Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Enactment Of $1M In Security Funding For Religious, Community Institutions

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Enactment Of $1M In Security Funding For Religious, Community Institutions

For high resolution and additional photos, click here.

BOSTON — Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined legislators, religious leaders and advocates for a ceremonial signing of key sections of the recently-enacted supplemental budget that will triple the funding available this year to help Massachusetts houses of worship and other nonprofit groups enhance their security against hate crimes and terrorist attacks.

“Massachusetts is a welcoming community that embraces people of all faiths, and it’s important that people across the Commonwealth have the opportunity to come together with neighbors and worship without fear,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These funds will assist houses of worship and other community-based institutions across the state in preserving their safety from those who would do them harm.”

“Recent tragedies across the country reveal a growing need to protect the well-being of worshippers here in Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps provide religious institutions and other nonprofits with the resources that will let them fulfill their missions safely and securely.”

This funding from the recently-enacted FY19 close-out supplemental budget adds $1 million to the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack or hate crimes but are ineligible for similar federal grants. Governor Baker initially proposed the $1 million in funding in his supplemental budget proposal filed in September 2019. The program was previously budgeted at $500,000.

“No American, no matter whom they pray to or where they gather, should be concerned for their safety in a house of worship,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “While it saddens me that these additional security measures are necessary, I am heartened to know we are making these investments today to better prepare our non-profit intuitions and protect our residents. I hope to see the Commonwealth join together to fight back against the hate crimes, anti-religious acts and violent rhetoric that is spreading across the country. In the meantime, I’d like to thank my partners in the Administration and the House for helping to make this funding a reality.”

“There has been an alarming uptick in racial and religious violence across the country – much of it shamefully directed at Jews in the form of anti-Semitic attacks,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I was proud to work with my colleagues in the House, Senate President Spilka and Governor Baker to provide sadly-needed security funds. Massachusetts stands united against hatred.”

“As acts of aggression and hate have touched so many of our communities in recent months, these grants have become absolutely vital,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport). “I am proud of the Legislature’s commitment to providing this vital funding and thank the Administration for doing what it can to ensure our places of worship and community centers that are at-risk to violent threats are safe and secure.”

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito were joined by a broad coalition of advocates and religious leaders at today’s event, including Jewish Community Relations Council Executive Director Jeremy Burton, Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston President and CEO Marc Baker, Reverend David Wright of the Black Ministerial Alliance, Jewish Federation of Central Mass Executive Director Steven Schimmel, Rabbi Elaine Zecher of Temple Israel Boston, Rabbi Dan Slipakoff of Temple Israel Boston, JCC Greater Boston Executive Director Mark Sokoll, Rabbi Laura Abrasley of Temple Shalom, Newton, and Rav Claudia Kreimen of Temple Beth Zion, Brookline.

“We congratulate Governor Baker, Senate President Spilka, Speaker DeLeo, and all of our legislative partners for recognizing and responding to the dire need for these vital security enhancements for the Jewish community and other targeted communities,” said Jeremy Burton, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council. “The sobering reality is that violent antisemitism has come roaring back. We are gratified that our highest elected officials, the leaders of faith communities, and philanthropists who are leading the way in building the welfare of our civil society, are working to push antisemitism and other forms of hate back into the closets from which it has reemerged.”

The Commonwealth Nonprofit Safety Grant Program is overseen by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research and helps recipients acquire and install technology, equipment, and other resources to safeguard them from acts of violence. Funding is prioritized for applicants demonstrating the greatest need and cost-effective solutions to address their building safety and security.

“The modern public safety landscape means that we have to consider threats that once would have been unthinkable,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “The danger posed by extremists, terrorists and hate groups is one we have to be vigilant against even in the places we pray and come together with our neighbors.”

To apply for a 2020 Commonwealth Nonprofit Safety Grant, visit https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-commonwealth-nonprofit-security-grant. 

SAB Biotherapeutics Announces Research Collaboration with CSL Behring

SAB Biotherapeutics Announces Research Collaboration with CSL Behring

Sioux Falls, S.D., January 7, 2020 – SAB Biotherapeutics (SAB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical development company advancing a new class of immunotherapies, today announced that it has entered into multiple collaboration and option agreements with global biotherapeutics leader CSL Behring. The collaborations will explore the possibility and the potential of new therapies to treat challenging autoimmune, infectious and idiopathic diseases by leveraging SAB’s DiversitAb™ platform.

