波士頓經文處再送出20萬片口罩 塔醫、MGH受惠

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(中)在塔芙茨醫療中心捐贈口罩。

         (Boston Orange)剛過去的6月份，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處很忙碌，從麻州，羅德島州到佛蒙特州，共代表中華民國(台灣)政府送出30餘萬片醫用口罩，以及1萬片N95口罩，協助新英格蘭各地政府、機構抗疫，儼然發動”口罩外交”，所到之處，一片感謝聲。

如果加上波士頓經文處從4月份開始送出的口罩，總數量可能已逾半百萬。

6月29日、30日，駐波士頓辦事處徐處長佑典代表中華民國(台灣)政府捐贈各10萬片醫用口罩給守護大眾健康的第一線醫療照護人員，塔芙茨醫療中心(Tufts Medical Center)及麻省總醫院(Massachusetts General Hospital)。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(中)捐口罩給麻省總醫院。

經文處表示，大波士頓是世界頂尖醫學中心的聚集地，既有塔芙茨醫療中心及麻省總醫院等許多優秀醫院，也有塔芙茨大學醫學院及哈佛大學醫學院等為美國及世界培育第一流醫療人才的多個機構。麻州近來疫情雖然趨緩，但美國各地正陸續出現第二波疫情，防範新型冠狀病毒疫情，仍有迫切需要。這次捐贈給塔醫和麻省總醫院的共20萬片醫用口罩，是由台灣直接運抵醫院，並由院方於第一時間立即派送到第一線醫療人員手中。

塔醫中心資深副總裁Terry Hudson-Jinks當天代表接受這10萬片醫用口罩。台裔美籍皮膚科主任Clarissa Yang，醫材營運主任Ryan Flaherty也出席見證，也同聲感謝台灣捐贈。

新英格蘭玉山科技協會會長蘇皓瑋(左起)，僑務促進委員康麗雪，
和駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典代表台灣捐贈口罩。劍橋市市長
Sumbul Siddiqui代表接受。

麻省總醫院由外科首席主任Keith Lillemoe代表受贈，外科醫療照護研究發展主任David Chang、腫瘤外科主任Dr. Kenneth Tanabe及急診室主任Dr. Jorone Lee 亦到場表示支持。Keith Lillemoe還代表麻省總醫院院長Peter L. Slavin宣讀致台灣感謝信，稱許台灣的善舉，為該院第一線醫療人員的生命安危因此得到更多保障，表達謝意。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(中)代表台灣捐口罩給波士頓消防局，
該局副局長黃瑞瑜(右)等人代表接受。

駐波士頓台北經文處在徐佑典處長，以及王麗芬，洪麗玲等處內一眾領事人員在6月份內，還穿梭麻州的波士頓市消防局，劍橋市，春田市，鱈魚角Barnstable郡，分別前往羅德島州，佛蒙特州議會及威爾猛軍校(Norwich University)等地捐贈口罩。其中劍橋市的捐贈，是由僑務促進委員康麗雪及新英格蘭玉山科技協會會長蘇皓瑋協助促成，當天他們也出席了捐贈儀式。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(左二)代表台灣捐口罩給春田市，
由春田市市長Domenic J. Sarno(右二)等人代表接受。

駐波士頓台北經文處處長徐佑典(左四)代表台灣捐贈
口罩給鱈魚角的Barnstable郡，多名眾議員及地方官員
出席接受捐贈。

KENNEDY RAISES OVER $1.9 MILLION IN TWO MONTHS

KENNEDY RAISES OVER $1.9 MILLION IN TWO MONTHS

Shows continued financial momentum despite pausing fundraising due to COVID-19

Watertown, MA –– During the second fundraising quarter of 2020, Kennedy for Massachusetts announced over $1.9 million raised -- over $1 million of that in June alone -- despite temporarily suspending campaign fundraising operations due to COVID-19. Kennedy heads into the final quarter before the U.S. Senate primary race with $4.7 million cash on hand. 

