代市長同意選票問題 波士頓市預算邁向全民參與

波士頓代市長Kim Janey(前坐者)在市議員Lydia Edwards (左二)，華人 前進會主任陳玉珍(左三)等人見證中，簽字同意預算全民參與。 (華人前進會提供)              (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導)波士頓市府預算，有望在今年以後，波士頓市議員也有話語權，全民都將有機會參與決定。             波士頓代市長Kim Janey今(7)早在一眾市議員及民間支持者列席見證中，簽字同意把修訂波士頓市預算制定方法，擴大容許市民及市議員參與的這一提案，列為今年11月大選時的選票問題，同時宣佈將在波士頓市2022年會計年度預算中，增撥100萬元，專門用於成立波士頓市有史以來的第一個「參與預算辦公室(Office of Participatory Budgeting)」。             在Kim Janey簽字後，這一提案將送交麻州總檢察官辦公室，若條文內容沒有不妥當的地方，這一問題將印在11月大選的選票上，由選民決定，在制定市府預算上，是否容許波士頓市議員和市長享有類似權力。 波士頓市議員Lydia Edwards(前中)和一眾市議員及民間支持團體， 連袂宣佈喜訊。(周菊子攝)              Kim Janey表示自己還在市議會議長任內時，就已支持這修訂市府章程的提案，上任市長一職後，也誓言要把新的人民聲音帶進市府，而這修改章程，將使得波士頓市的預算制定過程更民主，包容，透明。              這一修改案在五月份時，獲得市議會議員全員同意的支持，依但在11月大選時通過，波士頓市議員和波士頓市長將都有權利全面或部分的修訂波士頓市預算。目前只有市長有權制定預算。 華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍(右)感謝Lydia Edwards(前左)和一眾市議員， 波士頓代市長Kim Janey通過這一提案，將讓民眾有機會就市府預算 該怎麼分配，也有發言權。(周菊子攝)                      華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍，”社區及環技替代方案”的Dwaign Tyndal，洛士百利活躍份子Armani White等人都稱許Kim Janey簽字同意這一提案交付公投。             波士頓市府在發佈的新聞稿中說明，Kim Janey最近提出了有前瞻性的2022年會計年度營運預算37.5億元，另建議在2022-2026會計年度的預算中，撥備32億元做基礎建設。 提出此案的波士頓市議員Lydia Edwards在Kim Janey簽署儀式過後，和一眾波士頓市議員們聚集在波士頓市府廣場前，舉行記者會，歡喜宣佈這一成果，說明只等麻州總檢察官辦公室確認這一修改市府憲章行動，以及相關文字，條款符合法律規定後，將於11月大選時，在選票問題上，請選民做決定。                 華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍表示，其實全民，以及波士頓市議員參與製定預算這事，早在將近20年前，就由時任波士頓市議員的Chuck Turner提出來了，只是當年未能爭取到大多數市議員同意，這一構想也就從未走到提交市長簽署這步，現在波士頓市長Kim Janey也已簽字，就等麻州總檢察官審閱了，進展很讓人興奮。  (二次更新版)   MAYOR JANEY EXPANDS PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN BUILDING BOSTON’S BUDGET, CREATING CITY’S FIRST PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING OFFICE AND SENDING AN UPDATE OF THE CITY’S CHARTER TO THE BALLOT   BOSTON - Monday, June 7, 2021 - Building on her commitment to equity and her focus on engaging all of Boston in the City’s governance, Mayor Kim Janey today took two key steps to democratize Boston’s budget building process. The first step was signing off on a ballot question to amend the City of Boston Charter that will strike a more equal balance of budgetary powers between the Mayor and the City Council. The amendment will now be sent to the Attorney General’s office for placement on Boston’s municipal ballot this November. The second step was to allocate an additional $1 million in the City’s proposed FY ‘22 Budget, dedicated to the immediate creation of the City’s first Office of Participatory Budgeting. “On my first day as Mayor, I promised to bring new voices to the table and include those who felt shut out by City Hall,” said Mayor Janey. “Signing this charter amendment delivers on that promise and creates a path forward for city budgeting that is more democratic, inclusive, and transparent. I want to thank the advocates and the Boston City Council for their partnership on this important issue.” The proposed charter amendment, which Mayor Janey championed as City Council President, received unanimous approval from the City Council in May. If the charter amendment passes this November, both the City Council and the Mayor will have the authority to amend the City’s budget in whole or in part, a power currently only held by the Mayor.  Independent of the ballot measure, the amendment also establishes the Office of Participatory Budgeting, which will lead the Administration's efforts around expanding opportunities for community involvement in the City’s annual budgeting process. Guided by a community-based Participatory Budgeting Committee, the Office will be tasked with determining resident priorities when it comes to the City’s investments.    “CPA works to ensure more voices are heard in government and policy making,” said Karen Chen of the Chinese Progressive Association. “We want to commend Mayor Janey for signing the Charter Reform amendment moving Boston towards greater democracy and equity, where all Bostonian voices are represented in Boston’s city budget.”  “ACE as a member of Rights to the City of Boston appreciates Mayor Janey's leadership on charter reform as the President of the City Council and now as the serving Mayor of Boston. Charter reform will continue the process of making Boston a more transparent and democratic city,” said Dwaign Tyndal of Alternatives for Community and Environment.  “We are so grateful for Mayor Janey’s support of this charter amendment. Participatory budgeting will allow for residents across Boston to have direct decision making in our tax dollars, and strengthens our city’s democracy, transparency, and civic participation,” said Roxbury-based activist Armani White. Mayor Janey recently proposed a forward-looking budget that recommended a $3.75 billion Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) operating budget and $3.2 billion Fiscal Year 2022-2026 (FY22-FY26) Capital Plan. The aim of the budget is to provide the resources for the city’s continued robust public health response to COVID-19, making strategic investments in Boston’s neighborhoods and residents, and setting the stage for Boston’s equitable reopening, recovery and long-term renewal. For more information on Mayor Janey’s proposed budget, visit budget.boston.gov.

