MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RFP TO BRING BROADBAND TO BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SAFETY

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RFP TO BRING BROADBAND TO BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SAFETY

BOSTON - Friday, April 7, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) that will expand the Boston Fiber Network (BoNet) through a $10 million investment in its fiber backbone and infrastructure. The project will provide broadband services to Boston Public Schools, public housing and more than 100 City buildings, in addition to strengthening public safety communications. "Boston is a world-class city -- and that needs to include our technology," said Mayor Walsh. "That's why my administration has made the first significant fiber network expansion in over ten years. With this investment, are continuing to provide opportunities for our students, and providing our police, fire and emergency services with the communication and information tools they need. Through expanding the City's fiber network, we are working to close the digital divide, and make broadband services available to all." The City of Boston's Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is requesting proposals that will bolster the City's existing BoNet infrastructure and provide future connectivity to the Boston Housing Authority's (BHA) family developments and critical public safety sites. Additionally, this investment will help the City to expand and improve public safety services across the City and present opportunities to deploy Wicked Free Wi-Fi to a broader geography. The City is seeking multiple proposals and options, including citywide solutions, indivisible multi-zone solutions, and solutions by individual zone(s). Respondents may submit a proposal for one, two, or all three categories. This investment will match the Boston Public Schools' demand for connectivity and broadband capacity for its students and educators. Expanding Boston's Fiber Optic Network to these schools will deliver gigabit (1 Gbps) bandwidth capacity for PARCC online testing, online learning, administrative and video services and in-campus Wi-Fi, along with additional services. In the future, the City will be able to offer faster speeds using the same fiber optic cables. Currently, over 130 City buildings are connected to Boston's Fiber Optic Network, including interconnection to state agencies and a remote data center and colocation facility. The BoNet network is the backbone for connectivity in City buildings,  phone service, public safety video surveillance and wireless access points, including Boston's Wicked Free Wi-Fi. By operating its own fiber network, the City saves millions of dollars per year in telecommunications costs. This network buildout will expand the BoNet network by connecting the remaining 73 Boston Public Schools with City fiber, as well as 24 family housing developments and other sites for public safety and transportation services. To view the RFP, visit: boston.gov/procurement, select "Access the Supplier Portal" and search for EV00004171

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Governor Baker, Massport Celebrate Improvements to Logan’s International Terminal and Launch of 1st Nonstop South American Service

Flights to Bogotá become Logan’s 53^rd international destination beginning in June

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced renovations and enhancements at Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E while celebrating Avianca airlines’ first nonstop flights between Boston and South America through Colombia’s capital of Bogotá in June. Logan will now offer 53 international destinations, including nonstop service to South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

“Better connecting all Massachusetts has to offer to the global economy allows the Commonwealth to maintain its competitive edge and continue to reap the benefits of a culturally and professionally diverse population,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “New international routes are estimated to bring an economic benefit of over $1 billion annually and I’m proud our administration and Massport continue to make strategic investments, like the Terminal E improvements, to attract new services to the Commonwealth.” 

The Terminal E Renovation and Enhancements project focused on improving the passenger experience throughout the terminal, expanding terminal space by an additional 95,000 square feet and renovating three existing gates and adding the required services to accommodate larger aircrafts. The project incorporates sustainable and resilient design elements and has submitted documentation for LEED Gold certification. Boston Logan International Airport offers nonstop service to 75 domestic and 53 international destinations and served more than 36 million passengers last year.

“The addition of nonstop service to Bogotá is another example of Massport’s focus on connecting New England with the global economy,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “Our strategic investment in upgrading and improving Terminal E will better accommodate and serve our growing international customer base.”

Beginning on June 2^nd, Avianca will operate year-round service from Boston to Bogotá four times per week on an A319 aircraft. In Bogotá, passengers can conveniently connect to 36 destinations throughout South and Central America through Avianca’s hub. A city of almost seven million people with a growing economy and booming tourism market, Bogotá is quickly becoming a “must-see” destination in South America; with both Forbes and Vogue naming it a top travel destination for 2017.

“With this with new addition to our route network, Avianca becomes the first and only airline to directly join Boston with Bogotá and vice versa, connecting travelers coming from the State of Massachusetts more efficiently to the main capitals in Latin America. On their part, travelers from South America will be able to fly more easily to key destinations in New England,” added Hernan Rincon, President of Avianca.

Avianca is the flag carrier of Colombia and the country’s largest air carrier. The second largest air carrier in Latin America, it has been in operations since 1919, making it the oldest airline in the Western Hemisphere. A member of the Star Alliance, Avianca serves over 100 destinations in almost 30 countries with a modern fleet of over 180 aircraft.

