波士頓迪美博物 8/18起展出"清代皇后的藝術與生活"

故宮博物院大展
“鳳舞紫禁：清代皇后的藝術與生活”
在美國波士頓迪美博物館閃亮登場
從皇家珍寶中探尋宮廷女性的身影
展期：2018年8月18日至2019年2月10日

美國迪美博物館隆重推出“鳳舞紫禁：清代皇后的藝術與生活”特展，該展是以清代皇后為主題的首次國際大展。 200多件來自故宮博物院的珍寶匯聚波士頓迪美博物館，其中有精美絕倫的書畫、龍袍、金銀器、珠寶首飾、玉器、御用瓷、家具與佛教文物，向觀眾講述宮廷女性鮮為人知的故事，展現她們對國事、家事、宮廷藝術和宗教的影響。這批來自紫禁城的珍寶數量大、品種豐富、級別高。其中的金發塔等重頭文物，第一次在美國亮相，還有一些文物從未公開展出過，展覽為美國觀眾提供一場機會難得的視覺和文化盛宴。這一大展由美國迪美博物館、美國國家博物館——史密森博物學院的佛利爾-賽克勒藝術博物館及北京故宮博物院合辦，適逢中美建交四十週年。該展對促進兩國的人文交流，有重大的歷史意義。

在美國博物館界，迪美博物館在保護與推廣中國藝術與文化方面處於領引地位。其珍貴的館藏與豐富的展覽活動見證了中美兩百多年的商貿交流。 “鳳舞紫禁”展也是迪美博物館與其合作方通力協作，推進中美人文交流的最新成果。展覽由迪美博物館中國與東亞藝術部Robert N. Shapiro主任王伊悠與佛利爾-賽克勒藝術博物館中國藝術部Melvin R. Seiden主任司美茵(Jan Stuart) 聯合策劃。她們與故宮同仁及國際專家團隊一道，歷時四年，深入考察故宮藏品，查閱大量清宮檔案。此次展覽根據研究的最新成果，揭示宮廷女性的歷史地位以及她們對宮廷藝術和生活方方面面的影響。在展出的精美藝術品背後，還有很多鮮為人知的故事。故宮博物院院長單霽翔指出：“此次展覽不僅有來自故宮博物院的珍寶，也有來自很多美國博物館的藏品。當不同博物館的珍貴藏品匯聚在同一文化殿堂時，歷史文化的多面性與豐富性將更精彩生動地展現在觀眾眼前。”
探索清代皇后神秘的世界在中國歷史上，清代是滿族統治者建立的統一多民族王朝，滿族與漢族在語言、文化和風俗習慣上存在區別，這也決定了清代宮廷女性的特殊性。清廷禁止旗人女子纏足，宮廷女性可以騎射。在傳統男權社會中，清代宮廷女性仍然有重要的地位。皇后母儀天下，統攝六宮，甚至可以影響皇帝。皇后主持親蠶禮，率領眾嬪妃祭拜蠶神嫘祖並采桑餵蠶，彰顯了皇后和女性在國家農事和經濟發展中的地位。清代的宮廷史對於皇后的記載不如皇帝豐富，也不夠詳盡。近年來，歷史學家們對皇后有了更深入的研究，展覽以宮廷文物和文獻為基礎，重新構建她們豐富的物質生活與精神世界。展覽中有大量華美絢麗的皇家織繡與珠寶首飾，體現了清代皇后的身份和地位，這也是故宮服飾藏品赴美展出規模最大的一次。迪美博物館的中國與東亞藝術部主任王伊悠博士表示：“美國觀眾對清代皇后不大了解，宮廷女性的世界帶有幾分神秘色彩。我們很高興能夠有機會來展示皇后在歷史上的地位和影響。這些精美絕倫的展品可以讓我們依稀看到這些宮廷女性的身影，而清宮檔案與其他歷史材料則幫助我們去發掘她們鮮為人知的故事。”

