波士頓市長吳弭祝您虎年快樂

 

吳弭和Daily Table 合作 SNAP/ EBT持有者現可網購

說明會進行時，有2位市民大聲嚷嚷的陳情，經吳弭和在場的波士頓市議員 Tania Fernandes Anderson  一起安撫了他們。(周菊子攝) 波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu, 右起) 「每日桌」營運長Michael  Malmberg，洛士百利店 經理Rose Marsan 一起說明SNAP Online的網購及運送服務。(周菊子攝)            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)今 (1)日親自到洛士百利 (Roxbury)的「每日桌（Daily Table）」採買，藉以宣傳波士頓市府斥資9萬3000元，支持該機構第一個在麻州推出的食物券網購及運送服務（SNAP Online），希望幫助更多人更容易的獲取食物。              吳弭指出，新冠病毒大流行加上大風雪，增加了許多居民，尤其是行動不便人士出門採買食物的困難，「每日桌」上星期開始辦理，讓使用「補充營養援助計畫（SNAP）」卡或 「電子福利轉帳卡（EBT）」的人，也可以向亞馬遜(Amazon)等大型超商的客戶一樣，享受到網購及送貨上門的便利。              持用SNAP或EBT卡者，還可經由波士頓市的「食物錢加倍（Double up Food Bucks）」計畫，以半價購買新鮮蔬菜及水果。              「每日桌」指出，  凡是住在店鋪２英里方圓之內的人，都可以在網購之外，同時享有免費運送服務，其他人士可以網購。波士頓華埠大同村，堡壘村及公路村就位於「每日桌」洛士百利店的2英里之內距離。 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)現在不論到哪兒，都有抗議人士跟著。(周菊子攝)              「每日桌」是北美留學生戲稱為「缺德舊（Trader Joe）」的創辦人Doug Rauch所辦的非牟利連鎖雜貨店，經營理念是為社區中有需要者提供新鮮，有營養食品。由於新冠病毒大流行以來，店鋪所在附近顧客大受打擊，失業率陡增，進店使用SNAP或EBT卡人數大幅度增加，因此推出這網購及運送服務，希望這些顧客也能更方便的以廉宜價格獲得所需要的有營養食物。 Daily Table  的營運主任Jon Huntley。(周菊子攝)                     「每日桌」從2015年在多徹斯特(Dorchester)的柯德門廣場（Codman Square）創辦第一家以來，2018年在洛士百利的Nubian廣場， 2021在劍橋市中央廣場，又陸續開了2家。該機構營運主任 Jon Huntley透露，他們正緊鑼密鼓，要在波士頓市麥特潘（Mattpan），麻州郊區塞冷鎮（Salem）再開２家新店。洛士百利分店內至少有600多種食品及雜貨，一個月約有7500人光顧。                                   「每日桌」食物券網購活動的經費，主要來自美國援救計畫行動(ARPA)經由「食物主權及社區補助計畫」撥給麻州34個地方非牟利組織的220萬元。                標榜以比其他超市價格廉宜30%的「每日桌」網址為https://dailytable.org/，可下載到手機上使用的應用程式網址https://apps.apple.com/us/app/daily-table/id1523959497。查詢詳情可洽波士頓市長的取得食物途徑辦公室（Office of Food Access），https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-access/boston-double-food-bucks。 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING ACCESS FOR SNAP PARTICIPANTS  Residents using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can order through Daily Table, a local grocery store chain

