麻州人6/22開始可以進餐館用餐啦!

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)強調要看2週的餐館堂食數據，再決定
第3階段開放怎麼做。

            (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)下星期開始，可以進館子啦!麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)剛剛宣佈，6月22日(週一)起，餐館將可以讓客人進店用餐了。

             這是麻州重新開放進入第二階段的第二步，人們可以進餐館用餐之外，也可以回辦公室上班，只是同時間在辦公室的人數，在第二階段第一步時，是 25%，現在第二步增加到50%。近距離接觸的個人服務業，只要遵循某些限制，也可以開業。零售店的試衣間則需要事先預約。

             麻州政府仍然鼓勵企業儘量讓員工留在家工作。

麻州健康及人民服務廳(Health and Human Services)廳長Marylou Sudders
簡報麻州加強推逛檢測。

            麻州政府在5月18日公佈了重新開放的四階段策略，以公共健康數據為依據，預定每階段3星期，如果包括新個案，住院人數等等都有改善，就進入下一階段。

             為了讓企業界為重新開放做好準備，州政府也早就公佈了各項指導原則，包括給餐館業的檢查單等。州政府強調，有意恢復營業的企業都必須遵守所有的安全標準，制定新型冠狀病毒控制計畫，並完成自我認證。

             麻州州長查理貝克表示，州政府希望收集至少2週的餐館堂食數據，再研議第三階段的開放。

麻州住宅及經濟發展廳(Housing and Economic Development)廳長
Mike Kennealy簡短報告。

             麻州健康及人民服務長Marylou Sudders在會中表示，州政府更新了有關檢測的網站，不知道自己是不是應該做檢測，或是要查哪裡可做檢測的人，可以上網mass.gov/gettested，瀏覽資訊。州政府也在加強宣傳檢測，做電子燈箱及各種媒體廣告之外，也鼓勵坊間機構申請提共檢測服務。

             根據州政府公佈的6月18日數據，新增個案271，累計106,422，新增死亡人數36，累計7,700，新做抗體檢測人數1,145，累計61,085，新做分子檢測人數9,142，累計736,691。

             查理貝克表示，喬治弗洛依德事件引發的抗議遊行，在全麻州各地共有不下數百起，好在大多數都是在室外舉行，移動式的遊行，除少數幾次有逾千人之外，大多數的抗議遊行人數並不太多，也大都戴了口罩，事後，麻州新設的50個檢測站，也約有16,000人去做了檢測，所以從預防新型冠狀病毒流行這角度來看，還算讓人欣慰。

以下為麻州州長辦公室新聞稿:

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Step Two of Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach

Consistent with Public Health Data and Trends, Step Two of Phase II of Reopening Massachusetts Set to Begin on June 22

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Step Two of Phase II of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, Reopening Massachusetts, will begin on Monday, June 22 to allow additional industries to resume operations under sector-specific guidelines.

Businesses and sectors set to begin operating in Step Two of Phase II are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

On May 18, the Administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy based on public health data, spending at least three weeks in each phase. Key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, has been closely monitored and seen a significant decline allowing for Step Two of Phase II to begin on June 22.

   

The following will be eligible to reopen in Step Two of Phase II on Monday, June 22:

·  Indoor table service at restaurants;

·  Close-contact personal services, with restrictions;

·  Retail dressing rooms, by appointment only;

·  Offices, at 50 percent capacity

Full list and safety protocols available at www.mass.gov/reopening.

In order to give Step 2 businesses time to prepare, the Administration had previously released sector-specific guidance in advance of Phase II for industries including restaurants, close-contact personal services and sectors not otherwise addressed:

·  Guidance for Restaurants

·  Guidance for Close-Contact Personal Services

·  Guidance for Other Industries

·  Guidance for Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed

Before these sectors can resume operations under the guidelines, businesses must meet all safety standards, create a COVID-19 control plan, and complete a self-certification.

