WH OPE & WHIAANHPI AA and NHPI Stakeholder Briefing

Wednesday, October 27: 4 PM ET

WH OPE & WHIAANHPI AA and NHPI Stakeholder Briefing

Join us on Wednesday, October 27^th at 4 PM ET for our WH OPE & WHIAANHPI AA and NHPI Stakeholder Briefing. This briefing will feature updates from the WH PPO, HHS, and Department of Education, in addition to updated Child Tax Credit information.

• Register Here:

https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_0vUp56YMQciio789WPPQPQ

 

Thursday, October 28: 4 PM ET

WH OPE & WHIAANHPI Filipino American History Month Virtual Event

To close out the month, on Thursday, October 28^th at 4 PM ET, the White House Office of Public Engagement and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders will host a Filipino American History Month event. The virtual event will be open to the public and will feature a panel with Air Force Undersecretary Gina Ortiz Jones and Erika Moritsugu, a panel with Filipino American Biden-Harris appointees, a panel with representatives from community organizations, and other speakers. This programming will also be recorded and uploaded to WHIAANHPI YouTube for future viewing.

• Register Here:

https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_lN3gTnccT5aYVEz-ELmSFw

 

Thank you!

Krystal

 

Krystal Ka‘ai (she/her)

Executive Director

White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

ESSAIBI GEORGE RELEASES NEW TV AD: “I DON’T PLAY POLITICS”

 ESSAIBI GEORGE RELEASES NEW TV AD: “I DON’T PLAY POLITICS”

“Too often politicians come along with empty promises and then leave our communities behind. Not me.”

BOSTON, MA — Annissa for Boston today released a new ad, “I DON’T PLAY POLITICS”, with a media buy that includes broadcast, cable, streaming services, and digital platforms. 

The :30 second spot, “I DON’T PLAY POLITICS,” highlights Essaibi George’s commitment to deliver real results for every community in Boston. The ad centers both her bold vision and the bold actions she’ll take as Mayor to fix our affordable housing crisis, fight for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and tackle the inequities that exist in Boston Public Schools. 

 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ENTIRE VIDEO

 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC Applauds Nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel for Chair and Gigi Sohn for Commissioner to the Federal Communications Commission

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC Applauds Nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel for Chair and Gigi Sohn for Commissioner to the Federal Communications Commission

Washington, D.C.—On Tuesday, President Biden nominated Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to be permanent Chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Rosenworcel would become the first woman to lead the FCC. President Biden also nominated Gigi Sohn to be a Commissioner of the FCC, which would make Sohn the first openly LGBTQ individual in the position. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC issues the following statement:

“We applaud and wholeheartedly support Jessica Rosenworcel and Gigi Sohn on their nominations, which will add more diversity and representation to the Commission.

Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel has been committed to leading the FCC in the interest of underserved communities throughout her tenure as a Commissioner and as Acting Chairwoman since 2012. She has worked closely with Asian American and other community leaders and advocates to bridge the digital divide that affects our most vulnerable populations. Under Rosenworcel’s leadership, the FCC has expanded broadband access and equipment for students, patients, and low-income families; provided resources and toolkits in many Asian languages; supported expanding coverage mappings and data policies to better understand the needs of underserved communities; and promoted progressive policies to increase diversity in television and other media.

Gigi Sohn is a Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy, a Benton Senior Fellow & Public Advocate, and cofounder of Public Knowledge. In her role as counselor to then-FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, she advocated for stronger consumer protections and rights, fair and affordable access to broadband and telecommunications services, and competitive innovation.

We call on the Senate to confirm Jessica Rosenworcel and Gigi Sohn swiftly. The confirmations of Rosenworcel and Sohn will build a FCC that is better equipped to effectively protect consumers and implement more equitable policies for all of our communities.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC leads the Asian American Tech Table with OCA National Center. On August 23, 2021, we endorsed Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel for the permanent Chair position, and submitted a letter to President Biden, urging for her nomination.”

###

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC has a mission to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. Advancing Justice | AAJC maintains robust government engagement at all levels on issues of telecommunications, technology, and media. Advancing Justice | AAJC’s work focuses on ensuring that the principles of opportunity, fairness, and equity are protected online. 

SEIU Local 509 Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

 SEIU Local 509 Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

Boston, MA— SEIU Local 509 endorsed Michelle Wu for Mayor today, an important endorsement from a union representing thousands of workers in human services and education across the city and state. Citing her proven track record of advocacy for racial, economic and social justice, SEIU Local 509 said that Wu is the best candidate to lead Boston and champion issues of importance to members and their families.

