3年67萬5000元 波士頓要為申請經營大麻業者提供技術援助

              (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市公佈招標書(RFP)，將在今年4月1日起到2024年3月31日止的三年間，每月招標，經由波士頓市的”供應商平台”接受各界在網上填表，為符合資格的申請經營大麻生意者，”提供技術援助”。

             波士頓市政府預定三年撥款67萬5000元，第一輪的申請截止日期為5月1日。

             波士頓市長Kim Janey表示，這是要確保大麻業的創業者能獲得在波士頓發展成長的工具。

             麻州居民在2016年時，經由公投，合法化了成人使用大麻。該法案也規定要讓之前不成比例的受到禁止大麻傷害的社區，獲得鼓勵。

             2019年11月，Kim Janey還是市議員時，在市議會帶頭通過訂立波士頓市大麻業公平法條例，以確保在這新的大麻業中，存在著族裔平等及包容。

             在該條例下，波士頓市長的經濟發展辦公室將監管大麻技術援助項目，幫助符合資格的大麻業申請者。

               波士頓市臨時經濟發展長Midori Morikawa表示，波士頓是是全美第

MAYOR JANEY RELEASES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR CANNABIS EQUITY APPLICANTS New capacity building program will support equity in the cannabis industry BOSTON - Friday, April 16, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey announced that the City of Boston this week released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide technical assistance support to certified cannabis equity applicants. This $675,000 investment over three years is designed to expand economic and entrepreneurial opportunity and capacity. Completed proposals will be accepted monthly on a rolling basis, on the first day of each month, for a three year period, beginning on April 1, 2021 and ending March 31, 2024. The first deadline will be May 1, 2021. Proposals can be submitted electronically via the City of Boston Supplier Portal.  "Today we are taking a major step forward in lifting up local entrepreneurs with diverse ownership from communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs," said Mayor Kim Janey. “We want to ensure that business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry have the tools they need to grow and thrive in Boston.” In 2016, the Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approved a ballot question to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana. That law requires the development of "procedures and policies to promote and encourage full participation in the regulated marijuana industry by people from communities that have previously been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities.” In November 2019, in her former role as Boston City Council President, Mayor Kim Janey led the City Council in passing an Ordinance to establish equitable regulation of the cannabis industry in the City of Boston. This ordinance was the result of a collaboration from many stakeholders and advocates and ensures Boston’s role as a national model for how to create a system that fosters racial equity and inclusion in the new cannabis industry.  As part of this ordinance, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED) will oversee the Cannabis Technical Assistance Program to assist any eligible certified cannabis equity applicants. This designation is based on the majority of an applicant’s business ownership and gives preference to people who reside in areas impacted hardest by the war on drugs, Boston residents, people of color, and people with low incomes, among others. Based on this criteria, the City will maintain an equal or greater number of equity applicant licensees to licensees that do not qualify as equity applicants. The Office of Economic Development has also hired a full-time Cannabis Industry Manager to work directly with cannabis applicants to guide equity applicants through the certification process and to match their needs with experienced TA providers. “Cannabis is a fast-growing industry, and Boston is committed to ensuring that equity applicants in our city can access the resources they need to launch a successful business,” said Midori Morikawa, Interim Chief of Economic Development. “Boston is the first city in the United States to formally prioritize diverse applicants who are looking to participate in this emerging industry. With this new RFP, the Boston Cannabis Equity Program will support equity applicants with critical technical assistance across business operations, workforce development, legal compliance, and other best practices to assist diverse cannabis businesses throughout the city.” Applicants and licensees seeking to be certified pursuant to the Ordinance are reviewed and certified by the Office of Economic Development, in collaboration with the Boston Cannabis Board and other appropriate city departments when applicable. Once selected, the Office of Economic Development shall facilitate the initial engagement with the contractor. In each case, the contractor will be expected to work directly with the cannabis equity applicant. "Since its formation, the Boston Cannabis Board has worked diligently to ensure equity, both to whom cannabis establishment licenses are granted and the geographic distribution of these licenses through the City of Boston," said Chairwoman Kathleen Joyce. "We have prioritized equity since the beginning of this new industry in Boston. Providing technical assistance to certified equity applicants is critical to ensuring those communities negatively impacted by the failed war on drugs have access to this emerging industry. We want to support these applicants throughout the entire process, and we look forward to continuing this important work." Technical assistance providers are experienced business consultants that, through this program, will provide high quality one-on-one assistance to designated businesses, and also provide group workshops and coaching sessions to existing or aspiring business owners. Services can include, but are not limited to:  ·    Assistance with business operations, including the development of business plans;  ·    Assistance recruiting employees; ·    Guidance and assistance through the application process; ·    Assistance with legal compliance; ·    Accounting and tax preparedness assistance; ·    Best practices for operating in the marijuana industry;  ·    Assistance with store security; ·    Assistance identifying and raising funds and capital and identifying vendors; ·    Guidance on legal issues and compliance; and ·    Other cannabis business equity applicant needs.  All prospective TA providers are encouraged to attend a live applicant conference session for the opportunity to address questions relative to the content of the RFP. These sessions will be held quarterly, via Zoom, and will occur in person pending updated COVID-19 public health restrictions at 1 City Hall Sq., Boston, MA 02201. To register, view upcoming dates, and join the conference, please visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ETxD64JzTQqNBpyq0Wbvdg  Every month, on the first business day of the month, applications will be downloaded from the City of Boston Supplier Portal website for review. The RFP will appear live again the next day for the following month. In order to participate in these online procurement activities, bidders must register with the Supplier Portal.   The City of Boston encourages a full range of TA providers to apply for this opportunity to support the varied and dynamic needs of small business owners of all backgrounds. The City of Boston seeks to promote the full participation and equity of opportunity for minority‐owned and women‐owned enterprises (“M/WBEs”) on City of Boston contracts. To support these City objectives and to further the City’s progress toward achieving its goal of 25% M/WBE participation on City discretionary spend, the City encourages minority-owned and woman-owned enterprises to respond to this RFP.

