哈佛大學教授和中國大學合作 收錢未報稅判有罪

       (Boston Orange編譯)一名聯邦法官今(21)日就從中國大學收取費用，欺瞞稅賦等控訴條款，判哈佛奈米科學教授Charles Lieber有罪。

               陪審團在波士頓聯邦法院聽了5日證供後，花了2小時45分考慮，宣佈有罪認定。62歲的Charles Lieber聽到判決時，面無表情。

             全美各地現有20多宗

            美國司法部從2018年起針對經濟鶼鰈，以及偷盜科技及商業秘密，推出「中國計劃 (China Initiative)」。現在全美有20多宗案件正在起訴中，美國政府因此備受批評，這宗案件的判決有罪，對美國政府來說是一大勝利。

                 Lieber是哈佛大學化學及生物化學系主席，去年被控謊報他和中國武漢科技大學，以及千人計畫的關係。那是中國政府十多年前為招徠高層次科學家而推出的辦法。

                   檢控官提出的證據包括Lieber在2011年和武漢大學簽署了一份5年合約。根據該協議，武漢大學付給他每月5萬元，以及15萬8千元的生活開銷，還有150萬元用於在武漢大學設立哈佛武漢聯合研究實驗室。

                    陪審團認為Lieber未向哈佛大學及聯邦政府揭露這些資訊，也未遵守國稅局關於海外付款的規定。

                                那個時候，Lieber是哈佛Lieber研究團隊的主要調查員，從美國衛生研究院(NIH)，以及國防部拿到1500萬元以上的補助款，按規定必須揭露從外國機構或政府收取的資金。

                   陪審團判Lieber的罪名包括 2項偽造聲明罪，2項2014及2015年報假稅，2項未申報在中國有海外戶口罪。

                   從2020年1月被捕起，Lieber就一直在放行政假。根據審訊證詞，那個時候，Lieber告訴2名聯邦調查局探員，中國大學再支付旅行開銷之外，從來沒付他錢。但他的說詞在聯邦調查局探員交給他一份他簽字了的大學協議書影本後，他很快就改變了說詞。

                  在放給陪審團看的2020年1月28日Lieber錄影訪談中，他說”那相當糟糕”。他形容了帶著收到，卻未向稅務局申報的一袋總值約5到10萬元現金，從武漢到波士頓的旅程。

                      Lieber告訴調查者，他做這事不是為了錢。他形容自己同意接受金錢時”年輕而且愚蠢”，並且相信他和大學的合作，會鼓勵其他科學家在他1990年代開創的工作上繼續深入研究，從而擴大他的知名度。

               Lieber告訴探員，”這讓人尷尬，每個科學家都想要個諾貝爾獎”。

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3.5 Million for Local Technology Infrastructure

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3.5 Million for Local Technology Infrastructure

PITTSFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today announced $3.5 million in grants to 70 municipalities through the Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology grant program. The Baker-Polito Administration has now issued 749 grants through this program worth $19.2 million to help Massachusetts communities become more efficient and innovative while improving their technology infrastructure.

“Technology systems support so many of the critical services that Massachusetts cities, towns and school districts provide to residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud that our Administration, through the work of the Community Compact Cabinet, is continuing its partnership with local communities to enable another round of innovative IT improvement projects.”

“Since the beginning of the grant program, our collaboration with cities and towns across the Commonwealth has led to hundreds of transformative technology investments, from public safety systems upgrades to establishing online permitting,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As the Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet, I am pleased to announce and congratulate the 70 municipalities receiving awards in this year’s round of grants.”

Pittsfield will receive $99,750 to build a downtown public Wi-Fi network in this round of funding – the third award that the city has received through the Community Compact IT Grant program in last five years. The city received $95,000 in Fiscal Year 2019 for the implementation of wireless infrastructure for internal and public use and $40,000 in Fiscal Year 2017 for switching infrastructure to enable telephone system consolidation.

Other examples of Community Compact IT Grant program awards this year include:

• $114,503 for East Longmeadow to bolster their cybersecurity infrastructure and improve disaster recovery capabilities
• $100,000 for Plymouth to implement an online permitting system
• $73,478 for Athol to implement network security across all town buildings
• $60,000 for Hopkinton to implement a records management system
• $48,615 for Revere for network systems integration
• $25,000 for Leicester for cloud-based software for EMTs and paramedics

“We are proud to continue supporting a wide range of impactful IT initiatives that will undoubtedly improve the efficiency and reliability of government services,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan. “We appreciate the continued commitment and partnership of our local community leaders in identifying and undertaking these projects to better serve their businesses, residents, and visitors.”

