星期五, 1月 24, 2020
Baker-Polito Administration Files for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Local Transportation Funding, Highlights Fiscal Year 2021 Local Aid Proposals
Baker-Polito Administration Files for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Local Transportation Funding, Highlights Fiscal Year 2021 Local Aid Proposals
Funding will help cities and towns improve transportation infrastructure and address needs within their communities
BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today filed an “An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges,” which seeks $200 million in Chapter 90 funds to support local transportation infrastructure projects in all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Lt. Governor Karyn Polito made the announcement at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s Annual Meeting, and at the meeting also highlighted local aid included in the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget proposal, released this week.
“Chapter 90 funding helps every city and town in Massachusetts make infrastructure upgrades to local roads and bridges, strengthening the Commonwealth’s transportation system,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This funding, in addition to the local aid we included in our Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal, gives municipalities the flexibility to make needed investments in their communities.”
“Our administration has a strong partnership with local cities and towns, and Chapter 90 funding and unrestricted general government aid are key supports that allow local leaders to address unique needs within their neighborhoods,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This critical funding provides flexibility to municipalities, and we look forward to working with the Legislature to pass this bill.”
This $200 million in Chapter 90 funding would be available to local cities and towns for FY21. The administration previously requested this $200 million in FY21 Chapter 90 funding in the $18 billion Transportation Bond Bill it filed last summer and is refiling the proposal today to ensure this time-sensitive funding is available before the start of the construction season.
In one of his first official acts after taking office in 2015, Governor Baker directed MassDOT to release $100 million in Chapter 90 funds that had been promised the previous year, fulfilling a commitment made to cities and towns. In total, the Baker-Polito Administration has released $1.16 billion in funding through the Chapter 90 formula, and if approved by the Legislature, today’s request would bring that total to $1.36 billion.
“The Baker-Polito Administration is continuing to prioritize local aid and ensure our municipal partners have the resources needed to continue building strong, vibrant communities,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “We are proud to once again file for $200 million in Chapter 90 funding and continue our promise to deliver funding to local cities and towns.”
The administration’s FY21 budget proposal includes $1.16 billion for unrestricted general government aid (UGGA), a $31.6 million increase over Fiscal Year 2020, and equal to the growth rate of state tax revenue included in the FY21 consensus revenue estimate. Including the FY21 budget proposal, the administration has increased the total annual UGGA distribution by $214.5 million since taking office.
The FY21 budget also proposes $4 million in funding for Community Compact related programs, including best practices and regionalization and efficiency grants, as well as $3 million for district local technical assistance. The Community Compact program allows municipalities to secure state grants for local projects that focus on community development, emergency management, environmental resources and more. Since 2016, the administration has awarded over $27 million to municipalities through the Community Compact program.
“We urge legislators to act quickly and approve the legislation allocating a total of $200 million in Chapter 90 funds to cities and towns,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “With Chapter 90 money and funding from some of the Baker-Polito Administration’s initiatives, like Municipal Small Bridge and the Complete Streets Funding Programs, municipal leaders have a variety of resources to draw from to use on their specific infrastructure priorities.”
Through the Chapter 90 program, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Funding is awarded by municipality, and is predetermined by a formula that includes factors such as population, road miles and employment.
波士頓市長馬丁華殊祝您鼠年新春快樂
在視頻中，波士頓市長馬丁華殊說，波士頓市很高興要慶祝鼠年，這象徵福氣、好運的年份。在這個新年，我們希望自己，家人和波士頓市都有福氣，走好運。這是個親朋好友展望新年新希望的時刻，當然還要享用新年美食。這也是個深思華人社區對波士頓做了許多貢獻的好機會。他們使得波士頓市更強勁，更有活力。他希望向每一個慶祝中國農曆新年的人說，祝你，以及你的家人，親友今年健康，好運。
波士頓市長馬丁華殊本人生於1967年4月10日，生肖屬火羊，星座是牡羊。2013年首度當選為波士頓市長，2017年連任，許多政界人士認為2021年，他勢必再度競選連任，而屆時的競爭對手，很可能包括波士頓市議會中唯一的華裔市議員吳弭。
依照星座，生肖的形容，馬丁華殊是個有勇氣做自己，並且會努力使心中的計劃及構想開花結果的人，也是個重情義的人。
星期四, 1月 23, 2020
Baker-Polito Administration Launches Career Technical Initiative
Baker-Polito Administration Launches Career Technical Initiative
Program will help eliminate skills gaps in key sectors of the Massachusetts economy while creating more equitable access to middle class jobs for women and communities of color
LAWRENCE – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Secretary of Education James Peyser, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta, Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera and other local leaders to highlight the Career Technical Initiative, a program aimed at training an additional 20,000 skilled trades workers over the next four years to help close skills gaps and meet the needs of businesses across the Commonwealth. The Baker-Polito Administration will work with school administrators, employers and leaders in cities and towns to provide additional career training opportunities for both young people and adults by operating three teaching shifts a day at vocational schools, and anticipates making a multi-year investment to expand enrollment in vocational schools during the day and build out evening programs for adults seeking skills and certification in high-demand industries.
