網頁

星期四, 7月 02, 2020

MAYOR WALSH AND BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND STEERING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION IN GRANTS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE MOST IMPACTED BY COVID-19


MAYOR WALSH AND BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND STEERING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION IN GRANTS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THOSE MOST IMPACTED BY COVID-19

Grants will support food access during the summer months, domestic violence services

BOSTON - Thursday, July 2, 2020 - Continuing his commitment to an equitable recovery for City of Boston residents most impacted by COVID-19, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee today announced the distribution of nearly $1.9 million to 15 organizations. In total, the Resiliency Fund has granted over $22 million to 295 nonprofit and local organizations to provide support to Boston's most vulnerable residents. 

"The COVID-19 pandemic is still having major impacts on the City of Boston and our residents, and we will continue to use the Boston Resiliency Fund to support our communities with the greatest need," said Mayor Walsh. "As we enter the summer months, I am pleased that the Fund will help us support essential and vital services, including providing and delivering meals, expanding capacity in the domestic violence shelter system, supporting those in recovery, and more."

In total, 49 percent of grantee organizations are led by a person of color and 55 percent of grantee organizations are led by a woman. The Fund serves every neighborhood in Boston, but has focused on the neighborhoods hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. A map showing the neighborhood impact of Boston Resiliency Fund grantees across the City of Boston can be found on the Fund's website. Of the new grants announced today, 43 percent are led by a person of color and 57 percent are led by a woman. Since the first round of fund distribution, the Fund has raised over $32.4 million from over 6,400 donors.    

"Ellie Fund is grateful to the Boston Resiliency Fund for this crucial support of patients being treated for breast cancer amid this pandemic," said Meredith Mendelson, Executive Director of Ellie Fund. "This critical funding will ensure that our patients have safe and reliable transportation to treatment, and access to nutritious food. These services also lower their risk of exposure to COVID-19 because our supports are delivered to patients directly. The financial, physical and emotional hardships patients face during treatment are now exacerbated by COVID-19. BRF's funding will help us provide the extra support our patients need at this especially stressful and overwhelming time."

This week, grants will support the expansion of capacity in the domestic violence shelter system, the reopening of farmers markets, a campaign to close the SNAP gap, and additional supports for community-based organizations across the city. The grants range in size and will be awarded to the following organizations: 

Boston Area Domestic Violence Partnership: Boston Area Domestic Violence Partnership will use the funding to expand capacity in the domestic violence shelter system over the summer and provide food, and emergency supplies to these families. Casa Myrna will serve as the lead partner for the group that includes: Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery at BIDMC of Boston, Domestic Violence Program at Boston Medical Center, Elizabeth Stone House, HarborCOV, HAVEN at MGH, Passageway at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Renewal House of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, RESPOND, and Transition House.
Common Good Project: The Common-Good Project will use BRF funds to provide CSA shares to working-class and underemployed minority women, isolated seniors, and community members with disabilities in the Dorchester, Mattapan, and Greater Boston area. The grant does not cover community health worker salaries. 

Community Outreach Ministries, Inc.: Community Outreach Ministries will use the BRF grant to help connect seniors to services and their broader support community through technology. 

DRIVE Boston Community Resources, Inc.: DRIVE Boston will purchase grocery store and general gift cards, along with needed supplies, to support residents in need across the City. 
Ellie Fund: Ellie Fund will use the funding to support and protect vulnerable breast cancer patients from COVID-19. Services include grocery support and delivery, prepared & delivered meals, and safe transportation to/from medical appointments

Family Aid Boston, Inc.: Family Aid Boston will use the funding to deliver food, supplies, and grocery gift cards weekly, directly to client apartments. Social workers will survey clients bi-weekly to assess needs and monitor health and housing status. 