VIEW THE FULL REPORT

VIEW GOVERNOR BAKER’S PHASE II EXECUTIVE ORDER

Governor Baker Issues Proclamation Marking Juneteenth

Governor Baker Issues Proclamation Marking Juneteenth

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today issued a proclamation declaring June 19, 2020 as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Celebrated each year on June 19^th, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, and is an opportunity to reflect on the need to continue working toward racial justice.

Click here to read the proclamation.

“Juneteenth is a chance for us all to reflect on this country’s painful history of slavery and the systemic impact that racial injustice continues to have today,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the goal of creating a more equal and just society. As our country continues the national conversation around racial injustice, it is especially important that we recognize Juneteenth. I look forward to working with our legislative colleagues to recognize this important day more widely going forward.” 

“Juneteenth celebrations in Massachusetts and across the country mark an important moment in our country’s history and afford us a chance to reflect on the need to make progress toward racial equality,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “That reflection is more important now than ever, and we are glad to mark Juneteenth with today’s proclamation.”

Juneteenth is recognized each year on June 19. On that day in 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and his Union troops landed in Galveston, TX and announced that the Civil War had ended. Major General Gordon read a proclamation declaring that all enslaved people were free. The first Juneteenth was celebrated a year later in Texas and today is recognized across the country to mark this important milestone.

M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 15BBBBB states, “The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the nineteenth of June as Juneteenth Independence Day, to be observed on the Sunday that is closest to June 19th of each year, in recognition of June 19, 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom for all slaves in the Southwestern United States and in recognition of the end of slavery in the United States as well as the significant contributions individuals of African descent have made to the Commonwealth and to the United States and recommending that said day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.”

Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu, Lydia Edwards, and Julia Mejia File Ordinance to Establish An Unarmed Community Safety Crisis Response System

Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu, Lydia Edwards, and Julia Mejia File Ordinance to Establish An Unarmed Community Safety Crisis Response System

Boston, MA— Today Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu, Lydia Edwards, and Julia Mejia have filed an ordinance that would establish an unarmed Community Safety crisis response system to divert nonviolent 911 calls for service away from the Boston Police Department to an alternative response from non-law enforcement agencies.  

As the deaths of George Floyd and many others have highlighted nationwide racial disparities related to public safety practices, local governments can respond by implementing a more holistic public safety infrastructure that is integrated with public health. 

The Boston Police Department routinely responds to nonviolent calls for service involving mental health, homelessness, substance use, and traffic crashes, which are matters beyond the scope of law enforcement’s function and would be better served by a public health response. 

The ordinance that Councilors Wu, Edwards and Mejia filed calls for the City of Boston to develop a systemic Community Safety crisis-response plan for nonviolent emergency calls within 90 days to directly connect people in need to City- or community-based service providers and replace law enforcement presence in nonviolent, non-criminal situations with a range of unarmed service providers, including health care professionals, mental health workers, outreach workers specializing in outreach to residents experiencing homelessness, and other unarmed professionals with specialized training.

The ordinance will appear on the agenda for discussion at the Boston City Council meeting on Wednesday, June 24th, at 12pm. The matter will be assigned to committee and scheduled for a hearing.

麻州餐飲，銷售，酒店住房稅可展延至9月再繳

                         (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)，麻州參議會議長Karen Spilka，眾議會議長Robert DeLeo今(18)日聯袂宣佈，提供額外的行政稅項減免，幫助麻州本地受新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)爆發影響的餐飲及娛樂業。

           在3月至8月間到期，原本已可延期繳交的銷售稅，餐飲稅，以及房間佔用稅等小企業稅項，現在可延到9月再交。所有的罰款及利息，也可豁免。

            麻州州長查理貝克表示，他們很高興能和議會同仁們一起，在疫情持續期間宣佈這展延了的額外減免。 

           截至2020年2月29日，正常銷售稅加餐飲稅，或是房間佔用稅繳付額低於15萬元的企業，就符合新頒佈的銷售及餐飲稅，或是房間佔用稅的救濟資格。

           不符合救濟資格的企業，可豁免這段期間的遲申報或遲繳罰款。

            麻州稅務局將發出緊急規定及技術資訊公告，以實施這些行政救濟辦法。

Massachusetts Announces Additional Administrative Tax Relief Measures for Businesses Across Massachusetts

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo today announced additional administrative tax relief measures for local businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. 

