CAPAC Members Observe AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

CAPAC Members Observe AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate

Washington, D.C. —  Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) observed the fourth annual National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying and Hate. This date falls on the birthday of Vincent Chin, who was brutally murdered in 1982 in a hate crime. CAPAC Members released the following statements:

 

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

 

“Four decades ago, Vincent Chin was brutally murdered by two out-of-work auto workers who mistakenly believed he was Japanese and blamed him for the loss of American jobs. Today, the same hate that killed Vincent continues to cost AAPIs their lives. There have been over 11,000 anti-Asian hate incidents reported just since March 2020. AAPI children, parents, and elders should not have to worry about being the victims of bullying or hate crimes simply because of the way they look or who they are. Xenophobia and hate have no place in our country. It’s incumbent on all of us to speak out against bigotry and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and understanding society. So, as we commemorate the fourth annual AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, let us recommit ourselves to denouncing hate in all its forms.”

 

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

 

“On National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we acknowledge the work that remains in order to stop the disturbing and troubling trend of hate and bullying toward the AAPI community. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community has been facing unspeakable acts of hate and violence. These incidents must end. Education is an important first step in helping disarm the uninformed of the vitriol and violence they hurl at our communities. I am encouraged that last month, my bill to establish a study commission to investigate the feasibility of creating a national AAPI museum passed the House of Representatives unanimously. A national museum would help combat the myth that AAPIs are forever foreigners by preserving and displaying the history, culture, and accomplishments of our community. Let us continue to work within our community and with other communities today and every day to fight injustice, hatred, and violence whenever and wherever we encounter it.”

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

“For the past two years, the AAPI community has been targeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the harmful rhetoric that ensued as a result. National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate is our chance to call attention to the pain experienced by AAPIs across the country, especially over the past two years, and to commit to speaking out against violence and discrimination when we see it. No one – no one – should ever fall victim to any kind of racism or xenophobia.”

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

“Today is National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, a time to reflect on the resilience of the AAPI community in Southern California and throughout the country. COVID-19 has been used as a tool to spread bigotry and hatred. In the past two years, we’ve seen many instances of discrimination and harassment toward Asian Americans in our schools, shopping centers, places of work, and even within our own government. It’s highly important that today – and every day – we work against forces of hate and racist discourse and support our AAPI communities.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“Vincent Chin would have turned 67 today. But his life—and too many others—were tragically cut short by anti-Asian hate and senseless violence simply because they are members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. On this fourth annual AANHPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we must build on our COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and do more to end this vicious cycle of violence that has plagued our fellow Americans for far too long. We are not the ‘other.’”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):

“On National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, we recommit to combatting the disturbing rise in violence and hate that has been directed towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. We must stand together, not just in words but also action, to reduce and eliminate acts of xenophobic, religious, and racial hatred and violence. That’s why I was proud to join colleagues in passing the COVID–19 Hate Crimes Act to bring our nation one step closer to achieving justice and equality for the AAPI community. As our country continues to face the threat of harmful conspiracy theories and disinformation, it is important to remember that our words and actions matter. Hate has no home in America as we continue the fight to create a more kind, accepting, and loving world for every generation that follows.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“As we observe National Asian American and Pacific Islander Day Against Bullying and Hate, we remember and honor the life of Vincent Chin who was tragically killed in a hate crime four decades ago. Vincent Chin’s murder led to a national reckoning over xenophobia and violence against the AAPI community. Unfortunately we are still working to combat the racism and hate that led to his death today. I stand with my CAPAC colleagues against violence, discrimination, and bullying in all forms.”

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“This year’s AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate comes in the wake of yet another violent hate crime in America. We must not grow numb to these tragedies.  We cannot normalize bullying, hate and violent extremism.  From Charleston to Orlando and Atlanta to Buffalo, our country mourns for those lives lost.  We must confront, call out, and eliminate the sickness of bitterness and hate that infects our country.  We must reject “otherizing” any person or community because of their faith, ethnicity or color of skin.  As an Asian American, I am proud to stand side-by-side with leaders of all different faiths, ethnicities, races and beliefs to unequivocally reject hate and commit ourselves to building a community of support through healing, empathy, tolerance and understanding.”