波士頓華埠舞獅期待旺商機 南派獅隊先出場

嘉賓和南派醒獅隊在華埠牌樓前合影。

            (Boston Orange)鑼鼓齊鳴，雙獅舞動。波士頓華埠牌樓在6月5日中午，又再彩旗飄揚，吸引路人駐足圍觀。這場預定持續一個月，每週六一場，不是為了慶祝新年的舞獅，是希望藉著舞獅氣勢，帶旺華埠商機。

             波士頓華埠從新冠病毒疫情爆發之後，生意就大不如前，儘管新冠病毒和華埠無關，只因為新冠病毒疫情最早從中國境內傳出，坊間以訛傳訛，把許多人嚇到不敢進華埠用餐，購物。

             波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)，當時的波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)等人都曾以身作則，聚眾在華埠內吃點心，用餐。

             新冠病毒疫情隨後加劇，州市政府紛紛發出禁令，餐飲業只能外賣，不能堂食，餐館生意更是一落千丈，許多餐廳被迫歇業，關上大門。華埠內也有至少2家餐廳因此轉手，換了新東主。

              如今這超過一年的疫情，總算舒緩了，麻州、波士頓市也都解除禁令了，但人們的習慣，一時間似乎改不過來。許多人都在問，有甚麼方法可以吸引人進華埠消費。

                 轄區包括華埠的波士頓市第二區市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)和紐英崙中華公所，波士頓華埠主街，波士頓華埠商會開會商量後，決定為期一個月，在6月份中的每週六舞獅，希望能吸引民眾踏進華埠消費。

             6月5日中午是這帶旺華埠商機活動的第一場舞獅，由南派武館的醒獅隊擔綱。   

                華埠主街董事何遠光在致詞儀式中還宣佈，跨入7月後，將於7月3日在華埠牌樓前的公園，擺出花市，繼續吸引人潮。

                  

         

