MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF MODIFIED PHASE TWO, STEP TWO OF REOPENING PLAN IN BOSTON

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF MODIFIED PHASE TWO, STEP TWO OF REOPENING PLAN IN BOSTON   Measures taken to mitigate spread of COVID-19 and protect hospital capacity   BOSTON - Tuesday, January 5, 2021 - In an effort to reduce the further spread of COVID-19 after the holidays and its impact on Boston's health care system and essential services, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston will remain in a modified Phase Two, Step Two of the Reopening Massachusetts plan for at least three more weeks. The current state of reopening in Boston includes restrictions announced by both the City and State in mid-December and can be found on Boston.gov/reopening.    "We are in one of the most serious points of the COVID-19 pandemic so far. Our case numbers are concerning and our hospital numbers continue to be higher than we'd like," said Mayor Walsh. "Consistent with our cautious approach since the beginning of this crisis, we are extending this pause in reopening for at least another three weeks. This is not about targeting specific sectors as the cause of viral spread, but an effort to reduce overall activity happening outside people's homes. I urge everyone to do their part so that we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and eventually lift these restrictions."    The City of Boston had been in Step One of Phase Three of the Reopening Massachusetts plan since July 6 before returning to a modified Step Two of Phase Two on December 16, 2020. Boston has been experiencing a steady increase in COVID-19 cases among its residents since Thanksgiving, with the citywide positive test rate at 8.8 percent for the week ending on December 30, 2020, up from 6.5 percent for the prior week. The percentage of occupied adult non-surge ICU beds at Boston hospitals is at 93 percent as of January 3, 2021.    Consistent with City and State guidance, gathering limits remain at 10 people for indoor settings and 25 people for outdoor settings for both private and public spaces.    Read the Boston Public Health Commission's "Order Establishing Supplemental COVID-19 Restrictions in the City of Boston."   The following industries in the City of Boston are required to remain closed for at least three weeks (January 27, 2021):  Indoor fitness centers and health clubs, including gyms using alternative spaces. One-on-one personal training sessions are allowed. Movie theaters Museums Aquariums Indoor recreational and athletic facilities (except for youth 18 and under) This does not apply to collegiate or professional sports.  Indoor pools may remain open for all ages under pre-registration format structure limited to one person per swim lane.  Indoor recreational venues with potential for low-contact (batting cages, driving ranges, bowling alleys, rock-climbing)  Sightseeing and other organized tours (bus tours, duck tours, harbor cruises, whale watching) Indoor historical spaces & sites  Indoor event spaces (meeting rooms, ballrooms, private party rooms, social clubs) Private social clubs may continue to operate, if they serve food,  consistent with restaurant guidance. Indoor and outdoor gaming arcades associated with gaming devices The following industries in the City of Boston are allowed to remain open with the following restrictions in place for at least three weeks (January 27, 2021):  Indoor dining in restaurants may remain in operation with restricted bar seating. The 90 minute limit on seatings to reduce crowding and prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be strictly enforced. No member of any dining party may remain in a restaurant for more than 90 minutes in any calendar day. Ancillary activities such as pool tables, darts, trivia, etc. are prohibited.  Bar seating is prohibited unless express written approval is issued by Boston's Licensing Board, after licensees submit a Bar Seating Plan for review and approval. Indoor non-athletic instructional classes in arts, education & life sciences for persons 18 years and older may continue to operate within the 10-person capacity limit.  Outdoor event spaces used for gatherings and celebrations within the 25-person capacity limit, including those in parks, reservations, and other outdoor spaces not designated in Phase Four. Outdoor theaters and outdoor performance venues may continue to operate within the 25-person capacity limit. Motion picture, television and streaming production may continue to operate.  Per State guidance in effect since December 26, 2020, the following industries in the City of Boston are currently allowed to operate with the following restrictions in place: Office spaces may remain open at 25 percent capacity. Employers are strongly encouraged to allow employees to work from home as much as possible.  Indoor dining in restaurants may remain in operation at 25 percent of seating capacity (calculated by the occupancy load as stated on a licensee's certificate of inspection issued under the State Building Code. Workers and staff are excluded from the occupancy count.) Close contact personal services may remain open at 25 percent capacity (workers and staff are excluded from the occupancy count.) Places of worship may remain open at 25 percent capacity (workers and staff are excluded from the occupancy count.) Retail businesses may remain open at 25 percent capacity (workers and staff are excluded from the occupancy count.) Golf facilities may remain open at 25 percent capacity (for indoor spaces) As a reminder, the following State orders remain in effect to reduce the transmission of the virus:   Temporary capacity and gathering limits: 10 persons indoors and 25 persons outdoors for both private homes and event venues and public spaces.  Face coverings order: face masks or cloth face coverings are required in all public places, whether indoors or outdoors, even where they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.   Travel order: all visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents are required to: Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health. Quarantine for 10 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to arrival in Massachusetts.  Stay-at-Home Advisory: residents of Massachusetts are advised to stay home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Boston has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting the small business community. To date, the Office of Economic Development has issued more than $13.3M in direct grants to 3,915 businesses in Boston. The Reopen Boston Fund, still accepting applications, can help with the expenses of safely opening and operating businesses. Of the $13.3M, nearly $6.7 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,850 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston through the Office of Economic Development's  Small Business Relief Fund. Of the Funds announced last month, the City has distributed $4M to 346 businesses through commercial rent relief, supporting certified women, minority, and veteran owned small businesses, and restaurant relief. And to further assist the City's small businesses, the City of Boston has created a list of suppliers to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies required to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries reopen.    To better support arts organizations facing financial losses, canceled programming, and closures caused by COVID-19, the City of Boston established a $1 million Arts and Culture COVID-19 Fund, which awarded grants to 146 small and mid-sized arts and culture nonprofits to adapt their programs, spaces, and operating models. Throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of Boston in partnership with Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) have also awarded grants totaling over $330,000 to over 600 artists as part of the Boston Artist Relief Fund, which was established to support artists whose creative practices and incomes were adversely impacted by the pandemic.   For more information about Boston's reopening, please visit  boston.gov/reopening.For additional questions or programs, please visit our coronavirus website or call 3-1-1, Boston's 24-hour constituent hotline. Text BOSCOVID to 888-777 to receive text alerts on a regular basis, available in 11 languages.   ###

