EXTRADITED CHINESE NATIONAL SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR PROVIDING U.S. GOODS TO IRAN TO SUPPORT ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM

EXTRADITED CHINESE NATIONAL SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR PROVIDING U.S. GOODS TO IRAN

TO SUPPORT ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM

 

BOSTON – A Chinese national was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with supplying a U.S. designated Iranian Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Proliferator with 1,185 pressure transducers that could be used to make nuclear weapons-grade uranium.

 

Sihai Cheng, a/k/a Chun Hai Cheng, a/k/a Alex Cheng, 35, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to nine years in prison.   In December 2015, Cheng pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring to commit export violations and smuggle goods from the United States to Iran and four counts of illegally exporting U.S. manufactured pressure transducers to Iran. 

 

“Cheng knowingly provided more than 1,000 pressure transducers to Iran which advanced its nuclear weapons capabilities,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.  “At this critical time, the prosecution of individuals who violate our export laws – wherever they are located – is just as important, if not more, than ever before.”

 

“Massachusetts is a worldwide leader of innovative technology and research,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division.  “Mr. Cheng smuggled some of that technology used to process weapons-grade uranium into Iran.  As this case illustrates, the FBI will do everything it can to keep U.S. weapons technology and other restricted materials from falling into the wrong hands and hurting our nation’s security.”

 

“Today’s lengthy sentence serves as a warning to others that stiff penalties are waiting for anyone attempting to steal/sell American technologies or trade them to foreign powers,” said Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Boston.  “HSI and our law enforcement partners take the national security interests of this nation very seriously and will aggressively pursue any criminal or organization engaged in these activities.”

 

"Today's sentence reaffirms OEE's commitment to identifying, disrupting and enforcing illegal procurement networks and preventing sensitive WMD materials and technology from being exported contrary to U.S. export law,”  said Michael S. Imbrogna Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office.  “Our special agents will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to protect Americans worldwide." 

 

In 2013, Cheng was charged in an indictment with conspiring to export, and exporting, highly sensitive U.S. manufactured goods with nuclear applications to Iran from at least 2009 to 2012.   Cheng pleaded guilty to conspiring with other individuals in China and Iran to illegally obtain hundreds of U.S. manufactured pressure transducers manufactured by MKS Instruments, Inc., a company headquartered in Massachusetts, and export them to Iran.  As established at the sentencing hearing, Cheng knew that the parts were being supplied to Kalaye Electric Co., a U.S. designated Iranian WMD Proliferator responsible for the Government of Iran’s nuclear centrifuge program and the development of weapons-grade uranium.  Pressure transducers can be used in gas centrifuges to enrich uranium and produce weapons-grade uranium and are therefore subject to strict export controls.  They cannot be shipped from the United States to China without an export license or shipped from the United States to Iran at all. 

 

At today’s sentencing, the government argued that Cheng’s conduct gravely harmed and jeopardized the national security of the United States as well as other countries throughout the world.  Cheng even invoked the threat of war between Iran and the United States as a means of increasing his profits.  Cheng’s procurement network was responsible for supplying Iran thousands of components for its nuclear proliferation activities and advancing Iran’s nuclear capabilities.  Cheng knew he was providing Iran critical components for use in the development of weapons-grade uranium and that the parts he was supplying were going Iran’s nuclear program.  Indeed, in 2009, according to evidence at the sentencing hearing, when Cheng supplied his first four shipments of pressure transducers, Iran was secretly constructing the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant for the purpose of developing nuclear weapons.  Further, based upon expert testimony, from 2009 to 2011, when Cheng supplied Iran 1,185 MKS pressure transducers, Iran was engaged in nuclear proliferation activities. 

 

In imposing the nine year sentence, Judge Saris found that Cheng “knowingly provided material support to develop a nuclear weapon.” 

 

        MKS Instruments, Inc., is not a target of this investigation and has been cooperating in this matter. 

 

U.S. Attorney Ortiz, FBI SAC Shaw, HSI SAC Etre, and Commerce Acting SAC Imbrogna, made the announcement today.  Assistance was also provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney B. Stephanie Siegmann of Ortiz’s National Security Unit.

