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星期三, 6月 13, 2018

楊安澤參選美國總統 全民基本收入政綱 引人矚目

美國總統參選人楊安澤(Andrew Yang, 右)在ACE Nextgen波士頓會長
蘇宇寅(Ian So,左)支持下到波士頓舉辦籌款見面會。(周菊子攝)
              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)美國歷史中第二個宣佈參選美國總統的華人楊安澤(Andrew Yang)611日來到波士頓,上電視,見支持者,宣講"全民基本收入(Universal Basic Income)",”自由紅利(Freedom Dividen)”等政策,要為美國下一代因應機器人時代打基礎。
楊安澤的競選政綱強調人本為先。(周菊子攝)
               楊安澤在波士頓期間,到了全美首家機器人餐廳對面的”雞肉飯傢伙”實體店當臨時大廚,悄悄參加亞裔青年協會(YES)與華埠社區聯盟的聯誼,再到紐百利街上的共同工作空間Officio,出席ACE Nextgen波士頓分會會長蘇宇寅為他舉辦的籌款會,和支持者晤面,宣講他的"全民基本收入(Universal Basic Income)",”自由紅利(Freedom Dividen)”等政策,當晚轉赴新罕布夏州,為次日的活動做準備。
                        他打算以亞裔,科技人,企業家為爭取支持的優先對象。
               楊安澤表示,奧巴馬、川普都在人們認為不可能的情況下當選美國總統,這兩人採用的競選方法與策略卻大不相同,可見參選美國總統並沒有固定模式可循,他有信心自己的理念將得到廣大美國人的認可,支持。
曾任TAP波士頓分會會長的洪聚佐(左)邀請楊安澤出席台美人年會。
(周菊子攝)
               美國下一屆總統大選排定2020年舉行,目前已有廿,三十人被點名為潛在候選人,已於去年11月遞表參選的楊安澤,則是政治素人,政治評論家的雷達圈,從沒掃描到他。
從事批發業的梅仲景(右一),正籌備進入新行業的Richard Gin (左二)等人
特地來親耳聽聽楊安澤(右二)的政綱。(周菊子攝)
               今年三月初,楊安澤提出全民基本收入政策,要給年紀在1864歲之間的美國成年人,每人每月發1000美元基本生活費,還完全不計較用途,讓他立即受到廣泛注意。
               他指機器人世代來臨,人工智慧全面進入人類生活,目前社會中三分之一,甚至多達一半的工作機會將被機器人取代,現行制度必須改變,人們生活才能安樂的說法,則讓他成為既獲得認同,受人喜愛,卻也被人批評誇大,恫嚇老百姓的爭議人物。
               還有很多人問,每人每月發1000元,美國政府怎麼可能做到。
               下一代亞裔企業家協會(ACE Nextgen)”波士頓分會承辦,在紐百利街上Officio共同辦公室空間舉辦的籌款,以及與支持者見面會中,楊安澤闡述他的三大政綱,包括全民基本收入(Universal Basic Income”全民健保(Medical for All)”,以及人本資本(Human Capitalism)”等理念。
楊安澤(右)和出席者晤談。(周菊子攝)
指出,其實全民基本收入比許多人想的要更容易實現。他說這做法大約每年要花2兆美元,但是目前政府每年花在為人民提供收入支持的前,就已經大約占那數額的25%30%了,若再加上向那些因為人工智能自動化而獲益的企業收取加值稅,政府就會有足夠的錢來為人民提供這一福利。
               與此同時,每月可領基本收入的人民在生活無憂下,將會更願意再學習,生活愉快後犯罪率,患病率必然降低,整個社會勢必因此節省更多費用。
很多人都想親自聽聽楊安澤怎麼說。(周菊子攝)