"SEIU Local 509 is proud to endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. Our union is stronger when we fight for the issues that impact our communities at the worksite and beyond it, from the right to affordable housing to the right to a healthy environment. With a history of advocating for economic, racial, and social justice, Michelle is a leader who shares our values and vision for justice. We look forward to working with her to achieve that vision in the city of Boston," said Peter MacKinnon, MSW, LCSW  President - SEIU Local 509

"I am excited to support Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. As a social worker, I have seen firsthand what happens when communities don't have the resources needed to thrive. Michelle is committed to fighting for the urgent issues we are facing - racial justice, workers' rights, and climate justice among them. I know Boston can count on her to continue to be an advocate for the issues that matter," said Cokiena Fuller, DCF Social Worker, SEIU 509 Vice President

“From providing social services to our elders to serving in educational settings throughout the city, SEIU Local 509 has led the way for working families in Boston. I am honored to be endorsed by SEIU Local 509 and look forward to continuing to partner with them to fight for fair wages, safe conditions and a Boston for everyone,” said Michelle Wu.

SEIU Local 509 represents nearly 20,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. Their members work in Boston’s care centers, clinics, homes, schools, and universities. Local 509 members are united in our mission to raise living standards for working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services we provide.

SEIU Local 509’s endorsements add to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr., Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo, Liz Breadon and Lydia Edwards; State Senators Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, Sonia Chang Diaz and Julian Cyr; State Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Jay Livingstone, Adrian Madaro, Vanna Howard, Natalie Higgins, Liz Miranda, Tram Nguyen, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas, and Tommy Vitolo; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; former State Transportation Secretaries Fred Salvucci and Jim Aloisi; former MBTA FMCB Chairman Joseph Aiello; former Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson; former State Representative Charlotte Golar Richie; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.

Sonia Chang-Díaz earns statewide endorsement from 15,000-member Neighbor to Neighbor MA

Sonia Chang-Díaz earns statewide endorsement from 15,000-member Neighbor to Neighbor MA

Neighbor to Neighbor is the first Massachusetts statewide organization to back a candidate for Governor in the 2022 race

BOSTON, MA - Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts, a grassroots organization of over 15,000 members, has announced its endorsement of State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz (D-Boston) in her bid for Governor. With local chapters in communities from Boston to Springfield, Neighbor to Neighbor is the first statewide organization to back a candidate in the 2022 Governor’s race.

"Neighbor to Neighbor is one of our state’s strongest community organizations leading the fight for real change," said Chang-Díaz. "Their members know what it takes to organize and win for working people — and they’ve shown it time and again from generational education funding and criminal justice reform to electing progressive candidates across our state. I’m so proud to have their support and partnership as we build this multiracial, multigenerational movement."

"Our members see themselves in Sonia, in her fight, in her story, in her vision," said Eliud Alcala, Chair of the Neighbor to Neighbor Action Fund. "She earned our trust by being with us in the trenches. We knew we could always count on her, not just to fight for us, but to listen and work together. We are very excited, and inspired by her candidacy for Governor and what her leadership could do for working families across the state."

Neighbor to Neighbor’s backing is the latest in a string of Massachusetts endorsements Chang-Díaz has racked up since announcing her campaign. Last week, Chang-Díaz’s campaign announced it had earned 25 endorsements from progressive state legislators, city councilors, and school committee members across the state.

"I am excited that Neighbor to Neighbor MA has endorsed Sen. Chang-Díaz for governor of Massachusetts," said Andrea Nyameke, Associate Director of Neighbor to Neighbor. "I have worked alongside Sen. Chang-Díaz over the years and have seen how she has centered the voices of folks in her district, as well as Neighbor to Neighbor members, and is always ready to lead on important issues impacting communities all over the Commonwealth."

"I'm really excited that Neighbor to Neighbor has endorsed a candidate that has experience as an educator, an activist, and as a seasoned State Senator," said Jeannette Rivera, Neighbor to Neighbor member. "Not only is Sen. Chang Diaz qualified to be our next Governor, she has consistently fought alongside us on important policy changes and upholds values that Neighbor to Neighbor is built upon. Values like; Imagination, Integrity, Abundance, Solidarity, Love and Gratitude. I believe Massachusetts deserves a Governor that embodies these qualities and has such valuable experience."

Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts is a progressive organization of working class, multi-racial, and multi-ethnic people working together to build political and economic power to improve the quality of lives in local communities. The organization has been instrumental to electing progressive leaders at the local, state, and federal level in recent years.

波士頓宣佈給年輕人的綠色工作培訓

 

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES YOUTH GREEN JOBS TRAINING PROGRAM Partnership will expand workforce development for young adults and returning citizens in fields that address environmental challenges

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, October 27, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced a partnership to provide career development opportunities for young people who are unemployed or underemployed, in green jobs and careers that help prepare for the impacts of climate change. This partnership will be led by the City’s Environment Department and Office of Workforce Development, in collaboration with the Office of Public Safety, Department of Youth Engagement and Employment, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families. The initiative will be championed by the Green Jobs Community Advisory Board, a group of public and private leaders in business, education, and workforce development, committed to expanding green career opportunities for Boston youth and residents.  “I have spent the majority of my career advocating for equity and opportunity for Boston’s youth,” said Mayor Janey. “The green jobs program serves the dual purpose of creating job opportunities for our young people while protecting our city and enhancing quality of life for all residents. I am proud of the creation of this pilot and I look forward to seeing how all of its members grow and succeed in the green economy.”  The priority of this pilot program is to support Boston communities that have been hit particularly hard by the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by creating an equitable recovery and growing job opportunities that fight climate change. The City of Boston’s green jobs program is inspired by the Philadelphia PowerCorpsPHL model that builds opportunities for young people by tackling pressing environmental challenges and developing the skills required to secure meaningful work. The program was designed with “earn and learn” practices to ensure that members enter and succeed in career pathways. Members go through specifically tailored phases, in a field of their choosing, that embed service and equity, as well as direct connections to job openings. The program will also offer connections to continuing education opportunities, including through the City’s Tuition Free Community College program. “Climate change poses significant threats to Boston residents like sea level rise, extreme heat and air pollution. Yet, it presents us with an opportunity to create meaningful work to combat these issues for many of our most vulnerable residents,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “Our new green jobs partnership will empower disconnected young adults and returning citizens through developing critical skills that will make our city more resilient.”   “Investing in green jobs for our residents is a triple win for Boston,” said Trinh Nguyen, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. “It means we are supporting skills training and careers for residents, having the City as a critical employer partner, and helping us reach our environmental goals.”  Over the coming months, the City of Boston will identify and hire an Executive Director charged with implementing an ambitious training program to move residents into green jobs after program completion. With support from the Executive Director, the City of Boston will determine training pathways with the most pressing needs and significant potential to protect the environment. The City of Boston will identify and welcome community partners and non-profits who would like to engage in this work.  “Boston is definitely putting its best foot forward with this initiative,” said Kevin McCaskill of Boston Public Schools and the Green Jobs Community Advisory Board. “Providing access to green career opportunities for our underrepresented youth will be a community benefit.” This initiative builds on the Janey Administration’s commitment to protecting the environment and growing opportunities in the green economy. The Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget for the Cabinet of Environment, Energy and Open Space included $1 million for green jobs. An additional $3 million with funding from the American Rescue Plan was authorized by the City Council in July 2021 to grow the program. The City’s Environment Department convened a group of stakeholders to create a Community Advisory Board that focused on developing an investment plan driven by community needs and values. This summer, the City of Boston launched a request for information on the future of green jobs and shared a request for proposals for catalyst grants for green and mobility job training.

MassBio慶祝20週年

 

麻州公立中小學必須戴口罩日期展延至明年1月15日

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯)麻州中小學教育局今(26)日宣佈，諮詢醫療專家後，局長Jeffrey C. Riley通知麻州各學區，州內所有幼稚園到12年級公立學校必須戴口罩的規定，將展延至2022年1月15日為止。

             麻州教育廳長James Peyser表示，適合5到11歲兒童的疫苗即將來到，為容許中小學有充分時間讓學生接種新冠疫苗，特此規定展延戴口罩規定日期，以保障學生的在校安全。

             所有5歲以上學生及學校工作人員，不論是否已接種疫苗，在室內必須戴口罩的規定，原訂11月1日結束。

             各學校的校內學生及教職員，如果有80%已接種疫苗，可以要求讓已接種疫苗者不必戴口罩。根據麻州教育發言人Colleen Quinn，截至今日，共有14所學校向州政府申請免除戴口罩規定。其中有9所公立高中，1所為7、8年級學生服務的公立中學，4所特別教育學校。