The Career Technical Initiative aims to provide more Massachusetts residents access to career technical training using the state’s existing resources at vocational high schools, while simultaneously helping businesses grow by increasing the population of skilled workers able to be employed in trade and construction jobs. The plan takes a multi-pronged approach to increase student enrollment and includes new state funding to help adults pay for classes, boosts business involvement in program development and credentials, and reduces licensure barriers to incentivize mid-career professionals to become vocational teachers. The new initiative – developed by the Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet – has the support of school leaders and industry stakeholders. The Baker-Polito Administration proposed $15 million in its recently submitted Fiscal Year 21 (FY21) budget to launch this initiative.
“Since taking office in 2015, our administration has been committed to providing the opportunities and resources for students and adult learners throughout the Commonwealth to develop the skills and education necessary to set them on a path to success,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Career Technical Initiative represents an essential component in our work to close the achievement gap as we reimagine how to best provide career technical training and encourage employer engagement at all levels.”
“There are many highly-skilled jobs and industries that are growing in the Commonwealth that require the knowledge taught in career technical programs,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We need more young people and adults to take advantage of the educational assets we already have in the Commonwealth and expand them to keep our economy growing.”
Under the plan, vocational schools will run three teaching shifts a day. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., students enrolled at vocational schools will take classes; from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., students from area high schools will take technical classes at the vocational schools; and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the schools will provide training for adults. The administration projects that over the next four years approximately 7,500 to 10,000 more students will be enrolled in high-impact vocational trade programs, which will reduce waitlists in programs at vocational schools around the state. Approximately 9,000 to 13,000 additional adult learners are expected to earn industry credentials, opening opportunities for them for obtain jobs in high-demand skilled industries.
Massachusetts, like the nation, faces a worker shortage and skills gap as the population of young people declines and the number of older people reach retirement age. By 2035, it is predicted that the number of people 65 and older will reach almost 1.7 million, while the number of five to 19-year-olds will hover around 1.2 million, according to the UMass Donahue Institute.
“Career and technical education gives students academic knowledge, technical skills, and employability skills,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “It helps them see how what they are learning applies to the needs of employers, and prepares students for the future whether they are headed to college or to the workforce.”
“This initiative will create high-quality career pathways in some of the Commonwealth’s largest job growth categories,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “It will help thousands of women, as well as youth and adults from communities of color, gain access to amazing job opportunities while also helping to fuel real-time employer workforce needs.”
“Retaining skilled workers and ensuring they have a place to live remain significant challenges to the Commonwealth’s strong economy, and this initiative will address workforce shortages and skills gaps by providing pathways to training and well-paying careers for both traditional students and adult learners,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “By bringing together the private sector, state and local government, and regional vocational schools, the administration is fostering the partnerships needed to make high-impact vocational trade programs available to more residents, especially those currently underrepresented in these fields.”
Over the past five years, the Baker-Polito Administration, through the Workforce Skills Cabinet, has worked to align education, economic development, and labor and workforce needs by making significant investments and expanding and strengthening education and training programs. Since its inception five years ago, the Workforce Skills Cabinet has awarded more than $78 million in Skills Capital Grants to high schools, colleges and other educational institutions to purchase new capital equipment. The administration also aligned manufacturing training resources under the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to train more than 1,500 individuals since 2016. Additionally, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $10.7 million in Workforce Training Funds to provide additional skills training to 6,769 existing employees working at 119 different businesses, and it has launched early college and early career programs at 60 high schools.