昆士市將增添一所新小學

            (Boston Orange昆士市報導) 麻州學校樓宇管理局(Massachusetts School Building Authority Board，簡稱MSBA)投票通過了，昆士市將可建造一所新的史昆頓(Squantum)小學。

這將是昆士市的第4個大型建校計畫，之前有昆士高中，中央中學，以及最近的西南中學(South-West Middle School)。

昆士市還將和MSBA合作一系列的翻修全市學校門窗計畫，並藉由麻州政府的60%到80%施工費用補助，為昆士市納稅人節省數以百萬元，千萬元計的費用。

昆士市第6區市議員William Harris表示，學校士史昆頓社區的基石，他為昆士市年輕人將有一座現代化的教育場所，感到很激動。

              昆士市長柯奇(Tom Koch)也感謝麻州財政廳廳長高柏珂(Deb Goldberg)，代表昆士市的麻州參議員約翰基南(John Keenan)，麻州眾議員Bruce Ayers，昆士市公校總監Kevin Mulvey，昆士學校委員會等人促成此事，直言新學校將容許昆士市更好的推廣藝術，數理，科技等科目。

 

Plans For New Squantum Elementary School Qualifies for State’s Building Program

QUINCY, MA April 14, 2021 – Plans for a new Squantum Elementary School today officially qualified for

the state’s school building program following a critical vote by the board that oversees school

construction across Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously at its regular

meeting on Wednesday to accept the City’s request, proposed by Mayor Thomas Koch and supported

by both the City Council and School Committee, to enroll in the program that provides millions of

dollars in state reimbursement for new school construction and major renovation projects.

The Squantum School is Quincy’s fourth major school project to qualify for the program, including most

recently the new South-West Middle School. That project followed the new Quincy High School and

Central Middle School projects. In addition, the City has partnered with MSBA on a series of door and

window projects at schools citywide. State reimbursements for those projects have ranged from 60 to

80 percent, saving local taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

“This project is vital to the future of Squantum and our City. We have an incredibly well-proven track

record in delivering transformational school projects together with the MSBA, and I think that gives the

Board of Directors a good deal of confidence in welcoming us once again into the program,” said

Mayor Koch. “I’m grateful for the ongoing partnership with Treasurer Goldberg, all of our colleagues at

the MSBA, and the tremendous efforts by Superintendent Mulvey and his team, the state delegation,

our City Councilors and the School Committee for getting us to this point. We have plenty of work

ahead, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Added Ward 6 City Councilor William Harris:

“This school is the cornerstone of the Squantum community, and I am thrilled we are now on our way

to providing the state-of-the-art educational facility that our young people very much deserve. I can

think of few higher priorities for myself as Ward Councilor than seeing this project through, and I look

forward to working directly with so many of our neighbors in Squantum as this process moves

forward.”