“Bostonians and residents of New England will be able to get to know our beautiful country where people are happy and always have a smile for visitors, discover beautiful landscapes, see the Sea of 7 colors, and taste the best coffee in the world,” said Consul of the Consulate General of Colombia in Boston, Yida Ximena Mora Silva. “This flight is an example of how the United States and Colombia continue to develop strong ties that benefit both countries.”

The Colombian community in Massachusetts has had significant growth since the 1960s, with over 20,000 Colombians now residing in the Commonwealth. Colombians also make up the 8^th largest foreign-born population in Boston, with the majority (75%) residing in East Boston.

“The ties between Massachusetts and Latin America are strong and deep; Latino-Americans make up almost 10% of the Commonwealth’s population and are an integral part of the vibrancy and diversity of all Massachusetts has to offer,” said Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President, Hispanic-American Institute.“ The opportunities for loved ones to reconnect, investments to be made and adventures to be had on both continents are now closer than ever through nonstop air service to Colombia on Avianca.”

Sustaining Boston’s competitive edge in international travel is critical to the state’s highly travel-dependent and diversified economic base which is spread across sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, healthcare, education, and medical scientific research and products. International non-stop flights make Boston more attractive to foreign companies to locate U.S. facilities in the Commonwealth.

“This service now means a major South American gateway city is now connected directly to Boston and New England's visitor industry; bringing with it new visitors, new visitor spending and new jobs for our visitor economy,” Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO, Patrick Moscaritolo said. 

“With more international direct air service than ever from Boston’s Logan International Airport, Massachusetts continues to attract record numbers of overseas visitors,” said Francois-Laurent Nivaud, Executive Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. “In 2015, Massachusetts’ overseas visitor market increased by 13% to 1.7 million visitors, bolstering our state economy through direct spending, taxes and jobs.” 

In total, Logan Airport generates $13 billion in economic activity each year and last year more than 36 million passengers flew through Logan, which accounts for over 17,000 local jobs. During the past decade, the number of international non-stop destinations from Logan Airport has nearly doubled from 27 to 53 and international passengers now account for 16% of travelers at Logan Airport. International passengers are predicted to be the fastest growing component of airport business. In 2016, 6.5 million international passengers traveled through Terminal E.

Other renovations to Logan’s international Terminal E include: 

• Displays throughout the terminal to showcase innovations and innovators with strong ties to Massachusetts;
• Art installations that represent current Massachusetts Innovations, current Massachusetts innovators, a Wall of Fame featuring Nobel Prize winners that have roots in Massachusetts, News Desks with local headlines and the interactive Boston “T” Party selfie moment;
• Newly designed seating arrangement in the terminal and all seats include power and USB charging capabilities;
• New arrivals level de-boarding areas that connect to the Customs Primary Inspection hall;
• A new fourth level that hold brand new Airline Clubs, which allow for their passengers to directly board from the lounge to either level of an Airbus A380;
• And new two-level aircraft boarding jet bridges on the three renovated gates.

###

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $15 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. For more information please visit massport.com.

Workforce Skills Cabinet Kicks Off New Regional Planning Initiative

Workforce Skills Cabinet Kicks Off New Regional Planning Initiative

Seven teams to develop regional plans to address skills gap, spur economic growth

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a new regional planning initiative aimed at addressing the skills gap by bringing together regional teams of educators, workforce, and economic development professionals to create a statewide blueprint for growth strategies in every region of the Commonwealth.

The regional planning initiative, launched by the Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, will better align work across different state and local agencies to fuel job growth and address employer demand for talent by region. The regional approach will help build strong regional economies to ensure all residents benefit from the state’s economic successes.

Seven regional teams will devise local strategies for a statewide plan used to inform policy-making and investments targeted at strengthening the Massachusetts economy. 

“While the Massachusetts economy continues to thrive, these regional initiatives will help ensure the state is continuing our work to match skills with employer demand,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The regional teams have an opportunity to specifically tailor our regional economic strengths, needs, and investments in a way that will shape the entire Commonwealth.”

“We believe this work will be important for connecting local and state government to improve economic growth,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “These regional strategies will help inform our decision-making at the state level, so we can better help communities strengthen their local economies, and make strategic investments as a state to close the skills gap.” 

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito announced the new initiative at Worcester Technical High School, along with the Workforce Skills Cabinet - Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II and Education Secretary James Peyser.