Due to COVID-19, Kennedy temporarily suspended all political operations, including fundraising, in mid-March. He did not resume digital fundraising or virtual fundraising events until the last days of April. During the campaign suspension, Kennedy used his email list to raise over $100,000 for organizations and workers on the frontlines of COVID response. Additionally, Kennedy raised over $15,000 in grassroots donations for Black-led racial justice organizations in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

“These strong fundraising numbers reflect the energy for Joe and the momentum behind our efforts to bring Massachusetts stronger leadership to the United States Senate,” said Campaign Manager Nick Clemons. “When Joe decided to pause all fundraising in the wake of COVID-19 to help raise money for the hardest hit families, communities, and frontline workers, we fully expected to take a financial hit this quarter. The extraordinary outpouring of support since we resumed fundraising in May indicates the growing excitement around Joe and this campaign. We are proud of the effort this quarter, humbled by the support, and ready for the next two months.”

Kennedy was grateful for the support of many high-profile colleagues and supporters who helped raise money on his behalf, including: Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep.Adam Schiff, Rep. David Cicilline, Rep. Annie Kuster, Rep.Sean Patrick Maloney, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Beto O’Rourke, Jim Obergefell, and Jason Collins.

Kennedy for Massachusetts began an aggressive digital and television communications effort in the second quarter, investing heavily in communicating Joe’s message to communities across the Commonwealth. 

Meanwhile, Senator Markey has relied on a Super PAC to run his paid media efforts, bringing hundreds of thousands of undisclosed, outside dollars into Massachusetts.

Baker-Polito Administration, MBTA and Community Partners Highlight Food Security Partnership with The RIDE

Baker-Polito Administration, MBTA and Community Partners Highlight Food Security Partnership with The RIDE

From The governor's office.

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak and officials from the City of Boston, Greater Boston YMCA and Greater Boston Food Bank to highlight an innovative partnership to help provide Boston’s most vulnerable residents with access to food by utilizing RIDE paratransit service.

“Our administration is committed to addressing food security concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this partnership between the MBTA, City of Boston, YMCA and Greater Boston Food Bank is an innovative way we can support our most vulnerable residents during these unprecedented times,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are glad this initiative is making a difference, and appreciate the work of so many partners to make it happen.”

“This unique initiative to address food insecurity is another way that the RIDE is serving residents in need during this public health emergency,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is grateful to the many leaders, organizations and residents that have stepped up to help their neighbors through the pandemic.”

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the operators of our RIDE vehicles who have stepped up to help our most vulnerable neighbors access food,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “This partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank, the City of Boston and the YMCA has been a tremendous success, resulting in the delivery of tens of thousands of bags of groceries to citizens in need.”  

"Our work in providing food during the COVID-19 public health emergency is a great example of everyone coming together to support our residents' most immediate needs, and we look forward to continuing this work during the summer and beyond,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I thank the MBTA, and our partners at the YMCA, and the Greater Boston Food Bank for helping us strengthen the City of Boston’s food access work that has already provided over two million meals to our residents most in need and negatively impacted by COVID-19.”  

“The unique collaboration between GBFB, the YMCA, the City of Boston and the MBTA was born out of necessity and sheer will power to get food to those in need during this historic public health crisis,” said Carol Tienken, COO of The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). “We aim to continue our work together, to end hunger here.”

“We acknowledge the strong leadership of Governor Baker during the pandemic and relish this opportunity to partner with the MBTA, Mayor Walsh and City of Boston to deliver food to our most vulnerable children, families and seniors. It is a blessing to coalesce our organizational skills, infrastructures and ‘people power’ in the spirit of serving others,” said James Morton, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “We thank the MBTA and City of Boston for allowing the YMCA of Greater Boston to participate in this important partnership, as we are universally committed to mitigating hunger for all Bostonians during this crisis and beyond. We appreciate the recognition of our work from our partners, Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh.”

As ridership on the MBTA’s RIDE service has significantly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, available RIDE vehicles are currently being utilized to pick up and deliver food items and school meals to residents. Collaborating with GBFB and the YMCA, RIDE drivers arrive at the YMCA location on Huntington Avenue daily to pick up an assortment of grocery bags and shelf stable school meals. Groceries are delivered by RIDE vehicles to designated homes, the amount based on the size of the household and whether or not the family is enrolled in the Boston Public School partnership. 

As of the end of June 2020, the RIDE has completed over 8,000 deliveries, totaling more than 12,000 grocery bags and nearly 60,000 school meals to over 1,200 Boston Public School children. 

