Baker-Polito Administration Outlines Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Plans for Massachusetts

  Baker-Polito Administration Outlines Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Plans for Massachusetts

Massachusetts anticipated to receive over $9.5 billion over 5 years, including an increase in the re-authorization of federal transportation dollars

 

LOWELL – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration outlined initial plans to make significant and additional investments into roads, bridges, public transportation and environmental infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth with funding from the recently passed federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). 

 

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler and Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides made the announcement today near the Rourke Bridge in Lowell, which the Administration committed to advancing and funding the replacement of with the additional resources made available within the BIL. With an anticipated cost of approximately $170 million, the Rourke Bridge will be funded as part of an anticipated $3 billion bridge program to be implemented over the next five years using a combination of BIL funding and the Commonwealth’s Next Generation Bridge Program. As part of today’s announcement, the Administration released a list of 146 bridge projects, representing 181 individual structures, to be funded as part of that program.

 

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver billions in funding to the Commonwealth, helping to build on the investments our Administration has made over the past 7 years to improve our roads and bridges, and make our public transportation system more reliable and resilient,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are grateful for the efforts of the congressional delegation to secure this funding for Massachusetts and look forward to working with them and our local partners to deliver critical projects across the Commonwealth.”

 

“Thank you to the members of the delegation for advocating for this important funding,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The funding from the BIL will fund hundreds of bridge and road projects across the Commonwealth, delivering important upgrades to our communities.”

“Significant investments are going to be made in transportation infrastructure thanks to both reauthorized and increased federal funding within the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and these investments will be transformational,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler.  “I want to thank members of the Congressional delegation for delivering this new funding and express appreciation to state legislators, municipal leaders, planning organizations, and stakeholders who will partner with us to advance the Baker-Polito Administration’s FY 2023 budget, advance the Transportation Bond Bill to be filed soon, and support MassDOT as we identify and scope projects which can be accelerated.”

“Since coming into office in 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has taken significant steps in addressing the Commonwealth’s aging infrastructure, including enhancing its transportation network and modernizing municipal water and sewer systems,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Massachusetts’ portion of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will further our own efforts, and we thank our federal partners for working to deliver these significant funds that will have an immediate impact in every region of the state.”

 

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes key funding and policies that will transform our physical infrastructure for the 21st century in Lowell, throughout the Commonwealth, and across our country,” said Senator Ed Markey. “I am proud to have helped secure more than $9 billion in direct federal funding for Massachusetts, along with the opportunity to compete for billions more under the law’s numerous grant programs. This important legislation also includes many of my bills to promote safer and more equitable transportation throughout the country and the Commonwealth. Now is the moment to make significant and critical investments in Massachusetts roadways, bridges, public transportation, and environmental infrastructure. I am honored to partner with MassDOT, Secretary Tesler, Administrator Gulliver, and the members of our federal and state delegation to make these investments possible.”

 

"Fixing our bridges in Lowell and across the Commonwealth will increase safety and improve transportation options for families, students, and businesses,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “The record $1.1 billion that’s coming to Massachusetts through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for bridge replacement and repairs translates to thousands of good paying jobs that will revitalize our crumbling infrastructure and boost local economies.”

 

“Casting my vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a no-brainer. Whether it’s driving on safer bridges and roads, drinking cleaner water, or riding more efficient public transit, this historic legislation will benefit everyone who calls Massachusetts home,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I applaud the Baker administration and leaders at MassDOT for moving with urgency to put these federal funds to work in communities across the Commonwealth as soon as possible. Together, we’ll ensure that long overdue projects like the Rourke Bridge and so many others finally get done.”

 

“I’m proud of President Biden and my colleagues in the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation for securing this historic investment to fix our Commonwealth’s crumbling and outdated infrastructure,” said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we passed makes the largest investment in bridge repair since the creation of the interstate highway system, the largest investment in public transit and passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak and supports millions of new good-paying union jobs. Thanks to President Biden’s vision for a stronger and more sustainable America, we are building back better. I’m excited to see the transformative impact this federal funding is going to have on communities throughout Massachusetts.”

 

“The new infrastructure law is a historic opportunity for Massachusetts,” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “It is a leap toward making our state’s most urgently needed infrastructure investments a reality and creating a transportation system that is more efficient, balanced, and resilient. Residents of our state know better than anyone just how overdue these improvements are. We need to move from outdated and inefficient to sustainable and future-oriented. I look forward to working with Secretary Tesler and Governor Baker to make that happen.”

