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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.

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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.”

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE TEACHER LEARNING COLLABORATIVE BETWEEN DISTRICT, CHARTER & CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS CITY

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE TEACHER LEARNING COLLABORATIVE BETWEEN DISTRICT, CHARTER & CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS CITY Boston Compact, Teach Plus work to bring best teaching practices to all classrooms in Boston

BOSTON - Tuesday, April 4, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and city education stakeholders today announced a groundbreaking new learning collaborative joining together Boston Public Schools, charter and Catholic schools in Boston to share and support best teaching practices and professional development across city school sectors. Mayor Walsh joined Boston Compact leaders, including Superintendent Tommy Chang, the Boston Charter Alliance, and the Archdiocese of Boston schools, along with Teach Plus, at the Mission Grammar School to launch The Boston Educators Collaborative (BEC). The Boston Educators Collaborative was established through a partnership with the Boston Compact and Teach Plus, and will recruit, select, train and support outstanding Teacher Leaders to facilitate professional learning for their peers. Through the Collaborative, selected teachers will lead five-week, 15-hour university courses on key topics that ensure instruction reaches all learners, provides rigorous curricula and is culturally proficient. These courses will help foster the collaboration across all three sectors--district, charter and Catholic schools--and bring the skills back to the students in classrooms across the city. "Great teaching and great learning happen across the City of Boston and are not confined to just Boston Public Schools, just charter schools or just Catholic schools," said Mayor Walsh. "We know from experience that, by working together, we can share teachers' strengths to improve the overall quality of our schools and provide every child in our city a top-notch education." "This type of professional learning network will support improved student learning outcomes in our classrooms," said Paul Toner, executive director of Teach Plus. "We know teachers learn best from fellow practitioners and we think we can greatly boost teacher efficacy with this effort." "This effort will get our teachers the type of content-specific, real-time professional development they want and need," said Rachel Weinstein, Chief Collaboration Officer with the Boston Compact. "We're constantly impressed with the ways Catholic, charter and district school educators can and do work together, help each other and learn from one another." "I'm excited that educators from across the city can learn from one another and build on each other's strengths," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang. "Collaboration of best practices is a proven way to improve strategies that increase academic rigor and narrow opportunity and achievement gaps for all of our students." "Our students are our number one priority, and our teachers are our number one asset. Both will benefit from collaborative efforts like these that focus on improving the quality of education children receive no matter where they go to school," said Shannah Varón, Executive Director at the Boston Collegiate Charter School and Chair of the Boston Charter Alliance. "The Boston Educators Collaborative is a great way to strengthen our teaching in all classrooms-we're excited to work with the other sectors to impart our strengths and create a stronger education system across the city," said Kathleen Power Mears, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston. Six courses will begin in May, including 'Culturally Responsive Teaching: How Does Culture Play a Role in Learning?' and 'How to Use Student Talk and Differentiated Checks for Understanding to Elevate Mathematical Thinking for All.' Additional courses will be offered throughout 2017 and 2018. For course descriptions and to register, please click here.

INSURANCE COMPANY TO PAY $2.8 MILLION TO RESOLVE CLAIMS OF UNLAWFUL, DECEPTIVE SALES OF HEALTH INSURANCE SOLD ACROSS STATE LINES

INSURANCE COMPANY TO PAY $2.8 MILLION TO RESOLVE CLAIMS OF UNLAWFUL, DECEPTIVE SALES OF HEALTH INSURANCE SOLD ACROSS STATE LINESSettlement will Provide $2.3 Million to Customers in Massachusetts; Company Allegedly Failed to Cover Basic Health Care Services Required by Law

BOSTON – A Kansas-based insurance company has agreed to pay more than $2.8 million to settle allegations that it used deceptive and unlawful practices to sell health insurance to Massachusetts consumers, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. The settlement will provide more than $2.3 million to consumers.

According to the complaint, filed Monday along with the consent judgment in Suffolk Superior Court, Unified Life Insurance Company (ULIC) sold health insurance to Massachusetts consumers that was not authorized for sale and engaged in a host of deceptive practices, such as claiming its insurance included services that it did not cover. According to the AG’s complaint, ULIC also excluded Massachusetts consumers from coverage based upon their health status or preexisting conditions, and failed to cover basic health services – such as behavioral health services, maternity services, preventive services for women and children, and other essential benefits required by Massachusetts law. The coverage at issue was sold across state lines and was issued through a third-party association.

