Governor Baker Signs Bill To Ensure First Responders’ Confidential Access to Mental Health Services

Governor Baker Signs Bill To Ensure First Responders’ Confidential Access to Mental Health Services

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BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined law enforcement and elected officials for a ceremonial bill signing for S.2633, An Act relative to critical incident intervention by emergency service providers.

This bill established a privilege for communications by first responders who, after witnessing traumatic events, seek out their peers for crisis intervention services. This will ensure law enforcement officers are able to confide in their peers about their experiences without fear of the conversation being used against them in employment decisions or subsequent court proceedings.

“Providing law enforcement officers with the ability to confidentially seek guidance from their peers will help them cope with the events they experience in the line of duty,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are thankful for the Legislature and law enforcement for their advocacy on this bill to increase support for services and reduce stigma around mental health issues.”

“Our administration is grateful for the Commonwealth’s first responders who put their lives on the line each day for their communities, and we are pleased to sign this bill affording them additional protection when they seek mental health counseling,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

“First responders put their own safety on the line to help those in need, and we need to be conscious of the mental toll that their demanding and critically important work can take,” said Public Safety Secretary Tom Turco. “This law is designed to encourage first responders to seek the assistance they may need, from peers who understand what they are going through, without the worry that doing so may damage their employment status or stigmatize them.”

“This is common sense legislation that will offer law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency service providers the resources they need to debrief and manage the psychological impact following an incident,” said Representative Ed Coppinger (D-Boston), the House sponsor of the bill. “Critical incident intervention is a peer-to-peer resource in which registered and trained emergency service providers offer consultation, counseling, and stress management. This peer support is the first, necessary step in checking the stress health of an emergency service provider and it can often bridge the gap if further help is required.”

“Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics work every day under demanding circumstances, and responding to critical incidents can have a direct, negative impact on the mental health of first responders,” said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury). “Confidentiality is an essential piece of comprehensive mental health services, and this bill will encourage greater participation and improved mental health for these brave men and

“After a 26 year career serving in law enforcement, I speak with first-hand knowledge of the great value that access to Critical Incident Stress Management plays in ensuring the wellness of our brave first-responders,” said State Representative Timothy R. Whelan (R-Barnstable). “The crises they see are many. The magnifying glass which they work under is great. These women and men need supports for their mental health given the horrors they will see in their careers. I commend my colleagues in the legislature for enacting this legislation and thank Governor Baker for signing this bill and affirming his support for our first-responders.”

“Effective crisis intervention and stress management has emerged over the last decade as a proven method for the immediate provision of urgent psychological support in the wake of a critical incident or traumatic event experienced by our first responders,” said Brian Kyes, Chelsea Police Chief and President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs. “We applaud the Governor yet once again for signing this important piece of legislation brought forward by members of the House and the Senate to allow for confidentiality, absent extenuating circumstances, in order to effectuate a more comprehensive and intensive diffusion and debriefing in the interest of furthering officer/firefighter wellness.”

“The Massachusetts Coalition of Police extends our thanks to Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and the Legislature, for recognizing the stress that public safety personnel face on a daily basis. This legislation is the cornerstone to working towards an environment that treats critical incident stress as a serious health concern for public safety workers and provides a means to offer assistance,” said Massachusetts Coalition of Police President Scott Hovsepian.

Governor Baker Announces Appointment of Andrew Maylor as Comptroller

Governor Baker Announces Appointment of Andrew Maylor as Comptroller

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today announced the appointment, effective February 18, 2019, of Andrew Maylor as Comptroller of the Commonwealth, an independent overseer of the Commonwealth’s financial transactions, accountability and service delivery across all branches of state government. Mr. Maylor most recently served as Town Manager for the town of North Andover and has over three decades of experience in both the public and private sector in financial management.

“Andrew’s extensive experience in the public sector overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, managing operations and establishing capital improvement and financial plans make him extremely well qualified to serve as Comptroller,” said Governor Baker. “I am confident that Andrew will bring the level of transparency, integrity and accountability necessary for this job. We look forward to working together and thank Thomas Shack for his public service as Comptroller.”

Serving as North Andover Town Manager, Andrew Maylor was responsible for 220 employees and a $100 million budget and developed various strategic planning initiatives. He is credited with instituting Financial Reserve and Debt Service policies that directly led to North Andover’s first AAA Bond Rating. In Chelsea, serving as City Auditor, Chief Finance Officer and Deputy City Manager he established plans to provide the most efficient use of funding and accountability for the city.

“Working together in the midst of the Merrimack Valley gas crisis, Governor Baker and I experienced first-hand the leadership and management skills Andrew Maylor possesses,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Over the course of his career, from stewarding municipalities towards efficient uses of funding to creating increased levels of accountability, he has proven he has the financial acumen and skill set to serve the Commonwealth in this role.”