In May, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a $56 million investment to combat food insecurity, consistent with the recommendations of the Food Security Task Force. Last month, the Administration announced the opening of applications for the largest portion of that investment, the $36 million Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Group Insurance Commission Deferring $190 Million in FY21 First Quarter Premium Payments for Municipal Members

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Group Insurance Commission Deferring $190 Million in FY21 First Quarter Premium Payments for Municipal Members

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) will defer $190 million in premium payments during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) from local cities and towns, regional school districts, and other entities that became members of the GIC through the Municipal Partnership Act.

This measure will provide important cash-flow relief to GIC municipal members across Massachusetts without compromising the GIC’s ability to pay all member claims without any impact on total FY21 revenue.

“By deferring these monthly GIC premium payments, we are providing relief to local municipalities that are facing budget challenges and cash-flow constraints due to COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to implement this payment deferral and will continue working to support municipal budgets and government services that are important to the people of Massachusetts.”

“Our Administration continues to seek ways to assist local cities and towns as we move forward with our phased reopening process and navigate the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Working closely with our partners at the state and local levels, we are providing municipalities with resources and tools to protect public health, navigate the unique challenges caused by COVID-19, and ensure responsible governance.”

All FY21 revenues will be billed and collected later during the fiscal year. The total cash-flow relief anticipated as a result of the FY21 first quarter deferral is approximately $63 million per month or approximately $190 million total.

“We are continuing to coordinate with our state and local partners, and the Massachusetts Legislature, in order to promote economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “This premium payment deferral will support local cities and towns and provide them with much-needed cash flow relief.”

“As municipal leaders confront the extraordinary challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the GIC is committed to delivering value and supporting our municipal members,” said GIC Executive Director Matthew Veno. “Measures such as this reflect the GIC’s strong belief in this partnership with cities and towns at a time when preserving essential services at the local level is critical.”

This announcement builds upon additional measures put in place by the Administration to provide cash flow relief and budgetary support to municipalities. This includes making up to $502 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available to cities and towns for COVID-19 response efforts, as well as making up to $200 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund available for costs related to reopening public schools, $194 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grants, and $25 million in matching funds for remote learning technology grants.

The Group Insurance Commission is a quasi-independent state agency governed by a seventeen-member Commission. It provides and administers health insurance and other benefits to 460,000 members including the Commonwealth's employees and retirees, and their dependents and survivors, as well as participating municipalities, Housing and Redevelopment Authorities' personnel, retired municipal employees, and teachers in certain governmental units.

國際領袖基金會啟動2020公民學員項目

國際領袖基金會2020公民學員。

(Boston Orange華府訊)– 國際領袖基金會在新型冠狀病毒大流行，各行各業備受衝擊期間，仍堅持舉辦公民學員項目(Civic Fellowship Program)，並於今年暑期 排除萬難舉行該會有史以來第一次的遠距離 聯邦政府 實習計劃 以及 網上簡報，歡迎本年度(2020)公民學員。

今年的30名獲選學員，來自全美各傑出大學，背景很多元，個個有抱負，已在國際領袖基金會安排下，展開實習工作，分別進入了國務院，聯邦通訊委員會，白宮亞裔美國人太平洋島民計畫，孟昭文國會議員辦公室，少數族裔企業發展署等等聯邦機構、國會辦公室實習，以及國際領袖基金會分別專注於社會正義倡議及新型冠狀病毒/個人防護用品(COVID-19/PPE)的挑戰隊伍。每一名學員還都參加教育性講座以及專業訓練，以更深入了解公共服務及政策。

國際領袖基金會創會會長董繼玲強調，公民學員項目旨在為美國社會打造一批既有公民意識，又關注社區的青年領袖，將來持續不懈的發展領導力，戮力服務社會， 倡議包容，彼此支持。她表示，在新型冠狀病毒大流行對中小企業將影響深遠之際，堅持舉辦公民學員項目，延續推動亞裔關懷公共事務，顯得更加重要。

國際領袖基金會代理主任Linh Hoang表示，”國際領袖基金會的學員們將是未來的改變推動者。藉由國際領袖基金會這平台，他們將追求各自的不同興趣，並有機會深入洞察聯邦政府的內部運作。今年學員們的興趣，主要分佈在教育，社會改變，健康政策，環境法以及其他的公共服務等領域。