波士頓市長將於1月12日晚7點半發表市情咨文

 

Join us for State of the City 2021 The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we approach so many of life’s important events, but we are a resilient city that continues to adapt and support each other. I always look forward to the opportunity to talk directly to the people of Boston during my annual State of the City address, and, while my speech and the events planned around it will look different this year, we will carry on.   During the address, we will celebrate the many accomplishments and milestones we achieved together this past year, and our continued progress and resilience in the face of adversity. Every day, and especially during this pandemic, I have been inspired by the dedication of our residents and their commitment to their community. I hope all Bostonians will continue to play a role in helping the City advance the ambitious agenda we are setting forth. I hope that you, your family and your community will tune in on January 12 at 7:30 p.m. so that we can connect once again about advancing our most pressing priorities. This year’s State of the City address will be broadcast on Boston.gov, as well as all major local networks. The past year has demonstrated what we can accomplish when we come together as neighbors, and I’m confident that we’ll set the stage for an equitable recovery for all in 2021. Sincerely, Mayor Martin J. Walsh

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Programs to Boost Internet Connectivity

 Baker-Polito Administration Launches Programs to Boost Internet Connectivity

Statewide Effort to Assist Job Seekers and Unserved Residents, Drive Economic Recovery

 

SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced three new programs to boost internet connectivity statewide, including a subsidy program to assist job seekers in the MassHire system that are facing a technology barrier. In addition, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at the MassTech Collaborative will expand a WiFi hotspot program statewide, delivering free high-speed access points to Gateway Cities, helping expand internet accessibility in areas hard-hit economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs are part of the $774 million economic recovery plan announced by the Administration in October, which designated $9.2 million for an expansion of internet access programs. Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, administration officials, and private partners made the announcement during an event held at the Springfield Innovation Center.

 

The new subsidy program, called “Mass. Internet Connect,” is being launched this week by the MBI in partnership with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), working with 29 MassHire one-stop career centers on the rollout of the program. The MBI is collaborating with internet service providers across the state, including Comcast, Charter, and Verizon, to offer subsidies and devices to job seekers. The internet subsidies and technology support will help keep job seekers connected to critical online resources and job search tools.

