勞工團體與 6市市議員聯袂反對把網約車司機定義為合約工

華人前進會支持網約車司機享有正職員工薪資與福利。 (周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 「麻州不賣 (Massachusetts is not for sale) 」聯盟和大波士頓勞工會，華人前進會 (CPA)，波士頓市議員Kendra Lara等人，5月25日在波士頓市府廣場呼籲民眾反對優步 (Uber)、 來福車 (Lyft)等網約車，和DoorDash，, Instacart等外送服務以網路為營運基礎大公司所提出「 以應用程式接單司機為合約工」，可能成為選票問題的議案。

波士頓市議員Kendra Lara 與其他5個城市市議員攜手在各自城市提案，要求市議會通過議案，
反對州議會H. 1234號法案。 (周菊子攝)

                       「 以應用程式接單司機 (app-base driver) 」工作人員是打零工，還是正職員工，近年頻有爭議。加州去年才以第22號提案，通過法案，認定那是零工，但加州的Alameda高等法院後來判定這提案把許多以應用程式接單的工作人員排除在基本勞高法之外，違反了加州憲法，必須整個廢除。

在麻州，優步 (Uber)、 來福車 (Lyft)等網約車，和DoorDash爭取到8萬多份簽名後，通過了把這提案變成選票問題的第一步。

華人前進會主任陳玉珍和該會人員一起出席呼籲爭取網約車司機權益活動。 (周菊子攝)

                            這定名為「網路公司和以應用程式為基礎司機法 (Relationship Between Network Companies and App-Based Drivers Act) 」的議案，在麻州參議會已通過，在麻州眾議會編案號為H. 1234，目前處於延期到6月30日再報告，還待同意階段。

波士頓市議員 Julia Meija   (左起)，Kendra Lara，Kenzie Bok，Ricardo Arroyo，都出席支持
網約車司機權益。前右為大波是噸勞工協會的執行祕書及財政Darlene Lombos。
 (周菊子攝)

                        「麻州不賣 (Massachusetts is not for sale) 」聯盟和大波士頓勞工會，華人前進會 (CPA)，波士頓市議員Kendra Lara，雀喜市市議員Norieliz DeJesus等人，25日這天主要從女性勞工的安全角度出發，強調這些大科技公司為推動這提案已花1800萬元，要把網約車司機當作”獨立合約工，非正式職員，因而剝奪這些人可以獲得的有薪假期，醫療保險等福利的勞工基本權益，對打工婦女，尤其是有色人種婦女的打擊尤其大。

波士頓市議員Kendra Lara，雀喜市市議員Norieliz DeJesus，Everett 市議員Stephanie Martins，摩頓市(Malden) 市議員 Amanda Linehan，以及牛頓市(Newton)市議員Emily Norton，華森市市議員 Colleen Bradley-MacArthur等人，在各自所屬的市議會提出議案，反對該選票問題法案。

網約車司機代表 Lisa Call 以自身經歷指陳大公司罔顧司機權益，任意封閉司機帳號，
使他們無法接單。 (周菊子攝)

                    Kendra Lara 指該選票問題一旦通過，對工作人員至關重要的職場保護將剝奪，女性所受打擊尤其大。她指出，在新冠病毒疫情中，全美有至少210萬人失業，其中約68%為女性，許多人轉而當起優步，來福車等的網約車司機，以至於去年優步的女司機人數增加了80%。在2020年4月到2021年1月之間， 優步益 (UberEasts)的女司機人數也增加了一倍，Instacart的60萬名工作人員中更是70%是女性。

爭取網約車司機權益群眾在波士頓市政府廣場公開發言。 (周菊子攝)

                   麻州獨立司機協會 (Massachusetts Independent Drivers Guild)會員Lisa Call表示，該選票問題稱司機將保有其靈活性，福利，以及100%達到最低薪資，都是謊話。司機們只拿到工作應得的三分之二，她拿到的報酬更是遠低於最低時薪。