This tax relief builds upon previous similar tax extensions and includes postponing the collection of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes for small businesses that would be due from March through August, so that they will instead be due in September. Additionally, all penalties and interest that would otherwise apply will be waived.

“We are proud to join our colleagues in the Legislature to announce this additional relief for local businesses throughout Massachusetts while we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and work to protect the health and safety of the Commonwealth’s residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These administrative changes extend tax relief measures put into place earlier in March and will allow additional support for local companies including small businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industries.” 

“The Commonwealth is carrying out a historic response to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We continue to seek ways to provide local businesses with tools, resources, and support to help reopen the Massachusetts economy while also ensuring key public health measures are in place.”

“From the start of the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Senate has actively sought to act quickly, creatively and collaboratively to mitigate the effects of this pandemic,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “This tax collection adjustment is an example of this willingness to change the way we do business during these extraordinary times, and will help ease the burden restaurants face as they restart and recover.”

“The House has been proud to provide local businesses with a toolkit of resources to help them weather the economic realities resulting from COVID,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “In addition to the House’s multifaceted restaurant relief package, we believe that a deferral of tax collections will provide the restaurant and hospitality industry with a measure of stability and clarity.”   

Businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meals taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief for sales and meals taxes, and businesses that paid less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief with respect to room occupancy taxes.

For businesses with meals tax and room occupancy tax obligations that do not otherwise qualify for this relief, late-file and late-pay penalties will be waived during this period. 

The Department of Revenue will issue emergency regulations and a Technical Information Release to implement these administrative relief measures.

HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY CELEBRATES VIRTUAL GALA “SPOTLIGHT ON TRAILBLAZERS”

HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY

CELEBRATES VIRTUAL GALA “SPOTLIGHT ON TRAILBLAZERS”

ONLINE AUCTION NOW OPEN THRU JUNE 20 –

INCLUDES A MET GALA EXPERIENCE WITH

EMMY, GRAMMY, TONY WINNER BILLY PORTER

HIGHLIGHTS WILL AIR ON WCVB-TV CHANNEL 5 ON

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 AT 7:30PM

(BOSTON) – Huntington Theatre Company celebrated its first ever virtual gala fundraiser, Spotlight on Trailblazers, on Monday, June 15, 2020, streaming on the Huntington’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The event will be reprised in a highlights version broadcast on Boston’s WCVB-TV Channel 5 on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm.

Huntington Trustee and corporate and philanthropic leader Sandra O. Moose and Tony Award winner and Huntington alumnus Ruben Santiago-Hudson (American Gangster, Selma, ABC’s “Castle”) were honored with the Wimberly Award at the 2020 Spotlight on Trailblazers. Santiago-Hudson appeared on the Huntington stage in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars and Gem of the Ocean, both of which went on to Broadway where he received the Tony Award for his performance in Seven Guitars. The Huntington was slated to present his autobiographical show Lackawanna Blues this summer, before it was postponed due to the pandemic.

The Spotlight on Trailblazers event is co-hosted by WCVB’s host of “CityLine” and Director of Public Affairs and Community Services Karen Holmes Ward and Joyce Kulhawik, Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, Joyce’s Choices critic, and President of the Boston Theater Critics Association. The event chairs are Trustee Ann Merrifield and her husband Wayne Davis. Performances at the event feature Huntington alumni and Broadway luminaries Kate Baldwin, Keith David, Santino Fontana, and Marva Hicks.