楊安澤指出,有研究機構的調查報告顯示,政府每花一元降低貧窮,實際可節省7元開銷。回顧美國歷史,美國眾議院早在1971年尼克森總統在位時就通過類似法案,馬丁路德金也支持,但後來因為參議院的民主黨員們要求更高的收入門檻,一年12,000元,結果才未能通過立法。
目前阿拉斯加州也實施有石油紅利法,州內居民可每人每年獲發1500元上下的分紅。
會場出席者眾,聽聞有人剛因科技發展遭裁員,甚唏噓。(周菊子攝)
               現年43歲的楊安澤是移民第二代,父母來自台灣,分別是擁有69項專利的物理博士,以及在大學擔任行政人員的統計碩士。出生於紐約的他,從布朗大學經濟及政治系畢業後,取得哥倫比亞大學法律博士學位,在律師樓工作了5個月,因為不喜歡,離職自己開家小網路公司,因為經營不成功,轉進一家醫療初創公司打工,學會如何打造企業,後來進入一家名叫曼哈頓和GMAT”的教育公司,成為執行長,把這家公司經營成全美第一大,並被收購。
波士頓環球報專欄作家梁詩莉也來親耳聽聽楊安澤怎麼說。(周菊子攝)
               那之後,他開始思考,美國面對的最大問題是什麼,他看到的其中一個問題是,那些聰明小孩全都想要變成銀行家,律師,或者在紐約,波士頓,舊金山等大城市工作。思考該怎麼改變這現象後,2011年他自掏腰包,拿出12萬元,再開口問那些手頭寬裕的朋友愛不愛美國,愛的話就加入捐款行列,總共籌資20萬元,創辦了”Venture for America (為美國創業)”這非牟利機構,為剛畢業的大學生提供二年薪資,讓他們在初創公司內工作。
               為美國創業這機構如今已是每年募資600萬元,已為700名大學生在全美18個城市的200多初創公司提供過工作,學習機會。其中26人後來自己創辦公司,聘用了120多人。
為美國創業工作的6年半間,他穿梭各地,教人創業,同時親眼看到美國中南部民眾面對的生活困境,俄亥俄州,密西根州,賓夕法尼亞州有400萬個製造業工作機會被科技淘汰,讓他很為自己兩個兒子的未來擔憂。他也發現,美國境內面對壓力打擊的人遠比他想像的多,年輕人都想移民到大城市去工作。他相信川普會在2016年當選美國總統,和這現象有很大關係。
楊安澤指出,美國就業人口中,文職,零售業,飲食相關行業,卡車司機及製造業這排名前五的行業,在整個就業人口中佔49%,但在現行的科技發展趨勢中,30%的百貨商場將在未來4年內關門或轉型,密西根州及印第安那州的勞動人口有40%完全離開了就業市場,有40%申請了殘障補貼,甚至整個美國的殘障人口比建築業工作人員還多,美國人連平均壽命都降低了,自殺率破紀錄,每小時都有人死於毒品,整個社會似乎正在解體當中。
楊安澤也用卡車司機這個行業舉例,指出機器人正悄悄侵入,510年後這些司機將面對失去工作機會的挑戰,似乎不難想像。
楊安澤說他把這些見聞拿去問過許多參眾議員,甚至一名全美最大工會的領袖,但卻沒人拿得出改善計畫。他得到的答案是,一,這問題不可談,二,這問題得再深入研究,三,必須重新培訓美國人來適應未來工作。全是漂亮話。其中在培訓部分,根據他的了解,政府所贊助的再就業培訓,有效率在0%37%之間,獲益者實在不足。
楊安澤因此決定自己來,辭去為美國創業執行長,宣佈參選美國總統,要訂定辦法來因應自動化風潮。
楊安澤目前提出的做法包括全民基本收入,向實施自動化產業徵收附加價值稅,在醫療健保上實施單一付費者制度,推行新的人本資本主義(human capitalism)”衡量經濟辦法等等。
在他的個人競選網站上,已列出六,七十項政策。
            在楊安澤宣佈參選美國總統後,幾乎所有人都認為,機會微乎其微,美國主流報界也以”long shot”來形容。但有不少人聽了他的想法後,都很願意支持他。楊安澤自己認為,當初奧巴馬總統,川普總統參選,都一樣不被人看好,卻都出人意料之外的當選,他當然一樣有機會。他希望能夠先促成十萬人每人捐款一元的局面,來驗證有多少人贊成他的政綱,看法。