“The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators is in full support of Governor Baker’s Career Technical Initiative partnering our Vocational Technical Schools with workforce training programs during the evening hours,” said Kevin Farr, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators. “Many of the Vocational Technical schools in the Commonwealth currently have active adult and continuing education programs in the evening hours and this funding will provide another opportunity to enable workers to find the training necessary for life changing careers in our very robust economy.”
“The Alliance for Vocational Technical Education is pleased to see this much needed investment in career and technical education for young people and adults,” said Lew Finfer, co-chair of the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education. “We hope this initiative will enable more residents to get the training and certifications needed for higher paying, skilled jobs such as technicians, inspectors and mechanics, as well as apprenticeships in the building trades. Opening the voc-tech schools in the afternoons and evenings will allow more high school students to participate as well adults in low wage jobs to advance their skills and careers. “
“By expanding hours of utilization at the vocational schools, more and more workers can attend these classes, obtain marketable construction credentials and be well on their way to a lucrative career in our industry,” said Joe Camilo, Vice President and General Manager at Tocco Building Systems and 2020 Chair of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABCMA).
“With this opportunity, Interstate Electric could continue to add to the ever-growing needs of the company to continue to service the demands of the marketplace, the clients and to further mitigate the skills gap and technological advances,” said Interstate Electric Founder Pat Alibrandi.
Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito created the Workforce Skills Cabinet in 2015, bringing together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Housing and Economic Development in order to align education, economic development and workforce policies, and to strategize around how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in each region of the state.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $3 Million in Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology Grants
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $3 Million in Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology Grants
Funding will support 51 cities and towns as they strengthen and improve their technology infrastructure
SPRINGFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today joined elected officials and other local leaders in Springfield to announce $3 million in Community Compact Information Technology (IT) grants to help 51 municipalities strengthen their own technological infrastructure. This latest round of funding brings the total amount of municipal IT grants awarded over the past five years to $12 million – a significant investment that is supporting over 300 municipal and school district projects designed to modernize and improve technology systems.
“This $3 million in new funding for these communities highlights our commitment to improving technological infrastructure and enabling local cities and towns to deliver high quality services,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to continue working closely with our municipal partners while making key investments that modernize technology services across Massachusetts.”
“The 51 municipalities receiving funding today will be empowered to undertake critical projects such as improving record-keeping systems, enhancing public safety systems, consolidating billing platforms, implementing new software and integrating systems,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “As the Community Compact Cabinet Chair, I am proud of the success of this program and congratulate each of the award winners.”
The event in Springfield highlights the $100,000 the City is receiving to assist with the digitization of over 1 million archived records in an effort to promote preservation, transparency and ease of access. Existing records will be scanned and organized in a searchable software database that will be easily accessible.
“We are proud to continue our support for cities and towns as they carry out major technological projects that may otherwise be unaffordable,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “These awards will help make local technology more reliable and efficient, and will provide greater access for residents.”
“Since their inception, the Community Compact IT grants have helped with significant upgrades to municipal IT infrastructure across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Curtis M. Wood. “These new investments will further strengthen municipal technology – enabling cities and towns to better serve their businesses, residents and visitors.”
Other notable examples of communities receiving funding through this round of awards include the following:
- Acton is receiving $150,000 to replace their public safety record management system, which serves the needs of dispatchers, police officers and firefighters
- Braintree is receiving $102,034 to integrate their town and school radio systems
- Holden is receiving $157,037 to create a fiber network on their Main Street corridor, connecting all town buildings to the existing network
- Tewksbury is receiving $139,018 to install a simulcast system to improve public safety radio coverage
The Community Compact program allows municipalities to secure state grants for local projects that focus on community development, emergency management, environmental resources and more. Since 2016, the Administration has awarded over $27 million to municipalities through the Community Compact program. Of that total, the IT grant program has awarded $12 million in support of more than 300 municipal and school district projects designed to modernize and improve technology systems.
Formed in January 2015, the Community Compact Cabinet is chaired by Lt. Governor Polito and is composed of the Secretaries of Housing and Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Technology Services and Security, along with the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services and the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services. The Community Compact Cabinet elevates the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns, and allows the Governor’s Office to work more closely with leaders from all municipalities. The Cabinet champions municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies, and develops, in consultation with cities and towns, mutual standards and best practices for both the state and municipalities. The creation of Community Compacts creates clear standards, expectations and accountability for both partners.