皇后的重要地位與影響清代一共有二十餘位皇后，展覽聚焦在三位重要人物身上：崇慶太后（1693-1777）、孝賢皇后（1712-1748）與慈禧太后（1835-1908） 。六個主題呈現皇后的生活和影響：婚姻、國事、家事、生活、精神世界以及宮廷歷史。崇慶太后出身卑微，11歲時以侍妾的身份進入雍親王府，18歲生下她的獨子，即後來的乾隆皇帝。母為子貴，乾隆帝尊親法祖，強調“以孝治天下”，尊養太后。展覽中有兩件大幅崇慶太后肖像畫，為其六十、七十大壽而創作，生動地再現了她“母儀天下”的形象。崇慶太后於1777年去世，乾隆下旨，由內務府製作重達110公斤、嵌滿寶石的金塔，該塔是故宮金塔中最大的一件，塔身內供奉母親的頭髮，以示祈福，承載著母親與兒子之間的骨肉親情。此塔在迪美博物館與佛利爾-賽克勒藝術博物館閃亮登場，也是在海外的首次亮相。孝賢皇后原名富察氏，在15歲時，成為了未來乾隆帝的嫡福晉。在乾隆繼承皇位後，她被冊封為皇后。孝賢與乾隆意篤情深、舉案齊眉，乾隆曾患病，孝賢數月始終服侍在側。她譽滿皇室、贊修宮闈，既是一位體貼孝順的兒媳，也是一位賢能的后宮之主。 1748年，36歲的孝賢皇后在與乾隆侍奉皇太后東巡的途中不幸病逝。悲痛欲絕的乾隆帝提筆作詩，悼念愛妻。這首情真意切、催人淚下的挽詩在該展中首次與觀眾見面。在史籍與檔案中，后妃的身影往往籠罩在帝王豐功偉績的光芒之下。然而，宮廷中傑出的女性依然發揮出了重要的歷史作用。慈禧在誕下咸豐皇帝唯一的子嗣後，很快從蘭貴人晉升為懿妃。 1861年，咸豐帝駕崩，慈禧聯合慈安太后（1837-1881）發動政變，對慈禧之子——年幼的同治皇帝垂簾聽政。慈禧為晚清的實際統治者，不僅挑戰了“女不干政”的傳統，而且對宮廷藝術也產生了極大影響。

展覽的亮點之一為高5米的慈禧太后肖像油畫屏，1905年慈禧將此畫贈與美國總統西奧多·羅斯福，以表示她對美國人民的友好。慈禧為了改善其國際印象，授意美國藝術家凱瑟琳·卡爾為她創作肖像，慈禧當時年已七旬，但畫中描繪的是一位年輕而仁慈的太后形象。最近，史密森博物學院已修復此畫，重現其往昔輝煌。這件油畫是近50年來第一次在美國展出。
“對古代女性的研究很有必要。通過對她們物質與精神世界的關注，我們可以填補中國古代女性研究中的一些空白。同時，希望這次展覽能夠讓觀眾來思考女性在不同時代、不同文化中的地位。” 佛利爾-塞克勒藝術博物館中國部主任司美茵說道。展廳中，觀眾不僅可以盡情於美輪美奐的皇家珍寶，還可以參加博物館精心設計的互動活動，如學習製作龍袍、戲曲表演等。此外，展覽還為中國訪客準備了中英文雙語說明牌。展覽在迪美博物館共展出六個月。 2018年11月，在展覽進行過半時，將會有30件來自故宮的新展品替換舊展品，新展品中有精美的繪畫和服飾。迪美博物館Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo館長兼首席執行官單孟若與史密森博物學院佛利爾-賽克勒藝術博物館的名譽館長朱利安·瑞比一致認為：“展覽中精美絕倫、彌足珍貴的文物，讓我們重新認識清代皇后的重要地位。展覽實現了我們的共同願望——讓更多的觀眾了解和喜愛博大精深的中國文化。” (所有圖片由迪美博物館提供)

麻州長簽新法 規定以後21歲以上才能買菸

Governor Baker Signs Bill Raising Age to Purchase Tobacco Products

Increases protections impacting the health of young adults

BOSTON – Today Governor Charlie Baker signed H4486, An Act protecting youth from the health risks of tobacco and nicotine addiction, which will raise the legal age to buy tobacco products statewide from 18 to 21.

The bill also broadens existing prohibitions on public smoking to include e-cigarettes, and prohibits the use of tobacco products on the grounds of any public or private primary, secondary, or vocational school. Additionally, the new law will prohibit the sale of tobacco products by any pharmacy, hospital, or other entity that offers health care services or that employs any licensed health care providers.

“Raising the age to buy tobacco products in the Commonwealth is an important step to prevent addiction for young people and encourage healthy choices,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “We appreciate the Legislature’s collaboration to pass this bill that will limit the purchasing of cigarettes and other harmful products for those under 21 to support long term health for the next generation.”

“Tobacco products have harmful effects, especially on our youth, and this law is an important way to address this public health concern,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We thank the Legislature for their work to pass this important bill.”

“Tobacco and nicotine addiction remain a leading cause of preventable death and illness in Massachusetts,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Today’s actions support our continued efforts to develop comprehensive approaches to reduce the health and economic burden of tobacco use by preventing young people from starting to smoke, helping current smokers to quit, protecting children and adults from secondhand smoke, and identifying and eliminating tobacco-related health disparities.”

“This is a big step toward our ongoing effort to curb tobacco use among children and young adults,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “Thank you to Chairs Hogan and McMurtry and to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their work to balance protecting the health of our children with creating stability for our retailers and preserving rights for adults.”

