300萬元"重啟波士頓創意" 藝術組織10/15前申請

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $3 MILLION IN FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR ARTS ORGANIZATIONS  Applications for Boston Cultural Council organizational grants and Reopen Creative Boston are due on October 15, 2021 at 5 p.m.

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 1, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Boston Cultural Council, today announced the opening of applications for two grant opportunities for local arts organizations. Boston Cultural Council grants are available for organizations that benefit the public by offering arts programming in Boston's neighborhoods, and this year an additional grant is available through Reopen Creative Boston, which is funding available through the American Rescue Plan Act for arts and culture organizations that need financial support to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19 and reopen their offerings to the public. “The arts are necessary for both our city’s financial recovery and healing those impacted by the pandemic through creative self-expression,” said Mayor Janey. “I am committed to investing in the local organizations that make up our diverse arts community. These organizations have gone above and beyond to address the needs of Boston residents throughout the pandemic. The City will continue to support arts investments, as we get through this together.” The Boston Cultural Council (BCC) works under the umbrella of the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture to annually distribute funds allocated by the City of Boston and the Mass Cultural Council for local arts and cultural programming. Through this program, organizations with annual budgets under $2 million can apply for BCC grants of $2,000, $3,500, or $5,000 depending on budget size. The BCC focuses on small to mid-sized organizations that uniquely serve the City's arts ecosystem and prioritize cultural diversity, economic diversity, inclusion, and equity, through both their staffing and audiences served. Nonprofit cultural organizations whose missions or programming are focused on music, film and video, traditional and folk art, visual art, theater, dance, humanities, literary arts, performing arts, social/civic practice, and multidisciplinary arts are eligible to apply as long as they are based in the City of Boston, or offer programming in Boston. BCC members represent the city’s districts and are appointed by the Mayor. Council members are selected on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to Boston's cultural community and their knowledge of various arts disciplines.  Earlier this year, Mayor Janey announced that 152 arts and cultural organizations received grants totaling $487,000 through the Boston Cultural Council in fiscal year 2021. Reopen Creative Boston is a $3 million grant program to cover expenses related to reopening the arts and culture sector and resuming cultural programming and services. Arts and cultural organizations of any budget size that can demonstrate they have been negatively economically impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply.  Through Reopen Creative Boston, the City is awarding grants of up to $50,000 to cover costs for reopening and restarting programs, including payroll, new technology, and consulting services. Organizations that operate and own cultural facilities will be eligible for an additional grant up to $50,000. Organizations with budgets under $2 million are eligible to apply for both the Boston Cultural Council grants and the Reopen Creative Boston grants, while organizations with budgets over $2 million may only apply for Reopen Creative Boston. This $3 million initiative is the latest in the City’s investment in arts and culture during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of this year, the City partnered with The Boston Foundation and the Barr Foundation to award 17 local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) arts and culture organizations with $25,000 unrestricted grants for COVID-19 relief. To better support arts organizations facing financial losses, canceled programming, and closures caused by COVID-19, the City of Boston also awarded $815,000 in grants to 146 local arts and cultural organizations as part of the Arts and Culture COVID-19 Fund last year. Additionally, throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of Boston in partnership with Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) awarded grants totaling over $330,000 to over 600 artists as part of the Boston Artist Relief Fund, which was established to support artists whose creative practices and incomes were adversely impacted by the pandemic. “We’ve continued to hear from the arts community about the significant negative economic impact COVID-19 has had on artists, arts organizations, performance venues, and cultural spaces, and it’s clear that we need to keep investing in these groups in order to have an equitable recovery for the entire city,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. The deadline to apply for BCC grants and the Reopen Creative Boston Fund is October 15, 2021 at 5 p.m. ET. There will be a virtual webinar on September 8 at noon for organizations interested in learning more about the application process. More information can be found at boston.gov/arts-grants.

AG: CAC將賠償2700萬元給3000餘借款人

IN LARGEST SETTLEMENT OF ITS KIND, AG HEALEY SECURES $27 MILLION FOR THOUSANDS OF MASSACHUSETTS CONSUMERS FROM SUBPRIME AUTO LENDER

Settlement Resolves Allegations that Credit Acceptance Corporation Violated the Consumer Protection Act and Debt Collection Laws; Company to also Provide Debt Relief and Credit Repair to Certain Eligible Consumers

            BOSTON – In the largest settlement of its kind, national subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance Corporation (CAC) will pay more than $27 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey over a variety of alleged unfair practices relating to the company’s role in the origination, collection, and securitization of subprime auto loans.