左起，黃市公所主席黃光沐，華埠主街裡適何遠光，波士頓市議員
Ed Lynn，紐英崙華人歷史協會董事陳建立，華埠主街董事會主席
黃光野等人致詞。

蘿絲甘迺迪綠路新主任Chris Cook(右三)致詞。

波士頓市長宣佈波士頓今日進入熱浪緊急狀態

MAYOR JANEY DECLARES HEAT EMERGENCY, OPENS BCYF COOLING CENTERS TO ALL RESIDENTS

 

BOSTON - Saturday, June 5, 2021 - Today Mayor Kim Janey declared a heat emergency in the City of Boston beginning Sunday, June 6, 2021 and lasting through Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 90s.  “It will be the first time this year that we’ve seen heat and humidity like this for an extended period of time. We are opening our cooling centers so all residents have an option to come inside and cool off in air conditioning,” said Mayor Janey. “I’m urging everyone to take precautions and find ways to stay cool over the next few days. Please watch out for each other. If you see someone out in the heat who appears in distress and needs help, call 911 immediately.” To help residents stay cool, Cooling Centers will be open at Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers from Sunday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A full list of centers that will be available can be found at Boston.gov/Heat. Tot sprays are open at parks and playgrounds in the City. Outdoor City-operated pools have not opened for the season at this time. Select indoor pools are available for lap swim. Pre-register to swim at Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration.  Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Residents can sign up for Alert Boston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available city services. The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public: Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time. ·     Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. ·     Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans.  ·     Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats. ·     Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's UV radiation is strongest. ·     Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US and can exacerbate underlying illnesses. ·     If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.  ·     Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications. ·     Please call or virtually check on neighbors, especially older adults, and people with disabilities. Helping the Homeless: ·     If you see individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance. ·     The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Amnesty has been called because of extremely high temperatures so those with non-violent restrictions can access shelter.  ·     The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat. ·     Street outreach teams providing recovery services remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Outreach teams are providing sunscreen and water on outreach routes and in the comfort station.  ·     Engagement Center: The Engagement Center remains open from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Air conditioning, water, sunscreen and nursing are provided on site. Showers and running water are available. ·     The Comfort Station: The Comfort Station is open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Water, sunscreen and nursing are provided on site.  Playground Safety:   ·     Children should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks. Outdoor Fires and Grilling: ·     No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires. ·     Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out. ·     Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home. ·     Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

吳弭參選波士頓市長 進華埠拜會籲請支持(圖片)

波士頓市不分區市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)(前右二)參選波士頓市長，進華埠拜會，和波士頓華商會會長蔡倩婷
(前左二)，財政余麗媖(前右一)，華埠社區議會共同主席雷國輝(後左起)，紐英崙中華公所中文書計馮武成，
全美安良工商會總理陳仕維，至德三德公所共同主席周樹昂(前右一)等人晤談。

 

海外香港華人民主人權促進會6/3網上悼念六四

左起： 陳家驊 、蔣宗壬、謝中之、 張海、羅四鴒等人，6月3日中午
在波士頓華埠天安門紀念碑前悼念32年前發生的天安門事件。(謝中之提供)

             (Boston Orange) 32年前，半個甲子以前的事，還有多少人記得?多少人在乎?因為新冠疫情，波士頓地區每年都舉辦的六四悼念會，今年主要在網上舉行，現場不到10人，聊表永不忘記的心意。

海外香港華人民主人權促進會，波士頓港澳之友社由中堅份子謝中之居間協調，6月3日中午，有蔣宗壬，陳家驊，廖平，張海，羅四鴒，阮鴻燦，鄺坤珍，余麗媖等約10人陸續來到波士頓華埠牌樓旁的天安門紀念碑前獻花，致意。

波士頓天安門紀念碑前有人獻花。

6月3日傍晚，也有十多人專程到天安門紀念碑前獻花，點蠟燭，聊表心意。

謝中之表示，6月4日這天，也有不少民眾到天安門紀念碑前獻花。希望悼念天安門的大眾，6月12日(週六)下午2點，也能到波士頓市府廣場前，參加支持香港大遊行。

                       1989年6月4日已經是32年前的事了，在中國大陸境內的「天安門事件」，震驚世界，迄今仍有數難以計的人們，心懷傷痛，每一憶及，就不能自已。

               波士頓地區從1990年開始，在海外香港華人

6月3日晚，天安門紀念碑前的燭光。(謝中之提供)

