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星期四, 1月 28, 2021

波士頓黃氏公所主席續任就職 疫情期間多數宗親僑團幹部全留任

波士頓黃氏宗親會幹部就職。前排右起,黃光沐,黃國威,
黃仁宇,黃國麟,黃周麗桃。(黃氏宗親會提供)
            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)在新冠病毒疫情肆虐一年,迄今未消之際,波士頓各姓氏公所大都原班人馬留任。黃氏宗親會的主要幹部也都連任,日前並慎重其事地舉行了就職典禮。

              黃氏公所位於必珠街,華埠牌樓旁的會所,因為疫情,平時已閉門謝客,就職典禮這天,也只有主要幹部出席,由全美元老黃國威監禮,主席黃仁宇,黃光沐續任。

              根據黃氏公所資料,其他職位的中文書記光野,偉健,財政開洪,寶華,外交鷹立,協健,核數英健,展唐,庶務達榮,議長國麟等黃氏宗親,也大都是去年的職員。婦女部也仍然由黃周麗桃,黃仕蓮續任主席。

黃氏宗親會兩名主席,黃光沐(左),黃仁宇(中)
向祖宗獻三牲。(黃氏宗親會提供)
             黃氏公所在過去這廿,三十年間,共出過多名全美元老,包括黃偉炎,黃煜棠,黃君裕,黃官羨,黃國威,黃立輝。前二人已於多年前辭世,今年又有黃君裕撒手人間,波士頓最大宗親會之一的黃氏公所,現在還有三名全美元老。

              住在大同村,同時擔任華埠居民會共同主席的黃國威表示,這場疫情真的讓人生活難過,華埠商家更慘,開門就賠本,還不知要撐到何時。今年的農曆年春宴也停辦,宗親無法聚會,商鋪也沒生意,真是很難過。

              過去這一年,雖然因為疫情,黃氏公所自己未辦活動,但中國駐紐約總領事館送達的2000個口罩,他們都發給了宗親。黃氏公所還捐款1000元,支持中華公所的送口罩支持第一線工作人員,以及屋村華裔居民等活動。黃氏公所也體恤的給租用黃氏物業的肥牛火鍋,小桃園等店家減租。

              華埠內的李氏公所主席李奇舜,伍胥山公所主席伍輝民,余風采堂前任主席余麗媖等人也都表示,礙於疫情,所有職員今年繼續留任。

疫情期間 波士頓僑教中心線上推動僑務


           (Boston Orange)波士頓華僑文教服務中心121日下午530分舉辦「波士頓地區僑務工作線上座談會」,說明僑務工作重點,討論與協調2021年度文教中心各重要活動安排及意見交流,會議由波士頓文教中心主任潘昭榮主持,計有波士頓地區僑務委員蔣宗壬等僑務榮譽職人員、各僑團(校)負責人及青年代表近30人參加,獲致多項具體建議。

              潘昭榮首先感謝參與座談的代表及人員對僑務的關心與支持,鼓勵大家踴躍發言、交換意見及凝聚共識,以作為波士頓地區今年返國參加僑務委員會議的僑務委員及代表建言之參考,並說明新版護照已開放受理申請,有意申辦之僑胞請以電子郵件向駐波士頓臺北經文處預約,接著簡報僑委會委員長童振源所揭示僑務工作4大目標、2項戰略、5項策略,推廣僑務電子報Line官方帳號,僑委會及文教中心臉書粉專,僑胞卡及特約商店,i臺灣窗口,以及繼續鼓勵僑胞踴躍支持臺灣加入聯合國、WHA及返國參加慶典活動等

                  此外,潘昭榮亦說明僑委會目前對海外僑胞及僑臺商面對疫情挑戰所提供各項協助方案,如「海外僑臺商防疫紓困整合方案」、「海外信用保證基金新冠肺炎疫情紓困方案3.0」、「全球僑胞遠距健康諮詢服務方案」、「全球僑臺商農業服務方案」、「全球僑臺商產學合作服務方案」、「智慧經濟電子報」,鼓勵僑胞踴躍運用;以及僑委會支援海外口罩需求,力挺全僑共同抗疫,並運用數位學習管道持續輸出優質僑教等創新措施。

             參與此次座談人員,除僑務委員蔣宗壬,計有僑務顧問郭競儒、張昆、馮文鸞等僑務榮譽職人員;紐英崙李氏公所主席李奇舜,國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭,紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長蔡明機、會長康雅雰,大波士頓臺灣基督長老教會石明軒,新英格蘭成功大學校友會會長陳婉如等僑團代表;新英格蘭大波士頓臺灣商會會長林才民,波克萊臺灣商會楊羅東、陳玉瑛等臺商會人員;波士頓慈濟人文學校校長彭淑敏、勒星頓中文學校校長陳伯淯,波士頓文教中心民俗文化種子教師林賢琪,以及哈佛大學臺灣同學會會長蕭育舜、許祐湉等。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)

AG SECURES MORE THAN $1 MILLION FROM TWO ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTERS OVER ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER BILLING

 AG SECURES MORE THAN $1 MILLION FROM TWO ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTERS OVER ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER BILLING

Facilities in Marlborough and Lowell Billed for Services Not Provided and in Violation of MassHealth Regulations

            BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey announced today that two adult day health centers in Marlborough and Lowell will pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations that they improperly billed the state’s Medicaid Program (MassHealth) for adult day health services.

            Fun Life Adult Day Care (Fun Life) in Marlborough and Monarch Elder Care (Monarch) in Lowell will pay $1,060,957.92 to resolve allegations that, since 2014, the companies improperly billed MassHealth for adult day health services that were not provided or that were in excess of permissible billing practices, in violation of MassHealth regulations. Both facilities are owned and operated by Malay Patel of Lowell.

            “False and improper billing to MassHealth takes away critical funds from a program that provides health care to some of our most underserved populations,” said AG Healey. “Companies must follow MassHealth billing regulations to ensure these critical resources are being allocated appropriately.”

“Today’s outcome is the result of MassHealth’s strong program integrity efforts to prevent inappropriate payments, and demonstrates the important partnership between MassHealth and the Medicaid Fraud Division to hold providers accountable for violating MassHealth regulations,” said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth and Medicaid Director Dan Tsai.​

            The AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division began investigating these two companies after referrals from MassHealth. The investigation found that, on numerous occasions, Fun Life and Monarch billed for more hours than members actually attended adult day health programs. The companies also improperly submitted claims in excess of per diem billing requirements. 