“Increasing the tobacco age to 21 will reduce smoking-related deaths; improve the health of young adults; and reduce the number of young adults who start smoking in the first place,” said Senate President Karen Spilka. “Massachusetts is the healthiest state in the country because of smart legislation like this that improves public health and promotes prevention. I am proud of the advocates, many of them adolescents and young adults, who led the charge for this legislation, and thankful for the Governor’s support of this concept.”

“Massachusetts has long been a leader in protecting and strengthening public health,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health and the bill’s lead sponsor in the Senate. “This comprehensive legislation will once again put the Commonwealth at the forefront of preventing youth addiction to tobacco and nicotine products, in order to improve health, save lives, and reduce healthcare costs.”

“This legislation is vital to preventing youth from becoming addicted to nicotine and facing a lifetime of addiction,” said Representative Kate Hogan, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health and the bill’s lead co-sponsor in the House. “It  is also critical to create one standard for our small businesses across the Commonwealth.”

“After the cumulation of the hard work of many individuals and organizations, today’s monumental signing of this life-saving legislation once again demonstrates Governor Baker’s commitment to the long-term health and well-being of the youth of the Commonwealth,” said Representative Paul McMurtry and the bill’s lead co-sponsor in the House. “Additionally millions of dollars in health care costs related to the  harmful addiction of nicotine and tobacco products will be saved for generations to come.”

共享單車在麻州命運浮沉

在波士頓華埠出現過的"螞蟻單車"。(周菊子攝)

(Boston Orange 周菊子麻州整理報導)在中國一度萬眾矚目的無樁共享單車(dockless bike sharing)，在麻州其實還是新概念，2017年起才有小黃車OFO，小綠車Lime，白綠車Ant等三家公司，陸續入境經營。不過商場詭譎，其中的小黃車OFO，竟已於(2018年7月)23日宣佈撤出。

在波士頓華埠出現過的"螞蟻單車"。(周菊子攝)

藉由軟體程式，讓用戶查找取車，洎車地點，費用差不多都是每小時一元，可加入成為會員，月費20元，年費99元的這些無樁共享單車，在麻州推出後，其實頗受歡迎，但礙於市場已被壟斷，或地方政府法規等問題，還並不能像OFO和摩拜在中國掀起風起雲湧氣勢，很多人甚至還不知道有無樁共享單車服務的存在。

但是小綠車Lime在美國矽谷成立僅一年半，已融資四輪，累計金額超過3.8億美元，6月那輪就融了2.5億美元，營運範圍已從無樁共享單車，跨入共享電動滑板車，電動自行車，又在在顯示，這個以非長的可負擔價格，解決美國一般人在交通上最後一哩難題的服務，在無人駕駛汽車普遍之前，絕對很讓人期待。

小黃車OFO是中國最早推出，也最火紅的無樁共享單車公司，由北大高材生帶威創辦，2017年7月左右，估值已升至234億元(人民幣)，約等於30億美元。

2017同年，OFO先落地麻州屋斯特(Worcester)，讓屋斯特市成為美國東岸第一個，也是全美第二個接納OFO單車的城市，再陸續取得昆士市(Quincy)，林市(Lynn)，共三個城市的經營權，還去過瑞維爾(Revere)試驗了一下。今年六月又在波士頓舉行的第86屆美國市長年會中擺攤宣傳。

沒想到僅時隔一個月，OFO就陸續宣佈，六月退出澳洲，七月退出德國，現在又退出麻州等地市場。

雖然前一陣子，一連有幾篇報導，指出前後至少有6輛共享單車，包括2輛Lime，4輛OFO分別在阿靈頓，昆士市，東波士頓等地被人丟進河裏，湖裏，還是警察打撈出來的，不過OFO的撤出麻州市場應該和這因素沒關係。

OFO的北美市場負責人Andrew Daley在一份聲明中是說，該公司正在重整營運，要優先重視幾個比較成功的市場，以提高客戶服務品質。

昆士市府的聲明則說，OFO已宣佈將大幅縮減在北美的營運，將把位於昆士市的營運，轉讓給”萊姆(Lime)”，週五(27日)就搬走所有的OFO單車搬走。Lime預定八月初開始在昆士市營運。

“萊姆(Lime)”是2017年3月以1200萬美元天使融資起家的，最新這輪投資，是由谷歌風投(Google Venture)領頭，服務範圍已經覆蓋舊金山，洛杉磯，西雅圖，華府(DC)等50個美國城市。在麻州已進駐阿靈頓(Arlington)，貝爾蒙(Belmont)，艾佛瑞(Everett)，水城(Watertown)，摩頓市(Malden)。