 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

 

“Today, I stand with the AANHPI community in the East Bay and across the globe to commemorate the National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate. This day marks the birthday of Vincent Chin, who in 1982 was the tragic victim of a hate crime that highlighted our country’s pervasive history of anti-AANHPI racism and violence. In the decades since, countless others have faced the consequences of bigoted anti-AANHPI rhetoric, whether a passing remark in school or a horrific attack brought on by COVID misinformation. Congress and the American people must strongly condemn bullying and hate against the AANHPI community in all its forms. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):

“Our Asian American and Pacific Islander neighbors should be able to feel safe and be safe in their own communities. Yet almost half of the Asian Oregonians responding to a recent survey reported that they had a racial slur used against them or a family member. And just this month, three Korean women were shot in Dallas at the Koreatown hair salon where they worked. This violence and vitriol have no place in our country, and I firmly stand with my fellow CAPAC members against these horrible acts of hate. Last year I supported the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, but it is clear that more needs to be done to address the spike in anti-AAPI racism. We must work together to support our AAPI community and move toward a more equitable and inclusive future.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07):

“On National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate I recommit to ensuring all our AAPI neighbors feel safe and respected. Recently our local Atlanta community has not only faced increased anti-Asian discrimination during the pandemic but also grieved the lives stolen from us in the racially motivated Atlanta Spa Shootings. It is our duty to build off of our COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and combat anti-Asian hate in all forms and in all corners of our community. I am proud to stand with the AAPI community to move forward together against racism and hate violence.”

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we must also acknowledge the heightened discrimination facing the AAPI community since the beginning of the pandemic, including as recently as last weekend, when three Asian-run businesses in Dallas experienced targeted gun violence. On National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate, it is imperative to continue uplifting the AAPI community, calling out hate in all its forms, and recognizing the resiliency and strength of AAPIs.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

 

“Today marks the fourth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) National Day Against Bullying and Hate. Members of the AAPI community have long faced bullying, hatred, and violence, and tragically, this has worsened over the past two years as the COVID-19 pandemic triggered rising numbers of Anti-Asian hate crimes. I’m proud to represent a large AAPI community, and I am committed to fighting against the xenophobic and racist hatred that prevents my constituents from feeling safe in their own schools, places of work, and neighborhoods. Today we must come together to denounce bullying, hated, and violence in all forms and recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive society.”

波士頓華埠社區中心 2022 燈籠嘉年華籌款50萬元

波士頓華埠社區中心執行長 Ben Hire。 (周菊子攝)

                           (Boston Orange) 波士頓華埠社區中心 (BCNC) 5月17日的「燈籠嘉年華」年度活動，以紅、黃燈籠引領約350名嘉賓到華埠不同餐館享用10道佳餚大餐，節目設計別開生面，活動共籌得50萬元。

波士頓華埠社區中心是個以恢復並賦能亞裔及新移民家庭的非牟利組織，今年的「燈籠嘉年華」活動，邀得350名嘉賓共襄盛舉，讓該中心以這每年一度的最大籌款活動，募得共50萬元。

麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)。 (周菊子攝)

                        在新冠病毒疫情阻隔人們的正常社交活動2年餘後，波士頓華埠社區中心今年為「燈籠嘉年華」設計了很特別的節目流程，先邀請贊助者與特別嘉賓在包氏文藝中心參加接待會，一邊暢敘，一邊享用來自華埠本地餐廳，以及波士頓白酒吧的美酒佳餚，接著再移步到華埠牌樓前舉行簡潔的致詞儀式。

BCNC燈籠嘉年華會邀波士頓和昆士市政要出席。(周菊子攝)

