Governor Baker Supports 21st Century Cures Act

Governor Baker Supports 21st Century Cures Act

BOSTON – Governor Baker today issued a statement on H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act: 

“Our administration supports the 21st Century Cures Act as an effort to advance Massachusetts’ leadership in biomedical innovation and expedite new ways to treat disease and addiction—including the opioid and heroin crisis that has devastated every corner of our state. This important legislation provides $1 billion for state grants for opioid prevention and treatment activities, provides nearly $5 billion in new funding and investments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and reauthorizes the National Institutes of Health. Massachusetts is a global leader in medical research and development and a strong partnership with our federal partners is important to ensuring future advances in this field. We further support these provisions to accelerate FDA regulatory modernization to speed up the approval process for new drugs and devices to safely enter the market.”

###

MAYOR WALSH, CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MICHELLE WU SEEK TO EXPAND "ACOUSTIC ON MAIN" AND BOOST MAIN STREETS DISTRICTS

Proposal aims to increase small business support, showcase local talent

BOSTON - Thursday, December 1, 2016 -  Mayor Martin J. Walsh and City Council President Michelle Wu today announced a proposal to expand the successful "Acoustic on Main" pilot program to allow small businesses in designated business districts to host acoustic performers without obtaining a live entertainment license from the City of Boston. Filed by President Wu, the ordinance aims to increase foot traffic to neighborhoods, bolster small businesses and further support the vibrant arts community in Boston. "Promoting our talented artists while bolstering our small businesses here in Boston is a win-win," said Mayor Walsh. "With performances in bakeries and restaurants, local shops and nonprofits, the best of Boston is showcased when artists and local businesses come together in our communities. The City is taking steps today to create more opportunities for residents and visitors to support and enjoy Boston's thriving neighborhoods." "This ordinance empowers Boston's small business owners to enliven our business districts and showcase our arts and culture talent," said President Wu. "By eliminating red tape for acoustic performances in our small businesses, we hope to give neighborhood retailers another tool to entice customers to shop local." The proposed ordinance would go into effect on January 1, 2017 and requires businesses to be registered and licensed, limits performances to the hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., only allows for one microphone to be used and no more than five acoustic performers or musicians at a single venue at one time. Small businesses located in residential districts would still be required to obtain a live entertainment license when hosting acoustic performers. "With the positive experience we had from the pilot last year, I am excited to hear about this extension," said Tom Devlin of Devlin's Restaurant in Brighton. "There was no downside to it at all. It brought a sense of vibrancy to places and more opportunities for residents to chill out and enjoy talented musicians. It's a nice break from the every day." "This extended program is an exciting opportunity for our young musicians. By providing a low risk way for businesses to hire entertainment, we are encouraging them, and their customers, to become champions for our up-and-coming talent," said J. Curtis Warner Jr., Associate Vice President of Community & Government Relations at Berklee College of Music. "Working together in this way can really highlight Boston's strong music scene and business community." "Acoustic on Main" was originally launched as a one-time event to highlight National Small Business Week and to help support small businesses after a challenging winter in 2015. Overall, the City has hosted three "Acoustic on Main" events, which led to approximately 150 participating businesses, 250 registered musicians and hundreds of performances in neighborhoods across Boston.

波士頓僑教中心僑務簡訊12月號第一期

       

	僑 務 簡 訊
	波士頓華僑文教服務中心

Culture Center of T.E.C.O. in Boston90 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 02461Tel: 617-965-8801 Fax: 617-965-8815

中華民國105年12月第1期

◎105年宏觀電子報問卷滿意度調查

   為了解海內外讀者對『宏觀電子報』報導內容滿意度，僑務委員會於(105)年11月1 日

   至12月31日於網址(http://event.udn.com/mq2016/) 進行宏觀電子報問卷滿意度調

   查，以做為未來業務推展參考，請僑胞們踴躍上網填寫。　

   另，「宏觀電子報」(ocacmacroview.net)網址將自105年12月23日起停止服務，請

   至(macroview.com.tw)繼續閱讀「宏觀電子報」。

◎106學年度海外僑生「個人申請」提前辦理

聯招會考量歷年報名時間適逢海外聖誕節假期，俟國內收到海外的申請案時，其作業時程又為國內春節假期，且招生作業與國內大學校院3月15日前辦理單招作業時程接近，作業緊迫，續有「聯合分發」第1梯次作業在即，為達致「個人申請審查數位化」效益及儘速辦理錄取公告，爰106學年度「個人申請」報名作業擬提前於105年11月1日起至12月15日止辦理報名。