TREASURER GOLDBERG VISITS HAVERHILL FOR HER COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM

SoarMA pilot to benefit seventh grade students in five Gateway Cities

HAVERHILL - On Monday, June 11th, Treasurer Deb Goldberg hosted a town hall discussion on college access and affordability with Consentino Middle School seventh graders enrolled in her office’s college savings program. With its launch last December, SoarMA is the Commonwealth’s first college savings account program that provides seeded 529 accounts as well as savings workshops to low-income middle schoolers and their families in Gateway Cities. SoarMA is a two-year pilot that includes the cities of Haverhill, Lowell, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester.

“Access to affordable higher education is critical to the economic future of many families and communities in Massachusetts,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “It was a pleasure to join these incredible kids to discuss ways we can foster a college-going culture in Haverhill.”

The initiative, funded through public-private partnerships, provides a matched savings of up to $400 and monthly college savings workshops. The 529 college savings accounts are offered through the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) and Inversant.
"At MEFA we understand how saving for college can help students reach their dreams, and middle school is an excellent time for families to start saving if they haven't already,” said Tom Graf, Executive Director of MEFA. “Planning early will provide students and families more options when it comes time to pursue that college degree.”

Treasurer Goldberg was joined by civic and community leaders during her conversation with Consentino students. Through impactful community partnerships, SoarMA aims to increase the percentage of families saving for higher education while also boosting post-secondary enrollment and graduation rates for the participating cities.

“It is so important for all children and families to have access to college,” said Mayor James J. Fiorentini. “I am pleased that the SoarMA program was brought to Haverhill’s Mount Washington neighborhood and that Treasurer Goldberg and Representative Vargas joined us at Consentino School to discuss this program and talk to students about planning and saving for college.”

Additionally, SoarMA seeks to deliver high-quality financial education programming to families, building a culture centered on saving for the future and sustainable budget management. Inversant, a Boston-based non-profit organization, will support SoarMA with its existing curriculum model. Inversant's mission is to ensure that through parental engagement, every low-to-moderate income family has the resources and understanding they need to achieve their goals for higher education.

“Children with savings accounts develop a strong sense of their future possibilities, including college, career, home ownership, and economic stability, said Robert Hildreth, Founder and Board Chair of Inversant. By partnering with the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office, even more, families across the state will be able to access a higher education, and more importantly, better the entire family’s prospects.”

For more information about Treasurer Goldberg’s college savings pilot program please visithttps://www.soarma529.org/

NH中國星餐廳今晨遇火災燒毀 無人傷亡


(Boston Orange) 新罕布夏州塞冷鎮一家名叫"中國星(China Star)"的餐廳,隨同2層半高,有10戶公寓單位的整棟大樓,今(13)日清晨在一場三級大火中付諸一炬。
新罕布夏州塞冷鎮消防局長楊藍道(Randall Young)表示,最起初是位於主街80號的中國星餐廳在凌晨539分時發生火災。該鎮計畫主任Ross Moldoff表示,中國星餐廳是一家有40個座位的餐廳,1987年設立。
大樓內的住宅單位,包括6個一睡房,22睡房,以及2個套房等不同格局單位,還有一家當地的菸霧店(Venue Vapors),都在這場大火中全部燒毀。
楊藍道在早上8點前表示,樓宇的結構坍塌了,他們還在處理現場。
他說為預防起見,有兩名消防員被送到聖家醫院(Holy Family Hospital)。不過他們應該沒事。他不知道有多少居民因此無處居留,但沒其他人受傷。
根據鎮上物業評估紀錄,整棟大樓的木製結構建於1920年,總共9,531平方呎。
警方表示,在愉悅街和28號公路之間的主街,暫時封閉了,以便消防員清理現場。

星期二, 6月 12, 2018

Whole Food 今起在波士頓推出2小時內免費送貨服務


(Boston Orange)亞馬遜(Amazon)旗下的雜貨店,全食(Whole Foods)”(12)日宣佈,凡是住在波士頓,以及其他三個新城市的亞馬遜”Prime Now”用戶,可以獲得二小時內免費送貨到府服務。
               這服務在該店門市時間的早上8點至晚上10點有效,如果客戶想要在一小時之內拿到所購貨品,就得至少購買35元以上貨品,並支付7.99元運費。
               自從亞馬遜買下全食後,今年稍早時,曾於8各城市試辦給”Prime Out”客戶送貨,在數州推出採購雜貨給10%折扣的服務。
               亞馬遜11日宣佈將把擴大在另外10周推出這些優惠,使得全美享有這優惠的地點增至23處。但麻州還享受不到這一折扣。
               不過,全食在波士頓提供2小時免費送貨服務。

Mayor Walsh to pursue increase in linkage

Mayor Walsh to pursue increase in linkage
Leveraging strong development market to support affordable housing and job training
 
Boston – Tuesday, June 12, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that he is pursuing an increase in the linkage fees paid by developers in Boston, as part of continuing efforts to increase funding for affordable housing and job training.  Increasing linkage leverages the current strong development market in Boston to bring additional benefits to the residents of Boston. The Mayor’s proposal will increase the current linkage rates by 8 percent, to $9.03 per square foot for housing contributions, and to $1.78 per square foot for jobs contribution, for a total of $10.81. 

“By asking developers to contribute more for affordable housing and job training, we are taking advantage of Boston’s strong market to support opportunities for our residents across the entire City,” said Mayor Walsh. “Increasing linkage builds on the progress we’ve made to create access to affordable housing and job training for our residents.”  