來自印地安那大學的學員林昱廷，希望藉由為少數族裔企業提供發展，成功所需的工具，在企業界留下他自己的印記。他相信，”少數族裔團體在打造他們版本的美國夢這路徑上，都面對著自己的獨特挑戰。在爭取社會正義近來已達到一個更高點之際，仍然有許多工作需要做。

公民學員項目也為學員們提供機會，讓他們對未來的職業道路有更深入體會。

來自哈佛大學的學員Jeremiah Azurin從2011年起就曾經在國務院實習。他希望在稍後的今年秋季正式加入外事服務部門，全職工作。Azurin說，”我很興奮要和今年夏天這批非常關心亞裔太平洋島民領袖力及公共服務的其他學員們，分享這經驗。

來自加州大學柏克萊分校的學員Rebecca Soo在目睹法案對少數族裔社區的效果後，計畫以人權，教育及外交政策方面的公共政策職業為目標。Rebecca說，”我想要和MBDA一起提升少數族裔社區，並研究如何打破許多亞太裔在工作場所面對的玻璃天花板。要對更光明，平等的未來有所貢獻，這些議題必須處理。

               以下為國際領袖基金會本年度學員名單:

Syeda Ahmed, New York University, FCC (紐約大學，聯邦通訊委員會)

Jeremiah Azurin, Harvard University, State Department(哈佛大學，國務院)

Mengwei Chen, University of Washington, WHIAAPI(陳夢瑋，華盛頓大學，白宮亞太裔 計畫)

Sean Chou, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, ILF Challenge (COVID-19 PPE)(伊利諾大學香檳分校，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫 )

Karen Gan, Princeton University, ILF Challenge (COVID-19 PPE) (甘可加，普林斯頓大學，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫)

Melissa He, Wellesley College, ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice Initiative) (衛斯理學院，國際領袖基金會社會正義計畫)

Khanh Hoang, California State University East Bay, ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice) (洪心語，加州大學東灣分校，國際領袖基金會社會正義計畫)

Ethan Hong, University of Southern California, ILF Challenge Project (COVID-19 PPE) (洪宇正, 南加州大學，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫)

Emilie Hu, Scripps College, ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice Initiative) (胡香英，Scripps學院，國際領袖基金會社會正義計畫)

Esther Hung, Georgia State University, MBDA (喬治亞州立大學，少數族裔企業發展署)

Daniel Kim, Columbia University, WHIAAPI (哥倫比亞大學，白宮亞太裔 計畫)

Ellen Lasko, University of California Berkeley, ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice Initiative) (加州大學柏克萊分校，國際領袖基金會挑戰(社會正義計畫))

Chi Shing Lam, Washington and Lee University, ILF Challenge Project (COVID-19 PPE) (林知誠，華盛頓及李大學，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫  )

Matthew Leung, New York University, MBDA (紐約大學，少數族裔企業發展署)

Julian Lin, University of Southern California, MBDA (林桓劭，南加大，少數族裔企業發展署)

Michelle Lin, University of Michigan, ILF Challenge (COVID-19 PPE) (林雪兒，密西根大學，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫   )

Sean Lin, Indiana University, MBDA (林昱廷，印第安納大學，少數族裔企業發展署)

Sarah Lu, Vanderbilt University, USAID/DOJ/ILF Challenge (Social Justice Initiative) (范德比爾特大學，美國國際開發署/司法部/國際領袖基金會挑戰(社會正義計畫)

Aaron Pathak, Rice University, EPA/ILF Challenge (COVID-19 PPE) (龔艾倫，萊斯大學，環保署/國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫)

Llena Peng, The George Washington University, FCC (喬治華盛頓大學，聯邦通訊委員會)

Christine Shan, University of Virginia, ILF Challenge Project (COVID-19 PPE) (單耀儀，維琴尼亞大學，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫  )

Adney Silva, Franklin & Marshall College, Rep. Meng (法蘭克林及馬歇爾學院，國會議員孟昭文辦公室)

Rebecca Soo, University of California Berkeley, WHIAAPI (蘇以琳，加州大學柏克萊分校，白宮亞裔計畫)

Linda Tang, Duke University, ILF Challenge Project (COVID-19 PPE) (杜克大學，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫   )

Jeffrey Tsai, Pepperdine University, ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice Initiative) (國際領袖基金會社會正義計畫)