For a full list of awardees and projects, click here.
TWO FOUND GUILTY, SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON IN CONNECTION WITH SELLING WOMEN FOR SEX AT BROTHELS
TWO FOUND GUILTY, SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON IN CONNECTION WITH SELLING WOMEN FOR SEX AT BROTHELS
Jury Delivered Guilty Verdict after 11-Day Trial
BOSTON – Two individuals have been sentenced to five to six years each in state prison after a jury found them guilty on human trafficking and money laundering charges for trafficking women for sex at brothels throughout Greater Boston, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. The individuals were charged after a joint investigation and takedown by the AG’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division.
On Jan. 22, after an 11-day trial, a Suffolk Superior Court jury found Pingxia Fan, age 42, of Boston, and Timothy Hayes, age 53, of Gloucester, guilty on various charges in connection with trafficking women for sex at brothels in Boston, Cambridge, North Reading, and Quincy.
“These defendants made hundreds of thousands of dollars by exploiting numerous victims who were confined to the brothels day and night,” said AG Healey. “This case is a reminder that human trafficking exposes people to unimaginable trauma and abuse.”
“In a month the FBI proudly dedicates to shining a light on the prevention of human trafficking, we are especially gratified that Pingxia Fan and Timothy Hayes, who exploited women for personal profit through sexual servitude, will now answer for these appalling injustices,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Human trafficking respects no boundaries where age, gender or nationality are concerned. What happened to the victims in this case deserves society’s outrage, just as investigating all forms of this criminal activity deserves to be a top priority of law enforcement.”
The defendants were found guilty on the following charges:
Pingxia Fan, age 42, of Boston
Trafficking Persons for Sexual Servitude (5 counts)
Deriving Support from Prostitution (5 counts)
Keeping House of Ill Fame (4 counts)
Money Laundering (3 counts)
Timothy Hayes, age 53, of Gloucester
Trafficking Persons for Sexual Servitude (5 counts)
Deriving Support from Prostitution (5 counts)
Keeping House of Ill Fame (4 counts)
Money Laundering (3 counts)
Fan and Hayes were each sentenced by Judge Janet Sanders today in Suffolk Superior Court to five to six years in state prison, with three years of probation to serve upon their release.
Fan and Hayes were arrested in May 2017 after an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Human Trafficking Division. They were later indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury in June 2017.
The AG’s Office began an investigation after a referral from the North Reading Police Department, which did an initial investigation into a brothel in North Reading and offered extensive assistance in this case.
The investigation revealed that Fan and Hayes ran a sex trafficking and money laundering operation involving multiple brothels—two in Quincy, and single locations in Boston, Cambridge, and North Reading. The defendants used multiple vehicles to transport sex trafficking victims, money, and supplies.
Fan and Hayes arranged for women to meet with men at the brothel locations to provide commercial sexual services in exchange for cash. Most of the money from these encounters went to the defendants, which they laundered into the business to perpetuate the daily operations of the criminal enterprise.
AG Healey has a dedicated Human Trafficking Division that focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 60 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law was passed.
The FBI Boston Division’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force is one of 12 DOJ-funded task forces in the country with the mission to combat sex and labor trafficking. Nationally, the FBI participates in over 100 human trafficking task forces and working groups. The FBI believes in a victim-centered approach to human trafficking investigations, where identifying and stabilizing victims of this heinous crime is equally as important as providing resources to help them.
This case was tried by Assistant Attorneys General Nancy Rothstein of the AG’s Human Trafficking Division and Gretchen Brodigan, of the AG’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division, with assistance from Division Chief Nikki Antonucci and Victim Advocate Lia Panetta, both from the AG’s Victim Services Division, Investigator Jillian Petruzziello of the AG’s Financial Investigations Division, Paralegal Sindhu Kadhiresan from the Human Trafficking Division, and Assistant Attorney General Sue Reardon from the AG’s Appeals Division. It was investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Human Trafficking Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab. The Massachusetts State Police and the Boston, Cambridge, Gloucester, Newton, North Reading, Quincy and Revere Police Departments also provided assistance.
