MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW CITY OF BOSTON CHIEF RESILIENCE OFFICER

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW  CITY OF BOSTON CHIEF RESILIENCE OFFICER

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 2, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced Lori D. Nelson as the City of Boston's newest Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), a position created in partnership with 100 Resilient Cities - Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation (100RC) in 2015 to lead city-wide resilience building efforts to help Boston implement long-term strategies for protecting the city from the effects of persistent racial and economic inequality. As Chief Resilience Officer, Nelson will report to Mayor Walsh and the Mayor's Chief of Policy, and will oversee the implementation of the  City's comprehensive Resilience Strategy and run the Office of Resilience and Racial Equity. "I am honored to welcome Lori as our new Chief Resilience Officer," said Mayor Walsh. "Her experience as a life-long public servant makes her a perfect fit for this position. From her first job out of college working as the Executive Director of the Black Caucus at the State House on the CORI Reform Bill, to directing constituent services at the Boston Housing Authority, Lori's mission has always been to give back to her community by increasing access and opportunity to every Bostonian. This role and mission is critical to the success of our city, and I look forward to working with Lori to achieve our resiliency and equity goals." "I am excited to take on a new role in the City of Boston as Chief Resilience Officer and my deep experience, creative ideas, and passion for the community into policy that will impact the daily lives of our neighbors," said Nelson. "Mayor Walsh's strategic vision and progressive plan gives me the freedom to focus on social resilience and dig deeper into finding the root causes of inequality and I am excited to get started."   Nelson will play a vital role in leading efforts to foster citywide dialogue and executing the City's resilience strategy, Resilient Boston: An Equitable and Connected City, to acknowledge and combat the root causes of these divisions, helping the city to unite and build the collective capacity for change. Nelson will continue to work with all City departments and agencies to ensure the application of an equity lens to initiatives, programs, and policies proposed and implemented by the City Of Boston. For example, the City recently announced efforts to practice a more equitable approach in allocating resources for neighborhood sidewalk reconstruction through Boston's Public Works Department as suggested in Resilient Boston. Boston's resilience strategy is focused on ensuring every resident can reach their full potential regardless of their background, and removing the barriers of systemic racism that hinder Bostonians from having access to opportunities. The strategy was developed as part of the Boston's partnership with 100RC. Boston was named part of the 100RC Network in December 2014, joining cities like Paris, France; Cape Town, South Africa; Mexico City, Mexico; and Bangkok, Thailand. As a member of the 100RC Network, Boston has received tools, technical expertise, funding and other resources to build resilience to the challenges of the 21st century. "100 Resilient Cities has been a proud partner with the City of Boston as it developed - and now is implementing - the Resilient Boston strategy," said Otis Rolley, Regional Director for North America at 100RC. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor Walsh, and new Chief Resilience Officer, Lori Nelson, to continue building a more resilient city for all of Boston's residents." 100RC supports the adoption and incorporation of a view of resilience that includes not just the shocks-earthquakes, fires, weather events, etc.-but also the stresses that weaken the fabric of a city on a day to day or cyclical basis, such as economic inequity and structural racism. Through the partnership with 100RC, Boston has worked to infuse the principles of resilience into all aspects of local planning and the overarching issues facing the city, including racial and socio-economic inequity, the lack of affordable housing, unemployment and underemployment, violence, trauma, climate change, flooding and terrorism. Utilizing this lens, Nelson will support all of Boston's major planning efforts, including Imagine Boston 2030 and Go Boston 2030, working across City departments and with external stakeholders. In partnership with the Hyams Foundation, the City also continues a series of race dialogues in Boston neighborhoods, as a continuation of efforts for all Bostonians to acknowledge systemic racism and work toward racial equity. In addition to these and other race dialogues, the City has hosted two public forums attended by over 1,200 residents, which served as an open citywide conversation with the Mayor about racism. Nelson was most recently the Director of Communications and Constituency Services for the City of Boston's Housing Authority. Alongside that role, she commits time to community work, serving on the Advisory Council for the Barbara Lee Foundation; chairing the Political Action Committee for the Black Ministerial Alliance since 2013 where she was appointed to the executive leadership team in 2017. She also served in leadership as the first Vice President of the NAACP Boston branch from January 2017 through April 2018 and now continues her advocacy as a  member within the branch. Before joining the City of Boston's Housing Authority, Nelson was the Deputy Chief of Staff for the MBTA. Prior to joining the MBTA, she worked for Governor Deval Patrick as the Deputy Director of Community Affairs and Special Projects, where she served as a liaison on community related affairs, particularly concerning youth, ethnic groups and coalitions across the Commonwealth, faith-based initiatives, and worked with Public Safety and Health and Human Services on youth violence reduction Nelson specializes in coalition and partnership building, as well as political strategy in urban areas. Nelson studied English Literature and African American Studies at Northeastern University. The CRO is an innovative feature of 100RC's resilience building program, specifically designed to break down existing barriers at the local level, account for pre-existing resilience plans, and create partnerships, alliances and financing mechanisms that will address the resilience vulnerabilities of all city residents, with a particular focus on low-income and vulnerable populations. About 100 Resilient Cities-Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resilient Cities - Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation (100RC) helps cities around the world become more resilient to social, economic, and physical challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. 100RC provides this assistance through: funding for a Chief Resilience Officer in each of our cities who will lead the resilience efforts; resources for drafting a resilience strategy; access to private sector, public sector, academic, and NGO resilience tools; and membership in a global network of peer cities to share best practices and challenges. For more information, visit www.100ResilientCities.org.