 

“The internet is critical to those seeking a new job, and these new programs recognize and aim to help solve connectivity challenges for people looking for work,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These investments will help to get and keep people connected, so they can continue to engage with prospective employers, access the trainings and services offered by MassHire and their partners, and ultimately get back into the workforce.“

 

“These new programs are focused on jumpstarting the economy by getting job seekers and others the means to stay connected,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “By ensuring that Massachusetts students and job seekers have the connections they need, we are maintaining the education and training that is so critical to our workforce pipeline here in the Commonwealth.”

 

MassHire will work with job seekers within their system to identify technology barriers and determine the best solution or combination of solutions, including:

 

·       Online resources for digital literacy;

 

·       An internet subsidy for those residing in a municipality with Charter or Comcast access;

 

·       A personal cellular hotspot from Verizon, for those in areas not served by Charter or Comcast; or

 

·       A referral to a partner vendor, HiQ, which is distributing Chromebooks to persons that do not have access to a device at home to conduct a job search.

 

“For those job seekers interested in getting assistance with their technology barriers, the first step is to get into the MassHire system,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta. “Being in that system allows us to provide the personalized services and unemployment support that each job seeker needs. These new programs will allow us to bridge the unique technology gaps that individual job seekers face, whether an affordability or access issue.”

 

“The pandemic has had a profound impact on our economy, but programs like these will help us battle back and put us on the path to recovery,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy. “In June, we saw unemployment reach a high of 17.7 percent, but that number has dropped to 6.7 percent in the last few weeks, with 12,000 new jobs added in November. We’re pleased with that progress, but are continuing to invest in programs like Mass. Internet Connect, which will get more people back to work.”

 

The program will run through June 30, with the state covering the cost of subsidies for internet service and devices on behalf of the job seekers. Job seekers must be in the MassHire system to take advantage of the Mass. Internet Connect program. MassHire resources are available at https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshire. The MBI has participated in trainings for the 29 MassHire one-stop career centers located across the state, preparing them to identify and support those clients facing technology barriers.

 

The Commonwealth’s programs will supplement the existing programs launched by providers in response to COVID-19 earlier this year.

 

“Comcast appreciates the practical, pragmatic leadership shown by Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito during this pandemic and we are proud to be playing a role in the Commonwealth’s economic recovery,” said Dennis Mathew, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Western New England Region. “There is no question that adoption of internet service and expansion of broadband networks to unserved addresses has been critical, especially during the last nine months. Comcast’s network has performed incredibly well and we continue to deliver the services and support our customers need for working and learning at home.”

 

“For Massachusetts residents who are looking for a job, having Internet access is not a luxury, it’s essential to their search,” said Michael Caralis, Director, Verizon Public Sector. “Verizon is committed to helping bridge the digital divide. Working with the commonwealth and MassHire to obtain hotspots and unlimited data for job seekers without Internet access is one way Verizon can help with economic recovery efforts.” 

 

“From extending our network to rural areas, to partnering with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help make high-speed broadband more accessible to those in need, Charter is committed to delivering critical connectivity and helping to bridge the digital divide in local communities where our customers live and work,” said Camille Joseph, Group Vice President, Government Relations, Charter Communications.

 

Another new program being launched to address the economic impact of COVID-19 is an expansion of free community WiFi hotspots across the state, targeting Gateway Cities and outer Cape Cod towns that will not be served through private provider initiatives. The new sites will offer communities the opportunity to establish both outdoor and socially-distanced indoor access to high-speed internet, helping boost free internet connection points for residents. These new public hotspots will supplement the efforts of private providers, targeting municipalities where additional free options are needed.

 

Also supported by the Partnerships for Recovery funding was the extension and expansion of the MBI’s WiFi Hotspot Program in 30 unserved communities in western and central Massachusetts, towns being supported by the Commonwealth’s Last Mile broadband expansion program. The announcement was previously made in early December, with the MBI extending the program up to June 30, 2021, and offering eligible communities the option to add a free indoor hotspot, an expansion of the program that will help provide critical connectivity over the winter months. The state funding will cover the costs of wireless equipment, installation, maintenance, related operational expenses, and monthly internet service charges for both outdoor and indoor hotspots. MBI will also offer grants to towns that host an indoor hotspot to assist with costs to implement measures that will provide an appropriate environment for hotspot users, such as installation of plexiglass dividers and staff to monitor the hotspot and ensure proper social distancing among hotspot users.