民主人權促進會，波士頓港澳之友社的堅持下，持續迄今，每年都舉辦悼念會，活動地點也因應時局情勢，從哈佛大學的燕京圖書館，輾轉遷至法學院松廳，科學中心門外廣場，甘迺迪政府學院門外行人道，紐英崙中華公所活動廳等不同地點，最近這兩年都在波士頓華埠牌樓天安門紀念碑前。

              這32年以來，在波士頓悼念六四的發言人，從當年六四民運的學生領袖，如柴玲，吾爾開希，王軍濤，封從德，王丹，李祿，劉剛，熊焱，周峰鎖到「六四」四君子中的高新，周舵，侯德建，當年的趙紫陽助理朱嘉明等，都曾讓波士頓人激動，感慨。

              只是沒人想到，光陰消逝32年，當年同聚廣場，齊聲要求民主，一度匯聚在波士頓的這些青春少年，已散落世界各地，悄然跨入鬢毛衰的壯耄之年 ，卻依然還得悼念六四。

              今年海外中國民運人士發起了”點起一根蠟燭—2021年「六四」32週年全球網路視頻紀念大會。波士頓也在謝中之安排下加入連線。周峰鎖等人則在ClubHouse上開了個八九六四房間，邀請當年親身經歷過六四的人分享各自的經驗。(三次更新版)

悼念: 天安門屠殺三十二週年     香港鎮壓抗爭兩週年

從一九八九天安門屠殺, 經過二零一九年六月九日香港反修例抗爭運動開始至今，中共政權血腥鎮壓民主運動，肆意踐踏人權從長安街伸展到香港。 週年在即，讓我們向這些抗爭運動的死傷者致哀，向受逼害、入獄的人士致意。讓中國大陸及香港的當權者確知：人民不會忘記這些歷史，人民不會饒恕這些罪行。請參加六月三日的悼念會。

日期：2021年6月3日 星期四
時間：中午
地點：悼念活動均在互聯網上舉行、波士頓華埠天安門紀念碑作為背景

連結：https://www.facebook.com/aohkc/

程序：影音回顧，默哀，以音樂、錄像及相片表達本會及參與悼念者宣言
主辦：海外香港華人民主人權促進會，波士頓港澳之友社協辦

遵從麻省疫情指示，本月十五日前戶外聚集不得超過25人，遵守社交距離。 如閣下選擇在此歷史時刻，往波士頓天安門紀念碑悼念， 務必與其他人相隔最少六呎， 配戴口罩及其它麻省推介的防疫設備。 如在紀念碑獻花， 敬請悼念後自行清理場地， 感謝各位尊重唐人街鄰舍。

即使未能在該時刻參加悼念會，主辦機構歡迎公眾其它時間參與、到紀念碑獻花、志哀、拍照並在網上共享及留言。意見可以自由發表，但懇請大家尊重抗爭受害者，以及參與是次悼念人士。

Memorial

32nd Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Massacre

2nd Anniversary of Anti-Extradition Movement of Hong Kong 

In Memory of the Democracy Movement of 1989 and Anti-Extradition Movement of Hong Kong of 2019, we will hold a Memorial and Candlelight Vigil for the fallen heroes on Thursday (3 June 2021). Widespread violation of human rights in Hong Kong. Pre-1997 promises made to the international community have been broken. We intend to send a simple message to those in power in Beijing and Hong Kong: People will not forget, and will not forgive the crimes their governments have committed.

Date:    3 June 2021, Thursday

Time:   Noon

Program:          -      Prelude

-          Moment of Silence 

-         Statements in the form of photos, videos and songs, pre-recorded or real-time by participants

Location:          Public commemorative events will be hosted on Facebook at the following link, using the Tiananmen Memorial Monument at Boston Chinatown Gateway Park for background:    https://www.facebook.com/aohkc/

Organized by: Association of Overseas Hong Kong Chinese for Democracy and Human Rights Friends of Hong Kong and Macau

Please note that the emergency measures implemented in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for COVID-19 will not be terminated until Jun 15. Limit on outdoor gathering up to 25 participants, and social distancing, must be observed.  Those who have chosen to congregate on the Tiananmen Memorial Monument at 6 Hudson Street, Boston, at this historical moment would be advised to stay at least 6 feet away from one another, wear protective gears including but not limited to face masks as recommended by the Commonwealth, and to do their own cleanups should anyone choose to place flowers/wreaths at the Monument.  Your courtesy to the Chinatown neighborhood will be most appreciated.

