Governor Baker Signs Legislation Directing $2.4 Billion to Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Protection, and Community Investments

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Directing $2.4 Billion to Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Protection, and Community Investments

Law Will Continue the Baker-Polito Administration’s Leadership on Climate Change Resiliency and Environmental Stewardship

QUINCY – Governor Charlie Baker today ceremonially signed bipartisan legislation to authorize over $2.4 billion in capital allocations for investments in safeguarding residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protecting environmental resources, and improving recreational opportunities. Consistent with the Baker-Polito Administration’s previously filed legislation, An Act Promoting Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental and Natural Resource Protection and Investment in Recreational Assets and Opportunity (H. 4835) enables critical environmental investments at the state and local levels and will put into law essential components of Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569 establishing an integrated strategy for climate change adaptation across the Commonwealth, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant program and the Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation Plan.

“Massachusetts is a national leader in addressing the threat of climate change and proactively preparing for its impacts, and I am proud to sign this bipartisan bill to build on those efforts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Commonwealth is now positioned to increase our resiliency to climate change, protect the environment, and improve recreational opportunities. We look forward to working with our legislative and local partners to build a cleaner and more sustainable Commonwealth.”

“Our Administration has made planning for the impacts of climate change a priority, and this legislation builds on our innovative efforts to collaborate with municipalities and stakeholders to address this challenge,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The strategic investments in this bill will allow us to continue our strong partnership with local communities to preserve our beautiful natural resources for generations to come and improve the quality of life for citizens in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Recognizing the significant impact of climate change on coastal and inland communities, the legislation authorizes $501 million to respond to and prepare for extreme weather, sea level rise, inland flooding and other climate impacts:

• $290 million will be used to fund improvements and repairs to dams and seawalls and to implement diverse coastal resiliency strategies
• $75 million will provide planning and action grants to communities through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program
• $100 million will be invested in implementing the Commonwealth’s Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan.

Further expanding the Baker-Polito Administration’s Executive Order 569, the legislation codifies the commitments under the Executive Order, including issuance of, and ongoing updates to, an integrated, state-wide hazard mitigation and adaptation plan, continuation of the MVP program, and support for ongoing state agency climate change vulnerability assessments.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to the improvement of our incredible portfolio of state land and recreational facilities, and is proud that this legislation will address deferred maintenance and recreational opportunities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Additionally, this legislation provides important protections to the Commonwealth’s historic and vital fishing and agricultural industries, while allowing us to better protect and conserve Massachusetts’ air, land, and water.”

Continuing the Baker-Polito Administration’s dedication to ensuring all Massachusetts residents have high-quality access to outdoor recreational opportunities, the legislation authorizes $665 million to enable investment in deferred maintenance and recreational resource stewardship across state government – including $25 million for the expansion and interconnection of trails through the MassTrails program and $400 million for Department of Conservation and Recreation recreational facilities across the Commonwealth. 

The legislation allocates $581 million to continue supporting communities around the Commonwealth and the environmental stewardship work they do, including:

• $405 million for community investment grant programs for municipalities, regional planning agencies and other eligible entities
• $35 million for tree planting and forest land protection programs 
• $55 million for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Program which provides funding to communities to provide safe and accessible options for all travel modes - walking, biking, transit and vehicles. 

The legislation also includes over $474 million to support environmental programs at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies ranging from air and water quality monitoring to hazardous waste cleanup and the restoration of rivers, wetlands, streams, and lakes. This includes an additional $60 million for the Commonwealth’s Clean Water Trust to continue its strong partnership with cities and towns in developing water infrastructure projects.

To protect the Commonwealth’s maritime industry, the legislation will allow the Department of Fish and Game to update decades-old fines and penalty schedules for marine fisheries violations, including doubling non-criminal fines and increasing criminal penalties. To ensure the continued viability of Massachusetts’ agricultural industry and protect family farms, the legislation reduces the estate tax on farmland in agricultural use for at least 10 years. 

“Through hard work and collaboration, I am proud that the House and Senate, along with Governor Baker’s administration, have passed a thorough and comprehensive environmental bond bill,” State Representative David Nangle (D-Lowell), House Chair of Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee. “Included in the legislation are strong new policies and initiatives that will help protect our vital natural resources, as well as funding for dozens of projects throughout our state that will help our cities and towns maintain and grow our greenspaces, parks, and critical seacoast infrastructures.”