In her Wimberly Award acceptance speech, Trustee Sandra O. Moose called the Huntington “a vital catalyst,” saying, “I believe in the Huntington, in the work that the Huntington does for artists and young people in Boston and beyond.   And I believe in a future for the Huntington and theatre as an art form that will emerge stronger than ever to enrich our lives as they always have.”

In a heartfelt acceptance speech that acknowledged the protests and racial struggles in this country, actor and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson declared, “We are human beings. There is nothing in human life that is foreign to us. These are dark days, but I vow to go out and be a beacon of light.” 

Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Billy Porter (Kinky Boots on Broadway, FX’s “Pose”) joined the event as a special guest, speaking as a champion of the Huntington’s education programs. “Theatre saved my life,” said Porter, as he encouraged all to support Huntington programs that help young people thrive. Porter has directed several Huntington productions including Topdog/Underdog, The Colored Museum, and most recently The Purists last fall.

Porter generously donated a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the Huntington’s online auction – the opportunity to join this fashion icon as he prepares and arrives on the red carpet for the 2021 Met Gala in New York City. Additional auction items include exclusive experiences and items including a virtual visit with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel and a curated theatre weekend with Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois.  The Huntington’s 2020 Spotlight on Trailblazers Auction is open to participation from the general public now through midnight on June 20 by visiting huntingtontheatre.org/support/gala. 50% of all auction proceeds will be shared with the Codman Academy Charter Public School Foundation, in celebration and support of the Huntington’s founding partnership with and the upcoming 20th anniversary of the school.

Spotlight on Trailblazers also included moving and powerful performances from Tony Award-nominee Kate Baldwin (Hello Dolly!, Big Fish, She Loves Me at the Huntington) who sang “Hold On” from The Secret Garden;  Keith David (Seven Guitars at the Huntington and on Broadway, There’s Something About Mary, Crash) who sang “If I Can Help Somebody” and “Here’s to Life” as a tribute to Santiago-Hudson; Tony Award winner Santino Fontana (Tootsie, Disney feature film Frozen,  CW’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”) who serenaded honoree Sandy Moose with a version of “Hello, Dolly!”; and award-winning actress and R&B singer, and Santiago-Hudson collaborator, Marva Hicks (The Lion King, Caroline or Change, Motown The Musical) who rounded out the event with a rousing rendition of “Higher Love.” Matthew Stern served as the music director and pianist for the event, with musicians Nick Francese on bass and Josh Goldman on percussion.

In addition to the Wimberly Award honorees, the event celebrated the winners of the Gerard and Sherryl Cohen Awards for Excellence, which recognizes Huntington production and administrative staff members each year. This year’s recipients were Graphic Designer Lauren Calder and Calderwood Pavilion House Electrician Taylor Ness.

The Huntington’s festive annual event raises funds to support the Huntington’s programs, including its award-winning youth, education, and community initiatives that reach more than 30,000 annually.  Over 400 people viewed this virtual fundraiser Monday night, the first in Huntington’s history, as they celebrated two Huntington trailblazers; ticket buyers and sponsors were given access to a VIP experience including a custom party box and a Zoom cocktail reception with Huntington artists and guests, and the YouTube and Facebook Live streaming was available to all. The online auction continues through Saturday, June 20 at midnight.

For more information on the event please visit huntingtontheatre.org/support/gala.

Baker-Polito Administration Files Bill to Implement Police Officer Certification System

Baker-Polito Administration Files Bill to Implement Police Officer Certification System

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today filed legislation to create a framework for certifying Massachusetts law enforcement officers, provide accountability, ensure that police departments in and outside Massachusetts have access to candidates’ training and disciplinary records, and provide incentives for officers to pursue advanced training to better serve their communities.

“This bill will create a more modern, transparent and accountable system for law enforcement credentialing and training. It will provide police departments with the tools they need to build trust and strong relationships with every community across the Commonwealth—at a time when we need it most,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are grateful for the Black and Latino Caucus’ and Public Safety officials’ collaboration on this bill, and look forward to working with the Legislature to get it passed.” 