Those who would like to participate in this virtual event but could not use the link at noon are welcome to join in & to share photos & comments afterwards. Your show of support & respect to the fallen can take many forms, including sharing photos & statements on the link above, including your own moment of respect recorded at the Monument. Despite differences of opinions, participants are expected to be respectful to those already fallen, and to those who care enough to be a part of this annual event. 

波士頓市長選舉第三波民調 Annissa Essaibi George衝上第一名

六名波士頓市長候選人出席ACE主辦，以氣候正義為主題的論壇。
第一排最右為John Barros，第二排從右向左，吳弭(Michelle Wu)，
Jon Santiago，Annissa Essaibi George，Kim Janey，
第三排，Andrea Campbell。(視頻截圖)

             (Boston Orange周菊子綜合編譯)波士頓市今年的市長選舉，選情轉趨詭譎，最新的民意調查竟然是Annissa Essaibi George以21.7%領先，其次為之前一路領先的吳弭(Michelle Wu) 18.1%， Kim Janey 15.5%。

             其餘三名候選人的民調支持率，遠落在後，依序為Andrea Campbell 6.4%，以及Jon Santiago4.9%，John Barros 4.6%。心意未決者高達近30%。

             熟悉選舉者透露，在有意參選者繳交3000份支持者簽名後，現在又多了2人參選波士頓市長。誰有機會在9月14日的初選中脫穎而出，成為11月大選的2名決戰者之一，變數陡增，差距可能小至幾百票，甚至幾票。

             最近的這次民意調查，是2家政治顧問公司，Poll Progressive 和Emancipated Group，在5月25日至30日之間，向500人發出問卷做成的。

             有政治分析家指稱，過去這一、二個月以來，坊間辦過共3次民意調查，從4月20日迄今，至少已有4、5場候選人論壇，安排的問題，多半都很激進。舉辦這次調查的顧問公司Poll Progressive和Emancipated Group，也在調查時問了選民幾個今年選舉比較熱門的問題，包括是否贊成刪減警察預算，支不支持讓16歲以下青少年搭乘MBTA免費或減價，學校應不應該安排警察駐守，學校和警察局內一直備受爭議的幫派檔案，是否應該廢除，投票年齡應否降低等等。

             在這次的民意調查中，Annissa Essaibi George贏得最多白人選民支持，約27%；吳弭其次，23%。Kim Janey獲得最多黑人選民支持，約34%。

             年紀在18到44歲之間的選民，支持Annissa Essaibi George和吳弭的人最多，依序支持率為23%，22%。在45到64歲之間的選民中，29%支持Annissa Essaibi George，但僅有12%支持吳弭。65歲以上的選民，支持Kim Janey的最多，22%，其次為吳弭15%，Annissa Essaibi George11%。

             在接受調查的選民中，約49%支持刪減警察局預算，把經費轉用於防止暴力項目。在MBTA車票上，36%支持車票降價(Essaibi-George, Santiago, and Barros)，20%支持完全免費(吳弭、Kim Janey)，Andrea Campbell倡議只有的MBTA巴士免費，指得到7%支持。

             當過13年高中教師的Annissa Essaibi George，贊成學校有警察駐守，不贊成以郵遞區號作為考試學校錄取依據，認為學校委員會委員應由指派產生。在競選路上，她似乎贏得了中庸派選民支持，3月時有麻州護士協會，最近有前任波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William Gross)，以及波士頓消防員工會都背書支持她。

             Annissa Essaibi George還誓言，一旦當選，將在波士頓市府內成立一個新部門，”經濟正義及工人權益(Economic Justice & Workers’ Right)”，還會探討直接發現金給市內最弱勢居民的可行性。