Callie Wen, University of Maryland College Park, USAID/ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice)  (馬里蘭大學學院市分校，美國國際開發署/國際領袖基金會 社會正義計畫   )

Justin Yuan, University of Michigan, ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice Initiative) (袁锦隆，密西根大學，國際領袖基金會社會正義計畫))

Angela Zhang, University of Michigan, ILF Challenge Project (Social Justice Initiative) (张晏妮，密西根大學，國際領袖基金會挑戰社會正義計畫))

Yanni Zhang, Vanderbilt University, ILF Challenge Project (COVID-19 PPE) (范德爾比特大學，國際領袖基金會 流行冠狀病毒/個人防護用品計畫 )

(圖與文:國際領袖基金會提供)

羅德島華人、政要歡送波士頓經文處長徐佑典

羅德島州副州長麥基特地頒發一張感謝狀給徐佑典處長。

              (Boston Orange) 羅德島州華人及政要共20 多人，6月28日在羅州普塔基市的中國客棧(China Inn)設宴，歡送駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典，恭喜他調升外交部北美司司長。

              左起，黑石谷旅遊局主任畢靈頓，羅德島州華人協會主席葉超，中央

        瀑布市市長James Diossa，以及羅德島州副州長麥基(Daniel McKee)，

           駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典，普塔基市市長Don Grebie

      ，欖城安良工商會會長陳任卓，羅德島州華人協會會長吳子平，

羅德島州眾議員Carlos Toban。

             羅德島州華人協會主席葉超，會長吳子平，欖城安良工商會會長陳任卓，黃超炎，以及羅德島州副州長麥基(Daniel McKee)，參議員Sandra Cano，眾議員Carlos Toban， Jean Philippe Barros，普塔基市市長Don Grebien，中央瀑布市市長James Diossa，黑石谷旅遊局主任畢靈頓(Bob Billington)等大約20人，這天齊聚中國客棧，以茶代酒，暢敘情誼。

            左起，羅德島州眾議員Jean Philippe Barros ，參議員Sandra Cano，中央

瀑布市市長James Diossa ，波士頓經文處處長徐佑典，普塔基市

市長Don Grebien ，羅州眾議員Carlos Toban。

羅德島州副州長麥基特地頒發一張感謝狀給徐佑典處長，感謝他協助羅德島州代表團前往台灣訪問，爭取台灣政府及民間團體捐贈，為已有20年歷史的羅德島州龍舟節暨台灣日添置6艘新龍舟。

羅德島州副州長麥基(Daniel McKee)(左二)和欖城安良工商會會長

陳任卓(右三)，黃超炎(右一)等人歡送波士頓經文處處長徐佑典。

黑石谷旅遊局主任畢靈頓也代表出席眾人，送了一本有作者簽名的羅德島州水火節照片輯給徐佑典，細數這兩年多來的熱絡互動，互約將來在台北，羅德島州再見面。

麻州府新撥2000萬元助租戶屋主付租繳貸款

麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Politio)。

(Boston Orange 綜合報導)麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Politio)在6月30日的疫情簡報中表示，自7月1日起，州政府將新撥2000萬元給緊急承租和貸款援助(簡稱ERMA，Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance)項目，幫助受新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)影響家庭免於流離失所。

麻州政府在今年4月20日時，簽署法令，暫時禁止逼遷(eviction)。州政府並為過渡中家庭居住援助(RAFT)項目增撥了500萬元特別經費。該一暫時逼遷令將於8月18日到期，麻州長查理貝克還未決定是否展延該效期。

7月1日起生效，有2000萬元經費的這全州性資金，”緊急承租和貸款援助(ERMA)”，將直接撥款給符合資格，因新型冠狀病毒大流行，或是麻州進入緊急狀態而出現財務困難，在傳統的過渡中家庭住宅援助項目(RAFT)中無法獲得資助的家庭。

這一筆錢有一半來自聯邦政府CARES法案的一億6000萬元補助，以及新型冠狀病毒期間的濟助社區經濟發展基金，

符合資格的申請者，不論是租房子住，或是自己擁有住宅，每戶最高可得4000元，用於繳付從4月1日起累計，以及未來待付的租金或貸款償還額。

凡是家庭收入在地區中位收入(AMI)50%到80%之間的家庭，也就是一個三口之家，年收入在$86,650之下，都可向原本撥發RAFT經費的11個機構申請，包括9個消費者住宅教育中心，LHAND，以及麻州中部住宅聯盟。