The Comptroller is appointed by and serves coterminous with and independent of the Governor. The Office of the Comptroller is served by an Advisory Board chaired by Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael Heffernan and consisting of the Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, Trial Court Administrator and two gubernatorial appointees with experience in accounting, management or public finance who serve three-year terms.

“I am looking forward to using the skills I have developed during the past twenty-five years in municipal government in my new role as the Comptroller of the Commonwealth,” said Andrew Maylor. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with state agencies and constitutional officers to ensure accountability and increase transparency.”

About Andrew Maylor:

Andrew Maylor began his career in the private sector in 1985 with Putnam Investments and worked for several other private employers during an 8 year period. In 1993, Maylor began his career in public service with the Town of Winthrop. In 1996, Maylor became Auditor of the City of Chelsea before being promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 1997. As Chelsea’s Chief Financial Officer, he developed and implemented internal control procedures to eliminate material weaknesses identified by the City’s independent auditing firm. In 2000, Maylor was appointed Deputy City Manager of the City of Chelsea, a city of over 35,000 residents, 375 employees and a $105 million budget. In that role, he authored the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and implemented an asset inventory system designed to protect city assets and provide compliance with GASB 34. Additionally, he re-engineered the City’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan, creating a more efficient use of funding and accountability.

Maylor was appointed the first Town Administrator of Swampscott by the Swampscott Board of Selectmen in October 2002, where he oversaw the operations of a town of 14,000 residents, 120 employees and a budget of $54 million. As Town Administrator of Swampscott, Maylor negotiated multiple three-year contract renewals for the Town’s employee unions and co-authored grants for historical preservation, handicapped accessibility, homeland security and planning. In 2010, while serving as Town Administrator, Maylor was selected by the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) to chair the Essex Regional Retirement System (ERRS). Maylor was credited with implementing the necessary changes to remove ERRS from supervision by a state monitoring team. 

Since 2011, Maylor served as North Andover Town Manager, overseeing services for 30,000 residents, 220 employees and a $100 million budget. He developed and implemented strategic planning initiatives including the Facilities Master Plan, a $30 million, seven project facility renovation initiative. He is credited with instituting Financial Reserve and Debt Service policies that directly led to North Andover’s first AAA Bond Rating.

Maylor has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of United States and Canada in 1998-2001 and 2012-2016, and the Distinguished Budget Award in 1998-2002 and 2006-2016. Mr. Maylor is a member of the adjunct faculty in Merrimack College’s Master of Public Affairs Program and has served in a similar role at several other colleges during the past twenty years. Maylor earned his Bachelors in Management Science from Bridgewater State College and his MBA from Suffolk University. He received his MPA from Villanova University.

MAYOR WALSH LAYS VISION TO FURTHER SUPPORT A STRONG MIDDLE CLASS

MAYOR WALSH LAYS OUR VISION TO FURTHER SUPPORT A STRONG MIDDLE CLASS, BUILDING ON HISTORIC PROGRESS MADE IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS TO PRIORITIZE INCLUSIVE GROWTH, ECONOMIC MOBILITY AND SOCIAL PROGRESS

Celebrates historic progress and prioritizes expanding opportunity for all Bostonians

