十一日（週一）晚五點十五分至六點半，由民主黨籍的麻州總檢察官柯克莉（Martha Coakley）在Tantric India Bistro (123 Stuart St., Boston) 主講。
            再下一場論壇訂四月八日晚舉行，候選人為Evan Falchuk 。查詢論壇系列，可洽陳穎玉(Christina Chan, CChan84@Gmail.com)，或 李超榮（Leverett Wing, Leverett.L.Wing@Gmail.com）。

  

圖片說明：

民主黨籍麻州州長候選人貝里克（Don Berwick）在華埠闡述他的看法。（菊子攝）

            華埠居民會共同主席余仕昂（右起）向貝里克提問後，謝婉君做翻譯。（菊子攝）

            陳綽敏，張禮能和出席者互動。（菊子攝）

            蕭子玄（左）請民眾簽名支持貝里克。（菊子攝）

            貝里克回答小出席者的提問。（菊子攝）

波市府升旗 向殉職消防員致敬

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh）與波士頓消防局消防員，民意代表等人，昨日近午時分，在波士頓市府廣場舉行消防局旗升旗禮，向三月廿六日在救火行動中喪生的兩名消防員致敬。

廿六日下午兩點多時，畢肯街（Beacon）298號一棟四層高，價值至少160萬元的磚房發生大火。由於當天氣溫低，風速高達每小時三十多哩，火勢一發不可收拾，迅速升至九級火警。消防局長下令撤救時，43歲的水城33消防隊消防中尉（Fire Lieutenant）Edward J. Walsh Jr., ，以及33歲的波約斯頓街15雲梯救火車隊隊消防員Michael R. Kennedy，已在地下室陷身火窟，困於濃煙。

這場大火燒了數小時，消防局共出動不下四輛雲梯，導致兩名消防員喪生，五名消防員受傷，但所有住戶都安全無恙。

波士頓市府廣場昨日升起了波士頓消防局的紅旗，以及消防員國際協會的藍旗，向消防員致敬。

兩名罹難消防員的家人，也出席了儀式。

波士頓消防局發言人Steve MacDonald指出，起火原因仍在調查中。

  

圖片說明：

            波士頓市府廣場昨日升旗，向遇難消防員致敬。（圖由波士頓市府提供，Isabel Leon攝）

麻州眾議員陳德基宣佈競選連任

在昆市出生，長大的麻州首名華裔州議員之一，陳德基，廿五日晚在昆市“四人行（The Fours)”酒吧餐廳宣布競選連任。

陳德基在2010年時首度當選為諾弗克郡第二區的麻州眾議員，和同年首度當選的索格斯鎮（Saugus）黃子安，雙雙成為麻州首名華裔州議員。

2012年時，陳德基在無人競爭下，順利連任，今年又得再度競選連任。

目前他是麻州議會社區發展及小企業委員會的副主席，也是電信，電力及能源；消費者保護及專業牌照兩委員會的委員。

他致力推動的法案，包括改善麻州性侵犯者的登記作業，和代表昆市的其他州議員門合作，爭取麻州政府撥給昆市二百九十萬元修橋補路的補助費。他也極力協助殘障者，年長者，失業者，小企業業主，刑事案受害者，致力改善麻州經濟。

廿五日約有近百人出席陳德基的宣佈競選連任籌款會。大部份人都已是陳德基的舊識。後來趕到會場的諾弗克（Norfolk）郡地方檢察官莫里塞（Michael Morrissey），甚至可說是帶陳德基在政壇發展的良師益友，當年擔任麻州參議員時，聘用1973年八月出生的陳德基做助理多年。

陳德基在會中簡短表示，過去這一年多來，他致力推動政府的透明化，在交通相關事務上，多所關注，最近正在和其他州議員合作，為水災受害者提供貸款紓解。

過去這些年來得過亞美社區發展協會頒給啟發獎，昆市人權協會頒給支持人權獎等許多獎項的陳德基，今年二月再因他對交通事務的關注，行動，獲得麻州划船和遊艇俱樂部頒給年度議員獎。