             其他候選人也各有主張，都有斬獲。

             吳弭一早就得到聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren背書支持，支持者為她舉辦籌款會，也陸續有聯邦眾議員孟昭文，劉雲平等人為她站台，5月份還有聯邦參議員Tammy Duckworth也來支持她。Teamster本地25號工會，

             Andrea Campbell的支持者包括劍橋市市長Sumbul Siddiqui，前麻州州長Deval Patrick的妻子Dianne，成員包括Netflix執行長Reed Hastings，特許學校支持者，預定籌款200萬元的超級團(SuperPac)，”更好的波士頓(Better Boston)”，她呼籲波士頓公校系統用聯邦政府的補助經費，每名學生發給3000元。

             Jon Santiago早在3月初就有麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)表態支持，之後獲得轄區在Allston-Brighton的兩名麻州眾議員支持，5月25日再獲得麻州眾議會議長Ron Mariano的背書支持。

              John Barros在4月27日宣稱一旦當選市長，將試行基本收入計畫。

              由一群社區組織合作舉辦的波士頓市長候選人論壇系列，將於6月10日晚6點到7點半舉辦第六場，也是最後一場，將由「城市投票權(Right to the City VOTE)」主持，主題為住宅與土地。報名可上網https://bostonmayoralforums.org/。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $109 Million in Direct Federal Aid for Four Communities

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $109 Million in Direct Federal Aid for Four Communities

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced a total of $109 million in discretionary funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be distributed today to Chelsea, Everett, Methuen and Randolph. These four communities were amongst the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but due to shortcomings in the federal ARPA funding formula, were set to receive disproportionately smaller amounts of federal funding compared to other hard-hit communities.

 

“Our Administration committed additional funds to Chelsea, Everett, Methuen and Randolph to ensure all of the Commonwealth’s communities received the funding they deserved from the federal relief package,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These four communities were disproportionately impacted by the virus, and this additional funding will support critical local COVID response and recovery efforts.”

 

“As the Commonwealth’s economy reopens, this funding will allow the four communities to make investments to recover from the pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration was pleased to work directly with local officials in these communities to deliver this funding.”

 

The following amounts will be distributed to the communities today:

• Chelsea $28.5 million
• Everett $33.3 million
• Methuen $26.3 million
• Randolph $21 million

 

ARPA allocated direct aid to some municipalities based on the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program formula, while assistance to other communities was allocated on a per-capita basis. The use of these two different allocation formulas created disparities in distributions among cities and towns, and Chelsea, Everett, Methuen and Randolph are the four designated hardest hit communities with disproportionately smaller levels of federal funding compared to other hardest hit communities. The Administration worked closely with key state and local stakeholders to determine the extent of the necessary additional resources given federal funding levels and local needs.

 

These four municipalities will be able to use this funding to support costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including direct response efforts, addressing negative economic impacts, replacing revenue lost during the pandemic, making investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, as well as other eligible expenditures.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1 Million in Community Compact Grants

 Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1 Million in Community Compact Grants

48 municipalities and 4 school districts to receive funds for efficiency and regionalization

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a total of $1 million in grants covering 48 communities and 4 school districts through the Community Compact Cabinet (CCC) Efficiency and Regionalization (E&R) grant program. Including today’s announcement, the Administration has awarded over $5.5 million in E&R grants to support over 300 municipalities and school districts across Massachusetts.

 

Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan made the announcement today during a virtual award ceremony attended by recipients, local and state officials, and community leaders.

 

“Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito, the Community Compact Cabinet continues to empower local cities, towns, and school districts and ensures they are able to provide high-quality, efficient, and reliable services to Massachusetts residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By leveraging the collective capacity of local communities, this grant program helps maximize local funding and achieve important efficiencies.”

 

“We are proud to work closely with our local partners and support their efforts to improve the delivery of local services which are important to the people of Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Polito, Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet. “The efficiency and regionalization program provides important resources for local communities and school districts and we look forward to seeing the benefits of these grants.”