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh at State of the City address  2019. (Photo by Chutze Chou) Color guards opens the ceremony. (Photo by Chutze Chou) BOSTON - Tuesday, January 15, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh tonight delivered his fourth annual State of the City address at Symphony Hall, sharing historic progress made in the last five years in strengthening economic mobility, expanding opportunity, building affordable housing, and keeping Boston a safe place for all residents. In his address, Mayor Walsh reaffirmed his commitment to "make sure social progress and middle class opportunity grow together," and announced significant milestones reached in key initiatives to further these efforts, along with new ways to continue supporting this work. Governor of MA, Charlie Baker (left) and Mayor Marty Walsh's significant others Lorrie Higgins. (Photo by Chutze Chou) "Boston is stronger than ever because we are drawing on more of our people's strength than ever. Our city's success is our motivation to aim higher, work harder and make sure every single person in our city gets a full, fair shot at the opportunities we are creating," said Mayor Walsh. "Let's never lose sight of how far we've come; how far-reaching our leadership has been; and how deep our obligation is now, to stand together and keep leading." During his second inaugural address in January 2018, Mayor Walsh announced Boston's Way Home Fund to support the City's plan to end veteran and chronic homelessness. The fund had a goal of raising $10 million in private funds over the next four years in order to create 200 new units of supportive, sustainable, long-term housing for chronically homeless men and women. Only one year later, the fund has raised $5 million. Boston city councilors, from right, Ed Flynn, Michelle Wu, Althea Garrison. (Photo by Chutze Chou) Building on his Administration's efforts to ensure equity, opportunity and resilience for Bostonians, Mayor Walsh has shared his legislative agenda, with bills related to economic mobility and housing security, transportation and the environment, education funding, and health and public safety. The agenda aims to create affordable housing and keep tenants in their homes; reduce violence and fight for social justice, expand the middle class; and invest in education for all students. For more information on the Mayor's legislative agenda, please visit: boston.gov/legislativeagenda. Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary of Business Development  & International Trade and his wife Mary Truong, executive  director of the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. (Photo by Chutze Chou) In addition to his legislative agenda, Mayor Walsh announced new programs and initiatives to further support his Administration's work to bring opportunity to the entire city, and prioritize the health, safety and equity of residents. The Josiah Quincy Orchestra program Summer Street Brass Band performs at the State of the City address. (Photo by Chutze Chou) We are making sure that social progress and middle class opportunity grow together. In his State of the City address, Mayor Walsh announced a Mobile Economic Development Center designed to strategically engage with residents on economic development policy around job training, business development, and placemaking and community economic development. In addition, he shared that JazzUrbane Cafe, a full service restaurant, entertainment venue, and community space has been selected to operate 7,800 square feet of street-level space in Roxbury's Bruce. C. Bolling Municipal Building. Mayor Marty Walsh vowed to leave no one behind.  (Photo by Chutze Chou) We are committed to lifting people up, not locking people up. Over the last five years our police officers have taken over 4,100 guns off the street. Through partnerships with the community, we've put thousands of young people on pathways to opportunity. As a result, we've seen arrests come down by 25 percent, and our crime rate reduced by 25 percent. Governor Charlie Baker (far left) greets people before the city address. (Photo by Chutze Chou)  We are welcoming more voices and expanding our democracy. Mayor Walsh announced that his Administration will reactivate the Human Rights Commission to provide a forum for Bostonians to address discrimination and secure the promise of equality. In addition, Mayor Walsh has appointed a Census Liaison to make sure that every resident of Boston is counted, because every resident of Boston counts. The Mayor will sign an executive order to require all City employees be trained on how to recognize and correct disparities in city services. Boston city councilors has front row seats. (Photo by Chutze Chou) We are committed to leaving no one behind. In Boston we've created more affordable homes than any time on record. We'll create 1,000 new homeowners in the next five years by building more affordable homes and providing more financial help. We've housed over 1,600 chronically homeless people. A year ago we launched the Boston's Way Home Fund and set a goal of raising $10 million over 4 years for supportive housing. After just 1 year, we have already raised $5 million. From left, Robert DeLeo, Suzanne Bump, Deb Goldberg, and governor Charlie Baker (far right) are among the attendees. (Photo by Chutze Chou) We are a community for every generation. The City will revamp and rename the Elderly Commission office to be the Age Strong Commission, to reflect the City's efforts to make Boston inclusive, accessible and positive for people as they age. The Commission will serve our seniors' needs and draw on their tremendous strength. We are not just surviving, we are thriving. Under Mayor Walsh's leadership, the City of Boston is rebuilding roads and bridges, making our streets work for bikes and buses, opening parks and investing over $100 million in libraries all across our city. In Boston, smart fiscal management has unlocked historic investments -- while keeping homeowner taxes the lowest in the state. The City is investing $28 million in Boston Common and $28 million in Franklin Park. In addition, the Mayor more than doubled the building budget for schools -- with over $300 million already spent on brand new schools, major renovations, energy efficient roofs, boilers, windows, and modern furniture. Another $800 million is on the way. Please find Mayor Walsh's 2019 State of the City remarks as prepared for delivery here. (From City of Boston)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF THE AGE STRONG COMMISSION