The bill, entitled An Act to Improve Police Officer Standards and Accountability and to Improve Training, would for the first time require police officers in Massachusetts to be certified, and it would allow for decertification, suspension of certification, or reprimand in the event of certain misconduct. Toward this end, the bill would create the Police Officer Standards and Accreditation (POSA) Committee, which would be comprised of law enforcement and civilian representatives, at least half of whom would be required to be persons of color.

“Massachusetts is one of four states without a police certification process,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “But the high standards of training we require for our police departments give us a strong foundation on which to build one. This bill will allow police departments to make better-informed recruitment and hiring choices while improving accountability for all the communities we serve.”

The bill would charge the POSA Committee with the responsibility of certifying all law enforcement officials in Massachusetts, including those from non-municipal departments serving transit agencies, colleges, and other entities. The bill would also require the Committee to create a database of certified officers, ensure that training and misconduct records are available to officers’ current and future employers, and develop a standardized background check for those seeking employment with a new police department. The background check would include a check of the POSA database and the National Decertification Index.

“A comprehensive POSA system will enhance accountability and apply consistent standards statewide,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas A. Turco. “It will improve public safety and public trust for the men and women who serve, protect, and inspire our cities and towns.”

Finally, the Administration’s bill would provide incentives for law enforcement officers who pursue advanced training in relevant skills and specialties beyond the levels required of all police officers. Such training would include foreign languages, advanced domestic violence and sexual assault response, advanced de-escalation techniques, and other high-level proficiencies.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Investment Plan

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Investment Plan

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today released its Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Capital Investment Plan. The spending blueprint maintains existing investments and enables the Administration to continue working with stakeholders across the Commonwealth to support ongoing capital projects. The plan will ensure Massachusetts is well-positioned for short, medium and long-term COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. 

The capital plan also provides future flexibility by holding on pursuing new programs or funding sources due to the COVID-19 public health crisis and the related uncertainty. This purposeful investment strategy will also afford the Administration the flexibility to revisit the capital plan as the full economic and fiscal impacts of the public health and economic crisis become clear.

The FY21 plan provides capital investments in all regions throughout Massachusetts in critical areas such as transportation, housing, support for cities and towns, health and human services, higher education, and public safety. The plan also continues the administration’s commitment to integrating climate change preparedness into its capital program and it considers the environmental impact and resiliency of all investments.

“During the unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis and the resulting economic uncertainty, our administration is sustaining support for existing projects and investments while maintaining flexibility in our capital program,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This responsible strategy will allow us to maximize response and recovery efforts, and continue working towards key priorities in transportation, housing, health and human services, and climate change.”

“The FY21 Capital Plan allows us to continue working closely with cities and towns to carry out investment projects that benefit individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our capital plan provides responsible and affordable investments that strengthen our infrastructure, promote economic security and growth, protect our natural environment, and maintain a high quality of life for people across Massachusetts.”

“Our capital investment plan is guided by fiscal discipline and accountability as we work to responsibly steward taxpayer resources during this period of economic and fiscal uncertainty,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “The FY21 plan maintains support for existing and long-term projects, and we look forward to working closely with our partners across state government to carry out these investments.”

The $2.46 billion capital plan is fiscally responsible and demonstrates careful long-term planning, and is informed by numerous factors including the Debt Affordability Committee.

To view the full FY21 Capital Investment Plan, visit: www.mass.gov/capital.

As with previous plans, the FY21 plan focuses on six major themes: asset stewardship, supporting local communities, economic opportunity, value optimization, customer orientation, and climate resiliency.

These six priorities continue to be important in the era of COVID-19 amid the response to the public health crisis. By maintaining parks and green spaces, increasing access to broadband internet, promoting economic opportunity and job creation, and investing in health and human services infrastructure, the Commonwealth is continuing to provide resources and accommodations that ensure the health and safety of the people of Massachusetts.