Ant Bike則是已經在麻州開展市場的另一家無樁共享單車公司，設址波劍橋創新中心(CIC)，去年11月以麻州州長家鄉，面積6.7平方英哩的Swampscott市做首個進駐點，以有樁共享單車做測試，最初放4輛單車，現在佈署了30輛。今年2月又拓展了林市(Lynn)這個市場。Ant Bike其實也在波士頓市服務，但是礙於波士頓市府已和Blue Bike (原名Hubway)簽有合作協議，只能在市內各社區的私有土地上提供服務。

在波士頓市，布魯克蘭鎮，劍橋市及尚莫維爾市的180個地點，提供1800輛單車供人租用，需在固定地點取車，還車的藍單車(Blue Bike)，雖然有協議保護，顯然還是感受到競爭壓力。

Governor Baker Signs Bill Funding Municipal Police Training

Governor Baker Signs Bill Funding Municipal Police Training

 

For high-resolution photos, click here.

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today signed H. 4516, An Act relative to the municipal police training fund, which will allow the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) to conduct additional recruitment and trainings that will give local police critical tools needed to ensure the safety of Massachusetts residents and communities. The MPTC is responsible for training and setting training standards for local police, University of Massachusetts police and state environmental police.

“Providing the brave men and women who protect and serve our Commonwealth everyday with the necessary tools to do their jobs and stay safe is a priority for our Administration,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “In the wake of recent tragedies in Weymouth and Yarmouth, the passage of this bill represents an important opportunity to improve police training and recruitment at the local level and do more to keep law enforcement and our communities safe.  We appreciate the collaboration from the Legislature on this important issue.”

“Our Administration is committed to keeping Massachusetts communities safe, and this legislation will give local law enforcement access to additional tools and services to continue protecting cities and towns,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. 

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito were joined at the State House by members of the Legislature, members of the Weymouth, Yarmouth and Auburn police, President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs Association Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes, President of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and members of the Chesna and Tarentino families.

The legislation calls for up to $10 million in annual revenue for training and also allows for revenue from the Marijuana Regulation Fund, legislative appropriations designated to the municipal police training fund and revenue from private sources such as grants, gifts and donations to be used for the fund.

“This legislation will help us to continue the Commonwealth’s proud tradition of producing some of the best trained and most capable law enforcement professionals in the nation,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Daniel Bennett. “As the demands on police officers grow, the ability to provide more training must grow as well, and that is just what this legislation makes possible.”

“We’re proud to support municipal police training programs for new and seasoned police officers across the Commonwealth as it equips them with more skills to promote safety, prevent harm and  protect our communities,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “Thank you to Governor Baker, Chairman Sanchez, Reps. Tucker and Whelan, and the members of the House and Senate who worked to make this possible.”

“This legislation is a major step forward for police training, a critical public safety need,” said Senate President Harriette Chandler. “This funding will ensure that municipal police have access to crucial training, and that the Municipal Police Training Committee can expand their offerings in a way police departments have long desired. I’m grateful for the partnership of the House, and for the Governor’s support in getting this vital legislation passed.”

“I want to thank Governor Baker for joining forces with the Massachusetts Legislature to provide dedicated funding for municipal police training,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “One of the most essential functions of government is public safety, and in this legislative session we took action to let local law enforcement officers know we heard you, we believe in you, and we will give you the resources needed to do your job.  Today, we reaffirm our commitment to all the men and women who serve in blue for their work to make the Commonwealth safe and prosperous.”

“With this important step forward Massachusetts affirms its commitment to provide the best training possible to our brave police officers,” said Representative Tim Whelan. “Speaking as someone who has served 26 years in law enforcement, I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration, as well as House and Senate leadership, for joining with us in further prioritizing the safety and training of those on the front line of public safety. “

“The MPTC looks forward to utilizing these funds to help prepare the Commonwealth’s police officers for the ever-changing and multifaceted demands of the police profession,” said Daniel Zivkovich, Executive Director of the MPTC.

This legislation will allow the Municipal Police Training Committee to maintain critical services and expand training, including first aid training, first-line supervision training, field training, sexual assault investigator training, School Resource Officer training and instructor training courses.

Governor Baker Signs Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

Governor Baker Signs Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

Responsible spending plan dedicates significant funding for local aid, education, mental health and substance misuse services; boosts balance of Rainy Day fund

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget into law. The $41.232 billion plan reinforces the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to structurally balancing the state budget, while investing $4.91 billion towards K-12 education, providing over $200 million to combat the opioid and heroin epidemic, increasing funding to build stronger communities and supporting the state’s workforce from job growth to public transit.

The FY19 budget anticipates a sizeable deposit in the Stabilization Fund, resulting in a net increase of $368 million for this fiscal year and a total balance of $2.15 billion by the end of FY19—which is nearly double the balance since the Baker-Polito Administration took office in 2015 and the highest amount in more than a decade.