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF THE AGE STRONG COMMISSION

BOSTON- Tuesday, January 15, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh tonight announced the launch of the Age Strong Commission, formerly known as the Commission on Affairs of the Elderly, at his annual State of the City address. The new name reflects the City's efforts to make Boston inclusive, accessible and positive for people as they age. "Boston is a community for every generation," said Mayor Walsh. "Our older residents are the heart of our city, and we look forward to continuing to serve their needs and draw on their tremendous strength. We see, hear, and value older people in Boston, and will continue our important work to make Boston an age-friendly city throughout all communities." Under the Walsh Administration, the Commission has actively engaged the community to learn how Bostonians are aging now and what their hopes are for aging in the future. Those conversations reflect a growing trend and national movement towards inclusive aging language and actions, designed by the FrameWorks Institute, the research partner for the Reframing Age Project. "How we engage our older residents is a social justice issue," said Chief of Health and Human Services Marty Martinez. "Words matter. Boston's older adults are bold, strong, and vibrant, and its new name accurately reflects who we serve on a daily basis." The new name comes less than two years into the Commission's Age-Friendly action planning, which has resulted in successful launches of: the City's first pilot Senior Civic Academy; an interactive public restrooms map; age- and dementia-friendly business designations; an Employment Guide for people over 50; and a front-facing City staff training to educate employees on the needs of older people in Boston. "The word 'elderly' does not define the people we serve," said Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea. "The people we work with everyday are so many things: experienced, vibrant, passionate, and most of all, strong. That's how we want to feel as we age, and that is how we hope to be seen." In addition its name rebranding, the Age Strong Commission has redefined itsmission and values in their updated website, www.boston.gov/age-strong. "This new name 'Age Strong' acknowledges the strength of Boston's human resources: the value, diversity and passion of its older people. Older Bostonians are an asset for this city. Their accumulated wisdom, skills and experience are examples of how we can all age strong," said Nora Moreno Cargie, president of Tufts Health Plan Foundation and vice president of corporate citizenship at Tufts Health Plan. "The name is also a call to action reflecting the critical and important work of the commission." "The City of Boston's Age Strong Commission, like the AARP Disrupt Aging® initiative, is a call to shape the future of aging. We are all aging, every day. Aging is about growth, not decline. It creates new opportunities, not just challenges. Older people are contributors, not burdens. And each and every one of us should be valued for who we are, not by how old we are. I look forward to seeing the progress the Age Strong Commission will have on challenging outdated beliefs, so we can all choose how to live as we age," said Mike Festa, AARP Massachusetts State Director. For 74-year-old Barbara J. Defoe, President of the Mayor's Senior Advisory Council, the new commission name is personal. "I embrace the name Age Strong as it relates to the more mature citizens of our city," said Defoe. "Age Strong suggests that we are the foundation of society, and have been the shoulders on which our nation is built. The name will be a constant reminder of the resiliency and power of all who have contributed to the greatness of the City of Boston." About the Age Strong Commission The Age Strong Commission works towards making Boston a city that fully embraces aging. Our mission is to enhance the lives of people 55+ with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so we can live and age strong together in Boston. For more than 50 years, we have served constituents as a City department, Council on Aging, and a Area Agency on Aging. In 2017, the Commission launched its Age-Friendly Action Plan, which is the City's blueprint to make Boston the best city to live and age in. Learn more about us at www.boston.gov/age-strong.

NEW JAZZ RESTAURANT SLATED FOR DUDLEY SQUARE'S BOLLING BUILDING

NEW JAZZ RESTAURANT SLATED FOR DUDLEY SQUARE'S BOLLING BUILDING

JazzUrbane Cafe selected for street-level space will bring family-friendly dining options and community space to the historic heart of Boston

