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.

波士頓經文處再送麻州6萬片口罩 N95有1萬

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典(左三)代表台灣捐口罩，
左起，麻州眾議員黃子安，國際貿易投資辦公室主任Mark Sullivan，
麻州眾議員Kay Khan，聯邦眾議員約瑟夫甘迺迪辦公室代表Kevin
O'Neil，Zachary Larrabee，麻州老人事務廳廳長陳倩等人代表
麻州政府接受。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導)駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處6月16日再送麻州6萬片口罩，其中包括1萬片N95口罩。

               波士頓經文處16日在牛頓市的僑教中心舉行捐贈儀式，由處長徐佑典致贈，麻州國際貿易投資辦公室(MOITI)主任蘇利文(Mark Sullivan)代表麻州接受，並與麻州眾議員黃子安，Kay Khan，分別送上了感謝狀、表揚狀。

麻州國際貿易投資辦公室主任Mark Sullivan(左)代表麻州州長，
副州長送上表揚狀給波士頓經文處處長徐佑典(右)。(周菊子攝)

聯邦眾議員約瑟夫甘迺迪三世(Joseph P. Kennedy III)的代表，以及父親陳度現定居台灣的麻州老年事務廳(EOEA)廳長陳倩(Elizabeth Chen)這天也應邀出席見證。

徐佑典預訂七月中返台，升任外交部北美司司長，這將是他在波士頓經文處處長任內的最後幾項活動之一。徐佑典指出，麻州刻正進入第二階段開放，台灣送上這些口罩，希望對麻州的加強保護，以及增進台灣和麻州的友誼都有幫助。

蘇利文在儀式現場宣讀了麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)的感謝狀，感謝台灣兩度捐贈口罩。由於知道徐佑典即將離任返台，蘇利文這天特地把州長查理貝克悍婦州長白莉朵署名的表揚狀，帶到現場，提前頒發。

麻州眾議員黃子安(左)，Kay Khan(右)送上州議會的表揚狀給波士頓
經文處處長徐佑典。(周菊子攝)

蘇利文透露，在疫情期間，麻州曾焦頭爛額的滿世界蒐購口罩等個人防護用品，迄今台灣是唯一捐贈口罩給麻州的外國政府，麻州十分感謝。他表示，目前麻州仍然十分需要口罩等個人防護用品，由於在疫情嚴重期間的被迫以高價採購，還不見得有品質保證等的不佳經驗，麻州現在已有多家廠商陸續投入生產口罩，面罩等各項個人防護用品，相信將來就不會那麼緊張了。

麻州老人事務廳廳長陳倩(左一)和波士頓經文處處長徐佑典(右一)
互相道謝。(周菊子攝)

在防範新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)上成績名列全球前茅的台灣，自從開放口罩出口以來，駐波士頓經文處以代表台灣政府陸續於四月底，五月底，六月初陸續送出10萬片口罩給麻州，5萬片口罩給新罕布夏州，10萬片給羅德島州，現在6月中又再贈送包括1萬片珍貴N95的共6萬片口罩給麻州，讓波士頓的台灣人都很有面子。

