Baker-Polito Administration Announces Rate Increases For Early Education And Care Programs

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Rate Increases For Early Education And Care Programs

Department of Early Education and Care will also increase access to child care for low-income families

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a 6 percent rate increase for all early education programs that provide care for low-income families, worth $28.6 million, which represents the largest rate hike for subsidized early education and care programs in 10 years.

The Administration also plans to reinvest an additional $9.3 million on an annual basis to provide further rate hikes to some infant and toddler care providers to ensure they are paid the median reimbursement rate.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) will also increase access to child care - serving approximately 1,100 more children during FY’18 - by reissuing vouchers from families that no longer need subsidized care during the year, which would have gone unused otherwise.

The significant investment in rate increases will support early educator salaries and benefits at early education and care programs in order to improve hiring and retention issues faced by programs that serve families receiving state subsidies.

Along with the rate increases, EEC plans to ensure income-eligible children receive access to at least 12 months of continuous care, regardless of changes in family status.

“We are pleased to work with the Legislature to provide these rate increases for providers who care and educate our youngest residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is vital for these programs to be able to train and retain experienced staff, and these rates increases will help them accomplish that important aspect of any high-quality child care program.”

“This significant investment will ensure our state’s early education and care programs are able to pay good teachers more, and help improve the quality of programs by maintaining continuity of staff,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

The rate increases depend on legislative approval to move available funding from Fiscal Year ’17 to Fiscal Year ’18.

“These rate increases represent a historic investment in our early education workforce, which in combination with other initiatives and policy reforms, lays a strong foundation for meaningful quality improvements in this crucial sector of our education system,” said Education Secretary James Peyser.

“With today’s announcement, the Commonwealth moves one step closer to universal access to high quality early education services. The Senate has long prioritized funding to expand access to those services, as well as supporting efforts to boost quality and rates," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst).  "There are few items in the state budget where the return on investment is as great as early education and care services.”

"Teachers are at the heart of a high-quality early education and care system,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Tom Weber.  “I am thrilled that the Department is able to make this important progress to help early education programs provide better compensation for our workforce and recognize their important work and valuable contribution to our Commonwealth."

“Promoting children’s healthy development starts with investing in the adults who care for them,” said Board of Early Education and Care Chair Nonie Lesaux. “We know from decades of research that rich, rigorous, and fun learning opportunities are more likely when educators are well-trained and are able to stay and grow in their professional roles. This rate increase is an essential investment in those who are so vital to the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens.”

"The tentative agreement reached by our union SEIU Local 509 and the Baker-Polito administration is a positive step forward in our fight for fair wages and quality training for all individuals in our state,” said President of SEIU Local 509 Peter MacKinnon. “I am proud of the work that our union has done to secure a contract that directly invests and supports our educators and families of the commonwealth while also developing the workforce.  We would like to thank the Department of Early Education and Care in working with us to reach this tentative agreement and are especially grateful to the Commonwealth's leadership -- Governor Baker, Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Rosenberg, and the entire Legislature -- for making early education, and those that provide it, a priority."

“These funds will help programs attract and retain qualified educators, which will help ensure that children receive high-quality early education and care," said William Eddy, Executive Director, Massachusetts Early Care and Education.  "On behalf of the early educators in the Commonwealth, I thank the Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Early Education and Care for their leadership and critical investment in our educators, families, and future.” 

The new funding will extend the 3.6 percent rate increase to state-subsidized family child care programs, who are represented by the Service International Employees’ Union Local 509 (SEIU 509). Earlier this year, center-based early education and care programs received a 3.6 percent increase in reimbursement rates.

Funding for these initiatives is available due to the full implementation of the state’s Child Care Financial Assistance System (CCFA), a new technology platform for managing $500 million awarded annually in early education and care subsidies

CCFA provides improved accuracy for verifying subsidy eligibility through real-time data validation at each step of the award process and stricter enforcement of financial assistance policies and regulations. All subsidized care providers are required to use CCFA for documenting subsidy eligibility, authorizing awards, reporting child attendance, and submitting billing requests to the Department of Early Education and Care.