 

"We have just made long overdue investments in this country’s infrastructure and our economic competitiveness,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. “We are upgrading our roads and our bridges and our public transportation system; we are ensuring that every family has access to clean water; and we are providing high-speed internet to rural, suburban, and urban cities and counties throughout the country – the 21st Century version of electricity. And, by the way, we’re also upgrading the electoral grid as well. This is about core, physical infrastructure. This is about allowing the United States to compete on the world stage against China, and it’s also about boosting the earning potential of working and middle class families. It’s a big deal."  

 

Over 5 years, the BIL will deliver approximately $9.5 billion in total funding to the Commonwealth including $5.4 billion in highway formula funds, $2.2 billion in MBTA formula funds and $591 million in Regional Transit Authority (RTA) formula funds, as well as $1.4 billion in both formula and discretionary funds for environmental work.

 

The new law will also allow all 50 states to compete for a portion of an additional $110 billion through various discretionary transportation funding, creating multi-pronged opportunities to help finance and advance both locally-significant and major projects like the federally owned Cape Cod Bridges and the Allston I-90 Multimodal Project. MassDOT has begun preparations to work with its local partners and compete for every dollar possible as federal guidance for these programs becomes available.

 

Funding from the BIL will build on the over $18 billion in investments the Baker-Polito Administration has made in the Commonwealth’s roads, bridges and public transportation systems to reduce congestion, modernize existing assets and expand and improve service for the entire Commonwealth.

 

Since 2015, the Administration has invested $9.3 billion in roads and bridges - including $3.8 billion for bridge repairs, $4.6 billion for roadway improvements, $204 million for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and $152 million for grants to municipalities (exclusive of Chapter 90 funding); $7.9 billion in the MBTA system - including $6.1 billion for reliability and modernization of the existing system, $1.6 billion for the Green Line Extension and $301 million for South Coast Rail; and $791 million for MassDOT Rail and Transit projects. Notable investments include $211 million in matching funds for Regional Transit Authority capital projects; $359 million for freight rail improvements; $44 million for Knowledge Corridor improvements; and $39 million to acquire rail lines and maintenance equipment.

 

Roads and Bridges

 

MassDOT expects to receive about $5.4 billion in total highway formula funds from the BIL, of which approximately $3.5 billion is the reauthorization of already existing formula programs and $1.8 billion is increased formula funding.

 

Of the $1.8 billion increase, approximately $449 million is an increase in funding for existing programs, and $1.4 billion is for new formula programs.

 

With the reauthorized funds, new formula funds, and the required state matching funds, MassDOT will be making $6.7 billion in new investments in roadways and bridges over the next five years with BIL funds.

 

This $449 million increase in reauthorized formula funding will support the continued advancement and implementation of more than 375 highway projects in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) over the next 5 years, which includes over $1 billion in Fiscal Year 2022 investments to advance 71 highway projects, including:

 

• the extension of the Ashuwillticook Trail in Adams and North Adams;
• the reconstruction of East Street (Route 9) in Pittsfield;
• the rehabilitation of Route 5 in Holyoke and West Springfield;
• the installation of protective screening on the Route 2 Bridge in Erving and Gill;
• the reconstruction of Route 20 in Charlton and Oxford;
• the reconstruction of the I-90/I-495 Interchange in Hopkinton and Westborough;
• the replacement of the Basiliere Bridge in Haverhill;
• the construction of the Lawrence Manchester Rail Trail in Lawrence;
• the relocation of Route79/Davol Street in Fall River;
• the replacement of the I-95 Bridge in New Bedford;
• the reconstruction of Rutherford Avenue in Boston; and

• the reconstruction of Broadway (Route 107) in Chelsea.

 

In addition to these projects, MassDOT will work over the coming months with regional partners to develop a prioritized list of roadway, bicycle and pedestrian, and safety projects to be supported with this funding.

 

The $1.4 billion in funding for new formula programs includes:

 

• $1.125 billion for a new bridge formula program;
• $106.5 million for a resiliency program;
• $93.7 million for a carbon reduction program;
• $63.5 million for electric vehicle infrastructure; and
• $9.1 million for ferry boats and terminals.