波士頓台灣人生物科技協會2020年會7/11網上舉行

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE AND LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE AND LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS First ever program in Boston combines down payment and closing cost assistance with a very low interest rate mortgage BOSTON - Monday, June 15, 2020 - Building on his commitment to increasing homeownership in Boston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a new mortgage and down payment program, ONE+Boston, which gives income-qualified first-time Boston homebuyers greater ability to purchase a home in Boston by combining a discount on a low-interest rate mortgage product with down payment assistance. The ONE+Boston program is the City's first affordable mortgage program to be created specifically for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, and the first to be developed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the last 30 years.  "The ONE+Boston program is a great new resource that will help make the dream of owning a home a reality for more residents," said Mayor Walsh. "Creating pathways to homeownership means giving people the opportunity for equity and wealth building for themselves and their family. One of the most important ways to close the wealth gap is by providing the ability for wealth to be passed on from generation to generation, and homeownership is a key part of that."  The ONE+Boston program was designed to supplement one of the state's existing affordable mortgage programs (the ONE Mortgage) by providing qualified buyers, based on area median income, additional discounts on interest rates. With the new ONE+Boston program, qualified Boston residents who earn between 80% and 100% area median income will receive a half percent (0.5%) discount rate off the already low-interest rate offered through the ONE Mortgage product (currently about 3%). In addition, Boston residents who earn below 80% of area median income will receive up to one percent (1%) off of the current ONE Mortgage rate. Qualified buyers will also be eligible for downpayment and closing cost assistance through the Boston Home Center. For example, a family of four making 100% of area median income of $119,000, could afford a $410,000 single-family house in Boston with a conventional loan. With the ONE+Boston program, the same family could afford a $539,000 single-family house in Boston.    The ONE+Boston Program is an enhancement of the ONE mortgage program and the City of Boston's first time homebuyer downpayment assistance program. The City of Boston, through the Boston Home Center, has provided downpayment assistance to over 700 homebuyers since 2014, 70 percent of whom are people of color. Administered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), the ONE Mortgage program is offered by lenders across Massachusetts to first-time buyers earning at or below 100 percent of area median income. Created in 1990, the ONE Mortgage program has financed over 5,800 loans in Boston, 57 percent of which were for people of color.  "Thanks to the City of Boston's commitment, ONE+Boston will expand our ability to help moderate-income households and people of color," said Elliot Schmiedl, MHP's homeownership director. "We've always had great support from the Baker-Polito Administration and we're thrilled to partner with Mayor Walsh and the Boston Home Center to help more people build wealth through homeownership in Boston." Increasing homeownership opportunities, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents, people of color, immigrants and first-generation homebuyers, is one of Mayor Walsh's top housing priorities, as reflected in his Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030 Plan. This new program was developed by Mayor Walsh's Barriers to Homeownership Working Group, which is comprised of representatives from varying housing groups, including business, realtors, local lends, and advocacy groups such as the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) and the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO).  "Thousands of Boston families, including mine, have benefited from the ONE program, which was originally developed 30 years ago to address racial disparities in lending," said Symone Crawford, Director of Homeownership Education for MAHA. "Today, we are excited to build on that program and launch ONE+Boston with Mayor Walsh, MHP, and participating banks which will help Boston residents buy in Boston and will help us make progress in closing the racial homeownership gap. Some of the 1,000 plus residents who attended the MAHA event last summer with the Mayor will hopefully be among the first to buy a home with this new program."  Four lenders are offering the ONE+Boston product and were instrumental in the development of the program: Boston Private Bank, Cambridge Trust, Citizens, and Santander banks. Boston Private and Santander are currently offering the ONE+Mortgage product; Cambridge Trust will join on July 1st and Citizens later this summer. For homebuyers interested in the new program, please visit the Boston Home Center's page here or MHP's webpage here for more information.   The ONE+Boston program is made possible thanks to $7.8 million in Community Preservation funds supported by Mayor Walsh and the Community Preservation Committee. In his proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget, Mayor Walsh is recommending an additional $1 million to support the program so that more potential homebuyers will have the opportunity to take advantage of the program when buying a home.  The ONE+Boston program is one of several city resources available to first time homebuyers in Boston. Through the Boston Home Center, the City's one-stop shop for homebuyers and homeowners, residents are able to receive assistance in purchasing, improving and keeping their home through a suite of resources including training, financial help and counseling to first-time homebuyers, guidance and funding for homeowners for home improvements, and counseling to help families avoid foreclosure.The Home Center also markets homes developed for income-eligible, first-time homebuyers.  For more information about how to apply for the ONE+Boston program, please visit here.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Pop-Up Testing Sites for Participants of Large Gatherings

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Pop-Up Testing Sites for Participants of Large Gatherings

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the availability of pop-up COVID-19 testing sites throughout the Commonwealth for individuals who have recently participated in large gatherings. These free testing sites will be available at over 50 sites throughout the Commonwealth on Wednesday, June 17^th and Thursday, June 18^th. The Administration is urging anyone who has attended a large gathering in the past two weeks to get tested for COVID-19 at one of these sites. Test results will be provided to each participant confidentially, and participants are encouraged to share these results with their doctors.

A full list of all testing sites is available at www.mass.gov/gettested.

Social distancing, wearing face coverings, the frequent use of disinfectant and handwashing have been important to the Commonwealth’s efforts to decrease the number and rate of newly confirmed positive cases. COVID-19 can spread easily and quickly in large groups of people who are in close contact. Some people do not have symptoms but may have the virus and could spread the virus to others, including family members.