AG HEALEY CALLS FOR PREVENTION EDUCATION IN EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL

AG HEALEY CALLS FOR PREVENTION EDUCATION IN EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL

Kicks Off Tour to Highlight Project Here’s Expansion to 200 Schools, Announces New Grant Funding to Address Unmet Need for Prevention Education in Schools

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey is calling for joint action to make substance use prevention education available to all Massachusetts public school students during a tour of middle schools that have implemented Project Here, a $2 million public-private initiative that is tackling a significant unmet need in the state’s battle against the ongoing opioid crisis.

This week, AG Healey will join with mayors, local elected officials, faculty and students in Newburyport, Haverhill, Braintree and Taunton to highlight Project Here programs in middle schools across the state. 

“Nothing we can do to fight this epidemic is more important than investing in young people,” said AG Healey. “Through Project Here, more than 200 public middle schools in Massachusetts now have access to substance use prevention education. It’s time to double down on that commitment and make these resources available in every public school in our state.”

Project Here is making substance use prevention educational resources available to every public middle school in Massachusetts. The initiative promotes social emotional learning and empowers students to make healthy decisions through its three components: an educational toolkit, a digital app, and a grant program for evidence-based curriculum. More than 200 schools across the state have registered and received the Project Here Toolkit, which provides materials including teacher guides, lesson plans, educational resources, video content, and outreach materials.

Last week, AG Healey and the GE Foundation announced a new grant program from Project Here to fund evidence-based substance use prevention curricula in public middle schools in Massachusetts.

“With partners like AG Healey and support from local municipalities, we’re making real progress in the fight against substance use and the opioid crisis across Boston and Massachusetts,” said Ann R. Klee, President, GE Foundation. “Project Here resources are already helping educate our youth today. These grants provide critical funding to prevent our kids from falling into the vicious cycle of the opioid epidemic.”

Project Here, an initiative announced in May 2017 by the Attorney General’s Office and the GE Foundation, along with Health Resources in Action, Epicenter Experience and The Herren Project, is dedicated to promoting healthy decision-making by making educational resources available to public middle schools at no cost.

The toolkit also provides students the opportunity to connect with a support network staffed by licensed professionals at The Herren Project. Schools that participate in Project Here will also have access to a digital app that will serve as an engaging educational vehicle for students to learn about substance use and practice healthy decision-making skills. The app will be available to registered schools in the fall. 