The budget reflects the Administration’s commitment to reducing the reliance on one-time sources of revenue, down from nearly $1.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2015 to $95 million in FY19, a decrease of 92%. Consistent with the administration’s previous budgets, this plan does not raise taxes or fees. The FY19 budget represents a 3.2% increase in spending over estimated spending in Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18). The total $41.232 billion in spending excludes the Medical Assistance Trust Fund transfer.

“Since taking office, our Administration has worked to reduce an inherited budget deficit, build our reserves by over $1 billion and make targeted investments in education, the opioid epidemic and our cities and towns—all without raising taxes,” said Governor Baker.  “We are pleased to sign a balanced budget that manages taxpayer dollars in a fiscally responsible way, while providing a tax break for working families and support for critical services for every resident.  Lt. Governor Polito and I appreciate our ongoing partnership with the Legislature to collaborate and compromise on this important blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year.”

The Commonwealth’s investment in Chapter 70 education aid to local schools will reach an all-time high of $4.91 billion, an increase of $160.6 million over FY18 and $507 million since the Administration took office.

The budget also includes an increase in the state Earned Income Tax Credit from 23% to 30% of the federal tax credit, and builds on an earlier increase from 15%  to 23% signed by the Governor in 2015. The tax credit increase, which was included in the Governor’s FY19 budget proposal, will provide additional tax relief for 450,000 filers, allowing working families in Massachusetts to retain more of their earnings. Next year an income-eligible family with three qualifying dependent children will receive a tax credit of nearly $2,000, or $458 more than at the current rate. The budget also increases the dairy farm tax credit.

The FY19 plan continues the Administration’s support of local communities with a $37.2 million increase in unrestricted local aid, to $1.1 billion, an increase of $153.2 million since taking office. The budget includes $5.3 million for the Community Compact Cabinet program, and FY19 funding will reach $6.8 million total, pending approval by the Legislature of $1.5 million in additional funds. Chaired by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, the Community Compact promotes municipal best practices and supports efficiency and regionalization grants for cities and towns. As of May 2018, all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth have signed compacts with the Commonwealth.

“Our Administration has made it a priority to be a reliable partner for cities and towns across the Commonwealth, and this budget reaffirms that commitment,” said Lt. Governor Polito.  “This plan will make significant investments in education and local aid, as well as grant programs to support local economic development and public safety initiatives.”

The FY19 budget continues the Administration’s focus on addressing opioid addiction and substance misuse, funding $203 million across multiple agencies (not including MassHealth) for treatment and services for individuals with substance use disorder,  an approximately 70% increase since 2015. The budget will continue support for women’s addiction treatment services at Taunton State Hospital and programs at the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center in Plymouth.

The budget makes a major investment in behavioral health with a $109 million increase in funding for the Department of Mental Health, which includes $83.8 million for Adult Clinical Care Services to improve community-based services for adults with serious mental illness.

The Department of Children and Families will receive $1 billion in funding, an increase of $34.2 million over FY18. Since 2015, funding for DCF has increased by $180.2 million, which has supported the hiring of more than 600 new employees to address the critical infrastructure needed to run the agency.

The budget makes important progress toward funding accounts that traditionally have been underfunded and typically require significant supplemental appropriations, including snow and ice removal, legal services for the poor, and emergency shelter for the homeless.

“Working with our partners in the House and Senate we make great progress in this budget toward funding the cost of services that we know the Commonwealth will incur, to maintain structural balance, and to build our reserves, all of which are important to responsible budgeting,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “This budget is a continuation of our efforts to plan and spend taxpayer resources more efficiently and maximize our investments.”

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation receives $582.5 million in funding, including the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities. The MBTA will receive $127 million in state support in FY19 to build on the Administration’s commitment to improve financial sustainability at the T, in addition to the annual $1 billion sales tax transfer.

As part of the budget-signing, Governor Baker vetoed $49 million in gross spending, including 297 earmarks. Of 110 outside sections, the Governor signed 91, and returned 19 to the Legislature with proposed amendments.

In addition to signing the budget today, Governor Baker urged the Legislature to act on a supplemental budget proposal filed on July 13 that invests $150 million for new programs to support education and school safety, including $40 million to fund more school counselors, social workers and psychologists, $30 million for targeted intervention and turnaround efforts in school districts with high concentrations of low-income students and $15 million to fund community college scholarships to cover unmet tuition costs for students with financial need. The supplemental budget also recommends an additional $50 million to fund local road and bridge projects.