MAYOR WALSH AND UNITED WAY KICK OFF 2016 BOSTON TAX HELP SEASON

MAYOR WALSH AND UNITED WAY KICK OFF 2016 BOSTON TAX HELP SEASON AT ROXBURY CENTER FOR FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT  Coalition, now in 15th year, has helped put $215 million back into residents' pockets Boston - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - This Friday, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Michael Durkin, CEO of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, will join partner organizations and volunteers to celebrate the launch of this year's Boston Tax Help season at the Roxbury Center for Financial Empowerment. The event, which coincides with National Earned Income Tax Credit Day, will mark the opening of 35 free neighborhood tax preparation sites across Boston.   The Boston Tax Help Coalition   In addition to providing low- to moderate-income residents with free tax preparation in seven languages besides English, Boston Tax Help sites will also offer taxpayers several asset-building services in line with Mayor Walsh's financial empowerment agenda. Many of the sites will provide taxpayers with the opportunity to open a savings account, allowing participants in the program to directly deposit a portion of their refunds into savings. The Coalition will also offer free public benefits screenings and on-site credit advising services.   Boston Tax Help sites is available online   Mayor Walsh and the Office of Workforce Development advocated for an increase in the state's Earned Income Tax Credit last year, and in August Governor Baker signed a bill to extend the maximum state credit from $951 to $1,459 for eligible residents. The change is expected to benefit over 400,000 working individuals and families in Massachusetts, including up to 75,000 in Boston alone.   The Boston Tax Help Coalition is a signature program of the Mayor's Office of Financial Empowerment, part of the Office of Workforce Development, which is an affiliate of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RECOMMENDATIONS OF LATE NIGHT TASK FORCE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RECOMMENDATIONS OF LATE NIGHT TASK FORCE

BOSTON - Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a set of recommendations made by his Late Night Task Force to help foster and grow a safe and vibrant late night culture in the City of Boston. The task force, which formally concluded its work in 2015, was comprised of a diverse group of students, restaurants and bar owners, law enforcement and business leaders from across the city. "In the City of Boston we have an opportunity to create the kind of nightlife that visitors expect in a world-class city," said Mayor Walsh. "I thank all the members of the task force who came together over the course of several months to help us think about how to make Boston a more exciting and engaging place to live, work and play. I look forward to further exploring these recommendations to make Boston even more enjoyable for everyone." "The MRA applauds the efforts of the Mayor and the City of Boston in moving forward these initiatives," said Bob Luz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. "Common sense approaches, such as allowing small operators to serve food after 10PM and removing unnecessary regulations on downtown operators will continue to make Boston flourish. All neighborhoods of Boston benefit from increased restaurant vibrancy and occupancy. When the Mayor was first elected, he pledged to streamline the regulatory process and he has delivered on that promise." Recommendations include: Extended Hours Extend liquor license hours within designated downtown area with the proper hearing; Allow restaurants that have 10pm or 11pm license citywide to extend to midnight with proper hearing and community process; Activate pilot areas throughout downtown Boston to extend liquor license hours. This option requires legislative action.   Operations Establishments should be allowed to serve drinks on a patio or deck without the requirement to serve food, unless otherwise stipulated at hearing; In an effort to make it easier for operators to renew their Certificate of Inspection (CI), inspections should be automatically scheduled by the proper departments once their invoice is paid for the new CI; Streamline all licensing requirements to eliminate redundant licenses and requirements.   Entertainment Live entertainment and music played on patios should be able to extend later in the evening if local residents are not disturbed. The Late Night Task Force was established in May 2014 with the goal of examining business districts and neighborhoods that are favorable for later closing hours; public safety requirements of expanded late night hours; existing liquor license restrictions; entertainment license expansion; late night transportation access; and how to effectively launch the expanded services. Rory Cuddyer, former Advisor to the Mayor's Chief of Staff and current startup manager, and John Fitzgerald, Deputy Director of Imagine Boston 2030, served as co-chairs of the task force, along with 24 individuals who were appointed by the Mayor.

四月下旬訪問新竹清華

RELEASE OF REPORT HIGHLIGHTING MAJOR IMPACT OF COMMUNITY-BASED JOB TRAINING IN THE COMMONWEALTH

RELEASE OF REPORT HIGHLIGHTING MAJOR IMPACT OF

COMMUNITY-BASED JOB TRAINING IN THE COMMONWEALTH

Independent Groundbreaking Report Documents Significant Taxpayer Savings

January 26, 2016- Today, members of the Job Training Alliance (JTA), a network of twenty non-profit, community-based, workforce development organizations, released the findings of a first of its kind study demonstrating that job training provides enormous benefits to recipients and significant cost savings to the Commonwealth. The report has major implications for those interested in assisting unemployed and underemployed individuals in Massachusetts as well as for those interested in cost-effective state government.