 

The Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program was started in Fiscal Year 2017 by the Administration to assist municipalities and school districts interested in providing services to their constituents in a more efficient and cost-effective way. The grants provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional planning agencies, and councils of government interested in such projects.

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to announce this latest round of grant funding and continue assisting local cities and towns in implementing creative and financially responsible reforms,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Heffernan. “We continue to collaborate with our state and local partners and focus on increasing long-term sustainability through common-sense regionalization and efficiency initiatives.”

 

The award recipients are as follows:

 

• $178,000 for shared DPW equipment for Berlin and Clinton
• $160,000 for a regional Net Zero Plan for Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop
• $133,275 for shared police services for Leverett and Wendell
• $100,000 for regional IT services for Danvers, Essex, Hamilton, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Middleton, Topsfield, and Wenham
• $78,725 for regional climate resiliency efforts for the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District which serves numerous municipalities (Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Carver, Dartmouth, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, New Bedford, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Rochester, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, and Wareham)
• $75,000 for regional human resources services for Great Barrington, Monterey, New Marlborough, Sheffield, and West Stockbridge
• $75,000 for regional planning services for Mendon, Millville, and Uxbridge
• $100,000 to explore forming a regional school district for Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield
• $98,200 for regional full-day Pre-K for Manchester-Essex RSD

 

Formed in January 2015, the Community Compact Cabinet is chaired by Lt. Governor Polito and is composed of the Secretaries of Housing and Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Technology Services and Security, along with the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services and the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services.

 

The Community Compact Cabinet elevates the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns and allows the Governor’s Office to work more closely with leaders from all municipalities. The Cabinet champions municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies, and develops, in consultation with cities and towns, mutual standards and best practices for both the state and municipalities. The creation of Community Compacts creates clear standards, expectations, and accountability for both partners.

麻州府撥款1900萬元 鼓勵民眾出門用餐購物

 Massachusetts Launches the “Let’s Go Out” Campaign to Support Local Restaurants and Encourage In-Person Dining

BOSTON —

Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Secretary Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy and Boston Mayor Kim Janey to highlight the “Let’s Go Out” marketing campaign, an effort to raise public awareness of the importance of supporting local restaurants throughout the Commonwealth.

On May 27th, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of the “Let’s Go Out” campaign, an effort to raise public awareness of the importance of supporting local restaurants across the Commonwealth. The campaign is being led by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) in conjunction with the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and industry partners. The launch of the $1.9 million campaign is timed to coincide with the lifting of public health restrictions in Massachusetts and is scheduled to run throughout the summer, through September.
 
The mission of the campaign is to amplify the importance of restaurants as an integral part of daily life and a key driver of economic activity for the Commonwealth’s downtowns and main streets. “Let’s Go Out” is an extension of the Administration’s “My Local MA” campaign that has been encouraging residents to shop, dine and stay local since last August.
 
“Our administration recognizes that the challenges created by the pandemic have made the last year tremendously difficult for the entire small business community, and especially for the restaurant industry,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We have been proud to provide more than $688 million in grants to help restaurants and other hard-hit small businesses navigate these challenges, and look forward to building on that support through the 'Let’s Go Out' campaign to ensure a strong recovery for restaurants across the Commonwealth.”
 
“Throughout the pandemic, restaurants have demonstrated their resilience and creativity to adapt their operations in response to the public health crisis, from increasing delivery and takeout options to embracing outdoor dining,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As our nation-leading vaccination program allows us to reopen our economy, we are glad to launch this campaign to stimulate recovery throughout Massachusetts by encouraging residents to return to their favorite restaurants and the communities they call home.”
 
Campaign ads will capture the meaningful moments that play out in restaurants, such as celebrating special occasions, reconnecting with friends, spending time with loved ones, or meeting someone new. Following the economic impact of COVID-19 on restaurants and the transition of many customers to delivery and takeout alone, this summer presents an opportunity for consumers to get out and reengage with friends and family, around the food they love in an atmosphere that invites emotional connections.
 