                        麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)，昆士市市長柯奇 (Tom Koch)，昆士市議員梁秀婷 (Nina Liang)，波士頓市議會議長愛德華費林 (Ed Flynn)，以及代表波士頓市長吳弭出席的波士頓市亞裔聯絡員黃楚嵐等嘉賓，在波士頓華埠社區中心執行長Ben Hire的介紹下，一一致詞。

楊信宜與波士頓古箏樂團，Jennifer Lin和韓國鼓舞團分在現場各別表演了一段。

嘉賓們由紅黃燈龍引領，分別踏進龍鳳，帝苑兩家大酒樓後，Nuwa體育會也先後在這兩家餐廳為嘉賓們舞動瑞獅討吉祥。

昆士市市長Tom Koch特地到波士頓市來為BCNC慶祝。

                        波士頓華埠社區中心今年的主要贊助機構是康卡斯 (Comcast)，白金贊助企業是道富集團 (State Street Corp.)，以及塔芙茨醫療中心，金贊助廠商有Capital One，自由互惠保險，Point 32健康，Riemer Braunstein， Rockland信託，華人醫務中心， TJX；銀贊助者有Nancy W. Adams 和 Scott A. Schoen，趙廣華 (Bernard Chiu)，鍾潔姿和周榮亞，第一共和 (First Republic)，Simshauser 家族，Rachel Somer等。

參加活動者在公園內舉起燈籠。(BCNC提供)

波士頓市長吳弭左起))和幕僚長朱為亭到白宮出席拜登總統的亞裔傳統月
慶祝會，未能親自出席波士頓華埠社區中心的年度盛會。在那兒，他們和
從波士頓搬到華府的全美民主黨執行副主任劉煒喜相逢。(圖片來自推特)

昆士市市長Tom Koch和市議會議員梁秀婷 (Nina Liang) 。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓市長吳弭出差，華埠聯絡員黃楚嵐代表致詞。 (周菊子攝)

香港餐廳東主李柏豪夫婦。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓華埠社區中心董事會主席馬以正和紐英崙華人歷史協會理事范王柳娥。 (周菊子攝)

韓國鼓舞表演。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn致詞。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓亞裔電影節創辦人甄翠嬿。(周菊子攝)

翁渭澄 (Al Young) 。 (周菊子攝)

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝。 (周菊子攝)

波士頓市發包1700萬合約 請黑人企業City Fresh 供應公校餐食

波士頓市長吳弭邀出席宣佈活動者一起合影。 (周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓市政府今日宣佈把市府歷年來最大的非工程性合約，發包給本地的黑人創辦企業，7月1日起為波士頓市5萬名學童提供新鮮、營養餐食，合約金額1700萬元。

                      波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)和波士頓公校總監Brenda Cassellius上星期才宣佈，將動用20億元，修繕或新建14所學校的校舍，今日再和波士頓經濟機會包容長Segun Idowu聯袂宣佈，發包1700萬元合約，繼續推動在「綠色新政」。

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈1700萬元合約發包給黑人經營企業。(周菊子攝)

                   承包商，城市新鮮 (City Fresh)的共同創辦人暨執行長Sheldon Lloyd很興奮的表示，該公司是個股份員工共享的企業，現有員工約160人，絕大部分住在波士頓本地，他們提供的食物，將在地於波士頓採購，並聘請註冊營養師搭配，在洛士百利準備。該公司計畫在洛士百利內新覓一個食物準備場地。

                    在回應本刊提問時，Sheldon Lloyd表示，1700萬元的合約，為期約3年。該公司承包的只是提供新鮮食物，其他的烹煮食物等，波士頓市和MyCafe等其他廠商簽有合約。