"The Baker-Polito Administration has long recognized the importance of modernizing the Commonwealth’s IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as improving the constituent digital experience,” said Technology & Security Secretary Curt Wood. “Now, more than ever, it is essential that municipalities are able to deliver the critical services that government provides through a secure digital environment.”

The application period for the new Municipal Fiber Grant program will run from March 15 to April 15, 2022. This competitive grant program through the Community Compact Cabinet is designed to support closing critical gaps that exist in municipal networks, which allows for the central management of IT infrastructure, improves cybersecurity, and can provide overall network cost savings.

About the Community Compact Cabinet

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.  

For a full list of awardees and projects, click here.

28號巴士免費期限展延至2022年2月28日

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES ROUTE 28 FREE BUS PROGRAM EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 28, 2022, IN ADVANCE OF TWO-YEAR FARE-FREE PILOT  As City works to finalize expansion of the fare-free bus pilot, residents can continue riding the MBTA Route 28 bus fare-free without disruption

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 21, 2021 - Building on her commitment to expand safe, reliable and accessible transportation for all, today Mayor Michelle Wu announced the City of Boston is extending the fare-free route 28 bus pilot program through February 28, 2022, ensuring no break in fare-free service for 28 riders in advance of the two-year fare-free pilot. The extension of the fare-free 28 bus pilot program had previously been set to expire on December 31, 2021.  As the 28 bus pilot continues through January and February, the City of Boston continues to work with the MBTA to launch the expanded fare-free bus pilot on the 23, 28 and 29 routes in early 2022.  The 28 bus line (Mattapan Square, up Blue Hill Ave, to Nubian Square & Ruggles) serves as a key route for many Boston residents, connecting the residents of Mattapan, Roxbury, and Dorchester to the broader MBTA network. While overall bus and subway ridership is at 53 percent of pre-pandemic weekday ridership, the free 28 bus saw ridership surge to 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels, making it the most popular in the system. This demonstrates that fare-free buses increase ridership, reducing congestion and spurring economic recovery.  "Fare-free transit connects our communities, drives ridership, and eases traffic for the entire region," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "I'm thrilled to partner with the MBTA to extend this successful ongoing pilot program and look forward to working with the MBTA to build the public transit system that truly serves Boston residents and our local economy.”  “We’re pleased to continue to partner with the City of Boston on this pilot,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Extending the pilot allows us to gather even more data so we can perform a thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation of the pilot’s effects on ridership and the transit network. We thank the City of Boston for providing funding that allows us to better understand the pilot’s impacts.” “As an avid advocate for public transit I am ecstatic to see Mayor Wu expand upon the fare free bus pilot that I initiated last summer. This expansion increases access and affordability in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan, communities disproportionately impacted by gaps in service, and it helps put us on a path toward an equitable economic recovery,” said former Mayor Kim Janey. The City of Boston and the MBTA are working closely to complete a comprehensive evaluation of the ongoing pilot. The evaluation includes analysis of ridership and service reliability data as well as interviews with bus riders to get their views on the benefits of the pilot. The results will be released in February. The Boston Transportation Department has been working with the MBTA to manage the pilot program that was first launched in August last year. The two-month extension for the fare-free 28 bus pilot program builds on Mayor Wu's work to expand fare-free public transit, starting with buses. This month, the Boston City Council voted in favor of Mayor Wu’s proposed appropriation order for $8 million in federal funds to eliminate fares on the 23, 28 and 29 MBTA bus routes for a two-year period. The City of Boston, in partnership with the MBTA, is extending the free Route 28 bus for additional two months using the funds from the $8 million allocation from ARPA.

波士頓市長吳弭為增加可負擔住宅將全面調查市有土地

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING  Mayor Wu announces studies to assess Linkage fee and inclusionary development levels, updated transfer fee legislation, audit of City-owned property, and plans for a rent stabilization advisory group, led by newly-renamed Mayor’s Office of Housing

 