“This company sold sub-par health insurance that violated state law,” said AG Healey. “Recently revived federal proposals to take away our state’s longstanding authority to oversee sales of health insurance will leave consumers and families more vulnerable to exploitation and create a ‘race-to-the-bottom’ that will raise prices and reduce access to quality health care for those in need.”

“Consumers deserve to shop for health insurance free from unfair and deceptive sales tactics,” said Donald M. Berwick, President Emeritus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “I applaud our Attorney General for protecting a level playing field in Massachusetts, where insurers compete on providing better health care, not on discriminating against those with preexisting conditions. Our state has a strong history of setting basic standards for health insurance that its residents can depend on.”

State law also requires that health benefit plans sold to individuals or small groups in Massachusetts be filed with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) and approved by the Commissioner of Insurance. According to the AG’s complaint, ULIC did not file with DOI or get approval from the Commissioner.

Under the terms of the consent judgment, approved by the Court on Monday, ULIC must pay more than $2.8 million, including $2,348,000 for consumer relief, which will be distributed by ULIC, and $465,000 to the Commonwealth, including $450,000 in civil penalties.  

The AG’s Office has brought multiple actions raising similar issues against health plans, often ones sold across state lines and involving association health insurance.

Consumers concerned about illegal health insurance practices in Massachusetts are urged to call the AG’s Health Care Helpline at (888) 830-6277. Guidance on how to choose a health plan is also available on the AG’s website. 

            This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Emiliano Mazlen, with assistance from Division Chief Karen Tseng and Mediator/Policy Analyst Patricia Hamilton, of AG Healey’s Health Care Division and Anthony Crespi of AG Healey’s Civil Investigations Division.

馬惠美宣佈參選牛頓市市長

馬惠美(Amy Mah Sangiolo)。(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 在位已十餘年的牛頓市議員馬惠美(Amy Mah Sangiolo)，4月3日宣佈參選牛頓市市長。由於現任市長塞提(Warren Setti)已決定不再連任，牛頓市亞裔政治意識正漸提高，麻州再出現一名亞裔市長的可能，讓人十分期待。

              馬惠美(Amy Mah Sangiolo)是住在第四選區的牛頓市不分區市議員。4月3日她宣佈參選牛頓市市長時表示，她非常興奮有這機會繼續服務社區，並成為塑造牛頓市未來的一分子。她發誓會以尊重，多元化，負責任的方式，帶動居民把牛頓市打造得更美好。

              本身是持牌律師的馬惠美，1997年時第一次參選牛頓市議員。她在促使政府為人民服務上，方法很直接，就是聆聽人民聲音，尊重多元觀點，用數據以及什麼對整個牛頓市最好，來做決定依據。同時她也

要求自己和其他人負責任。

            第一次參選市議員時，她以12票之微，打敗了競選連任的在位者，之後順利連任20年，成為麻州在位時間最長的亞裔民選議員，推動過許多重要法案，包括修訂區域規劃(zoning)等。

            父親是華裔第二代的美國退伍空軍，母親是日本移民的馬惠美，和丈夫約翰在牛頓市住了將近22年，育有3名子女，分別已從牛頓公校畢業，或正在就讀。最近她們還把馬惠美91歲的母親接到家裏一起住。

                  牛頓市人口87,675，其中亞裔佔14.2%，華裔7,083人，佔8.1%。近年來關注政治的華裔人數漸增，繼2015年曾有張文華參選憲章委員會委員後，今年據說有曾任牛頓中文學校校長的沈安平要參選學校委員。

由於2015年任期屆滿後，黃素芬未競選連任。馬惠美的參選市長，讓許多人十分期待。查詢其競選概況，可上網站www.sangiolo.org。

麻州華裔民代檔案:

麻州的華裔民代，人數一向很少。1997年時，馬惠美應是第一個當選為議員的亞裔女性。其後陸續踏入政壇的有2007年當選為麻州費奇堡(Fitchburg)市市長的黃素芬(Lisa Wong)，當選為牛頓市議員的談繼欣，2009年當選劍橋市議員的張禮能(Leland Cheung)，以及2010年同時當選，2011年上任為麻州眾議員的黃子安(Donald Wong)，陳德基(Tackey Chan)，2014年當選，2015年上任為波士頓市議員，2017年再當選為市議會議長的吳弭(Michelle Wu)。