Under the banner, “Job training works, pays and saves,” the report found that 76% of the graduates of the 12 participating job training programs, examined over the course of one year, were employed following graduation.  These results are all the more impressive given that nearly all of the participants had significant barriers to employment such as limited English, inconsistent work histories and lack of computer and occupational skills.

Funded by a grant from Skillworks and conducted by nonprofit strategy and assessment firm Root Cause, the report found that on average, formerly unemployed individuals who found work following completion of a training program earned $13.95 per hour- a wage significantly higher than the current or even future Massachusetts minimum wage.

Moreover, the report found that job training also benefits those who are already employed in low-wage dead end jobs. Participants who were employed at the time of their training saw a 65% increase in their earnings following completion of their training for an average of $14.20 per hour. 

Employers who work with Job Training members explained why they support job training as well as the higher wage for graduates of these programs.  “I have found the experience with job training programs to be enriching from both a personal and professional standpoint,” says Mitchelle Frederick, Marketing Coordinator of Peabody Properties.  “Job training programs send us great candidates for hire.  And it is so rewarding to have such an impact on someone’s life, with the goal toward economic self-sufficiency.  A win-win for Peabody Properties!”  Carmine Guarino, Senior Vice President at Citizens Bank, felt similarly, “Job training providers send us well trained candidates that met all our hiring specifications, savings us time and money on recruitment.”  

Sunny Schwartz of the Asian American Civic Association, a provider of job training services, said, “Without job training, our clients would be unemployed or stuck in part-time low-wage jobs. With job training, they launch excellent careers which dramatically increase their lifetime earnings, turning them from being reliant on unemployment insurance or public benefits into tax paying citizens.”

The report also found that the benefits of job training extend well beyond the individual participant or the employer who hire them. Not only did those studied see significant increases in the wages they earned, government saw a 515% increase in taxes paid and, perhaps just as notable, a 67% reduction in their use of public benefits.  The report comes a day after Governor Baker announced that his budget will provide grants to community-based organizations and others that partner with businesses to develop job training and employment opportunities for populations that face higher unemployment rates.

“One of the first Executive Orders Governor Baker signed created the Task Force on Populations Facing Chronically High Rates of Unemployment, which I chaired.  We, in the Baker administration, wanted to look at the reasons why certain populations, such as African-Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, recently returned veterans, and people with disabilities face higher unemployment rates,” Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II said.  “Through our work on the Task Force we reconfirmed the vital role community-based organizations play in helping people with barriers to employment get the skills they need to find good jobs.”

Shukrullah Fnu, a graduate of job training provider Asian American Civic Association, shared how he is now living his dream of working in the banking industry in Massachusetts.  Originally from Afghanistan, Fnu worked as an interpreter with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan during combat operations.  Fnu enrolled and completed AACA's Careers in Banking & Finance Training Program. "I learned a lot of things in that program about banking regulations, policies and procedures, cash handling methods, and customer service..." he said. "This was my dream to work in the bank. I love my job, I love the environment and job training helped me to reach my dreams."

麻大孔院 2/8 慶猴年新春

AG’S OFFICE TO HOST COMMUNITY ACTION HOURS IN CHELSEA

AG’S OFFICE TO HOST COMMUNITY ACTION HOURS IN CHELSEA

BOSTON – Building on her promise to bring the resources of her office to neighborhoods across the state, Attorney General Maura Healey‘s Office will be holding Community Action Hours in Spanish at the Chelsea Collaborative tomorrow.

Staff from AG Healey’s Office, including attorneys and mediators, will be on hand to answer questions from the community on a variety of topics including civil rights, workers’ rights, health care and insurance. Staff will also conduct a training in Spanish for community members on workers’ rights. 

WHAT:          Community Action Hours  

            WHEN:          TOMORROW, Jan. 27. 2016

                                    6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

WHERE:       Chelsea Collaborative

318 Broadway

Chelsea, MA

Community Action Hours, a new initiative under the AG’s Community Engagement Division, brings the resources of the Attorney General’s Office directly into communities at times that are convenient for working people and their families.

The event is open to the public and is being offered free of charge.