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu BOSTON - Tuesday, December 21, 2021  - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a series of actions to increase affordable housing and stabilize communities, commissioning two feasibility studies to shape updates to Boston’s policies. First, a study of the existing Inclusionary Development Program requirements and market conditions will consider how Boston can achieve or exceed 20 percent affordability in new construction, up from the current level of 13 percent. The Mayor is also considering taking executive action alongside the study to reduce the number of units that trigger affordability rules and deepen affordability levels. Secondly, a study of Linkage fees will assess the feasibility of increasing funding for affordable housing and workforce training from new development, including from lab space.  Sheila Dillon新銜頭"房屋長"。 Mayor Wu also announced the start of an audit of all City-owned property to leverage the city’s significant real estate holdings to create more affordable and supportive housing. The Mayor confirmed that she will be submitting a revised home rule petition in January for a real estate transfer fee to generate new resources for affordable housing, while expanding property tax relief for senior homeowners who have been longtime owner-occupants of their homes.    波士頓市議員Kenzie Bok。 Finally, Mayor Wu announced that she will be forming a Rent Stabilization Advisory Group to consider the tools available and necessary to protect tenants and stem displacement, with a goal of drafting legislation for the next state legislative session.   “With these actions, we’re taking our first major steps towards addressing Boston’s housing crisis,” said Mayor Wu. “Our city must build more affordable housing, leverage our wealth and resources to fight displacement, and protect tenants. Housing must be the foundation for our recovery, and this work begins immediately.”   “The Office of Housing is ready to implement these new policies to create additional affordable housing and increase tenant protections, ensuring that all Bostonians have a safe, affordable home,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “The pandemic has shown everyone what we always knew – safe, affordable housing is critical to maintaining good health, economic stability, and is the cornerstone of stable neighborhoods.”  "This is the bold leadership that Boston needs. I am incredibly excited by these steps and am confident that they are only the beginning of Mayor Wu's push for housing equity,” said Councilor Lydia Edwards. Inclusionary Development Program The newly-named Mayor’s Office of Housing is commissioning a feasibility study, to be completed within 150 days, to evaluate how to meet or exceed a 20 percent affordability requirement, up from the current level of 13 percent.  The Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) was initiated in 2000 to require private residential developers to contribute affordable housing resources as part of their market rate development. Through November 2021, developers have created a total of 3,627 units of income-restricted housing through on-site or off-site units. Contributions by developers to the IDP Fund have led to the creation or preservation of 2,319 additional income-restricted units, for a total of 5,946 units created because of the IDP. The IDP was last revised in December 2015.  “I applaud Mayor Wu for putting our communities first with these steps to reform IDP and make housing more affordable in Boston,” said Noemi Ramos, Executive Director of New England United 4 Justice. “We are in a housing crisis with rising rents and soaring costs. We need leadership to move quickly and place housing at the top of the agenda, and that's exactly what the Wu administration is doing today. I support these measures as a first step toward delivering housing justice, and I look forward to partnering to make the urgent changes we need." Linkage Mayor Wu also announced today the commission of a new study required to make significant changes to Boston’s commercial Linkage policy. Through the Linkage policy, large commercial real estate developers building new commercial space are required to  make payments to the Neighborhood Housing Trust and the Neighborhood Jobs Trust to fund affordable housing and workforce training. This study is expected to be completed within 150 days.  As with the IDP feasibility study, recent legislation requires the completion of a new Linkage study in order for the City to make changes to the policy. Possible changes that will be considered include: increasing the per-square foot fee to invest in housing and job training, lowering the square footage threshold that triggers Linkage payments, applying the fee to each square foot of new developments that are subject to Linkage, speeding up the payment schedule by requiring full linkage payment for each building at the time that the building receives a building permit, and assuring that the City is maximizing  fees  received from all commercial uses, especially from Boston’s current lab space boom. These changes would generate more funds for affordable housing and workforce training. “We’re delighted that Mayor Wu is moving forward on linkage, and that she’s committing to a 150 day timeline,” said Symone Crawford, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance. “Linkage was designed to mitigate the increased housing pressure and displacement of low- and moderate-income residents caused by large scale commercial development. The current linkage fee doesn’t do that. We look forward to working with Mayor Wu to fix this.” “Linkage is the primary source for job training funding through the City, so we are thrilled that Mayor Wu is taking action on a nexus study,” says Amy Nishman, Senior VP of Strategy at JVS Boston and president of the Job Training Alliance.  “As Boston continues to recover, the development pipeline is strong, and the only way to ensure that Boston residents are eligible for the jobs being created is to fully fund effective job training programs.” Audit of City-Owned Property for Housing Meeting a goal that Mayor Wu established on the campaign trail, City agencies have begun an audit of City-owned property and parcels to identify opportunities to develop supportive housing and affordable housing. The audit will be completed within the first 100 days of the Wu Administration.  Transfer Fee Mayor Wu further announced that she will be pursuing a revised Home Rule Petition to establish a transfer fee to support the creation of affordable housing.  The petition would authorize the City of Boston to impose a fee on real estate sales above a certain threshold value.  The funding generated would be dedicated to the Neighborhood Housing Trust for affordable housing development and preservation.  The Home Rule Petition would also include property tax relief for senior homeowners who are longtime owner-occupants of their homes. A previous version, passed by the City Council in 2019, failed to pass the MA legislature. The Mayor will be submitting the new version of the transfer fee legislation to the Boston City Council in the new year.  Rent Stabilization Mayor Wu is also taking the first steps towards implementing rent stabilization in Boston by forming a Rent Stabilization Advisory Group. The members of this new advisory group will study local housing conditions, rent stabilization programs being administered in other cities and be tasked with making recommendations on the available and necessary means to protect tenants from displacement, with a goal to shape language for the next legislative session on Beacon Hill. Mayor’s Office of Housing Finally, Mayor Wu and Housing Chief Sheila Dillon announced that they are renaming the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) as the Mayor’s Office of Housing. This name change more accurately reflects the role that the former DND plays in the creation and preservation of affordable housing, and helping Bostonians obtain, maintain, and retain safe, affordable housing. The Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) will develop and implement the City of Boston’s housing creation and homelessness prevention plans and collaborate with local and national partners to find new solutions and build more housing affordable to all, particularly those with lower incomes. For more information, please visit the website.