The Administration has worked with partners across the Commonwealth to provide these sites including Baystate Health, Berkshire Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Brockton Community Health Center, Brookside Community Health Center, Cambridge Health Alliance, Community Health Connections, CVS, Fairview Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, Lynn Community Health Center, Massachusetts General Hospital Chelsea, Outer Cape Health Services, Manet Community Health Center, and UMass Medical Center.

To date, Massachusetts has tested more than 700,000 people for COVID-19. On average, 10,000 individuals are tested each day, comprising 4.4% of the state’s population each month. The state currently has capacity at 45 labs to perform up to 30,000 COVID-19 tests per day, and its nursing home testing strategies have been replicated by states across the country.

The Administration continues to prioritize expanding access to testing, with a key focus of that strategy being ensuring access to testing in skilled nursing facilities, rest homes, and assisted living residences and other 24/7 staffed congregate care settings. On May 30, 2020, the Administration filed its required federal plan to expand COVID-19 testing under the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act of 2020. Massachusetts has received $374 million in federal funding from the Act. 

This funding will help the Commonwealth implement a comprehensive testing strategy that includes: 

• Increasing lab testing capacity to 45,000 by the end of July;

• Goal of reducing and maintaining a positive test rate to less than 5 percent;

• Ensuring on-demand access to testing for all symptomatic individuals and their close contacts;

• Increasing access to testing for vulnerable and high-risk populations;

• Building a testing infrastructure to support a potential second surge;

• Modernizing public technology infrastructure to provide real-time data on cases and testing; and

• Operating a best-in-class contact tracing program.

種族歧視是公共衛生議題 波士頓市長挪走1200萬元警察經費

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)宣佈種族歧視是公共衛生議題。

                  (Boston Orange 綜合報導)針對新型冠狀病毒大流行的不同族裔疫情有差，亞裔淪為代罪羔羊，喬治弗洛依德(George Floyd)引發”黑人的命也是命(Black Lives Matter)”抗議風潮，波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)宣佈種族歧視是緊急的公共衛生議題，將設新機構，挪警局預算以因應。

                 包括麻州的尚莫維爾(Somerville)市在內，美國已有多個城市就種族歧視是公共衛生議題宣佈進入緊急狀況。

                  警察執法過度，導致喬治弗洛依德死亡事件，不但在全美各地，甚至多個其他國家掀起抗議風潮之外，從6月6日起還出現收回警局經費呼籲，也至少有16個城市開始研議做法，事件源頭的明尼阿波利斯市市議會甚至提出解散警察局的動議。

               波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)誓言要讓波士頓市在這波行動中成為全美表率，6月12日宣佈，將把約等於20%波士頓警察局加班費預算的1200萬元，重新調配用途，其中300萬元將轉交給波士頓公共衛生局，由健康及人民服務長Marty Matinez率領團隊，制定8步策略，以及大波士頓現在健康平等計劃(Greater Boston Health Equity Now Plan)，來深入造成不平等的根本原因。

                 馬丁華殊也支持波士頓市議會提出的10點行動計畫，已督促警察局完成使用武力政策審核，將採行”執行警務合乎正道是勇敢的(Ethical Policing is Courageous)”培訓項目，要求警員在見到不當使用武力時加以干預。

                  從警察局轉撥出來的經費，還包括100萬元給公共衛生局辦理支援療傷，輔導，200萬元交由市府各個部門辦理防止暴力，語言便利，食品安全，移民進步，老人支持，人權局等活動；200萬元支持少數族裔及婦女擁有的企業，200萬元用於居住安全及終結青少年流浪，200萬元用於緊急門診，支援精神健康等。

                馬丁華殊宣布將成立一個新的工作小組，由在民權組織，法律及信仰社區工作的波士頓居民組成，由曾擔任助麻州美國檢察官的Wayne Budd率領，將立即審閱波士頓警察局的武力使用政策，以及其他的平等議題。

             波士頓市議員梅佳(Julia Mejia)表示，市議員們收到數以千計的電話，電郵，推特等訊息，要求至少刪減10%的警察局預算，現在波士頓市長做的，至少是個起步。

             3月時就催促波士頓市宣佈種族歧視是健康議題的波士頓市議員Richardo Arroyo表示，波士頓需要維持承諾。探討種族歧視極不平等的根本原因。