The settlement, which was filed today in Suffolk Superior Court, requires CAC to pay a total of $27.2 million, and provide debt relief and credit repair to thousands of Massachusetts borrowers. Over 3,000 borrowers across the state are expected to be eligible for settlement funds, including many residents of marginalized communities in Springfield, Boston, Worcester, and Brockton. The settlement also requires CAC to make changes to its loan handling practices. 

“Thousands of Massachusetts consumers, many of them first-time car buyers, put their faith in CAC to help them with an auto loan, but were instead lured into high-cost loans, fell deeper in debt, and even lost their vehicles,” said AG Healey. “With this significant $27 million settlement, eligible Massachusetts drivers who have been suffering under the weight of a crushing car loan due to CAC’s deceptive practices will be able to receive relief and avoid new defaults. Predatory car loans, like predatory student loans or mortgages, hurt families and communities. Through our ongoing, extensive investigation into the subprime auto industry, we have a proven record of taking action and getting results for our residents who have been exploited by unscrupulous lenders.”

The AG’s Office sued CAC in August 2020 over the company’s practices relating to the origination, collection, and securitization of subprime auto loans. Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that CAC made high-interest subprime auto loans that it knew or should have known many borrowers would be unable to repay. The AG’s lawsuit noted that while the company profited from these loans, borrowers experienced credit harm, and, in some instances, lost their vehicles or down payments. The complaint also alleged that some CAC borrowers were subject to hidden finance charges, which resulted in violations of the state’s 21 percent usury cap and that CAC engaged in unlawful collection practices. The AG’s lawsuit also contained allegations that CAC failed to inform investors that it topped off securitization loan pools with higher-risk loans. 

The AG’s action against CAC is part of her Office’s ongoing industry-wide review of securitization practices in the subprime auto loan market. AG Healey has been a national leader in holding subprime auto lenders accountable. In 2019, she reached a $5.5 million settlement with Exeter Finance for its alleged role in financing unfair subprime auto loans. Her office previously secured a similar settlement with Santander requiring the company to pay $22 million and provide over $7 million in debt relief to Massachusetts borrowers. The AG’s Office also obtained $12.9 million under settlements with Westlake Financial Services, American Credit Acceptance, and Santander over allegations that the companies charged usurious interest rates on auto loans. 

Borrowers eligible for relief under today’s settlement will be contacted by the AG’s Office. Borrowers with questions about settlement eligibility should contact AG Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division at 617-963-2240.

This matter was handled by Burt Feinberg, Peter Leight, Diana Hooley, David Lim, Madonna Cournoyer, Michael Sugar, Leah MacArthur, and Glenn Kaplan, with assistance from Arwen Thoman, Amanda Hesse, Lilia DuBois, Maggie Wallace, Gia Kim, and Rebecca Dutra, all from the Attorney General’s Insurance and Financial Services Division.

Jennifer Daloisio 訂9/3接任麻州清潔能源中心代理執行長

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Announces Leadership Transition 

Boston – After six years leading the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Stephen Pike today announced that he will leave his position as Chief Executive Officer of the quasi-public economic development agency to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector. Pike’s departure will be effective Friday, September 3, 2021. At a meeting of MassCEC’s Board of Directors on Wednesday, Jennifer Daloisio, the Center’s current Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, was approved as Interim CEO while the Baker-Polito Administration conducts a search for a permanent replacement. Daloisio will assume the role of Interim CEO effective Friday September 3, at 5:00 p.m.

“Massachusetts has made tremendous progress in developing a nation-leading clean energy industry, and Steve has played a critical role in the growth of this emerging sector over the past six years,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “I’d like to commend Steve for his service to the Commonwealth, and wish him all the best in his next endeavor. As the Administration begins a search for a permanent replacement, I am confident MassCEC is in good hands as Jen Daloisio steps into the role of Interim CEO, where her longstanding experience and leadership will help guide the agency through this period of transition.”

Pike was named Interim CEO of MassCEC in September 2015, and was officially appointed as CEO by the Baker-Polito Administration in November 2016. Before being named CEO, Pike served as the agency’s General Counsel. Prior to joining MassCEC, Pike practiced corporate law in Boston for 15 years.

