紐英崙客家鄉親會新任正副會長出爐 謝如鍵、畢儒宗、劉秀春將攜手服務

宋玉琴卸任紐英崙客家鄉親會會長，將專心擔任美洲台灣客家聯合總會總會長。

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英倫客家鄉親會5月21日晚在網上宣佈，選出新一屆會長謝如鍵，副會長畢儒宗、劉秀春。現任會長宋玉琴服務四年後，將於6月1日卸任。

謝如鍵當選下屆紐英崙客家鄉親會會長。

             宋玉琴在卸任致詞中，感謝紐英倫客家鄉親會全體理事會成員四年來的全力支持，綜述任期間與鄉親們協力完成的幾項重大任務，包括邀王本仁設計，有了會徽；製作了會服；由許淑芬協助，出版了十週年紀念特刊；成立了客家話會話班，客家園藝社，還在網上舉辦了十周年慶祝會，影片欣賞，多場演講。

             宋玉琴強調，過去這兩年，受新冠病毒疫情影響，辦事不易，該會所有理事的無私互助，相處融洽是該會仍能活躍非常，有諸多成果的最大功臣。所有鄉親的熱情參與，支持，當然更是該會活力充沛的泉源。

畢儒宗續任紐英崙客家鄉親會副會長。

             卸任後，宋玉琴將專心擔任美洲台灣客家聯合總會總會長職務，繼續與鄉親們互動。她還鼓勵客家鄉親們敦促自己或親友的子女，參加以英語為交流語言的美洲客家青年會 (HPYAA) ，傳承客家文化。

             紐英倫客家鄉親會的新任會長謝如鍵是馬來西亞華僑，護理專業出身，在波士頓華人社區熱心服務，曾經擔任波士頓華埠獅子會會長，現任昭倫公所主席，參加紐英倫客家鄉親會十餘年來，一直默默服務。

             謝如鍵透露，以前他從來不知道客家人有天穿日這習俗，而且上了客家話會話班之後，他也發現許多客家話是他以前完全沒聽過的。加入紐英倫客家鄉親會，讓他學到了很多東西，但最大收穫是得到許多友善、熱心的好朋友。

劉秀春當選下屆紐英崙客家鄉親會副會長。

             紐英倫客家鄉親會今年的改選，由陳裕逢、黃淑英統籌，以電子郵件投票進行。 (更新版)

麻州州長查理貝克等4人獲選為「傑出波士頓人」

大波士頓商會的2022年｢傑出波士頓人」。

               (Boston Orange) 大波士頓商會 5月17日在波士頓會議展覽中心以「基本的企業領導力，現在 (Essential Business Leadership, Now)」為主題，舉行2022年會，宣佈新獲選的4名「傑出波士頓人」，其中包括麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 。

              大波士頓商會認為，大波士頓及麻州的未來蓬勃發展，繫於企業界的領導力及大膽行動。大波士頓商會會長暨執行長James E. Rooney表示，儘管近年來，社會上不斷出現挑戰，企業領袖及工作人員仍持續推動創新，成功的經營企業。每一家企業，無論大小，都持續的帶領著，並保持著麻州的競爭力。

麻州州長查理貝克因身體微恙，當晚不克出席，大波士頓商會特地為他製作了一段視頻。

              James E. Rooney說，該會今年表揚的傑出波士頓人，反映並擁抱這樣的基本企業領袖力，他們對整體企業公平未來的遠見與及承諾，讓人難以置信。

              2022年獲選加入「傑出波士頓人」行列者包括麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) ，衛斯理 (Wellesley) 學院校長Paula A. Johnson博士，麻州港務局前執行長暨哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院兼職講師Thomas P. Glynn博士，以及波多黎各租戶在行動 (Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción，簡稱IBA) 執行長 Vanessa Calderón-Rosado博士。

              大波士頓商會在年會中還表揚並感謝該會董事會主席Micho F. Spring，以及2020年起擔任名譽長，將於2022年7月1日卸任的Weber Shandwick。

