波士頓市議會議長吳弭1/27議會報告

As always, please reach out with any questions! Anyone can sign up to receive these notes by email at www.michelleforboston.com/sendmenotes or see the whole list of notes at www.michelleforboston.com/notes.
Appointments

• Neighborhood Jobs Trust: Councilor Mark Ciommo and Trinh Nguyen were appointed as Trustees until January 2018
• Carl Spector was appointed Commissioner of the Environment Department
• Jake Sullivan was appointed Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Housing Trust: Councilor Zakim was appointed until December 2017 (this was a Council President appointment; all the others were Mayoral appointments)

Detectives Arbitration Award: Mayor Walsh filed the order to fund the Arbitration Award for the Boston Police Detectives bargaining unit. The award covers the two past contract cycles, 2010-2013 and 2013-2016, during which the Detectives were working without a contract because they could not come to a negotiated agreement with the City. The components include general wage increases of 2.5%, 1%, 1%, 3%, 3%, 3% respectively over each of the last six years, plus a $2,000 parity adjustment, risk enhancement adjustments, Quinn Bill educational incentives, and longevity benefits for a total overall average increase of 28.7% over 6 years. The City Council has 60 days to vote for or against funding the award; or if no vote is taken within 60 days, the award automatically takes effect. The item was assigned to the Ways & Means Committee for a hearing.
Massachusetts School Building Authority: Mayor Walsh filed statements of interests for repair cost reimbursement for the following schools: West Roxbury Education Complex, Jackson-Mann K-8 in Allston, McCormack Middle School in Dorchester, Dever Elementary in Dorchester, Boston Latin School in Fenway, Channing Elementary in Hyde Park, and the Condon School in South Boston. The matters were assigned to the Ways & Means Committee for a hearing.
Landmarks Designation: The Boston Landmarks Commission filed for Council approval on two new designations: the Winthrop-Carter Building (1 Water Street, downtown) and the Alvah Kitterage House (10 Linwood Street, Roxbury). These would automatically take effect on February 12, 2016 if no vote takes place. The matters were assigned to the Committee on Planning & Development for a hearing.
Hubway Grant: We voted to authorize a grant in accordance with Councilor McCarthy’s recommendation that would fund Hubway bike share stations in Brighton ($95,600 from the Boston College Neighborhood Improvement Fund). Councilor McCarthy and Councilor Ciommo both stated that Hubway needed to have better communications with the City and Councilors about the placement of stations, because the Council is committed to supporting multi-modal transportation but placing the stations without community feedback can lead to unintended traffic and safety issues.
Roberts Playground, Dorchester: We voted to authorize a grant in accordance with Councilor LaMattina’s recommendation that would support some of the cost of renovating Roberts Playground with 2 new children’s play areas, a plaza, a water spray feature, a basketball court, a tennis court, and 15 new trees at a total cost of $1.3M.
Pay Equity Resolution: We voted unanimously to suspend and pass Councilor Pressley’s resolution supporting state legislation to establish pay equity (S.2107/H.1733). The legislation would amend the current Massachusetts Equal Pay Act to include provisions that would allow employees to discuss compensation among co-workers, prohibit employers from inquiring about previous compensation in the interview process, and create a standard for internal review for businesses to ensure compensation is in accordance with industry standards. In the US, women working full-time earn 79% of what men earn. Black women working full-time earn 68% of what men earn, and Latina women earn 54%.
Income Inequality: Councilor Pressley filed a hearing order to discuss how to reduce income inequality in Boston and identify best practices for economic mobility, workforce development, asset building, and retention. She noted that the order was in response to the Brookings Institute’s recent study that found Boston was the city with the greatest income inequality in the country. The matter was sent to the Committee on Jobs, Wages & Workforce Development.
Special Education Equitable Transitions: Councilor Pressley called for a hearing to review the FY17 BPS special education budget and identify solutions to ensure equitable transitions of BPS youth as they graduate or age out of BPS. Councilor Jackson noted that he appreciated the focus on the BPS budget, as he doesn’t believe the increases to the budget this year are sufficient, given that they don’t match inflation. The matter was assigned to the Education Committee for a hearing.
Human Trafficking Day Resolution: We voted to pass the resolution submitted by Councilors Flaherty & Pressley to declare January 27, 2016, as Human Trafficking Awareness Day, in accordance with President Obama’s proclamation that January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and February 1^st is National Freedom Day. The Councilors noted that since 2005, over 450 children from Boston have been identified as victims of human trafficking, and we should be working to enforcement punishment against the perpetrators but also supporting this often invisible group of survivors.
Northeastern University Police Department: Councilors Zakim and Jackson called for a hearing to discuss militarized policing in the context of Northeastern’s recent decision to arm NUPD officers with tactical semiautomatic rifles. The Councilors noted that the university made this decision unilaterally without collaboration from the Boston Police or local residents in Mission Hill and Roxbury. The order calls on Northeastern President Joseph Aoun, NUPD Chief Michael Davis, and BPD representatives to testify at an informational forum for residents. The matter was sent to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice for a hearing.
Just Cause Eviction: Councilor Baker called for a hearing to discuss a potential Just Cause Eviction ordinance. Councilor Baker noted that his order does not reference any specific language or legislation, but aims to start the conversation with a broad discussion of potential issues and impacts, positive and negative, on tenants and landlords throughout the city. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Housing & Community Development for a hearing.
Urban Renewal: Councilor Linehan filed for a working session on the Urban Renewal Plan and process from the Boston Redevelopment Authority. The BRA’s urban renewal powers are set to expire in April 2016, and the agency has been seeking a 10-year renewal of their existing powers, which would require Council approval and approval from the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The matter was sent to the Planning & Development Committee for a hearing.
Sister Cities: Councilor Flaherty called for a hearing on Boston’s Sister Cities program. He noted that Boston currently has ten sister cities around the world, allowing the city to develop educational, cultural, and economic ties, which are crucial to remaining a global leader in innovation. The matter was sent to the Committee on Arts, Culture & Special Events for a hearing.
Open Meeting Law Complaint: We voted to pass my order designating the City’s Corporation Counsel as our respondent for the Open Meeting Law complaint filed against the City Council by Shirley Kressel. I filed the order to comply with the state Open Meeting Law and the Attorney General’s regulations, which require that any legislative body that receives a complaint acknowledge it at a public meeting of the body and designate a respondent. The substance of the complaint deals with the Council’s December 9, 2015 vote to approve transfer of the Winthrop Square Garage to the Public Facilities Commission.
Charter Changes: Councilor Baker filed three home-rule petitions to change the Boston City Charter, which were assigned jointly to the Special Committee on Charter Reform and the Committee on Government Operations:

• Term of Office for Councilors: extending the term of office from two years to four years
• Process for filling Vacancy: in case of vacancy for Councilor At-Large, there would be a special election to fill the role instead of having the 5^th place finisher automatically move into the role
• Concurrent Candidacies: prohibiting anyone from running for multiple city offices at the same time (e.g. Mayor and Councilor)

www.michelleforboston.com / 617.652.0136 / info@michelleforboston.com 

2016年第四届“松柏梅竹”新年滑雪会

2016年第四届“松柏梅竹”新年滑雪会

2016年1月23日，由北京大学新英格兰校友会（松），波士顿南开校友会（柏），波士顿清华校友会（梅）及交通大学新英格兰地区校友会（竹）联合组织的第四届“松柏梅竹”新年滑雪会如期举行。本次活动得到了大家的积极响应，美东即将到来暴风雪也不能削减大家参与活动的热情，逾九十名四校校友及其他院校朋友齐聚New Hampshire的Pats Peak雪场，共享滑雪之乐，喜迎新年加强友谊。

本届松柏梅竹滑雪会主要由南开大学校友王涵及毛翠萍统筹，清华大学校友管越及向凯协助。我们依旧选择了大家熟悉而有团队优惠的 Pats Peak 雪场，初学者及滑雪老手都能满意。同时为大家统一安排carpool事宜，方便大家出行并促进大家交流。大家滑雪水平各异，既有初学者参与培训课程学习基本动作，也有滑雪高手穿梭于各类“蘑菇包”及树林之中，同时高手给初学者传授经验亦不亦乐乎，其乐融融。滑雪花样也很多样，有的用双板（skiing），有的用单板（snowboarding），还有的跟小孩一起溜气艇圈（tubing）。当天雪场天气良好，温度宜人，雪场极顶远眺，苍松翠柏，白雪皑皑，尽收眼底。大家尽享滑雪之乐，以雪会友，直到晚上7点才纷纷返程回家。返程路上，Boston已下起鹅毛大雪，道路湿滑，先行返程的校友不断在微信群中播报实时路况，提醒大家注意行车安全，真是彼此一家亲。