             這7所已獲批准，可不戴口罩的學校為Hopkinton，Ashland，Westborough等高中，Sarah Gibbons中學，Algonquin區域高中，新英格蘭學術學校，以及Corwin-Russell學校。

             麻州有92萬名公立學校學生，從本學年開始，共有11,143宗感染新冠病毒病例，最近幾週以來，病例數還在逐漸減少。在10月20日結束的這週，約僅0.2%的學生，以及0.25%的教職員新冠病毒檢測陽性。

中華表演藝術基金會第33季第2場音樂會 11/6邀Stella Chen、Henry Kramer演出

        (Boston Orange)中華表演藝術基金會第33屆音樂季第二場音樂會，訂11月6日(週六)晚8點，邀曾獲伊莉莎白皇后國際大賽小提琴第一名的Stella Chen，鋼琴第二名的Henry Kramer在新英格蘭音樂學院喬頓廳(Jordan Hall)聯合演出。

這場音樂會將演奏巴爾托克(Bartok)，舒伯特，Alberga等人的曲目，以及史特勞斯(Strauss)著名的降E大調第18號小提琴及鋼琴奏鳴曲，全場90分鐘，無中場休息。

       小提琴家Stella Chen在2019年獲得伊莉莎白皇后國際小提琴大賽第一名，2020年再得Avery Fisher職業獎，林肯中心傑出新秀獎(Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award)，並獲邀加入林肯中心室內樂團。

          當年她經由甄試進入最具挑戰性的哈佛新英格蘭音樂學院五年聯合項目，期間獲得Robert Levin獎章，於2017年贏得Tibor Varga 國際小提琴大賽第二名，還是梅紐因(Menuehin) 國際小提琴大賽成年組的最年輕獲獎者。從哈佛心理系獲得榮譽學士學位，同時獲得新英格蘭音樂學院音樂碩士學位後，她現正繼續在茱莉雅音樂學院進修博士，也同時在Kronberg學院研讀專業學位 (Professional Studies)。

          Stella Chen 迄今已多次在世界各大音樂廳與著名指揮及樂團合作演出。耶路撒冷郵報(The Jurusalem Post) 稱讚她「成熟清新自然，情感深厚，有智慧且平衡」。Musical America稱她「音色高雅柔美，觀眾屏息傾聽，不敢錯過她的任何輕微的細節。」

               她演奏時使用的1708年Stradivarius “Huggins” 名琴，由日本Nippon 基金會提供。

       鋼琴家 Henry Kramer在2016年贏得伊莉莎白皇后國際鋼琴大賽第二名，2019年贏得Avery Fisher職業獎。紐約時報(The New York Times)稱他的演出「感人並震撼」，費城詢問者(The Philadelphia Inquirer) 形容他「這位31歲的鋼琴家具有極大的才華，對樂曲清新的研釋，展現大師的風範。」

       2010年時，Henry Kramer 贏得美國蕭邦大賽獎，2014年被選為「星光藝術家」(Astral Artists)之一，次年再獲Hones國際鋼琴大賽首獎。

       Henry Kramer與世界級大師、名指揮及樂團合作，活躍於世界樂壇。在繁忙演出外，他也認真教導學生。2018年起擔任喬治亞州哥倫比亞大學Schmob音樂學院鋼琴系主任，並兼任密蘇里大學Kansas市音樂學院教授。

               他畢業於茱莉雅音樂學院，獲有耶魯大學音樂博士學位。

        11月6日晚出席的觀眾及演出者皆須戴口罩。入場須出示打過疫苗或測試陰性證明。入場門票價格為 $15 (7-13歲)、$30、$50。主辦單位為學生提供免費票(14歲以上)，及非學生贈送卷。有意出席者需事前預訂。6歲以下兒童請勿入場。詳情請查官網 http://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/season/20211106/index.html

麻州長查理貝克不贊成租金控制

             (Boston Orange整理編譯) 波士頓市長候選人在最近的2次電視辯論中，都為「租金控制」各執一詞。麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 今 (26) 日中午接受GBH電台的每月例行訪問時，坦言該做法不公平，他不支持，但語氣已比早前稱之為錯誤方向緩和得多。

            「租金控制(Rent Control)」是2名波士頓市長候選人，吳弭(Michelle Wu)和Annissa Essaibi George冀望選民藉以區分她倆的重點之一。