              道富集團董事會主席暨執行長Ronald O’Hanley將從7月1日起接任大波士頓商會董事會主席一職。該會副主包括Rapid 7 的董事會主席暨執行長Corey Thomas，麻州總布里根 (Mass General Brigham) 董事長暨執行長 Anne Klibanski 博士，東北PwC執行合夥人David Foss，公民銀行 (Citizens)董事長Jerry Sargent，以及 Accenture資深執行總經理Pallavi Verma。

              大波士頓商會2022年會的主委會由道富集團主席的幕僚長Yvonne Garcia，以及P&G Gillette的Grooming執行長Gary Coombe擔任共同主席。

CAPAC Members Commemorate Anniversary of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Being Signed into Law

 CAPAC Members Commemorate Anniversary of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Being Signed into Law

Washington, D.C. —  Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) commemorate the first anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act being signed into law by President Biden. CAPAC Members released the following statements:

 

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

 

“Today marks one year since the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was signed into law by President Biden. We have seen over 11,000 anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents reported since March 2020, making the passage and signing of this bill into law all the more critical. The bill also included the text of my bipartisan bill, the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, which strengthens hate crimes reporting by state and local law enforcement through the implementation of the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and, crucially, provides resources to support victims of hate crimes. I was proud to lead this bill with Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) and it serves as a stark reminder of the lives lost and destroyed by hatred and bigotry. I thank CAPAC First Vice-Chair Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), for their leadership on this bill and President Biden for making sure this important step towards combating anti-Asian hate is now the law of the land. As we move forward, along with my fellow CAPAC Members, I will continue working with our partners at the Department of Justice to ensure this law is implemented and upheld to its fullest extent.”

 

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice-Chair:

 

“One year ago, President Biden stood with the Asian American community against bigotry and discrimination by signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law, the bill I introduced with Senator Hirono. The law was a first step toward addressing the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes that resulted from our community being scapegoated for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. These accusations led to Asian Americans being violently attacked – and tragically even killed. Everybody in our country deserves to feel safe. As our community processes and recovers from the trauma of these attacks, we must continue to provide every possible resource to community-based organizations on the ground. That is why I fought to create a new $5 million grant program in a federal government spending bill within the Justice Department that would go directly toward community-based organizations and civil rights groups providing services to hate crimes victims and their families. We must continue to combat hatred and racism whenever and wherever we see it.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice-Chair:

“According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, anti-Asian hate crimes rose by 339-percent last year. There have been 10,905 hate incidents against AAPIs from March 2020 through December 2021 – that we know of – according to Stop AAPI Hate. These statistics are heartbreaking and infuriating all at once. One year ago today, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was signed into law to put an end to these hate crimes against AAPIs. I’m proud of the work of my Democratic colleagues and thankful to President Biden for his commitment to addressing this issue and supporting our community through these tumultuous times. May the progress continue.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“Asian Americans faced a shocking spike in hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic as racist rhetoric and prejudice surged. The passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act marked an important step toward protecting the AAPI community and has helped provide victims with support. As we mark one year since the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, I continue to stand with Asian Americans who are victims of hate crimes and harassment. We remain strongly committed to eradicating Asian hate in all its forms.”

Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):

“One year ago today, we stood beside President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my colleagues, as the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was signed into law. Amid a disturbing rise in anti-APIA hate crimes, this bill has provided the federal government and our communities with important tools and support to combat hate crimes. Since passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, we have continued working to eradicate anti-Asian hate and the senseless acts of violence committed against members of our communities and every marginalized group. But we know that a lot of work remains. Anti-Asian hate is still on the rise, and we just witnessed a horrific domestic terrorist attack against the Black community in Buffalo last week. We must reaffirm our commitment to combatting the discrimination, prejudice, and racism that communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, women and more, continue to face. Our work is not finished until everyone in this country is safe, welcomed, and respected.”