“I'm grateful for the Governor's support for this important legislation,” said State Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont), Senate Chair of Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee. “I’m also grateful for the strong collaboration between the House and Senate in preparing the legislation.”

“An investment in our environment is an investment in our future, and I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for their leadership and support towards our Commonwealth’s environmental, agricultural and state climate adaptation programs,” said State Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox), Chairman for the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. “This legislation aims to impact every corner of the Commonwealth. Whether that be through coastal infrastructure, land protection conservation, or even hazardous waste management, we are ensuring that Massachusetts will remain at the forefront of creating strong, environmental policy.”

“As a member of the conference committee, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the State Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration to pass legislation that will assist cities and towns in their work to protect the environment and enhance the Commonwealth’s recreational resources,” said State Senator Don Humason (R-Westfield). “In the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district, this bill will provide essential resources to our local communities as they look to improve storm water management, maintain and improve parks and waterways, and make necessary repairs and enhancements to local bridges and bike paths.”

“The bond bill is a reflection of the varied environmental priorities throughout the state,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), Senate Chair of Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee. “Working with our farmers, foresters, and various environmental groups and individuals, it shows a strong commitment to the preservation and conservation of our natural resources.”

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for introducing this Environmental Bond Bill legislation that demonstrates why Massachusetts is a leader in environmental stewardship,” said State Representative Donald Berthiaume Jr. (R-Spencer). “This funding will continue the cooperation between state and local governments on these critical projects to preserve our resources for many years to come.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues its unprecedented commitment to cities and towns across the Commonwealth with the signing of this vital bipartisan legislation,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. “In Quincy, we know all too well just how vulnerable our coastal neighborhoods and infrastructure truly are, and this bill makes protecting those assets a major priority across the Commonwealth.”

“With the robust environmental bond signed into law, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature have made a significant commitment to help the people of Massachusetts avoid the unmanageable and manage the unavoidable as we face the impacts of climate change,” said Steve Long, Director of Government Relations at the Nature Conservancy. “The Nature Conservancy applauds the bond and welcomes its emphasis on utilizing nature-based solutions—such things as reconnecting flood plains, restoring barrier beaches, and conserving additional forest land to naturally remove carbon pollution from the air. Nature-based solutions can enhance safety and avoid community costs by taking advantage of nature’s services.”

Boylston街48號有46個可負擔出租單位

On behalf of St. Francis House and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, we are excited to share with you that the marketing period is beginning for the 46 units of

affordable housing located at 48 Boylston Street.  Please see the attached advertisement and flyer for more information,

and note that two information sessions are being held Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Please provide this information to your members/constituents, and as noted on the flyer/advertisement,

please direct all leasing and marketing questions to theunion@maloneyproperties.com, or call (781) 992-5320 TTY: 711.

We appreciate your support for the project over the years, and look forward to receiving applications from members of the Chinatown community.

紐英崙伍胥山公所夏日緬因遊

伍胥山公所宗親在Acadia國家公園前合影。(伍胥山公所提供)

                  (Boston Orange)紐英崙伍胥山公所一行47人，8月18，19兩日遠赴緬因州欣賞美景，體味歷史，享用龍蝦大餐，與宗親歡聚，又留下一次美好回憶。

伍鍾美貞組織這次的旅遊。

                紐英崙伍胥山公所每年夏天都為宗親們舉辦近程遠遊活動，今年由伍鍾美貞組織，全美伍胥山公所美東副總長伍煥華，紐英崙伍胥山公所主席伍輝民，伍樹俊帶隊，參加了時尚旅遊的緬因州美景兩日一夜遊。

               旅行社的行程安排是第一天下午抵達緬因州著名漁港Bar Harbor，接著進入Acadia國家公園，在公園的環繞路徑(loop road)上沿途欣賞大自然景觀，經過雷鳴湖(Thunder Hole)，看海浪衝擊岩洞的壯觀，再登上Cadilac山頂，俯瞰國家公園，感受開闊美麗。晚上享用龍蝦大餐後，次日前往波特蘭市(Portland)，漫步海濱走廊，參觀聞名世界的最古老電車博物館，再到Kennebunkport，倘佯在美國東北的出名小鎮中。