Currently the state subsidizes approximately 4,200 early education and care programs to provide high-quality care at minimal - or no-cost for families who are low-income, or in-need of assistance.  Collectively, the subsidies provided to these programs support the enrollment of approximately 56,000 children daily.  The funding for the subsidized child care programs is provided through the state budget and is administered by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $20 Million for Supportive Affordable Housing

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $20 Million for Supportive Affordable Housing

Funding will support the creation of 177 units of housing for vulnerable populations across Massachusetts

BOSTON – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced a total of $20 million in awards to seven affordable housing projects in Massachusetts, to support the creation and preservation of 177 supportive housing units for homeless families and individuals, veterans, the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The awarded projects will provide affordable rental housing to extremely low-income families and individuals, and provide wraparound services to residents.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay announced the funding today, alongside elected officials and officials from The Neighborhood Developers, at an event in Chelsea.

“These awards leverage state and federal funding to serve our most vulnerable communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration strongly believes in the value of affordable housing, and as advocates for every Massachusetts resident we will continue to work with our federal, local and community partners to ensure housing is shared priority.”

“These seven projects will create housing that specifically targets our state’s at-risk populations, including veterans, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and formerly homeless women and families,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “I’m incredibly proud of our commitment to ensuring all of our residents are not only able to access housing, but also the supportive services they need to succeed.”

Funding for these projects includes $3.1 million from the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF), a newly-authorized federal program that supports the development of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families that include supportive services. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is supporting the awarded projects through $14.9 million in state affordable housing subsidies, and 100 project-based Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers. DHCD also allocated approximately $2 million in state and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to the awarded projects.

“Housing with wraparound supportive services gives residents the tools necessary to break the cycle of homelessness,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Putting our residents on the path towards stability by connecting them to education, job training, transportation assistance, childcare and more services, strengthens communities across Massachusetts.”

“The challenges presented by homelessness and housing instability to families and individuals are significant,” said Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay. “Supportive services allow us to meet families and individuals where they are, providing assistance in a holistic manner to tackle the issues that stand between residents and long-term stability.”

The Baker-Polito Administration has implemented a comprehensive approach to reducing homelessness through early intervention, diversion and wraparound services for homeless and at-risk populations, as well as through the creation of affordable rental housing for homeless and at-risk families and individuals. These efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in the number families residing in shelter across the state, reducing Emergency Assistance caseloads by over 23%. Since 2015, the administration has reduced the number of homeless families living in overflow shelter in hotels and motels from 1,500 families, to less than 70.

Last May, the Baker-Polito Administration unveiled a 5-year capital budget plan that includes a $1.1 billion commitment to increasing housing production, an 18 percent funding increase for mixed-income housing production, and affordable housing preservation. The administration and MassHousing also committed a separate $100 million to support the construction of 1,000 new workforce housing units. Since 2015 the Baker-Polito Administration has provided direct funding to create and preserve over 3,000 units of affordable housing across Massachusetts.

2017 Supportive Housing Awards:

Montello Welcome Home II, Brockton

Montello Welcome Home II, sponsored by Father Bill’s & MainSpring, will create 23 new supportive housing units for homeless veterans and other homeless individuals, and provide a comprehensive package of services to help residents retain their tenancies and prevent relapse into homelessness. DHCD awarded $500,000 in HTF funding, and $2.6 million in state subsidy.

242 Spencer, Chelsea

The Neighborhood Developers will revitalize a vacant building at 242 Spencer Street and create 34 new units of affordable rental housing for families. The project will include 3 units targeted to low income persons with disabilities and 8 units for formerly homeless families who will receive supportive services from Housing Families, Inc. DHCD awarded $500,000 in HTF funding, $1.1 million in state and federal low-income housing tax credits, and $3.125 million in state subsidy.

House of Hope 3, Lowell

House of Hope, Inc. will renovate a former assisted living facility to create 17 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless families, and provide residents with comprehensive supportive services, including education, job training, and child care services. DHCD awarded $500,000 in HTF funding, and $3.7 million in state subsidy.

Under One Roof, New Bedford

Under One Roof, sponsored by the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, will renovate a building that currently houses the YWCA’s existing office space to create 8 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless or incarcerated women. Under One Roof will include a child-care facility. The project will consolidate and unify the YWCA’s administrative, program, and residential activities at one site in a state-of-the-art facility. DHCD awarded $451,000 in HTF funding, and $550,000 in state subsidy.

Hillside Residence, West Springfield

The non-profit Sisters of Providence will build a new, 36-unit supportive housing residence for elders who are homeless and at risk of institutionalization. The project will be sited on the campus of an existing elder service compound, and on-site services will be available through a federal Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) operated by MERCY Life. DHCD awarded $500,000 in HTF funding, and $2 million in state subsidy.