Congressman Al Green (TX-09):

“A year ago today, the House, Senate, and Biden Administration made it perspicuously clear through passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act that hate and invidious discrimination have no place in the United States. To this day, we proudly stand for and with Asian Americans to denounce intolerance against them and other marginalized communities. I applaud CAPAC for taking a laudable public stance against hate and showing that we reject the poisonous epidemic of hate crimes in our nation, for it is those who tolerate hate that perpetuate hate.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“As we mark the one-year anniversary since we passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, we remember the lives of our fellow Asian American and Pacific Islander siblings who were taken by hate, leaving our communities reeling. This legislation made it clear that there is no room for racism, discrimination, hate, or violence in this country, and that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are just as valid in their American identity as anybody else. We must continue to build on this work in Congress and put an end to this hate once and for all.”

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“When I met with the families and friends of the shooting victims in Atlanta and when I speak with AAPI communities in New Jersey, I continue to be asked what I can do – what Congress can do to help keep AAPIs safe? By passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act last year, we took concrete steps that show that our country is serious about addressing AAPI hate. the law is a good first step, but it must be fully implemented and funded so that our communities and police are better equipped to recognize and report hate crimes. I hope that as we go forward, we can begin to move beyond the politics of "otherism" and hate to instead focus on the shared values that can bring us together."

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

 

“One year ago, Congress passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to tackle hate crimes against the AAPI community that spiked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with my CAPAC colleagues, I was honored to play a pivotal role in guiding this important legislation through Congress. While we still have more work to do to prevent anti-AAPI hate crimes, we come together to celebrate this important anniversary and recommit ourselves to always standing up for the AAPI community.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07):

“The racist Atlanta Spa Shootings left families in my district and across our country in fear of an unprecedented rise in hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans. I was proud to stand with my AAPI neighbors and pass this civil rights legislation to make clear that hate against anyone is an attack on us all. One year later, acts of white supremacy are still damaging our nation. While we recognize this legislation’s impact, we must look at what can be done next. To overcome hate, we must and will stand together.”

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a deadly public health emergency, an economic crisis, and a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate in the United States. A year ago today, this Congress took action, passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to ensure that hate crimes against the AAPI community are punished to the full extent of the law. Over the last two years, I have seen our Asian communities come together to help their neighbors, donating masks and food, and joining marches and protests to demand justice for all. Our communities are enriched with this diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and deserve to live free of fear from violence and discrimination based on their heritage and race.”

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (CA-38):

 

“Every American deserves to feel safe and protected in their communities. Unfortunately, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress made historic progress one year ago today when we passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. This legislation was an important step toward preventing racially motivated violence in America. However, there is more work to be done. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to combat anti-Asian hate wherever it is found.”

 

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

 

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a tremendous milestone in our fight to tackle hate crimes in the United States. This bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, provided resources to improve hate crime tracking and reporting, conduct prevention and response programs, and provide support to the victims of hate crimes – with specific emphasis on the increase in violence against Asian Americans. Tragically, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a rise in xenophobia and racism, which fueled a steady increase of anti-Asian hate crimes. This crisis has been deeply felt in communities across the country, including in the Ninth District of Washington State. I am proud of the swift action taken by Congress to address this crisis. Today, as we reflect on this anniversary, we are also reminded of the work that remains to help reduce hate crimes and ensure that all members of our communities are able to lead safe and prosperous lives.”

 

Congressman David Trone (MD-06):

 

“Injustice and prejudice toward the Asian community is nothing new, but it’s important we continue to take action together against this hate,” said Representative David Trone. “That’s exactly why I voted to support the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. Immigrants make America stronger. We are so fortunate that folks want to come to this country, and we need to help drive that. And we should celebrate those diverse perspectives and cultures because they are the fabric of our nation.” 