“Leading MassCEC over the past six years has been an honor and a privilege, a high point in my professional career,” said MassCEC CEO Stephen Pike. “Massachusetts has set aggressive climate goals, and MassCEC will continue to be on the leading edge of helping the state meet that ambition. Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for giving me the opportunity to work on the Commonwealth’s most pressing climate challenges, and I look forward to continuing that effort in the private sector.”

Under Pike’s leadership, MassCEC strengthened its focus combatting climate change by helping the Commonwealth meet its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals in addition to MassCEC’s historic focus on boosting economic development in the clean energy sector. Over the past six years, MassCEC launched several cutting-edge programs including the Mass Solar Program which supported 5,800 residential solar loans totaling over $185 million in value; the $20 million Advancing Commonwealth Energy Storage (ACES) program, which helped to jumpstart the energy storage market in Massachusetts; several programs focused on developing innovative solutions to decarbonize the state’s building sector; and a critical loan program that helped promising clean energy startup companies survive the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Pike’s tenure, MassCEC also launched two new offshore wind workforce development programs; signed leases with two offshore wind developers, totaling $32.5 million, to utilize the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal; and tested 25 wind blades, including the world’s largest blade technology, at the Wind Technology Testing Center in Charlestown.

Acting on Secretary Theoharides’ recommendation, MassCEC’s Board of Directors unanimously approved Jennifer Daloisio as Interim CEO.

“I thank Steve for his dedication and contribution to MassCEC,” said Incoming Interim CEO Jennifer Daloisio. “Under his leadership, MassCEC is poised to continue driving progress on clean energy and climate change, including the resulting green jobs and economic growth. I look forward to advancing the Baker-Polito Administration’s nation-leading clean energy and climate goals, including a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.”

Jennifer Daloisio, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Jennifer Daloisio joined MassCEC in 2014 as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and has helped the agency develop annual budgets, execute programming, and maintain strong fiscal stewardship over the past seven years.

Prior to joining MassCEC, Daloisio practiced public accounting for 18 years, most recently as an Audit Director at Deloitte. During her time in public accounting, she served in a variety of industries, including energy and clean energy, retail, and manufacturing.

Daloisio, a Southborough resident, is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire. She serves as a director on the board of Idle Smart, Inc.

AG’S OFFICE CERTIFIES 17 INITIATIVE PETITIONS

AG’S OFFICE CERTIFIES 17 INITIATIVE PETITIONS

Certified Petitions Cover 15 Topics; Thirteen Petitions Ineligible for Certification

BOSTON – After a thorough review of 30 initiative petitions submitted by the August 4 deadline, Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office has determined that 17 proposals have met the requirements outlined in the Massachusetts constitution and may proceed to the next step in the process.

The AG’s Office certified the 17 petitions, including 16 proposed laws and one proposed constitutional amendment. The certified petitions cover 15 topics, as some petitioners submitted multiple petitions on the same subject. The AG’s Office did not certify 13 of the initiative petitions because they did not meet the requirements outlined in Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution.

A list of the petitions and the AG’s certification decisions are available on the AG’s website. Letters explaining the AG’s decisions not to certify are also available on the website.

Today’s decisions are based strictly on the AG’s Office’s constitutional review under Article 48 and do not represent the office’s support or opposition to the merits of the petitions. The Massachusetts Constitution requires that proposed initiatives be in the proper form for submission to voters, not be substantially the same as any measure on the ballot in either of the two preceding statewide elections, contain only subjects that are related to each other or mutually dependent, and not involve a narrow set of subjects that are specifically excluded from the ballot initiative process by the Massachusetts Constitution.

For example, a petition cannot be approved if it relates to religion, religious practices or religious institutions; the powers, creation or abolition of the courts; the appointment, compensation or tenure of judges; a specific appropriation of funds from the state treasury; or if it infringes on other protected constitutional rights, such as trial by jury, freedom of the press and freedom of speech. 

Proponents of the proposed laws must now gather and file the signatures of 80,239 registered voters by Dec. 1, 2021. Once these signatures are collected, the proposal will be sent to the state Legislature to enact before May 4, 2022. If the Legislature fails to enact a proposal, proponents must gather 13,374 additional signatures from registered voters by July 6, 2022 to place the initiative on the November 2022 ballot.

The process for proposed constitutional amendments is different, requiring approval by at least 25 percent of two joint sessions of the Legislature before appearing on the November 2024 ballot.