Abby’s House, Worcester

Abby Kelley Foster House, Inc. will undertake considerable renovations of the existing 53 units at Abby’s House and add two new apartments, for a total of 55 units. The project will provide housing for women who have been homeless due to domestic violence, eviction, economic crisis, or unemployment, and supportive services will be offered on-site to residents. DHCD awarded $500,000 in HTF funding, $989,000 in state and federal low-income housing tax credits, and $2.5 million in state subsidy.

21 Jaques Avenue, Worcester

21 Jaques Avenue is an abandoned property on a prominent corner in Worcester. Worcester Common Ground will substantially rehabilitate the building to create 4 units of affordable rental housing for families with very-low and extremely-low incomes. Two units will be targeted to households with disabilities. DHCD awarded $130,000 in HTF funding, and $422,000 in state subsidy.

The Microsoft Garage Extends Internship Program to Fifteen Bunker Hill Community College Students

The Microsoft Garage Extends Internship Program to Fifteen Bunker Hill Community College Students

BOSTON, March 27, 2017— Opening its doors to community college students for the first time, the Microsoft Garage offered internships to fifteen Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) students this semester.

Working closely with full-time engineers at Microsoft’s New England Research and Development (NERD) Center in the heart of the Kendall Square innovation hub, the students are designing and delivering fresh Garage programs, including a revamped employee maker space and community technology initiatives.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that these motivated students have earned incredibly competitive internships at the Microsoft Garage,” said Pam Eddinger, President of BHCC. “These internships, the contacts they’ll make and the experiences they’ll have, are a great first step towards a high-demand career in the technology industry.”

The Microsoft Garage is a resource to employees that supports and encourages problem solving in new and innovative ways. Garage programs attract the relentlessly curious - those who like to dig in and make something. In addition to the internship and maker spaces, the Garage produces the largest private hackathon on the planet and is the official outlet for experimental projects from teams across the company. The Garage is expanding to more community outreach this year, and BHCC interns are helping build the program.

BHCC’s students were divided into three teams:

(1)  Team 1 is designing the hardware and software for a smart device that will manage equipment in the Garage team’s work space. Students will get hands-on with Microsoft platforms, single-board computers and microcontrollers, and custom hardware sensors, and will look to open source their work in late spring.

(2)  Team 2 is creating hands-on maker workshops that use simple tools like Kodu and the micro:bit. The students are piloting these workshops with underserved youth, minority, and female groups in the greater Boston areas. The workshop content that the students create will become a permanent part of the Garage team’s catalog of community technology programming.

(3)  Team 3 is outfitting the all new maker space with expanded capabilities, including 3D printing, laser cutting, milling, microelectronics, and textile working. These additions will extend the set of technologies that employees can use for experimentation and prototyping. The students are also building introductory programs that demonstrate the use of the new tools. One of the first projects the group is working on is the creation of 3D-printed prosthetic hands that will then be donated to a Microsoft charitable partner.

Modeling this spirit of innovation and push to expand its reach for diverse, qualified talent, Microsoft expanded its internship program this year to include students from two-year colleges.  

“When the team and I came out to BHCC to conduct interviews, we were impressed with the skills and entrepreneurship that the students demonstrated,” said Microsoft Garage Chief Intern Officer Ben Fersenheim. “I’m thrilled that we were able to find as many strong candidates as we did, as this means we have the potential to deliver on so many more fun and impactful projects this spring.”

More than 150 students from BHCC attended an information session last to learn more about the internship program. “We were excited to hear Ben Fersenheim talk about what goes on in the Garage; how curiosity is pursued and how creative freedom is encouraged,” said Computer Science major Mussie Demisse, “But what excited me most was how inquisitive he was about the ideas we are passionate about.”

The interns from BHCC include eight female and seven male students, representing eight different majors: Computer Science (6), Computer Support Specialist (1), Early Childhood Development (1), Engineering (3), Graphic Design Option (1), Health Information Technology (1), Network Technology (1) and Object Oriented Design (1). The students will work 15-20 hours per week through May, with the internship culminating in a showcase of their projects to corporate headquarters in Redmond, WA. 

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Doubling Line of Duty Death Benefit

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Doubling Line of Duty Death Benefit

$144 million mid-year supplemental budget includes provision supporting families of first responders

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed H.3448, which will double the line of duty death benefit for the families of first responders from $150,000 to $300,000.  Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito were joined by State Fire Marshall Peter J. Ostroskey, State Police Colonel Richard D. McKeon, and Speaker of the House Robert Deleo to sign the bill. 