熱浪來襲，波士頓市週末開放15個中心供市民降溫

MAYOR WU DECLARES HEAT EMERGENCY, OPENS 15 BCYF COOLING CENTERS TO ALL RESIDENTS

BOSTON - Friday, May 20, 2022 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency in the City of Boston beginning Saturday, May 21 through Sunday, May 22 due to the hot and humid weather that is forecasted for this time period. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 90s.  “We’re working quickly to make sure all of our Boston residents and families are protected during this weekend’s extremely hot weather,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we head into summer, it is clear that earlier, more frequent extreme heat days from a changing climate are a risk to our health and communities. I’m grateful to the many city workers who have started preparations and will be responding to this heat emergency and urge everyone to stay cool and safe, and check on your neighbors over the weekend.” To help residents stay cool, cooling centers will be open at 15 Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A full list of centers can be found at boston.gov/heat. Due to the rising COVID-19 case count, the use of masks in cooling centers is strongly recommended. Additionally, more than 50 splash pads will be open at parks and playgrounds throughout the City.  Select indoor BCYF pools will be open Saturday. Registration for a time to swim can be found at this link. Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Residents can sign up for AlertBoston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available City services. The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public: Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans.  Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is strongest. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US and can exacerbate underlying illnesses. Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats. If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.  Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications. If you are heading to a beach, lake or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults, and people with disabilities. Please keep pets indoors, hydrated and cool, as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat. Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: If you see individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please ask them if they need assistance and call 911 immediately. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Amnesty has been called because of extremely high temperatures so those with non-violent restrictions can access shelter out of the heat.  The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat. Street outreach teams providing recovery services remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Outreach teams are providing sunscreen and water on outreach routes.  The Engagement Center will not be open for cooling or related resources. Playground Safety:   Shoes should be worn outdoors, including playgrounds and turf athletic fields, as  surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even on splash pads and spray decks. Outdoor Fires and Grilling: No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires. Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave grills unattended. Dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out. Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home. Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area. Mayor Wu recently announced Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston, a citywide framework to prepare Boston for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston. To support the implementation of the Heat Plan, the City will launch the Boston Extreme Temperatures Response Task Force, which will help deliver a unified, all-of-government response to address chronic high temperature conditions and prepare the city in advance of extreme heat events. The Task Force’s work will be supported by the Environment Department, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Boston Public Health Commission’s Office of Public Health Preparedness with the goal of collaboratively protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of Boston residents facing increasing temperatures and other climate risks

33萬餘麻州人6月將收到500元州政府補助

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州政府5月19日宣佈第二輪低收入工作者每人發500元補助款計畫。估計將於6月發放總共1億6500萬元給33萬符合資格者。

             麻州議會去年12月通過，麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 簽署的法案，要動用美國援救計劃法 (ARPA) 4億元經費中的一部分，發放加給款給低收入的基礎必要工作人員。

             第一輪在今年3月發放，共發給48萬人每人一張500元的支票。在發放第二輪後，這法案編列的4億600萬元，將共已支出4億元。

             第二輪的領取資格參數和第一輪差不多，並將以各人申報的2021年麻州稅作為是否符合資格依據。若2021年就業收入至少13,500元，總收入額低於聯邦貧窮線的300%，也就是38,640元以下，就符合資格。

             已婚並聯合報稅者也可申請，只要已婚兩人的個別情況都符合條件規定，就有資格領取。查詢是否符合資格，可在週一至周五的早上9點至下午4點間，致電洽詢 (866) 750-9803。

Massachusetts Announces Second Round of Premium Payments to Low-Income Workers

$500 payments will be delivered to approximately 330,000 individuals in Round 2

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced its plan for a second round of $500 payments to low-income workers under the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay program, which was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by Governor Baker in December 2021 as part of a $4 billion spending plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. These payments will deliver approximately $165 million to an estimated 330,000 eligible individuals in June.

 

The first round of payments, distributed in March 2022, provided $500 checks to approximately 480,000 people. Individuals in the second round of payments did not receive payments in the first round. With this second round of payments, over $400 million of the $460 million program will have been distributed to eligible individuals.

 

Click here to learn more about the program and see if you are eligible.