波士頓市議員Julie Meija，Kenzie Bok，Ricardo Arroyo，以及甫於5月初在遞補選舉中當選為代表東波士頓的新任市議員Gabriela “Gigi” Coletta，這天也都在現場支持反對聲音匹。

皮優研究中心  (Pew Research Center)   的調查顯示，網約車司機 中有70% 為拉丁裔，黑人及亞裔。 

優步 (Uber)、 來福車 (Lyft)等網約車，和DoorDash，, Instacart等外送服務公司為了經由選票問題把他們所聘用的司機定義為合約工，以斥資1780餘萬元做宣傳，由勞工支持的反對陣營約花了100萬元。在加州那兒，前述大公司為這議題已斥資約2億元。

「為麻州司機爭取靈活性及福利 (Flexibility & Benefits For Massachusetts Drivers)」這由前述4個大公司支持的組織，則以「迷思與事實」反駁反對提案者的說法，聲稱在麻州83%的網約車司機支持該提案，支持與反對比例為8比1。 (更新版)

FOUNDER AND FORMER ACCOUNTANT OF ASPHALT COMPANY CHARGED WITH SCHEME TO HIDE TAXABLE SALES FROM THE STATE

FOUNDER AND FORMER ACCOUNTANT OF ASPHALT COMPANY CHARGED WITH SCHEME TO HIDE TAXABLE SALES FROM THE STATE

Defendants Allegedly Submitted False Records of the Company’s Sales to the Department of Revenue in Order to Obstruct an Audit of Taxable Sales

 

BOSTON – A West Wareham asphalt company, its founder, and its former accountant have been charged in connection with a scheme to hide the company’s taxable sales by falsifying financial records with the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR), Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

A Suffolk County Grand Jury indicted the founder of Rochester Bituminous Products (RBP) Inc., Albert Todesca, age 69, of Mashpee, and its former accountant, Christopher Polito, age 37, of Dedham, on charges of Tax Evasion (1 count each), Delivering or Disclosing False Documents to the DOR (1 count each), Obstruction of the Administration of the DOR (1 count each), Conspiracy to Commit Tax Evasion (1 count each), Conspiracy to Disclose False Documents to the DOR (1 count each), and Conspiracy to Obstruct the Administration of the Tax Laws (1 count each).

The company was also indicted on the charges of Tax Evasion (1 count), Delivering or Disclosing False Documents to the DOR (1 count), and Obstruction of the Administration of the Tax Laws (1 count).

The defendants will be arraigned on the charges at a later date.

While Todesca, who founded RBP, held no official title with the company, the AG’s Office alleges he exercised control over the corporation. Through his direction, RBP evaded substantial sales taxes over the 2011-2013 time period for taxes owed for the sale of asphalt. The AG’s Office further alleges Todesca and Polito, the company’s former accountant, committed the scheme by evading sales taxes when they were due and submitting numerous false documents to the DOR from 2014-2017, in an effort to obstruct an audit of the company. The AG’s Office specifically alleges that at the direction of Todesca, Polito altered the documents to falsely indicate sales were made to entities that were exempt from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax.

State law exempts certain entities from paying the sales tax, including federal and state government entities, as well as religious, scientific, charitable or educational organizations. The AG’s Office alleges sales Polito detailed in the falsified documents were made to non-exempt private entities.

These indictments follow charges the AG’s Office brought against Polito in connection with the investigation in November.

This investigation is ongoing. These charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Bensen Solivan of the DOR and Assistant Attorney General Edward A. Beagan of the AG’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division with assistance from investigators from the DOR’s Criminal Investigations Bureau including Investigator Lisa Dell’Anno, and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office.