In addition to the financial settlement, both facilities have agreed to contract with an independent compliance monitor to oversee a three-year independent compliance program. The program will include updated policies and procedures on billing, new training for billing staff, and yearly audits conducted by the monitor, at Fun Life’s and Monarch’s expense. 

The AG’s Office has resolved previous cases of improper billing at adult day health facilities. In August 2020, the AG’s Office settled with two adult day health centers in Boston and Dartmouth for $186,000 to resolve allegations that they improperly billed MassHealth. In November 2019, AG Healey secured a settlement with an adult day health facility in Springfield, recouping nearly $275,000 for MassHealth for improper billing. In November 2018, three adult day health facilities agreed to pay more than $500,000 to settle allegations that they too engaged in improper billing.

This matter was handled by Managing Attorney Kevin Lownds, Assistant Attorney General Ali Russo, Senior Healthcare Fraud Investigator Aleksandra Andriyevskaya, and Investigator Johan Gonzalez, all of AG Healey’s Medicaid Fraud Division, with substantial assistance from MassHealth and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. The Medicaid Fraud Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

波士頓市長選戰出現第3名參選者 波市議員Annissa Essaibi George宣佈參選

 

Annissa Essaibi George宣佈參波士頓市長,全家人一起亮相。(圖片來自宣佈競選信件)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)波士頓市長競選這下子真的升溫了,出現第三個宣佈參選人,也是波士頓市不分區市議員,曾擔任東波士頓公校老師13年,現年47歲的Annissa Essaibi George,今早10點多發信通知選民,她要參選波士頓市長啦!

             波士頓市最早宣佈參選市長的是波士頓市有史以來的第一位華裔,第二位亞裔市議員,現年36歲的吳弭(Michelle Wu)。她在2020915日宣佈參選。

             一星期之後,波士頓市第四區市議員,現年38歲的Andrea Campbell,也宣佈參選了。

             這時候,波士頓的現任市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)還未表態,是否競選連任,人們普遍認為,如果馬丁華殊競選連任,由於在位者參選必贏的歷史有前證,其他人的機會都很渺茫。當時坊間議論的重點是,這兩名宣佈參選者,無論哪一個人當選,都將為波士頓市締造出現首名有色人種,女性市長的歷史紀錄。

             今年17日,拜登總統提名馬丁華殊出任勞工部部長,波士頓市長選戰於是一下子局面完全不同,某某某可能參選的消息滿天飛,波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯說他90%可能,波士頓市健康及人民服務長Marty Martinez也說他當然考慮參選。

             不過,正式宣佈參選的第三人,直到今天才出現。

             葛羅斯今日稍晚時,也令所有人意外的,正式表態,現年56歲的他將不會參選波士頓市市長,退休是為多花些時間和家人在一起。

             Annissa Essaibi George今早才發信通知選民,我正在參選波士頓市長(I’m running for Mayor of Boston)”,但波士頓環球報,波士頓前鋒報等報章,昨(27)晚就已經發佈了這消息。

             Annissa Essaibi George在她發給選民的信上說,波士頓市我家,我根植於此,這個關係促使我更辛勤的要為波士頓做更多事

             Annissa Essaibi George2015年當選為波士頓市不分區市議員,並連任迄今。之前,從2001年起,她在東波士頓高中教經濟,企業管理,以及健康及人民服務。她還擔任軟球助理教練。

             當老師之前,她曾經為波士頓私營企業協會擔任學生服務聯絡員,協助學生獲取工作場所的學習經驗。

             她在競選網站上說,除了波士頓公校的品質,經濟發展之外,她也致力促進波士頓市的公共安全。

             她有四個小孩。她本人是第一代美國人,父親於1972年從突尼西亞移民來美。她母親的父母是德國流離失所人士營地中的波蘭人。

             波士頓環球報在報導中說,Annissa Essaibi George稱自己為阿拉伯裔美國人。她那第二次世界大戰後,在一個德國流離失所人士營中出生的波蘭裔母親,在波士頓環球報擔任電話接線生長達25年,直到被裁員為止。她父親在波士頓大學當警衛20多年,1972年才從突尼西亞移民來美,是虔誠穆斯林教徒。她自己在天主教教義中長大,但深受父母的文化薰陶。

             波士頓環球報指出,去年的波士頓市預算投票,彰顯了Annissa Essaibi George和吳弭,Andrea Campbell的極大不同。馬丁華殊去年夏天提出的36億美元營運預算,吳弭和Campbell都投了反對票,認為那不足以處理波士頓市內的系統性種族歧視。Annissa Essaibi George則是投贊成票的其中一人。他們那批人認為,否決馬丁華殊提出的預算案是財政上的不負責任,因為其中包括了很好的項目及服務。該預算案最後以85票通過。

             在競選經費上,最早宣佈參選的吳弭和Andrea Campbell,依序各籌得535,000元,

          以及513,000元。上個月,她倆各募得約9萬元競選經費。Essaibi-George目前已籌得11萬元。(更新版)

MAYOR WALSH LEADS 41ST ANNUAL HOMELESS CENSUS WITH PRECAUTIONS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

MAYOR WALSH LEADS 41ST ANNUAL HOMELESS CENSUS WITH PRECAUTIONS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 

The annual count of Boston's homeless individuals guides the City's resources

 

Mayor Walsh and volunteers speaking with unsheltered individuals for the 2021 Census

BOSTON - Thursday, January 28, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh yesterday led a reduced group of volunteers, including City and State officials, homeless services providers, and public health and safety first responders, in conducting the City of Boston's 41st annual unsheltered homeless street count. Census organizers intentionally reduced the number of volunteers this year as a safety measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The street count also started later and did not include the usual kickoff event at City Hall, to prevent volunteers from gathering as a large group. The street count is part of the City's comprehensive census of homeless adults, youth and families in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and domestic violence programs, and individuals staying outside in Boston each year. 

"Every year, our homeless census guides our work to dedicate programs and resources to support individuals who face homelessness, and it plays a vital role in our larger goal to prevent and end homelessness in the City of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "The homeless census also serves as an important reminder of our shared commitment to helping our most vulnerable residents. In Boston, we know everyone should be cared for and respected, and deserves a place to call home."

The annual homeless census is usually required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a key component of Boston's $31 million federal grant for housing and services for homeless households. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic the homeless census was not required by HUD, but was still conducted. The census also helps inform the City of Boston's policy development and allocation of resources. The information gained through the census is shared with other homeless service providers to aid in the coordination among the Continuum of Care members. Boston continues to have the lowest percentage of unsheltered people living on the street of any major city conducting a census, with under 2 percent of Boston's homeless population sleeping on the street in 2019, the most recent year for which HUD has published national data. Nationwide, 37 percent of all homeless persons were unsheltered in 2019.