BOSTON - Tuesday, February 1, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced SNAP participants can now use their EBT cards to make online grocery orders and receive grocery delivery from the Daily Table, a nonprofit food store with locations in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Cambridge. The Mayor’s Office of Food Access (OFA) provided Daily Table with $93,000 using American Rescue Plan funds to support the SNAP online initiative. The Mayor made the announcement while visiting Daily Table’s Roxbury store, interacting with customers and helping to fill online orders. In a program that began last week, SNAP participants can now use their EBT cards to order groceries online for in-store pickup or delivery via Daily Table’s website or app. This service is ideal for those with mobility challenges, or families who prefer not to shop in-person during the ongoing pandemic. The delivery program is aligned with Mayor Wu's Food Justice Agenda to increase Boston residents' access to fresh, nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant food. “Expanding food access requires meeting residents where they are and making it easier for busy families to get nutritious, affordable meals,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and winter storms, not everyone has the ability to go into a store. I’m grateful to Daily Table for their partnership in ensuring that Boston’s residents, especially our seniors and those with health concerns, can use their SNAP benefits from the comfort of their own homes to access culturally appropriate food.” “Our mission is to provide fresh, tasty, and nutritious food to communities most in need,” said Doug Rauch, Daily Table Founder and President. “Over the last two years, the communities we serve have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID pandemic with higher rates of unemployment and skyrocketing food insecurity. SNAP redemption levels in our stores have nearly doubled since the pandemic started. Enabling our customers using SNAP benefits to order free grocery delivery at the same low prices as in our stores democratizes access and empowers customers to get the healthy, affordable food they need and deserve.”   Daily Table is one of the first grocery stores in Massachusetts to offer online SNAP benefits, and the only locally-owned, non-profit grocer in the program. All Daily Table customers, including those purchasing groceries with SNAP benefits, who live within a two-mile radius of any Daily Table location are eligible for free delivery. Anyone can shop at Daily Table, but the small business’ focus is on helping end food insecurity. SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Massachusetts first launched the SNAP online purchasing program in 2020. A full list of businesses in Massachusetts affiliated with the SNAP Online Purchasing Program can be found on the Commonwealth’s website.  “The Office of Food Access is thrilled to work with Daily Table on ensuring all Boston's residents have access to healthy, nutritious foods,” said Hae-In Kim, Deputy Director of the Mayor's Office of Food Access. “This initiative as a whole will further the goals of the Community Grants Program - making healthy food more affordable and accessible to communities most impacted by food insecurity.” Daily Table is 1 of 34 organizations that received American Rescue Plan funding through OFA as part of the Community Grants Program. The nonprofit grocery chain was awarded $93,000 for this online SNAP delivery program. The funding covers the following: A portion of staff time to implement and manage SNAP online Underwriting the costs of providing free ordering and delivery services to SNAP online customers  Supporting creation and translation of SNAP online marketing materials, advertising, as well as photography/video costs Connecting with community organizations who work with SNAP recipients This program builds on the City’s efforts to expand food options for families using SNAP benefits. Boston’s Double Up Food Bucks program provides SNAP recipients with 50 percent off all fresh fruits and vegetables with their EBT card. Double Up Food Bucks incentivizes SNAP customers to purchase nutritious, locally-sourced items while supporting Boston’s small businesses. A list of participating grocery stores and other food justice initiatives can be found on OFA’s website. SNAP online does not pair with the Double Up Food Bucks program.

麻州州長候選人 Danielle Allen 已募得近50萬元

Danielle Allen Reports Highest Fundraising Haul Yet, Nearly Double Best Raise Of 2021

Boston, MA — Gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen issued the following statement announcing her January fundraising totals:

“I’m excited to announce that as we close the books on January, our campaign is reporting our highest monthly fundraising numbers yet. Team Allen contributed more than $200,000 this month — nearly double our highest monthly record from 2021, and a clear sign that our momentum is growing fast. This brings our total cash on hand to $493,000. We’ve been a scrappy, insurgent, people-powered campaign from the start, and over the last year, we’ve built the resources to stay the course. Now, with election year officially underway, we’re hitting the ground running — and we’re ready to invest in ramping up our grassroots operation and sharing our message with voters all across the Commonwealth. I’m so grateful to everyone who powered our campaign to this strong start to election year. Massachusetts is ready for a fresh perspective to meet the moment and help us find the path forward together, and I’m more ready than ever to deliver that as we head into caucus season.”

AG HEALEY: GUN MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS

AG HEALEY: GUN MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS  

Leads Multistate Brief in Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Brands Arguing that Federal Law Does not Shield Gun Manufacturers and Dealers from Consumer Laws Governing the Marketing and Sale of Firearms 

 

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing a brief with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts arguing that a federal law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), does not shield gun manufacturers and dealers from consumer laws governing the marketing and sale of firearms. 

 

“It is unacceptable for gun manufacturers and distributors to knowingly market their products in in a way that facilitates the illegal trafficking of weapons into the hands of dangerous individuals,” AG Healey said. “We urge the Court to recognize that gun dealers, manufacturers, and distributors may be held accountable under state laws for how they market and sell their products.” 