麻州眾議員是一任兩年的民意代表職位 ，全州共有160名眾議員，平均每人代表40,923名麻州居民。

廿五日晚，麻州參議員約翰基南（John Keenan)也在會末趕到會場。曾任麻州參議員助理的陳海恩，亞協服務中心主席張永鏗，董事潘鑑成，Paul Shaw，前董事鄒毅，行政主任約翰波德，趙鈺滋，搬進昆市才五年的陳由稼，陳由一姐妹，黃偉儀等，有不少社區華人到會支持。

 

圖片說明：

            諾弗克（Norfolk）郡地方檢察官莫里塞（Michael Morrissey）(左)也到會支持陳德基（右）競選連任麻州眾議員。（菊子攝）

            陳海恩（右），陳由稼（左起），陳由一都來支持陳德基。（菊子攝）

            昆是亞協服務中心的鄒毅（左起），潘鑑成，趙鈺滋（前），以及約翰波德（右一），張永鏗（後右二），Paul Shaw（後右三）等人都來支持陳德基。（菊子攝）

陳毓禮獲塔醫頒給終生成就獎

波士頓前任市長萬寧路（Tom Menino)（右）與塔醫代理執行長
Michael Wagner（左）頒發終生成就獎給陳毓禮（中）。（周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 塔芙茨醫療中心三月廿六日晚在波士頓會議展覽中心舉辦“創造奇蹟（Working Wonders）“晚會，以“終生成就獎”表揚華埠社區僑領陳毓禮。

            塔醫當晚共表揚三人，其餘兩名獲獎者，分別為獲得“甄愛倫(Ellen Zane)遠見領袖獎”的麻州州長派區克（Deval Patrick），獲得尼利（Cam Neely）勇氣獎的Allison Hawkes。

陳毓禮獲塔醫頒給終生成就獎。（周菊子攝）

             根據塔芙茨醫療中心網站，該機構是由包括保羅里維爾（Paul Revere），山謬亞當斯 （ Samuel Adams）等愛國者，在1976年時成立的紐英崙地區第一家藥房，也是全美最早的藥房之一。

秉持著聖經“好撒瑪利亞人（Good Samaritan）”信念，塔醫一直以為貧窮人民提供醫療服務，持續研發創新的醫療方式為職志。

經過二百多年的發展，塔醫現已成為紐英崙地區的主要教學醫院之一，機構內有1700名世界級醫師。

波士頓洪青體育會為陳毓禮得獎舞獅。（周菊子攝）

在1950，1960年代，波士頓進行大規模城市重建。塔芙茨大學，以及附屬於塔大的塔芙茨醫院，也開始在波士頓市內擴建。1970年代起，更和波士頓華埠時有衝突，1990年代也再因C地段問題，和波士頓華埠站在對立面。

塔醫在“創造奇蹟”晚會節目冊上的介紹指出，1969年，時任波士頓市長的凱文懷特（Kevin White）指派陳毓禮為“不公平待遇（grievance）工作小組”共同主席。他的敢於發言，帶社區看到許多問題，以及解決方案的資源。大波士頓中華耆英會，華美福利會，華人醫務中心，寶塔公園，以及華埠每年一度的中秋節聯歡會，都是因為他的不懈努力，才創建起來。將近五十年來，他致力支持社區的需要，包括可負擔住宅，清潔安全的街道，小企業及經濟發展，以及青年發展等。

陳毓禮在波士頓市政府擔任採購局局長（Purchasing Agent）廿五年，歷經凱文懷特，雷夫連(Raymond Flynn)，萬寧路(Tom Menino)等三任市長。塔醫指陳毓禮做為非正式的“華埠市長”在團結塔醫和地方社區上，一直是非常重要，具影養力的夥伴。塔醫很榮幸能稱他做朋友。

廿六日晚，塔醫特地請陳毓禮的好朋友，波士頓市前市長萬寧路來頒獎。

萬寧路在介紹陳毓禮時也笑說，進了華埠，陳毓禮才是真的市長。一起走在路上時，陳毓禮總是指著某片牆上的塗鴉，某條街的下水道，告訴他，這該清理，那該疏濬，但陳毓禮卻又很謙卑，從不期望回報。他以陳毓禮為例，指現代社會最缺乏的就是人與人的互助。