This year, roughly 80 volunteers canvassed 45 areas after midnight, covering every city neighborhood, Logan Airport, and the transit and parks systems. Volunteers canvassed their assigned areas, identified those sleeping on the street, and conducted a short survey, when that could be conducted safely, per COVID-19 guidelines. The surveys will be closely analyzed to ensure accuracy and then cross-checked and combined with the results of the simultaneous shelter count. 

"When we first thought about conducting our street count this year, we wondered how to do so given concerns about the coronavirus," said Jim Greene Assistant Director for Street Homelessness Initiatives for the City of Boston. "We surveyed long time census team leaders and the response was amazing; everyone agreed to help in any way they could. The overnight and daytime emergency shelter staff, street outreach teams, homeless youth workers, substance abuse and mental health clinicians, and first responders who joined us for the count have been on the front lines of this work every day throughout the pandemic. They have the skill and experience to conduct a count and keep homeless people safe. We appreciate them stepping up again tonight."

The City of Boston's collaborative work to house, shelter, and keep homeless individuals and families safe has continued throughout the pandemic. In December, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that, despite the pandemic, since the launch of Rising to the Challenge: Boston's Plan to Prevent and End Youth and Young Adult Homelessness in December 2019, the City of Boston has housed more than 100 youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years old experiencing homelessness. As part of the continued effort to end youth homelessness and support youth at risk of becoming homeless, the Mayor also announced $335,000 to support career training and college courses for 40 young people aged 18-24 at risk of homelessness. 

Boston's Way Home, the City's plan to end chronic and veteran homelessness prioritizes the housing first approach, an evidence-based approach to ending homelessness that uses principles such as everyone is deserving of permanent and stable housing without preconditions like sobriety or treatment. Since the plan's launch in 2015, City agencies and community partners have dramatically redesigned the way services are delivered to homeless individuals, increasing resources devoted to housing and deploying new technologies to match homeless individuals with housing and services.

Since the launch of Boston's Way Home, the City has:

  • Housed more than 1,064 chronically homeless individuals, representing more than 6,700 years of homelessness ended. (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines chronically homeless individuals as adults with a disability who have been either living in an emergency shelter or a place not meant for human habitation continuously for 12 months or more, or who have had four occasions of homelessness in the past three years that total 12 months or more.)
  • Reduced chronic homelessness in Boston by 19 percent since 2016, at a time when chronic homelessness has been rising nationally
  • Housed more than 1,300 homeless veterans and ended chronic homelessness among veterans
  • Reduced the number of homeless veterans in Boston on a single night by 32 percent since 2014, when Mayor Walsh launched his Homes for the Brave Initiative to end veteran homelessness
  • Partnered with six affordable housing owners in Boston to create a homeless veteran preference within their housing
  • Announced an action plan to support young Bostonians experiencing homelessness and awarded $4.7 million to create 157 housing opportunities for youth and young adults that have already housed more than 100 young people experiencing homelessness.
  • Reached the goal of raising more than $10 million for the Boston's Way Home Fund to build 200 new units of supportive, long-term housing for chronically homeless men and women.

The City of Boston anticipates receiving more than $31 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support Boston's homelessness programs in 2021 through HUD's McKinney Homeless Continuum of Care program. The funding was awarded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which renewed existing Continuum of Care grants for another year. 

To further prevent displacement, which can lead to homelessness, Mayor Walsh filed and advocated for several pieces of legislation during the 2019-2020 Massachusetts legislative session aimed at protecting residents. The bills passed provide the City of Boston with more flexibility to leverage the strong development market to fund affordable housing and workforce training programs, and increase the State CPA match, allowing Boston to invest more in our communities and support affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space. This work builds on Boston's commitment to ensure all neighborhoods have affordable and equitable housing options to benefit the most vulnerable and least represented communities. Mayor Walsh was supportive of Governor Baker's housing choice legislation that was recently signed into law. This policy supports other municipalities in building up their affordable housing stock which will provide more options for residents across the Commonwealth and help ease Boston's housing burden.

The results from this year's homeless census will be available in the coming months.

About the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND)

The Department of Neighborhood Development is responsible for housing the homeless, developing affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes. As part of the ongoing coronavirus response, the Office of Housing Stability is also conducting tenant's rights workshops to educate residents about the eviction moratorium and their rights. The Boston Home Center continues to provide down payment assistance to first-time home buyers and home repairs for seniors and low-income residents. The Supportive Housing Division is working with various partners around the city to rapidly house individuals who are experiencing homelessness. For more information, please visit the DND website.

麻州政府再撥款4500萬元濟助1100家小企業

 

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $45 Million in Grants to 1,100 New Small Businesses Through COVID Relief Program

To date, over $277 million in direct financial support has been distributed to more than 5,800 small businesses

PLYMOUTH — Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy joined small business owner Raquel Mullaney and state and local officials representing Plymouth to announce an additional $45.3 million in grants to 1,100 small businesses in the fifth round of awards through the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). Among the key industries most impacted by the pandemic, restaurants, bars and retail stores comprise the leading groups to receive grants. Today’s announcement was held at The 1620 Winery, located at Cordage Park in Plymouth, a recipient of a small business grant in a previous award round.

To date, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $277 million in direct financial support to 5,857 small businesses. This funding has been made available through a $668 million business relief fund set up in December 2020, as well as $50.8 million for small and diverse businesses included in the economic recovery package announced in October of last year. 

Additional grants will be announced in the coming weeks for thousands of additional businesses. 

“Our administration remains committed to supporting the needs of businesses as we continue to navigate the pandemic and its economic impact," said Governor Charlie Baker. "We are pleased to award this latest round of grants to help a total of more than 5,800 small businesses cover expenses like payroll, rent and utilities, and look forward to getting more funding into the hands of small businesses across the Commonwealth as soon as possible to support their recovery."

“Our small businesses have been challenged throughout this crisis, and each has played an important role in stopping the spread of this deadly virus,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Since the first applications came in for relief, we have been working to prioritize the small business owners that need the help the most, and I am proud to see so many woman-owned businesses, as well as priority sectors, included in this round of grant awards.”