星期三, 1月 22, 2020
Governor Baker Delivers 2020 State of the Commonwealth Address
Governor Baker Delivers 2020 State of the Commonwealth Address
BOSTON – Tonight, Governor Charlie Baker delivered his State of the Commonwealth address from the House Chamber of the Massachusetts State House. Remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Mr. Speaker. Madame President. Members of the House and Senate. Members of Congress. Fellow Constitutional Officers. Members of the Governor's Council. Mr. Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary. Members of the Cabinet and my Administration. Sheriffs. District Attorneys. Mayors. Local Officials. Reverend Clergy. Distinguished Guests.
“To our Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, my partner in leading this Administration. I want to take a moment to extend gratitude on behalf of all of us here today. For your work as Chair of the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Council, Co-Chair of the STEM Council and for your tireless work helping us build strong communities.
“To my wife of 32 years, Lauren Baker. I thank you. And love you for all that you are.
“This past holiday season, you and the team at the Wonderfund distributed over 125,000 gifts to more than 50,000 kids served by the Department of Children and Families, one more amazing example of the work you all do to support the children served by DCF.
“To the men and women in Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Corrections. We’re all grateful for everything you do to keep our communities safe.
“The horrific unprovoked attack at Souza Baranowski several weeks ago reminded us that this is difficult and, at times, very dangerous work. Thank You!
“And in these deeply troubled times throughout the world, our hearts and hopes are with our men and women in uniform and their blessed families. To the Gold Star families here with us tonight, you and your loved ones are heroes to us all.
“To my Fellow Citizens, thank you for this opportunity to serve.
“And thank you for your insights, high fives, fist bumps and obvious commitment to your communities, your friends and family and one another. Your kindness and generosity are like oxygen for the rest of us.
“Last year we made real progress on issues that make a big difference in the lives of our residents.
“Let’s start with vaping.
“We led the nation in responding to the growing body of evidence concerning this relatively new activity. As the warning signs of sudden illness, injury, and death here in Massachusetts and across the country became clear, we acted.
“Together we moved quickly to protect our teens and adults. And today we have the most comprehensive legal framework in the country to oversee and regulate this untested, and potentially dangerous, activity.
“We’re now implementing the nationally recognized criminal justice reform law we passed in 2018.
“I want to give special thanks to the members of the Black and Latino Caucus for your insights and observations along the way. Your contributions have been invaluable.
“Last January, we proposed to expand the Medicare Savings Program. Starting this month, 40,000 low income seniors will save thousands of dollars on their out of pocket drug costs.
“When we took office many communities in Western Mass had no plan for installing high speed internet.
“But later this month, after 4 years of work and great support from the Legislature, every one of those communities will either already have high speed service or have a plan in place to make it happen.
“Our economy is booming, our unemployment rate is below 3% and we have more people working than at any time in our history.
“Strong fiscal management and a robust economy have resulted in back to back billion-dollar budget surpluses, which we used to double down on our Rainy Day Fund. Today, that fund balance stands at $3.5 billion. It’s the highest level ever, by a wide margin.
“We also cut taxes for working families, and delivered on a promise made to voters 20 years ago to reduce the state income tax rate to 5%.
“Finally, we’ve taken bold action to tackle the opioid crisis, and have shown the rest of the nation the way forward.
“Working together, we nearly tripled state spending on prevention and treatment.
“And what was a public policy catastrophe now offers hope for families and a dramatic reduction in the shame of stigma.
“We’ve been able to do all of this by finding common ground, by refusing to engage in the partisan nonsense that consumes so much of our national politics and by putting the people of our Commonwealth first.
“That's why I can stand here before you tonight and say without a doubt, the state of our Commonwealth is strong.
“But much remains to be done.
“We have to align our health care policies with the nature of illness, and the 21st century hopes and expectations of our residents.
“We’re a national leader on climate policy, but we have to take more decisive action.
“Our economic success means we have to address long-standing issues in transportation and housing.
“We have to continue to reduce the skills gap between people looking for better work and the needs of many of our employers.
“And we must ensure that every child, regardless of who they are or where they live, has access to a high-quality education.
“On health care, we’ve done great work over the past five years.
“Our leadership in fighting the opioid epidemic has set the table for other states.
“We’ve maintained access to women’s health services in the face of federal cutbacks.