Announced last week, the new grant program from Project Here will fund evidence-based substance use prevention curricula in public middle schools in Massachusetts. This grant will provide selected middle schools funding to implement one of three evidence-based prevention curricula: Botvin LifeSkills Training, Michigan Model for Health, or Positive Action. Full proposals must be submitted online at www.here.world/grant by 4 PM on June 15, 2018.  

The Project Here initiative is the latest effort by AG Healey to address the unmet need for youth prevention and education services to combat the opioid epidemic, a key priority of her administration. In May, the AG’s Office distributed $700,000 in settlement funding directly to school districts, nonprofits and community organizations to fund prevention programming through its Youth Opioid Prevention Grant Program. 

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the risks of substance use. Ninety percent of all adults struggling with addiction started using when they were under the age of 18, and 50 percent were under the age of 15. Studies have shown that effective substance use education and prevention programming can significantly decrease the risk of substance use among young people.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FILING OF NEXT STEPS TO REBUILD LONG ISLAND BRIDGE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FILING OF NEXT STEPS TO REBUILD LONG ISLAND BRIDGE

Boston files notice of intent with the Boston Conservation Commission with plans to rebuild Long Island bridge, moving forward Boston's commitment to create a recovery campus on Long Island

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 2, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today filed a notice of intent for the rebuilding of Long Island bridge with the Boston Conservation Commission, taking another step forward in Boston's plans to create a long-term recovery campus on the island. This filing builds on the Walsh Administration's commitment to ensuring every person who needs access to recovery services has the resources they need. "For many people, including myself, Long Island played a vital role in Boston's recovery landscape -- and it will again," said Mayor Walsh. "Tackling the opioid crisis means using each and every tool we have, and this is an important next step to ensure Long Island can serve as a resource for those in Boston, and those from surrounding areas, who are struggling with substance use disorders." "Boston is a healthcare hub, with state-of-the-art hospitals and addiction treatment facilities that draw people in need from across the state to seek care and access a path to recovery," said Marty Martinez, Chief of Health and Human Services. "We are proud to offer these inroads to care, regardless of a client's origins, and we look forward to building out Long Island to further support all of the most vulnerable who come to us seeking help and support." The notice of intent filed today specifies the method by which the bridge will be rebuilt. Closed on an emergency basis in 2014 for public safety reasons, the superstructure of the bridge was removed in 2015 with the support of all relevant federal, state, and local permitting agencies. Since the emergency closing of the bridge, all 742 shelter beds and all 225 recovery beds from Long Island were replaced, with additional capacity for both the homeless and recovery communities. In his January 2018 inauguration, Mayor Walsh pledged to rebuild the bridge, and create a comprehensive, long-term recovery campus on the island. While the island previously also served the homeless, homeless services will not be returning to the island. Read this message from Mayor Walsh on how the City of Boston is working to house the homeless through Boston's Way Home. Through Boston's recently released capital plan, Boston will invest $80 million in new funding to rebuild the bridge to Long Island, for a total of $92 million to go towards the project. In order to minimize impacts on the seafloor around the bridge, the bridge replacement superstructure component will be assembled offsite and then floated into place on barges. The new bridge will be similar to the original 1951 bridge, with one lane in each direction and sidewalks, as well as an open channel for boats below. The design and materials from the original bridge will be updated to ensure a longer-lasting structure that will be able to serve those in recovery for decades to come. "Boston is a national leader in recovery services. This bridge represents Boston's ongoing commitment to those who are struggling with substance use disorders," said Jen Tracey, Director of Boston's Office of Recovery Services. "As the opioid epidemic continues nationally, we are approaching it from all angles in Boston, taking bold steps and working with partners in the community to create a continuum of care and resources for those in every stage of recovery. Having bridge access to Long Island will allow us space to create a long-term recovery campus that will fill the existing gaps we're identifying." The rebuilding of Long Island bridge and Mayor Walsh's commitment to creating a recovery campus, which will serve individuals in and around Boston who need access to recovery services, highlights the Walsh Administration's work in tackling the national opioid crisis, and its effects on Boston and surrounding