“The Commonwealth is grateful for the devoted service of our first responders and their families who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is pleased to increase this benefit as a small token of our appreciation and gratitude for those who sadly make the ultimate sacrifice and hope it will provide some relief for their loved ones.”

“Further supporting the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes is the least we can do to express our gratefulness for the brave men and women protecting our Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We thank the legislature for including this important and timely provision in the legislation.” 

Increasing the line of duty death benefit was included in a mid-year supplemental budget bill that will provide additional funding for several state programs. This benefit is afforded by statute to any firefighter or police officer, whether their status is full-time or reserve, as well as public prosecutors, municipal or public emergency medical technicians and correction officers who are killed in the line of duty or who sustain injuries that were the direct cause of his or her death. The $300,000 benefit was made retroactive to March 15, 2017.

“I am very pleased that this increase to help the families of our first responders was included in the supplemental budget, along with necessary funding for other essential accounts,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore.

"Individuals who pursue inherently dangerous careers represent a special kind of public servant, and the respect we have for them is especially strong," said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Dan Bennett. "Increasing this benefit is one more way to honor the sacrifice that they and their family have made in order to keep the rest of us safe." ​

“I often hear first responders talk about their trade as a brotherhood, in triumph and in sorrow, they come together and selflessly put others first,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “And while I’ll never fully know the bonds of that brotherhood, I believe that public officials must find ways to support those bonds, especially for the families of the heroes who are tragically killed in the line of duty.”

“We can never do enough to thank those that put themselves in harm's way to protect our residents,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “Increasing the line of duty benefit will not make the pain of losing a loved one go away but it will hopefully help take care of those family members that are left behind. The Commonwealth stands with our first responders and their families."

"No amount of money will bring back Watertown Firefighter Joseph Toscano," said Rich MacKinnon, Jr., president of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. "But by increasing the line of duty benefits for him, and anyone in the future that makes the ultimate sacrifice, we are sending a strong message to their families that they are not forgotten. Like all of our proposed legislation, the goal is to see that our families are taken care of in the event that something happens to us. I applaud the Governor and legislature for their swift action on this legislation."

The supplemental budget also included funding for a new contract providing clinical patient care for patients Bridgewater State Hospital, home care services for seniors, the Department of Developmental Services’ Turning 22 program, and homeless emergency assistance family shelters.

To simplify the tax filing process for business taxpayers, the bill also includes a provision aligning 2018 state tax filing dates for certain business organizations with applicable federal deadlines.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Broadband Grant Program

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Broadband Grant Program

Flexible grants will accelerate the construction of municipally-owned broadband networks in rural communities

BOSTON – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced the Last Mile Infrastructure Grant Program, a new, flexible grant program designed to speed the deployment of broadband internet networks in more than 40 unserved Western and Central Massachusetts communities.

Under the new Last Mile Infrastructure Grant Program, the Baker-Polito Administration will make grants directly to rural communities currently unserved by high-speed internet access, for the design, engineering, and construction of publicly-owned broadband networks. The grant program will award up to $20 million in capital funds directly to Last Mile towns, and will be administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the broadband gaps currently facing rural Massachusetts towns, so our administration is empowering communities to pursue the solutions that are most appropriate for them,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We want broadband solutions to be flexible and responsive to local needs, regardless of whether our local partners pursue municipally-owned networks, public-private partnerships, or alternative technologies. The new Last Mile Infrastructure Grant Program advances our administration’s commitment to tackling broadband connectivity challenges with collaboration, flexibility, and problem-solving.”

“This new grant program will build on our reforms to the Last Mile broadband program, and speed the construction of locally-owned broadband networks,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Western and Central Massachusetts communities have told us they want a more nimble and more responsive Last Mile program. We have taken their feedback to heart, and through this new grant program, we will accelerate the pace of progress on local Last Mile broadband challenges.”

“We are committed to helping every town that wants to pursue high-speed internet access, pursue a path forward to reliable, sustainable, affordable broadband,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “We look forward to continuing our deep engagement with local and legislative stakeholders, as we work to deliver on our shared priorities.”