波士頓華埠將有4塊中文路牌 訂22日揭幕

麻州州長查理貝克再勸州民戴口罩 將啟動國家衛隊支援醫院作業

              (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州政府今(21)日忠告州民，在公眾的室內場合戴口罩。州政府已啟動國家衛隊來協助醫院，在麻州持續因應具高度傳染力的新冠病毒變種奧米克戎 (Omicron)導致確診病例陡增後，醫院必須暫停具選擇性的手術。

             麻州州長查理貝克在州政府簡報會中表示，「我們今日更新了戴口罩的忠告，鼓勵所有州民在公眾室內場合戴口罩。州政府將持續公佈最好的公共衛生指導原則，以其民眾可據以做為保護自己的參考」。

             查理貝克也說，無論地方市鎮決定採取什麼因應做法，州政府都支持。在可預見的未來中，麻州和全美大多數地區都會看到大量的新確診個案，已接種疫苗者也可能檢測陽性，但死亡或病情嚴重的機率和未接種者相比非常小。如果打了加強劑，生病機會更低。

             麻州公共衛生廳也就戴口罩發出更新建議。

             麻州政府的聲明指稱，從12月27日起，將派多至300名的國家衛隊成員到55個急症醫院，以及12個急救服務供應商那兒，提供非門診支援。從27日凌晨零一分起，可能導致病人必須住院的非必要手術必須暫停。

             州政府人員表示，由於人手短缺，全州已有大約500個醫療，手術及重症病房無法使用。

             波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu)在20日宣佈了新的疫苗規定，要求從1月15日起，在室內的餐飲、健身，以及娛樂場所必須戴口罩，市府的18000名員工也將必須接種疫苗。

             根據新規定，所有市府員工都必須在1月15日前至少接種一劑新冠疫苗，除非有醫療或宗教豁免，2月15日以後，必須接種2劑。

             從3月1日開始，波士頓市5到11歲的兒童也必須展示至少已接種一劑疫苗的證明，才可以進入餐館及其他營業場所，從5月1日起則必須展示已完整接種疫苗的證明。

            吳弭辦公室表示，大波士頓社區打算採取同樣措施的市鎮包括布魯克蘭鎮(Brookline)，劍橋市 (Cambridge)，阿靈頓市(Arlington)，麥德福市( Medford)，以及美羅斯市(Melrose)。

Governor Charlie Baker joins Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders for a COVID-19 update to discuss measures to support the healthcare system

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈免費分發居家快速抗體檢測劑

 