“Prior to the pandemic, our administration had already identified opportunities to enhance access to capital, space, and networks for women- and minority-owned businesses, and our work today is aimed at ensuring that these enterprises make it to the other side of this crisis,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development  Mike Kennealy. “MGCC will continue to expertly administer both of these grant programs to provide cash assistance to struggling businesses, as well as partner with organizations across Massachusetts helping these businesses tap into new federal resources.” 

Separate from this round of small business grants, MGCC continues to review applications submitted for its Sector-Specific Small Business Relief Grant Program. Based on the success of MGCC’s first grant program targeting small businesses, the sector-specific program targets businesses in the industries experiencing the greatest economic hardship, regardless of employee headcount. 

The industries that will be given preference in the new program include:

  • Restaurants, bars, caterers and food trucks;
  • Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments;
  • Gyms and fitness centers;
  • Event-support companies (photographers, videographers, etc.);
  • Personal services (nail salons, barbershops, independent pharmacies, etc.);
  • Independent retailers.

Sector-specific applicants are able to review the status of their application through the Submittable portal found on www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org. Award notifications for the sector-specific program will be made in February. 

Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Baker-Polito Administration and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation also announced nearly $5 million in small business technical assistance grants to 63 non-profit organizations across the state. The state-funded Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program, administered by MGCC, aims to expand economic and entrepreneurial opportunities in underserved communities throughout the Commonwealth.

These technical assistance grants enable nonprofit organizations throughout Massachusetts to provide crucial services such as help with applying for pandemic-related grant and loan programs, like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as well as individualized business management assistance, financial training, access to non-COVID capital and loan packaging services to under-resourced small businesses in urban and rural communities. The grant recipients, selected through a competitive process, are as diverse as the businesses they serve, including community development corporations, micro lenders and chambers of commerce.

Since Fiscal Year 2015, the program has awarded more than $15 million in grants. These funds have directly benefited more than 15,000 jobs and served over 12,500 small businesses, including 2,682 startups across Massachusetts.

波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯退休 1月29日離任 表態不參選市長

波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William G. Gross)(左)突然宣佈退休。
(檔案照片周菊子攝)
          (Boston Orange 綜合編譯)波士頓市有史以來的第一位黑人警察局局長,葛羅斯(William G. Gross)突然退休,明天(29)生效。波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)辦公室今早10點多發出聲明。

波士頓警察局副局長(Superintendent ),也是黑人的Dennis White將接任成為第43任波士頓警察局局長。

葛羅斯現年56歲。他在今日稍晚時正式表態,將不會參選波士頓市長,退休是為了多和家人在一起。但他表示90%會參選市長不過是幾星期前的事,許多人都對這360度的大轉變感到十分驚訝。

在波士頓市長發出的聲明中,葛羅斯表示,他感到很榮幸,在當警察局局長期間,和同事們日以繼夜,把社區放在第一位的保護市民安全,在危險時刻站出來,伸出援手幫助那些有需要的人,並總是在為了所有人的公共安全中衝向危險。

葛羅斯還補充的說,他為警察們在巨大壓力中所有的表現,感到非常驕傲。他是深思熟慮之後,才決定退休的。他的心將永遠和波士頓警察局的兄弟姊妹們在一起,這些人在他的37年警局生涯中,已成為他的村人。在他向前行,展開他的下一篇章之際,他將繼續是這些人的最大支持者之一。

馬丁華殊在聲明中稱許葛羅斯。

馬丁華殊說,我打從心底的感謝葛羅斯局長37年來為波士頓警察局服務,包括其中2年半做為局長,領導該局。在他多采多姿的職業生涯中,他一直保持著社區警察的精神,而那在建立我們所服務人民對警察的信心上是那麼重要

馬丁華殊說,任何認識葛羅斯的人,都能馬上感受到他對這份工作的喜愛,對保持社區安全的熱情。無論是甚麼情況,他的溫暖笑容,全心全意,以及他的愛和人們會晤,都使他是那麼獨特的能夠承受最嚴苛挑戰。

馬丁華殊也稱讚葛羅斯是族裔平等的開拓者。

129日開始,在波士頓警察局已服務32年的Dennis White,將以代理身分接任波士頓局局長,直到他正式宣誓上任該職為止。

在喬治弗洛伊德被殺案於全美掀起要求警察問責,改革後,Dennis White是波士頓市警察改革工作小組成員之一。在晉升為葛羅斯的幕僚長,職級副局長之前,他曾經在總副局長辦公室擔任執行副局長(deputy superintendent),以及現場服務夜間指揮部服務。

                       麻州生活(Mass Life)電子報指出,葛羅斯從22歲加入波士頓警察局服務迄今,頭10年在東波士頓,多徹斯特,南波士頓及查理士城等區域巡邏。波士頓警察局是在他任內才成立了社區參與局(Bureau of Community Engagement)”

                     去年會見美國總檢察官William Barr時,葛羅斯遭遇批評。最近幾個月,波士頓警察局也面對外界砲火,尤其在許多抗議警察暴力的活動出現之後。

                  上個月,警察隨身穿戴相機內的錄影曝光,顯示有波士頓警察在一次遊行示威中,推擠抗議者,還向抗議者噴灑胡椒,有了調查行動。

美聯社還報導其中一名警察被人聽到以車輛撞擊示威者。

葛羅斯當時說,我已安排一名涉事警官休行政假,在調查有結果之後,我會採取額外行動。我要鼓勵人們促使我們注意這些情況,我們才能恰當的調查

早前坊間傳聞,葛羅斯有90%的可能會參選波士頓市長,但他宣佈退休後沒多久就表示不會參選市長了。反倒是另一名波士頓市不分區市議員Annissa Essaibi George今早宣佈參選,成為正式宣佈參選波士頓市長的第三人。(第二次更新版)

波士頓警察局長葛羅斯退休 市長指派Dennis White接任

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF WILLIAM G. GROSS; APPOINTS DENNIS WHITE AS 43RD COMMISSIONER OF THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

Newly appointed Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White

 

BOSTON - Thursday, January 28, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Dennis White as the 43rd Commissioner of the Boston Police Department (BPD), and the second African American to hold the role of Police Commissioner. White, who is currently a Superintendent in the department and Chief of Staff to the Commissioner, will assume the duties and responsibilities of Commissioner William G. Gross, who is set to retire from BPD on Friday, January 29, 2021. 

"I want to thank Commissioner Gross from the bottom of my heart for his 37 years of service to the Boston Police Department and for his two and a half years leading the department as Commissioner. Throughout his decorated career, he's always embodied the spirit of community policing that is so important to building trust with the people we serve," said Mayor Walsh. "Anyone who knows Willie can instantly feel his love for the job and his passion for keeping communities safe. No matter the situation, his warm smile, dedication, and love for meeting people made him uniquely capable of taking on the toughest challenges." 

