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人生一定要有的八個朋友: 推手(Builder)、 支柱(Champion)、 同好(Collaborator)、 夥伴(Companion)、 中介(Connector)、 開心果(Energizer)、 開路者(Mind Opener)、 導師(Navigator)。 chutze@bostonorange.com ******************* All rights of articles and photos on this website are reserved.
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(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 |
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.
(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。
在加州爾灣台灣基督教長老教會突然發生的這宗槍擊案,警察認為是仇恨犯罪,在事後調查中,並查悉槍手周文偉是來自台灣移民,住在拉斯維加斯,寫有反台獨日記。
鄭達志醫師是一名運動醫學家醫科醫師,在南岸醫療集團工作,行醫之餘,他在南加州還是一名頗有名氣的螳螂拳師傅,據稱為「七星螳螂拳」第八代傳人。他雖然也是基督徒,但平常並不參加爾灣台灣基督長老教會活動,事發當天在場,是為陪伴已高齡90,甫遭喪夫之痛三個月的母親,不幸在制止槍手時,遭射擊身亡。
現場目擊者稱,如果不是鄭達志醫師英勇阻擋,當天可能有更多人死傷。
拉斯維加斯台灣同鄉聯誼會友人表示,周文偉是該會會員,雖然會對社會中的不公不義事件會有激憤表示,但平日言談,與人相處都十分友善,只是最近憂鬱狀況嚴重。
有報導指稱,周文偉在拉斯維加斯一度擁有12棟公寓,他的一名前房客也認為他是可愛的老人,但他曾在一次收租時遭房客暴打到須送醫治療。
這宗台灣人槍殺台灣人事件,在台灣人社區引發許多議論,也讓更多人看到台灣人社區內有藍綠統獨等不同派系,但大部分人想不通,為什麼會這麼暴力、極端。
更多的台灣人對鄭達志醫師的不幸遭遇感到悲傷,在Stefanie
Huie, Carol Shi, Don
Chin, Johnna Gherardini 等人發起”Support
Dr. John Cheng’s family” 眾籌,以募集經費安葬鄭達志醫師,支持他的家人。截至5月20日晨,已募得54萬1512元。
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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.”