SAB has developed a unique platform, through advanced genetic engineering, to naturally and rapidly produce large amounts of human antibodies without using human donors.

The agreement includes a research program which will investigate a potential new source for human immunoglobulin G (IgG). Human IgG is currently used for a number of immunological and neurological diseases including Primary Immunodeficiency, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN).

CSL Behring is a leader in the global immunoglobulins market, which has grown substantially over the last five years. Key factors fueling market growth include an aging population, increased emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of immune diseases, and its increased use in new indications.

“SAB Biotherapeutics has developed a very interesting and novel platform for the production of human immunoglobulins,” said Dr. Andrew Nash, Senior Vice President, Research for CSL Behring. “CSL Behring is committed to the continuous development of innovative therapies that address unmet needs for patients with rare and serious diseases. This collaboration will provide both companies an opportunity to explore the potential of these new approaches to positively impact areas of need.” 

CSL Behring’s R&D footprint includes more than 1,700 scientists across the globe with an R&D investment exceeding $800 million in 2018 - 2019.

“We are excited that CSL Behring has chosen to work with SAB Biotherapeutics to explore new immunotherapies leveraging our technology platform,” said Dr. Eddie J. Sullivan, president, CEO and co-founder of SAB Biotherapeutics. “We believe combining our unique human antibody development and production capabilities with CSL Behring’s established immunoglobulin franchise and vast expertise in biopharmaceutical development will broaden therapeutic possibilities.”

CSL Behring and SAB will share research program and related costs and plan to complete the initial phase in 2020. The collaboration may lead to subsequent development and commercialization agreements.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES REAPPOINTMENTS TO BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES REAPPOINTMENTS TO BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE Alexandra Oliver-Dávila and Lorna Rivera reappointed

BOSTON - Monday, January 6, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the reappointments of Alexandra Oliver-Dávila and Lorna Rivera to the Boston School Committee, the governing body of the Boston Public Schools (BPS). Oliver-Dávila currently serves as the Executive Director of Sociedad Latina, Inc., and has been an active member of the School Committee since her appointment in 2016. In 2019, she served as vice chairperson of the Committee, and co-chair of the Superintendent Search Committee. Dr. Rivera is the Director of the Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development & Public Policy, and an Associate Professor of Women's & Gender Studies at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. She has been an active member since her appointment in 2019. Oliver-Dávila and Dr. Rivera are both parents of current BPS students. "I am proud to reappoint both Alexandra and Lorna to the Boston School Committee, both tremendous leaders who put the best interest of our students and schools first," said Mayor Walsh. "I want to thank both of them for their dedicated service, and I look forward to our continued work as we ensure every single student in Boston can reach their full potential." The seven-member Boston School Committee is responsible for defining the vision, mission and goals of the Boston Public Schools; establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget; hiring, managing and evaluating the Superintendent; and setting and reviewing district policies and practices to support student achievement. "We are thrilled to welcome two dedicated colleagues back to the Boston School Committee," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael Loconto. "I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Rivera and Vice-Chairperson Oliver-Dávila to further develop and strengthen the district's strategic vision, improving educational outcomes for all BPS students." As Executive Director of Sociedad Latina, Oliver-Dávila works to increase opportunities in education, workforce development, civic engagement and arts and culture for Boston's Latino youth and families. During her time at Sociedad Latina, Oliver-Dávila helped create partnerships between the organization and the Colleges of the Fenway, Museum of Fine Arts and Longwood medical area hospitals. She has also provided collaborative leadership in other organizations such as the Greater Boston Latino Network and Boston Youth Service Providers Network. Other organizations she is involved with include: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston After School & Beyond, Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the National Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC), among others. Oliver-Dávila currently resides in Roslindale. She is a graduate of Emmanuel College, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science and Tufts University, where she earned a Master of Public Policy.   "Working alongside my colleagues on the Boston School Committee to support student achievement is a responsibility I take very seriously," said Oliver-Dávila. "I am incredibly excited to continue investigating ways to implement critical youth voice in policy decisions and leverage community partnerships for the betterment of this district and the entire City of Boston." Currently, Dr. Rivera is working on the Latinx Student Success Initiative, a partnership with Bunker Hill Community College, to improve retention and graduation rates for Latinx college students. Dr. Rivera also works with the Talented & Gifted (TAG) and Proyecto Alerta afterschool programs that serve Latinx bilingual students in the Boston Public Schools. She has extensive community service and co-founded a national nonprofit, WE LEARN, dedicated to advancing women's literacy. Dr. Rivera serves on the Advisory Boards of the Center to Support Immigrant Organizing and the Latino Education Institute, and on the Board of Directors for the Hyde Square Task Force, an arts-based youth development organization serving Afro-Latinx youth in Boston.    Dr. Rivera has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from DePaul University, state of Illinois licensure in Language Arts & Social Studies grades K-9, and a Masters and Doctorate in Sociology from Northeastern University. Between 1994 and 2001 she taught G.E.D. classes and also was the director of the Adult Learners Program at Project Hope in Dorchester. She lives in Roslindale.   "As a BPS parent, I am profoundly committed to the important charge of this committee, working to close opportunity and achievement gaps for our youth," said Dr. Rivera. "I am very grateful for this opportunity to remain on the Boston School Committee and continue leading the ELL Task Force, advocating for English learners and all students and families of the Boston Public Schools." The seven members of the School Committee are Boston residents appointed by the Mayor of Boston to serve four-year staggered terms. Mayor Walsh made these appointments based on a list of candidates recommended by a 13-member Citizens Nominating Panel composed of parents, teachers, principals, and representatives of business and higher education.  For more information on the School Committee, please visit here.