陳毓禮當晚在“上海灘”一曲的歌聲中，走上台領獎。他開口先說自己從1954年開始和塔醫打交道，由於身為華人，當然關注華埠社區。他接著打趣表示，自己今年八十二歲，上台是要宣布參選麻州州長。

35年前，WCVB第五號電視台記者伍沅媚問他是否要參選市議員，他回答是要跑走（run away)，不是競選。這讓他聯想到冬季奧運的得獎選手，都令他們各自所屬的國家感到驕傲。他相信，如果他父母今日還在世，也會為他感到驕傲。他謙虛表示，自己做的只不過是支持同為華人的兄弟姐妹。他也稱讚塔醫是華埠的好鄰居。

麻州大學星談中文夏令營 4/30 截止申請

The 2014 UMASS-STARTALK Mandarin Language Summer Camp application materials are available to share with your students. Please visit: http://uc.umb.edu/china/ and select 2014 STARTALK Mandarin Language Summer Camp to read details and download applications.

Please help us spread the word about the 2014 Camp to alert your students and those who will love learning Chinese in an intensive, productive, fun setting. Attendance is very important for the intensive pace of the program, so keep that in mind if you recommend students to apply (and while writing recommendation letters for them as their Chinese Language teachers during the school year).

We always appreciate your assistance while finding students. Please note the calendar for applications below, and encourage students to apply soon (since we review applications by date: first received are read and processed first).

March 15, 2014: Applications available
April 30, 2014: Application deadline
June 22, 2014: orientation for accepted students
July 7-25, 2014: UMASS-STARTALK Mandarin Summer at Bentley University

We have attached a one-page poster to share with students and families. We rely on your help to make students aware of this wonderful summer opportunity.


Thank you in advance,

Wanli​

========================================================
Wanli Hu, Ph.D.                                   

Director of China Program Center                      

Special Assistant to Provost for China Initiatives

College of Advancing and Professional Studies        

University of Massachusetts Boston              

Address: 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125-3393                                       

Office Phone: 617-334-9385

========================================================

僑務委員會2014年僑商經營管理研習會

    僑務委員會為增進海外僑商瞭解未來國際經營趨勢及加強與國內績優企業交流互動，將於2014年7月7日至7月18日開辦「2014年僑商經營管理研習會」，由社團法人中華民國全國中小企業總會承辦。該研習課程係以國內外mini MBA核心學程為主，除由國內專家業者講授行銷管理與顧客行為、服務與營運管理、組織行為、人力資源管理、策略行銷與價值經營、創新管理的新典範、產業競爭分析、領導與溝通、實際案例解析及經驗分享等外，並安排參訪多家國內標竿經營之企業及文化創意產業；全程參與課程者將由僑務委員會發給中英文研習證書。

    該研習課程之教材、師資及場地等學雜費用由僑務委員會負擔，學員須自付由僑居地往返之交通費用、研習期間之住宿費，有意參訓者請於2014年5月2日前向波士頓華僑文教服務中心提出報名申請，並可至全球僑商服務網（http://www.ocbn.org.tw）/「最新消息」或至僑務委員會網站（http://www.ocac.gov.tw）/「最新消息」下載活動預定日程表及報名表。

法國成立首個企業孔子學院

NEOMA Business School launches the first Business Confucius Institute in France

March 28, 2014. NEOMA Business School, in collaboration with the University of Nankaï, has announced the opening of the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business. Based on NEOMA’s Rouen campus in northern France, it is the first Business Confucius Institute to open in France and the seventh in the world. The institute will act as a platform dedicated to the optimization of economic relations between China and France by providing solutions and helping local companies develop their business activities in China, the world's largest trading nation in 2013.

With the objective of promoting Chinese culture and strengthening relations with other countries, the Business Confucius Institutes, in collaboration with local schools and universities, offer language courses, cultural workshops and other modules for business to individuals and companies.

Offering businesses and the general public a better understanding of China

The NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen is committed to help individuals and businesses discover China. "The reasons for creating this new center for cultural exchange is to facilitate the learning of Chinese and the local business codes, as well as to help develop new markets,” said Haiyan Zhang, Director of the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen.