             宗親歡聚是伍胥山公所舉辦郊遊的主要目地，這趟出遊，他們有說有笑，分享見聞，為美東副總長小小慶生一番。導遊小強還為他們當了一下攝影評判。臨別，他們也沒忘記謝謝司機小斌的辛勞。

              其中一名宗親為誌記這次旅遊，還寫了篇遊記，描述沿途感受，謂嘆大自然景觀有如鬼斧神雕，可惜錯過了”雷鳴湖”的雷鳴時刻，稱讚五鼠島名符其實。那橫七八豎躺在地上，還生鏽了的破舊火車，都是1901年前的逾百歲文物，也讓他心生感慨的說，”不認識過去，就不知道現在，更不懂得未來”。

伍氏宗親們在國家公園Jordan Pond合影。

             

伍氏宗親乘坐老舊電車。(伍胥山公所提供)

享用龍蝦。(伍胥山公所提供)

伍氏宗親們出發前在華埠合影。(伍胥山公所提供)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION

The move demonstrates the City's commitment to making renewable energy more accessible to Boston residents BOSTON - Tuesday, August 21, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on August 27 for submissions from consulting firms to assist the City's development, implementation, and administration, of a municipal electricity aggregation program. Submissions to the RFQ are due on October 10, 2018. "This is a big step toward rolling out Community Choice Aggregation because it will provide the expertise we need to get it done," said Mayor Walsh. "We still need to make smart decisions on how to shape a program that's best for Boston residents and can deliver on our commitment to clean energy." Community Choice Aggregation enables cities and towns to aggregate the buying power of individual electricity customers in their communities. Under a municipal aggregation program, cities and towns can automatically enroll residents who receive default electricity service from their utilities into a single, bulk buying group and may require a greater percentage of renewable energy content than the mandatory percentage set by the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).  "Community Choice Aggregation is an important contribution to reducing Boston's carbon emissions," said Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space Chris Cook. "We're excited to move ahead with the process and develop a program that can benefit the environment and most importantly our residents." The City is required to follow the steps toward a municipal aggregation as laid out by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), working in consultation with DOER and the selected consultant to prepare a plan and provide an opportunity for citizen review. In addition, the City will convene a community advisory committee which will inform the proposed plan and guide implementation. Once the program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, the City will be able to begin implementation of the program.  Earlier this year, the City's Environment Department issued a Request for Information (RFI) on how to develop and manage a municipal electricity aggregation program. The information obtained will continue to inform the development of the program. Mayor Walsh invested in the implementation of Community Choice Aggregation in the City's Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget.  ABOUT BOSTON'S CLIMATE INITIATIVES Boston is taking bold action on climate to become a carbon neutral, climate ready city as outlined in its updated Climate Action Plan. Boston's Climate Action Plan serves as Boston's roadmap for reaching its goals of reducing carbon emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change. The goals are supported by Imagine Boston 2030, the first citywide plan in 50 years, that helps to ensure that climate plays a role in aspects of city planning. The city's current climate initiatives are laying the groundwork to advance its climate goals and to accelerate progress. Carbon Free Boston is analyzing the options and pathways to achieve deep decarbonization. The initiative is weighing the costs and benefits of technologies and policies across key action areas including electric power, buildings, transportation, and waste. As part of this effort, Zero Waste Boston is exploring pathways to turn Boston into a zero waste city through planning, policy, and community engagement. Climate Ready Boston is strengthening Boston's climate change resilience with near- and long-term planning. It is actively advancing Boston's vision of a resilient city through a comprehensive citywide vulnerability study, a community outreach program, and neighborhood-level implementation projects, including the installation of a flood wall in one of Boston's most flood-prone neighborhood. Earlier this summer, Mayor Walsh hosted the International Mayors Climate Summit in Boston for mayors from across the country and around the world to discuss actions taken by cities to address climate change. At the Summit, Mayor Walsh announced a new multi-city initiative that could lead to the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. Through the new initiative, the City recently called on developers to share information about projects that would support the energy demand of 20 U.S. cities, totalling nearly 5.7 terawatt-hours.