The regional teams will use local labor market data to identify industries and occupations that are growing in their regions, and develop action steps to address gaps in talent and skills for those jobs. The regional planning initiative is aimed at helping more residents gain credentials, education and job skills in high-demand career pipelines.

“This is the first time the three sectors – education, economic development and workforce – have come together at a regional level to make joint decisions,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “The goal for this state-regional planning process is to bring together multiple local organizations to create consensus on high-demand industries and occupations, and then identify strategies that regional partners can collectively advance.” 

“The Regional Planning Initiative will provide a vital bridge between local and state policy makers on how to maximize our workforce development programs across Massachusetts,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker. "We look forward to furthering these partnerships and helping to ensure that workers and employers have access to resources which fit their unique employment environments.”

“A deep dive into regional data will help us solve outstanding challenges in our workforce pipeline,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “We need fresh strategies to pull more residents into high-performing community college and training programs, ensure their completion and accelerate matching graduates and qualified workers with open job opportunities.”

Since Governor Baker established the Workforce Skills Cabinet by Executive Order in February, 2015 the three Cabinet Secretaries have worked closely to create partnerships to respond to businesses’ demand for skilled workers and develop plans to help residents get the skills they need to fill jobs in the Commonwealth.

Through the Workforce Skills Cabinet, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $24 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants to 63 different vocational technical schools, community colleges and traditional public high schools to upgrade vocational technical equipment and expand skills training programs for careers in growing industries, impacting more than 7,100 students per year.

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Gateway Cities Additional Support to Combat Heroin and Opioid Abuse

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Gateway Cities Additional Support to Combat Heroin and Opioid Abuse

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced seven awards for local law enforcement departments from Massachusetts Gateway Cities to fund additional support for their efforts in combatting the heroin and opioid epidemic. The awards will assist law enforcement investigations, local drug prevention programs, and provide mental health and treatment wraparound services for those struggling with addiction.

“The heroin and opioid epidemic has shattered the lives of far too many Commonwealth families and our administration is committed to eradicating the epidemic at every level to support our communities and address this public health crisis,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased that these grants will serve as another important tool to support our gateway cities from law enforcement investigations to critical treatment services.”  

“I’m incredibly proud of the work currently being done within our municipalities and spearheaded by our local leaders,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This funding will provide much needed resources to these law enforcement departments as they investigate and apprehend those who traffic and distribute drugs illegally.”

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) will distribute over $250,000 in federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds to local law enforcement departments of Gateway Cities who submitted a competitive proposal for financial assistance.  In the past 24-months, Pubic Safety Secretary, Daniel Bennett has made available over $7M in JAG funding awarded to EOPSS by the Department of Justice to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in the fight against substance abuse and violence.  

“These awards will support our public safety officers who are on the front lines tackling heroin, fentanyl and prescription drug abuse every day,” said Secretary Bennett. “Providing these much needed resources at the local level is an important first step in making communities safer for all.” 

“The City of Quincy police are pleased to receive this grant funding as it will give us the opportunity to increase education, awareness, and enforcement around addiction issues,” said Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan. “It will also help us develop a strategic plan to make a positive difference to combat illegal substance abuse in our community.”

“This grant will greatly assist us as we try to mitigate the impact of deadly opiates in our community,” said Taunton Chief of Police Edward James Walsh. “Through outreach we are able to work with our community partners to provide assistance to users and families and help end the stigma of addiction.”

“This department will use grant funds to focus limited resources on areas in which drug activity is occurring or likely to occur based on data and intelligence,” said Fitchburg Chief of Police Ernest F. Martineau. “Increased enforcement in hot spots for drug activity and other criminal activity associated with drugs will reduce drug traffic, property crime, violent crime, and may increase overall arrests.”

2017 EOPSS Heroin and Opioid Local Crime Reduction Gateway City Awardees

Attleboro Police Department $49,920.00

The Attleboro Police Department will be adding a trained addiction counselor to be available at both the police department as well as making home visits to individuals seeking treatment services.

Brockton Police Department $50,000.00

The Brockton Police Department will be partnering with Gandara Health center to provide treatment and wraparound services to individuals struggling with addiction.

Fitchburg Police Department $49,881.15

The Fitchburg Police Department will be increasing drug interdiction and investigation to identify sources of opiates. Their officers will also partake in Street Level Narcotics training.

Leominster Police Department $45,815.84

The Leominster Police Department will hire a recovery advocate to assist the department with wrap around services for addicts, as well as track individual cases to build stronger data and lower recidivism.