都會住宅(Metro Housing)波士頓辦公室指出，ERMA容許符合資格家庭申請的援助，最高可達4000元，可靈活用於繳付與穩定住宅，防止逼遷或貸款贖回全被取消等有關的任何費用。州政府新撥的這筆2000萬元經費，截至2021年6月適用。

大都會住宅行政主任Chris Norris表示，給擁有物業者這一救濟的影響，絕不可低估。不只因為這些擁有物業者正為數以千計租戶提供住宅，而且因為他們自己的住宅穩定性也出現危險。兩者兼顧對大家都好。

麻州公司(MassINC)統計調查組最近對1500人做的一份調查發現，29%的租戶在4月，5月或6月，完全沒法付房租，或只能付一部分。如果目前的經濟危機再持續6個月，估計只有40%的人能夠按時付房租。至於物業擁有者，大約12%在截至6月前，完全無法繳付貸款，或只能償還部分。在回應問卷的擁有自住物業者中，只有61%表示他們在未來6個月大概能夠按時付費。

根據住宅法院員工的說法，一旦暫停逼遷法效力結束，估計會出現大約2萬宗逼遷案。

麻州眾議員Mike Connolly 及Kevin Honan在6月30日提出一項法案，要把暫停逼遷法的效力延長至從緊急狀態起的一年後，還要求設立COVID-19住宅穩定及恢復基金，幫助符合資格，失去了租金收入，或是因為疫情無力繳交分期付款，面對貸款贖回全被取消困境的物業主，並把這一保護展延給擁有15戶出租住宅以下的房東。(更新版)

波士頓首任公平長出爐 Karilyn Crockett博士就位

               

波士頓市首名公平長Karilyn Crockett。

(Boston Orange整理報導)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)在6月29日的疫情簡報中宣佈，在多徹斯特(Dorchester)長大，曾任波士頓市經濟政策，研究及小企業發展主任四年的非洲裔Karilyn Crockett博士，將出掌”公平內閣(Equity Cabinet)”這市府新設機構。

             馬丁華殊上週宣佈新設”公平內閣”，以加速消除系統性種族歧視，並為所有波士頓居民創造公平機會。29日他進一步宣佈由非洲裔的Karilyn Crockett博士擔任首名”公平長(Chief of Equity)”。

             馬丁華殊稱讚Karilyn Crockett博士是一名聰慧的創新者，熱情的製造改變者，更是一名提升社區，把民眾聲音帶進政府大堂，企業及學術界的人。

             波市府形容Karilyn Crockett博士曾經擔任波士頓市經濟政策，研究及小企業發展主任四年，任上協助推出波士頓市首個全市的小企業計畫，以及經濟平等及包容議程。她也加強了市府的居民就業政策。她是波士頓市黑人社區的驕傲，在多徹斯特長大，從幼稚園到中學12年級，上的幾乎都是波士頓市公立學校。大學進耶魯，包括博士，拿了3個美國研究學位，創辦了”我的城鎮(MYTOWN)”這雇用高中生研究本地歷史，辦理徒步遊的開創性組織。

波士頓市長Martin Walsh 介紹首名公平長。

             在波士頓市的公平及市區計畫上，她也是名領頭學者，出版過開創性，名為”高速公路前的人們(People Before Highways)”這本書，改變了人們對市區更新的理解，把社區放回故事中心。過去這兩年，她在麻省理工學院的公共政策及市區計劃系擔任講師。

             她了解族裔不平等的根源，以及打破不平等所需的工具，她也對這社區有熱情，有能力來帶領這工作。

             波市府為她的就任致詞，做了視頻，https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDu9ghlLGLE&feature=youtu.be&t=1141。

麻州進一步開放 7鄰州居民來訪免14天隔離

            (Boston Orange)麻州真的開放了。麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)剛剛在疫情簡報中宣佈，7月1日(週三)起，鄰近7州居民進出麻州，將不再需要自我隔離14天。