Baker-Polito Administration Files $74.2 Million Budget Bill to Address Transportation, Infrastructure & Education Needs

Baker-Polito Administration Files $74.2 Million Budget Bill to Address Transportation, Infrastructure & Education Needs

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today filed a $74.2 million supplemental budget bill to address ongoing critical funding needs, including $18 million to support MBTA infrastructure and safety investments, $10 million for school improvements and $4.2 million for investments in clean drinking water. These proposals were previously proposed in bills filed by the administration for Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) and are now being refiled for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20).

“This legislation will provide additional resources to enhance the safety of MBTA infrastructure, improve local schools and support testing for PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with the Legislature to pass this bill into law and deliver these much-needed investments.”

“Our Administration is committed to supporting growth and development for our community partners throughout the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “These meaningful investments support public transit, health care and education priorities in a responsible manner and provide needed funding for local municipalities across Massachusetts.”

The bill provides the MBTA with $18 million, which, with the $32 million authorized in the FY19 final supplemental spending bill, allows for a total of $50 million to support additional staff, contractors and other resources necessary to expedite the completion of critical capital projects, enable proactive inspections to detect and address safety and reliability issues before they impact service, and implement enhanced maintenance procedures to ensure the reliable operation of MBTA vehicles and infrastructure. 

The bill authorizes $4.2 million to test drinking water supplies for potential polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. This testing will support state and local efforts to determine the scope of the problem and to identify best solutions, and supplements the $4.2 million authorized in the FY19 final supplemental bill.

The bill also proposes transferring $10 million to the Twenty-First Century Education Trust Fund. This request reframes Governor Baker’s 2018 recommendation that the Legislature transfer $50 million into a fund for school improvement. The recently enacted Student Opportunity Act established the Twenty-First Century Education Trust Fund “to address persistent disparities in achievement among student subgroups, improve educational opportunities for all students, share best practices for improving classroom learning and support efficiencies within and across school districts.” 

“The Commonwealth is expected to have sufficient revenues to finance these appropriations and measures in Fiscal Year 2020,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “This supplemental spending proposal continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s focus on improving public infrastructure, services and programs in a reliable and fiscally disciplined way.”

The supplemental spending bill also includes:

• $16.3 million and a related authorizing section to ratify a recently concluded collective bargaining agreement
• $12.3 million (for a total of $16.3 million including FY19 funding) for Safety Net Provider Hospitals to mitigate the cost of providing care to un- and underinsured patients
• $5.4 million for service improvements for men who are civilly committed for substance use treatment under Section 35 of Chapter 123 of the General Laws 
• $5 million to support high school students enrolled in Early College programs that give thousands of Massachusetts students, especially first-generation college-goers, access to college completion and career success
• $3 million for the Community Compact program to support grants for cities and towns that have entered compacts with the Commonwealth to support public interests and develop mutual standards for governing effectively

In total, the supplemental budget bill consists of $74.2 million in supplemental appropriations, at a net state cost of $68.1 million.