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)和Somerville市府工作人員合影。(周菊子攝) (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今天(20號)宣佈，分發免費居家快速抗體檢測試劑盒給所市民的計畫。 分發行動已從上週末開始，在波士頓公共圖書館各分館，東波士頓巴黎街(Paris)，海德公園的河流街(River)，麥特潘地Mildred大道，Mission Hill的Tobin，洛士百利的Shelburne的青年及家庭社區中心(BCYF)，以及在布萊頓(Brighton)，柯普利廣場，Codman廣場，東波士頓，Grove Hall，麥特潘，羅森岱爾，洛士百利，南波士頓等地的公共圖書館開始發放。 波士頓市府計畫在所有的BCYF和公共圖書館分館分發。 如果數量夠的話，波士頓居民將也可為他們的直系親屬索取這免費居家檢測試劑。 波士頓市公共衛生局 (BPHC) 也在和緊急管理辦公室、波士頓公校，以及其他市府部門合作這分發計畫。 上星期，麻州州政府才宣佈了將分發210萬劑檢測。波士頓市在從州政府那兒拿到的試劑和波士頓市府本月早前的購買試劑計畫加起來，波士頓市府將可在波士頓各地分發26萬劑檢測給市民。 在實施做法上，波士頓公校的大約5萬5千名學生，將收到2劑居家檢測劑，以確保他們寒假過後安全返校。波士頓房屋局將為17,000以上居民提供檢測劑，波士頓耆英局 (Age Strong Boston)和殘障委員會將協助耆英居民獲取這資源。 波士頓市還將採用針對性方法來接觸特定的弱勢人口，包括和服務供應商，社區合作夥伴，疫苗平等夥伴等合作，來確保直接並及時的分發檢測劑。 吳弭表示，「在進入假期季節之際，我們必須依靠檢測，接種疫苗，以及其他安全措施來確保我們及我們所愛之人的安全」。Ojikutu 博士將在全市各機構的合作下，率領團隊協助社區一起安全「抗疫」。她感謝麻州州長查理貝克的迅速行動，以及所有市府員工在分發檢測劑上的辛勤工作。 和麻州及全國的趨勢一樣，波士頓的確診病例數和住院人數也激增，使得緩解和預防工作在這個假期中比以往任何時候都更重要。吳市長和 Bisola Ojikutu 博士敦促所有居民接種疫苗和加強劑。曾暴露在新冠病毒( COVID-19)之下 或上呼吸道出現症狀者，不論是否曾接種疫苗，請立即做檢測。查詢有關診所和疫苗的訊息，可上網 https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/covid-19-vaccine-boston。查詢哪裡可以就近找到免費快速檢測套件等資訊者，可上網 https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/free-covid-19-home-test-kits。 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CITY IS DEPLOYING FREE AT-HOME RAPID COVID-19 TEST KITS Tests now available at 14 Boston Public Library Branches and BCYF Community Centers  BOSTON – Monday, December 20, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the distribution plan for free, at-home rapid antigen test kits for all city residents. The initial distribution began this past weekend with delivery of test kits to many Boston Public Library branches and Boston Centers for Youth & Families community centers. The free test kits are currently available at BCYF community centers at Paris Street in East Boston, Hyde Park on River St., Mildred Ave. in Mattapan, and the Tobin in Mission Hill and Shelburne in Roxbury, as well as Boston Public Library Branches in Brighton, Copley Square, Codman Square, East Boston, Grove Hall, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, and South Boston with plans in place for additional distribution sites to follow, including all BPL and BCYF sites. Boston residents seeking a test kit will also be able to obtain kits for their immediate family, subject to availability. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is also coordinating with the Office of Emergency Management, Boston Public Schools, and other city departments on the distribution plan.   Last week, state officials announced that they would be providing 2.1 million kits statewide. With these state kits and the City’s initial purchase of test kits earlier in the month, the City of Boston will be providing more than 260,000 kits for distribution throughout Boston. Each kit contains two tests, meaning there are over half a million free rapid tests available to residents.   As part of the deployment strategy, the City is working with Boston Public Schools and the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) to reach the families they serve. Each one of the approximately 55,000 BPS students will receive an at home test kit with two tests to help ensure a safe return to school after winter break. BHA will make testing kits available for their over 17,000 residents and Age Strong Boston and the Disabilities Commission will help connect seniors and Bostonians with disabilities with this resource.       Additional test kit distribution will employ a targeted approach to reach specific vulnerable populations. The City will coordinate with service providers, community partners, and Vaccine Equity partners to ensure direct and timely distribution.    “As we enter the holiday season, we must rely on testing, vaccination and other safety practices to ensure the health of us and our loved ones. Led by Dr. Ojikutu with collaboration from agencies across the city, we will help our communities be together and celebrate safely. I am grateful to Governor Baker for swift action and all our city employees for their hard work to get these test kits into the hands of our residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.   “We’re distributing these kits with a focus on communities and populations experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 and barriers to testing, including people who cannot afford to purchase these kits from stores,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “Rapid antigen testing is an important mitigation strategy to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Access must be equitable.”  Consistent with state and national trends, Boston is experiencing a surge in case numbers and hospitalizations, making mitigation and prevention efforts more important than ever this holiday season. Mayor Wu and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu urge all residents to get vaccinated and boosted. If you are exposed to COVID-19 or presenting upper respiratory symptoms, please get tested immediately, regardless of vaccine status. For information about clinics and vaccine availability visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/covid-19-vaccine-boston. For more information on where to find a free rapid test kit near you, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/free-covid-19-home-test-kits.

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