                    波士頓市政府今年1月時發出「外賣食品合約 (vended meal 

波士頓經濟機會包容長Segun  Idowu強調新辦法必須長久執行才有用。 (周菊子攝)

contract) 」招標書，希望找到適合商家提出新方法，為波士頓公校學生提供更新鮮、營養的食品。

                  波士頓市府在新聞稿中指出，招標書公佈後，搜尋委員一致推薦「城市新鮮」。

                Sheldon Lloyd坦言，這是該公司第一次拿到這麼大型的合約。以前沒有爭取這樣的合約，一是因為能量還不夠，一是招標書的條款規定，以大規模廠商為目標，小公司很難符合條件。

                 Segun Idowu表示，這是波士頓市處理公平，不僅多元化，更要重視投資有色人種所經營企業的機會。

National ACE Opens Applications for the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund in Partnership with the Grubhub Community Fund to Help Struggling AAPI-owned Restaurants

 National ACE Opens Applications for the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund in Partnership with the Grubhub Community Fund to Help Struggling AAPI-owned Restaurants

Independent restaurants across the country can apply for a grant up to $100,000 through the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund

CHICAGO, IL and WASHINGTON, D.C., May 18, 2022 -- The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) today announced the second year of the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund to support independent, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned restaurants, a program enabled by a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. With the industry facing unprecedented challenges since the pandemic began over two years ago, the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund is available to help restaurants respond to supply chain disruptions, increased inventory costs, workforce development, and discrimination. The monetary grants can help pay employees' wages, expand operations, renovate for new business needs, upgrade equipment, explore e-commerce offerings, or repair damage to the place of business caused by anti-Asian sentiment.

"Our AAPI-owned restaurants have experienced severe losses throughout the pandemic and even worse, continue to be victims of hate, discrimination, and bias at their places of business," said Chiling Tong President and CEO of National ACE. "Grubhub's ongoing commitment to AAPI-owned restaurants is demonstrated by the continuation of this amazing grant opportunity. The contributions from Grubhub and its diners will provide relief for AAPI restaurant owners who may not have received financial assistance from the federal government or those who are trying to emerge from the long-lasting and devastating impacts of the pandemic."

Eligible restaurants across the country will be able to apply for a $25,000 grant, and over 70 restaurants will be awarded in September 2022. Three finalists will be awarded $100,000, $75,000, and $50,000 live at the National ACE Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. from September 19-21, 2022.

AAPI-owned restaurants were among the hardest hit during the pandemic’s early days. By April 2020, roughly half of the Chinese restaurants in the U.S. had closed because of the pandemic, coupled with consumer prejudice and misperceptions.

"As the country emerges from the pandemic, restaurants still need help getting back on their feet, and that’s why Grubhub is doubling down on its support and partnering with National ACE again to help diverse restaurants," said Dave Tovar, Senior Vice President of Communications & Government Relations at Grubhub. "Every restaurant has been impacted by the pandemic, but the AAPI community has faced uniquely difficult challenges over the past two years. We hope by highlighting the important role diverse restaurants play in their communities - from the cuisine offered to employment opportunities to serving as community gathering spaces - that we can help these restaurants grow and thrive."

From June 1 to June 22, 2022, the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund will accept grant applications from all AAPI-owned restaurants throughout the United States.

To qualify for grant assistance, AAPI-owned restaurants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. The restaurant must be Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian majority-owned (at least 51%); 
2. Must be based in the United States; 
3. Must be currently operational; 
4. Must show proof of their primary licensed activity as "the preparation and serving of food"; 
5. Must operate in a maximum of three locations (cannot be a franchise).

Applications will open at 9am ET on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 via www.AAPISTRONG.com.

The application period will close on June 22, 2022 and grants will be distributed to restaurants throughout Fall 2022. Interested restaurants can learn more about the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund and the full application process at https://www.aapistrong.com/current-grants

國會議員趙美心宣布確診 現隔離中

Congresswoman Judy Chu Tests Positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) issued the following statement after testing positive for COVID-19:

 

“On Tuesday morning, I took a rapid antigen test and received a negative result. I routinely get PCR testing and on Tuesday evening, I received a positive result. After consulting with the House Physician, I am isolating in accordance with CDC guidelines. I am currently asymptomatic and thankful to have received my vaccination and two booster shots. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted if you have not already.” 