             Annissa Essaibi George一再強調，「租金控制」會導致房價下跌，經濟衰退，就業機會減少。她也質疑地指出，「租金控制」不是波士頓市可以自行決定的事，必須先通過家規法，再交由州政府審議。她希望吳弭能清楚說明將如何實現這一倡議。

             吳弭反稱Annissa Essaibi George誤解她的意思，聲言她強調的重點是波士頓市有許多居民面對著租金高漲，可能流離失所的壓力，她要做的是設法幫助更多民眾「居者有其屋」。至於波士頓通過的家規法，需要州議會通過才能實行，她相信自己在州這層級有很多盟友，可以促成她們共同相信的法案。

             在GBH電台談44,000名州政府員工規定必須接種疫苗，其中截至10月17日還未接種的1600人，必需或者申請豁免，或者提出宗教理由，否則可能被開除一事之際，麻州州長查理貝克竟然也談到了「租金控制」。

             查理貝克拒絕就他如果可以投票，會投給誰。但在「租金控制」一事上，以前他曾說那正是不該走的錯誤方向，這回卻只說，如果波士頓通過家規法，把這議案送到他面前的話，他大概不會簽。不過他願意留出一點空間，看看這中間有沒其他可以著力的地方。

             查理貝克補充說明，「租金控制」原本被人看作不公平的做法，當年他還年輕時，在波士頓租住，就面對過他得付市場價租金，住在租金控制公寓的年長鄰居所付的租金，比他少得多。他還說，那真的會影響新住宅的建造，而老天知道，麻州及波士頓需要很多很多新房屋。

             麻州選民在1994年時，以微小票數差距在全州禁止了租金控制。波士頓市想要推行租金控制必須先通過家規法，再經州議會通過，然後交由州長簽字，才能成為法令。

波士頓學校委員會4席將出缺 預定由下任市長指派

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE  There are four terms soon to expire on the Boston School Committee.

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 26, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced applications are now being accepted by the Boston School Committee Nominating Panel, which is composed of parents, teachers, principals and representatives of the business and higher education communities, to fill four positions on the Boston School Committee. The positions include two 2-year terms, and two 4-year terms. Applications for the two sets of positions are due November 5 and November 14, respectively. “The present and future strength of our City starts in the classroom with our children,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Having representative voices on the Boston School Committee is essential to an equitable school system. I encourage everyone interested to apply to help foster Boston’s young leaders.” The Boston School Committee is the governing body of the Boston Public Schools (BPS). The School Committee is responsible for: ·    Defining the vision, mission, and goals of the Boston Public Schools; ·    Establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget; ·    Hiring, managing, and evaluating the Superintendent; and ·    Setting and reviewing district policies and practices to support student achievement.   The seven members of the School Committee are Boston residents appointed by the Mayor. The four open positions will be selected by the next Mayor of Boston, who is expected to be sworn in on November 16.  The Mayor appoints members from a list of candidates recommended by a Nominating Panel. The School Committee also includes a non-voting student member of the Boston Student Advisory Council. To cultivate further Latinx representation on the Boston School Committee, Mayor Janey recently appointed Betty Francisco to the Boston School Committee Nominating Panel. Francisco, a Dorchester resident and BPS parent, is also an entrepreneur, business executive, attorney, and community leader. She started her service on the Panel in June. The School Committee meets approximately twice per month during the school year to adopt, review and modify policies and practices that support teaching, learning and improved student achievement. With the exception of executive sessions, Committee meetings are open to the public, feature public comment periods and are broadcast on Boston City TV.   The 2-year term applications are due Friday, November 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. The deadline to apply for the 4-year term is Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants who wish to apply for both terms should do so by Friday, November 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.  Interviews for selected 2-year candidates will be held on November 9, 2021 between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. Interviews for selected 4-year candidates will be held on November 30, 2021 between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. Interviews will be conducted virtually. Please direct all questions and submit completed applications to scnominatingpanel@boston.gov or mail/deliver to Room 612 of Boston City Hall. You can learn more about the Boston School Committee online.