In its proposal, the City and the Quincy Public Schools team noted that while the school has served the

community remarkably well since it opened in 1919 but a building of that age is extremely limited in

providing a 21st Century learning environment. Officials cited the need for technology-driven

curriculum, science laboratories, computer labs, and a library media center as components to be

included in any new building.

“I’m looking forward to working with the MSBA on the Eligibility Phase of the Squantum Elementary

School project,” said Superintendent Kevin Mulvey. “Thanks to the support of Quincy’s state legislative

delegation, Mayor Koch, the City Council, and School Committee, we have an opportunity to build a

state-of-the art facility to benefit all of the students who attend the school, both from the

neighborhood and the citywide Special Education program students. A new building will enhance the

outstanding educational opportunities provided by the dedicated staff and administrators at Squantum

Elementary School and will also be an important resource for the local community.”

The project now enters an elaborate process guided by the MSBA, which starts with meeting eligibility

requirements showing the City can finance and manage a project of this magnitude. Officials expressed

a high degree of confidence on moving through that phase based on the City’s history of successful

school projects. From there, the project moves onto a feasibility study that determines the full scope of

needs before a final project agreement, reimbursement rate, and schedule is voted on the MSBA

Board.

Said State Senator John Keenan:

"I wish to thank the School Building Authority, its Board and team, and Treasurer Goldberg for

advancing the Squantum School project through the process, and congratulate my colleagues in

government - Representative Ayers, Mayor Koch, the City Council, Superintendent Mulvey and his

team, and the School Committee - for their hard work in laying the groundwork for what will be a

modern school in another of Quincy’s great neighborhoods. Generations of students will benefit,

proving that government works best when it works together.”

Added State Representative Bruce Ayers

“The city designated rebuilding the Squantum School as a priority a few years ago, and this morning

our advocacy paid off,” said State Representative Bruce Ayers. “I was proud to testify in support of the

city's proposal at the MSBA's board meeting. With this partnership, we can finally begin to replace a

facility that is over 100 years old and hasn’t been renovated in decades. A new building will help the

great educators at Squantum School bring their programs into the 21st century of education. This

project will allow for technology integration, greater investment in the arts, and more emphasis on

STEM learning, all thanks to a facility equipped with the tools necessary for students to reach their

maximum potential. The residents of Squantum take a lot of pride in their community, and now they

are one big step closer to having an elementary school facility they can be proud of as well.”

波士頓移民進步辦公室邀Kim Kaney市長和族裔社區媒體晤談

Yusufi Vali, Director of MOIA

 

Boston Mayor Kim Janey

Celina Barrios-Millner, Chief, Equity and Inclusion

Marty Matinez，Chief of Health and Human Services

Kate Forde, Acting Deputy Director,
Office of Housing Stability

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Improve Public Safety and Data Reporting Requirements for Transportation Network Companies

 Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Improve Public Safety and Data Reporting Requirements for Transportation Network Companies

Legislation Builds on Most Stringent Background Check System for Rideshare Companies in the Country

 

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today filed legislation to build on the Commonwealth’s comprehensive oversight of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) by improving public safety requirements and obtaining additional ride data to assist with transportation planning, congestion management, and vehicle emissions tracking. Additionally, An Act Relative to Transportation Network Companies would provide needed flexibility for the ban on surge pricing during a State of Emergency, and expand the types of companies subject to state TNC laws and regulations.

 

“The safety of Massachusetts residents and visitors is our top priority and this legislation will institute additional public safety measures for passengers and law enforcement, provide important information to transportation planners and reduce administrative burdens for cities and towns,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Commonwealth was a national leader in providing background checks and a regulatory framework for the rideshare industry, and as the industry evolves into an important element of our transportation system, we are pleased to file this bill ensuring that the Commonwealth’s transportation network can continue to grow in a safe and responsible manner.”

 

“This legislation continues our Administration’s efforts to promote economic growth and modernize our transportation system, and we look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to move this bill forward and ensure safe, reliable transportation options for all Commonwealth residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Critically, this legislation will make sure communities are provided the information they need to make local infrastructure and environmental planning decisions.”

  

“Transportation emissions account for over 40 percent of climate-changing emissions in Massachusetts, so the Baker-Polito Administration is working hard to reduce these emissions and protect Commonwealth residents,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides. “As the rideshare industry continues to grow in the Commonwealth, this legislation would ensure we have the data we need to combat climate change and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

 

“From a public safety perspective, this bill will greatly enhance our efforts to protect TNC users,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “By strengthening the laws against ‘account renting,’ creating a criminal penalty for misusing riders’ personal information, and adding additional regulatory safeguards, it will help ensure that riders know whose car they’re entering and that they can do so safely.”