昆士學院進波士頓開生命科學證書班

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 位於昆士市的昆士學院 (Quincy College) 將和猶太職業服務 (Jewish Vocational Services) 合作，從「認證護理助理 (certified nursing assistants) 」開始，在波士頓市中心推出生命科學課程。

猶太職業服務是一個在波士頓市為成人提供教育機會及人力發展服務的機構。

這兩機構將合作推出「生命科學院 (institute of life sciences)」作為昆士學院在波士頓城中心的新教學點，將陸續擴展至生物科技、靜脈切開術、中央無菌處理、藥物濫用成癮諮詢、醫療計費和編碼，以及擔任醫療助理等課程。學生們將可輪流參加臨床實習，並在完成課程後取得證書。

查詢詳情可上網， quincycollege.edu。

FOUNDER AND FORMER ACCOUNTANT OF ASPHALT COMPANY CHARGED WITH SCHEME TO HIDE TAXABLE SALES FROM THE STATE

 FOUNDER AND FORMER ACCOUNTANT OF ASPHALT COMPANY CHARGED WITH SCHEME TO HIDE TAXABLE SALES FROM THE STATE

Defendants Allegedly Submitted False Records of the Company’s Sales to the Department of Revenue in Order to Obstruct an Audit of Taxable Sales

 

BOSTON – A West Wareham asphalt company, its founder, and its former accountant have been charged in connection with a scheme to hide the company’s taxable sales by falsifying financial records with the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR), Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

A Suffolk County Grand Jury indicted the founder of Rochester Bituminous Products (RBP) Inc., Albert Todesca, age 69, of Mashpee, and its former accountant, Christopher Polito, age 37, of Dedham, on charges of Tax Evasion (1 count each), Delivering or Disclosing False Documents to the DOR (1 count each), Obstruction of the Administration of the DOR (1 count each), Conspiracy to Commit Tax Evasion (1 count each), Conspiracy to Disclose False Documents to the DOR (1 count each), and Conspiracy to Obstruct the Administration of the Tax Laws (1 count each).

The company was also indicted on the charges of Tax Evasion (1 count), Delivering or Disclosing False Documents to the DOR (1 count), and Obstruction of the Administration of the Tax Laws (1 count).

The defendants will be arraigned on the charges at a later date.

While Todesca, who founded RBP, held no official title with the company, the AG’s Office alleges he exercised control over the corporation. Through his direction, RBP evaded substantial sales taxes over the 2011-2013 time period for taxes owed for the sale of asphalt. The AG’s Office further alleges Todesca and Polito, the company’s former accountant, committed the scheme by evading sales taxes when they were due and submitting numerous false documents to the DOR from 2014-2017, in an effort to obstruct an audit of the company. The AG’s Office specifically alleges that at the direction of Todesca, Polito altered the documents to falsely indicate sales were made to entities that were exempt from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax.

State law exempts certain entities from paying the sales tax, including federal and state government entities, as well as religious, scientific, charitable or educational organizations. The AG’s Office alleges sales Polito detailed in the falsified documents were made to non-exempt private entities.

These indictments follow charges the AG’s Office brought against Polito in connection with the investigation in November.

This investigation is ongoing. These charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Bensen Solivan of the DOR and Assistant Attorney General Edward A. Beagan of the AG’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division with assistance from investigators from the DOR’s Criminal Investigations Bureau including Investigator Lisa Dell’Anno, and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Grants for Marine Animal Conservation and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects from Sales of Environmental License Plates

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces Grants for Marine Animal Conservation and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects from Sales of Environmental License Plates

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the awarding of $495,321 in grants provided through the Massachusetts Environmental Trust’s (MET) FY22 Aquatic Animal Conservation Grantmaking Program to 11 programs across the state that will restore aquatic habitats, rivers and watersheds, and protect endangered species, including at-risk sea turtles and the rarest large whale, the North Atlantic right whale. The funding was provided by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, which collects funds through the sale of its environmental-themed specialty license plates.