“The multi-decade clinical embarrassment at Bridgewater State Hospital has become a new lease on life for many of those who are committed there.
“A Health Connector that had become a national punch line now stands as a model for every other state, providing affordable health insurance coverage to over 300,000 people.
“We’ve cleaned up the out of control MassHealth program, dramatically expanded community-based mental health services and limited the growth in total health care spending.
“But there’s much more we should do.
“Our Administration filed a major health care reform bill last fall. And we appreciate the Legislature’s decision to schedule a hearing on that bill later this month.
“I don’t plan to go over all 179 pages of the bill tonight, but you know I'd love to.
“Put simply, for the past 50 years, our health care system has been focused on promoting and supporting the technological advancement of medicine.
That focus has cured disease and saved lives.
“But even as that progress has continued, our health care system has failed to adapt to the changing nature of illness and the gaps in care that have been created by this approach.
“For years, we have neglected preventive services that keep people healthy and out of our emergency rooms, like primary care, addiction services, geriatrics and behavioral health care.
“We’re also an aging population.
“Many of us who live to the age of 60 (like me, and many others in this room) will likely make it into our 80’s and 90’s, where brain diseases are far more common than they used to be.
“For a variety of clinical and sociological reasons, mental health, addiction and behavioral health issues are far more challenging than they were in the past, and increasingly intertwined with physical illnesses.
“A 21st century health system should presume that time spent with patients and their families matters. People dealing with 2, 3 or 4 chronic illnesses need guidance, advice and support, and so do their family members.
“Our system should reward clinicians who invest in time and connection with patients and their families. But our current system does not. And this is a major problem.
“At its most fundamental level, our proposal is about nudging caregivers and health plans.
“To put more resources into time, on primary care and behavioral health services, while limiting overall cost increases.
“Massachusetts has always led the nation on health care. Let’s do it again.
“Federal disaster relief spending today is almost 10 times higher than it was 30 years ago.
“Let’s think about that.
“From fishing and farming to critical public infrastructure and basic necessities like clean drinking water, there’s no dispute that the consequences of climate change are real and potentially devastating.
“Thankfully, despite significant steps backward in Washington, we in Massachusetts continue to lead.
“We created the first Municipal Vulnerability Program in the country, so local communities would have the ability to address future threats before they occur.
“More than 285 communities have joined us. And with our support, they’re working to protect their property and infrastructure from the effects of climate change.
“We’re committed to expanding this essential program to all 351 communities. And we’ll bring this Administration’s total investment in climate resiliency to just over $1 billion by 2022.
“But cities and towns from the Berkshires to Cape Cod will need more support to finish the job.
“That’s why we proposed creating a trust, which would generate about $130 million every year to protect critical infrastructure, fix culverts, design flood paths and adapt to our new reality.
“Let’s face it: on this time is not our friend. We urge the Legislature to move quickly on this critical bill.
“Massachusetts also leads the nation in procuring clean, renewable energy.
“Two major affordably priced offshore wind projects await federal approval. Combined with our Canadian hydropower project, these investments would meet 30% of our electricity consumption requirements and at the same time eliminate 5.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every single year.
“But yesterday’s solutions and yesterday’s plans are no longer sufficient. We must continue to take bold action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
“Tonight, I’m committing the Commonwealth to achieving an ambitious climate goal: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“That is why we’re working with our colleagues across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states on a Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative. This encompasses 70 million people and 50 million vehicles.
“Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation have been on the rise for decades and now represent 40% of this state’s total emissions. Unless we take on transportation, we won’t meet our objectives.
“I get that this is going to be hard. But together, we have a real opportunity, and a responsibility to achieve a significant reduction in transportation emissions.
“RGGI, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative that our proposal is based on, has worked for 10 years. Power plants have adopted clean energy solutions and funded energy efficiency programs, investing 3.3 billion dollars across the region. Greenhouse gas emissions in the power sector have dropped by nearly 50%.
“Applied to the transportation sector, the same market mechanisms can encourage automakers and fuel suppliers to find efficiencies and deploy cleaner fuels.
“In addition, the Transportation Climate Initiative will deliver millions of dollars in needed investments in our transportation infrastructure. It’s a critical part in expanding public transportation, transforming our highways and reducing congestion.
“But our transportation challenges are far more expansive than just climate change.