Quincy Police Department $44,760.00

Data and analysis is used to drive law enforcement strategies to reduce crime, solve community problems, and improve operational effectiveness.

Salem Police Department $27,773.02

Salem Police Department will be partnering with the Boys and Girls club to implement new training and early intervention tools for at risk youth.

Taunton Police Department $21,600.00

Taunton Police Department will be increasing their community outreach in high risk areas.

麻州長提案立法重罰襲警者

Governor Baker Files Legislation to Increase Penalties for Assault of Police Officers

 Proposal would make assaulting an officer and causing serious bodily harm a felony

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker renewed his call for stronger court procedures and penalties for individuals charged with assaulting a police officer, upgrading the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony when causing serious bodily harm. The proposal would improve the court’s ability to deal with the cases of individuals who have demonstrated disregard for law enforcement and pose a threat to the public’s safety.

“Under current law, sufficient penalties do not exist for individuals who assault police officers and cause serious harm,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The absence of such penalties makes the job of law enforcement that much harder and more dangerous, and illustrates the need to increase those penalties and ensure the punishment can meet such an offense.”

“Our system should have the ability to respond strongly if an individual attacks and harms one of our police officers,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Those with such a disdain for the rule of law must know that the Commonwealth will take their actions seriously.”

“Having the option to hold individuals who have committed a serious assault on a police officer means we could keep dangerous individuals off the streets as they await trial, a move that would benefit law enforcement and the public at large,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Dan Bennett.

First filed in June, 2016, during the previous legislative session, Governor Baker’s legislation would make three changes in the way that courts could respond to people who commit assaults and batteries on police officers: 

1.     In cases where the person causes serious bodily injury to the police officer, the penalty will be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony and the maximum sentence will be increased to ten years in state prison. The current maximum is set at two and a half years.

2.     In cases where an individual causes serious bodily injury to a police officer, judges will be precluded from continuing the case without a finding, placing the defendant on probation, or giving the defendant a suspended sentence. These are not appropriate punishments when a person breaks a police officer’s jaw or arm, blinds an officer, or causes an injury that result in a substantial risk of death. Instead, judges will be required to impose a sentence of at least one year of incarceration in cases involving this sort of serious injury.

3.     The governor’s proposal would allow judges to consider whether individuals charged with this offense present a danger to the community and, in appropriate cases, hold the person pretrial. Under current law, judges are required to release a person charged with assaulting a police officer in the line of duty without considering whether that person is a danger to the community. While not every person who commits this offense necessarily presents a danger to the community such that he or she should be held pretrial, the nature of the offense is such that a court should at least be permitted to ask the question.