Voters or petitioners who take issue with the AG’s certification decisions can ask the Supreme Judicial Court for a review.

代表華埠參議員Joe Boncore將任麻州生物科技協會執行長

Joe Boncore抱著兒子上視訊會議。(檔案照片)

             (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導)麻州生物科技協會(MassBio)今(1)日正式點名麻州參議員賓加利(Joseph Boncore)出任執行長。

             賓加利將是麻州生物科技協會一連第三位執掌該會的前任、現任州議員。

             麻州生物科技協會表示，經過7個月搜尋，考慮過150名候選人後，決定邀請這位Winthrop民主黨人擔任執行長，接替前任，在麻州前州長派區克(Deval Patrick)任內擔任企業發展次長，曾任代表Dedham州議員的Robert Coughlin。

             直到今年初，加入JLL經紀團隊，擔任該公司生命科學業執行總監之前，Robert Coughlin擔任麻州生物科技協會董事長兼執行長查達13年。

             賓加利預定下週向麻州參議會遞交辭呈，並於9月中到麻州生物科技協會上任。賓加利的2名孿生兒子從2019年10月早產25週後，每年有4個多月住在新生兒重症病房。他坦言自己非常清楚生命科學產業的重要性。

             賓加利是麻州生物科技協會新執行長首要人選之一的消息，早在今年7月就已傳出，那些支持女性或有色人種出任該職者忍不住揚起了眉毛。

             麻州生物科技協會在宣佈賓加利出任執行長的聲明中表示，賓加利將和去年已升任董事長，並兼任營運長的Kendalle Burlin O’Connell聯合領導。賓加利將主要負責在聯邦及州政府層級的公共政策倡議，改善麻州的經濟競爭力，以吸引更多生物醫藥企業在麻州成立。Kendalle Burlin O’Connell主要負責營運，管理及會員服務。

             麻州生物科技協會一直以來都找的是人脈很廣的政客來經營這組織。

             麻州前任眾議院議長Thomas M. Finneran於2007年因承認於2000年人口普查後的選區重劃，動用影響力，妨礙司法正義這罪刑後，被迫辭職，由Robert Coughlin接任。

             麻州生物科技協會作為麻州備受矚目生物製藥產業門面，其首長做為麻州最有影響力遊說者，薪資也很高。根據最近可查的聯邦稅務文件，Robert Coughlin的2018年總薪酬，包括退休福利，以及延遲給付的報酬，超過110萬元。

             賓加利是2016年贏了特別選舉後成為麻州參議員，目前是麻州參議會交通聯席委員會的參議會主席，以及麻州生物科技核心小組的參議會主席。他曾支持現代化MBTA，包括更換老舊的銀線巴士，採用電子化巴士，以降低尤其是雀喜市、東波士頓等地區的汙染程度。

             賓加利畢業於普域敦斯學院(Providence)，以及麻州法學院，在加入他的家族律師事務所之前，曾任公職辯護人。

             麻州生物科技協會成立於1985年，代表麻州的生物製藥業做遊說，是世界上最活躍的該類組織之一。全世界最好的20加生物製藥公司有18家在麻州設有據點，包括去年12月，第一個獲得聯邦食藥署批准新冠疫苗做緊急用途的輝瑞(Pfizer)，一星期後，總部設在麻州劍橋市的莫德納(Moderna)所研發出來的疫苗，也獲批准。

             根據麻州生物科技協會的報告，儘管去年有新冠病毒大流行疫情。麻州的生物製藥業就業機會，在2020年中成長了5.5%，達到將近8萬5千個工作岡位。和過去15年相比，增長幅度達到92%。這也解釋了位什麼麻州是在世界上領先的生物科技樞紐之一。

             波士頓環球報今日在報導賓加利將出任麻州生物科技協會執行長的文章中指稱，儘管賓加利在州議會中是交通問題領袖，甚至2018年還突然要競選薩福克郡地方檢察官，他的政治生涯並不是全無爭議。2016年時，他以新人之姿參選時，還在因為5年前某晚酒後駕車，在東波士頓和巡邏警車相撞而被告。

             賓加利說撞車前，他喝了2杯酒，2012年波士頓陪審團對他的酒後開車一節，判定無罪。不過駕駛巡邏警車被賓加利撞的警員Fred Lane告他疏忽傷人。根據Lane的律師，勒星頓鎮的Scott Goldberg的說法，2016年，在審判庭將開庭的之前幾天，他們雙方在庭外和解了。