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $2.1 Million in Awards through the Regional Economic Development Organization Grant Program

Awards support 38 projects focused on regional business growth, small businesses, and economic recovery in downtowns and main streets

BOSTON – Wednesday, May 18, 2022 – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a total of approximately $2.1 million in awards to nine eligible entities across the Commonwealth to fund 38 projects that seek to strengthen the state’s economy on a regional basis through support for existing small businesses, business growth, and efforts to increase economic activity in local downtowns and main streets.   The Regional Economic Development Organization grant program was established in partnership with the Legislature and is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development.  The program provides competitive grants that are awarded to applicants based on the ability to successfully support businesses through proposals that account for the varying regional needs of the Commonwealth’s economy.  This round builds on a prior round of REDO awards which resulted in an additional $3 million to 11 regional economic development organizations to sustain ongoing efforts to foster economic activity at regional levels, and to support 29 additional projects in support of economic development priorities.   “With the REDO program, our Administration can continue supporting efforts that help drive economic growth based on the needs of each, individual region of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “By strengthening the businesses we have now, and by working to attract new businesses to our downtowns and main streets, we can ensure that each region benefits from the increase in economic activity created through the support of this program.”    “By helping regional economic organizations execute on solutions that best address the individual needs and challenges of each of the state’s regions, we can accelerate our progress toward economic recovery,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “I want to congratulate the recipients in this round of REDO awards and I look forward to their efforts to help leverage the unique assets that exist in all corners of Massachusetts to help our business community continue to grow and thrive.”   REDO grant recipients’ efforts will focus on a range of initiatives including: an assessment of competitive strengths, weaknesses and opportunities; representing the regional business community in long-range workforce planning efforts to ensure robust skills and talent pipelines that meet regional needs; representing the regional business community in collaborative, long-range workforce skills, transportation and land use planning; promoting regionally significant industry clusters; promoting connections across sectors of the regional economy; maintaining an inventory of key development parcels; marketing their respective regions; and providing assistance to businesses and industrial prospects which may locate in the region.   “The REDO program has been critical to our recovery by providing necessary resources to allow economic development entities to create regionally-tailored economic development initiatives that meet their respective needs,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy.  “In addition, REDO’s flexibility allows us to take a targeted approach to supporting our small businesses, which helps ensure our economic recovery is evenly distributed and statewide.”   Examples of eligible grants include non-construction façade improvement and investments in signage and aesthetic improvements, continuation of pop-up businesses, projects similar to the Shared Street and Spaces Program that support enhanced foot traffic and local commerce, and main street recovery projects with high local impact for small businesses. The full list of grant recipients can be found here.

麻州長查理貝克遞出17億元補充預算 重點扶助能源項目

Baker-Polito Administration Files $1.7 Billion Fiscal Year 2022 Supplemental Budget

 

SALEM – The Baker-Polito Administration today will file a Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) supplemental budget that proposes investments in transportation, housing, environmental infrastructure, economic development, child care and education initiatives.

 

The legislation includes approximately $1.7 billion in spending, supported by state tax revenues that exceed FY22 benchmarks through April by $4.23 billion (14%). The current surplus also prompted the Administration to formally upgrade the FY22 tax benchmarks today, increasing the total fiscal year projection to $37.666 billion.

 

Governor Charlie Baker made this announcement today in Salem at the site of what will be Massachusetts’ second offshore wind port. The supplemental budget would direct $100 million to ports in Salem, New Bedford and Somerset. These funds will support infrastructure to ensure Massachusetts becomes a global leader and a hub in the offshore wind industry.

 

“Unprecedented Fiscal Year 2022 revenues afford us this opportunity to make targeted investments in some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing areas of need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With rising prices due to inflation, ongoing supply chain issues, and other pandemic-related delays impacting both the time and cost it takes to complete projects, it is critically important that we act quickly to ensure that we are able to maximize the impact of these surplus tax dollars for the citizens of Massachusetts and expedite our response to critical needs.”