The Last Mile Infrastructure Grant Program will disburse both municipal construction allocations -- local construction budgets established by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at MassTech -- and towns’ so-called professional services allocations. Local professional services funds were previously reserved for the design and engineering of local networks, and were previously held back and expended directly by MBI, on behalf of unserved communities. Under the new grant program, EOHED will combine these two allocations into a single award, giving Last Mile towns the flexibility to pursue engineering, and construction solutions for municipally-owned networks directly, as they would with other local infrastructure projects.

The program is modeled on EOHED’s successful MassWorks Infrastructure Program, a flexible, competitive grant program that funds local infrastructure projects that unlock economic growth. In addition, EOHED and the MBI will continue to assist municipalities that wish to partner with private broadband providers, or explore alternative technologies. MBI will continue to provide design and engineering services to communities that prefer to work with the organization.

The Last Mile Infrastructure Grant Program received approval today from the MBI’s board of directors. EOHED anticipates opening the grant program for applications next week, pending the approval of the Executive Committee of MassTech’s board of directors.

The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to significantly increasing broadband access under the Last Mile Broadband project. In May 2016, the Baker-Polito Administration introduced a new Last Mile leadership team, and a new framework to accelerate implementation of broadband projects in unserved or underserved communities by empowering local partners through a more flexible, community-based approach. Since last May, the Baker-Polito Administration has supported efforts to expand broadband coverage to nine partially served towns, advanced a wireless pilot program in Middlefield, and approved grants to bring service to seven unserved towns: Alford, Otis, Warwick, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, West Stockbridge, and Mount Washington. The Administration is currently assisting several towns in evaluating potential public-private partnership proposals, resulting from an RFP issued late last year.

聯邦總檢察長警告庇護城市要刪經費 波市長稱那是不負責任

(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 美國總檢察長杰夫(Jeff Sessions)持續川普政府的強硬態度，今(3月27)日宣佈，所謂”庇護城市(sanctuary cities)”如果不和聯邦政府移民局合作，將失去某些聯邦經費。

杰夫是在白宮記者會上做此宣佈。他說各州及市鎮應該仔細考慮他們拒絕執行聯邦移民法所造成的損害。他勸告州及地方政府遵循這些聯邦法。

麻州內已表態要做”庇護城市”有波士頓市，牛頓市等城市。波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)在下午5點多時發表聲明，表示做為市長，他將持續確保波士頓市居民的安全，福祉。聯邦政府以刪減地方市鎮經費來威脅，是不負責任的破壞性做法。

            美國國土安全局最近點名波士頓市，劍橋市，尚莫維爾市(Somerville)，北安普頓(Northampton)，以及安赫斯特(Amherst)等城市啟動了只和美國移民及海關執行局做有限合作的政策。麻州內還有其他社區也採取了類似政策。

            “庇護城市”並不是一個法律名詞，而是政治術語，用來形容市鎮拒絕協助聯邦移民局，以確保移民不會怕和警察或地方當局合作。

            雀喜市(Chelsea)這庇護城市，44%的人口都是在美國境外出生的。該市經理Thomas Ambrosino表示，該市領的1100萬元聯邦經費，大部分都用來支持執法人員，聘用老師，以及維持課後項目。不論聯邦政府怎麼說，或祭出什麼政策，該市的態度不會改變。

            杰夫表示，司法部將要求尋求或申請司法經費的市鎮澄清是否遵循了聯邦移民法。

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH

BOSTON - Monday, March 27, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today released the following statement: "The safety and well-being of our residents is, and will continue to be, my top priority as Mayor of Boston. The threat of cutting federal funding from cities across the country that aim to foster trusting relationships between their law enforcement and the immigrant community is irresponsible and destructive."

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S VOW TO RIP FUNDING FROM SANCTUARY CITIES

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S VOW TO RIP FUNDING FROM SANCTUARY CITIES

BOSTON – Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford released the following statement in response to the announcement today from Attorney General Sessions that sanctuary cities stand to lose their federal funding:

“Once again, the Trump Administration is showing its true colors by threatening to illegally strip cities of vital federal funding because they refuse to use local law enforcement to round up immigrants on a whim.

“President Trump continues to ignore the fact that the United States is a nation of immigrants. Instead, he has installed white supremacists like Steve Bannon in the White House and established an agenda that pits Americans against each other, exploits immigrants, and undermines our American ideals of inclusion and diversity.

"The President is trying to force our cities to join him in his bullying of immigrants and their families. Massachusetts Democrats stand with our sanctuary cities and immigrants across our Commonwealth, and we will help them fight this unconstitutional threat."