 

The Commonwealth’s Last Mile program has invested over $55 million in direct grants to close broadband access gaps, bringing the total to 29 of 53 communities with completed projects. The 29 completed projects have delivered broadband connections to an estimated 25,000 citizens since 2016.

 

“We’ve made great strides in closing the gaps in unserved towns and the expansion and extension of the WiFi Hotspot program recognizes the need that still exists in these communities, from small business owners, educators, students, and residents connecting with family members,” said Carolyn Kirk, Executive Director of the MassTech Collaborative, the parent agency of the MBI. “As more Last Networks are launched in 2021, more of these residents will be able to access high-speed connections from their homes and businesses. We’re looking forward to celebrating more of these launches in the new year.”

 

A full list of the available WiFi hotspots in Last Mile communities can be found on MBI’s website. Each site provides residents with instructions on how to access the hotspots and residents who connect to the wireless service are urged to follow social distancing protocols in accordance with the guidance issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Partners on the hotspots in Last Mile communities are KCST/Mass Networks, Westfield Gas + Electric (WG+E), Crocker, and Access Plus.

紐英崙至孝篤親公所換屆 陳文珊、陳鐵堅任正副主席

紐英崙至孝篤親公所新屆職員就職，新任主席陳文珊(前中)，副主席
陳鐵堅(前右三)。元老陳毓璇也難得出席了典禮。(GHOT提供)

               (Boston Orange)跨入2021年，邁向辛丑年，波士頓華埠僑團原本每年都有幹部改選，新人就職，今年在新冠病毒(COVID-19)疫情依然瀰漫之際，大多數僑團以不變應萬變，請在位幹部留任。少數有變動僑團中的至孝篤親公所，日前舉行了新屆幹部就職典禮。

              在至孝篤親公所的2021-2022年度職員中，新任主席為陳文珊，副主席陳鐵堅。陳文珊曾經擔任主席，這回再任主席，可為她的將來晉級奠定基礎。陳鐵堅是位律師，在1980年代非常活躍，曾是代表華埠和波士頓市政府協商的6人小組成員之一。

              至孝篤親公所的其他職員包括，中文書記陳秀珍，英文書記陳美珍，財政陳余寶愛，核數陳台榮，歷山寄盧(青年部)主任陳麗兒，副主任胡衛正，庶務陳珊珊，婦女部主任陳黃海蘭，副主任陳婉蘭。議長陳偉民。

              波士頓的另一大僑團，黃氏宗親會，黃仁宇和黃光沐連任主席，中文書記黃光野，黃偉健，財政黃開洪，黃寶華，外交黃鷹立，黃協健，核數黃英健，黃展唐，庶務黃達榮，議長黃國麟。婦女部主任黃周麗桃，黃仕蓮，顧問黃惠珍，黃惠瓊。