"As Boston's first Black Police Commissioner, Willie reflects the great diversity of our city," added Mayor Walsh. "We can all be proud of the legacy he'll leave behind, from reducing major crime to helping undertake the most ambitious set of police reforms in the department's history."

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Police Commissioner, leading a department of hardworking men and women who serve this city day-in and day-out, and put the safety and well-being of our community first," said Commissioner Gross. "They have shown time and again their unwavering commitment to our residents, rising to the occasion during moments of crisis, reaching out a helping hand to those in need, and running towards danger in the name of public safety for all. I am immensely proud of their performance under tremendous pressure. It is only after long and careful consideration that I have made the decision to retire from my role. My heart will always remain alongside my brothers and sisters of the BPD, who over the course of my 37-year career have become my village. I will continue to be one of their biggest champions as I move forward with my next chapter." 

As of Friday, January 29, 2021, Superintendent White will serve as Acting Commissioner until he is formally sworn in as Commissioner. A swearing in ceremony will be announced in the coming days.

"Superintendent White is a proven leader who is trusted and respected in the community and by his colleagues in the Boston Police Department," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm confident that Dennis will continue to advance the progress made by Commissioner Gross, including implementing community-led recommendations for police reform, while drawing on his own extensive career experience to bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking to the department."

"The women and men of the Boston Police Department have become my extended family over the course of my three decades of service," said White. "I want to thank Mayor Walsh for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity and the responsibility of leading our historic department. To the community and all the members of the Boston Police Department, I pledge to uphold our mission of community policing each and every day. Serving as Commissioner is the honor of a lifetime, and I will never take this sacred duty for granted."

A member of Mayor Walsh's Boston Police Reform Task Force, Superintendent White is a seasoned veteran of the police force, having served the community for 32 years. Prior to being promoted to Chief of Staff to Commissioner Gross and to the rank of Superintendent, White was a Deputy Superintendent in the Office of the Superintendent-in-Chief and in the Bureau of Field Services Night Command.

As Boston's first Black police commissioner who rose through the ranks of the department, having joined as a cadet in 1983, Commissioner Gross appointed and oversaw the most qualified and diverse command staff in the department's history. Throughout his career, he has cultivated and maintained a strong connection with the community, and has prioritized community engagement as part of his community policing model. As Commissioner, he established the first-ever Bureau of Community Engagement at BPD, which is charged with overseeing a citywide effort focused on building relationships and trust between law enforcement and residents, creating new and innovative partnerships, and promoting inclusion and diversity within the department. During Commissioner Gross' tenure, part one crime, which includes the most serious offenses, declined.

As Police Commissioner, Gross worked to ensure that BPD lived up to the ideals of community policing. He took steps to further accountability and transparency at the department, including completing a review of Boston Police's policies against the recommended use of force policies outlined in the "8 Can't Wait" effort, resulting in clarified rules and the implementation of several reforms. Under his leadership, BPD has issued body-worn cameras to more than half of the department, and the program continues to expand to cover more officers.

Previous Police Commissioners Gross and Evans started as police cadets. After the cadet program was suspended in 2009 for financial reasons, Mayor Walsh reinstated the program in 2015 as a way to diversify the force and create a pipeline for Boston residents seeking a career in law enforcement. The cadet program is a 2-year apprenticeship designed for Boston residents between the ages of 18-24 interested in joining the ranks of one of the most storied and professional police departments in the county.

星期三, 1月 27, 2021

波士頓市議員吳弭: 疫苗注射站應一個郵遞區號設一個

波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)刻正競選波士頓市長。
(檔案照片,周菊子攝)
             (Boston Orange 編譯)新冠疫苗注射地點到底該怎麼安排?麻州政府近日稱,2月中以後,麻州將有至少165個疫苗注射站。波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)呼籲,波士頓市內每一個郵遞區號都應該設一個,還要優先設在黑人、拉丁裔人聚居地方。

             根據zipcode.com,波士頓市至少有32個郵遞區號。根據麻州政府的疫苗注射站地圖,跨入2月份以後,波士頓市內將陸續有芬衛球場,以及洛士百利的瑞吉路易斯中心這兩個大型疫苗注射站。

             吳弭今(27)日在波士頓市議會中提出議案,要求市府人員和地方醫院,醫療護理提供者,以及藥店合作,在波士頓市內每一個郵遞區號內至少設立一個疫苗注射站,同時提供免費的PCR病毒檢測。受新冠病毒打擊最嚴重的鄰里社區,應優先設站。

             這些疫苗注射站還應該在大清早,傍晚,以及週末開放,以因應有不同工作時刻的居民之需。

             波士頓公共衛生局等有關單位,還要設立單一窗口的預約注射疫苗網址,以期民眾可以一目了然的清楚自己預約注射疫苗的相關資訊。市府單位並應每週向公眾提供相關數據。

             她說,確保民眾安全的注射疫苗,會是終結病毒傳播的重要步驟。

             吳弭提出的議案稱,波士頓環球報最近做的分析發現,住在薩福克郡的黑人,或是拉丁裔人,想要注射新冠疫苗,路程很可會比白人遠。

             吳弭指出,波士頓市居民有25%是黑人,20%是拉丁裔人,但居住地點和疫苗注射站的距離在一英里之內的居民,黑人大約14%,拉丁裔大約26%,白人卻是46%

           目前薩福克郡內僅有的一個公眾疫苗注射站,卻是座落在只有6%黑人,11%西班牙裔的南波士頓社區健康中心。

             根據聯邦政府資料,在注射新冠疫苗的人均數目上,麻州目前排在新英格蘭地區各州,以及紐約州之後。截至上週五,麻州居民僅有5.4%接種了新冠疫苗,康州8%,西維琴尼亞州10%,阿拉斯加州11%

查理貝克2022財政預算456億美元 將動用16億穩定基金

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)透露,聯邦政府明天將送一批
新疫苗到麻州。(周菊子攝)
          (Boston Orange 編譯)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)政府今(27)日遞出456億美元的2022會計年度預算案。

                 新聞稿稱這預算,在不加稅,並為將來保留充分儲備金之中,持續因應新冠病毒大流行,促進經濟成長,全額資助具劃時代意義學生機會法(Student Opportunity Act)的第一年費用,同時支持麻州各地市鎮。