             波士頓市議員Lydia Edwards今日發表聲明，恭喜賓加利，稱許他的能力與熱情。Lydia Edwards在8月中就已向外透露，一旦賓加利離任，她有意願參選該職。目前轄區為東波士頓市的麻州眾議員Adrian Madaro，也在華埠舉辦中秋節聯歡會時，特地出席，透露參選意願。(更新版)

MAYOR JANEY WELCOMES COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO BOSTON

MAYOR JANEY WELCOMES COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO BOSTON

 

BOSTON- September 1, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey along with representatives from several city agencies today greeted college and university students moving into Boston, and helped ensure they have a smooth transition into their new homes. The City’s Inspectional Services, Transportation, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, Fire, Police and Public Works departments are conducting housing inspections (upon request), trash inspections, and distributing informational brochures in neighborhoods with large student populations.  Mayor Janey and other City officials conducted a walkthrough at 12:00pm beginning at 20 Linden St. in Allston and proceeded to Pratt and other neighboring streets.   The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) have up to 50 inspectors canvassing areas heavily populated with students including:  Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill, South Boston, Back Bay and the North End.  Inspectors will visit addresses with a history of violations, as well as units identified through random selection. They will conduct on-the-spot inspections upon request, and confirm that units are registered with the City of Boston in compliance with the City's Rental Units Ordinance, which requires that all private rental units are registered annually.    “Boston is proudly home to colleges and universities that attract students from all over the world,” said Mayor Janey. “For those students living off campus in our city, we work to ensure they have safe housing, are informed about services the City provides and understand how to be good neighbors.”    City officials would like to remind students to avoid used furniture, and to notify their landlord immediately in the event of a suspected infestation. The Code Enforcement Division of PWD is issuing citations for trash violations, including improperly placed trash, and trash placed on the curb on the incorrect trash day. Trash trucks are circulating through key student move-in neighborhoods to collect discarded items that have been placed on the curb. New residents can visit boston.gov/trash-day to find their trash and recycling dates. In addition, information pertaining to rodent control can be found on our Rodent Control website.  Representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services will be staffing tents at several locations to answer questions about city services and to distribute informational handouts, including at: ·     Speedway, 219 Cambridge St. in Brighton  ·    Whole Foods, 413 Cambridge St. in Jamaica Plain ·     Andrew Station in South Boston ·     Forest Hills Train Station ·     Star Market, 45 Morrissey Blvd in Dorchester    The Boston Transportation Department have implemented on-street parking restrictions on several streets in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill, South Boston, Back Bay and the North End. In addition, on-street parking restrictions signage have been posted in affected neighborhoods. For more information on street restrictions, visit boston.gov/moving . Students are encouraged to visit https://www.boston.gov/moving for more information regarding parking restrictions and permits, trash removal and restrictions, and rental requirements.

今年首宗人類感染西尼羅病毒案例 麻州公衛廳籲民眾小心防蚊咬

State Health Officials Announce Season’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

 

Residents urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites

BOSTON (September 1, 2021) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The individual is a female in her 80s who was likely exposed to the virus in Middlesex County, an area known to be at moderate risk. The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate in the Greater Boston area, and several towns in Bristol and Worcester counties. There are no risk level changes associated with this finding; there have been no deaths this year associated with WNV.

“This is the first time that West Nile virus infection has been identified in a person in Massachusetts this year,” said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Risk from West Nile virus has been slow to increase this year. This is an important reminder that we all need to continue to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites.”

Although late in the season, the substantial amount of rain in the region in July and the recent hot weather have resulted in an increase in the population of the Culex species of mosquitoes, known to spread West Nile virus and breed in places where standing water accumulates.