 

This $1.1 billion new formula bridge funding, coupled with the state’s $1.25 billion Next Generation Bridge program and other funding from the BIL, will allow MassDOT to invest over $3 billion in repairing the Commonwealth’s bridges, addressing more than one-third of the structurally deficient bridge backlog. MassDOT has already begun this process by initiating over 146 bridge repair or replacement projects on 181 bridge structures across the Commonwealth. In addition, the new bridge formula program, as well as some of the new discretionary programs, will provide support for major projects across the Commonwealth like the Rourke Bridge. Additional bridges anticipated to be replaced or rehabilitated with BIL funding include:

 

• Andover: Tewksbury Street Bridge over railroad corridor
• Bernardston: Route 10 Bridge over Fall River
• Beverly: Bridge Street Bridge over Bass River
• Boston: Maffa Way/Mystic Avenue Bridges over the railroad corridor
• Braintree: Washington Street Bridge over the railroad corridor
• Dennis/Yarmouth: Route 28 Bridge over Bass River
• Great Barrington: State Road Bridge (Routes 7/23) over the Housatonic River
• Holden: Salisbury Street Bridge over railroad corridor
• Lanesborough: Williamstown Road Bridge over Water Bodie Mountain Brook
• Marion/Wareham: Wareham Street Bridge over the Weweantic River
• Oxford: Leicester Road Bridge over the French River
• Springfield: St. James Avenue Bridge over the railroad corridor
• Worcester: the I-290 Bridge over East Central Street

 

While the process to identify, scope and program additional bridges will be ongoing, the initial list of 146 bridge projects is available here.

 

USDOT will need to issue guidance for the other new programs; however, working with EEA, MassDOT has begun the process of planning for the use of resiliency, carbon reduction, and electric vehicle infrastructure funding.

 

Regional Transit Authorities

 

The Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) are expected to receive $591 million over the next five years in formula funding.

 

The estimated formula federal aid will be used to fund operating and capital needs for the RTAs. The most recent capital planning scenarios include the following capital investments funded by federal formula funds in the 2022-2027 period:

 

• $41.7 million for facility and system modernization
• $80.9 million for facility and vehicle maintenance
• $50.5 million for fleet upgrades
• $10.4 million for replacement facilities
• $96.3 million for vehicle replacement

 

Additionally, MassDOT expects RTAs to apply for $103.7 million in discretionary federal assistance.  Through the annual 5-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development process, MassDOT Transit and the RTAs will evaluate and prioritize investments to be made with the additional BIL funding and available state matching resources.

 

MBTA

 

The MBTA expects to receive $2.2 billion over the next five years that will fund $1.6 billion in spending already programmed and $580 million for new projects.

 

As programmed in the current STIP, the MBTA plans to invest $2 billion, including state and MBTA matching funds, over the next five years in a variety of projects including vehicles, signal upgrades and station and facility improvements. These projects include:

 

·       $852 million for vehicles

§  Green Line 10 Rail Fleet Replacement

§  80 Battery Electric Buses

·       $412 million for stations and facilities

§  Quincy Bus Facility

§  Codman Yard Expansion

·       $295 million for bridges and tunnels

§  Dorchester Avenue Bridge

§  Norfolk and East Cottage Street Bridges

·       $428 million for signal and system upgrades

§  Red and Orange Line Signals

§  Green Line Train Protection

 

Through the annual 5-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development process, the MBTA is currently reviewing options for investing the $580 million in the BIL’s additional formula funding. The MBTA expects that most of these funds will go to State of Good Repair projects including funding for projects that are currently only partially paid for in the existing STIP. For information on the CIP please visit here. For information on the STIP please visit here.

 

The MBTA is also developing a strategy for reviewing and competing for discretionary funding opportunities. This strategy will continue to be refined as further details are provided by the federal government. Projects for which such funding might be sought could include, but are not limited to: bus electrification, dedicated bus lanes, Core Capacity-eligible investments, the Arborway Bus Facility, station accessibility improvements, reconstruction of the Southwest Corridor portion of the Orange Line, double tracking commuter rail lines, commuter rail electrification early action investments, commuter rail additional vehicle replacements to reduce the MBTA’s carbon footprint and drawbridge replacements.