              黃氏公所新幹部預定1月24日上任。

波士頓市府發出88萬5000元給34個組織 鼓勵青少年服務、發展

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF 2021 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANTS $1 million investment in youth and young adult violence prevention, doubling FY20 allocation for Fund   BOSTON - Tuesday, January 5, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Offices of Health and Human Services and Public Safety today announced the nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants from the 2021 Youth Development Fund. Totaling $885,000 in funding, 34 Boston-based organizations will receive funding to support and increase youth development and violence prevention programming. Organizations selected will implement programming for either priority area previously identified by the Office of Health and Human Services: Youth Violence Prevention or Continuum Support.   "A fundamental part of our residents' public health and public safety is expanding existing services and implementing additional strategies to increase the accessibility of youth programming and violence prevention," said Mayor Walsh. "It's no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed added burdens on the wellbeing of residents, beyond their health. That's why I'm proud to work with these organizations who will complement the City's ongoing efforts, and I want to thank all of these partner organizations for their collaboration in these vital efforts."   Tuesday, December 29, 2020 - Mayor Walsh joined Chief of Health and Human Services Marty Martinez for the Youth Development Fund Recipient Orientation.   PRIORITY ONE: YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION  Grants targeting youth violence prevention have been funded to organizations using evidence-based strategies that work to shape individual behaviors, and address relationship, community, and societal factors that influence risk and protective factors for violence.  PRIORITY TWO: CONTINUUM SUPPORT  Funding support nonprofit organizations that address the City of Boston's identified needs in the youth and young adult violence prevention continuum, including services for youth and young adults up to age 30 that address unmet needs created by or directly related to COVID-19; case management or supportive services for school-age youth ages 13-18 who are Department of Youth Services-involved or high-risk for gang involvement due to history of neighborhood or family gang activity; and programs aimed at mitigating or preventing the use of social media to incite or promote violence, focused on ages 18 to 30. Of organizations receiving funding, 45 percent are led by a woman and 55 percent are led by a person of color. Of programs awarded, 33 percent are led by a woman and 88 percent are led by a person of color. Seventy-six percent of organizations will service Dorchester, 76 percent will service Roxbury and 55 percent will service Mattapan, in addition to other neighborhoods.   "YouthConnect is excited to deepen our partnership with the City of Boston and work with the other recipients of this grant," said Andrea Perry, Executive Director of YouthConnect. "This will ensure that, even during the most challenging times, our collective efforts can strengthen Boston's neighborhoods and ensure that young people have access to the services they need to thrive in the future." "This funding is a lifeline to help us continue our work as an organization dedicated to empowering Women of Color, said Erika Rodriguez, Executive Director of Chica Project. "We thank Mayor Walsh and his administration for creating this funding resource, which allows so many local non-profits to continue working towards social justice and equity." "Sportsmen's is thrilled to learn that we will have the opportunity to work even more closely with the City of Boston to provide crucial services to youth and families along the Blue Hill Corridor," Toni Wiley, Chief Executive Officer of Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center. "We know that this pandemic has had devastating and long-lasting effects on our youth and young adults, many of which will be evident for years to come and we are committed to working collaboratively to mitigate those negative effects." Mayor Walsh has doubled funding for the Youth Development Fund each year for the past three years. For Fiscal Year 2019, Mayor Walsh invested $250,000 into the Youth Development Fund, $500,000 was allotted for Fiscal Year 2020, and for Fiscal Year 2021, Mayor Walsh has committed $1,000,000.  Below are the grantees awarded funding from the 2021 Youth Development Fund. Additional funding will be available in the spring as part of the Fund. Continuum Support Grantees:  Boston Medical Center Corporation: Violence Intervention Advocacy Program (VIAP) will provide victims of gunshot and stab wounds between the ages of 16 and 24 with wraparound case management services, job and educational training needed to redirect their lives and avoid future violence.  Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Inc.: BGCB's YouthConnect Social Workers provide gang and at-risk youth confidential, voluntary community-based mental health supports and resource coordination, including via tele-health sessions.   Codman Square Health Center: Programming to support young people aged 13-18, and their families, through targeted leadership development programs, mentoring, and healthy lifestyles education.  Fathers' Uplift, Inc.: Targeted support for the Youth Enrichment program and clinical therapy services for young men ages 18-30 who are fathers and/or at-risk, with the aim to end cycles of fatherlessness; key approaches used are coaching, mentoring and clinical therapy. RFK Children's Action Corps, Inc.: Alternative to detention programming for medium- to high-risk 14-17-year olds, in Suffolk County that allows youth to remain at their home, in the community and in school.  Violence in Boston: Violence in Boston will provide proven-risk young men, ages 15-28, wrap around services such as housing resources, food access, music therapy, education and legal assistance.  Violence Prevention Grantees: Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.: ABCD's SummerWorks and WorkSMART programs serve both in-school and out-of-school youth, providing them critical employment skills through weekly intensive work readiness workshops followed by job placements. Artists for Humanity: AFH provides teens from Boston opportunities to learn and earn income through paid employment in art and design Boston Asian Youth Essential Service: Boston Asian YES provides services and programs for at-risk and high-risk Asian youth, ages 13-22. It is the only Chinatown community agency that provides outreach, prevention and intervention services to this cohort and has a long history of partnering with BPD, alternative education programs and other social service providers.  