                麻州眾議會建議新撥款項24630萬元來資助學生機會法,包括特別關注服務低收入學生的學區,列屬於第70章的經費需增加19770萬元,

麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)補充說明。
                麻州政府還建議允許地方市鎮在實行學生機會法時需要照第70章規定的增加方出資時,可把11400元的聯邦經費計算在內。此外,麻州眾議會將維持政府的承諾,給地方市鎮3950萬元的無限制地方補助,約等於稅率增長的3.5%

              麻州州長查理貝克表示,州政府很高興第一次有機會在不加稅的情況下,可以全額資助學生機會法。

             不過,查理貝克計畫動用16億元穩定基金。估計該依帳戶仍將剩有11億元。


Baker-Polito Administration Files Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Proposal

$45.6 billion proposal fully funds Student Opportunity Act and provides support for cities and towns

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today filed its Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget recommendation, a $45.6 billion proposal that continues the Administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses critical priorities including promoting economic growth, fully funding the first year of the landmark Student Opportunity Act, and supporting cities and towns across Massachusetts. This balanced proposal does not raise taxes on the Commonwealth’s residents and preserves substantial financial reserves for the future.

Submitted as House 1, this budget recommendation provides $246.3 million in new funding for the Student Opportunity Act including an increase of $197.7 million in Chapter 70 funding, with a particular focus on school districts serving low-income students. The Administration is also proposing to allow municipalities to count $114 million in federal dollars towards their Chapter 70 required local contribution increases to further deliver on the commitments in the Student Opportunity Act. Additionally, House 1 maintains the Administration’s promise to cities and towns with a $39.5 million increase in unrestricted local aid, which is equivalent to the 3.5% consensus tax revenue growth rate.

“We are proud to submit a Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal that despite the challenges of the pandemic, invests in economic growth and fully funds the first year of the landmark Student Opportunity Act – all without raising taxes on the Commonwealth’s residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This balanced budget proposal allows the Commonwealth to respond to the pandemic and promote our recovery, while investing in key priorities such as education, health care, substance misuse, and racial equality and diversity. We look forward to working closely with the Legislature to adopt a full spending plan for FY22.”

“The budget recommendation filed today provides meaningful resources and support for every city and town across Massachusetts and protects the essential government services that are important to residents and families,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This budget maintains our commitment to increasing local aid consistent with projected tax revenue growth, and helps address critical issues throughout the Commonwealth including public safety, care for older adults, assistance for veterans, support for children and families, and sexual assault and domestic violence prevention.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to promote fiscal discipline and stability by maintaining core government services and supporting economic growth and development without raising taxes on the Commonwealth’s residents,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “We appreciate our strong working relationship with the Legislature and look forward to adopting a final spending plan which funds critical programs and initiatives while protecting our financial reserves and limiting future budgetary risk as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Fiscal Overview

This FY22 budget proposal, known as House 1, includes substantial investments and maintains financial discipline as the Commonwealth begins to transition away from one-time revenue and spending needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. These one-time initiatives have utilized various state and federal resources, both on and off-budget, to help ensure public health and address a variety of needs.

This budget recommendation is based on the $30.12 billion consensus tax revenue estimate, which anticipates a 3.5% growth in total tax collections over revised FY21 tax estimates. House 1 includes $45.6 billion in gross spending, a decrease of 0.7% from Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) projected spending, excluding transfer to the Medical Assistance Trust Fund. This year-over-year decrease accounts for current tax projections and is primarily driven by caseload and cost decreases at MassHealth, which previously experienced significant cost increases in FY21 due to the pandemic.

This proposal authorizes a withdrawal of up to $1.6 billion from the Stabilization Fund to help ensure the continuation of essential government services and responsibly preserve financial reserves for Fiscal Year 2023 and beyond. Working together, the Legislature and this Administration have been able to grow the Stabilization Fund since 2015, which now enables the Commonwealth to face the budget challenges associated with COVID-19 while continuing to fund key priorities. Improvements in tax collections or new federal revenue will allow the amount of this withdrawal to be reduced. This current Stabilization Fund withdrawal is projected to leave the fund with a balance of approximately $1.11 billion.

This balanced and fiscally responsible spending plan makes investments across key areas including:

Providing Record Investments in Massachusetts Students

Through this proposal, the Administration is recommending fully funding the first year of the landmark Student Opportunity Act with $246.3 million in new funding added for initiatives laid out in this legislation. This includes an increase of $197.7 million in Chapter 70 funding, with a focus on school districts serving low-income students. The Administration’s proposal also provides an increase of $22.5 million for special education circuit breaker reimbursement for local cities and towns, as well as $26.1 million in additional funding for charter school reimbursement.

Additionally, the Administration is proposing to allow municipalities to count federal dollars towards their Chapter 70 required local contribution increases, a commonsense measure to provide important flexibility and needed fiscal relief to cities and towns. Massachusetts is expected to receive over $800 million in ESSER funding through the latest federal COVID-19 legislation in addition to over $200 million received through previous federal legislation.

This funding builds on the collaborative work of the Administration and the Legislature in the FY21 budget, which included a $108 million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment and complemented significant federal supports. Together, these state and federal FY21 investments provided more resources for local schools than the Administration’s initial FY21 budget proposal, which fully funded the first year of the Student Opportunity Act.

Encouraging Economic Growth and Development

House 1 continues the Baker-Polito Administration’s focus on promoting economic growth, opportunity, and equity for communities across the Commonwealth. The proposal includes $4 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program for entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those owned by women, immigrants, veterans, and people of color. It also provides $1 million for regional economic development grants.

This budget includes a total investment of $16.9 million in additional funding for transforming vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes and training 20,000 new workers in skilled trades and technical fields over four years. This initiative will increase student demand, involve businesses in program development and credentials, reduce barriers to licensure, and create incentives for completion and post-graduate employment.

This proposal builds on the Administration’s ongoing initiatives that are making use of federal and state resources to support small and diverse businesses as they recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis. This includes the $668 million Small Business Relief Grant Program, which is providing financial assistance to Massachusetts businesses with a focus toward minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as those sectors most impacted by the pandemic. House 1 also complements the economic development bond bill recently signed by Governor Baker, which provides capital authorization to drive economic growth and development.

Protecting Public Health

The Administration has maintained a focus on the health and safety of Massachusetts residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, carrying out a historic response using emergency measures and funding to address a wide range of public health priorities. This response has comprised spending initiatives, both on and off-budget and using a variety of sources, targeted at minimizing transmission of the virus, and addressing needs exacerbated by the pandemic. 