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 15, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh tonight announced at his annual State of the City address that JazzUrbane Cafe, a full-service restaurant, entertainment venue, and community space, has been selected to operate the 7,800 square foot street-level space in Roxbury's Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building. The brainchild of professor, composer, and author William Banfield, JazzUrbane Cafe will anchor Dudley Square as a destination of art, entertainment, and community for Bostonians and beyond. "We're working to create opportunity in every neighborhood and every community in Boston, and the JazzUrbane Cafe will serve as a place for families and friends to gather for community conversations, civic meetings, entertainment and so much more," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm proud to have this new venue in the Bolling Building, and continue creating spaces and opportunities for all." JazzUrbane Cafe will offer high-end and affordable dining options for patrons and families. As a unique entertainment option for residents and visitors, JazzUrbane Cafe will present live performances from internationally renowned musicians and performing artists, as well as notable local performers and performing arts groups, including musicians, theater companies, dance groups and more. "JazzUrbane Cafe is designed to bring neighbors together and celebrate through the shared love of food, art, and community in a warm and inviting venue," said Bill Banfield, JazzUrbane Cafe Boston. "I'm grateful to Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston, and I am excited for the opportunity to create a truly unique experience in Roxbury, to bring back jazz to Dudley Square, and build an establishment that will become a destination for all residents and visitors." In addition to the scheduled entertainment events, JazzUrbane Cafe has committed to be a welcoming and integral part of the Dudley Square and Greater Roxbury communities. During the week, the cafe will be open during the day for community groups and arts organizations to utilize the space for community celebrations, civic engagement events, or arts and culture workshops and rehearsals. JazzUrbane Cafe's space, along with the 10,000 square feet of ground-level retail and 32,000 square feet of open and public lobby space, will build on the Bolling Building's reputation as a space for culture and community. "Dudley Square represents a mix of commerce, history, and culture, and we believe Bill Banfield will bring that history to life with JazzUrbane Cafe," said John F. Barros, Chief of Economic Development. "As a shared space for families, artists, and community members, JazzUrbane Cafe will enliven the neighborhood with a dynamic storefront, dining options, and and stage to showcase Boston's local talent in the heart of the city." The Mayor's Office of Economic Development, in partnership with the Department of Property Management, originally sought proposals for the space. The City's Review Committee, which was comprised of four department representatives and three community members, evaluated the three proposals submitted based on retail business characteristics, management expertise and experience, financial capacity, community participation, rent commitment. "After much consideration and discussion, we believe that Bill Banfield's vision and JazzUrbane Cafe's unique dining and entertainment offerings will renew excitement and nightlife in Dudley Square" said Carlos Castillo, Castillo Wine and Spirits and RFP Review Committee Community Member. "As a small business owner nearby, I look forward to increased visitors and the potential for existing businesses to be exposed to a larger audience and new business opportunities." The Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, located in the heart of Dudley Square, is the historic, mixed-use headquarters of Boston Public Schools, uniting 500 administrative staff and attracting visitors for public meetings and hearings throughout the year. The Bolling Building is also home to the Roxbury Innovation Center, public meeting and engagement spaces, and approximately 10,000 square feet of leased tenant space at the street level, bringing needed private sector retail and evening restaurant offerings to Dudley Square. The ground-level space on the north front of the building is currently considered a core and shell space, allowing proposed tenants to customize the space to their unique plan for activation. Located in the geographic center of Boston, Dudley Square contains over 150 businesses, representing retail demand by neighborhood residents of more than $610 million annually. The square is anchored by the Commonwealth's most heavily trafficked MBTA bus station, serving 35,000 people a day. Recent revitalization efforts by the City, including the renovation of the Dudley Branch Library, the BCYF Vine Street Community Center, and the Boston Police Department's B-2 Station, have served as a catalyst for private development in the greater Roxbury area. In addition to the recently completed Tropical Foods, development projects underway or in review include the over 300,000 square foot mixed-use Guscott Rio Grande building at 2343-2345 Washington Street; the mixed-use Tremont Crossing, which includes over 288,000 square feet of destination retail, 116,000 square feet of neighborhood retail, and the 31,000 square foot NCAAA Museum and Exhibition Space; and, the Melnea Hotel and Residences, a 135 room hotel and residential apartment building with 8,000 square feet of retail space permitted. The City is encouraging additional investment in Dudley Square with proposals for four Department of Neighborhood Development parcels currently under review for mixed use projects including low-income, moderate-income, and market-rate housing.   The future of Dudley Square is currently being envisioned through PLAN: Dudley Square, a community plan exploring the development program of publicly owned parcels, which builds upon the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan. Imagine Boston 2030, the first city-wide planning process in 50 years, identified the Bolling Building as a model public-private partnership that should be replicated in other growth areas of the City. About the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building The Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building opened on April 27, 2015, and incorporates the Ferdinand Furniture Building, the Curtis Block and the Waterman & Sons building, into a new state of the art facility. The six-story building houses an estimated 500 municipal employees from Boston Public Schools and features office space, as well as open space for student work, school events, and community gatherings. The building also includes 18,000 square feet of street-level space, and the 3,350 square foot Roxbury Innovation Center. The Building is a 2017 Silver medalist for the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence. The City of Boston's $115 million investment in the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building has spurred private investment across Dudley Square. The building is a collaboration between the City of Boston's Property and Construction Management Department, and the Boston Planning and Development Agency working closely with the community and historic preservationists. The Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building was designed by Mecanoo architecten and Sasaki Associates. Shawmut Design and Construction served as the CM at-Risk contractor, with project management services being handled by PMA Consultants.

Governor Baker Re-files Bill to Protect Communities from Dangerous Individuals

Governor Baker Re-files Bill to Protect Communities from Dangerous Individuals

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today re-filed legislation to provide law enforcement and the courts with additional tools to ensure dangerous criminals are held in custody pending trial. First filed on September 6th, 2018, the proposal would expand the list of offenses that can provide grounds for a dangerousness hearing and close certain loopholes at the start and end of the criminal process that currently limit or prevent effective action to address legitimate safety concerns. Governor Baker made the announcement in Everett at the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police Association Meeting.