Unum Therapeutics Moves to New Headquarters in Cambridge

Unum Therapeutics Moves to New Headquarters in Cambridge, MA as It Continues to Expand and Advance its Cellular Immunotherapy Pipeline

Company Plans to Double in Size in 2016 as It Aggressively Expands Its Scientific Workforce

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unum Therapeutics, a company developing a universal cellular immunotherapy to treat multiple cancers, today announced its move into new office and laboratory facilities in Cambridge, MA. The company’s new headquarters, located at 200 Cambridge Park Drive, was designed to help facilitate Unum’s anticipated growth to more than 80 employees in the near future. As part of the program to recognize Unum’s recent progress and advancing drug development portfolio, Robert Coughlin, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Mike Kennealy, Assistant Secretary for Business Growth at the Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development, and Angus McQuilken, Vice President for Marketing & Communications for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier today.

“This new facility will allow the company to continue to grow and make important contributions to cancer therapeutics, one of the core strengths of our Commonwealth's life sciences ecosystem. The company’s growth is just one early return on the MLSC’s investment in the construction of LabCentral.”

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“I congratulate Unum Therapeutics on the opening of their new facility, and on the work they are doing to find new treatments and advancements in healthcare,” said Governor Baker. “I look forward to their continued contributions to job creation and innovation here in the Commonwealth.”

“We believe that our ACTR technology platform fuels one of the industry’s most promising immunotherapy drug development programs,” said Chuck Wilson, PhD, President & CEO of Unum Therapeutics. “To reach our full potential, we need to continue recruiting top-level talent. This move allows us to expand our hiring efforts within the world-class Cambridge, Massachusetts life sciences hub, to house a larger team of scientists, and to continue to leverage our proximity to leading research and academic institutions and healthcare companies. Unum is excited to be joining a growing biotech community in West Cambridge.”

Unum designed its new 33,000 square feet of space specifically to foster continued collaboration, including state-of-the-art laboratories and an open office design. Employees can easily access the centrally located facility via public transportation at The Alewife Reservation (including access to the MBTA Red Line) and local highways, including Route 2 and Route 16.

Coming just a year after the company’s launch, this move follows several major milestones for Unum including initiation of a Phase 1 study in B-cell malignancies in Singapore, a $65M Series B financing, and a major strategic collaboration with Seattle Genetics. Unum evolved from the LabCentral incubator program in Kendall Square, where it was located prior to the Cambridge Drive facility.

“We are pleased to celebrate the grand opening of Unum’s new headquarters in Cambridge,” said Travis McCready, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. “This new facility will allow the company to continue to grow and make important contributions to cancer therapeutics, one of the core strengths of our Commonwealth's life sciences ecosystem. The company’s growth is just one early return on the MLSC’s investment in the construction of LabCentral.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate Unum’s growth as a great example of the opportunity presented to companies in the Massachusetts ecosystem,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio. “As a company with great science and great talent that has taken advantage of the efficiencies provided by an incubator and the network provided by active participation at MassBio, Unum has provided a clear path to success for other startups here.”

“飞虎队”历史对美中民间交流的深远影响

轉載AACYF

 “飞虎队”历史对美中民间交流的深远影响

华裔知名收藏家、昆明市荣誉市民陈灿培先生和夫人1月23日在洛杉矶中国城，向到访的云南腾冲滇西抗战纪念馆代表团捐赠610件“飞虎队”文物，其中包括文献、徽章、图片、仪器等各种实物。多名年逾九十高龄的飞虎队老兵本人以及华裔美国国会议员刘云平参加了当天的捐赠仪式。

陈灿培表示，去年曾经回国参观滇西抗战紀念館，馆内设有飞虎队的展区，但是展出的文物不多，自己捐赠这批文物，希望让参观纪念馆的人们，在缅怀先烈的同时了解更多关于飞虎队的故事。腾冲有国殤园、云南最大的抗战纪念馆－滇西抗战紀念馆。

云南腾冲市滇西抗战文化研究会秘书长李启山表示，陈灿培先生的捐赠为抗战纪念馆研究飞虎队在腾冲和云南边界的抗战历史提供了实物佐证，再现了当年美中两国人民对和平的共同追求和携手合作。将会对捐赠文物认真研究，让捐赠的文物发挥更多和更大的作用。

飞虎队老兵Mel Mcmullen展示了自己去年赴中国参加阅兵仪式时获颁的勋章，他表示，参加阅兵仪式后，曾经赴云南参观有关的飞虎队以及抗战纪念馆，对展览感到非常震撼。