◎106學年度海外僑生來臺就讀大學校院簡章修訂重點事項

海外聯合招生委員會106學年度僑生來臺就讀大學校院簡章修訂重點事項如下：

   (一)「聯合分發」同分參酌規定另增採「中學學業成績總平均」。

(二)「個人申請」志願數調增為4個，並試辦1年。

(三)於各式學士班適用簡章中，增列採計「國際文憑預科課程考試 IBDP成績」之相關規定。

(四) 106學年度「個人申請」報名及放榜期程提前2週辦理。

106學年度海各地區適用簡章及報名表已於本年10月27日於海外聯合招生委員會網頁(www.overseas.ncnu.edu.tw)公布，歡迎上網參考，並利用網路填寫報名資料方式申請。

◎第36期海外青年技術訓練班辦理第二次招生

  

   為增加海外華裔青年來臺學習專業技能機會，僑務委員會辦理第二次招生，鼓勵海外

   華裔青年把握機會，踴躍報名。招生相關訊息如下:

1.招生對象: 在海外出生且已取得當地公民權或永久居留權，或自臺灣地區出境所持

中華民國護照已加簽「僑居身分」者，具高二肄業以上學歷，年齡在40歲以下華裔青年，合先敘明。

   2.報名期間:自即日期至12月15日截止。

   3.報名方式:申請學生將資料逕送申請學校。

   4.選填志願數:每位申請人只能填選一個志願。

   有關報名表及各校科系、名額請至

   (http://ocs.ocac.net/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=212&pid=18014)

◎海外僑胞返國自費體驗優質安心醫療服務

   

   為增進華僑福祉，並妥善運用海外廣大僑胞聯繫網絡將臺灣高水準之醫療品質推向國

   際，僑務委員會特訂定本計畫，以運用華人社群之全球網絡，打開臺灣醫療服務之國

   際知名度。 

網站資訊：臺灣國際醫療全球資訊網（內含各醫療院所介紹、數位影音、動態及臺灣旅遊等資訊）（http://www.medicaltravel.org.tw）。

   如有疑問可逕洽國際醫療管理工作小組陳怡伶經理（電話：02-2885-1528 ext.12，

   email:nhca14@gmail.com），可獲得即時、專業之解答，另亦可洽僑務委員會黃馨瑩

   小姐代為詢問(電話：02-2327-2856，email: jany@ocac.gov.tw)。

◎2017臺北世界大學運動會

「2017臺北世界大學運動會」即將於2017年8月19日至30日歡欣登場，屆時將有150餘國、12,000名青年運動菁英在22項賽事中群場競技，世界目光將聚焦臺北。世大運的賽事規模僅次於奧運，故有「小奧運」之稱，是各方團結合作、集體智慧的展現，彰顯年輕世代勇於挑戰與開創的精神，並見證一個城市的進步與光榮，歡迎僑胞一同為臺灣選手加油喝采。欲了解更多世大運內容及最新動態請洽官網(http://www.taipei2017.com.tw)。

◎客家委員會106年度「補助社團辦理青年客家公共論壇計畫」開放申請

   

 客家委員會為鼓勵團體辦理青年客家公共論壇，以達成倡導或推動青年關注並投入客  

 家公共事務的目標，特定「補助社團辦理青年客家公共論壇計畫」。106年度計畫申請

 自本(105)年11月1日至12月15日止開放申請，敬請協助週知。有關該計畫之相關

 規定請至客家委員會全球資訊網(http://www.hakka.gov.tw/法令規章)下載運用。

◎在臺初設戶籍登記暨曾設有戶籍之男子，於役齡期間皆應依法履行兵役義務

  歸化我國國籍者及歸國僑民服役辦法第2條規定: 「歸化我國國籍之役齡男子，自初設

  戶籍登記之翌日起，屆滿一年時，依法辦理徵兵處理。」同辦法第3條第1項及第2項

  規定:「原有戶籍國民具僑民身分之役齡男子，自返回國內之翌日起，屆滿一年時，依

  法辦理徵兵處理。無戶籍國民具僑民身分之役齡男子，自返回國內初設戶籍登記之翌日

  起，屆滿一年時，依法辦理徵兵處理。」另依徵兵規則第39條規定: 「大陸地區、香

  港、澳門來臺之役男，自初設戶籍登記之翌日起，於屆滿一年後，應辦理徵兵處理。」

  如仍有任何兵役相關問題，可逕洽內政部役政署(電話:049-2394447)查詢。

  

◎海外尚未履行兵役義務男子，在中華民國護照加簽僑居身份之相關規定

依現行「華僑身分證明條例施行細則」等相關規定，尚未履行兵役義務之接近役齡或     

役齡男子，只要符合下列條件者，即可申請在中華民國護照上加簽僑居身份:

（一）年滿15歲之年12月 31日以前出境國外紀錄，或出生於國外。

（二）持有效之中華民國普通護照。

（三）取得僑居國有效永久居留權;或居住於無永久居留制度之國家或地區者需取得

僑居地居留資格連續四年，且能繼續延長居留

（四）在國外居住累計滿4年(不包含居住大陸地區及香港、澳門)。

（五）在僑居地連續居住滿6個月或最近2年每年在僑居地累計居住 8個月以上。

（六）於接近役齡16 歲之年1月1日至18歲之年12月31日期間返國，每年累計未

超過183 日者。並且於屆役齡19歲之年1月1日以後，尚未具備上述（三）、（四）、（五）

項條件前，必須未曾入出境臺灣。

凡持有「僑居身分加簽之中華民國護照」之役齡男 

子，即為僑民役男，只要符合 「歸化我國國籍者及歸國僑民服役辦法」之在臺時間限 

制等規定，即得暫緩徵兵處理。每人情況不同，如有任何疑問可洽詢僑務委員會服務

專線:02-23272929，以維護自身權益。

  

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has nominated Paul M. Cronan, an attorney from Rehoboth, to the position of Associate Justice of the Probate & Family Court, Bristol County Division and Daniel J. Hourihan, an Assistant District Attorney for Bristol County, to serve as a judge for the New Bedford District Court. 

“I am pleased to nominate two experienced litigators who have spent their entire legal careers serving the people of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Paul Cronan has spent the majority of his career practicing in the Probate and Family Court and is well versed in the law of that important court. Daniel Hourihan has had a distinguished legal career and is a well-respected prosecutor in the Bristol County community. I am confident that both these individuals have the ideal temperament  and work ethic that will serve the citizens of the Commonwealth well.”

“I look forward to the Council’s review of these two distinguished attorneys,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Both possess the passion and experience to serve their respective courts with honor and I am confident that they will treat those that appear before them respectfully, fairly and wisely.”

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, visitation, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name.

There are 62 District Courts throughout the Commonwealth hearing a range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health and other case types, including all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, misdemeanors and violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About Paul M. Cronan

Paul M. Cronan has practiced law in the Commonwealth for nearly three decades. Since 1997 he has operated his own legal practice in North Attleborough, concentrated in domestic relations, criminal defense, estate planning, and residential real estate. He provides up to 100 hours of pro bono work a year, where he provides legal advice to families and individuals at no cost and has also continued representation of clients after they have exhausted their own resources to pay legal fees during his career. Cronan began practicing in 1988 at the Law Office of Michael J. Duggan as an associate, before being named a partner in 1991 where his practice concentrated on domestic relations, criminal defense, estate planning, personal injury, and residential real estate. He graduated from Assumption College with a B.A. in Political Science in 1982 before receiving his J.D. from Suffolk Law School in 1988. Cronan is active in the Alyssa E. Correira Memorial Fund,serving on the charity’s Board of Directors and organizes the annual 5k run every fall. He is a resident of Rehoboth.

About Daniel J. Hourihan

Daniel J. Hourihan has worked at the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office in the Homicide and Major Case Unit since 2011, where his work involves the investigation and prosecution of homicides and other serious violent felonies in the Superior Court. Prior to his current role, he investigated and prosecuted homicide cases and other serious violent felonies for the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office from 2003 to 2011. Hourihan began his legal career with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in 1992, where he worked in a number of different departments, including:  the Boston Municipal Court, the Charlestown District Court, the Anti-Gang Unit, the Superior Court Trial Unit, and the Major Felonies Unit.  He graduated with honors from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice before receiving his J.D. from Suffolk Law School in 1990. Hourihan was born in Springfield and currently resides in Bridgewater, where he coaches youth sports, volunteers at the Taunton Food Pantry, and assists law students in their studies, as well as various school groups in training and mentoring programs.

波士頓市道路速限明年1月9日起 25英哩

（Boston Orange)波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin J. Walsh）今日宣佈，明年1月9日起，波士頓街道速限 25英哩，比目前的速限低５英哩。 　　　　波士頓市長辦公室表示，這是市長馬丁華殊和波士頓市議會，麻州州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker），麻州交通局，以及麻州議會合作，為維護人民步行安全的努力結果。 　　　　波士頓市內的州有土地不受此速限影響。 　　　　麻州州長查理貝克今夏簽署了法令，容許州內各市鎮享有權力，自行決定是否把最低速限降至25英哩。 MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CITY OF BOSTON'S NEW DEFAULT SPEED LIMIT OF 25 MPH EFFECTIVE JANUARY 9, 2017

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on City of Boston streets will be 25 mph