“Public safety is a fundamental responsibility of government and in order to fulfill that duty, we must allow local police and district attorneys to effectively deal with people who repeatedly break the law,” said Governor Baker. “Last session we enacted several provisions to ensure that a small lapse in judgment doesn’t ruin a life, and we must now give law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts the tools they need to keep our communities safe. We look forward to working with the Legislature to pass this important bill.”

Today’s proposal will strengthen the ability of judges to enforce the conditions of pre-trial release by empowering police to detain people who they observe violating court-ordered release conditions; current law does not allow this, and instead requires a court to first issue a warrant.

“Loopholes in the current system limit or prevent effective action to address legitimate safety concerns,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This bill will empower law enforcement with the flexibility and tools they need to protect their communities from dangerous defendants.”

Under this proposal, judges will be empowered to revoke a person’s release when the offender has violated a court-ordered condition, such as an order to stay away from a victim, or from a public playground. Current law requires an additional finding of dangerousness before release may be revoked.

“One of the most important factors in assessing whether a person is safe to release into the community is whether they have committed serious acts of violence in the past,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Tom Turco. “This change in the law would allow a judge to consider the danger posed by people who have been proven to have committed serious crimes in the past, and who are now charged with a new crime. Passage of this bill will help prevent criminal defendants with a pattern of violent conduct from committing new crimes while they are pending trial.”

“A defendant’s past criminal history should absolutely be considered as a factor at any such dangerousness hearing rather than just the alleged crime that is currently before the court,” said Brian Kyes, Chelsea Police Chief and President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs. “It is essential that in conducting a proper risk analysis in order to determine whether the defendant is to be considered a potential danger to any victim, witness or to the public in general, that their past criminal history – especially as it pertains to previous convictions for violent crimes - is considered and weighed based on its relevancy pertaining to a demonstrated propensity to commit violence. This bill will rectify the existing gap that currently occurs during a dangerousness hearing.”

“I applaud and fully support the Formal Session filing of this bill authored by Governor Baker,” said Frank G. Frederickson, Yarmouth Police Chief. “This bill will help protect the public from repeat and/or dangerous persons charged with crimes. The measures in this filing are sound and necessary to protect our citizens and Police Officers. There is urgency in passing this legislation. For every day that this bill is not acted on is another day that we are all vulnerable to the most dangerous in society. When it comes to public safety bills, they should be taken seriously and acted on swiftly.”

The legislation also expands the list of offenses which can provide grounds for a dangerousness hearing including crimes of sexual abuse and crimes of threatened or potential violence. It also follows the long-standing federal model in including a defendant’s history of serious criminal convictions as grounds that may warrant a dangerousness hearing. Current law requires courts to focus only on the crime charged and ignore a defendant’s criminal history when determining whether the defendant may be the subject of this sort of hearing.

Additional provisions of this legislation:

• Improves the system for notifying victims of crimes of abuse and other dangerous crimes when a defendant is going to be released by creating clear lines of responsibility among police, prosecutors and corrections personnel to notify victims about an offender’s imminent release from custody, and create a six-hour window for authorities to inform a victim before an offender is allowed to be released.
• Creates a new felony offense for cutting off a court-ordered GPS device.
• Requires that the courts develop a text message service to remind defendants of upcoming court dates, reducing the chance they will forget and have a warrant issued for their arrest.
• Allows dangerousness hearings at any point during a criminal proceeding, rather than requiring a prosecutor to either seek a hearing immediately or forfeit that ability entirely, even if circumstances later arise indicating that the defendant poses a serious risk to the community.
• Requires that the probation department, bail commissioners and bail magistrates notify authorities who can take remedial action when a person who is on pre-trial release commits a new offense anywhere in the Commonwealth or elsewhere.
• Creates a level playing field for appeals of district court release decisions to the superior court by allowing appeals by prosecutors, in addition to defendants, and giving more deference to determinations made in the first instance by our district court judges.
• Creates a task force to recommend adding information to criminal records so that prosecutors and judges can make more informed recommendations and decisions about conditions of release and possible detention on grounds of dangerousness.

The legislation also closes loopholes at the start and end of the criminal process that currently limit or prevent effective action to address legitimate safety concerns. It extends the requirement that police take the fingerprints of people arrested for felonies to all people arrested, regardless of the charge, to ensure that decisions about release can be made with knowledge of a person’s true identity and full criminal history. It also allows, for the first time, bail commissioners and bail magistrates to consider dangerousness in deciding whether to release an arrestee from a police station when court is out of session.