towns. Recovery service providers in Boston have emphasized the need to fill existing gaps in the continuum of care, or the array of services offered to those in each stage of recovery from addiction. Particularly for those who may have co-occurring disorders and are battling behavioral health issues alongside addiction, ensuring that the individual is supported fully throughout recovery is critical. "Mayor Walsh's essential budget priority to invest rebuilding Boston's Long Island bridge and siting a recovery campus for our city's most vulnerable seeking treatment could not happen quickly enough," said Founder and President/CEO of Victory Programs Inc, Jonathan D. Scott. "Historically for the last 150 years Boston's Long Island has been specifically used for this kind of fundamental healthcare initiative, especially for our poorest and most disenfranchised. With a new bridge and a recovery campus, Mayor Walsh is ensuring new hope against the complex crisis of addiction, and suitable, necessary and best purpose for the city owned Harbor Island." "Having Long Island available for quality services will help build a bridge of hope for the too many people in need of addiction treatment and recover," said Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery Executive Director, Maryanne Frangules. In 2015, Mayor Walsh created the Office of Recovery Services to study substance use in Boston and lead the city's strategy around substance use disorders and recovery. This is the first and only municipal recovery office in the nation. In 2016, Mayor Walsh launched the new 311 for Recovery Services 24/7 hotline support system to help people struggling with addiction to access all levels of recovery services. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) has created innovative programs and taken steps to address substance use disorders. These include the Personal Advancement for Individuals in Recovery Initiative (PAIR), which offers a scholarship program for low-income individuals in early recovery to spend on college or training courses. In addition, the office has expanded the City's access to care program, PAATHS, with additional staff members and extended operating hours to ensure around the clock access to detoxification, residential programs, medication-assisted treatment, and support for caregivers. The City of Boston has also invested in outreach workers to bring recovery service interventions to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. The outreach workers are equipped with naloxone (Narcan) and have the ability to connect people with the appropriate recovery services and supports. Together with the ORS, Boston has created a daytime engagement center for homeless individuals that hosts programming and access to medical, recovery, housing and job search services. The street outreach workers guide people to the center, which sees more than 300 visits a day. The engagement center, which began as a pilot, was permanently funded in Boston's fiscal year 2019 budget due to its success. In his first weeks in office, Mayor Walsh mandated the life-saving medication naloxone be carried in every public safety vehicle in the city. Police, firefighters, and EMTs are using this tool to save lives on a daily basis. In addition, the city provides ongoing overdose prevention and intervention training for family members, community members, private businesses, and city employees, training more than 10,000 people a year. Mayor Walsh serves as the Chair of the National Task Force on Substance Use, Prevention and Recovery Services for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, guiding mayors around the country in innovative approaches to the addiction crisis. The rebuilding of the Long Island bridge, and building a recovery campus, will further the Walsh Administration's commitment to creating resources and services for all those who are in need. The next steps in the rebuilding of Long Island bridge include filing a notice of intent with the Quincy Conservation Commission. Construction on the bridge replacement is expected to begin in 2019.

CAPAC and Congressional Leaders Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

CAPAC and Congressional Leaders Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is celebrated each May to recognize the history, contributions, and achievements of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. To commemorate this month-long observance, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and Congressional Leaders released the following statements:

CAPAC Leadership

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

“Each May, we come together to celebrate the vibrant history and widespread contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our nation. As laborers who helped build the first transcontinental railroad and contribute to the farm worker movement, and military service members who have fought valiantly in battles dating back to the American Civil War, the rich cultural heritage of the AAPI community is inextricably woven into the fabric of our nation.  From our indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to our more recent refugee and immigrant populations, AAPIs have also planted deep roots in their local communities as small business owners, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, artists, lawyers, scientists, and public servants.