TWELVE INDIVIDUALS AND THREE STORES IN CHELSEA, BOSTON, AND NORTH READING INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH PERJURY AND

TWELVE INDIVIDUALS AND THREE STORES IN CHELSEA, BOSTON, AND NORTH READING INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH PERJURY AND

TAX-AVOIDANCE LOTTERY SCHEME

BOSTON – Twelve individuals and three stores in Boston, North Reading and Chelsea have been indicted in connection with an ongoing scheme to rob the state of tax revenue by laundering lottery winnings and lying under oath on numerous lottery claim forms, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

The charges are the result of an investigation by State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, State Police assigned to the State Treasurer’s Office of Investigations, the State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (MSLC) into a calculated scheme carried out by the defendants to defraud the state of taxes on lottery winnings and other debts owed to the Commonwealth.

The 12 defendants were indicted Friday by a Statewide Grand Jury on the following charges:

Frank Obey, age 80, of Lynn

False Statement Under Penalty of Perjury (2 counts)

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Attempting to Impede/Obstruct Administration of Massachusetts Tax Laws

Money Laundering

Kenneth Grossman, age 69, of Revere

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Attempting to Impede/Obstruct Administration of Massachusetts Tax Laws

Money Laundering

William McNamara, age 67, of Revere

False Statement Under Penalty of Perjury

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Attempting to Impede/Obstruct Administration of Massachusetts Tax Laws

Money Laundering

John Heller, age 73, of Revere

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Adam Derebala, age 29, of Revere

Failure to File a Tax Return

Peter Marano, age 52, of Boston

Tax Evasion

Karl Voelker, age 67, of Boston

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Paritosh Patel, age 48, of Reading

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes 

Nelson Tejada, age 43, of Chelsea

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

MDGolam Talukder-Manik, age 57, of Lynn

(Employee of Richland Convenience Store located at 332 Nahant Road in Nahant)

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Ghanshyam Patel, age 45, of Malden

(Employee of Robinson’s News Convenience Store located at 1556 Eastern Avenue in Malden)

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Muhammad Khan, age 52, of Medford

(Employee of Grab N Go located at 367 Washington Ave in Chelsea)

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Underground Express, 31 Winter Place in Boston

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

Richdale, 4 Lowell Road in North Reading

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

NT Lucky Variety, 137 Arlington Street in Chelsea

Conspiracy to Evade Taxes

            The defendants will be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court at a later date.                                      

            The AG’s Office alleges that from April 2020 through May 2021, the defendants, who are ticket-cashers, store owners or employees, purchased winning lottery tickets from the true winners for cash, at a discount to the value of the tickets. This scheme, commonly known as “ten-percenting,” is a practice where individuals claim winning lottery tickets and retain a percentage of the winnings, sometimes as high as 10 or 20 percent of the proceeds as fee from the true winner. This arrangement allows the true winners to avoid financial obligations, including state and federal taxes. Store owners and employees funneled winning tickets to Frank Obey, Kenneth Grossman and their runners. The defendants presented the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission with false claim forms in which they declared, under the pains and penalties of perjury, that the winnings were their own. Two true winners, Peter Marano and Adam Derebala, were identified and stand charged respectively for tax evasion and failing to file a tax return. Both are alleged to have circumvented the legal ticket-claiming process.

            The “ten-percenting” scheme is designed to defeat government collection of back taxes through the Department of Revenue (DOR) Intercept Program. The DOR program is an automated process used to intercept and collect Massachusetts State Lottery Commission winning payouts, over $600, to satisfy delinquent debt. Massachusetts law prohibits the unlawful assignment of winning lottery tickets.

            This investigation also identified Frank Obey, Kenneth Grossman and William McNamara as individuals who were using the Massachusetts State Lottery to launder money.

The Massachusetts State Lottery aided in this investigation, by working with investigators in the AG’s Office to identify claims of the alleged perpetrators of this scheme. The MSLC’s Compliance and Internal Audit Department focuses on the prevention, detection, and the investigation of those who defraud or attempt to defraud the lawful ticket-claiming process.

All of these charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

       AG Healey’s Gaming Enforcement Division has a dedicated group of prosecutors and investigators who enforce the state’s Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 and investigate and prosecute illegal activity such as gaming-related financial crime, organized crime, corruption and money laundering, including the majority of criminal activity occurring at the state’s casinos.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Emil A. Ata and Kevin P. McCarthy, both of AG Healey’s Gaming Enforcement Division with the assistance of the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab, including Forensic Digital Media Analyst Paul Melaragni and Digital Evidence Analyst Jobal Thomas. Financial investigation was conducted by Senior Financial Investigator James O’Hara of AG Healey’s Gaming Enforcement Division, as well as Financial Investigator James Donahue of the DOR Criminal Investigations Bureau.