“松柏梅竹”滑雪会自2013年初次举办以来，如今已成功举办四届，给四校校友提供了很好的交流机会，留下了许多美好的回忆。让我们我们期待来年的第五届“松柏梅竹”新年滑雪会，并期待更多的联谊。

附“松柏梅竹”四校波士顿/新英格兰地区校友会主页：

北京大学新英格兰校友会（松）http://pkuaa-ne.org/

波士顿南开校友会（柏）http://www.nkaaboston.org/

波士顿清华校友会（梅）http://www.tsinghua-boston.org/

交通大学新英格兰地区校友会（竹）https://groups.google.com/group/JTUAlumniNE

*

“松柏梅竹”来历：台湾清华交大素有“梅竹赛”传统，“梅”取自清华校长梅贻琦，“竹”源于交大校长凌竹铭，北大校长蔡元培以“松”骨气概著称，“柏”意指南开校长张伯苓。

CITY OF BOSTON SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH WYNN RESORTS

CITY OF BOSTON SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH WYNN RESORTS

Surrounding Community Agreement Totals $368 Million in Benefits to Boston

Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today that the City of Boston has signed a Surrounding Community Agreement with Wynn Resorts that includes $68 million in mitigation funds, $20 million annually for local businesses over a 15-year period, and a potential opportunity to create public open space in Charlestown. This agreement represents the largest community benefit to date offered by Wynn Resorts or the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the City of Boston. The Surrounding Community Agreement was negotiated directly between Mayor Walsh and Wynn Resorts Chairman & CEO Steve Wynn.  "Our efforts over the past two years have been to protect the people of Boston and ensure the neighborhood of Charlestown is treated fairly," Mayor Walsh said. "Residents have been trying for years for a solution for traffic congestion in Sullivan Square and Rutherford Avenue, and we must work together to improve local transportation infrastructure. I offered to keep an open line of communication throughout this process and I thank Steve Wynn for coming back to the table to listen to Boston's needs." The agreement includes: $31 million over 15 years for community impact;  $25 million over 10 years for Sullivan Square infrastructure improvements; $11 million for traffic mitigation in Charlestown; $250,000 for a Regional Working Group on a long-term fix for Sullivan Square; Good faith effort to purchase $20 million annually over 15 years from Boston businesses; and, $1 million for reimbursement of professional expenses. The agreement states further commitments by Wynn Resorts for traffic improvements, including Transportation Demand Management measures, a transportation monitoring program and additional mitigation measures if operational deficiencies are revealed.  In addition, Wynn Resorts has agreed to work with the City of Boston to explore moving the Boston Water and Sewer Commission's Materials Handling Facility with the goal of creating public open space along the waterfront in Charlestown. To access the agreement, please click the following links: Pages 1-3 Pages 4-5 Pages 6-8 Pages 9-10 Pages 11-12

Governor Baker Releases Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Proposal

Governor Baker Releases Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Proposal$39.6 billion budget invests in education, workforce development, and local aid without raising taxes; budgets for Stabilization Fund deposit and significantly reduces reliance on one-time solutions

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17), known as “House 2,” which continues the multi-year effort of bringing state spending in line with revenues, significantly reducing the state’s reliance on one-time solutions, and budgeting for a sizable deposit into the stabilization fund. The administration’s plan recommends key investments in education, local aid, addressing substance misuse, workforce development, transportation, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), all without raising taxes or fees.