Linkage ensures that large-scale real estate development brings direct benefits to the City of Boston’s residents through payments to the Neighborhood Housing Trust and the Neighborhood Jobs Trust. Linkage was last increased in 2013 to the current rates of $8.34 per square foot for housing and $1.67 per square foot for jobs, for a total of $10.01 per square foot. Linkage may be increased on three-year cycles to reflect the rise in inflation based on the Consumer Price Index and on economic, housing and employment trends. 

Since 2014, $31.4 million in housing linkage has leveraged a total of $562 million in public funds in 39 developments that cost $837 million in total. Those projects have created 1,268 affordable units and preserved 548 existing affordable units.

Between 2015 and 2016, linkage helped more than 2,300 low- and moderate-income residents access job training and education programs. After job placement, graduates of the training programs earned an average wage of $15.23 per hour with 72 percent earning benefits as well.

"JVS strongly supports this important step by the Walsh Administration to increase funding going into the Neighborhood Jobs Trust,” said Jerry Rubin, President and CEO of Jewish Vocational Services (JVS). “With employers searching for talent in our near full-employment economy, this is the right moment to open up opportunities for Boston residents who aren’t able to fully participate in our booming economy without access to further education and skills training.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Boston and outstanding employers throughout the city to make these opportunities a reality."

“We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Walsh and his Administration for leading the charge on increased funding for job training in the City of Boston,” said Joan Cirillo, President & CEO Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc. “An increase of 8 percent in the linkage fees will help ensure that all Boston residents are able to partake in the economic prosperity of our city.  The added resources generated by this increase will ensure that job training providers can continue to help Boston residents find and maintain jobs with a livable wage and a career path to prosperity.”

Recent workforce development programs that have benefited from the Neighborhood Jobs Trust include:

The Mayor’s Tuition Free Community College Program 
The Mayor’s Tuition Free Community College Program provides a path to free community college for eligible Boston residents. The plan matches students with coaches from Success Boston to help them navigate the challenges of higher education. Through this two-fold approach, the plan aims to help more Boston students afford, attend, and complete college.

Since its launch in 2016, the Tuition Free Community College program has enrolled 137 students. Of those students, 93 percent are students of color, with an average GPA of 2.97 and and average family income of $26,736.

Locksmithing and Carpentry at the North Bennet Street School
Training programs in locksmithing and carpentry at the North Bennet Street School connect students to high demand careers. The most recent program had a 100 percent graduation rate, 75 percent job placement rate, with an average hourly wage of $17.83. 

Cooking and Life Skills Training at Community Servings 
Community Servings, a not-for-profit food and nutrition program providing services to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses, provides a twelve-week cooking and life skills training program that produces 2,000 meals a day. The most recent program had a 100 percent graduation rate, 72 percent job placement rate, with an average hourly wage of $12.24. 

In the past year, Neighborhood Housing Trust funded projects that have started construction include:

132 Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brightona 61 unit affordable senior housing project, developed by Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly, and built on BPDA land.

48 Boylston Street in Downtowna 46 unit adaptive rehabilitation of the historic YMCU building. The project is being developed by the Planning Office for Urban Affairs in conjunction with St Francis House and will provide housing for the formerly homeless.

The Residences and Brighton Marine at 1465 Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton, which is a 102 unit affordable housing project being developed by the Winn Residential and will gave a preference for veterans.

The proposed increase is scheduled to be voted on by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board of Directors on Thursday, June 14.
About the Boston Planning & Development Agency
As the City of Boston’s urban planning and economic development agency, the BPDA works in partnership with the community to plan Boston's future while respecting its past. The agency’s passionate and knowledgeable staff guides physical, social, and economic change in Boston’s neighborhoods and its downtown to shape a more prosperous, resilient, and vibrant city for all. The BPDA also prepares residents for new opportunities through employment training, human services and job creation. Learn more at www.bostonplans.org, and follow us on Twitter @BostonPlans.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Western Massachusetts Rail Initiatives

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Western Massachusetts Rail Initiatives

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today joined Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Congressman Richard Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, members of the Massachusetts Legislature and local leaders at Union Station in Springfield to announce a Request for Proposals for a consultant team to study the feasibility of east-west passenger rail service, the launch of a pilot for passenger rail service between Greenfield and Springfield, and one-seat service through Springfield to Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut.

“Through strong partnerships with federal, state and local officials, we are investing in our existing rail infrastructure, increasing capacity where it is needed, and strengthening the Commonwealth's transportation system,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to reviewing the results of this comprehensive study, and continuing to support projects in all regions of the Commonwealth that provide improved travel options to residents and commuters.”