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 30, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the default speed limit on City of Boston streets will be reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph effective January 9, 2017. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Mayor, Boston City Council, Governor Baker, MassDOT and Massachusetts State Legislature this change will improve roadway safety for people walking, driving, and bicycling on city streets. State owned roadways located in the City of Boston will not be affected by this new law. Visit boston.gov/25mph to learn how to show your support and get engaged. This summer, Governor Charlie Baker signed a law giving cities and towns across the Commonwealth the authority to reduce the default speed limit to 25 mph. Today, the Boston City Council took a final vote approving Mayor Walsh's petition to reduce Boston's speed limit based on the new state law. "I am pleased that our hard work and commitment to creating safer roadways for all users by reducing the default speed limit to 25 mph will become a reality in January," said Mayor Walsh. "This is an important milestone in our Vision Zero efforts of bringing the number of traffic-related deaths to zero, and with approval of this petition we are one step closer to achieving that goal. I would like to commend Governor Baker, Senator William Brownsberger, Representative Jay Livingstone, Representative Liz Malia, Representative Denise Provost, our Dorchester delegation and their colleagues in the state legislature, Boston City Council, MassDOT and all partners and stakeholders involved who recognize the positive implications that a reduced default speed limit will offer Boston." "By lowering the City's speed limit, we are taking concrete steps to making our streets safer for pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists," said Senator Linda Dorcena Forry. "I want to thank the many residents of Boston who brought this issue forward and my colleagues in government for their collective work in making this important change a reality." "Traffic congestion and speeding cars are among the most common issues I hear about from constituents," said Dorchester Representative Dan Hunt. "I was proud to sponsor this amendment because studies show that a car's ability to stop is increased on small streets by minor reductions in speed. Taking this one action has the potential to greatly improve pedestrian safety in our neighborhoods and as we move to a true multimodal transportation city, this measure will prove to be invaluable." "The enforcement of this safety initiative will make our streets safer for drivers, pedestrians and bikers alike," said District 3 Boston City Councilor Frank Baker. "I look forward to its implementation, as well as the creation of innovative traffic calming measures." "I'm thrilled that we've taken an important first step to improving pedestrian and traffic safety throughout the City of Boston," said District 8 City Councilor Josh Zakim. "While there is more work to be done, we have now laid the groundwork for further creative solutions that enhance both safety and quality of life, especially in the downtown neighborhoods of District 8." As of January 9, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on all City of Boston roadways will be 25 mph. Boston Transportation Department teams are auditing existing speed limit signs, and will fabricate new signs as necessary. 25 mph speed limit signs will be posted at entrance points and other strategic locations in the City. "The City of Boston is committed to providing safe and functional streets for all users of our roadways, and reducing our default speed limit is one of many steps being taken to assist us in accomplishing this goal," said Boston Transportation Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca.  "Drivers should continue to watch for posted signs that indicate a modification to the default speed limit, such as in School Zones where the speed limit may be lower than 25 mph." Although a significant number of improvements have been made to Boston's streets in recent years, traffic related tragedies continue to persist. To date in 2016, at least 17 people have been killed in traffic crashes on City of Boston streets. Twelve of these people were killed while walking and five were killed while in a motor vehicle. Slower speeds will help decrease these numbers, saving lives and preventing injuries. Studies show that there is a direct link between the speed that a vehicle is traveling when a crash occurs and the likelihood of a fatality or severe injury resulting from that crash. At 20 mph there is a 17% likelihood of a fatality or severe injury occurring, and that number jumps to 79% at 40 mph. The City of Boston expects that reducing Boston's default speed limit to 25 mph will help in the City's effort to prioritize safety and reach the City of Boston's Vision Zero goal to eliminate serious and fatal crashes on Boston's streets by 2030.

川普提名趙小蘭出任美國交通部長

趙小蘭2009年時到哈佛作訪問學者。(檔案照片，菊子攝)

(Boston Orange 周菊子綜合整理)美國候任總統川普(Donald Trump)11月29日提名華裔，曾任勞工部部長的趙小蘭出任新政府交通部部長。一旦美國議會批准，趙小蘭將成為首名在美國政府兩度出任部長的華人。

川普當選美國總統以來，在內閣任命上飽受多為白人男性的批評。CNN等多家媒體認為，川普提名趙小蘭，既是少數族裔，又是女性的人來做閣員，有妥協，平衡的味道。趙小蘭是川普提名的第3位女性閣員。

趙小蘭曾於2001到2009年間，在小布殊(George W. Bush)總統任內當勞工部部長，打破了美國從第二次世界大戰以來，擔任部長時間最長的紀錄。1993年就和Mitch McConnell結婚了的趙小蘭，也是美國出任部長級職務的首名華裔。

在1989到1991年間，趙小蘭曾於老布殊(George H. W. Bush)總統麾下擔任交通部副部長。卸任公職後，她曾出任傳統基金會的傑出學者。

一旦出任川普政府的交通部部長，趙小蘭將會在須由國會通過，斥資辦理基礎建設，以及政府支持的工程上，居於關鍵位置。這一位置，將使她和丈夫，聯邦參議員暨多數黨領袖Mitch McConnell的關係，格外受人矚目。

不過，CNN指出，趙小蘭並不是第一個面對這種窘境的交通部部長。在1983年到1987年間擔任交通部長的Elizabeth Dole，丈夫Bob Dole就是1985年到1987年間的聯邦參議員暨多數黨領袖。