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Directing $2.4 Billion to Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Protection, and Community Investments

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Directing $2.4 Billion to Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Protection, and Community Investments

Law Will Continue the Baker-Polito Administration’s Leadership on Climate Change Resiliency and Environmental Stewardship

QUINCY – Governor Charlie Baker today ceremonially signed bipartisan legislation to authorize over $2.4 billion in capital allocations for investments in safeguarding residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protecting environmental resources, and improving recreational opportunities. Consistent with the Baker-Polito Administration’s previously filed legislation, An Act Promoting Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental and Natural Resource Protection and Investment in Recreational Assets and Opportunity (H. 4835) enables critical environmental investments at the state and local levels and will put into law essential components of Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569 establishing an integrated strategy for climate change adaptation across the Commonwealth, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant program and the Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Adaptation Plan.

“Massachusetts is a national leader in addressing the threat of climate change and proactively preparing for its impacts, and I am proud to sign this bipartisan bill to build on those efforts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Commonwealth is now positioned to increase our resiliency to climate change, protect the environment, and improve recreational opportunities. We look forward to working with our legislative and local partners to build a cleaner and more sustainable Commonwealth.”

“Our Administration has made planning for the impacts of climate change a priority, and this legislation builds on our innovative efforts to collaborate with municipalities and stakeholders to address this challenge,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The strategic investments in this bill will allow us to continue our strong partnership with local communities to preserve our beautiful natural resources for generations to come and improve the quality of life for citizens in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Recognizing the significant impact of climate change on coastal and inland communities, the legislation authorizes $501 million to respond to and prepare for extreme weather, sea level rise, inland flooding and other climate impacts:

• $290 million will be used to fund improvements and repairs to dams and seawalls and to implement diverse coastal resiliency strategies
• $75 million will provide planning and action grants to communities through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program
• $100 million will be invested in implementing the Commonwealth’s Integrated State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan.

Further expanding the Baker-Polito Administration’s Executive Order 569, the legislation codifies the commitments under the Executive Order, including issuance of, and ongoing updates to, an integrated, state-wide hazard mitigation and adaptation plan, continuation of the MVP program, and support for ongoing state agency climate change vulnerability assessments.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to the improvement of our incredible portfolio of state land and recreational facilities, and is proud that this legislation will address deferred maintenance and recreational opportunities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Additionally, this legislation provides important protections to the Commonwealth’s historic and vital fishing and agricultural industries, while allowing us to better protect and conserve Massachusetts’ air, land, and water.”

Continuing the Baker-Polito Administration’s dedication to ensuring all Massachusetts residents have high-quality access to outdoor recreational opportunities, the legislation authorizes $665 million to enable investment in deferred maintenance and recreational resource stewardship across state government – including $25 million for the expansion and interconnection of trails through the MassTrails program and $400 million for Department of Conservation and Recreation recreational facilities across the Commonwealth. 

The legislation allocates $581 million to continue supporting communities around the Commonwealth and the environmental stewardship work they do, including:

• $405 million for community investment grant programs for municipalities, regional planning agencies and other eligible entities
• $35 million for tree planting and forest land protection programs 
• $55 million for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Program which provides funding to communities to provide safe and accessible options for all travel modes - walking, biking, transit and vehicles. 

The legislation also includes over $474 million to support environmental programs at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies ranging from air and water quality monitoring to hazardous waste cleanup and the restoration of rivers, wetlands, streams, and lakes. This includes an additional $60 million for the Commonwealth’s Clean Water Trust to continue its strong partnership with cities and towns in developing water infrastructure projects.

To protect the Commonwealth’s maritime industry, the legislation will allow the Department of Fish and Game to update decades-old fines and penalty schedules for marine fisheries violations, including doubling non-criminal fines and increasing criminal penalties. To ensure the continued viability of Massachusetts’ agricultural industry and protect family farms, the legislation reduces the estate tax on farmland in agricultural use for at least 10 years. 