 

The Administration previously filed An Act Relative to Public Safety and Transparency by Transportation Network Companies in 2019, but today’s legislation includes a newly filed provision that gives the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) exclusive authority to regulate large livery companies operating throughout the state on a digital network. This provision will ensure that livery companies operating on a digital network with over 100 drivers will be subject to the statewide TNC laws and regulations. Smaller livery companies will remain regulated at the municipal level, regardless of whether they operate on a digital network.      

 

The proposal would build on Massachusetts’s TNC safety and enforcement laws, some of the most stringent and comprehensive in the country, by:

 

·  Increasing fines and penalties, up to two and half years in a House of Correction, for the practice of “account renting,” or allowing another individual to utilize a TNC driver’s account or identity, to provide TNC services.  

 

·  Making it a criminal offense for a driver to exploit the personal information of a rider to stalk, harass or defraud a rider.

 

·  Implementing tougher penalties for drivers who:

 

o Fail to maintain a driver certificate or a background check clearance certificate

 

o Fail to display TNC vehicle decals

 

o Fail to maintain adequate insurance, or carry proof of a TNC vehicle inspection

 

This legislation also allows for new transportation data to be collected from TNCs and eases the administrative burden on small towns. Specifically, the bill will:

 

·  Authorize the DPU to obtain more detailed trip data from TNCs on a monthly basis that can then be shared in an anonymous and confidential manner with state agencies, municipalities and local organizations for planning purposes.  

 

o The more detailed data called for in this legislation includes total miles and minutes when drivers are en route to pick up riders and when they are providing rides; whether riders were successfully matched for shared rides; and additional data on accidents and reasonable accommodations.

 

·  Allow better emissions data to be collected by requiring TNCs to report the total miles and minutes that each vehicle is on the road, together with vehicle make, model and year information.

 

·  Reduce the reporting requirements for communities that receive $25,000 or less annually from TNCs and allow those communities to make spending decisions on those relatively small funds without going through their local appropriation process.

 

The additional data will help transportation planners analyze how rides impact transportation infrastructure and the environment, and allow them to make more informed decisions about the location of dedicated bus lanes, specific investments in infrastructure, and overall impacts from vehicle emissions.

 

The legislation also gives the DPU the authority to determine whether it is appropriate to permit transportation network companies to utilize surge pricing during a State of Emergency. Enabling surge pricing under certain circumstances and with appropriate limitations could increase the supply of drivers, which reduces wait times and ensures reliable transportation options.

 

Since January 2017, the Department of Public Utilities’ Transportation Network Company Division has implemented the most comprehensive state background checks for TNC drivers in the country, and has approved over 240,000 individuals to operate as TNC drivers, though not all are currently active drivers. Drivers engaged in providing transportation services on behalf of Transportation Network Companies undergo a full state driving record and Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check. Additionally, drivers are subjected to a bi-annual national commercial background check conducted by the TNC companies. TNC rides that started in the Commonwealth increased from 64.8 million in 2017 to 91.1 million in 2019.

政府如何運作 一次免費課程

             (Boston Orange)麻州亞美局(AAC)和麻州論壇(Commonwealth Seminar)合作，將於4月24日(週六)中午12點至下午3點半，在臉書及Zoom上舉辦一次免費課程，解說麻州政府如何運作，立法流程，期以協助亞裔社區領袖更有效的為社區服務，或參選公職。

Description 

Join the Asian American Commission and the Commonwealth Seminar for a 1-day session on April 24 from 12-3:30!  It will be an intensive training session focused on teaching Asian American leaders how the legislative process really works. By giving an insiders' view of the process, our goal is to encourage diverse leaders to become effective advocates and to pursue careers in public service.

Zoom Registration

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpdu2vqz0vGdGOyZCisplGoqZObHPogF2T

Facebook Event Page

https://fb.me/e/2bYPo0kXq

華裔社區組織合作中文新冠疫苗說明講座 (圖片)

華人前進會主任陳玉珍。

波士頓市移民進步辦公室主任Yusufi Vali強調所有族裔移民都是
波士頓的一部分。

波士頓市移民進步辦公室幕僚長暨資源經理Agnes Chang。

波士頓市長亞裔聯絡員許麗莎(Lisa Hy)。

伍劉寶敏醫生。

亞美社區發展協會主任劉安琪(Angie Liu)用普通話做說明。

Sabrina Chau說明大同藥房和BCNC合作，在包氏文藝中心
為居民施打新冠疫苗。