 

“This spending plan proposes initiatives that will benefit residents and communities across the state, with a focus on expanding opportunities for disadvantaged populations,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The bill would increase the availability and quality of housing, build business opportunities in underserved communities, support transportation and environmental projects, and strengthen education and child care systems.”

 

The legislation includes funding to support a variety of transportation and environmental infrastructure projects, including $235 million for transportation projects, $200 million for Cape Cod water and sewer initiatives, and $100 million for ports in Salem, New Bedford, and Somerset. It also builds in funds necessary for the implementation of more than $9.5 billion provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) over the next five years, as well as funding that will allow Massachusetts to access additional federal funding through matching grants. These funds complement investments proposed in the pending MassTRAC infrastructure bond bill and recently announced in the FY23-27 Capital Investment Plan.

 

Continuing the Administration’s focus on addressing housing availability and building on the recently filed economic development legislation, An Act Investing in Future Opportunities for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revitalized Downtowns (FORWARD), this bill would provide $310 million for housing development. It proposes $200 million for workforce housing, $100 million for public housing redevelopment in Boston, Cambridge, Salem, and Worcester, and $10 million to increase permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness.

 

A further $180 million is allocated to targeted economic development initiatives, including $80 million to support efforts to improve small businesses’ options for purchasing commercial real estate, $50 million to provide financial assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged developers, particularly those owned by women and people of color, who are seeking to undertake large housing construction projects and $50 million to de-risk lending to small business owners in underserved markets where access to capital is otherwise limited.

 

“The unprecedented nature of Fiscal Year 2022 revenues will allow the Commonwealth to continue building our stabilization fund balance while making the critical investments proposed in this supplemental budget to fund infrastructure and spur economic development,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “We look forward to working with the Legislature to deliver on the important investments laid out in this responsible and thoughtful bill.”

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to take a forward thinking approach to achieve the Commonwealth’s clean energy and environmental goals,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The filing of this FY22 Supplement Budget will deliver important funds to several ports, which serve critical roles in advancing and supporting the Commonwealth’s offshore wind projects.”

 

A number of other initiatives are supported in the supplemental budget proposal, including:

• $150 million for higher education campus physical infrastructure primarily at Mass College of Art and UMass Dartmouth;
• $55 million for child care, including $45 million for a new family child care home ownership and improvement program, which seeks to increase child care capacity while establishing financial security for family child care providers, and $10 million for innovative and flexible models of child care delivery;
• $55 million for nursing pathways programs;
• $30 million for schools and colleges to modernize science and biotechnology labs; and
• $28 million for other costs, including $5 million for the USS Constitution park, $10 million for miscellaneous legal settlements and judgments, and $13 million for collective bargaining agreements authorized in an outside section.

 

The legislation also includes several policy proposals, including

 

• A re-filed outside section that would update chapter 70, the school finance law, to establish early college and innovation pathways as an enrollment category in the Foundation Budget, to provide sustainable and predictable support for the growth of these pathways, which are demonstrating success in expanding access to college and careers for underrepresented students;

• A section that would temporarily allow school districts to reserve some of their state chapter 70 funding for future years without facing state financial penalties, thereby helping them to spend time-limited federal funds;
• A section that would permit youth to voluntarily access a broader range of department of youth services (DYS) supports beyond the current timeframe of 90 days after discharge from a DYS facility; and
• A section that would continue a department of public health standing order that facilitates insurance coverage for over-the-counter COVID tests and treatments beyond the COVID-19 public health state of emergency.  