 

“Massachusetts has always taken a proactive approach in safeguarding and enhancing our natural resources in order ensure future generations receive the opportunity to experience the wonders of our natural world,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “For years the Commonwealth’s environmentally-themed license plates have provided significant financial resources that have advanced the state’s conservation efforts, and invested in protections for our fisheries and wildlife.  I encourage those who want to support these efforts to purchase one of these plates. ”

 

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust is an independent grantmaking entity within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). The Trust was established in 1988 as part of the Boston Harbor cleanup to support pollution remediation and water quality improvement projects across the Commonwealth. MET operates without tax dollars or legislative appropriations and is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. MET is solely funded by the sales of its four environmentally themed license plates: the Right Whale & Roseate Terns Plate, the Leaping Brook Trout Plate, the Blackstone Valley Mill Plate, and the new Striped Bass Conservation Plate.

 

“MassDOT is pleased to offer these specialty license plates to raise awareness for important environmental causes, and through the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, help provide funding for programs and initiatives that support training, clean-up, conservation and restoration, and ongoing efforts to protect endangered species,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “We appreciate the work of the Massachusetts Environmental Trust in raising awareness about our valuable resources and expect that many people in the state will be interested in choosing one of these specialty plates for their vehicles.”

 

The Trust has invested more than $20 million in environmental grantmaking awards for more than three decades and to commemorate this milestone, a comprehensive report about what MET does and what its grantees have accomplished will soon be released to legislators, grantees and Massachusetts citizens. Drivers who have a whale tail, trout, bass, or Blackstone Valley Mill license plate are the nexus to the long-term success of the Trust because of their donations. The geographic locations of the organizations recommended for awards are distributed statewide with projects in the western, central, metropolitan Boston, north and south of Boston, and Cape Cod regions. The grants awarded by the Baker-Polito Administration include:

• Center for Coastal Studies has been awarded $29,205 to identify locations frequented by North Atlantic right whales and to target management actions in those locations.
• Clean River Project has been awarded $30,000 to remove debris from the Merrimack River in Dracut, including propane tanks, televisions, shopping carts, bicycles, and furniture.
• Coonamessett Farm Foundation has been awarded $29,732 to increase our understanding of sea turtle health and distribution by conducting eDNA tests to determine sea turtle presence and range in local southeastern waters, as well as to identify regions of increased heavy metal contaminants.
• Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)/Center for Coastal Studies has been provided $200,000 for continued support of the Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program, an intensive effort to protect, restore and manage large whale and sea turtle species found in surrounding Massachusetts state waters. The program’s integrated approach combines monitoring and analysis of the population and habitat of North Atlantic right whales, in addition to hands-on and at-sea rescues of right whales, as well as other endangered marine species including humpback whales, fin whales, and sea turtles. Funding also supports emergency surface and aerial surveillance of Cape Cod Bay, vessel-based habitat studies, plankton monitoring (a primary food source for whales), whale beaching investigations including rescue and rehabilitation, marine debris removal, ship strike avoidance techniques and for research targeted for the design and implementation of harmless fishing gear.
• Fort River Watershed Association has been awarded $8,100 to design and install interpretive signage on the riparian ecology, endangered species, and human history of the Fort River, on the Emily Dickinson Trail in Amherst, along the Fort River.
• Lobster Foundation of MA has been awarded $40,000 to develop and conduct training for Massachusetts Lobstermen in the use and application of gear restrictions and buoy line marking measures to protect the North Atlantic right whale.
• Merrimack River Watershed Council has been awarded $30,000 to support removal of the Talbot Mills Dam, including initial stage permitting and establishment of a pre-removal monitoring and restoration guide. Removal is estimated to open 35 miles of the river to critical diadromous aquatic species.
• Nashua River Watershed Association has been awarded $23,608 to support design work for the improvement of the Trapfall Brook culvert.  This project will restore riverine hydrology, increase habitat connectivity for fish and wildlife species, including a reproducing population of Eastern Brook Trout, within the Trapfall Brook/Willard Brook/Squannacook River watershed.
• Ocean Alliance has been awarded $29,950 to collect data pertinent to the conservation and management of large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale by collecting photogrammetry (for studying body condition/general health), respiratory samples for microbiome analysis (an indicator of whale health), and bioacoustics as part of a collaborative long-term project that will contribute to studies on the impact of chronic noise pollution on large whales.
• The Nature Conservancy has been awarded $50,000 to continue to restore cold-water stream habitat on the 1643-acre Mt. Plantain Preserve in Mt. Washington, MA, through removal of the Becker Pond Dam and restoration of aquatic and hydrologic connectivity.
• University of Mass Foundation, Inc has been awarded $24,726 to use photo-identification techniques to describe harbor and gray seal habitat use and residency time in Boston Harbor, to better understand long-term trends for this population.