Key FY19 Budget Highlights:

Education

·        Highest-ever level for Chapter 70 education aid, $4.91 billion, an increase of $160.6 million (3.4%) over FY18 estimated spending

• An increase of $33.3 million in Chapter 70 aid to help address the rising costs of healthcare, as recommended by the Foundation Budget Review Commission
• $15 million in state aid for school districts educating a significant number of students who are evacuees from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
• $319.3 million in special education circuit-breaker funding to assist cities and towns with unanticipated or unbudgeted costs of special education and out of district tuition, a 9% increase over FY18 spending.
• Over $100 million in scholarship assistance for students pursuing post-secondary education at public campuses across the Commonwealth
• $7.4 million (12%) increase for Regional School Transportation over FY18 spending
• $7 million (8%) increase for Charter School Reimbursement over FY18 spending
• $5 million for Connecting Activities, providing paid internships for 10,000 high school students, prioritizing participation in STEM fields
• $1.8 million in new funding to establish high-quality Early College pathways, to support students who will earn at least 12 college credits before graduating high school

Tax changes

• Increase in state Earned Income Tax Credit from 23% to 30% of the federal credit
  • For income-eligible families, this represents a doubling of the credit from 2015
  • Eligible family with three qualifying dependent children will see up to a $458 increase in the available credit, to nearly $2,000
• Increase in the dairy tax credit cap from $4 million to $6 million

Building Stronger and Safer Communities

• $1.1 billion in unrestricted local aid, a 3.5%, or $37.2 million, increase over FY18
• $8 million for Shannon grants to address gang violence
• $5.3 million for Community Compact (additional $1.5 million pending in FY18 supplemental budget, filed July 13)

Substance Misuse

• A total of $203 million across several agencies for substance misuse treatment and services (not including MassHealth spending) an increase of approximately 70% since 2015
  • Includes $161.8 million at the Department of Public Health, a $9 million increase over FY18 spending, for substance misuse prevention and treatment services
  • $13.2 million to support 45 substance misuse treatment beds at Taunton State Hospital
  • $10.8 million for the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center, a 10% increase above FY18 spending

Department of Children and Families

• $1 billion in funding for the Department of Children and Families, an increase of $34.2 million over FY18
  • Since 2015, funding for DCF has increased by $180.2 million

Mental Health

• $876 million for the Department of Mental Health, an increase of nearly $109 million over FY18, including $83.8 million for Adult Clinical Care Services (ACCS), representing an increase of $140 million for DMH since 2015.

Health and Human Services

• $25 million to fully fund the Department of Developmental Services “Turning 22” program, an increase of $2.1 million over FY18

·        $8.1 million for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative, a youth violence prevention and intervention initiative operating in cities with the highest incidences of youth crime

Economic Development

• $5 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, which will provide grants to support training and certification programs to help bridge the skills gap
• $2 million for Small Business Technical Assistance grants, an increase of $1.25 million increase above FY18 spending, to provide technical assistance, education, and access to capital to small businesses.
• $1 million for Learn to Earn, providing grants designed to help build career pathways for unemployed and underemployed individuals and talent pipelines for businesses
• $500,000 for the Urban Agenda grant program

Transportation

• $582.5 million for MassDOT, the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities
  • $127 million in state support for the MBTA (in addition to annual $1 billion transfer from sales tax)
  • $88 million in state support for RTAs, a $7.6 million increase over FY18

Energy and Environment

• $18.4 million to support 20.7 million healthy and nutritious meals for individuals dealing with food insecurity

• $10.8 million in funding for environmental law enforcement, which will include support for a new class of 10 Environmental Police officers
• $2.2 million in new funding for municipal technical support, climate science, and targeted investments in environmental justice

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $57 Million to Support Affordable Housing Development Across Commonwealth

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $57 Million to Support Affordable Housing Development Across Commonwealth

Administration also allocated $33 million in tax credits to support creation and preservation of nearly 1,500 housing units

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced this year’s affordable rental housing awards, which will provide $57 million in direct subsidies for 19 projects to fund the development, renovation and preservation of housing opportunities throughout the state. Since 2015, affordable housing awards have led to the creation and preservation of more than 6,300 housing units alone, furthering the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to increasing access to affordable and middle-income housing in every region of the Commonwealth.

“These rental housing awards support our Administration’s commitment to create more housing opportunities in neighborhoods across Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We have also drafted legislation to develop 135,000 units of new housing by 2025 that has been endorsed by several businesses, local officials, trade organizations and community groups, and encourage the Legislature to pass this bill to build more affordable housing and support economic development in every zip code.”

The $57 million in state funding will support affordable, multifamily rental projects. Funding sources include federal HOME funds and state bond funds from six capital bond accounts. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is awarding $33.5 million in federal and state housing tax credits which will generate more than $240 million in equity to support the construction and preservation of 1,463 units, including 1,312 affordable units with 227 units reserved for very low-income households. Funded projects include six developments for seniors, three projects that will support substantial renovations of public housing developments, and four transit-oriented developments. Many include housing units reserved for formerly homeless families and individuals.