 

Rail

 

The BIL includes $66 billion to address the Amtrak maintenance backlog, modernize the Northeast Corridor, expand intercity rail service, and make improvements to the nation’s freight rail system. This funding will be allocated as follows: $22 billion directly to Amtrak and through multiple competitive grant programs: $24 billion as federal-state partnership grants for Northeast Corridor modernization; $12 billion for partnership grants for intercity rail service; $5 billion for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program; and $3 billion for a new Railroad Crossing Elimination Program. Given productive negotiations with CSX to enable increased passenger service, the Commonwealth intends to work with Amtrak to compete for funds to invest in service improvements between Springfield and Worcester as an initial step to expand service between Boston and Albany.

 

Energy and Environmental Affairs

 

Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has invested $1.2 billion in climate mitigation and adaptation to help cities and towns increase resiliency and combat the impacts of climate change, including $120 million in land conservation, $113 million in Green Communities, $51 million in dams and seawalls, and $65 million in our Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant Program. This funding is in addition to the more than $1.4 billion in sewer projects, which includes $255 million in combined sewer overflow (CSO) abatement projects that have been financed by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. 

 

The BIL will provide approximately $1.4 billion in formula and discretionary funds to build on these investments and improve environmental infrastructure in Massachusetts.

 

The formula funding for energy and environmental projects includes:

 

• Water and Sewer Infrastructure Funding: $1.01 billion over five years. This year $189 million will be received.
• Energy Programs

• $11 million for grid reliability, security and future planning studies
• $2.5 million for energy efficiency conservation block grants

• Environmental remediation: $367.6 million

 

Many of the energy and environmental infrastructure programs included in the BIL are new programs, and EEA awaits further guidelines from the federal government before finalizing a list of qualifying projects.

 

State Matching Funds, Process Improvements and Hiring Resources

 

Federal funding, both formula and discretionary, requires state matching funds and the increased amounts provided by the BIL will require additional state resources, which the Administration has committed to begin seeking with the filing of a new Transportation Bond Bill in the coming weeks.

 

Additionally in preparation of the BIL, and the $1.25 billion Next Gen program included in the 2021 Transportation Bond Bill, MassDOT has implemented process improvements to streamline and accelerate the project delivery pipeline, reducing the average length between a project’s bid advertisement and the first phase of construction by 150 days (5 months) or 63%.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal also includes $3.4 million dollars to further bolster MassDOT’s internal resources and efforts to implement and ramp up both new and existing programs authorized within BIL and to accommodate execution of projects.

波士頓市新設黑人男性前進委員會 首任主管Frank Farrow

MAYOR WU APPOINTS FRANK FARROW AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR BLACK MALE ADVANCEMENT; ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR BLACK MEN AND BOYS COMMISSION