In 2020, there were five human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)], or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

Kim Janey要調查波士頓市寬頻公平狀態

MAYOR JANEY COMMISSIONS A "STATE OF BROADBAND EQUITY IN BOSTON" REPORT Report to Document the Quality and Accessibility of Residential and Small Business Internet Service

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey, in partnership with the City’s Department of Innovation & Technology, today announced a partnership to document the availability, cost and quality of broadband internet services in Boston.  The State of Broadband Equity in Boston report will identify broadband offerings by neighborhood and identify any service opportunities or disparities within the city.  “The last 18 months have underscored that internet access is a public good.  In those places where high quality broadband has been affordable and accessible, it has helped youth stay engaged in school, grandparents connect with their grandchildren, and employees remain productive while apart,” said Mayor Kim Janey.  “I want to ensure that every resident - regardless of zip code, age or income - has access to quality choices to get online.” This will be the City’s first report on the State of Broadband Equity in Boston. Mayor Janey has requested broadband internet companies provide their service and pricing data by neighborhood to inform the report, which will be developed in partnership with CTC Technology & Energy, a consultancy with expertise in public technology strategy.  As part of the study, CTC will document residential internet options across the city, including their terms and upload and download speeds.  The City and CTC will launch a website that the public can use to share ideas and check the speed of their internet service. CTC will use this data to document the quality of internet service in Boston, the nature of Boston’s digital divide, and make recommendations about how service can be improved in the City. It is expected that the report will be completed in six months. “The City has made significant investments to bring public services online, from community meetings to City permitting to public notices.  This summer, we also invested nearly $500,000 in nonprofit organizations to increase digital equity,” said David Elges, the City of Boston’s Chief Information Officer.  “This report will help us identify how and where it is best to invest those funds to close the digital divide.” This report will build on the work of and update the digital equity report prepared for the Boston Human Rights Commission.  This previous report highlighted gaps in services that Boston residents experience.    Digital Equity Investments and Listening Session Today In addition to commissioning the State of Broadband Equity in Boston report, Mayor Janey has made significant investments in digital equity and has scheduled a listening session on the issue, as part of the Let’s Go Better campaign to prioritize the City’s American Rescue Plan Act spending.  The City has also invested over $15 million in digital resources during the COVID-19 pandemic that have: ·    Distributed 7,500 devices to residents and families in need,  ·    Began distributing 3,500 annual subscriptions of Internet Essentials to households, ·    Supported digital training and skills development through a network of dedicated non-profits, and ·    Strengthened the City's internet network and connectivity. A public listening session today at 5:30PM will focus on resident ideas and concerns on digital equity that can be addressed using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In addition, the City plans to hire a Digital Equity & Inclusion Advocate to help guide grant rounds for the City’s Digital Equity Fund. Boston is committed to bringing more equity and choice to residents throughout every neighborhood through the Digital Equity Fund; bringing Wi-Fi hotspots to the Boston Public Library's lending program; growing Boston's Wicked Free Wi-Fi program; and working to protect Net Neutrality rules that ensure a fair and open internet. All of these efforts aim to make the internet affordable and accessible for all Boston residents.

Kim Janey八月份籌款近40萬元

(Boston Orange整理編譯)Kim Janey的競選陣營今(1)日一早8點宣佈，在8月分內，Kim Janey共籌款39萬2千元，相信那是所有競選團隊的單月籌款最高額，而這是Kim Janey連續4個月籌款額高居榜首後的又一佳績。

          Kim Janey競選經理Kirby Chandler表示，這籌款數目顯示競選團隊的支持在加大，並且得到以更強勢位置完成初選競爭的資源。

            Kim Janey的田野運作也全力開動，一週敲了6000戶大門，為提早投票吉選舉日推出精緻的出來投票活動。

            支持Kim Janey的重要領導人及組織包括「在這兒團結(UNITE HERE)本地第26分會，民主黨第15區麻州眾議員Nika Elugardo，波士頓市前市議員Tito Jackson，Charles Yancy，服務業員工國際工會(SEIU)32BJ分會，888分會，國際食品和商業工人工會1145分會，有權在城市投票(RTCV)，華人協選會(CPPA)，以及瓦干達二號(Wakanda II)。

MAYOR KIM JANEY RAISES NEARLY $400,000 IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST 

Latest fundraising numbers — combined with field program and recent endorsements — fuel momentum going into preliminary

BOSTON — Mayor Kim Janey’s campaign announced today that she raised $392,000 in the month of August, the largest single-month total of any campaign thus far. The latest fundraising totals follow four straight months of leading the race in fundraising and — when combined with the campaign’s robust field program and critical endorsements — add to the campaign’s momentum heading into the preliminary election on September 14th.  

“These fundraising numbers show that our campaign is growing the support and securing the resources we need to finish the preliminary campaign in a strong position,” said Janey Campaign Manager Kirby Chandler. 