這些年間經由選舉，當選鎮委員，學校委員，康娛局委員，房屋管理委員等民意代表的華人，也漸次增加，早期有陳眾山，後來有孔軒，李波，蕭廣松，羅紅濱，鄧遠志，朱新生，王衛東，伍甘澍，當選市鎮分別為布魯克蘭鎮，牛頓市，勒克星頓鎮，衛斯頓鎮，康可鎮等。

波士頓市曾有市長指派的阮浩鑾擔任學校委員會委員。

貝克政府新設公共服務獎表揚前州長保羅瑟祿奇

Baker-Polito Administration Creates New State Public Service Award To Honor Former Governor Paul Cellucci

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the opening of the Commonwealth’s 33^rd annual Performance Recognition Program application period, which will include a new award created for the 2017 program titled the “Governor Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government.” The Cellucci Award will be open to any Executive Branch or Higher Education employee who has been in state service for 2 years and are leaders in the area of mentoring in the workplace and the fostering of a supportive and learning environment amongst colleagues.

"Paul took enormous pride in the team he built to work by his side in public service with integrity and determination,” said Jan Cellucci, wife of the former Governor. “It also gave Paul enormous joy, even as he faced the realities of ALS,  that many members of his Administration were inspired to continue to serve the Commonwealth.  Our family  remains indebted to their service and is so grateful that others will be encouraged to follow Paul's example through this award."

“Working with and for Governor Paul Cellucci for eight years allowed me to learn and benefit tremendously from his insights and collaborative spirits,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Like so many others, I was able to advance because of his interest in my growth and development and willingness to teach others what he already knew.” 

“Governor Paul Cellucci was my friend and mentor and I'm proud and honored to have his portrait hang in my office as a reminder of the strength and power of bipartisan leadership and state partnership with local government,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “A true public servant, I am inspired by his example and strive to incorporate the values of respect and civility in my work today and am pleased to see his legacy recognized through the works of others employed by our Commonwealth.”

“I had the tremendous honor of working for Governor Cellucci, who was one of the nicest and most genuine persons I have ever met,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff under Governor Cellucci.  “This award will preserve his legacy and set the bar for future state employees who choose to follow in his footsteps and serve the Commonwealth.”

Argeo Paul Cellucci of Hudson served as Governor of the Commonwealth from 1997 – 2001, when he was appointed Ambassador to Canada by President George W. Bush. Cellucci had previously served the Commonwealth as Lieutenant Governor (1991 – 1997), a State Senator (1985-1991), and a State Representative (1977-1985). Governor Cellucci spent his career engaging others to embrace public service and instilling a philosophy of “paying it forward.”  He was known for his commitment to keeping taxes low, maintaining fiscal discipline, supporting higher education standards, and combatting domestic and sexual violence.

The Commonwealth will honor all Performance Recognition Program award winners at a State House ceremony in the Fall, date to be determined.  Other awards to be given out will include Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service, the Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Public Service Award, and the Commonwealth Equity in Governance Award.

哈佛沙龍4/9邀李豫偉談中醫藥展望

邦克丘學院獲Deval Patrick獎5萬元

Bunker Hill Community College Learn and Earn Program Receives Deval Patrick Award

BOSTON, March 29, 2017— Bunker Hill Community College received the Deval Patrick Prize for Community Colleges in recognition of its Learn and Earn experiential education and internship program.  The annual award from The Boston Foundation acknowledges progress and excellence made by community colleges in establishing employer partnerships and career pathways. Former Governor Deval Patrick presented the award in the amount of $50,000 to President Pam Eddinger on March 22, 2017.

The Deval Patrick Prize builds on a reform movement that recognizes the critical role that community colleges play in developing the workforce needed by regional employers. President Eddinger thanked the Governor for framing this new paradigm, seeing the alliance between businesses and community colleges. 

Paul Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation, kicked off the event with a convening of community colleges and keynote address given by Dr. Karen A. Stout, President of Achieving the Dream.

Representing the success of BHCC’s Learn & Earn program, Eddinger invited alumni Nelson Franjul and current student Surya Madhala to speak to the growth opportunities that the program presents, and share how they’ve benefited from the program both personally and professionally. 