Critical initiatives associated with the ongoing response include infusing $1 billion through MassHealth to help stabilize health care providers, investing over $60 million in field hospitals and isolation and quarantine hotels, providing over $56 million to address food security, and distributing over 41 million pieces of PPE. The COVID-19 response is also being supported by the most recent federal COVID-19 legislation, which contains over $450 million for testing and tracing, and nearly $90 million for vaccine distribution efforts.

House 1 supports these efforts with $707.1 million in funding for the Department of Public Health to ensure access to high-quality public health and health care services. This investment funds key new positions with a focus on the State Lab and public health hospitals and maintains $10 million in grants to health departments to support municipalities' capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Promoting Equity and Diversity

This budget recommendation provides over $30 million to continue implementing the recommendations of the Black Advisory Commission (BAC) and the Latino Advisory Commission (LAC). This continues to be a key priority for the Baker-Polito Administration as the impacts of the pandemic have fallen disproportionately on people of color.

This funding includes support for initiatives such as Adult Basic Education, YouthWorks Summer Jobs, early college, teacher diversity, small business development, financial literacy, and workforce training. House 1 also includes resources for the newly established Supplier Diversity Office, which is responsible for ensuring accountability and compliance with diversity goals, overseeing agency diversity spending, and auditing and reviewing spending data.

Supporting Local Cities and Towns

House 1 increases the Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) investment by $39.5 million compared to the FY21 budget, which is consistent with the expected 3.5% growth in tax revenue. This translates to a total UGGA investment of $1.168 billion to local cities and towns across the Commonwealth. Under the Baker-Polito Administration, total annual UGGA has increased by $222 million (23.5%) including this proposal.

This budget provides $4 million in funding for Community Compact-related programs including best practices and regionalization and efficiency grants. Additionally, the budget includes $4.8 million for the Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, as well as $3 million for local technical assistance.

Addressing Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

The COVID-19 pandemic and the public health response measures such as quarantining and social distancing have created new challenges for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Polito, continues to work closely with community partners and local stakeholders to ensure that survivors and their families have access to services and supports necessary in times of crisis.

House 1 furthers these efforts by recommending $96 million in total funding to continue addressing this key priority, a 48% increase from FY15. This includes $50.3 million for the Department of Public Health to carry out domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, as well as emergency and transitional residential services for victims and their children. $6 million would support statewide sexual assault nurse examiner programs for adults and adolescents in hospital settings, and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner programs in child advocacy centers. The proposal also includes $1 million for the grant program focusing on promoting healthy relationships and preventing dating violence among youth. 

Substance Misuse Treatment and Prevention

Since taking office, the Administration, working closely with the Legislature, has doubled spending to address the opioid crisis and increased capacity by more than 1,200 treatment beds, including more than 800 adult substance use treatment beds at different treatment levels. 

House 1 continues addressing substance misuses with a total investment of $357.3 million across a variety of state agencies, a $22.1 million (7%) increase above the FY21 budget. This funding includes a total of $157 million to the Department of Public Health, $30 million for the Department of Mental Health, $105.2 million through a Section 115 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) waiver from the federal government, $2.6 million for education-related initiatives, and $62.5 million in criminal justice investments.

Housing and Homelessness

The COVID-19 global pandemic has intensified existing housing concerns and disproportionally impacted vulnerable populations. House 1 continues the Administration’s ongoing work to promote access to sustainable and affordable housing for individuals and families of all socio-economic backgrounds.

This proposal includes $195.9 million to fund the Emergency Assistance family shelter system, a $15 million (8%) increase above the FY21 budget. This investment maintains a total of 98 ADA-accessible units annually at an estimated cost of $5.2 million. The proposal also includes $135 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, $75 million for local housing authorities, $54.9 million for homeless shelters for individuals, and $26 million for HomeBASE Household Assistance.

Separately, the Administration has put in place the Eviction Diversion Initiative, which includes $171 million in state and federal funding to promote housing stability. The recently-signed economic development bond bill also includes significant resources to help increase housing options, as well as key policy changes – including Housing Choice – which make it easier to build housing in communities that want it.

THE BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION’S FY22 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS BY NUMBERS

Education

  • Fully funds the first year of the landmark Student Opportunity Act, adding a total of $246.3 million in new spending

o    $197.7 million in Chapter 70 funding, for a total Chapter 70 investment of $5.481 billion

    • $22.5 million increase for special education circuit breaker reimbursement for local cities and towns
    • $26.1 million in additional funding for charter school reimbursement
  • Allows cities and towns to count a maximum of $114.1 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) dollars towards their Chapter 70 required local contribution 

    • Massachusetts is expected to receive over $800 million in ESSER funding through the latest federal COVID-19 legislation in addition to over $200 million received through previous federal legislation
  • Total investment of $778.5 million in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, excluding Chapter 70
  • Builds on the collaborative work of the Administration and the Legislature in the FY21 budget, which included a $108 million increase in the annual Chapter 70 investment and complemented significant federal supports 

    • Together, these state and federal FY21 investments provided more resources for local schools than the Administration’s initial FY21 budget proposal, which fully funded the first year of the Student Opportunity Act

Early Education

  • $758.5 million for Early Education and Care (EEC)
    • EEC funding has increased by $230.5 million (43.6%) since 2015 

    • $20 million to maintain the center-based rate increase enacted in FY21 

    • $14 million for family and community engagement services 

    • $5 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative 

    • $2.5 million for early childhood mental health consultation services 

    • $1 million for Reach Out and Read
  • Complements caseload funding that may be carried forward from FY21 to FY22 due to the potential for under-enrollment relative to pre-pandemic levels, as well as $130 million in Child Care and Community Development Block Grant funding included in the most recent federal COVID-19 legislation

Higher Education

  • $1.310 billion investment for the Department of Higher Education, University of Massachusetts, and state universities and community colleges, representing a $146.1 million (12.6%) increase since 2015
  • Includes over $131 million for financial aid and fee waiver programs at college campuses, including last-dollar scholarships for low-income students at both state universities and community colleges, support for the continued expansion of early college and dual enrollment programs, and full funding for Commonwealth Commitment, while maintaining support for 1,400 eligible students currently or previously in the custody and care of DCF, or who have been adopted through DCF

Health and Human Services

  • $24.762 million for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
  • $79 million for Chapter 257 human service provider funding under the new rate methodology that better reflects the cost of benchmarking direct care and clinical staff wages

Public Health

  • $707.1 million in funding for the Department of Public Health
    • Supports key new positions with a focus on the State Lab and public health hospitals
    • $10 million in grants to health departments to support municipalities' capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