MAYOR WALSH TO LAUNCH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EXPANDING ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH TO LAUNCH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EXPANDING ECONOMIC GROWTH ACROSS BOSTON

Mayor Walsh to launch workshops focusing on equity, job growth, and community development to be hosted in multiple languages throughout the city

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 15, 2018 - During his State of the City address, Mayor Martin J. Walsh will tonight strengthen his commitment to expanding economic opportunity to all, and will announce the creation of Boston's Economic Development Center. The Economic Development Center is designed to engage with residents on economic development policy around job growth, business development, placemaking and community economic development. The Economic Development Center will be at convenient, accessible locations in every neighborhood throughout the year, offer interpretation services upon request, a child-friendly environment, and will serve as a vehicle to generate economic opportunities for all residents and businesses in Boston. "We support small businesses because they lift up our neighborhoods, lift up families, and lift up all of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "Creating more pathways to economic security and success means a stronger, better city for all. Through programs like the Economic Development Center, we are building Boston's middle class and ensuring we are a city where all can achieve and thrive." "To ensure our economic development strategies deliver real results for Bostonians, we are bringing policy and resources to residents and businesses in an accessible, thoughtful, and collaborative manner," said John F. Barros, Chief of Economic Development. "We will be out in convenient locations - with staff and resources in many different languages - to not only help with small business financing and connecting the diverse talent in our communities to opportunity, but to discuss our creative community development strategies in order to get your feedback." The Economic Development Center will host free workshops year-round, across four series that focus on different sectors and different policy areas: equity and inclusion; small business; community economic development; and jobs and talent. The Mayor's Office of Economic Development staff and partner organizations will facilitate workshops to engage with residents on policy, connect businesses and entrepreneurs with necessary resources and support organizations, and directly work with individuals to access career advancement trainings, hiring and contracting opportunities, and networking events. Summaries and workshop topics for each policy include: Equity and Inclusion The series will create a network of individuals and businesses to connect with good jobs and public procurement opportunities, and serve as a vehicle to engage directly with diverse communities on equity policy and decision making. Series topics include pathways to contracting with the City, OSHA training and certification, and matchmaking events for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises. Small BusinessTo support Boston's small businesses at all stages and across industries, this track will create an accessible way for busy small business owners to invest time and energy to stabilize and grow their businesses. This track's workshops will feature series on business planning, food trucks, the creative economy, and immigrant entrepreneurs. Community Economic Development Based on existing BPDA Research data, workshops will illustrate the strong cultural and economic contributions made by Boston's diverse communities, and will facilitate a discussion around specific community needs and on best practices to engage different communities to better inform policy decisions. Workshops will include outreach to immigrant communities, including Boston's Cape Verdean, Somali, Vietnamese, and Haitian communities. Jobs, Talent, and Employers With the goal of maximizing Boston's homegrown talent and ensuring everyone benefits from Boston's economy, this track will facilitate individual to employer matchmaking, provide career training opportunities, and educate attendees on hiring trends for long-term career growth. Workshops will feature a variety of voices from some of the City's top employers discussing inclusive hiring practices, current staffing needs, and more. Workshops will be held at BCYF Centers, branches of the Boston Public Library, and partner organizations throughout Boston. During Mayor's Walsh's inauguration speech last year, he committed to using his second term to build and strengthen Boston's middle class. He also launched a campaign called Boston Hires, which works with nonprofit partners and private employers towards a new goal: 20,000 low-income Boston residents trained and placed in good jobs by the year 2022. The Economic Development Center builds on the success of the Small Business Center, first launched as a pop-up pilot by Mayor Walsh in 2017. As a result of the 2016 Citywide Small Business Plan, the Office of Economic Development developed a pop-up series of free workshops in neighborhoods around the City. Created to make services more accessible to small businesses, the workshops were designed to allow businesses to access city support outside of City Hall and in their own communities, as well as to provide opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs to network and create strategic connections. The 2017-2018 Pilot included a series in Mattapan, East Boston, and Roxbury for about six consecutive weeks each, reaching over 400 individuals. "Since attending the City's Small Business Center, I have been introduced to opportunities for my business that I didn't know existed before," said Hilliard Baker, President and Owner, H.B. Plumbing and Heating. "For a small business in Dorchester, the helpful staff, valuable networking time, and knowledge I've gained have lead to a winning contract and new work for my business. I look forward to building more relationships and learning more with this new program." These centers complement Mayor Walsh's overall work to increase access to economic opportunity throughout the City of Boston, including his 14-bill housing security and economic mobility package that will be submitted to the Massachusetts Legislature promotes equity, opportunity, and resilience through preserving neighborhoods, stabilizing vulnerable households, supporting small businesses, removing barriers that keep people in poverty, providing new pathways to good jobs, and continuing to leverage Boston's prosperity to build a more inclusive and equitable city. As Boston continues to grow at an incredible rate, Mayor Walsh has prioritized economic equity to ensure all Bostonians benefit from Boston's booming economy. In 2014, Mayor Walsh created the Economic Development Cabinet to make Boston an appealing and accessible place for families and businesses to grow and thrive in a way that fosters inclusion, broadens opportunity, and shares prosperity, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all Bostonians. Milestones include the development of the city's first ever Economic Inclusion and Equity Agenda, publication of the city's first Small Business Report, launch of the Small Business Resource Center, and passage of an updated Boston Residents Job Policy with elevated develop standard for hiring and building in Boston.