In addition to the fundraising numbers announced today, the Janey campaign's field operation is also running on all cylinders — knocking on more than 6,000 doors a week and launching a sophisticated GOTV operation for mail-in, early voting and Election Day.

Mayor Janey has also been endorsed by major leaders and organizations across the city including UNITE HERE Local 26, State Representative Nika Elugardo (D-15), Former Councilors Tito Jackson (D-7) and Charles Yancey (D-4), 32BJ SEIU, UFCW 1145, SEIU 888, Right to the City Vote! (RTCV), Chinese Progressive Political Association (CPPA), and Wakanda II. 

波士頓華埠迎雙十掛新國旗 街頭串旗還待審批許可

謝中之提供

          (Boston Orange)送走8月，迎向10月，波士頓華埠街頭又將出現旗海飄揚，兩岸爭輝的美麗風景。

            不過今年情況有點不同，8月30日傳出華埠街頭要掛旗，得申請許可的消息。

紐英崙中華總會原定8月31日在波士頓華埠街頭掛滿青天白日滿地紅的中華民國旗幟，因為這一消息，紐英崙中華總會的雷國輝，余麗媖，以及陳台榮，謝中之，劉樹榮和一名裝修師傅等人，決定只為一直掛在華埠牌樓「天下為公」、「禮義廉恥」牌匾下方，以及懸掛在泰勒街和必珠街上空的共6面大幅中華民國與美國星條國旗，換上新旗。往年每條街上都懸掛的串旗，就等有明確訊息後再決定是否掛，何時掛。

             根據收到消息者透露，波士頓華埠主街在30日發電郵給華埠5個機構的行政負責人，說是收到波士頓市公共工程局電話通知，任何個人或組織未獲該局批准，或取得許可，不得張貼任何形式的海報，掛旗幟，或拉布條，該局將執行罰款措施。

謝中之展示2面新旗。

             波士頓華埠街頭在過去這幾年間，每到9月，10月就開始熱鬧，慶祝10月1日的五星旗，慶祝10月10日的青天白日滿地紅旗幟，同時掛滿街頭，交相輝映。由於兩面旗幟的各自支持者都積極護旗，串旗雖然在節慶過後取下，但掛在牌樓及街道上空的大幅青天白日滿地紅，以及路邊街燈上的五星旗，卻都留了下來，成為波士頓華埠常年累月的風景。

波士頓華埠牌樓和街道上掛出的旗幟。

             華埠坊間有聽聞這消息者好奇探問，波士頓市的北端(North End)才剛在七，八月間舉辦了聖安東尼節等節慶活動，張燈結綵的規模十分盛大。相關規定應該一樣才是。

             紐英崙中華總會刻正向波士頓市政府探詢，關於張貼海報，掛旗等的規定，罰款金額等細節。

             受新冠病毒疫情影響，今年報名參加遊行人數不多，負責籌備中華民國國慶活動的2名僑務委員蔣宗壬，郭競儒，以及紐英崙中華總會，透過波士頓僑教中心發出通知，今年的遊行活動取消，10月9日的波士頓市政府廣場升旗，以及帝苑大酒樓餐會，將照常舉行，歡迎各界報名。(圖片謝中之提供)

 

波士頓市在全美開車體驗最糟城市中排第18名

         (Boston Orange編譯)WalletHub的一份最新調查，把波士頓市列為全美開車體驗最糟糕城市的第18名。

該網站稱，根據交通統計局，全美有87%的每日出門活動，都開車。在新冠病毒期間，人們恐怕搭乘公共交通工具容易染疫，更加依賴個人車輛，在2021年的第一季，和去年同期相比，汽車銷量增加了9%。

WalletHub以擁有及維修開支，交通，基礎建設，安全，可獲得車輛和維修等30項關鍵指數，比較了美國100大城市後，麻州的首都波士頓，在可獲得車輛和維修上排名第97，在交通及基礎建設上排名第92，在擁有及維修開支上排名第67，在安全上排名第33。

在WalletHub的記載中，駕駛人平均每年花在路上開車的時間高於310小時，換算下來等於13天了。因為交通堵塞而浪費的時間及油費，加起來等於每名駕駛每年花1400元。

路況是人們開車體驗是否良好的另一大因素。而美國土木工程師協會稱美國的道路橋梁，還在等數以十億元計的經費來維修。世界經濟論壇也把美國的道路品質排為141個已發展經濟國家中的第17名。