“The diverse array of awards represents the varied needs of our Commonwealth, and we are thrilled to support 19 high-impact projects that will provide much-need new housing, and maintain our current stock of affordable housing,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud to partner with many cities and towns, including the 69 Housing Choice Communities we designated in May, that have a keen understanding of their specific housing needs, and we are pleased to support locally driven projects to meet the needs of Massachusetts residents.”

Governor Baker joined Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan, City of Boston’s Chief of Housing and Director of Neighborhood Development Sheila Dillon, Representative Russell Holmes, Hearth President & CEO Mark Hinderlie, and local officials at the future site of Hearth at Four Corners, a 54-unit, new construction project for seniors. The development, in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, will be entirely affordable, with 19 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors, and provide extensive supportive services for tenants. The project received state and federal tax credits and direct subsidies from the state, along with funding from the City of Boston.

“More people are currently employed in Massachusetts than at any point in our history, and we need a housing market that can support working families at all income levels so that they can fully participate in this economy,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Today’s awards help increase options for families to access safe, affordable, and stable housing, a critical foundation for success and prosperity, both for themselves and for our communities.”

“Across our Commonwealth, more and more young families are finding they are not able to put down roots, seniors are not able to age in their communities, and hard-working residents are spending more of their paychecks and precious time traveling further to get to their jobs,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan.  “Today’s awards will enable communities to grow with their residents, and be a part of a state-wide and regional response to the affordable housing crisis.” 

“Our state like most states in the nation is in the midst of a housing shortage,” said Senator Nick Collins. “Now, more than ever, government and its partners need to continue their commitment to supplying the demand for housing that is affordable. Today’s announcement is one example of that commitment and I look forward to continuing to help provide individuals and families with supportive services as well as housing opportunities that they can afford,” concluded Senator Collins.

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for making housing a priority, and funding this important project in Dorchester,” said Representative Russell Holmes. “This project will create vital senior housing, and transform a vacant lot into a necessary resource for this neighborhood.”

This year’s affordable rental housing awards continue to advance the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to substantially increasing housing production throughout the Commonwealth, with an emphasis on housing affordable to low- and middle-income households. Since 2015, the administration has spent or committed more than $880 million for the production and preservation of affordable housing. In May, Governor Baker signed a $1.8 billion affordable housing bill to ensure long-term support for the Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive efforts to increase the production of affordable housing, diversify the state’s housing portfolio, modernize public housing, preserve the affordability of existing housing and invest in new, innovative solutions to address Massachusetts’ rising demand for housing.

In December 2017, Governor Baker announced the Housing Choice Initiative, a comprehensive proposal to create 135,000 new housing units by 2025 with new set of incentives and rewards for municipalities committed to sustainable housing growth in their communities. The Housing Choice Initiative is a multi-pronged effort that includes a program to designate Housing Choice municipalities and new technical assistance opportunities through MassHousing, in addition to proposed legislative changes that will help deliver smart, effective zoning at the local level. The legislation,An Act to Promote Housing Choice is currently pending before the legislature.

Additionally, the highly effective MassWorks Infrastructure Program continues to be a key catalyst for housing production, supporting the creation of more than 3,000 housing units. The Open for Business Initiative will drive the production of more than 2,200 units of housing on state land. MassHousing’s $100 million Workforce Housing Initiative has advanced the development of 2,374 housing units across a range of incomes, including 631 workforce housing units. And, the Baker-Polito Administration reformed the Housing Development Incentive Program, which is on track to facilitate more than 900 new units in Gateway Cities.

Awardees:

Robert Hill Way (Ashland) is a 64-unit new construction senior housing project. The sponsor is E.A. Fish. All 64 units will be affordable to low-income seniors, with 7 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), and supportive services will be offered at the completed project. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.

25 Amory Street (Boston) is a 44-unit new construction project to be located near the Jackson Square MBTA station in Jamaica Plain, Boston. The sponsor is the non-profit Jamaica Plain NDC. All 44 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 14 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and making the transition from homelessness. DHCD will support this transit-oriented project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds; the City of Boston also will provide additional financial support to the project.

Four Corners (Boston) is a 31-unit new construction project to be built in Dorchester, Boston. The sponsor is the non-profit Codman Square Development Corporation. All 31 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 8 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and making the transition from homelessness.  DHCD will support this transit-oriented project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds; the City of Boston also will support the project with subsidy funds.

Hearth at Four Corners (Boston) is a 54-unit new construction project for seniors to be built in Dorchester, Boston, sponsored by the non-profit Hearth. All 54 units will be affordable to low-income seniors, with 19 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% of AMI. Hearth will provide extensive services at the completed project to support tenants. DHCD will support Hearth at Four Corners with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds; the City of Boston also will provide the project with additional subsidy funds.

Old Colony Phase 3A - Award 1 (Boston) is one of the next phases in the decade-long redevelopment of public housing located in South Boston. The sponsor is Beacon Communities. This phase contains 108 units reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 11 units further reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support this phase with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Boston will also provide support for this phase.