Gus Bickford on Baker's comment about ongoing federal government shutdown

a statement from Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman Gus Bickford on Governor Charlie Baker's recent comments regarding the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

"Governor Charlie Baker continues to claim that both Democrats and Republicans are to blame for the ongoing government shutdown. The Governor is willfully ignoring the fact that Democrats in Congress have voted multiple times to fund the government, only to have the legislation blocked by Republicans in the Senate, and that the President is refusing to negotiate in good faith - preferring instead to hold the livelihoods of more than 7,000 workers in Massachusetts hostage in pursuit of an unnecessary border wall. Criticizing both sides without working proactively towards a solution is not courageous - it is the Governor, once again, failing to stand up to his party and the President, even when their actions are harming families in Massachusetts." 

Governor Baker Names Cathy M. Judd-Stein as Chair of the Gaming Commission

Governor Baker Names Cathy M. Judd-Stein as Chair of the Gaming Commission

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker appointed Cathy M. Judd-Stein as the Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Judd-Stein, who has served as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel in the governor’s office since 2015, has served as a legal advisor to five Massachusetts Governors, Executive Director of Governor Patrick’s Judicial Nominating Commission, and General Counsel for the Massachusetts State Treasury.

“Cathy has built an impressive legal career over the last several decades providing sound guidance on complicated legal matters involving state law and public policy,”said Governor Baker. “She is highly regarded not only here on Beacon Hill, but throughout the legal community for her expertise on a wide variety of legal issues, most notably the laws governing the ethics and conduct of public employees. Cathy’s experience in state government and incredible diligence and attention to detail for every task she takes on are some of the many attributes that qualify her to be the Chair of the Gaming Commission. We thank Cathy for her contributions to our administration and look forward to her taking on this critically important position with the Commission. I also thank Gayle Cameron for serving as interim chair since late September.”

“Cathy has played an invaluable role on our team over the last four years, advising Governor Baker and I on many important issues, including human resources, compliance and education policy,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “I thank her for all she has done for our administration and look forward to her next task as Chair during a most transformative time for Massachusetts gaming.”

“I am honored to have served Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito these last four years,” said Cathy Judd-Stein. “I thank them for giving me this opportunity to continue working at the intersection of complex, important public and private sector issues and I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.” 

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission was created after “An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth” was signed into law on November 22, 2011. The Commission is a five member independent body that is responsible for developing and managing the process to select, license, oversee, and regulate all expanded gaming facilities in the Commonwealth. The costs associated with operating the state’s gaming commission is paid for by the gaming industry and not by Massachusetts tax dollars.

The Chair of the Commission is appointed by the Governor; one member is appointed by the Attorney General (whose appointee must have a background in criminal investigations and law enforcement); and one member is chosen by the State Treasurer (whose appointee must be proficient in corporate finance and securities). The remaining two commissioners are appointed by a majority vote of the same three constitutional officers.

About Cathy M. Judd-Stein

Cathy Judd-Stein currently serves as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel for the Office of the Governor. In that role, she provides guidance to Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito on a broad array of legal issues. She has spent much of her career dedicated to public service, advising extensively on public ethics and the state conflict of interest law, governmental reforms, and education and human services. Ms. Judd-Stein served as an instructor of “Ethics and Public Policy” for UMass Boston’s John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies from 2007-2015.  

In 2000, Governor Paul Cellucci appointed Ms. Judd-Stein to serve as Deputy Legal Counsel and his ethics advisor. She remained in that same position for Governors Jane Swift, Mitt Romney and Deval Patrick (through his transition), and then served as Governor Patrick’s Executive Director of the Judicial Nominating Commission. From 2011-2013, she worked at the Massachusetts State Lottery as Assistant Executive Director, Director of Policy and Special Counsel and then was named General Counsel of the State Treasury by the State Treasurer and Receiver. She served in that capacity until her appointment by Governor Baker in 2015.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Ms. Judd-Stein is a Trustee of St. Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. She also is a member of the Women’s Health Advisory Board for the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She is a member of the national Board of Directors for GLAAD and a former President of the Class Officers Association at Dartmouth College.

Ms. Judd-Stein lives in Winchester, Massachusetts and she and her husband are the parents of three adult children.