Boston Showstoppers Girls Academic and Athletic Program: Serving ages 8-18, the program aims to help student-athletes achieve their academic, athletic, and professional dreams through a mix of coaching and mentoring. Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, Inc.: Partnering with BDP, the Club supports programming that forges positive community-police relations and teaches young people alternatives to violence; summer programming provides enrichment activities such as field trips. Chica, Inc.: Chica provides culturally responsive programming addressing a range of areas, including mentoring, community building/civic engagement, leadership development and college access programming. College Bound Dorchester: Boston Uncornered aims to engage Core Influencers, individuals who have the most influence on gang-involved and at-risk youth, with College Readiness Advisor to take them away from street corners towards a pathway to education. East Boston Ecumenical Community Council: EBECC assists at-risk Latino students struggling in school through integrated academic and psycho-social programming, which  promotes healthy lifestyles, problem solving skills and independent thinking.  Elevate Boston/ Teach 1 Youth Development Collaborative: Elevate provides supplemental mentoring, academic tutoring and athletic activities to BPS students; summer programming will also feature digital technology/fabrication training and social-emotional activities.   Foundation for Boston Centers for Youth & Families: BCYF programming teaches social-emotional skills, the competencies needed to excel in the 21st-century workplace and empowers young people to develop the project management, leadership, and financial literacy skills needed to be successful in college and career. Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI): IFSI addresses violence among Haitian young people by teaching protective skills and behaviors that enable them to express their needs and concerns in a safe space, providing them tools and creative methods for approaching and resolving conflicts. Inquilinos Boricuas en Acci ón (IBA): IBA prepares young people aged 13-18 for school and life success by offering an employment-based program, centered on arts education, that fosters meaningful relationships and experiences integrating community organizing, social and emotional supports. Justice Resource Institute, Inc. dba STRIVE Boston: Programming provides proven-risk youth with support, leadership and work experience opportunities that will help them to become productive, responsible and law-abiding.  MBK617: MBK617 is supporting a range of youth development activities for young people in Dorchester and Roxbury that allows them to create and maintain healthy relationships with other youth regardless of where they are from in Boston. Their efforts focus on supporting the psycho-social development of young people through peer mentoring, youth support and other enrichment activities.   More Than Words: MTW programming empowers young people to move their lives forward, supporting them access the education and employment services they need to build healthy, safe, and self-sufficient futures. Phoenix Multisport, dba The Phoenix: Phoenix Boston helps young adults in recovery find supportive, sober communities and provides them stability and consistency during high-risk transitional periods. Roca Boston: Roca's programming aims to help high-risk young men leave streets and gangs and go to work through population-specific programming that changes behavior. Soccer Without Borders: SWB advances uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change, engaging newcomer refugees and immigrant youth in East Boston and surrounding communities. Sociedad Latina, Inc.: Sociedad addresses four key focus areas towards youth success: Education, Workforce Development, Civic Engagement, and Arts & Culture, and aims to build deep relationships with families to move students through middle school, high school, and college. Somali Development Center: The SDC promotes social, educational and economic development programs at the Islamic Society of Boston to immigrant young people and engages caregivers who are bilingual and struggle with supporting their kids as a result of their language proficiency. Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center: STEC is a year-around, youth centered organization offering tennis, academic and enrichment programs for K-12 aged youth; programming supports closing the achievement gap. The Center for Teen Empowerment: TE's violence prevention and youth arts groups meet online (and/or in person, when possible) to implement initiatives that engage peers and adults in addressing community violence, educational equity, racial equity and mental wellness. The Clubhouse Network: The Clubhouse encourages young people to explore the creative uses of technology and develop professional and life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork; students learn computer-generated art, develop scientific simulations and design animations. Uphams Corner Community Center DBA Bird Street Community Center: Bird Street provides a space where young people, under structured adult supervision, can focus on positive, productive activities and identities. Funding will enhance the Center's capacity to effectively address young people and their families' exposure to community violence and support the development of emotional coping skills to address trauma.  West End House Boys and Girls Club: West End House is expanding past its foundational programs in academic success and the arts to develop and implement new, year round social justice activities. Teens - including those invited from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester - will receive a generous weekly stipend for participation in the program being administered jointly with City Mission.  Youth Guidance: BAM is a school-based counseling and mentoring program that improves the social-cognition and behavioral competencies of predominantly young men of color who have been exposed to stressors and face social, behavioral, and/or emotional challenges. YWCA Boston: YW Boston is combining two initiatives focused on girls - the Girls Health Program and a social justice education and leadership development program - in order to provide high quality courses that teach girls advocacy and public engagement skills.  YMCA of Greater Boston: The YMCA will support summer employment for teens: last year the Y hosted 934 young people; and continue with Academic Credit Recovery where students can "recover" academic credit and so they can graduate on time.