趙小蘭的丈夫，美國參議院多數黨領袖，代表肯塔基州的共和黨籍聯邦參議員Mitch McConnell，在趙小蘭獲提名後，馬上就被人追問，在參議院討論是否同意趙小蘭上任時會不會避嫌，他斷然回答”不會”。他還表示，聯邦參議院希望能在明年1月20日時，就能討論並投票通過一些閣員的任命。

趙小蘭出生於1953年，8歲時隨父母從台灣移民美國，19歲才入籍美國，受父母薰陶，她從小就十分勤奮，也一直表現優異。在進入政府工作前，她曾經在紐約銀行工作，擔任過和平部隊主任，美國聯合路(United Way)慈善基金會執行長。

趙小蘭的獲提名為交通部部長這高層職位，讓亞裔社區大為欣喜。國際領袖基金會執行長董繼玲表示，趙小蘭曾經當過交通部副部長，勞工部部長，經驗豐富，在許多方面都非常傑出，一旦出任新政府的交通部部長，當然是美國亞裔社區的一樁美事。

今年六月，趙小蘭家族捐款4000萬元建造的哈佛大學商學院趙朱木蘭中心才剛剪綵啟用，董繼玲和麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)都應邀出席。麻州亞裔居民對趙小蘭的重回政壇，可能有更多期待。

趙小蘭(前左五起)和丈夫Mitch McConnell，國際領袖基金會執行長董繼玲，以及各分會會長。(檔案照片，菊子攝)

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Nominates Elaine Chao as Secretary of the Department of Transportation (New York, NY) - President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate Elaine Chao to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. Having served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary of the Department of Labor, Chao brings unparalleled experience and insight to the role. “Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” said President-elect Trump. “She has an amazing life story and has helped countless Americans in her public service career. I am pleased to nominate Elaine as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.” "The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country's infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,”said Ms. Chao. “I am honored to be nominated by the President-elect to serve my beloved country as Transportation Secretary.” Elaine L. Chao is a Distinguished Fellow at Hudson Institute.  She is the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor who served from 2001-2009.  She is the first American woman of Asian descent to be appointed to a President’s Cabinet in our nation’s history. An immigrant who arrived in America at the age of eight speaking not a word of English, Chao received her U.S. Citizenship when she was 19 years old.  Secretary Chao’s experience transitioning to a new country has motivated her to devote most of her professional life to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build better lives. Secretary Chao has a distinguished career in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  As the first Secretary of Labor in the 21st Century, she focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in a global economy and achieved record results in workplace safety and health. Prior to the Department of Labor, Secretary Chao was President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America where she restored public trust and confidence in one of our nation's premier institutions of private charitable giving after it had been tarnished by financial mismanagement and abuse.  As director of the Peace Corps, she established the first programs in the Baltic nations and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.  Her government service also includes serving as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. She has also worked in the private sector as Vice President of Syndications at Bank of America Capital Markets Group and Citicorp.  Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and an economics degree from Mount Holyoke College.  Recognized for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 35 honorary doctorate degrees. Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union, said, “There is nobody better qualified to be Secretary of Transportation than Elaine Chao. Throughout her time in government, Elaine Chao has long been a steadfast friend to the SIU and to maritime labor. The industry has no better supporter than Elaine Chao, and she has stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference and the other key programs that keep our industry alive. She understands the importance of providing jobs to America’s working families, and she has seen firsthand the value of the United States Merchant Marine to our nation’s defense and prosperity. We look forward to working with her again.” “Elaine Chao is an outstanding choice as Secretary of Transportation.  She has been an effective leader in government, the private sector, and in the non-profit sector.  I believe she will be able to pull these different stakeholders together for the good of the country,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “The first Asian Pacific American woman to be appointed to the President's Cabinet, Secretary Chao was also a great Deputy Secretary of Transportation and has extensive experience in transportation.  She will help improve our country's infrastructure and create more jobs.  This is wonderful news for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Chiling Tong, CEO of the International Leadership Foundation. Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department (SBA), a labor union representing more than 13,000 active and retired police sergeants, praised President-elect Trump’s selection of Elaine Chao. “The men and women I represent will always be grateful for the skill and tenacity Elaine Chao displayed in pushing through expanded overtime protections for millions of Americans—including police officers—and defending them from employers, like the City of New York, that tried to take them away from working men and women,” said Mullins.  “The American people can rest assured that as Secretary of Transportation she will demonstrate the same skill, energy, and commitment to the concerns of ordinary Americans that were the hallmarks of her tenure at the Labor Department. The SBA calls on Congress to quickly confirm Elaine L. Chao as Secretary of Transportation.”