“As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the tireless work of generations of AAPIs who came before us and recommit ourselves to advancing the work that still lies ahead. Together, we have the power to speak out against dangerous policies targeting immigrant, refugee, and minority populations and to build a brighter future for generations to come.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair:

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of our diversity and the contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make to our nation every day. We are a nation of immigrants, whose ancestors came to America seeking liberty, prosperity, and human dignity. As we celebrate APA Heritage Month, we should be mindful of this history and remember that ours was a country founded on compassion and justice. I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring the heritages of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and I encourage all Americans to take time during APA Heritage Month to appreciate the achievements and patriotism of the AAPI community.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“This month, we celebrate and honor our country’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The AAPI community has made indelible contributions to American society and culture and continues to demonstrate the importance and value of diversity and inclusion. As an Asian American, I am grateful for the AAPI trailblazers who carved a path for people like me to thrive fields like public service, art, education, business, research, science, journalism and entertainment. Ensuring people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed is the best thing we can do for our country.”

U.S. Senators

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

"Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time to reflect on and take pride in the numerous contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout our nation’s history and of the continued contributions of our children and our children’s children. As we celebrate our community this May, we should also look ahead and continue to work for progress for our community and ensure the American Dream remains within reach for all.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“As we observe Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the progress AAPI communities have made across the country. However, these are unusual times. As communities of color are attacked by the Trump administration, we must all continue the work that we’re doing and increase our efforts to achieve equality and opportunity for all.”

House Congressional Leadership

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), House Democratic Leader:

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize the immense contributions that this beautiful and diverse population has made to our nation.  For generations, Asian Pacific American communities have come to our shores to pursue the American Dream, bringing their rich cultures and wonderful traditions.  Many of these courageous Americans overcame persecution, injustice and bigotry to strengthen our country and, in the process, exemplified what it means to be an American. 

“For generations, proud Asian Pacific American men and women have bravely defended our nation and become an enduring part of our unique American story.  In San Francisco, we are immensely proud of the richness and diversity that our vibrant AAPI community has brought to our city.  We like to say that the beauty is in the mix, and generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have built our city, invigorated our community and enriched all our lives. 

“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us celebrate the AAPI community’s undaunted spirit and the role they have played in our history and the contributions they are making to our future.  We can honor these proud Americans by reaffirming our legacy as a nation of immigrants and fulfilling our most basic promise that out of many, we are one.”

Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), House Democratic Whip:

“Throughout May, we pay tribute to the history and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.  I join in celebrating the diverse cultures that form a critical part of our American fabric and the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation.  In business, government, sports, the arts, science, and military service, they continue to help make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. 
 
“In Congress, I’ve been proud to work closely with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), led by Chairwoman Judy Chu, to make opportunities more accessible to workers and their families, to expand access to quality health care and education, to stand up for the rights of immigrants, and to combat racism and xenophobia.  Together, we will continue fighting to protect voting rights, to ensure justice is blind, and to create good jobs that offer pathways to long-term economic security.  As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month together, let us resolve to continue standing up for our shared values and common vision of an America where all are able to get ahead.”

Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-14), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus:

“During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the rich histories, cultures and contributions the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have made to our country. From science to the arts, our AAPI brothers and sisters have enriched and shaped every aspect of American society. I am proud to join CAPAC and my fellow Americans in this celebration, and to reaffirm my commitment to elevate and promote opportunity for the AAPI community in Congress.”

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:

“I’m proud to recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to celebrate the AAPI community in our country. Their involvement in the sciences, arts, industry, government, and commerce highlights the many contributions AAPIs make to enrich and strengthen our society’s cultural fabric. I am incredibly proud to represent cities that are known throughout Southern California and the world for their prominent Asian Pacific American communities. I join with my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues to ensure that the concerns and needs of the Asian American Pacific Islander community are heard in Congress.”