 

The brief, filed Monday in Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. et al., supports the government of Mexico in a lawsuit brought against seven U.S.-based gun manufacturers, Smith & Wesson, Barrett Firearms, Beretta, Century Arms, Colt, Glock, and Ruger, as well as a Massachusetts-based gun distributor, Interstate Arms. Mexico’s complaint alleges the defendants design, market, distribute, and sell guns in a way they know appeals to drug cartels and violent gangs in Mexico. The coalition’s brief argues against the defendants’ contentions that, through PLCAA, Congress “erected an insurmountable barrier to traditional state law forms of accountability.”  

 

The brief argues that PLCAA should be narrowly interpreted and that federal statutes may not be read to displace traditional areas of state authority, including state consumer protection laws.  

 

“While Congress intended PLCAA to bar lawsuits seeking to hold gun manufacturers and sellers liable for harms committed by third parties, it also preserved remedies for harms committed by manufacturers and sellers themselves, as when they violate consumer protection laws applicable to the sale and marketing of guns,” the coalition wrote in the brief. “Mexico’s lawsuit alleges the defendants themselves knowingly violated common law duties and statutes applicable to the sale or marketing of firearms. PLCAA is not, accordingly, a valid defense to Mexico’s lawsuit.”  

 

Mexico’s complaint alleges a number of claims against the gun manufacturers and distributor, including claims under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, the state’s Chapter 93A, and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA). According to the brief, PLCAA preserves the right of the plaintiffs to bring actions against gun manufacturers and dealers for knowingly violating these laws. The brief points out that both Connecticut and Massachusetts courts have affirmed that, as a matter of state law, both CUTPA and Chapter 93A apply to the sale or marketing of firearms. 

 

The brief was led by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and joined by the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon, as well as the District of Columbia. 

昆士市慶祝農曆新年 市長柯奇親掛虎年布旗

(圖片來自昆士市政府臉書)

 

波士頓市長吳弭上推特鼓勵打新冠疫苗

 

波士頓風雪停車禁令 31日凌晨6點解除

MAYOR WU TO LIFT SNOW EMERGENCY AND PARKING BAN MONDAY, JANUARY 31 AT 6:00 A.M. Residents urged to abide by snow regulations, offer help with shoveling sidewalks, fire hydrants and pedestrian ramps to older adults and neighbors with disabilities

BOSTON - Sunday, January 31, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the snow emergency and parking ban currently in effect will be lifted Monday, January 31 at 6:00 a.m. Residents parked in participating discounted lots and garages must remove their cars by 8:00 a.m. to avoid being charged regular rates. The use of space savers is permitted for 48 hours after the end of the emergency. Space savers are prohibited at all times in the South End. Space savers that violate these rules may be collected and discarded by the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department had over 920 pieces of snow and ice control equipment treating and clearing Boston's streets throughout the storm. Public Works crews will begin targeted snow removal operations on Sunday, January 30. Property owners are reminded that sidewalks were required to have been shoveled by 10:00 a.m. this morning, and must be kept clear of snow and ice after the storm. A 42” wide path of travel is required to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.   “This was a historic storm and we truly saw so much collaboration from our city workers and the community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m so grateful for the incredible teamwork to have the roads mostly cleared already. I’m so thankful to everyone who took the time to check on their neighbors and stayed off the streets.”   Boston City Hall, 1010 Massachusetts Ave., BCYF community centers and Boston Public Library branches will be open tomorrow. Boston Public Schools will be open on Monday, January 31.   As a reminder, trash and recycling pick-up will continue on a regular schedule. Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App. Street sweeping is cancelled until further notice.    Residents are able to look up towed cars and find information on which company towed their car on the City of Boston's online database or by calling Boston Police Department at (617) 343-4629. The City of Boston tow lot is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 10.30 p.m. Residents can use the kiosk at the City’s tow lot 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. For more information, visit here or call BTD at (617) 635-3939.   Snowfall began around 10:00 p.m. on Friday night and continued until around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday night. At times, snow was coming down at more than three inches per hour. The storm was officially designated a blizzard by the National Weather Service. By their measurements, the City of Boston received a total of 23.8 inches. Temperatures will remain cold throughout Sunday and into Monday morning, with wind chills in the single digits and below zero overnight.    Residents are reminded to call 911 to assist individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather. For non-emergencies, residents can call 311. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston. Please follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.   Rules on clearing snow: Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property.  Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.  Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.   Safety tips: Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency. Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders, and be mindful of slippery surfaces.  Dress for the weather: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face coverings in indoor public places. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well. Always wear a hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.   Dress children warmly, and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for signs of frostbite: Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911. Heating safety: Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, and it is poisonous and potentially deadly. Don't place electric space heaters near curtains or other flammable materials. Turn them off before you go to bed. For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow

Baker Polito Administration Continues to Urge All Residents to Limit Travel Throughout Winter Storm

 Baker Polito Administration Continues to Urge All Residents to Limit Travel Throughout Winter Storm 

 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined public safety and transportation officials to update Massachusetts residents on the ongoing winter storm. With heavy snowfall rates and wind gusts causing whiteout conditions, residents are urged to limit non-essential travel as the storm continues and clean up proceeds. Drivers should avoid travel tonight through tomorrow morning as crews continue clean up efforts.

 

Forecasts continue to predict maximum snow totals of near 30 inches in parts of the South Shore and eastern Massachusetts, with 18 to 24 inches in central parts of the state and up to 12 inches in parts of Western Massachusetts.

 

Light to moderate snow will continue into Saturday evening, with snow expected to end in the eastern part of the state by 11:00 PM.

  

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)’s ban on travel for tractor trailer trucks, tandems and special permit haulers is in effect until midnight. Drivers of large trucks must continue to use caution after midnight and are encouraged to travel at or below the speed limit after the ban is lifted as drifting snow may cover road surfaces and storm crews will continue to be on highways involved in operations. 

 

The Massachusetts National Guard has equipment and personnel standing by to assist the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and local authorities with twelve teams positioned in the eastern part of the state.

 

Over 100,000 customers are without power at this time, mostly in southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. The Administration remains in close contact with the electric distribution companies (EDCs), who are working to restore service quickly and safely to their customers; however, winds must subside to 35mph or less in order for utility crews to be able to enter bucket trucks and address powerline issues.

 

MBTA and Commuter Rail:

The MBTA continues its suspension of Green Line D train service and the running of replacement bus service between Reservoir and Kenmore Stations. The Mattapan Line remains suspended with replacement buses. Ferry service between Charlestown and Long Wharf continues to be suspended. Decisions to suspend bus service will be made on a route-by-route basis.

 

The Commuter Rail continues to operate on a regular weekend schedule for all lines, with the exception of the Fitchburg Line running a storm schedule with trains operating between Littleton and Wachusett. On the Fitchburg Line, the planned bus diversion is canceled for Saturday and trains will operate between Littleton and Wachusett.

 

For the protection of workers and riders, the previously planned weekend work on the Silver Line between South Station and Silver Line Way as well as on the Green Line D Branch from Newton Highlands to Riverside has been cancelled.

 

MBTA emergency crews continue to be prepared throughout the storm to respond to instances of broken rail, issues affecting the power systems, potential switch problems and any water-related issues that may occur.

 

The MBTA’s Emergency Operations Center will closely monitor rail and bus service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at www.mbta.com/winter. Service alerts will be posted on Twitter at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR. 

 

Highway Safety:

MassDOT deployed approximately 3,000 pieces of state and vendor equipment for snow and ice operations. MassDOT urges members of the public to stay updated on reduced speed limits, tractor trailer bans and roadway conditions.

 

Public Safety:

The Commonwealth’s Emergency Operations Center in Framingham and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Regional Emergency Operations Centers in Tewksbury and Agawam remain activated and staffed.

 

Nearly 30 communities have stood up local Emergency Operation Centers to coordinate with MEMA. Ten local and regional shelters and five warming centers have opened in eastern and southeastern areas of the state.

 

DCR Closures:

Parking bans along Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) managed parkways remain in effect. The parking bans are consistent with local municipal bans where the parkways are located, and will be lifted shortly after the completion of snow and ice clearing operations. The agency asks all drivers on coastal parkways to use extreme caution and to watch for lane closures due to potential flooding and storm debris in the roadways. Furthermore, all coastal DCR-operated parking lots, as well as some agency-managed recreational facilities, are closed due to the storm, but are expected to reopen at varying times on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Please visit DCR’s website and Twitter @MassDCR account for updates.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with MEMA, National Weather Service, MassDOT and MSP to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. Please visit mass.gov/snow to learn what you should do during and after a winter storm.