BOSTON - Thursday, February 3, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu announced today that Frank Farrow will serve as the Executive Director of the newly formed Mayor’s Office for Black Male Advancement. In this role, Farrow will lead the Office for Black Male Advancement that seeks to ensure Black men and boys have support to thrive and share in our City’s prosperity. The office will reside in the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. Mayor Wu also announced that the Black Men and Boys Commission will be accepting new member applications through the end of February. “I’m excited for Frank’s leadership in ensuring that our City’s policies and programs are truly connected with and supporting Black men and boys across each of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful to Councilor Mejia, former Councilor Tito Jackson, and so many community advocates for their work to establish the Black Men & Boys commission. As we work to make Boston a city for everyone, I encourage passionate, dedicated individuals to apply to serve on this critical commission.” The Mayor’s Office for Black Male Advancement will work to improve outcomes and reduce systemic barriers to advancement for Black men and boys living in the City of Boston. The office will empower Black men and boys and ensure they have equitable access to opportunities through the concentration of policy, programs, resources, and local and national partnerships. The Office for Black Male Advancement will also direct and support the efforts of the newly-formed Black Men and Boys Commission. Born and raised in Roxbury, Frank Farrow brings years of community engagement and management experience to the Mayor’s Office for Black Male Advancement. Recently, Farrow served on Mayor Wu’s campaign as the Roxbury Organizing Director, where he built a grassroots field operation that engaged and mobilized Boston’s diverse communities. Previously, Farrow was the Family Organizing Director at School Facts Boston, collaboratively engaging with over 1,600 families to foster dialogue and advocate on important issues to improve education for all in Boston. “I am honored and excited to lead the Office for Black Male Advancement, and to continue to uplift Black men and boys under Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office for Black Male Advancement. “As a Boston native, I understand the persistent social and economic inequities facing Black people. I look forward to the opportunity of working with the Black Men and Boys Commission to ensure that the City’s policies, programs and resources align with the Mayor’s bold vision for a more equitable Boston.” In 2012, Farrow founded Elevate Boston Foundation, which focuses on improving economic, education, criminal justice and health outcomes of youth and families living in communities of color throughout Boston. In response to COVID-19, Farrow spearheaded the Foodcare Boston initiative in partnership with community based organizations, distributing food, toiletries, PPE and other necessities to 1,000 predominantly Black families in need weekly throughout the pandemic. Farrow also advocated for racial justice reform and proposed legislation establishing a permanent commission on the social status of Black men and boys in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Frank Farrow enjoys spending time with his wife, Christelle, and their sons, Christian and Kingston.  “For years, our communities have worked very hard to be recognized and prioritized in policies and services,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity & Inclusion. “This is our opportunity to amplify the work that so many have championed. I am excited to see how Frank, along with the Commission on Black Men and Boys, will build thoughtful policy and coalitions that positively impact the diverse community of Black men and boys.” The Black Men and Boys Commission was recently established through a 2021 ordinance sponsored by City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia and signed by former Mayor Kim Janey. A similar commission was first proposed in 2014 by former District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson, which received support from the City Council.   The Commission will be housed within the Mayor’s Office For Black Male Advancement and consist of 21 members. The Mayor will appoint seven members who are experts on issues facing Black men and boys in Boston, seven members from fourteen nominees with experience or knowledge on issues facing Black men and boys in Boston submitted by the City Council, and seven members from a pool of applicants with experience or knowledge on issues facing Black men and boys in Boston. The members of this Commission will include seven members who will serve two-year terms, seven members who will serve three-year terms, and seven members who will serve four-year terms. One two-year term member and one three-year member shall be youth members. The Duties of the Commission shall include but are not limited to: Advising the Mayor on issues pertaining to Black men and boys Assisting the Office of the Mayor in determining budget and policy priorities Monitoring and advising City agencies and departments on issues pertaining to Black men and boys Designing projects and programs that promote equity for Black men and boys which are not currently being implemented by existing City agencies Performing outreach, communication, and liaison to Black men and boys related to community groups and organizations Working with the Department of Intergovernmental Relations concerning state and federal legislation and programs that are of concern to Black men and boys Working with the Office of Civil Rights to assure that Black men and boys are represented at all levels of City government Coordinating dialogues and action on behalf of City government to issues of concern to Black men and boys and related organizations, including but not limited to: concerns related to national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity, mental, physical, and sexual health, violence prevention, employment, and more During the first year of its existence, the Commission shall hold monthly meetings, give updates to the City Council on a quarterly basis, and produce an annual report After the first year of its existence, the Commission shall produce an annual report   "It's time for us as a city to think intentionally about the policies and programs that impact Black men and boys on a daily basis," said Councilor Julia Mejia, who sponsored the ordinance to establish a Commission on Black Men and Boys in the Council. "We are hopeful that the application process for Commissioners will bring in a number of applicants with a variety of world views and lived experiences, united by an urgency to uplift the voices of Black men and boys." "From economic inequality, healthcare disparities, graduation rates and life expectancy, it is clear that Black men and boys in our city have not been fully included in Boston's prosperity,” said Tito Jackson, CEO of Verdant Medical and former District 7 City Councilor. “8 Years ago, proposed legislation creating a Commission on Black Men and Boys and today it is a reality. I am grateful to Mayor Wu for making history by creating the Office of Black Male Advancement, Councilor Mejia for passing the legislation to create a Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys and so many community advocates who have led the charge over the years for the Commission to be established. Together, the Office of Black Male Advancement and the Black Men & Boys Commission will boldly take on the vast challenges facing our community and truly make Boston a city for us all."

Governor Baker Nominates Stephen H. Murray and Jamie Spiller Kaplan as Administrative Judges of the Industrial Accident Board

  Governor Baker Nominates Stephen H. Murray and Jamie Spiller Kaplan as Administrative Judges of the Industrial Accident Board

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Stephen H. Murray and Jamie Spiller Kaplan as Administrative Judges of the Industrial Accident Board at the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). 

 

“Throughout their careers, Attorneys Murray and Spiller Kaplan have demonstrated a deep knowledge and familiarity with the issues the Industrial Accident Board is tasked with reviewing,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am confident that if confirmed, these two nominees will serve the Commonwealth well.”  