 

The eligibility parameters for the second round of payments largely mirror those of the first round, but criteria have been updated for annual changes in minimum wage and federal poverty level calculations. Eligibility will be based on filed 2021 Massachusetts tax returns. Individuals will be eligible for payments if their 2021 income from employment was at least $13,500 and their total income put them at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.

 

The lower bound of this range equates to working 20 hours a week for 50 weeks at minimum wage as of 2021 ($13.50). The federal poverty level is set by the federal government and increases with household or family size. For example, the maximum total income for a single filer with no dependents will be $38,640; a resident who files with a spouse and two dependents, or with no spouse and three dependents, could be eligible with a household income up to $79,500. Married filers can each be eligible, provided each independently qualifies. Based on these parameters, the below chart indicates eligibility for these payments by household size:

 

Household / Family Size	2021 Total Income @ 300% of FPL
1	$38,640
2	$52,260
3	$65,880
4	$79,500
5	$93,120
6	$106,740
7	$120,360
8	$133,980

 

Individuals who received a Round 1 payment through this program or received unemployment compensation in 2021 will not be eligible for the second round of payments, nor will Commonwealth executive branch employees who received or will receive a one-time COVID-related payment from the state as their employer.

 

For questions about eligibility, a dedicated call center is available at (866) 750-9803 and is open Monday through Friday, 9am - 4pm.

 

Click here to view answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

 

The legislation creating the Premium Pay program included $500 million for low-income essential workers; this $460 million program comprises the majority of those funds, and $40 million was allocated to fund previous agreements with state employee unions. Additional information on plans to disburse funds remaining after June will be released in the future. 

租金控制再成話題 麻州長候選人Maura Healey支持由地方市鎮自行決定

               (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 控制租金 (Rent Control) 在去年的波士頓市長選舉和今年的麻州州長選舉，都是一大熱門話題。麻州總檢察長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (20) 日在電台訪問中公開表示不支持” 控制租金” ，並隨即補充說明不支持地毯式全州性方案，傾向允許地方市鎮自訂政策。

               GBH波士頓公共電台今早在節目中問奚莉，如果她當選州長，會不會簽署” 控制租金法案 (rent control bill)” 。奚莉回應道，她不支持以控制租金，做為控制麻州房價高漲的解決方案，稍後再重新修辭表示，她不支持地毯式規定全州控制租金，但對於准許個別市鎮自訂政策，持開放態度。

                  奚莉說她相信要確保需要租金援助的人得到支持，但那不是經由穩定租金來達到，而是要蓋更多房屋。奚莉表示她支持放鬆某些區域規劃法 (zoning laws)，好讓蓋房子更容易些，同時建造以交通為導向的住宅，例如在MBTA車站附近蓋房子。

             麻州議會去年已通過，在MBTA所服務的175個市鎮實施的多家庭區域法新規定，但有十多個市鎮反對這麼做。

             1994年時，麻州選民經由選票問題，禁止麻州實施租金控制，意味著任何地方政府要實施新辦法，必須得到議會和州長的批准。

控制租金這議題，近年來在州政府及市政府中不斷浮現。波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 在競選時已公開表態，要「穩定租金」。

麻州參議員，刻正參選麻州州長，和奚莉是競爭對手的陳翟蘇妮 (Sonia Chang Diaz) 已公開支持容許地方政府選擇是否控制租金。今年一月她在做證支持由地方政府決定是否控制租金的法案時也表示，她支持取消禁止控制租金。

陳翟蘇妮在奚莉的電台訪問播出後表示，如果她當選州長，她會簽署支持控制租金的法案。

奚莉的競選陣營發言人Karissa Hand表示，奚莉支持社區有全實施他們自己的穩定租金政策。

目前這法案擱在麻州議會的委員會之中，並無進展。

波士頓市長吳弭在今年3月成立有23名委員的「租金穩定顧問委員會」，將研議地方住宅情況，以及其他城市的租金控制辦法，預定明年1月再在麻州議會的下一個會期，提交建議。

麻州議會的本屆會期，將於7月31日結束。

MGCC扶助小企業項目之一 輔導辦眾籌 (圖片)