“Our administration is proud of the collaborative work we have done to improve the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure in cities and towns throughout Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These investments will provide more reliable service across the region, helping travelers better reach the places they need to go.”

“I have always believed that improved and enhanced rail service between Springfield and Boston has the potential to be a game changer for our region. That’s why I thank Governor Baker for coming to Union Station today to announce that he is authorizing a comprehensive study on the feasibility of east-west rail. It will build on the study of local rail service funded by the Federal Railroad Administration that former Congressman John Olver and I requested in 2006. With the debut of expanded passenger rail service between New Haven and Springfield later this week, these two significant projects will help grow our economy and greatly improve the quality of life in the region. Investing in our transportation infrastructure will benefit people across the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal (D-MA).

“I’m excited by the progress announced today, and confident that today’s decision to study east-west passenger rail – paired with expanded service in the Pioneer Valley – will help boost economic vitality and growth not just in Western Massachusetts, but throughout the Commonwealth,” said Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA).

The Request for Proposals will enable the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to carry out an extensive study over approximately 18 months, and analyze many aspects and options for potential east-west passenger rail service. In addition to studying potential passenger service from Springfield to Boston, the study will look at potential origins farther west such as Pittsfield and Palmer. This will include engaging with stakeholders and evaluating the potential costs, speed, infrastructure needs and ridership of potential passenger rail service throughout this corridor.

The Baker-Polito Administration also announced today that a term sheet has been finalized with the Connecticut Department of Transportation which will enable the start of passenger rail service between Springfield and Greenfield beginning on a pilot basis in spring 2019. Under the agreement, MassDOT will fund the cost and management of the pilot service which will be operated by Amtrak and conclude in fall 2021. The pilot will provide two round trips each day and make stops at stations in Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke and Springfield. Southbound service will be provided in the morning hours, and northbound in the evenings. This pilot service will leverage the MassDOT-owned Knowledge Corridor, which is currently used by Amtrak’s Vermonter service, and the recently renovated Springfield Union Station.

Meanwhile, the new 62-mile Hartford Line begins operating on Saturday, June 16, with trains running approximately every 45 minutes between Springfield and several cities and towns in Connecticut including Windsor Locks, Windsor, Hartford, Berlin, Meriden, Wallingford and New Haven. This expanded service is in addition to the existing Amtrak service throughout this corridor. The Hartford Line will offer free service on June 16 and June 17.

“Carrying out a comprehensive study on east-west passenger rail will allow us to have a rigorous, fact-based discussion regarding options for potential service,” said Transportation Secretary Pollack.  “Many legislators, local and regional officials and business leaders called for such a study and we are pleased to take a step in advancing this planning for future service.”

“MassDOT is pleased to announce initiatives supporting efforts to enhance passenger rail service to communities in Western Massachusetts, with the issuance of an RFP for studying the potential of east-west passenger service and the announcement of the north-south rail pilot,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Astrid Glynn.  “We look forward to continuing to work with our local and regional partners, such as the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Franklin County Council of Governments, on both of these important initiatives.”

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “I deeply appreciate Governor Baker’s continued efforts to not only better connect us through the North-South corridor, but also his efforts to explore better overall ways to connect us to a feasible and sustainable east-west corridor mechanism. He’s been a great friend and partner to me and to Springfield’s needs.”

For information about the Hartford Line, please visit www.hartfordline.com.

川普、金正恩在歷史性會面中簽署協議


(Boston Orange)美國東岸時間612日凌晨1點半多,美國總統川普和朝鮮領導人金正恩在新加坡簽署了歷史性協議。儘管川普不願立刻透露協議內容,BBC251分已取得其中四個要點,包括雙方建新型關係,維持朝鮮政權穩定和平,朝鮮將努力去核,美將與朝鮮合作尋找戰俘遺骸,送返美國。
這場歷史性會面的場地,選在新加坡聖陶沙島上的嘉佩樂酒店(Capella Hotel)。新加坡總理李顯龍說該國為了這場峰會,花了2000萬元新加坡幣。
BBC報導,在這場峰會進行期間,有一架編號CCA063的波音747飛機從北京往新加坡方向飛,而那並不是預定航班。
根據BBC的報導,川普稱所簽協議內容相當完整。金正恩則在簽字時表示,他們決定把過去拋諸腦後。
在簽字前,美朝雙方召開了多場一對一會談,還有顧問在工作午餐中另外再開會。開會結果雙方都很滿意。川普表示非常成功,金正恩則稱他們克服了困難後來到這兒。