Through Chinese language courses and introductory workshops, the new institute will offer individuals privileged access to Chinese culture and to its original way of thinking. The NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen is also dedicated to strengthening economic relations between China and France and proposes customized training programs which address the expectations and needs of professionals and companies. “To do this, we will rely primarily on the network and high profile faculty of NEOMA Business School and on our strong expertise in intercultural management which is one of the School’s real assets,” added Haiyan Zhang, Director of the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen.

Situated on NEOMA Business School’s Rouen campus, the Confucius Institute has a dedicated space for offices, classrooms and conferences. The Institute will also have a library and resource center with almost 3000 publications (in French, English and Chinese) on History, Economics, Literature, Philosophy, Gastronomy and the Arts.

提升僑營中餐館經營實力僑務委員會開辦「2014年中階主廚培訓班」

僑務委員會為培訓海外中餐廚師專業技能，提昇僑營餐館業者經營能力，並促進彼等與國內業者之交流，訂於2014年5月26日至6月6日辦理「2014年中階主廚培訓班」，由「實踐大學」承辦，聘請專業餐廚名師及國內知名主廚擔任師資，此次培訓以中餐精緻創意料理之實作及相關專業課程為核心。

本培訓活動採遴薦專業廚師參加之方式辦理，申請者必須經由各駐外單位或華僑文教服務中心推薦，每一餐館可推薦負責人或現職廚師1人參加。參加學員須自付自僑居地往返的交通費用，其餘課程、師資、材料等學雜費用及培訓期間的膳宿費用（不含自由活動日午晚餐費）均由僑務委員會負擔。

有意報名參訓的僑營中餐館業者負責人或廚師，請於2014年4月22日前與波士頓華僑文教中心或相關資訊可至僑務委員會網站（www.ocac.gov.tw首頁/貼心服務/報名僑商研習班）或全球僑商服務網(www.ocbn.org.tw首頁/最新消息）查閱。

麻州總檢察官取得法院命令 北亞當地區醫院急診服務暫得維持

AG SECURES COURT ORDER TO HALT CLOSURE OF NORTH ADAMS REGIONAL HOSPITAL’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

Complaint Alleges Northern Berkshire Healthcare Violated Requirements for 90-Day Notification Prior to Closure

            BOSTON – A judge has issued a temporary injunction that will prevent the immediate closure of North Adams Regional Hospital’s emergency services, preventing a regional health crisis, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced today.

“As someone who grew up in North Adams, I know firsthand how critical this hospital is to the surrounding community,” AG Coakley said. “This injunction is the first step towards preventing an immediate health crisis for the area and keeping emergency services open. We are continuing to work closely with the administration and elected officials to help ensure continued access to critical health services for the entire community.”

            Upon learning about the proposed rapid closure of the hospital, AG Coakley immediately began working with other leaders to explore all options available to prevent a regional health crisis for the area.  A complaint was filed this afternoon in Berkshire Superior Court alleging that Northern Berkshire Health Care (NBH) had failed to provide the 90-day notification prior to closure as required by law.  The complaint points out that if the hospital closes, the nearest emergency room available for the area would be a 30-45 minute drive away, creating immediate health and safety concerns for the region.

            After a hearing Thursday afternoon, Superior Court Judge John A. Agostini ordered a temporary restraining order which requires the emergency room and other essential health services remain open through at least April 3, dependent on the AG’s office filing a revised order with additional detail by Friday.  The judge specifically requested that the AG’s Office and Department of Public Health better define those emergency health services that should remain open during this period. 

            A hearing on a permanent injunction has also been scheduled for Thursday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. where the AG’s office will seek to keep emergency room services operating for at least 90 days during any ownership transition or closure. 

            As part of its complaint, the AG’s office is seeking to prevent North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) from closing its emergency department until it complies with the hospital closure requirements, or until Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield is able to license and operate a satellite emergency facility at NARH.  Berkshire Medical Center has been working closely with NARH to assist with the transfer of patients in the wake of the announced closure.

            AG Coakley is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure an orderly transition that preserves critical emergency health services for the region.