“Through hard work and collaboration, I am proud that the House and Senate, along with Governor Baker’s administration, have passed a thorough and comprehensive environmental bond bill,” State Representative David Nangle (D-Lowell), House Chair of Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee. “Included in the legislation are strong new policies and initiatives that will help protect our vital natural resources, as well as funding for dozens of projects throughout our state that will help our cities and towns maintain and grow our greenspaces, parks, and critical seacoast infrastructures.”

“I'm grateful for the Governor's support for this important legislation,” said State Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont), Senate Chair of Environmental Bond Bill Conference Committee. “I’m also grateful for the strong collaboration between the House and Senate in preparing the legislation.”

“An investment in our environment is an investment in our future, and I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for their leadership and support towards our Commonwealth’s environmental, agricultural and state climate adaptation programs,” said State Representative Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox), Chairman for the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. “This legislation aims to impact every corner of the Commonwealth. Whether that be through coastal infrastructure, land protection conservation, or even hazardous waste management, we are ensuring that Massachusetts will remain at the forefront of creating strong, environmental policy.”

“As a member of the conference committee, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the State Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration to pass legislation that will assist cities and towns in their work to protect the environment and enhance the Commonwealth’s recreational resources,” said State Senator Don Humason (R-Westfield). “In the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district, this bill will provide essential resources to our local communities as they look to improve storm water management, maintain and improve parks and waterways, and make necessary repairs and enhancements to local bridges and bike paths.”

“The bond bill is a reflection of the varied environmental priorities throughout the state,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), Senate Chair of Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee. “Working with our farmers, foresters, and various environmental groups and individuals, it shows a strong commitment to the preservation and conservation of our natural resources.”

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for introducing this Environmental Bond Bill legislation that demonstrates why Massachusetts is a leader in environmental stewardship,” said State Representative Donald Berthiaume Jr. (R-Spencer). “This funding will continue the cooperation between state and local governments on these critical projects to preserve our resources for many years to come.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues its unprecedented commitment to cities and towns across the Commonwealth with the signing of this vital bipartisan legislation,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. “In Quincy, we know all too well just how vulnerable our coastal neighborhoods and infrastructure truly are, and this bill makes protecting those assets a major priority across the Commonwealth.”

“With the robust environmental bond signed into law, the Baker-Polito Administration and the Legislature have made a significant commitment to help the people of Massachusetts avoid the unmanageable and manage the unavoidable as we face the impacts of climate change,” said Steve Long, Director of Government Relations at the Nature Conservancy. “The Nature Conservancy applauds the bond and welcomes its emphasis on utilizing nature-based solutions—such things as reconnecting flood plains, restoring barrier beaches, and conserving additional forest land to naturally remove carbon pollution from the air. Nature-based solutions can enhance safety and avoid community costs by taking advantage of nature’s services.”

Baker-Polito Administration, Public Safety & School Officials Convene School Safety Roundtable on $72 Million School Safety Package

Baker-Polito Administration, Public Safety & School Officials Convene School Safety Roundtable on $72 Million School Safety Package

Bill proposes school security upgrades, hiring additional mental health professionals and training first responders to better handle threats

BURLINGTON, MA – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Education Secretary James Peyser, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Public Safety and Security Secretary Daniel Bennett, and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley joined several school superintendents, teachers, police chiefs, mental health experts and local legislators to discuss efforts the Commonwealth can take to improve safety in schools.

During the roundtable, the Governor spoke with local officials about the $72 million school safety package he filed last month, which was the result of input from many stakeholders, including several superintendents and mental health experts that participated in today’s discussion. The Administration started working on the safety initiatives immediately after the Parkland, Florida school shooting that killed 17 students and teachers in February. The roundtable was also an opportunity for school officials and local law enforcement to have an open dialogue about school safety, and discuss what they are doing locally to keep students safer.

“These proposals will allow schools to hire additional mental health professionals to increase support for our students, while also making important security upgrades,”said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with the Legislature to enact this package to make the Commonwealth’s schools safer.”

“Through access to new school safety training resources, we can teach students and teachers to better recognize potential threats,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “By working together, we can all ensure safer places for our kids to grow and learn.”

Governor Baker proposed a wide-ranging $72 million package to make school security upgrades, hire additional mental health professionals and train first responders to better handle threats within schools. The proposal includes $40 million in additional aid to school districts to hire social workers, mental health counselors and psychologists, and $20 million in matching state grants for security and communications upgrades in K-12 schools and public colleges and universities. 