Faith Based Grassroots Addiction Recovery Coalition: Leaders of the Faith Based Grassroots Addiction Recovery Coalition (FBGARC), along with The Gavin Foundation & community partners, will provide support to people in recovery and returning citizens during the pandemic through:
  • Care Packages: Provide care packages to people entering sober homes, either through the probation/parole partnership or through other treatment programs. These care packages will include personal hygiene items, bedding, towels, flip-flops, and a grocery store gift card, and will be provided directly to the 14 participating sober homes in Boston.
  • Peer Support Meetings: Bring together local houses of worship and recovery service providers to facilitate outdoor peer support meetings. FBGARC plans on enlisting approximately 5-6 places of worship or community spaces, which would be equipped with picnic tables, sun umbrellas, podiums, PPE, and cleaning supplies. All meetings would comply with social distancing and other public health guidelines. 
Friday Night Supper Club: For Boston's homeless population, the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly devastating as food, shelter and medical care are even harder to secure during this health crisis. Friday Night Supper Club will use the funding to purchase groceries and supplies for their Friday Night Supper Program (FNSP), which serves nutritious takeaway meals at the Arlington Street Church in Boston to anyone in need.
 
Lena Park Community Development Corporation (CDC): Lena Park CDC will use the funding to secure essential goods and supplies, for 750 residents for a 4-week period. They are planning for the re-opening of the Community Engagement Center (contingent upon and in accordance with local, state, and federal approval/guidance) and will also prioritize funds to offer their broader, non-resident community access to their COVID-19 relief supports and services as they continue moving their lives forward as the community recovers from the devastating effects of the pandemic. The funding will support work to support Lena Park households with grocery store gift cards.

Mass Farmers Market: Mass Farmers Market will use the funding to 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.

New England Community Services: New England Community Services will provide grocery gift cards to families in the community. 

Project Bread: 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 and train community-based organizations and health centers to screen for SNAP eligibility and support with applications.
Voice of the Tabernacle Multi Service Center Inc (VTMC): VTMC would use the funding to support critical support services to Haitian refugee and immigrant youth and emergency housing assistance. This program is heavily utilized by unaccompanied youth who need assistance in finding stable, long-term housing in culturally-connected communities. 

We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project: We Are Better Together (WABT) will use the funding to purchase food gift cards and groceries. Access to food/financial insecurity is a significant need for their families, many of whom are seniors or single caregivers caring for children due to the loss of a parent/caregiver to homicide and/or incarceration. These families often face barriers in mainstream supportive services.

West End House: The West End House Boys and Girls Club in Allston will use the funding to continue their food delivery program to families they serve. 

###


MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SECOND FUNDING ROUND FOR THE CHILDCARE ENTREPRENEUR FUND


MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SECOND FUNDING ROUND FOR THE CHILDCARE ENTREPRENEUR FUND

Grantees selected will participate in six virtual workshops and will receive $3,500 in funding

BOSTON - Thursday, July 2, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the second funding round of the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund, which will provide cash grants and business skills workshops to 25 family childcare entrepreneurs in Boston this summer and 25 more in the fall. As the City transitions through a safe, phased reopening, access to childcare is critical for parents and guardians returning to workplaces, and the early educators who provide it need additional support. Applications are available starting today through July 22, 2020 at www.boston.gov/childcare-fund.

"In Boston, we are dedicated to a safe, gradual reopening to ensure the safety of residents while also ensuring that families have access to the childcare they need," said Mayor Walsh. "As more businesses begin to reopen as a part of the State's reopening plan, this next round of the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund will increase access to childcare and help families who must return to physical workplaces."

Childcare Entrepreneurship Fund grant recipients will attend six virtual workshops on topics including accounting, marketing, shared services, and resources available to them as they reopen. After completing the workshops, grantees will receive a $3,500 grant to use to stabilize or expand their business. 

In May of this year, the first round of 22 childcare professionals graduated from the pilot program

"I learned that my business is very important to society. We are contributing to a better future with the education and love that we give to the children we have in our program," said grant recipient Maria Estevez. "I hope other colleagues can have the same opportunity that I had, for the education of our children and for the improvement of our community."