Caring for Seniors

  • $594.3 million for the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
  • $17.1 million in support of grants to Local Councils on Aging
  • Increase of $16.3 million above the FY21 budget for the Community Choices Program

Veterans

  • $94.9 million for the Department of Veterans Services
  • $27.1 million in funding for the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke to fund adequate staffing levels and support quality care and infection control protocols
  • $36.1 million for the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea to support required staffing and services in preparation for the opening of the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Community Living Center in FY23

MassHealth

  • $17.569 billion gross, $6.910 billion net funding for MassHealth, a change of -3.4% gross, 7.2% net versus FY21 estimated spending
  • Maintains existing benefits while addressing the expected changes resulting from the abatement of the COVID-19 public health emergency
  • $84 million to improve the access and availability of the front door and ambulatory behavioral health services to address current access challenges to treatment which have been further exacerbated by the pandemic

Substance Misuse

  • $357.3 million in FY22 across a variety of state agencies
    • $22.1 million (7%) increase above the FY21 budget
    • $157 million to the Department of Public Health
    • $105.2 million through a Section 115 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) waiver from the federal government
    • $62.5 million in criminal justice investments
    • $30 million for the Department of Mental Health
    • $2.6 million for education-related initiatives

Children and Families

  • $1.088 billion for the Department of Children and Families, marking a $260.7 million increase since 2015
    • $20 million in new funding to support the new congregate care network designed to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for 2,000 DCF-involved children, adolescents, and young adults
    • $8 million to continue progress towards a caseload level of no more than 15 clients per caseworker
    • Foster care rate increases for foster parents
    • Funding of Chapter 766 rate increases for children in privately-run special education schools
  • $10 million for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative
  • $169.1 million in funding for the Department of Youth Services

Individuals with Disabilities

  • Fully funds the Turning 22 Program at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and other agencies
  • $2.260 billion for DDS, an increase of $127.4 million over the FY21 budget
    • $7.2 million in total funding for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)
    • $1 million across EOHHS and its agencies, including the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), to expand the production of vlogs in American Sign Language (ASL) and increase communication access to public services for individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
    • $67.6 million in funding for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
    • $25.6 million in funding for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Behavioral Health

  • $943.9 million for the Department of Mental Health
    • Funding to re-procure Children, Youth, and Family Intensive Community Services (ICS) and better meet the needs of children and adolescents

Economic Development

  • $4 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program for entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those owned by women, immigrants, veterans, and people of color
  • $1 million for regional economic development grants
  • Complements the Administration’s ongoing initiatives including $668 million small business relief grant program which is providing financial assistance to Massachusetts businesses with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as those sectors most impacted by the pandemic

Supporting Local Government

  • Increases the Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) investment by $39.5 million compared to the FY21 budget, consistent with the expected 3.5% growth in tax revenue
    • Total UGGA investment of $1.168 billion to local cities and towns across the Commonwealth.
    • Under the Baker-Polito Administration, total annual UGGA has increased by $222 million (23.5%)
  • $4 million in funding for Community Compact related programs including best practices and regionalization and efficiency grants
  • $4.8 million for the Public Safety Staffing Grant Program managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
  • $3 million for district local technical assistance

Promoting Equality and Opportunity

  • Over $30 million to support the recommendations of the Black Advisory Commission (BAC) and the Latino Advisory Commission (LAC)
    • $5.9 million for Adult Basic Education (ABE)
    • $4.8 million to fund the STEM Starter program at 15 community colleges, impacting 8,000 to 9,000 students
    • $4.5 million for YouthWorks Summer Jobs
    • $2.5 million for early college
    • $2.5 million for the Urban Agenda Program
    • $2.5 million for the new Supplier Diversity Office
    • $1.9 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund
    • $1.5 million for high demand scholarships for Black and Latino students

Housing and Homelessness

  • $195.9 million for the Emergency Assistance family shelter system
  • $135 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), to support an estimated 9,771 vouchers in FY22, an increase of 42% compared to FY15
  • $75 million in funding for Local Housing Authorities
  • $54.9 million to maintain an estimated 2,000 beds, services, and day programs at homeless shelters for individuals
  • $26 million for HomeBASE Household Assistance

Transportation

  • $1.36 billion in total budget transfers for the MBTA
  • $401.6 million for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
  • $90.5 million for Regional Transit Authorities
  • $11.3 million for the Merit Rating Board

Labor and Workforce Development

  • $16.9 million in total funding to continue transforming vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes running three shifts per day
  • This Career Tech initiative is designed to train 20,000 new workers over four years in skilled trades and technical fields including plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and robotics

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

  • $96 million to address this key priority, a 48% increase from FY15
  • $50.3 million in funding for the Department of Public Health to carry out domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and survivor services, as well as emergency and transitional residential services for victims and their children
  • $33.8 million for providing shelter, services, and housing assistance for individuals and families who are victims or at risk of domestic abuse in their current living situations
  • $6 million to support statewide sexual assault nurse examiner programs for adults and adolescents in hospital settings, and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner programs in child advocacy centers

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

  • $747.5 million for the Department of Correction, including $213.9 million for medical and mental health contract costs
  • $415.3 million for State Police public safety and crime lab operations and includes support for the 87 RTT class
  • $61.8 million for reentry and diversion planning across the Commonwealth
  • $11.3 million in funding for the Shannon Grant program to fund anti-gang and youth violence prevention efforts
  • $10.4 million to fully fund tuition and fee waivers for National Guard members
  • $4.1 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), a $2.2 million increase from the FY21 budget
    • Increased investment would improve the state of readiness across the Commonwealth and enable MEMA to do more frequent and in-depth reviews on emergency management plans, increase trainings and exercises, add staffing, and warehouse critical commodities

Energy and the Environment

  • $293.4 million for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA)
  • $102.5 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation
  • $62.4 million for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
  • $32.2 million in funding for the Department of Fish and Game
  • $29.2 million for the Department of Agricultural Resources
  • $20.8 million for the Department of Public Utilities
  • $4.5 million for the Department of Energy Resources
  • $2.2 million for climate change and adaptation preparedness

Modernizing and Security Government IT

  • $138.8 million for the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security to support
    • Managing a new cybersecurity operations center which provides 24/7 monitoring capabilities of systems to identify and help mitigate potential cyber threats
    • Implementing a security incident event management software platform for threat monitoring and analytics
    • Centralized software and IT contract compliance program

To access the Governor’s filing letter, budget message, and specific account information click here