開車體驗最糟糕城市的排名為加州的奧克蘭(Oakland, CA)，密西根州的底特律，加州舊金山，賓州費城，紐約州紐約，伊利諾州芝加哥，加州洛杉磯，馬里蘭州巴爾的摩，華盛頓特區，加州聖伯納迪諾(San Bernardino, CA)。(標題訂正)

Kim Janey宣佈房屋穩定議程

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES HOUSING STABILITY AGENDA Creates citywide eviction moratorium and plans for Foreclosure Prevention Fund   BOSTON - Tuesday, August 31, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced a Housing Stability Agenda, following the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States to end the Center of Disease Control’s nationwide eviction moratorium and the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the Housing Stability Agenda, the Boston Public Health Commission's Interim Executive Director signed a new public health order establishing a moratorium on evictions in the City of Boston, effective immediately. Mayor Janey has also directed the Department of Neighborhood Development to lead creation of a $5 million Foreclosure Prevention Fund, with program information to be released next week.    “The loss of federal eviction protections and the ongoing pandemic has put our most vulnerable neighbors at risk of losing their homes,” said Mayor Janey. “I am implementing a housing stability agenda to continue Boston’s public health recovery with emergency assistance for renters and homeowners who need help.”  The moratorium temporarily halts residential evictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise of the Delta variant. The public health order prohibits landlords and property owners from pursuing tenant eviction proceedings in the City of Boston.  In the coming weeks, the $5 million Emergency Foreclosure Prevention Fund will be available to eligible homeowners to help cover costs related to homeownership including mortgage, insurance, and condominium fee payments. To be eligible for the Fund, a homeowner must be delinquent on those payments. Priority will be given to those homeowners most at risk for foreclosure. The program will be financed through both the American Rescue Plan Act and the CARES ACT Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The new eviction moratorium and Emergency Foreclosure Prevention Fund build on the City’s ongoing measures to protect both renters and homeowners, including allocating $50 million to the Rental Relief Fund, distributing more than $19 million to 3,500 households around the City at a pace exceeding state and national averages. The recently expanded Office of Housing Stability has also connected Boston residents to state housing relief resources. To date, a total of 12,500 Boston households have received $72 million in state and City housing stability assistance.

Danielle Allen Hosts ‘Listening Live’ Event on Back to School and Covid Safety

Danielle Allen Hosts ‘Listening Live’ Event on Back to School and Covid Safety 

Meira Levinson to Join Danielle Allen to Talk Covid Safety This School Year

 

Wednesday, September 1, 5:15 – 5:45pm. 

https://www.facebook.com/allenforma/live_videos/

Gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen and co author of The Path to Zero and Schools: Achieving Pandemic-Resilient Teaching and Learning Spaces policy guidance,  Professor Meira Levinson will gather on Facebook Live for a thirty minute Q&A about best policy practices that Massachusetts can take up as this school year starts to keep students, educators, and school staff safe as the Commonwealth starts its second school year affected by COVID. Both Allen and Levinson have worked with schools on COVID safety practices throughout the pandemic and are considered national experts. 

 

 

Meira Levinson, in collaboration with other colleagues, co-authored The Path to Zero and Schools: Achieving Pandemic-Resilient Teaching and Learning Spaces policy guidance, a New England Journal of Medicine article on Reopening Primary Schools in a Pandemic, and two additional white papers. She is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. In doing so, she draws upon scholarship from multiple disciplines as well as her eight years of experience teaching in the Atlanta and Boston Public Schools. Since the onslaught of the global novel coronavirus pandemic, Levinson has been focused on expanding educational ethics to address the multitude of ethical challenges posed by school closures, remote schooling, and uncertain reopenings. She has also been leading global teacher discussion groups on the ethical challenges they face.

 

 

Danielle is a mom, policy expert, nonprofit leader, and professor at Harvard University. She has advised policy makers at all levels of government on critical policy decisions. Over the last twenty years, she has led organizations at all scales from local civic education providers to a global philanthropy. Danielle has achieved impact over decades through policy and implementation in the domains of education, justice, health, and democracy. Her leadership is characterized by listening, collaborating, and innovating--as in leading a multi-disciplinary covid response team that led to the Biden-Harris Pandemic Testing Board and an interstate compact to build out COVID testing resources.