             麻州因應州內新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)確診率已從高峰期的30%降至2%左右，鄰近的羅德島州，康州，佛蒙特州，新罕布夏州，緬因州，紐約州，以及新澤西州也都呈現同樣降低趨勢，決定放寬對這7州的指導性旅行及交通禁令，但來自其他地區，包括從那些地區回家的麻州居民，仍建議自我隔離14天。

             聯邦政府指派為基本重要基礎設施的工作人員，也將免於隔離禁令。

            麻州政府也要求有新型冠狀病毒徵狀的旅客，不要來麻州。

             麻州州長查理貝克表示，所有的旅客，居民仍然應該出外戴口罩，勤洗手消毒，保持社交安全距離。

             州政府新發出的指導原則將取代早前宣佈的旅行指導原則。查詢在美國境內旅行的相關資訊可上網www.travel.state.gov。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Updated Travel Guidelines to Support COVID-19 Response

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new COVID-19 public health guidelines on travel and transportation.

Effective Wednesday, July 1, all travelers arriving to Massachusetts, including residents returning home, are instructed to self-quarantine for 14-days. This guidance does not apply to travelers from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York or New Jersey. Additionally, workers designated by the federal government as essential critical infrastructure workers are also exempt from this directive.

  

Travelers who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are instructed to not travel to Massachusetts. 

All visitors and residents of Massachusetts are also reminded that the use of masks or face coverings in public places where individuals cannot socially distance from others remains required.

These new guidelines replace previously announced Massachusetts travel guidance. For national travel information, please visit www.travel.state.gov. 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUMMER FOOD RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUMMER FOOD RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING City of Boston to offer 97 youth meal sites, issue RFP for food distribution at BHA sites; Boston Resiliency Fund to provide funding to support food access this summer BOSTON - Tuesday, June 30, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Office of Food Access today announced programs and resources for individuals and families in need of food this summer. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the closing of Boston Public Schools (BPS), the City of Boston has provided more than two million free meals at youth and adult meal sites at 68 sites across the City through a partnership between BPS, Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF), Boston Housing Authority (BHA), YMCA, and other community organizations. "Our work in providing food during the COVID-19 public health emergency is a great example of our City coming together to support our residents and their biggest and most immediate needs," said Mayor Walsh. "We look forward to continuing to meet residents' food needs during the summer and beyond, while increasing their purchasing power and supporting our local economy." With the launch of these new programs and services for the summer, adult meal sites opened in response to COVID-19 will stop services on Friday, July 3. The City of Boston will continue offering meal sites for youth throughout 97 locations opening on July 6, 2020, including sites in Boston Public Schools, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Boston Housing Authority, YMCA and community-based organizations. BPS will continue providing meals delivery to students who regularly receive door-to-door transportation. As COVID-19 continues to impact the City of Boston, the following efforts are underway to support individuals and families in Boston experiencing food insecurity:  Summer Eats 2020 to provide 97 youth meal sites: On July 6, 97 youth meal sites will open through the City of Boston's Summer Eats 2020 program. Launched by Mayor Walsh in 2017, Boston Summer Eats, in partnership with Boston Children's Hospital, provides nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost to Boston youth 18 and under during the summer months. No ID or registration is required. Unlike previous years where many youth meal sites were limited to participants in summer programming, this year all sites are open to all youth in the City of Boston. For locations, please visit here.  Support from the Boston Resiliency Fund: The Boston Resiliency Fund (BRF) has granted over $13 million to organizations devoted to helping Bostonians with access to food and other basic needs. The BRF's $2 million of contributions to the Greater Boston Food Bank have supported the distribution of enough food for 1.2 million meals, with a portion of that funding helping to establish a City program that has delivered over 375,000 pounds of food to public housing and senior households. Another BRF grantee, Fresh Truck, has delivered almost 28,000 fresh produce boxes. Organizations receiving funding that will support food access this summer include:  Funding for Mass Farmers Market will provide access to farm fresh local fruit and vegetables for families, seniors, and individuals this summer. The program will provide weekly coupons to those in need regardless of immigration status, while supporting the local economy and urban agriculture. A map of farmers markets in the City, days and hours of operation, and available payment methods can be found here. Funding for Fair Foods to continue providing perishable vegetables, fruit and bread for free at community organizations in East Boston, Dorchester and Allston Funding for Fresh Truck to expand their Fresh Air Market sites to more than 15 Boston sites in Hyde Park, Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, Charlestown, and other neighborhoods around the city. Fresh Air Markets are also an eligible vendor for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) Funding for Project Bread will develop and implement a public awareness campaign to promote Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment and utilization, targeting SNAP gap households and other eligible but unenrolled families. These funds will provide operational and additional language support to the FoodSource Hotline to meet the increased demand on SNAP applications and train community-based organizations and health centers to screen for SNAP eligibility and support with applications   Boston Housing Authority to issue RFP for $3 million in food distribution:  The Boston Housing Authority (BHA), in partnership with the City of Boston, has issued a request for proposal for qualified firms to distribute up to $3 million worth of meals to BHA sites across the city. The proposed food distribution program envisions daily distribution of varied and culturally relevant meals, Monday through Friday, at BHA sites around the city.   Leveraging federal aid, the new initiative will help address a variety of short- and long-term nutritional needs for low-income families in Boston's public housing communities. The funding is expected to help finance logistical help to feed up to 430,000 meals to 4,100 extremely low-income households through December 2020.   Since the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency, BHA, the City of Boston, and many private partners have stepped up efforts to provide much-needed meals to low-income communities facing economic hardship and food insecurity, and this investment is expected to help BHA and the City to streamline these efforts. With the launch of these new programs and services, adult meal sites opened in response to COVID-19 will stop services on Friday, July 3. Adults accessing these sites are also encouraged to utilize existing resources including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. For Information on eligibility and applications, please call the Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. A list of food pantries can be found at www.gbfb.org/need-food/ and resources will be available through the Office of Food Access at boston.gov/food.