115名國會議員催拜登提名亞裔任部長 Martin Walsh和蘇維斯 誰會當勞工部長?

波士頓市長Martin J. Walsh。(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

                  (Boston Orange 編譯)美國總統內閣應該至少有一名亞裔部長。美國民主黨籍國會議員正為此向候任總統拜登(Joe Biden)施壓，麻州波士頓市市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)和加州勞工廳廳長蘇維斯(Julie Su)的支持者，因此競爭更加劇烈。

            波士頓市今年的市長選情，也因此肯定會被拜登的決定所影響。

政治分析家們估計，今(5)日喬治亞州參議員席位的第二輪選舉(runoff election)落幕，民主黨或共和黨誰將控制聯邦參議院的結果出爐後，勞工部部長職位花落誰家，以及其他部長職位人選，才會逐步揭曉。

加州勞工廳廳長蘇維斯(Julie Su)。
(圖片來自網路)

拜登內閣的15個部長級職位，目前還剩下勞工部長，商務部長和總檢察官這三個職位無提名人選。勞工部部長一職，早前有很多被點名，但來自華府消息稱，還留在考慮名單上的只剩2人，麻州波士頓市市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)和加州勞工廳廳長蘇維斯(Julie Su)。

即將就任的拜登政府，目前已有3名亞太裔內閣成員，包括母親為印度人的副總統哈莉絲(Kamala Harris)，美國貿易代表戴琦，以及預算及管理辦公室首長Neera Tanden，但部長層級還吳亞太裔。

亞裔太平洋島民團體稱，過去4屆美國政府，每屆都有至少任命了一名亞裔部長。115名美國國會議員上週也在發信恭喜拜登時，力促他實踐要打造一個”有史以來最多元內閣”的承諾。

聯邦眾議員趙美心(Judy Chu)，以及她做為主席的國會亞太裔核心小組聲稱，”人事就是政策”，當多元背景領袖就任有權勢職位時，就會帶來更包容的政策，也會更妥善的服務整個國家，因此他們強烈相信拜登政府應該有一名亞太裔內閣部長，就如過去20多年一樣。

在國會亞太裔核心小組之外，國會黑人核心小組，以及國會西班牙裔核心小組也都支持這聲明。

加州聯邦眾議員Mark Takano表示，亞太裔美人在美國政治中經常被忽略或排除，遠可追溯到1882年的排華法案，純以種族惟根據，限制入境，近有1920年代的配額限制，阻礙了數難以計的亞裔美人歸化成為公民。他還以峰田(Norman Y. Mineta)擔任交通部部長時，在911事件發生時，曾站出來為穆斯林族裔說話為例，來強調有名亞太裔部長對政府的平衡運作有多種要。

政治分析家說，馬丁華殊和蘇維斯的差異可說非常小，兩人都是來自深藍州的民主黨員，一人在東岸，一人在西岸。馬丁華殊有全美最大的勞工組織AFL-CIO，以及美國教師聯盟(American Federation of Teachers)的支持，有助於重建中產階級，蘇維斯曾為加州血汗工廠的泰國勞工請命，將更能夠幫助移民及有色人種勞工。

有分析家指亞裔選民的力量，長期以來被忽視，但這次的美國總統大選，拜登贏得了三分之二亞裔的票，在喬治亞州，更是因為亞裔的支持，拜登得以些微票數之差，贏過川普，拜登政府如果想要繼續得到亞裔選民的支持，恐怕得在挑選內閣部長時對亞裔展現一點愛心。

至於波士頓市長的選情，那當然是，一旦馬丁華殊入閣，除了已經宣佈參選市長的兩名波士頓市議員，吳弭(Michelle Wu)和Andrea Campbell之外，必然會有更多人跳入選戰。如果馬丁華殊不入閣，他既有600萬元競選經費在手，又有在位優勢，要撼動怕是不容易。