MAYOR WALSH'S FISCAL YEAR 2018 budget propose data driven investments

MAYOR WALSH'S FISCAL YEAR 2018 RECOMMENDED OPERATING BUDGET PROPOSES DATA-DRIVEN INVESTMENTS AND BUILDS ON STRONG RECORD OF PROACTIVE FISCAL MANAGEMENT BOSTON - Wednesday, April 5, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today presented his Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) budget proposal, a plan that balances sustainability and increases investments in key initiatives and more fully supports Boston's neighborhoods. The proposed budget builds on the Walsh Administration's strong fiscal management record, maintains high levels of support for educating Boston's students and keeping the City of Boston safe, expands upon strategic initiatives to achieve cost savings, and positions the City to manage through instability at the national level. Through thoughtful reform that achieves cost savings, and improved utilization of existing funds, Mayor Walsh's FY18 budget is able to make targeted investments towards achieving a thriving, healthy and innovative City. The recommended operating budget totals $3.14 billion, and represents an increase of $143.7 million or 4.8% over FY17. "I am proud to put forth a budget that makes strategic investments to support Boston's neighborhoods, and builds on our strong record of fiscal management," said Mayor Walsh. "This proposal represents a smart, responsible, and sustainable fiscal strategy that is forward-looking and will achieve maximum impact by investing in our people. Together, we will continue to put the City of Boston in the very best possible position to thrive this coming year, and in the years ahead." "Because of careful stewardship of taxpayer resources that has earned us four straight years of perfect bond ratings, this budget is able to propose targeted investments in key areas to improve quality of life and deliver world-class services to the people of Boston," said David Sweeney, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Boston. "I am proud that the City's strong management and unprecedented growth is paving the way for smart investments that will contribute to our city's prosperity." "This budget builds on Mayor Walsh's successes across the City, including investing in research-driven reforms - like extending the school day - to closing achievement gaps, moving homeless individuals into permanent housing, building a pipeline for a diverse police force, and focusing on basic city services to make our streets cleaner and safer," said Katie Hammer, Budget Director for the City of Boston. "These data-driven investments are made possible due to our smart savings and revenue maximization initiatives across City government." Strong Fiscal Management Mayor Walsh today presented a balanced budget that maintains a high level of support in critical areas because of the Administration's achievement of efficiencies and savings. The City's data-driven managerial approach was recently validated by the affirmation of Boston's AAA bond rating for the 4th year in a row. In February, Moody's Investor Services said that "Boston's AAA reflects the city's strong fiscal management and stable financial position as well as the large and growing tax base," while S&P Global Ratings said that they viewed "Boston's management environment as very strong." In order to invest in the areas that will keep Boston thriving, the City has implemented a number of cost saving reforms in FY18 that will save the City a total of approximately $60 million, including: Departments will continue overtime reforms, saving almost $13 million in FY18; Long-term vacant positions will be eliminated; Health care cost containment reforms from the 2015 PEC agreement will achieve $10 million in annual savings in FY18; The City will save $5.8 million in energy costs due to 18,551 streetlight LED retrofits. It is only because of consistent diligence in pursuing these reform efforts that the City is able to continue to expand investments in FY18. Education The Boston School Committee approved a $1.061 billion budget for the Boston Public Schools (BPS) , which is projected to increase to $1.081 billion once collectively bargained cost increases are added, the largest appropriation in BPS history. That represents a projected $40 million increase since last year, and a $143 million increase since Mayor Walsh took office. Funding directed to schools (including district and charter schools), will increase by almost 4 percent, a $25 million increase over FY17, even before employee collective bargaining increases are negotiated. In total, with this budget, staff levels at BPS will have increased by approximately 250 since Mayor Walsh took office in 2014. This budget includes a groundbreaking $14 million in additional investment to give 15,000 more students, from K-8, 120 hours of additional learning time, or the equivalent of 20 more school days per year. In addition, the budget supports numerous research-driven education investments and reforms, including expanding Excellence for All, adding pre-kindergarten (K1) seats, and providing supports to 3,000 students that have been identified as experiencing homelessness, in an effort to close achievement and opportunity gaps. Housing Implementing Boston's Homeless Action Plan To support the Mayor's Action Plan to end chronic and veteran homelessness, Boston's Way Home, the FY18 budget includes an increase of $150,000 in general funds to provide support services for veterans not eligible for veteran's affairs programs, and an investment of $50,000 in federal funds to modify the City's Homebuyer Financial Assistance Program to provide down payment assistance to veterans. Improving Homeless Shelter Service and Safety As a response to federal funding cuts, the City will provide additional resources to BPHC to ensure that the city's homeless shelters continue to operate 24/7. Moreover, in recognition of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Housing First" approach to ending chronic homelessness, the FY18 budget will support rapid rehousing programs that focus on helping households obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible. Delivering Exceptional Basic City Services and Safer Streets Mayor Walsh's Administration will continue ensuring that city streets are clean, with a full-time hokey (street cleaner) in every Public Works District, to help patrol neighborhoods, empty our litter baskets, and pick up trash. In addition, to improve safety and expand access to our streets, Boston is launching a citywide, multi-year campaign to bring all crosswalks, lane markings and bike lanes into a good state of repair. Health and Safety Improving Addiction Services & utilizing data-driven solutions to maximize impact This budget builds on the success of the PAATHS (Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support) program by enabling it to expand services to evenings and weekends. Mayor Walsh will launch a data-driven initiative to change the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are deployed to improve patient outcomes and ambulance utilization. EMTs will be deployed on rotating schedules in non-transport vehicles to triage call types in Downtown Boston and Recovery Road area. Prosperity and Equity Recruiting a Diverse Police Force Building on the success of recruiting a diverse class of 42 officers in 2016, representing 74 percent cadets of color and 36 percent female cadets, Mayor Walsh's FY18 budget adds another class of 20, for a total of about 60 cadets. Promoting Firefighter Health and Safety The FY18 budget will include $50,000 for a pilot program to provide industrial level cleaning for firehouses to improve health outcomes for firefighters. Open Space Consistent with previous investments in making Boston's open spaces among the nation's most equitable and accessible, this budget invests in a rotation of small renovations to neighborhood ball fields to keep them safe and playable. Expanding Access for All This budget allows for library services to be restored to Chinatown after 54 years, providing easy access to a community gathering space, a play for teens and children to study and learn, and a location to access critical 21st century services, including internet and computers. In addition, the FY18 budget proposal offers support for local artists through grantmaking and residencies.