专程从旧金山来参加捐赠仪式的加州艺术大学建筑设计教授Lisa Findley讲述了自己的父亲当年曾经驾驶飞虎队飞机迫降云南腾冲附近，被当地村民救援并护送回飞虎队腾冲基地的故事。她表示，就是受父亲这一段终生难忘经历的影响，她已经到访云南９次了。去年她在云南开设了暑期旅行工作室，带领学生赴云南游历、学习。

美国华人公共外促进会会长任向东认为，飞虎队的老兵们都已步入了高龄，但是他们的事迹和精神仍然令人感动，参加捐赠仪式的老兵们都是在家人和子女的陪伴下出席，而他们的家人和子女都对飞虎队、对中国有一种非常特殊的情感。而美国民间的各种飞虎队纪念机构和相关组织，则汇集和凝聚了许多社会有识之士。

当天参加活动的Diane Smith女士的父亲，当年就是自美国从事飞行表演，为飞虎队筹款的飞行员。现在Diane女士仍然在飞虎队的纪念机构从事义工服务。

腾冲代表团成员包括，腾冲市文化广播电视体育局局长、滇西抗战文化研究会秘书长李启山；腾冲市归国华侨联合会主席、腾冲市人民政府侨务办公室主任王根映；腾冲市国殇墓园管理所所长、滇西抗战纪念馆馆长杨素红；滇西抗战文化研究会副秘书长李根志；腾冲市国殇墓园管理所副所长、滇西抗战纪念馆副馆长马娟。

中国驻洛杉矶侨务领事孙卫东、美国空军退役少将William Cohen、华裔飞虎队老兵黄煜臻、甄崇运、陈科志、以及美国飞虎队传播协会会长许绍理、南加州云南同乡会杜天、袁雨等参加了当天的捐赠仪式。（AACYF洛杉矶讯）

鄧泰山鋼琴獨奏融化了聽眾的心

Last Saturday 1/23, during the snow storm, with his beautiful music, pianist Dang Thai Son  鄧泰山 melted the hearts of a packed house of enthusiastic audience at NEC's Jordan Hall. He received cheerful standing ovations. The concert was simply fantastic!

Music critic from The Boston Musical Intelligencer wrote:  “Thai-Son in Knockout”  DuringSaturday night’s snow, those brave enough—or wise enough—to venture out to Jordan Hall were warmed by real artistry from Vietnamese pianist Dang Thai-Son. In this recital sponsored by the Foundation for Chinese Performing Arts, Dang showed why he was the 1980 first prizewinner at the International Chopin Competition, showcasing works by four composers—Schubert, Chopin, Fauré, and Debussy—each seemingly an old friend."

波士頓音樂情報員（The Boston Musical Intelligencer）樂評家形容1月23日在新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳舉行的“泰山擊倒（Thai-Son in Knockout）”音樂會時表示，那些冒雪而來的勇敢者或智慧者，在越南裔鋼琴家鄧泰山的音樂聲中，心全都暖得融化了。在中華表演藝術基金會策劃的這場音樂會中，鄧泰山彈奏了四名作曲家，舒伯特，蕭邦，福萊，德布西等人的作品，展現出1980年時，為什麼是他贏得國際蕭邦賽第一名。

浮雲相聲社農曆丙申年新春相聲大會 2/21

开箱大吉！浮云相声社农历丙申年新春相声大会正式售票啦

2016-01-27 浮云社

春暖花开，万物复苏，又到了说相声的季节。

今年的相声大会有新面孔和新段子将呈现在观众面前。

另外，据可靠消息报道，今年的早鸟票只卖$10！

那么，我们2月21日晚上六点半准时不见不散～

演出地点：48 Mass Ave， MA 02139 （MIT千人剧场）

扫二维码或点开下方原文抢票～

劍橋合唱團2016新樂季招募中

劍橋合唱團2016新樂季招募中

一起來體驗合唱的磅礡之美！ 已有24年歷史的劍橋合唱團由一群喜愛合唱的學生及工作人士組成，主要演唱中文歌曲，也時常表演台語客語英語原住民曲目，獲得波士頓地區許多聽眾的肯定。將在五月下旬舉行2016春季公演，即日至一月底止將招募新團員。

現在開始號召更多喜愛唱的朋友加入這歡樂的大家庭。劍橋合唱團每週五晚間8點在 MIT 4-270教室練唱，歡迎喜歡唱歌或有合唱經驗的朋友，1/22，1/29晚間7:00-8:00前來試音與參加練唱。試音請準備一首自選曲，並事先聯絡約定試音時段。