“The sad reality is that we have to think about protecting our students and teachers from the threat of gun violence in the classroom. By strengthening student supports, as well as upgrading security measures and training for school personnel, we hope to reduce the possibility that we could experience a tragedy like other communities across the country have suffered,” Education Secretary James Peyser said. “I am very grateful for the expertise and insights of the school superintendents and public safety officials that helped us develop these very important initiatives.”

“Our schools face increasing challenges with changing dynamics in our society. Most importantly, our first priority is to provide for the safety and well-being of our students,” said Tom Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts’ Association of School Superintendents. “School superintendents are most appreciative that the Governor has responded to our concerns that increased mental health and security measures are essential needs in our schools today.”

“Efforts to address school safety must also include strengthening behavioral health services for our youth,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Governor Baker’s proposal increases behavioral health treatment, coordination and prevention efforts in schools throughout the Commonwealth by providing increased aid to school districts to hire additional social workers, mental health counselors and psychologists.”

“Massachusetts’ strong gun laws mean we have one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the nation, but there is always more that we can do to reduce the chances that students in our schools will fall victim to such a sickening event,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Daniel Bennett. “Governor Baker’s proposal would enhance the safety of our students by providing grants to improve security in school buildings, as well as giving educators, health officials, and first responders the training they would need in an active shooter situation.”

“Prioritizing students’ health, wellbeing and safety is essential to ensure we provide our teachers with thriving learning environments and Governor Baker gets that,” said Elementary and Secondary Commissioner Jeff Riley. “The resources he has proposed for schools are carefully targeted to have the most beneficial result for our school communities – teachers, students and their families.”

The package also includes:

• $2.4 million to create a tip line to provide public safety and school personnel with timely information on potential risks
• $2 million for a statewide “Say Something” campaign
• $1 million for school safety training for educators, health officials, and first responders
• $750,000 for the Safe and Supportive Schools Initiative
• $500,000 for sharing best practices in emergency planning, threat assessment, and rapid response
• $500,000 to create a school safety website

Under the legislation, each superintendent would report annually to the Department of Secondary and Elementary confirming whether they have a multi-hazard evacuation plan in place, as required by state law.  In addition, they would report on any trainings, exercises, or simulations related to the plan that were conducted in the prior year.

AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION OF 23 STATES, COUNTIES, AND CITIES IN OPPOSING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PLAN TO CENSOR SCIENCE AT EPA

AG HEALEY JOINS COALITION OF 23 STATES, COUNTIES, AND CITIES IN OPPOSING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PLAN TO CENSOR SCIENCE AT EPA

Coalition Urges Withdrawal of Plan that Prevents EPA from Using Scientific Studies to Protect Public Health and the Environment, Threatens Legal Challenge

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey joined a coalition of leaders from 23 states, counties, and cities in calling on Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler to withdraw his predecessor Scott Pruitt’s illegal plan to prohibit the agency from using the latest, best available, and generally-accepted scientific studies in its decision-making.

“Only during the Trump Administration would we need to threaten a lawsuit to defend the use of scientific studies,” AG Healey said. “This rule is a threat to public health and an embarrassment.”

The coalition’s comments argue that the proposed “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science” rule is illegal, erroneous in its reasoning, and threatens  the health of states’ residents and natural resources. If finalized, the proposal would generally bar the agency from relying on many peer-review-validated scientific studies, models and other important information. The coalition also said in its comments it is ready to pursue legal action if Wheeler does not abandon Pruitt’s illegal proposal.

By censoring the types of scientific studies, the EPA can consider in its decision-making, the coalition contends, the proposed rule would violate the very federal laws that EPA is required to uphold – including the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water and Air Acts, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (a.k.a. Superfund), the Toxic Substances Control Act, and other of the nation’s core environmental and public health statutes. 

The comments also argue that Pruitt’s proposal violates bedrock rulemaking requirements under federal law, because aspects of the proposal are so vague that it deprives the public of a meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.

            Joining AG  Healey in filing the comments are the attorneys general of New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and the District of Columbia; the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; and the Attorneys of King County, Washington and the cities of Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.