Building on Mayor Walsh's commitment to helping small businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Childcare Entrepreneur Fund has $175,000 available for grant rounds in summer 2020 and fall 2020. In addition to this Fund, Mayor Walsh has previously made available several grant programs to assist small businesses throughout the pandemic.

The Small Business Relief Fund has awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to businesses most impacted by COVID-19, totally $5.9 million so far. The Reopen Boston Fund was created to help small businesses put safety measures in place, including buying personal protective equipment, installing safety partitions for customers and employees, and managing outdoor space approved for business use. To date, $1.2 million has been provided to 713 businesses. Finally, the Boston Resiliency Fund has granted $941,625 to 32 emergency child care providers to ensure their financial viability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for the second round of funding will close on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the closing date. The application is available at www.boston.gov/childcare-fund.

Virtual sessions will be held to provide information about the program and the application process to all interested residents. They will take place on the following days on the Women's Advancement Facebook page:
  • Thursday, July 9, 2020 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday July 15, 2020 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (in Spanish)
  • Saturday July 18, 2020 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
For more information, on the Childcare Entrepreneurship Fund, go to www.boston.gov/childcare-fund. Please direct all translation requests to bostonwomen@boston.gov.

###

Registration for 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience to Open Tuesday, July 7


BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that registration for the 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will open on Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00 a.m. The virtual race is open only to participants who were originally entered in the Boston Marathon scheduled for April 20, 2020.
“The world cannot come to Boston this year, so we will bring the Boston Marathon to the world through a virtual experience that captures the spirit, community, and celebration of the race,” said Tom Grilk, C.E.O of the B.A.A. “The 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will allow participants to be part of Boston Marathon history."
The cost to register for the 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will be $50. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 7, participants will be emailed their unique registration code. The first 15,000 registrants will receive a Pre-Race Package delivered by Amazon containing a commemorative 2020 Boston Marathon bib and training items from Clif Bar, Poland Spring, Abbott, and more.
All finishers of the 124th Boston Marathon will receive a Post-Race Package delivered by Amazon containing their Boston Marathon Official Participant shirt, unicorn finisher’s medal, Official 2020 Boston Marathon Program, Sam Adams 124th Boston Marathon bottle opener, and additional celebratory items. The limited edition Pre- and Post-Race Packages will be branded in the Boston Marathon blue and gold and feature the iconic B.A.A. unicorn.
All registrants will receive access to a unique Boston Marathon Virtual Experience platform where runners can track and upload their 26.2-mile results, view leaderboards and standings, and download a virtual tool kit. The platform, which will be available in a to-be-launched application as well as in a web-based platform, will feature unique Boston Marathon audio cues to enhance the pre-race and race experience. To be considered a finisher of the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience, entrants must complete 26.2 miles in one continuous run on any day between September 7–14 and submit proof of completion to the B.A.A. Participants will not have a time limit by which to complete their race, but are required to complete the full marathon distance continuously on the same day.
The Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will also engage the more than 10,000 volunteers who originally registered to assist with events throughout April’s canceled race weekend. All volunteers will be encouraged to give back to their local communities in a way that celebrates the spirit of the Boston Marathon. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to receive their Official 2020 Volunteer Jacket or donate it to a frontline worker.
Leading up to September’s race week, participants will receive more information on the virtual experience. Participant newsletters will provide information on training tips, summer running, hydration, and tips on creating your own 26.2-mile course.
The 2020 Boston Marathon, originally scheduled for April 20, 2020, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. All entrants were offered a full refund of entry fees associated with April’s race.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.) 
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and also supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

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。
629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。

星期三, 7月 01, 2020

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 Azurin2011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,628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
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)630日的疫情簡報中表示,自71日起,州政府將新撥2000萬元給緊急承租和貸款援助(簡稱ERMAEmergency 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420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818日到期,麻州長查理貝克還未決定是否展延該效期。
71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41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%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20216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 Kevin Honan630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)