紅襪隊春季系列促銷活動

Springtime at Fenway Park:

APRIL & MAY GAMES FEATURE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRICING,

NINE STARTING TIMES AT 6:10 P.M. OR EARLIER;

PAPI & PEDROIA BOBBLEHEADS APRIL 7 & 30;

MARATHON TRIBUTE APRIL 20;

TRADITIONAL PATRIOTS DAY GAME APRIL 21: 

COMMEMORATIVE WORLD SERIES RINGS MAY 20;

& 10^TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO 2004 CHAMPIONS MAY 28;

BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox today unveiled a series of promotions for home games in April and May designed to celebrate championships and attract children and families to Fenway Park.

The club lowered ticket prices $2 to $22 per ticket per game for 13 of the 31 home games in April and May as part of their 2014 “Sox Saver” games.  The team will also play nine games that begin at 6:10 p.m. or earlier.

Fans will receive the first in a series of bobbleheads, starting Monday, April 7, with a limited edition David Ortiz figurine presented by Granite City Electric Company before the Red Sox face the Texas Rangers at 7:10 p.m.  The month closes with a Dustin Pedroia bobblehead presented by W.B. Mason on Wednesday, April 30, when the Tampa Bay Rays visit.

The club will acknowledge the Boston Marathon tragedy and the city’s inspiring response on Sunday evening, April 20, and will present a traditional Patriots Day game April 21.  “Boston” will once again appear on the front of the Red Sox jerseys on Patriots Day, similar to those worn for last year’s Marathon tribute at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013.

While the champions of 2013 will receive their World Series rings at the Home Opener on April 4, fans attending the game against Toronto Tuesday, May 20, will receive commemorative rings presented by Samsung Galaxy modeled after the players’ rings.

The history-making World Champions of 2004 will return on Wednesday, May 28 to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the miraculous season that ended the legendary 86-year drought.  Players will be honored on the field before the 7:10 p.m. game against the National League rival Atlanta Braves.

The Red Sox will play a 6:10 p.m. game versus Texas on Tuesday, April 8 and two “after-school specials” that begin at 4:05 p.m., Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, May 22.

In addition to playing day games Opening Day, which begins at its traditional 2:05 p.m. start, and Patriots Day, with  its unique 11:05 a.m. starting time, the club will play at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, April 6; Saturday, April 19; and Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4.

The two April bobblehead nights are the first of three the club will present in 2014.  On Tuesday, September 9, fans will receive Pedro Martinez bobbleheads when the Red Sox play the Baltimore Orioles at 7:10 p.m.

Also, for those enjoying group outings, the Red Sox will introduce a variety of “Theme Nights,” honoring various cultures, causes, and careers, including the following: Youth Baseball and Softball Days, First Responders Night, Country Western Night, and Teacher Appreciation Night.  A complete list is available on redsox.com/groups.

The full promotional calendar for the entire 2014 season is available at redsox.com/tickets.

Information regarding the Lieutenant Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund

Information regarding the Lieutenant Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund

BOSTON -- The Boston Firefighter's Credit Union has created a fund to help support the families of Lieutenant Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy.

"In difficult times like these, I am so proud to be mayor of a city that comes together to help our neighbors in need," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Since yesterday's tragic events, we've experienced an outpouring of support from across the city, state, and country. So many people have expressed a willingness to help, in some way, as we grieve the loss of Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy."

"Although no donation can heal the wounds suffered by the Walsh and Kennedy families, we are grateful to the Boston Firefighter's Credit Union for helping us create a focal point for peoples’ generosity, and to the people of Boston, of Massachusetts, and of the United States, who have once again shown the power of a community to help healing process begin."

Donations to the Lieutenant Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund can be made by visiting the website of the Boston Firefighter's Credit Union at https://www.bosfirecu.com/. Donations can also be made by mailing checks to the Fund, care of the Boston Firefighter's Credit Union, 60 Hallet Street, Dorchester, MA 02124. 

GOVERNOR PATRICK CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF FULLY ELECTRIC TRANSIT BUS FLEET IN WORCESTER, KEY INVESTMENTS IN ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

GOVERNOR PATRICK CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF FULLY ELECTRIC TRANSIT BUS FLEET IN WORCESTER, KEY INVESTMENTS IN ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

WORCESTER – Thursday, March 27, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today celebrated the launch of a new fully electric transit bus fleet at the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA). The Governor also announced new investments in two programs designed to support alternative fuel vehicles and related infrastructure across Massachusetts.
 