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Nominates Elaine Chao as Secretary of the Department of Transportation

(New York, NY) - President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate Elaine Chao to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. Having served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary of the Department of Labor, Chao brings unparalleled experience and insight to the role. “Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” said President-elect Trump. “She has an amazing life story and has helped countless Americans in her public service career. I am pleased to nominate Elaine as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.” "The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country's infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,”said Ms. Chao. “I am honored to be nominated by the President-elect to serve my beloved country as Transportation Secretary.” Elaine L. Chao is a Distinguished Fellow at Hudson Institute.  She is the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor who served from 2001-2009.  She is the first American woman of Asian descent to be appointed to a President’s Cabinet in our nation’s history. An immigrant who arrived in America at the age of eight speaking not a word of English, Chao received her U.S. Citizenship when she was 19 years old.  Secretary Chao’s experience transitioning to a new country has motivated her to devote most of her professional life to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build better lives. Secretary Chao has a distinguished career in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  As the first Secretary of Labor in the 21st Century, she focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in a global economy and achieved record results in workplace safety and health. Prior to the Department of Labor, Secretary Chao was President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America where she restored public trust and confidence in one of our nation's premier institutions of private charitable giving after it had been tarnished by financial mismanagement and abuse.  As director of the Peace Corps, she established the first programs in the Baltic nations and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.  Her government service also includes serving as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. She has also worked in the private sector as Vice President of Syndications at Bank of America Capital Markets Group and Citicorp.  Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and an economics degree from Mount Holyoke College.  Recognized for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 35 honorary doctorate degrees. Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union, said, “There is nobody better qualified to be Secretary of Transportation than Elaine Chao. Throughout her time in government, Elaine Chao has long been a steadfast friend to the SIU and to maritime labor. The industry has no better supporter than Elaine Chao, and she has stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference and the other key programs that keep our industry alive. She understands the importance of providing jobs to America’s working families, and she has seen firsthand the value of the United States Merchant Marine to our nation’s defense and prosperity. We look forward to working with her again.” “Elaine Chao is an outstanding choice as Secretary of Transportation.  She has been an effective leader in government, the private sector, and in the non-profit sector.  I believe she will be able to pull these different stakeholders together for the good of the country,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “The first Asian Pacific American woman to be appointed to the President's Cabinet, Secretary Chao was also a great Deputy Secretary of Transportation and has extensive experience in transportation.  She will help improve our country's infrastructure and create more jobs.  This is wonderful news for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Chiling Tong, CEO of the International Leadership Foundation. Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department (SBA), a labor union representing more than 13,000 active and retired police sergeants, praised President-elect Trump’s selection of Elaine Chao. “The men and women I represent will always be grateful for the skill and tenacity Elaine Chao displayed in pushing through expanded overtime protections for millions of Americans—including police officers—and defending them from employers, like the City of New York, that tried to take them away from working men and women,” said Mullins.  “The American people can rest assured that as Secretary of Transportation she will demonstrate the same skill, energy, and commitment to the concerns of ordinary Americans that were the hallmarks of her tenure at the Labor Department. The SBA calls on Congress to quickly confirm Elaine L. Chao as Secretary of Transportation.”

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Nominates Elaine Chao as Secretary of the Department of Transportation

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Nominates Elaine Chao as Secretary of the Department of Transportation

President-Elect Donald J. Trump Nominates Elaine Chao as Secretary of the Department of Transportation

(New York, NY) - President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate Elaine Chao to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. Having served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary of the Department of Labor, Chao brings unparalleled experience and insight to the role. “Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” said President-elect Trump. “She has an amazing life story and has helped countless Americans in her public service career. I am pleased to nominate Elaine as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.” "The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country's infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,”said Ms. Chao. “I am honored to be nominated by the President-elect to serve my beloved country as Transportation Secretary.” Elaine L. Chao is a Distinguished Fellow at Hudson Institute.  She is the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor who served from 2001-2009.  She is the first American woman of Asian descent to be appointed to a President’s Cabinet in our nation’s history. An immigrant who arrived in America at the age of eight speaking not a word of English, Chao received her U.S. Citizenship when she was 19 years old.  Secretary Chao’s experience transitioning to a new country has motivated her to devote most of her professional life to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build better lives. Secretary Chao has a distinguished career in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  As the first Secretary of Labor in the 21st Century, she focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in a global economy and achieved record results in workplace safety and health. Prior to the Department of Labor, Secretary Chao was President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America where she restored public trust and confidence in one of our nation's premier institutions of private charitable giving after it had been tarnished by financial mismanagement and abuse.  As director of the Peace Corps, she established the first programs in the Baltic nations and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.  Her government service also includes serving as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. She has also worked in the private sector as Vice President of Syndications at Bank of America Capital Markets Group and Citicorp.  Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and an economics degree from Mount Holyoke College.  Recognized for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 35 honorary doctorate degrees. Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union, said, “There is nobody better qualified to be Secretary of Transportation than Elaine Chao. Throughout her time in government, Elaine Chao has long been a steadfast friend to the SIU and to maritime labor. The industry has no better supporter than Elaine Chao, and she has stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference and the other key programs that keep our industry alive. She understands the importance of providing jobs to America’s working families, and she has seen firsthand the value of the United States Merchant Marine to our nation’s defense and prosperity. We look forward to working with her again.” “Elaine Chao is an outstanding choice as Secretary of Transportation.  She has been an effective leader in government, the private sector, and in the non-profit sector.  I believe she will be able to pull these different stakeholders together for the good of the country,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “The first Asian Pacific American woman to be appointed to the President's Cabinet, Secretary Chao was also a great Deputy Secretary of Transportation and has extensive experience in transportation.  She will help improve our country's infrastructure and create more jobs.  This is wonderful news for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Chiling Tong, CEO of the International Leadership Foundation. Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department (SBA), a labor union representing more than 13,000 active and retired police sergeants, praised President-elect Trump’s selection of Elaine Chao. “The men and women I represent will always be grateful for the skill and tenacity Elaine Chao displayed in pushing through expanded overtime protections for millions of Americans—including police officers—and defending them from employers, like the City of New York, that tried to take them away from working men and women,” said Mullins.  “The American people can rest assured that as Secretary of Transportation she will demonstrate the same skill, energy, and commitment to the concerns of ordinary Americans that were the hallmarks of her tenure at the Labor Department. The SBA calls on Congress to quickly confirm Elaine L. Chao as Secretary of Transportation.”