 

“Attorneys Murray and Spiller Kaplan are both experienced, capable attorneys,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Their knowledge and expertise make them suitable candidates for the Industrial Accident Board, and I am pleased to submit their nominations to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

 

The DIA oversees the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system, serving injured workers, employers, attorneys, and insurers. The Industrial Accident Board consists of twenty-one administrative judges who preside over disputed workers’ compensation cases. For more information about the Department of Industrial Accidents, please visit their homepage. 

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for administrative judgeships are reviewed by the Industrial Accident Board Nominating Panel and recommended to the governor. Governor Mitt Romney established the Industrial Accident Board Nominating Panel in December 2003 pursuant to Executive Order 456 to screen administrative judicial applications. The Panel is composed of thirteen members, including the governor’s Chief Legal Counsel, the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, the Commissioner of the DIA, the Senior Judge of the DIA and eight appointees of the governor representing labor, business and health care providers.

 

About Stephen H. Murray

Stephen H. Murray began his legal career in 1996 as a law clerk for Murray & Murray, where he assisted lawyers at the firm with litigation strategy and legal theory development. After receiving his law degree, Attorney Murray became an associate attorney at Murray & Murray in 2000, a position he still holds today. Focused primarily on labor and work-related issues, and he has argued numerous times before the Industrial Accidents Board. A resident of Hingham, Attorney Murray also coaches both youth hockey and youth baseball. He received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1996 and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 2000.

 

About Jamie Spiller Kaplan

Jamie Spiller Kaplan began her legal career in 2013 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Office of the Plymouth County District Attorney before joining Keches Law Group in 2015 as an Associate Attorney. While there, Attorney Spiller Kaplan focused on workers compensation cases and routinely argued cases in front of administrative law judges. Since 2016, Attorney Spiller Kaplan has served as a partner at Chartwell Law, where she manages the New England Workers Compensation practice group. A Charlestown resident, she volunteers with her local Boys and Girls Club of Boston and is an Alumnae Fundraising Committee member with Camp Pembroke. Attorney Spiller Kaplan received her bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College in 2008, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami Law School in 2011.