Responsible Asset Stewardship

Since taking office, the Baker-Polito Administration has prioritized the maintenance of the Commonwealth’s existing assets and the prudent investment of capital funds, investing billions to upgrade and modernize existing infrastructure. From road and bridge maintenance to the renovation of aging court facilities to the repair of dams and seawalls, investing in maintenance allows the state to tackle infrastructure repairs in accordance with best practices, system-wide prioritization, and a comprehensive plan before they become costly emergencies.

The plan funds:

• More than $3.7 billion in investments in the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure

• Six major higher education projects authorized through the DCAMM higher education capital plan in FY19

• $95 million to support maintenance and improvements at local housing authorities

• The new, state-of-the-art long-term care facility for veterans at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea

Supporting Local Communities

The Baker-Polito Administration continues its strong partnerships with the Commonwealth’s cities and towns through the capital program. More than 20 programs funded in the plan provide grants to municipalities to support important local infrastructure including roads and bridges, parks, economic development initiatives, and environmental improvements. The FY21 plan continues funding for the Body Armor Replacement program, which provides a state match to federal funding and helping cities and towns purchase bulletproof vests for police officers at no cost to the community.

The plan also funds:

• $200 million in Chapter 90 funding for local road and bridge repairs

• $10 million for the Municipal Small Bridge Program

• $10 million for the Complete Streets Program

• $3 million in Community Compact information technology grants

• $2 million for the Municipal ADA grant program, which enables cities and towns to improve accessibility to municipal facilities for people with disabilities

Economic Opportunities for All

The plan provides critical investments that help encourage economic growth across Massachusetts, including:

• $100 million for the MassWorks program, which funds local infrastructure improvements that pave the way for major economic development projects

• $40 million for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center capital program

• $11.3 million for the final phase of a major harbor dredging project in New Bedford

• $9.7 million for the Broadband Last Mile infrastructure program, for Western Massachusetts towns that lack residential broadband service

Customer Orientation

Through capital investments in MBTA infrastructure, affordable housing, recreational trails, public parks, rinks and playgrounds, the Baker-Polito Administration has worked to prioritize projects that provide direct, tangible value to people across Massachusetts. The Commonwealth also continues to make significant technology investments to improve the customer experience at various agencies such as the Registry of Motor Vehicles, where technology improvements are helping optimize appointment-based operations.

The plan funds:

• $42.5 million for infrastructure transformation and modernization, in order to transform and improve IT networks and better deliver government services

• $27.6 million to improve and maintain Department of Conservation and Recreation facilities

• $6.7 million to continue implementing a new technology platform at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, improving customer service for residents and businesses across Massachusetts

Value Optimization

The FY21 plan supports construction and maintenance across various infrastructure, grants and programs that impact every municipality. Throughout all of these initiatives, the Administration remains committed to investing strategically and sustainably, using data, collaboration, leverage from additional funding resources, and planning to provide a holistic approach to solving problems and preparing for the future in partnership with cities and towns.

The plan funds:

• $16.3 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative, a matching federal grant program that supports research centers around emerging manufacturing technology

• $15 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants, awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with local businesses and align their curriculum with industry demand

• $1 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust program, which leverages private funding to expand healthy food access in underserved communities

Preparing for a Changing Climate

The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to carefully addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency throughout its capital planning program. The FY21 plan makes considerable investments in Commonwealth-owned assets to ensure they are more resilient to climate change. As our local cities and towns are on the front lines in the fight against climate change, the Administration is continuing to take a communities-first approach. The capital plan continues to make state-owned facilities more efficient by supporting energy projects at hospitals, public colleges and universities, public safety facilities, and office buildings. These investments will help to put the state’s assets on a path to meet the Governor’s newly announced goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The plan funds:

• $12 million for the repair of Inland Dams and Seawalls

• $11 million for grants to cities and towns to help plan for climate change resiliency and implement priority projects through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program

• $5 million for sustainability and resiliency improvements in public housing

• $3.3 million for the Greening the Gateway Cities tree-planting program

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES TEEN SUMMER VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING FOR BOSTON CENTERS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES TEEN SUMMER VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING FOR BOSTON CENTERS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES All programming will be operated in accordance to public health guidelines

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 17, 2020 -  Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) today announced registration has opened for a variety of summer teen programs, all of which are designed and will be operated in accordance with current public health guidelines. "While this summer will look different in Boston because of the ongoing public health crisis, we're excited to offer virtual programs for Boston teens," said Mayor Walsh. "A lot of hard work and creativity went into adapting our most popular programs, so I want to thank BCYF for making them possible. Like every summer, we are committed to engaging our teenagers and connecting them to positive opportunities for growth." Boston teens can register now for BCYF Snap Shot teen photography program, BCYF SuperTeens pre-employment program for young teens, BCYF Adventure Girls, and Girls Days Out and Self Expressions workshops: BCYF Snap Shot Teen Photography program is a unique summer job program for youth ages 16 to 18, in partnership with the John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars Program. Youth receive a paycheck while participating in the program. This virtual program will introduce participants to all aspects of photography. Led by a professional photographer, the program includes opportunities to conduct "photo shoots," virtual visits to museums and art galleries, digital photo editing lessons, online personal development workshops led by John Hancock, and opportunities to serve as a "staff photographer" for BCYF. BCYF SuperTeens program teaches teens ages 13 and 14 life readiness and resiliency to help prepare them for their upcoming academic year and future employment. While the 2020 summer program will look much different due to the current public health crisis, BCYF is committed to providing this critical enrichment program for youth in a virtual environment. The SuperTeens will be mentored by BCYF staff throughout the summer, and they will participate in online webinars and professional development workshops that will highlight employment skills. The SuperTeens will also participate in weekly social and recreational activities including virtual group field trips to museums around the world, virtual escape rooms, and online challenges that include design and journalism activities. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their first paycheck in the form of a stipend, and they will also be provided with opportunities that encourage civic engagement and physical health and wellness. The SuperTeens program is sponsored by Comcast and The Foundation for BCYF, and is generously supported by MassHousing, MCCA, NBT II Foundation, and The Boston Foundation. BCYF Adventure Girls will take place virtually Monday through Friday for girls ages 9-12. This summer the program participants will have the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops and online activities that tie into outdoor adventures while promoting teamwork, and building self-esteem and leadership skills.  BCYF Girls Leadership Corps will participate in a virtual program that provides the girls with gender-specific workshops and activities. Special pop-up guests will be invited to speak virtually with the girls. Workshop topics will include self-defense with Girls LEAP; hygiene, leadership, and empowerment with the YW F.R.Y.E. program; self-care with ABCD; and more. The GLC girls are currently planning activities that Boston girls are invited to register for including Girls Day Out on Tuesdays and Thursdays, featuring Zumba and walking in Hemingway Park, virtual Girls Nights on Mondays, and Girls Self-Expressions weekly on Wednesdays, promoting self-love through writing, poetry, and song while allowing girls to explore their feelings and emotions.  "We are looking forward to providing our teens with engaging and fun summer programming knowing that this is a difficult time with important new regulations and practices to follow," said William Morales, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. "We have a diverse menu of virtual options planned and look forward to "seeing" our youth again.  The programs are expected to run from Monday, July 6 through Friday, August 14. Interested youth can apply here: Boston.Gov/BCYF.   About Boston Centers for Youth and Families Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston's largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 36 community centers in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees citywide programs including the nationally-recognized violence intervention and prevention SOAR Program( formerly Streetworker Program), the GIRLS Initiative, Camp Joy special needs program and many aquatic offerings.