“This year’s budget sets the table for fiscal responsibility and a strong economic environment, without raising taxes or fees on our hardworking families,” said Governor Baker.  “Our proposal makes targeted investments in transportation, education, the Department of Children and Families and fulfills our commitment to cities and towns to bolster local aid as we aim to make Massachusetts great in every community.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration understands we can only be as strong as the communities we serve and our budget plan increases local aid and education funding, including a new IT program for the Community Compact Cabinet,”said Lt. Governor Polito. “As chair of the Governor’s Council to address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, I am also pleased to announce new investments to support law enforcement training to strengthen resources and make our communities safer for families across the Commonwealth.”  

“This budget proposal continues the administration’s progress to getting the Commonwealth back on the path of fiscal sustainability,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore.  “The state’s long term fiscal health depends on the Commonwealth getting to structural balance and our ability to put money into the Stabilization Fund while the economy is growing.”

INVESTING IN MASSACHUSETTS

Investing in Great Communities:

·       Increases unrestricted local aid by 4.3%, equal to 100% of the consensus revenue growth rate for state tax revenue. 

·       Continues the Community Compact program to provide technical assistance to over 100 communities in financial planning, economic development, regionalization and a new program to create a domestic violence prevention training toolkit for communities.

·       Funds the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Fun and Safe Summer Program, to extend hours and offer safe, productive alternatives for families at certain pools and athletic complexes in the Commonwealth’s cities.

·       Funds over 20 million meals through the Department of Agricultural Resources’ Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program for members of the Commonwealth in need.

·       Provides $2 million in assistance to the Department of Veterans Services for housing programs. 

·       $3 million of Urban Agenda grants will fund grassroots economic development in urban communities and unlock community-driven responses to local economic opportunities through partnership building, problem solving, and shared accountability.

·       Provides $200,000 for an Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under the Governor’s Office and Executive Office for Administration and Finance to engage and assist community, faith-based, and not-for-profit organizations in identifying resources that advance their service offerings and promote volunteerism, civic engagement, and grassroots community development.

Making Massachusetts Schools Great:

·       Increases Chapter 70 education funding by $72.1 million.

·       Supports $18.6 million for a redesigned quality kindergarten grant program to assist communities in achieving tuition-free, full-day kindergarten.

·       Adds over $20 million for a revised charter school reimbursement formula to reimburse towns.

·       Supports the development of a next generation MCAS with $5.6 million.

·       Directs funds to support children and families who are most at risk in a number of ways, including:

o   $8.3 million for over 1,500 vouchers for the Department of Transitional Assistance’s (DTA) Stabilizing the Working Poor initiative;

o   $4.3 million to fund 600 childcare vouchers for children in DCF care;

o   $1 million for quality improvements at Early Education and Care for better assessments, accreditation assistance, and professional development.

Preparing Massachusetts Workers for Great Jobs:

·       More than $136 million in the proposal is dedicated to workforce training initiatives across several secretariats, including:

o   $5 million to support recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Persons Facing Chronically Higher Rates of Unemployment;

o   $17 million for career technical education and STEM programs;

o   $11.5 million for the Summer Jobs for At Risk Youth program;

o   $12 million for the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Program.

Battling the Opioid and Heroin Epidemic:

·       Funds 150 adult residential treatment beds that will come online to help address the Commonwealth’s substance misuse epidemic.

·        Over $140 million to support investments in substance misuse prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services at the Department of Public Health (DPH).

·       $13 million in new funding for the Department of Mental Health (DMH) will support 45 substance use treatment beds (beyond the 150) at the Taunton State Hospital, in order to end the long standing practice of civilly committing women to MCI-Framingham. 

Investing in the Department of Children and Families:

·       The Department of Children and Families will receive $30.5 million in new funding under the Governor’s proposal.

·       The FY17 budget supports 281 new hires at DCF, which will mark 600 new employees at the agency since the beginning of the Baker-Polito Administration.

·       Another $5 million in new funding will go toward initiatives to decouple area offices, achieve a 4:1 ratio of supervisors to area program managers, and support additional domestic violence and substance abuse specialists.

Investing in Public Transportation:

·       As recommended by the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board, House 2 directs $187 million in additional contract assistance to the MBTA, sustaining the 50% ($64 million) increase made in FY16 – in addition to the $1.001B the T will receive from sales tax and other general revenue.

·       $500,000 increase for reforms at the Registry of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times and update IT systems. 

Public Safety Support:

·       Funding for new positions at the State Police crime lab, the Sex Offender Registry Board, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. 