如需更多訊息，歡迎連絡 cccs-officers@mit.edu 或致電 217-979-9719 詢問

剑桥合唱团2016新乐季招募中

一起来体验合唱的磅礴之美！ 已有24年历史的剑桥合唱团由一群喜爱合唱的学生及工作人士组成，主要演唱中文歌曲，也时常表演台语客语英语原住民曲目，获得波士顿地区许多听众的肯定。将在五月下旬举行2016春季公演，即日至一月底止将招募新团员。

现在开始号召更多喜爱唱的朋友加入这欢乐的大家庭。剑桥合唱团每週五晚间8点在 MIT 4-270教室练唱，欢迎喜欢唱歌或有合唱经验的朋友，1/22，1/29晚间7:00-8:00前来试音与参加练唱。试音请準备一首自选曲，并事先联络约定试音时段。

如需更多讯息，欢迎连络 cccs-officers@mit.edu 或致电 217-979-9719 询问

Cambridge Chinese Choral Society is Auditioning

The Cambridge Chinese Choral Society members consist of students and working professionals in the community performing mainly Chinese choral pieces, as well as other dialects and languages.  The choir will be performing its semester concert in May 2016, and will begin auditioning for new members at the end of January.

The choir will be rehearsing every Friday night at 8 pm in MIT room 4-270.  We welcome interested singers to come and audition on 1/22 and 1/29 between 7 – 8 pm. Please prepare a song for the audition and call us to make an appointment.

For more information please email cccs-officers@mit.edu or call 217-979-9719

375 Volunteers Expected to Join Mayor Walsh for 36th Annual Homeless Census

375 Volunteers Expected to Join Mayor Walsh for 36th Annual Homeless Census

Mayor Martin J. Walsh will join approximately 375 volunteers and special guests for the 36th annual City of Boston Homeless Census to conduct a count of Boston's homeless population.  The event consists of a street count of unsheltered homeless persons throughout the city and a point-in-time survey of all those currently in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and other programs conducted by homeless providers. The census helps put a number to the unmet need for housing, emergency shelter beds, treatment resources, and other services.

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Ending Civil Commitments at MCI-Framingham for Substance Misuse Disorder

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Ending Civil Commitments at MCI-Framingham for Substance Misuse Disorder

New Law Prohibits Women from Correctional Institutions to Improve Treatment Options

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker was joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Ways and Means Chair Senator Karen Spilka and Attorney General Maura Healey for a bill signing ceremony to prohibit the civil commitment of women facing substance misuse disorders to MCI-Framingham and provide addiction treatment services at Shattuck and Taunton State Hospitals.

“With the support of the legislature and Attorney General, our administration is proud to have delivered on a promise that took more than 30 years to fulfill,” said Governor Baker.  “Now, women with substance abuse disorder who are civilly committed will not be sent to MCI Framingham and will have the opportunity to get treatment instead of jail time.”

“Addiction is a disease and must be treated as such,” said Speaker DeLeo. “By ending the practice of sending civilly committed women to MCI-Framingham we are taking one more step to helping residents – our sisters, mothers, daughters, wives – recover. I’m proud of the landmark substance addiction legislation we have passed and the unprecedented funding increases for treatment, and I pledge unwavering commitment to fighting this devastating epidemic.”

"The bill ends the practice of treating women with substance abuse issues like criminals,” said Senate President Rosenberg. “We need to treat substance abuse like the disease it is and provide access to treatment in an appropriate setting so these women have an opportunity to get on a path to recovery."

“People who are hooked on heroin and opioids need treatment and care,” said Attorney General Healey. “This new law will end the practice of sending women struggling with addiction to prison without access to the treatment services they need. As we continue to battle this epidemic, it’s critical we get people real help that will give them a fighting chance at a better life.”

This reform, which was recommended as part of the Governor’s Opioid Working Group, will end the practice of sending women committed for treatment for a substance use disorder under section 35 of chapter 123 of the General Laws to MCI-Framingham.  For the past 25 years, individuals committed under section 35 have been sent to this correctional institution instead of a detox center—preventing the proper treatment options for women.  In the future, if the only appropriate setting for a civilly committed woman is a secure facility, women can only be committed to an approved facility by the Department of Public Health or the Department of Mental Health.