MAYOR WU, SENATOR MARKEY ANNOUNCE INVESTMENT OF OVER $12 MILLION IN DIGITAL EQUITY AND INCLUSION

MAYOR WU, SENATOR MARKEY ANNOUNCE INVESTMENT OF OVER $12 MILLION IN DIGITAL EQUITY AND INCLUSION

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 2, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu and Senator Ed Markey today announced an investment of over $12 million to bring digital equity and inclusion to nearly 23,000 Boston public housing residents, library users, and school-age families. This new funding provides free access to wireless broadband service and devices to help public housing seniors and residents get online, and will also provide Chromebooks to BPS students. “All Boston residents should have high-speed internet to help access school, work, and stay connected with loved ones,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am incredibly grateful to Senator Ed Markey and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for funding the Emergency Connectivity Fund to address digital connectivity needs in Boston.”   As part of this investment, the Boston Public Library (BPL) will receive $2.2 million in Emergency Connectivity Funding (ECF) to acquire and distribute Chromebooks and home router Wi-Fi access for 3,000 BPL patrons in public housing.  In addition, the Boston Public Schools will receive nearly $10 million for Chromebooks and to support connectivity for 20,000 Boston Public Schools’ families. This deployment will address additional needs following BPS’ initial distribution of 55,000 chromebooks and 8,000 hotspots/home routers. Senator Markey advocated for the inclusion of the ECF within the American Rescue Plan to enable schools and libraries to distribute Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and internet-enabled devices, together with providing internet service, to students, staff, and patrons. Boston is an active participant in the Schools and Libraries E-rate Program, which provides subsidies and discounts to assist eligible schools and libraries in obtaining affordable internet access and services. “I fought to create the Emergency Connectivity Fund for K-12 distance learning in the American Rescue Plan so that we could finally provide all children in Boston and across the Commonwealth with the technology and tools to set them up for success,” said Senator Ed Markey. “I’m incredibly proud that Massachusetts has now received $62.5 million from this program to date. We will ensure that every student can continue their studies during the pandemic and beyond by providing laptops and Wifi modems, and make sure the ‘homework gap’ does not grow into a damaging learning and opportunity gap for our children, particularly those who live in communities of color, low-income households, and rural areas.” “Increasing equity and accessibility to essential educational resources remains a top priority for BPS,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius. “I am grateful to Mayor Wu for her continued commitment to our BPS students and educators, and for delivering on this $12 million investment to provide $400 per teacher and student. This funding will be used to integrate technology into the classroom and extend learning at home, moving us one step closer to closing the digital divide and providing greater opportunity and access to all of our students."  The BPL’s Long Term Device Lending Program will distribute Chromebooks and WiFi devices through the Boston Housing Authority’s communities. In order to target the unmet digital needs of vulnerable and eligible library patrons in public housing, these devices will be sent directly to eligible patrons under long-term loan agreements. The BPL and BHA are currently reaching out to key vulnerable constituencies, including seniors, disabled citizens, new immigrants, and veterans. “Digital devices, connectivity and skills are essential to participating in civic life today,” said BPL President David Leonard. “Working with city colleagues, we at the library are thrilled to leverage this funding to reach our patrons in the BHA communities.” This funding will build on existing efforts to support digital equity, funded with $2 million in Local Coronavirus Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and allocated by Mayor Wu and the Boston City Council. With a $1 million grant, the Boston Housing Authority is expanding free public wifi in public housing and supporting digital literacy, internet connectivity and access to modern technology. In addition, the Department of Innovation and Technology received $1 million to increase digital access to City services by investing both in networking infrastructure and internet access in City-owned buildings. “The internet is vital infrastructure that every resident needs to be able to access, especially now. We use it to pay bills. We use it to work. We increasingly use it to buy groceries and meet essential needs at home,” said BHA Administrator Kate Bennett. “I want to thank Mayor Wu for taking a bold step to achieve true digital equity in Boston, removing the remaining barriers between Boston’s most vulnerable residents and a service that is essential to life in the 21st century.” “This new round of funding will connect even more students and library patrons with new tools for online learning and communicating,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We are providing resources for schools and libraries across the country, from tiny communities … to large school districts. Together with the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, (Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)), the Commission is investing more than $10 billion to support America’s critical broadband needs.” Funding for the programs is provided through the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), which was signed into law by President Biden March 11, 2021 as part of the larger American Rescue Plan Act. The ECF is managed by the FCC’s Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) which administers the E-Rate program for libraries and schools and is designed to make sure students and library users have access to both broadband and devices to get online and to close the digital divide. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a unique, needs-based federal program funded by the  Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 providing $14.2 billion to modify and extend the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) as a longer-term broadband affordability program.  Currently, over 17,000 Boston residents have signed up for broadband service and devices and more than 9 million, nationally.  ACP now provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service ($30/month) and connected devices $100/device) as the successor to EBB and began accepting enrollments on December 31, 2021. Boston residents can access the guide and application form here:  www.boston.gov/news/affordable-connectivity-program-how-access-federal-funds-digital-needs.

Andrea Campbell 參選麻州總檢察長

 Andrea Campbell Launches Campaign for Attorney General of Massachusetts

 

File photo by Chutze Chou

Former Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell kicked off her campaign in Dorchester, followed by trips to Worcester and Springfield.

 Learn More at AndreaCampbell.org

 BOSTON — Today, Andrea Joy Campbell announced her candidacy for Attorney General of Massachusetts. Campbell is running for Attorney General to be an advocate for fundamental change and progress, because there has never been an office or state with so much potential and promise to solve the pressing issues of today.

 “I’ve dedicated my life to fighting for greater equity and opportunity, and that’s what I’ll do as Attorney General because the Attorney General is not just the top law enforcement official of the commonwealth, she must be an advocate for fundamental change and progress,” Campbell said. “From Boston to Springfield, and Lawrence to the Cape & Islands, I will be an Attorney General for justice and opportunity for all -- no matter who you are, where you come from, or where you live.”

 Campbell will run a campaign that highlights the power of the Attorney General’s Office to make progress on the issues of education, economic development, climate change, affordable housing, public health, public safety, and equity. 

 “I’m living proof that a girl who grew up in public housing in Roxbury, with a family torn apart by incarceration and poverty, with support from a community that believed in me, could turn pain into purpose, and become Legal Counsel for the Governor of Massachusetts, be elected the first Black woman President of the Boston City Council, and today announce my candidacy for Attorney General of Massachusetts,” Campbell said.

 Campbell will build a grassroots campaign in every zip code across the commonwealth. Her first campaign stop will be today in Worcester to visit the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance and the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester. She will then travel to Springfield for an event with Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle and supporters.