(New York, NY) - President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate Elaine Chao to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. Having served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary of the Department of Labor, Chao brings unparalleled experience and insight to the role. “Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” said President-elect Trump. “She has an amazing life story and has helped countless Americans in her public service career. I am pleased to nominate Elaine as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.” "The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country's infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,”said Ms. Chao. “I am honored to be nominated by the President-elect to serve my beloved country as Transportation Secretary.” Elaine L. Chao is a Distinguished Fellow at Hudson Institute.  She is the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor who served from 2001-2009.  She is the first American woman of Asian descent to be appointed to a President’s Cabinet in our nation’s history. An immigrant who arrived in America at the age of eight speaking not a word of English, Chao received her U.S. Citizenship when she was 19 years old.  Secretary Chao’s experience transitioning to a new country has motivated her to devote most of her professional life to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build better lives. Secretary Chao has a distinguished career in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  As the first Secretary of Labor in the 21st Century, she focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in a global economy and achieved record results in workplace safety and health. Prior to the Department of Labor, Secretary Chao was President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America where she restored public trust and confidence in one of our nation's premier institutions of private charitable giving after it had been tarnished by financial mismanagement and abuse.  As director of the Peace Corps, she established the first programs in the Baltic nations and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.  Her government service also includes serving as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. She has also worked in the private sector as Vice President of Syndications at Bank of America Capital Markets Group and Citicorp.  Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and an economics degree from Mount Holyoke College.  Recognized for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 35 honorary doctorate degrees. Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union, said, “There is nobody better qualified to be Secretary of Transportation than Elaine Chao. Throughout her time in government, Elaine Chao has long been a steadfast friend to the SIU and to maritime labor. The industry has no better supporter than Elaine Chao, and she has stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference and the other key programs that keep our industry alive. She understands the importance of providing jobs to America’s working families, and she has seen firsthand the value of the United States Merchant Marine to our nation’s defense and prosperity. We look forward to working with her again.” “Elaine Chao is an outstanding choice as Secretary of Transportation.  She has been an effective leader in government, the private sector, and in the non-profit sector.  I believe she will be able to pull these different stakeholders together for the good of the country,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “The first Asian Pacific American woman to be appointed to the President's Cabinet, Secretary Chao was also a great Deputy Secretary of Transportation and has extensive experience in transportation.  She will help improve our country's infrastructure and create more jobs.  This is wonderful news for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Chiling Tong, CEO of the International Leadership Foundation. Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department (SBA), a labor union representing more than 13,000 active and retired police sergeants, praised President-elect Trump’s selection of Elaine Chao. “The men and women I represent will always be grateful for the skill and tenacity Elaine Chao displayed in pushing through expanded overtime protections for millions of Americans—including police officers—and defending them from employers, like the City of New York, that tried to take them away from working men and women,” said Mullins.  “The American people can rest assured that as Secretary of Transportation she will demonstrate the same skill, energy, and commitment to the concerns of ordinary Americans that were the hallmarks of her tenure at the Labor Department. The SBA calls on Congress to quickly confirm Elaine L. Chao as Secretary of Transportation.”

(New York, NY) - President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced his intent to nominate Elaine Chao to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. Having served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary of the Department of Labor, Chao brings unparalleled experience and insight to the role.

“Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” said President-elect Trump. “She has an amazing life story and has helped countless Americans in her public service career. I am pleased to nominate Elaine as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.”