In the past year, the Baker-Polito Administration has added 28 beds at Shattuck and 15 beds at Taunton State Hospital, with an additional 30 beds at Taunton in the summer of 2016.  In addition, 58 treatment beds at Departments of Mental Health and Public Health facilities are under development with the first beds coming on line in January 2016.  Last July, Governor Baker allotted $5.8 million in a supplemental budget to move women civilly committed for substance abuse problems to a hospital, such as Shattuck or Taunton State Hospitals.

Today’s bill signing serves as the latest effort across state government to crack down on the opioid epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth and claiming four lives a day.  Earlier this month, the House passed a substance abuse treatment and prevention bill that is now pending in the Senate, and Governor Charlie Baker was recently joined by Attorney General Maura Healey, Representative John Fernandes and a representative from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police to sign a fentanyl trafficking bill into law, authored by Attorney General Healey, to increase the penalty for the possession and distribution of fentanyl to 20 years for distributing more than 10 grams.

Separately, numerous recommendations from the Governor’s opioid working group have already been enacted to begin eradicating this public health crisis.  The administration has budgeted more than $114 million in spending for substance misuse prevention, education and treatment, increased bulk purchasing of Narcan in municipalities and changed reporting requirements for the Prescription Monitoring Program from 7 days to 24 hours.  One hundred and thirteen treatment beds have opened in six communities (Quincy, Plymouth, New Bedford, Boston, Westborough, Fall River) with more expected in Greenfield this winter.

EVERETT MAN ARRESTED FOR MASKED ARMED BANK ROBBERY

EVERETT MAN ARRESTED FOR MASKED ARMED BANK ROBBERY

 

BOSTON – An Everett man appeared in federal court today in connection with his alleged armed robbery of the TD Bank in Allston in November 2015.

 

Joseph G. Rachal, 64, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Boston and charged with armed bank robbery, carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler scheduled a detention and probable cause hearing for Jan. 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

 

According to court documents, on Nov.19, 2015, an individual later identified as Rachal, allegedly entered the TD Bank in Allston wearing a dark rubber mask.  Rachael approached two tellers, brandished a semi-automatic weapon, and demanded money.  The tellers gave Rachal $2,397 and he fled the bank. 

 

Law enforcement officers arrived within minutes of the robbery and observed a man hiding behind a parked SUV one block from the bank.  After the officers identified themselves, the man fled carrying a black nylon bag.  The man was caught and after a brief struggle and identified as Rachal.  The officers found an active radio scanner on Rachal which was tuned to the Boston Police radio frequency.  The black bag contained a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with one chambered round and a magazine containing 14 additional rounds, an extra magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dark rubber mask, gloves, a tan jacket, and $2,397.

 

Bank surveillance cameras confirmed that the items recovered from Rachal’s bag were consistent with those used during the robbery. 

 

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years to be served consecutive to the other charges.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

Baker-Polito Administration To Invest $5 Million Targeting Chronically High Unemployment

Baker-Polito Administration To Invest $5 Million Targeting Chronically High Unemployment

Governor’s Chronic Unemployment Task Force Releases Recommendations to Address Economic Disparity

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald L. Walker, II, joined members of the Governor’s Task Force on Persons Facing Chronically Higher Rates of Unemployment to announce new initiatives addressing higher rates of unemployment faced by some populations, and a $5 million investment in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget proposal to build a Massachusetts-based public workforce system that will enhance the existing federally-funded system. The state funds will provide grants to community-based organizations and others that partner with businesses to develop job training and employment opportunities for populations that face higher unemployment rates.

“Since taking office, our administration has focused on reaching individuals and families across the Commonwealth who have felt they have not been able to take advantage of or experience our state’s many economic strengths,” said Governor Baker.  “By building the capacity of community-based organizations and others who already have the expertise and experience working with individuals who face higher unemployment rates, we can to enable more people to find and keep jobs and support their families.

Last March, Governor Baker signed an Executive Order creating a task force to explore reasons for higher unemployment rates among certain groups, and find ways to improve economic opportunities. While the state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average – at 4.7 percent in December – African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Persons with Disabilities, Native Americans, and recently-returned veterans, continue to experience higher unemployment rates, ranging from 7 to 12 percent.

“There are still too many individuals for whom employment opportunities are infrequent or currently unattainable even in strong economic times for our Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “With these recommendations, we are going to empower those most involved within their communities and reach even more people in a meaningful way.”