“We are committed to using innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster our energy independence and grow our clean energy economy,” said Governor Patrick. “The WRTA’s new fleet is an example of how we are accelerating the adoption of cleaner vehicles throughout Massachusetts to reduce harmful pollutants and promote a more sustainable environment for future generations.”

The WRTA purchased six Proterra plug-in, all-electric buses with more than $7 million in federal funds and matching state funds from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). These buses represent the largest fleet of Proterra all-electric buses in the nation.

“Governor Patrick has been a leader in greenhouse gas emissions reduction,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan. “Thanks to his support, the transit authority is now home to a fleet that is cleaner, quieter and will save money. Today’s announcement shows that alternative fuel vehicles are a win-win for the environmental and economic bottom line.”

“The new electric fleet further advances the Commonwealth’s goals to provide our residents and visitors access to sustainable, healthy transportation,” said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Richard A. Davey. “I would like to recognize Administrator Stephen O’Neil and applaud his efforts and vision to bring cleaner bus service to the transit users in the Worcester region.”

Each bus eliminates 130 more tons of carbon dioxide per year than buses using diesel fuel. The fleet will also reduce petroleum fuel consumption, eliminate other harmful pollutants and lower operating costs by nearly $3 million over 12 years.

Governor Patrick also announced a new initiative, the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOREV) program, which will provide rebates of up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). All residents of the Commonwealth are eligible to receive incentives on vehicles registered in Massachusetts; these incentives will be funded with $2 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds.

Governor Patrick also awarded on Thursday nearly $600,000 in Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) grants to 16 municipalities, two public universities and colleges, and one state agency for the acquisition of plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicles and the installation of Level 2 charging stations. This is the second round of grant awards through MassEVIP since its launch last year. For more information on today’s grant awards, go to: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/air/grants/massevip.html

“MassEVIP and the other important programs announced here today demonstrate that Massachusetts is a regional and national leader in deploying electric and alternative-fuel vehicles,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David Cash. “And through these programs, the Patrick Administration is committed to protecting our environment and growing the clean energy economy.”

“Worcester’s adoption of cleaner transportation, through this electric school bus grant and its commitment as a designated Green Community to buy only fuel-efficient vehicles, is a great example of how municipalities continue to lead in clean energy,” said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Now individuals will also have greater incentives to buy EVs and plug-in hybrids. These are more good reasons to live in Massachusetts!”

“We have made great strides over the past year in improving the financing of our RTA’s and highlighting their importance to the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure, and this new, important investment is a further example of our commitment to providing reliable transportation services to all of the residents of Central Massachusetts,” said Senator Harriette L. Chandler.

“As we continue to make important investments in our transportation system, we must look to maximize the technology available to increase efficiency and lower costs. The Worcester Transit Authority’s all electric transit bus fleet is a perfect example of that,” said Senator Thomas M. McGee. “ Not only will these vehicles save money over time, they will have a much smaller impact on the environment.”

The Patrick Administration has already invested more than $20 million in electric and alternative fuel vehicles in the Commonwealth. In December 2013, the Patrick Administration announced several additional initiatives, including an electric school bus pilot. Working in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative’s ongoing EV V2G School Bus Demonstration, DOER will provide $1.8 million in grants for eight electric school buses with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. Electric school buses have energy storage capability and can serve as back-up energy resources during natural disasters and similar events.

In addition, the Clean Vehicle Project aims to replace more than 200 public and private fleet vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel with alternatively fueled vehicles.

In October 2013, Governor Patrick signed a Zero-Emission Vehicle Program Memorandum of Understanding with seven other states’ governors to increase the number of clean energy vehicles on the road. Of the overall goal to achieve 3.3 million electric vehicles on the road by 2025, Massachusetts’ portion is 300,000.

The initiatives announced today will encourage increased deployment of advanced technology vehicles in Massachusetts, improve air quality, reduce reliance on foreign oil and help Massachusetts attain the Patrick Administration’s aggressive emission reduction goals set under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). The Clean Energy and Climate Plan goal, created under the GWSA, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. The transportation sector generates more than one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions produced in Massachusetts. The Clean Energy and Climate Plan establishes a target for the transportation sector to reduce GHG emissions 7.6 percent by 2020.