"The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country's infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,”said Ms. Chao. “I am honored to be nominated by the President-elect to serve my beloved country as Transportation Secretary.”

Elaine L. Chao is a Distinguished Fellow at Hudson Institute.  She is the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor who served from 2001-2009.  She is the first American woman of Asian descent to be appointed to a President’s Cabinet in our nation’s history.

An immigrant who arrived in America at the age of eight speaking not a word of English, Chao received her U.S. Citizenship when she was 19 years old.  Secretary Chao’s experience transitioning to a new country has motivated her to devote most of her professional life to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build better lives.

Secretary Chao has a distinguished career in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  As the first Secretary of Labor in the 21st Century, she focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in a global economy and achieved record results in workplace safety and health.

Prior to the Department of Labor, Secretary Chao was President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America where she restored public trust and confidence in one of our nation's premier institutions of private charitable giving after it had been tarnished by financial mismanagement and abuse.  As director of the Peace Corps, she established the first programs in the Baltic nations and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.  Her government service also includes serving as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. She has also worked in the private sector as Vice President of Syndications at Bank of America Capital Markets Group and Citicorp. 

Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and an economics degree from Mount Holyoke College.  Recognized for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 35 honorary doctorate degrees.

Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union, said, “There is nobody better qualified to be Secretary of Transportation than Elaine Chao. Throughout her time in government, Elaine Chao has long been a steadfast friend to the SIU and to maritime labor. The industry has no better supporter than Elaine Chao, and she has stood up to defend the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference and the other key programs that keep our industry alive. She understands the importance of providing jobs to America’s working families, and she has seen firsthand the value of the United States Merchant Marine to our nation’s defense and prosperity. We look forward to working with her again.”

“Elaine Chao is an outstanding choice as Secretary of Transportation.  She has been an effective leader in government, the private sector, and in the non-profit sector.  I believe she will be able to pull these different stakeholders together for the good of the country,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide.

“The first Asian Pacific American woman to be appointed to the President's Cabinet, Secretary Chao was also a great Deputy Secretary of Transportation and has extensive experience in transportation.  She will help improve our country's infrastructure and create more jobs.  This is wonderful news for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Chiling Tong, CEO of the International Leadership Foundation.

Ed Mullins, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department (SBA), a labor union representing more than 13,000 active and retired police sergeants, praised President-elect Trump’s selection of Elaine Chao.

“The men and women I represent will always be grateful for the skill and tenacity Elaine Chao displayed in pushing through expanded overtime protections for millions of Americans—including police officers—and defending them from employers, like the City of New York, that tried to take them away from working men and women,” said Mullins.  “The American people can rest assured that as Secretary of Transportation she will demonstrate the same skill, energy, and commitment to the concerns of ordinary Americans that were the hallmarks of her tenure at the Labor Department. The SBA calls on Congress to quickly confirm Elaine L. Chao as Secretary of Transportation.”

波士頓台灣人支持修正民法，力挺婚姻平權

轉載

【波士頓台灣人支持修正民法，力挺婚姻平權！】

現在是台灣推動婚姻平權與民法修正案的關鍵時刻。我們要求執政黨與政府應允其選前承諾，落實基本人權：修改民法，推動真正的婚姻平權，拒絕假平等、真歧視的另立專法。

台灣同志與婚姻平權運動一路走來風風雨雨，近日國會三黨皆提出修改民法之草案，卻不斷被軟性杯葛、要求繼續召開公聽會、公投、另立專法，不斷拖延修法程序，更持續以言語與不實謠言散播恐懼、仇恨、謊言，不斷傷害同志朋友。11月28日，超過一萬位台灣人上街參與「相挺為平權，全民撐同志」活動，身在海外的台灣人與朋友雖未能親身到場，但是在台灣婚姻平權的最後一哩路上，我們能夠用別的方式陪同志朋友一同走完。

我們邀請所有海外挺台灣婚姻平權與民法修正案的朋友一同站出來，聲援上街的一萬多人，以及所有受到壓迫、無法享有婚姻保障、遭受不平等對待的同志朋友；也希望藉由此舉向蔡政府持續施加壓力，讓台灣的同志能夠享有和異性戀一樣的基本權益，也讓台灣成為亞洲第一個同性婚姻合法化的國家。

麻州在2004年成為美國第一個認可同性婚姻的州。我們將在全美第一例同性婚姻締結之處 - 劍橋市政府 Cambridge City Hall - 集會表達聲援。

地點：Cambridge City Hall, Mass Ave side
時間：Sunday, 12/04
3:45pm 活動 開始， 請準時抵達！

參與方式：攜帶彩虹旗、婚姻平權相關標語， 下載列印圖片與標語，邀請親朋好友一起現身支持台灣婚姻平權、修正民法！

歡迎短講分享。