In his remarks, Governor Patrick said “Matching employer needs with specific training and education for our residents is at the very center of dissolving the skills gap. In fact, it’s critical to how we think about growing the economy out so it reaches the marginalized, not just the well-connected. Community colleges have been at the very center of that undertaking, and we continue to ask them to step up to meet the challenges facing our Commonwealth and communities. We must also support and celebrate them, and that is what this award is truly about.”

“You heard I’m a community college graduate,” said Bill Swanson, Former CEO of Raytheon and current President of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership. “Community college gave me the spark that lit the fire and the passion to do everything I could do and make a difference.”

Learn and Earn was launched in 2012 as collaboration with the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership (MACP) starting with 20 students and five employer partners. Now in its fifth year, the program has grown to 18 partners and has placed 500 students in internships at top corporations in and around Boston and across all major industry sectors.

Through the program, BHCC students have the opportunity to interview for paid internships at 18 leading Boston companies. Learn and Earn Partners include Bank of America, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Dovetail Health, Eaton Vance Investment Managers, EMC, Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Plymouth Rock Assurance, Putnam Investments, Raytheon, Staples, State Street, Suffolk Construction, The Boston Foundation, Tufts Technology Services, UBS and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Interested in building a qualified and diverse workforce? Partner with the Learn and Earn program at Bunker Hill Community College. Learn more atbhcc.edu/learnandearn/ or contact learnandearn@bhcc.mass.edu.

波士頓市長馬丁華殊慶50大壽 將競選連任

Tuesday, April 4th at 6 p.m. at Laugh Boston, to celebrate Mayor Martin Walsh's 50th birthday.
Please RSVP and secure your ticket today to help the Mayor celebrate his birthday with a night of comedy and good music!

Most sincerely,

The Walsh Committee

波市長 AAUW合作開班 教你談判薪資

MAYOR WALSH, AAUW TO HOST 14 FREE SALARY NEGOTIATION WORKSHOPS TO MARK EQUAL PAY AWARENESS WEEK

BOSTON - Monday, April 3, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) today announced the launch of Boston's second "Equal Pay Awareness Week," featuring 14 free salary negotiation workshops for women who live or work in Boston. The goal of Equal Pay Awareness Week is to acknowledge the gender wage gap and its consequences, while providing the training and tools to help Boston women advocate for themselves within the workforce. Tuesday, April 4 is "Equal Pay Day," a symbolic date when women's pay "catches up" and equals men's pay from the previous year. Women working full-time are typically paid just 80 percent on average of what white, non-Hispanic men make. That gap is larger for black and Hispanic women. "Boston thrives when women and men have an equal playing field," said Mayor Walsh. "These salary negotiations are one step we can take to provide women with the information and tools to advocate for themselves and work towards closing the wage gap. The workshops, combined with the work we are doing with employers to report wage data anonymously, will continue to make Boston the best city for working women. With the help of AAUW Work Smart and my Office of Women's Advancement, we will continue to fight for equal pay for all." "Salary negotiation workshops are part of AAUW's multifaceted approach to closing the gender pay gap," said Jesse B. Rauch, the senior program manager for AAUW's salary negotiation workshop programs, AAUW Start Smart and AAUW Work Smart. "Women who negotiate increase their potential to earn higher salaries and better benefits packages - and these advantages add up over time." AAUW Work Smart salary negotiation workshops were launched in September of 2015 as a five-year partnership with the City of Boston. Since that time, the program has trained over 3,000 working women in the City, with the goal of training 8,500 Boston women by December 2017, and 85,000 women by 2020. Registration for AAUW Work Smart in Boston free salary negotiation workshops is available online. The following workshops will be open to press: Monday, April 3 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Host: She Geeks Out Anchor (Behind the Render 121 Cafe on the First Floor) 50 Milk St. Tuesday, April 4 6:30 p.m..- 8:30 p.m. Host: The Latina Circle The Coop @ Hatch Fenway Landmark Center 401 Park Drive *Take 8th Floor East Elevators Thursday, April 6 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Host: Ellevate Network Boston Ernst Young, 200 Clarendon St. To cover the workshop, media is required to RSVP to the Mayor's Press Office: press.office@boston.gov, or 617-635-4461. Additional information will be provided to outlets that RSVP.