Governor Baker’s FY ’17 budget will include:

1.     $2 million to create a new Economic Opportunity Fund, investing in community-based organizations who partner with businesses to offer job training and hiring opportunities for people who face employment barriers. The grants will allow organizations to provide a deeper level of engagement to help residents find a job.

2.     $2 million to the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, marking the first time funding would be available in two consecutive years. The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund is targeted toward unemployed or underemployed individuals who need job training or education to make the transition to employment. 

3.     $1 million to expand statewide re-entry and job training programmingfor former criminal offenders re-entering society.

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Walker chaired the Task Force that advised the Governor, consisting of administration officials, business leaders, educators, community-based organization representatives, and economic experts, who traveled around the state to listen to residents who face continued unemployment.

“Whatever their barriers, we realize certain people need a hands-on touch when it comes to job seeking and more attention than the federally-funded career centers are able to give them,” Secretary Walker said. “One of the recommendations from the Task Force is to build a Massachusetts-based public workforce system by leveraging community-based organizations, which can meet the specific needs of the target populations.”

The Task Force also recommends:

·       Improving the public workforce system through continued implementation of the federal Workforce Investment Opportunity Act of 2014. Through WIOA, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is refocusing the state’s 32 One-Stop Career Centers with a “Demand-driven 2.0” strategy that requires career center officials to build relationships with employers in their regions to help clients find job opportunities.

·       Extending the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) through March 2017, which links people with disabilities to job training.

·       Using the Career Centers to reengage long-term unemployed out of work for more than a year. 

The full Task Force report can be viewed here.  

LIGHTS TO BE INSTALLED TO RESTORE BOSTON CITY HALL

LIGHTS TO BE INSTALLED TO RESTORE BOSTON CITY HALL

Liven up City Hall Plaza, Increase Public Safety

A rendering shows City Hall's exterior with new LED lights, from a viewpoint at Faneuil Hall.  BOSTON - Monday, January 25, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that architectural lighting will be installed at City Hall to highlight and enhance the building's original design, building on the Walsh Administration's goals to liven up City Hall Plaza and create a safer area for pedestrians.   "We are committed to creating a welcoming, lively City Hall Plaza, and installing new lights will make the plaza safer while connecting us to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market," said Mayor Walsh. "The lighting restores the outside of City Hall to its original design and the LED technology will help us meet our sustainability goals."   The lighting will highlight the original tripartite design of City Hall, which organized the building into three parts -  the public spaces: the lower levels that house public transaction areas; the symbolic spaces: the middle sections that house the governmental offices of the Mayor and the City Council; and the administrative spaces, the crown of the building, that house the administrative functions of government.   New high-efficiency LED fixtures will replace the original exterior recessed lighting fixtures to illuminate the lower levels and highlight the entrances.  Other fixtures, intended to wash the building with light, will be hidden behind existing structures and attached to new light poles, which will be coordinated with the new MBTA light poles.   The new fixtures will wash the building in a warm white light, and also have the capability of projecting a wide-range of color options which will allow the City to light the building to acknowledge a variety of civic and celebratory events.   The new exterior lighting will allow for better security lighting, and  will allow for the flood lights and associated conduit that has been added to the building over the years to be removed in its entirety.   The lighting will be sustainable by replacing the existing Metal Halide fixtures with LED technology that has a 20 year life span. The current fixtures have a four year life span and have never been replaced. The project is coordinating with Eversource on an energy incentive program for a grant of approximately $76,000.   The new fixtures are also more energy efficient than the Metal Halide fixtures and the existing Flood Lights.  Cost savings are expected to be in the range of 300,000 kWh saved per year.   Arcade lights will also be retrofitted to complement the City Hall lighting.  Both will be operated by the same controller and will be able to be coordinated. The lighting is very flexible, so future building or plaza renovations can utilize the new lighting.    "City Hall's powerful forms and evocative spaces represent Boston's faith in its citizens and their government. It was always meant to evolve so it could meet changing needs and incorporate contemporary technologies," said David Eisen  AIA, Boston Society of Architects (BSA) vice president for communication. "We're delighted to see the city reaching out to the public with new ways of thinking about this--and other--civic places and spaces. Lighting will help this bold piece of architecture to engage the urban landscape around it."   The 1968 'Heroic' style City Hall Building is a pending Landmark therefore the Boston Landmarks Commission is reviewing this illumination plan and other future improvement plans.   Project will be bid on February 12th, construction is anticipated to start in April and be completed by the end of summer 2016.