“Decades of underinvestment in the T have combined with the skyrocketing growth of our workforce, and 100 million Uber and Lyft rides every year, to put tremendous pressure on every part of our transportation system.
“The issues we’re all dealing with, and the loss of time and reliability that comes with them, are unacceptable.
“Since 2015, we’ve been working hard on this.
“That’s why we were the first Administration in state history to invest more than $1 billion a year to Build a Better T.
“We’re also the first to fund an unprecedented 5 year, $8 billion infrastructure modernization program, to improve reliability and add thousands of seats to the system.
“It’s why we rescued the $2 billion Green Line Extension project, expanded commuter rail service and funded, and began building, the decades-delayed $1 billion South Coast Rail project.
“It’s also why we’ve replaced a third of the bus fleet, expanded the Silver Line, and continue to enhance and expand dedicated bus lanes.
“But we have much more to do.
“To build on these improvements, we filed an $18 billion transportation bond bill last year, the largest ever.
“$11 billion would be invested in road and bridge improvements, with another $7 billion for additional expansion and modernization of transit, commuter rail and bus services.
“Our 2021 budget proposal will include an increase of $135 million in operating funds for the T.
“This will ensure the T has the resources it needs to implement the recommendations of its Safety Review Panel and continue to accelerate service improvements.
“Traffic is also a problem and it's no longer just at rush hour. Transportation Network Companies provide a valuable service, but they clog our roads and operate with very little oversight.
“Legislation that we filed will give us the information and the tools we need to better manage where they can go and when, so that they remain a vital but less disruptive part of our transportation community.
“We know these are big, complicated issues, but we urge the Legislature to act as quickly as possible on these bills.
“The sooner we have access to both the tools and the funding, the sooner we can make our transportation system safer, better and more reliable.
“Five years ago, we made a commitment to significantly increase state investments in affordable, workforce, and transit-oriented housing.
“18 months ago, you passed and we signed the largest housing bond bill in state history.
“Homeless families are being supported in more appropriate settings, which is why virtually all of the hotels and motels that used to shelter homeless families have been retired.
“We are making progress, but demand is outpacing supply. The result?
“Families are forced to rent substandard housing, or move further away from jobs. And seniors either move out or face financial ruin.
“Our current zoning laws aren’t working.
“They’re a wall between the well off and the up and coming. They punish families and young people who are not already ‘in the market.’ And they make it almost impossible for local communities to do what makes sense for their residents.
“We talk a lot about the need for greater equity these days. But a proposal that removes the single greatest barrier to housing that families can afford has been sitting under review for years.
“We say we want to make Massachusetts more affordable. And yet, thousands of units of desperately needed housing get majority support from their local communities, only to fail to be built because current zoning laws require a supermajority vote.
“I get the fact that some advocates think our housing production bill is too much, and others think it’s not enough. What I know for sure is doing nothing, maintaining the status quo, has been hurting families for years.
“For the sake of our communities, our young people, our seniors and our families, let’s find the common ground on housing policy that must be in here somewhere. And let’s get this done.
“To keep our economy strong, we’re focused on two important initiatives.
“First, Lieutenant Governor Polito just spent a year touring the Commonwealth, hearing from local leaders, legislators, private companies and non-profits, as we drafted our economic development plan for this term.
“The finished product is appropriately called “Partnerships for Growth,” because we succeed when we work together. Legislation based on the report will be filed for your consideration next month.
“The second initiative will focus on addressing the persistent skills gap we have, between people looking to work their way up the jobs ladder and the needs and expectations of many of our employers.
“To address this, we’ll launch a $15 million partnership with our vocational schools to give thousands of people, adults and high schoolers, ‘hands-on’ educational opportunities.
“Opportunities they don’t have now under our current approach.
“The partnership will transform vocational schools, to provide classes in three shifts.
“Adults can take classes during the evening. Traditional high school students can take classes after their regular school day. And full-time vocational school students attend as they do now.
“These Career Technical Institutes will turbocharge our approach to applied learning and industry specific credentialing.
“Over the next several years, this partnership will train 20,000 new, skilled, and diverse workers in key trades and technical jobs.
“Our economy is the envy of the nation. And we look forward to working with you, so that everyone in Massachusetts has the skills they need to be part of our collective success.