·       The FY17 budget proposal also provides $1.4 million to aid state and local police in their fight against drug traffickers, particularly in many Gateway Cities.  

FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE REFORMS

·       The budget plans for at least a $206 million deposit into the state’s Stabilization Fund. The deposit could increase to $282.5 million should the Mass Gaming Commission issue a license to the Region C (Southeastern, MA) Facility in FY17. 

·       The FY17 House 2 budget proposal makes significant progress towards eliminating the long-term structural imbalance identified last year by reducing the identified gap from $1.8 billion in FY16 to $635 million in FY17. 

·       The use of one-time budget solutions is down by nearly $1 billion over the past two years, from $1.2 billion in FY15 to $253 million in FY17.

·       Spending growth in this proposal is around 3.5% above the FY16 General Appropriations Act and continues progress in keeping MassHealth spending, which accounts for over one-third of the state budget, to 5% gross growth over the FY16 GAA.

·       Along with announcing today’s budget proposal, the Governor simultaneously filed a bill that would largely return the film tax to its original form by reinstituting a per-project cap and making them no longer refundable. The budget proposes reinvesting the savings from this bill into increasing the supply of affordable and workforce housing and improving the state’s economic competitiveness and job growth opportunities.

View the Governor’s FY2017 Budget Recommendation

紐英崙中華公所代表團41人2015年11月赴台參訪拜會

轉載自宏觀媒體僑社新聞網

紐英崙中華公所回國參訪團拜會

http://web.pts.org.tw/macroview/news/searchresult.php?fid=42001

(2015-11-11)

41位美國紐英崙地區僑領在紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦率領下組成參訪團回國，首先拜會的政府部門就是與僑胞們密不可分的僑委會。當天才剛從美國巡視僑務返抵國門的委員長陳士魁也特別撥空與大家見面。
陳士魁致詞時說，我們的波士頓僑社對於我們中華民國的支持，對於總統的支持，那麼這次大家能夠回國來參訪，我想我們臺灣是一個非常公開透明的地方。我覺得今天的臺灣的發展，讓大家自由地去看 自由地去比較。我從來不怕說臺灣拿去跟人家比較，臺灣可能有很多很多的缺點，但是臺灣絕對是自由透明的。
參訪團成員包括阮氏公所，安良工商會 洪門致公堂等十個重要僑團的負責人與幹部。大家以實際行動表現愛國的心，同時也希望政府能對海外僑團，有更多的支持 形成正向力量，希望讓中華民國和美國，建立溝通橋梁，並且對於在美國的華人僑團
有更多的支持，我們也希望在美國各領域當中，可以有能力支持國家，並且宣揚國家。

僑委會特別準備鳳梨酥作為紀念品，委員長並致贈以金箔雕製的山羊，祝福紐英崙中華公所喜氣洋洋，也期勉訪問團中的僑領們，回到僑居地能繼續代替國家，團結海外僑社的凝聚力。
臺灣宏觀電視 陳瀲文 鍾建剛
臺北 採訪報導

2016湖南同乡会春节联欢会暨十周年庆 2/20

SAT, FEB 20 AT 5:00 PM

2016湖南同乡会春节联欢会暨十周年庆

BY: 新英格兰地区湖南同乡会

值此猴年新春之际，新英格兰地区湖南同乡会也迎来了十周年庆。湖南同乡会将于2016年2月20日在梅德福市政府大楼（Medford City Hall）隆重举办“2016湖南同乡会春节联欢晚会暨十周年庆”。届时当地政府要员、波士顿地区华人社团也将与湖南同乡们共同与会庆祝。

停车：City Hall露天停车场

门票：02/12/2016前报名$6/大人（10至60岁）

           02/18/2016前报名$9/大人

           02/20/2016现场报名$15/大人

晚餐：自带食品者免费；不带食品者$10/大人

*大人定义：10岁到60岁

*小于10岁孩子或大于60岁老人免费

联系人：Shaokun Shu，617-803-3986

              robinsonshu@gmail.com

       

WHEN

Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST) - Add to Calendar

WHERE

Medford City Hall - 85 George P Hassett Dr. Medford, MA 02155 - View Map

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）