Old Colony Phase 3A - Award 2 (Boston) is another phase in the ongoing redevelopment public housing project located in South Boston. The sponsor is Beacon Communities. This phase contains 27 units reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with three units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support this phase with Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The City of Boston is providing additional support for this phase of the project.

Downtown Brockton TOD (Brockton) is a 48-unit new construction project for families to be built in Brockton. The sponsor is the non-profit NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts. The completed project will create 30 units reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI as well as 18 units restricted for households earning less than 110% of AMI. DHCD will support this transit-oriented project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Brockton is supporting the project with additional funding.

370 Harvard Street (Brookline) is a 62-unit new construction senior project to be built in the Coolidge Corner neighborhood of Brookline. The sponsor is Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly (JCHE).   The completed project will include 57 units reserved for seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% AMI. JCHE also will make extensive services available to the tenants of Harvard Street. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits; the Town of Brookline will support Harvard Street with local funds.

Frost Terrace (Cambridge) is a transit-oriented new construction project for families. The sponsor is Capstone Communities. This 40-unit project will be built one block away from the Porter Square MBTA/commuter rail station with retail and service opportunities available in the immediate neighborhood. All 40 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with four units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.  The City of Cambridge will provide additional funding through city trust funds.

Squirrelwood (Cambridge) is an 88-unit family project featuring the preservation of existing affordable units as well as the construction of new units. The sponsor is the non-profit Just-A-Start. The completed project will offer 78 affordable units, including eight units restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI. Squirrelwood originally was financed by MassHousing through the Chapter 13A program.  DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits.  The City of Cambridge will support the project with additional funding.

Little Pond Place (Falmouth) is a 40-unit new construction project for families in Falmouth. The sponsor is Affirmative Investments. All 40 units will be restricted for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with four units restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Little Pond Place with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.  The Town of Falmouth also will support the project with $750,000 in Community Preservation Act funds.

Shirley Commons (Fort Devens) is a 58-unit new construction project for seniors to be built on the Fort Devens site.  The sponsor is the non-profit Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development. All 58 units will be restricted for seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 15 units restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Shirley Commons with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The sponsor will offer support services for the tenants.

Bentley Apartments (Great Barrington) is a 45-unit new construction project for families in Great Barrington. The sponsor is the non-profit Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire. All 45 units in the completed project will be reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 21 units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Bentley Apartments with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Great Barrington will provide additional Community Preservation Act funds to the project.

Lyman Terrace Phase II (Holyoke) is the second phase of the comprehensive redevelopment of the Lyman Terrace public housing development in Holyoke. The sponsor is the non-profit The Community Builders (TCB). The completed project will offer 79 units of family housing reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support this phase of Lyman Terrace with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The Baker-Polito Administration has previously supporting the redevelopment through affordable housing awards and the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. The City of Holyoke will provide additional subsidy to the project.

Sargent House Expansion (Northhampton) is a blended preservation and production project located on the edge of Northampton’s vibrant downtown business district. The sponsor is the non-profit Valley Community Development Corporation. The completed project will feature 31 total units. All units will be affordable to individuals earning less than 60% of AMI, with 10 units reserved for individuals earning less than 30% of AMI. Many tenants at Sargent House previously were homeless; Valley CDC will provide supportive services appropriate for the existing and new tenants. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Northampton also will support the project with some of its own funds.

24 Gould Street (Reading) is a 55-unit new construction mixed income project to be built in in Reading’s Chapter 40R district. The project sponsor is the Traggorth Companies. The project will be built at a major intersection in Reading’s central business district. When completed, 24 Gould Street will offer 14 affordable units as well as 41 market rate units. DHCD will support 24 Gould Street with subsidy funds. The Town of Reading also will provide financial support for the project.

Lydia Square Apartments (Rockland) is a 44-unit new construction project for seniors in Rockland. The sponsor is NewGate Housing. All 44 units will be restricted for seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 9 units reserved for seniors with incomes below 30% AMI. The sponsor will provide support services at the project as well as transportation to a nearby senior center. DHCD will support Lydia Square with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.

Chestnut Park (Springfield) is a 489-unit preservation project in Springfield sponsored by Related Beal. The existing project, home to over 1,500 people, will be preserved and rehabilitated. When completed, 412 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 42 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Chestnut Park with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Springfield also will provide support for Chestnut Park.

Coolidge at Sudbury (Sudbury) is a 56-unit new construction project for seniors. The project will be built on a site adjacent to the successful first phase of this development. The sponsor is the non-profit B’nai B’rith. All 56 units will be affordable to low-income seniors, with 12 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% AMI.  DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Sudbury also will provide funds to support the project.  B’nai B’rith will provide services appropriate for the new tenants of Coolidge at Sudbury Phase Two.