Workforce Skills Cabinet Kicks Off New Regional Planning Initiative

Workforce Skills Cabinet Kicks Off New Regional Planning Initiative

Seven teams to develop regional plans to address skills gap, spur economic growth

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a new regional planning initiative aimed at addressing the skills gap by bringing together regional teams of educators, workforce, and economic development professionals to create a statewide blueprint for growth strategies in every region of the Commonwealth.

The regional planning initiative, launched by the Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, will better align work across different state and local agencies to fuel job growth and address employer demand for talent by region. The regional approach will help build strong regional economies to ensure all residents benefit from the state’s economic successes.

Seven regional teams will devise local strategies for a statewide plan used to inform policy-making and investments targeted at strengthening the Massachusetts economy. 

“While the Massachusetts economy continues to thrive, these regional initiatives will help ensure the state is continuing our work to match skills with employer demand,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The regional teams have an opportunity to specifically tailor our regional economic strengths, needs, and investments in a way that will shape the entire Commonwealth.”

“We believe this work will be important for connecting local and state government to improve economic growth,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “These regional strategies will help inform our decision-making at the state level, so we can better help communities strengthen their local economies, and make strategic investments as a state to close the skills gap.” 

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito announced the new initiative at Worcester Technical High School, along with the Workforce Skills Cabinet - Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II and Education Secretary James Peyser.

The regional teams will use local labor market data to identify industries and occupations that are growing in their regions, and develop action steps to address gaps in talent and skills for those jobs. The regional planning initiative is aimed at helping more residents gain credentials, education and job skills in high-demand career pipelines.

“This is the first time the three sectors – education, economic development and workforce – have come together at a regional level to make joint decisions,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “The goal for this state-regional planning process is to bring together multiple local organizations to create consensus on high-demand industries and occupations, and then identify strategies that regional partners can collectively advance.” 

“The Regional Planning Initiative will provide a vital bridge between local and state policy makers on how to maximize our workforce development programs across Massachusetts,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker. "We look forward to furthering these partnerships and helping to ensure that workers and employers have access to resources which fit their unique employment environments.”

“A deep dive into regional data will help us solve outstanding challenges in our workforce pipeline,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “We need fresh strategies to pull more residents into high-performing community college and training programs, ensure their completion and accelerate matching graduates and qualified workers with open job opportunities.”

Since Governor Baker established the Workforce Skills Cabinet by Executive Order in February, 2015 the three Cabinet Secretaries have worked closely to create partnerships to respond to businesses’ demand for skilled workers and develop plans to help residents get the skills they need to fill jobs in the Commonwealth.

Through the Workforce Skills Cabinet, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $24 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants to 63 different vocational technical schools, community colleges and traditional public high schools to upgrade vocational technical equipment and expand skills training programs for careers in growing industries, impacting more than 7,100 students per year.

CAPAC Statement on Meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Kelly

CAPAC Statement on Meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Kelly

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) met with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly to discuss pertinent issues facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The meeting covered a wide range of topics from President Trump’s executive orders targeting Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities to the Department’s immigration enforcement priorities and racial profiling guidance. CAPAC Members released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Today, we had a meeting with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly during which we relayed many issues of great concern to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We pressed Secretary Kelly on the lack of oversight of CBP, ICE, and TSA agents, the Department’s current enforcement priorities, concerns over the Muslim Ban 2.0, protecting DACA recipients and DREAMers, as well as the chaos caused by last minute changes to the processing of H-1B visas. In each case, the continued concerns of our community and constituents require that we seek more guidance and clarity. During the meeting, Secretary Kelly committed to a follow-up meeting with our caucus and to maintaining open lines of communication with us moving forward. There is still a lot of fear in the AAPI community regarding the current administration’s rhetoric and policies, and CAPAC will continue to push for more answers in the weeks and months to come.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair:

“I very much appreciate Secretary Kelly's commitment to better communicate with members of Congress. We had a productive conversation, but we still need more answers from the Department of Homeland Security. We continue to seek clarification about policies around ICE agents in sensitive locations, including courthouses and churches, and the ultimate priorities of the Department as it carries out interior enforcement. We know many communities across the country and in my district still live in fear and uncertainty because of the President's rhetoric and his immigration executive orders. I invite Secretary Kelly to meet with affected communities in my district, and look forward to further detailed conversations with him to address our serious concerns around President Trump’s crackdown on immigrants.”