CAPAC Executive Board Members

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“The AAPI community has made exceptional contributions to our country throughout history. Hawai‘i’s own leaders like Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, the Nisei-only 442nd Infantry Regiment, and our Filipino WWII Veterans have shaped our collective history by breaking down barriers and working with unwavering conviction to better the lives of all Americans. Our AAPI community today continues to lead across every sector—from government, business, and military service, to culture, arts, technology, healthcare, and so much more.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“It is an honor and privilege to represent a district as diverse as California’s 34th Congressional District. From the communities of Koreatown, Chinatown, and Historic Filipinotown, to the neighborhoods of Little Tokyo and Little Bangladesh, Los Angeles provides a diversity of art, culture, and cuisine unlike any other city in the country. As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I join my colleagues in honoring the immense contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to America’s greater story and I’m proud to be one of their representatives in Congress.”

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01):

“As we mark Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by honoring the contributions our community has made to America, let us remember that there is so much more work to be done. Hawaii is the only majority-AAPI state in the country. Our history is full of examples of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders working to build the foundations of our state’s success in business, education, military service, science, engineering and the arts. The AAPI community is one of the fastest growing groups in America. But as our country continues to diversify we must recognize that we live in challenging times. Divisive rhetoric, discrimination and racism have been given a prominent platform in America. It is up to all of us to remember the struggles of those who came before us. As we honor their work, let us remember their perseverance and continue their fight for equality.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“The many contributions that Asians and Pacific Islanders have made to the community in Silicon Valley and to our country are a testimony to the benefits of embracing diversity. We must ensure that America remains a nation where people from all backgrounds are free to pursue their potential and the American dream.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“This May, I’m proud to join communities across the country in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. By opening new businesses, participating in the arts, serving in elected office, and pioneering new scientific discoveries, the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans are a vital part of our nation’s civic, economic, and cultural development. The East Bay’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths and I am proud to represent such a vibrant Asian Pacific American community. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and co-chair of the CAPAC Health Care Task Force, I’m committed to expanding opportunity and ensuring that every family can realize the American Dream.”

Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-06):

“I’m pleased to join my colleagues in celebrating the profound impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had on American life. From contributions in the arts, to science, to civic life, the AAPI community has played in an important role in enhancing our country’s multifaceted identity. This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating those contributions and look for ways to value diversity in their communities.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I’m thrilled to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) with my fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the nation and in Queens. APAHM is a joyous month to reflect on the unique and many contributions that AAPIs have made to our country. Our participation in American society has grown exponentially since the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843.

“From the Chinese workers who built the Transcontinental Railroad to the millions of small business owners across America, AAPIs are part of the American social fabric. Today, it is encouraging to see AAPIs are participating in our political system, the military, academia, entertainment, and sports. They are actors and actresses, politicians, doctors, lawyers, bankers, athletes and soldiers. While we celebrate our shared success, we must also invest in overcoming inequality and ensure AAPIs have an equal chance at the American Dream. In Congress, I will continue to fight for policies that ensure AAPIs receive equal treatment and justice and to have our contributions to American society recognized nationally.”

Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03):

“I am proud to celebrate Asian American Pacific/Islander (AAPI) heritage month. During this time, we reflect on the many contributions that the AAPI community has made in the development and success of this country. The APPI community has been an integral part of the story of America.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41):

“Each year, the month of May is a time to recognize the many contributions Americans of Asian and Pacific Island descent have made to the United States. Members of the AAPI community have been an essential part of our nation for centuries. We have created businesses, developed new technologies, produced great works of art, and served America in times of peace and times of war. As I join my colleagues in CAPAC to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I do so with pride in all that we have achieved and excitement for all the achievements yet to come.”

CAPAC Associate Members

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09):

“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their invaluable contributions to our country. Asian Pacific Americans have made many contributions throughout our nation’s history and I am proud that many call California and my district home.”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates the history and lasting contributions of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to San Diego and our country.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States with more immigrants originating from the Asia-Pacific region than anywhere else in the world. San Diego’s AAPI community has emulated that growth to become a political, economic, and social force in our city. It’s one of San Diego’s greatest strengths, which is why I’m working to create greater economic opportunity and oppose backwards immigration policies, so our AAPI community can continue to grow and thrive. I hope you all will join me this May in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.”