波士頓大學250人安可賭場3000人 新冠疫情裁員潮仍延燒

(Boston Orange編譯)新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)在麻州的疫情正日漸趨緩，6月29日僅新增101宗確診案例，35人死亡，但是疫情造成的經濟影響，裁員潮，卻仍在持續。波士頓大學剛宣佈250名員工得休假，或被裁，麻州最新賭場安可波士頓海港(Encore Boston Harbor)也要3000名員工休假。

波士頓大學表示，由於，該校將裁減或要求250名員工放無薪假。

波士頓大學校長羅伯布朗(Robert Brown)在發給該校師生的一封信中表示，新型冠狀病毒大流行導致經濟持續衰落，學校下年度預算估計短缺2億6400萬元，將安排250人裁撤或放假，並取消或延緩200個職位的聘僱。

羅伯布朗表示，校方從上個月就開始行動，已動用未指定用途的儲備金及緊急預算，還採取了教職員凍薪，大學行政人員減薪，暫停存款進大學退休計畫等作法，但仍有9600萬元資金缺口。

             羅伯布朗表示，今秋的註冊入學情況如何，仍有相當的不確定性。他說，大家都在新型冠狀病毒流行期間掙扎、適應環境中的新生活常態。

             安可波士頓海港(Encore Boston Harbor)這家位於艾佛瑞(Everett)市，成立才剛一年的麻州最新賭場，6月29日也宣佈，3000名員工放假。

             因為新型冠狀病毒大流行，由永利度假村(Wynn Resorts)斥資26億元建成的安可波士頓海港賭場，已從3月15日起暫時歇業，一天花300萬元的付薪給大約4,200名員工，從3月中到5月，已經花了大約2億2000萬元。

             安可和春田市的米高梅(MGM)，以及Plainridge Park等賭場一直在和麻州賭博局協商，為重新開放做準備。其中的安可原本預定6月29日要重新開張的。現在，”安可”賭場計畫在麻州重新開放的第三階段，陸續恢復營業，估計最早會是7月6日，而且只有賭場一樓，以及某些用餐區會重新開放，賭場的18個出口，有8個會繼續關閉，旅館服務也只限一週4晚。賭場的夜總會”懷舊(Memoire)則要等到麻州第四階段的重新開放，才會開始營業。也因此安排了3000名員工放假。

             安可賭場在5月份時已向當局遞交了自己的重新開放指導原則，包括檢查體溫，使用QR碼菜單，有機分隔玻璃，並給職員準備個人防護設備等。

             安可賭場在一份聲明中表示，該機構將遵守額外的指示，包括容客量25%，吃餃子老虎機得一台開，一台關的間隔開來，準備洗手消毒液等，以照麻州賭博局要求，減少公共衛生危險。