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been pleased to launch a number of key initiatives among which include the largest-in-the-nation small business relief grant program, which directed about $224 million to the restaurant industry alone, funding to support modifications to public spaces to accommodate more and safer outdoor dining, and the successful ‘My Local MA’ campaign to encourage people to shop, dine, and visit locally,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “With the ‘Let’s Go Out’ campaign, we’re doubling down on our call to the public to buy local by reconnecting with friends and family around the tables of their favorite restaurant, the new tavern down the street, and the café with the live music.” 
 
“As our restaurants reopen to capacity, it’s an exciting time for them to welcome back customers,” said MOTT Executive Director Keiko Matsudo Orrall. “The aim of the ‘Let’s Go Out’ campaign is to showcase the amazing diversity of restaurants we have across the state and encourage a return to in-person dining to support these businesses that are so critical to our economy. While there may be some changes at the restaurants, like new floor plans or contactless payment systems, the unparalleled experience of in-restaurant dining is essential to connection and community.”
 
The campaign, which will run through September 2021, will feature statewide coverage including display ads, digital billboards, posters, and radio spots, as well as billboards at Fenway Park. Additional billboards and display ads will be featured on highways and at Logan Airport, in partnership with MassDOT and Massport. A TV spot will also air on broadcast TV, including on NESN during Red Sox games in late summer. The campaign’s landing page, VisitMA.com/LetsGoOut, features campaign information and a growing restaurant directory.

 “As the Senate Chair of Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development, and a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission, I heard first-hand from industry leaders about the challenges facing restaurants before the pandemic hit – and there were many,” said Senator Ed Kennedy, a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission. “Restaurants are the places where we meet up with friends, hold business meetings, and celebrate special occasions. They are an important part of the Commonwealth’s economic vitality and the center of our social lives. The restaurant sector was devastated during the pandemic and those businesses that have survived now need all our support to remain viable. As we lift restrictions and begin to go out again, please remember to eat local and shop local.”

"If my family were still in the restaurant business and had to contend with something like COVID-19, I don’t know how we would have survived,” said Senator Julian Cyr, a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission. “After a painful test of their creativity, hard work, and crisis response, the restaurant workers who make their lives on the Cape and Islands are ready to welcome residents from across the Commonwealth and beyond. I’m optimistic that we will take action soon to see restaurant promotion kick into high gear — just in time for our busy season to begin in full."

“Restaurants play an essential role in the local, regional and statewide economy,” said Representative Paul McMurtry, a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission. “Not only in employing thousands of people, they are the center of community, socialization, and quality of life. Increased customer patronage and the continued support of the Legislature will strengthen the industry and assure a brighter future as we emerge from the pandemic.”
 
The “Let’s Go Out” campaign was developed in close collaboration with key industry stakeholders that offered their expertise and support, including the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Mass Restaurants United, and members of the Restaurant Promotion Commission.
 
"Over the last year, restaurant owners and their staffs have shown great resilience and creativity as they invented new ways to engage with customers while dealing with important but difficult safety restrictions. The fact is, however, that in-person dining is critical to the health of the restaurant industry. With the ‘Let's Go Out’ campaign, Massachusetts is making it clear that they support restaurants, and are taking the issue seriously. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association is proud to be a part of this statewide effort," said Massachusetts Restaurant Association President and CEO Bob Luz.
 
For information, go to VisitMA.com/LetsGoOut.
 
The “Let’s Go Out” campaign will supplement My Local MA, the state’s marketing initiative to encourage residents of the Commonwealth to support their local economies by shopping at Massachusetts businesses and attractions. Launched in August 2020, the campaign was developed in response to the economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on small businesses and communities. The marketing outreach includes print, broadcast, billboard and digital ads, along with social media. The website LoveMyLocalMA.com features resources for businesses and consumers on how to get involved.
 
Last October, the Baker-Polito Administration released Partnerships for Recovery, the Commonwealth’s plan to help stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, revitalizing downtowns, and ensuring housing stability. Through Partnerships for Recovery, the Administration awarded more than $688 million to support small businesses, with one-third of the total program funding benefiting the restaurant and bar industry, and has opened new grant programs to revitalize downtowns, support cultural institutions, enhance tourist destinations, and fund regional economic development projects.