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40):

“As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, it is a privilege for me to salute my district's diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander population, and AAPI families from coast to coast, for all their contributions to our country.  AAPIs enrich our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our culture each and every day, and have been pivotal to making America a strong, just, prosperous, and forward-thinking nation.  In the years to come, our AAPI community will continue to play an essential role in making America a more perfect union.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and vast contributions Asian Pacific Americans have made to the United States. I am proud to represent a district in the Pacific Northwest with a significant Asian Pacific American community that enriches and strengthens our entire region. During this month, we also reflect on the deep-rooted history of Asian Pacific Americans in our country and their continued work to make our country stronger.”

AG HEALEY OPPOSES ROLLBACK OF CRITICAL VEHICLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS

AG HEALEY OPPOSES ROLLBACK OF CRITICAL VEHICLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS

Joins Multistate Challenge to Scott Pruitt’s Decision to Abandon Achievable Pollution Limits That Would Save Drivers an Estimated $1,650 Per Car

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today joined a coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its rollback of critical federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light-duty trucks.

“These commonsense limits on tailpipe pollution have done more than any other measure to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, increase miles per gallon fuel economy and save drivers money on gas,” said AG Healey. “Scott Pruitt has once again illegally handed EPA decision-making over to fossil-fuel lobbyists, while sticking the American people with dirtier air and higher prices at the pump. Since the public can no longer depend on the EPA to protect their interests, we are fighting to defend the standards.”

Globally, the transportation sector is the fastest growing source of dangerous greenhouse gas pollution. Cars and light duty trucks make up 60 percent of the country’s transportation sector and are the main driver for U.S. dependence on oil, including foreign imports. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, the transportation sector has surpassed the electric power sector and is now the nation’s largest source of carbon dioxide emissions. 

Beginning in 2010, the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and California Air Resources Board established a single national program of greenhouse gas emissions standards for model year 2012-2025 vehicles. This program allows automakers to design and manufacture for a single national program in all states.

The federal standards the states are suing to protect, for model year 2022-2025 vehicles, are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 540 million metric tons, the equivalent of removing 422 million cars from the road, and to save drivers $1,650 per vehicle.

In January 2017, EPA determined, in its “midterm evaluation,” that the 2022-25 standards are readily achievable by the auto industry. After an extensive technical review, based in significant part on information from industry, advocates, and other interested parties, EPA found that “automakers are well positioned to meet the standards at lower costs than previous estimated.”

However, last month the EPA arbitrarily reversed course and claimed that the greenhouse gas emissions standards for model years 2022-2025 vehicles should be scrapped. The Administration offered no evidence to support this decision and deferred any analysis to a forthcoming rulemaking designed to try to weaken the existing 2022-2025 standards.

Filed today in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the lawsuit is based on the fact that the EPA acted arbitrarily and capriciously, failed to follow its own Clean Car regulations, and violated the Clean Air Act. 

Joining AG Healey in filing today’s lawsuit were the Attorneys General of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania (also filed by and through its Department of Environmental Protection), Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Minnesota filed by and through its Pollution Control Agency and Department of Transportation. This coalition represents approximately 44 percent of the U.S. population and 43 percent of the new car sales market nationally.

波士頓區塊鍊週活動之一(圖片)

亦來雲聯合創始人韓鋒(右)出席波士頓區塊鍊週活動，在南車站對面
的WeWork和出席者分享經驗。(周菊子攝)

張紹遠你問我答 竭盡所能助人創業 (圖片)

曾為Paypal高館的張紹遠(David Chang)近年已Personal VC聯合創辦人
身分，積極協助初創企業者發展。日前應StartUp Institute
之邀，做"你問我答"嘉賓。(周菊子攝)