第一位美國華裔民權人士王清福 應列入亞美歷史教材

李徐慕連開場，羅元旭主持，Scott D. Seligman主講。 (視頻截圖)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 來到美國的第一個華人，應該不是他，但是在美國公開爭取民權，進國會作證，辦華文報章，使用「華美」一詞的第一個華人，應無疑義就是王清福。5月16日晚，波士頓同源會和紐英崙華人歷史學會合作，請已就此出書的Scott D. Seligman來做綜述。

中英文版本的"王清福"一書封面。

              5月是亞美傳統月，波士頓同源會會長李徐慕連表示，該會與多個不同機構，舉辦了一系列網上講座。5月16日晚這場，由紐英崙華人歷史學會理事羅元旭主持，邀「第一個美國人: 王清福的精彩一生 (The First Chinese American: The Remarkable Life of Wong Chin Foo) 」的作者，在大學時主修美國歷史，獲有哈佛碩士學位，共出版過9本書的Scott D. Seligman，來談說王清福這位華人社會直到最近幾年才比較多人知道的華裔民權先驅。

              Scott D. Seligman寫王清福的這本書，在2013年3月已出版，厚396頁，亞馬遜網站目前仍然在售。這本書的中文版，也已經在中國出版發行。網路上關於王清福的資料，已有不下100萬筆之多。

華裔美人著名人物名單，絕大多數都是現代人。

              在網路講座中，Scott D. Seligman從爭取民權的代表人物中，黑人代表是馬丁路德金，華人代表是誰，卻沒人知道說起。他說，主要原因是知道美國曾經有個王清福，在政府通過排華法案後，進國會作過證的人，實在不很多，知道王清福早於1883年就創辦「美華新報」，並成為美國歷史上第一個使用” 華美 (Chinese American)” 一詞的人更少。

美國是在1882年5月頒佈排華法案的，王清福於1883年在紐約出版「華美新報」時，故意用”華美”一詞來強調華裔的美國人身分。

王清福創辦的美華新報是手寫板。

在紐約的「華美新報」因財力不足，不到一年就關門大吉，不過跟隨收養他的傳教士夫婦來美的王清福，英文很好，他開始為美國的英文報章寫稿，介紹在美華人生活境況，試圖改變美國民眾對華人的印象。1893年，他又在芝加哥創辦了當地的第一份中文報紙「華洋新報」。

王清福的特別處，不只在於他是第一個在美國爭取民權的華人，他還大概是移民來美的第一個非廣東人華裔。

Scott D. Seligman (中)找到王清福的曾孫輩王凡(左)。。

Scott D. Seligman等人的調查研究認為，王清福是山東青島人 (當年稱為即墨)，原本出身富裕人家，後家道中落，一對傳教士夫婦Holmes收留了他父親和他。這對夫婦在1861年時收養王清福，讓他洗禮，加入浸信會，並於1867年把他帶到美國，念預科後，進過位於華府的當年哥倫比亞大學。1870年，他回到中國上海當海關翻譯，娶妻劉雨山，自己也改名王彥平，還提倡政治改革，改善社會經濟狀況，鼓勵人們戒鴉片，甚至揚言要推翻腐敗的清政府，於是1873年逃到日本，再逃回美國，並於1874年在密西根州入籍美國公民。

由於王清福回到美國時，遇上美國”白人至上”風潮，他持續在中英文報章上撰稿，反駁這些言論，他還呼籲美國人信仰孔子教。

波士頓美日環球報 (Boston Daily Globe)在1874年9月28日就曾列出，「一名華人講道，在派克紀念大樓講孔子教」。

1892年他還向美國法院提出「華人平權法」上訴案。1893年1月代表該法案，在美國國會的外交事務委員會面前中作證，要求廢除排華法案，聲稱他代表15萬名已定居在美的華裔美人。

王清福甚至和孫中山有過交集。1896-97年間在芝加哥成立了華人軍政府總部。

Scott D. Seligman在搜尋王清福資料時，還認識了 王清福的後輩王凡。

Scott D. Seligman的這本書，現在已有中譯本，書名為「走出帝國:王清福的故事」，但目前還只在中國銷售。