“Yesterday, at least it seems like yesterday, we enacted another groundbreaking education reform law during the first half of this legislative session.
“Improving education began in the 1990’s, when we passed a law that included a major infusion of new state funds in our schools, combined with accountability measures. Parents, teachers and students ran with it and took Massachusetts from the middle of the pack to among the nation’s leaders in K-12 education.
“In 2010, we expanded the toolkit so we could work on fixing troubled schools and districts.
“Among other things, this made it possible for Jeff Riley to become the receiver/superintendent in Lawrence, which was transformative for the kids and families in that community.
“The new law builds on the first two and makes an unprecedented $1.5 billion commitment of new state funds, to elevate our kids and our schools.
“But let’s remember, these funds are just the foundation. Dollars are important, especially in the communities that will benefit most from this infusion of resources. But they’re not the only thing that has to change.
“The money didn’t change in Lawrence under then-Superintendent Riley. Lawrence worked well because everything else changed.
“The new leadership, combined with gifted and talented programs, acceleration academies, parental outreach, applied learning opportunities, longer school days and early college programs helped students find their footing. And they blossomed.
“To date, 154 Lawrence High School students have graduated with more than 2,600 college credits at no cost to them or their families through our early college program.
“Dozens earned full scholarships at area colleges. Joining us today are 11 of them, 6 from Merrimack College and 5 from Northern Essex Community College.
“Mayor Dan Rivera, would you and your students please stand and be recognized.
“Congratulations. I know I speak for everyone here tonight when I wish you all the best as you continue your education.
“Many people have questioned the state’s ability to fund our new education law.
“But I think that may be the easiest part. The harder part will be implementing the proven strategies in schools and districts throughout Massachusetts that change the game for kids.
“This is our chance to give every child in this Commonwealth the opportunity they deserve to be great. And we should fully embrace it.
“As I look back over the past five years, I can’t help but be gratified by the opportunity to serve and humbled by the experiences that come with it, gratified by the progress we’ve made in so many areas, and honored to have the chance to build on that work going forward.
“But mostly, I’ve been humbled by the people I’ve met, the stories they’ve told me and the chance they’ve given me to walk, if only briefly, in their shoes.
“The courage and kindness of so many families who’ve lost loved ones in the line of duty.
“The grit and perseverance of the people I’ve met battling their own addiction, or the addiction of a family member.
“The foster parents and foster children who’ve taken the time to tell me their stories, without mincing words along the way.
“The faith and resilience of John, Nancy, Jen, Andrew, Julie and Pete Frates.
“A family that turned a terrible twist of fate into an opportunity to change the world.
“Day after day after day, as Pete descended into the grip of ALS, he and his family fought the disease and raised awareness and hundreds of millions of dollars, changing the game forever for all those impacted by ALS.
“Pete’s sister Jen and brother Andrew are with us tonight; you both grace us with your presence. Would you please stand.
“Because we are lucky, most of us will live lives that are filled with manageable problems to be solved. The loss that many families suffer through is the exception to the rule.
“But in these public jobs, we often have a role and a responsibility to share in those family struggles, and sometimes in their grief.
“I’m always blown away by the bravery and decency our neighbors display, in what must be their darkest moments.
“There are lessons in those moments.
“They speak to the exceptional nature of the people we have the opportunity to represent. Why we should always strive to make things better. To fix what doesn’t work. To get the very best we can out of each other. And to recognize and understand that pointless bickering solves nothing.
“People who deal with much greater troubles than ours will rightly question us if we waste our time, and theirs, on the politics of personal destruction. They want us to be better than the yelling they see on TV and across social media.
“They’re not paid advocates. They’re our neighbors. They are reasonable people.
“They want us to work together to build stronger, safer communities, a better economy and a more resilient, respectful and hopeful Commonwealth.
“They are civil to a fault. And we should be too.
“We all know campaigns are contests, and the siren call of sloganeering and cheap shots will be everywhere this year.
“Let’s rise above it.
“We’ve demonstrated time and time again over the past five years that we can find common purpose.
“That we can lead and represent the very special people of this very special place we call home.
“That we can focus on progress. Build on what we have. And live up to the ideals, courage and appropriately high expectations of our neighbors.
“Let’s make them, and each other, proud.
“God Bless This Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
“God Bless The United States of America.”
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