 

“Our waterways are one of our Commonwealth’s greatest assets,” said State Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “From the Housatonic Watershed to Cape Cod Bay, we must do everything possible to preserve the richness and diversity of Massachusetts’ aquatic ecosystems. The Aquatic Animal Conservation Grantmaking Program will equip key environmental leaders across the state with the support they need to advance our shared commendable environmental goals.”

 

“I’m excited that today’s announcement will devote state resources to strengthen the state’s aquatic animal conservation and endangered species programs. Having just participated in these programs last week (with turtles and eagles), I experienced the dedication, skills and talents of our state’s environmental staff, as well as the program’s accomplishments,” said State Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Acting House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I also want to note that this funding supports the priorities of many colleagues, whether it is those House members who work hard to protect the North Atlantic right whale and those whose districts benefit from the work of recipient organizations. I’d also like to acknowledge the Fort River Watershed Association who will use their award to design and install interpretive signage on the Emily Dickinson Trail, along the Fort River, helping visitors to interact and engage with their natural surroundings.”

 

“Investing in our environment invests in our health and wellbeing,” said State Representative Norman Orrall (R-Lakeville). “I am thankful for the continued commitment of the Baker-Polito Administration to be good stewards of all of our natural resources.”

 

For more information regarding the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, and the specialty environmental license plates that are offered, please visit MET’s webpage. Additionally, individuals interested in purchasing a license plate from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles can do so by visiting the agency’s webpage.

CAPAC Chair Statement Following the Tragic Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, TX

 CAPAC Chair Statement Following the Tragic Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, TX

Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, tragedy struck the Uvalde, Texas, community when a gunman entered Robb Elementary School, killing 21 people – including 19 children. Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), has released the following statement:

 

"I am grieving for the families in Uvalde, Texas who have lost their loved ones in the senseless mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. With over 200 mass shootings in the United States in 2022 alone – 27 of those school shootings – the tragedy in Uvalde has been one of the deadliest, and came just days after the mass shootings targeting the Black community in Buffalo, New York, and a Taiwanese congregation in Laguna Woods, California. It is egregious that we, as a nation, are allowing our children and educators to be slaughtered in their schools, a place that should be safe haven centered around learning and growing, not active shooter drills and unimaginable fear. As the Chair of CAPAC, I remain in firm solidarity with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and Hispanic communities across the country, as we continue to mourn the 21 innocent lives lost and a community fractured by violence. I am also calling on my colleagues to stop stalling and pass commonsense gun reform so we can put an end to these violent attacks on communities across the nation. Inaction, at this point, is a conscious choice and one that will continue to devastate and destroy lives."

AG HEALEY ISSUES CONSUMER ADVISORY ON BABY FORMULA SHORTAGE

 AG HEALEY ISSUES CONSUMER ADVISORY ON BABY FORMULA SHORTAGE

 

            BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today is issuing an advisory with resources for Massachusetts families in connection with the nationwide shortage of baby formula. The AG’s Office is also warning consumers about potential scams, exorbitant prices, and other unfair or deceptive business practices that may happen as a result of the shortage.

 

“This is such an unfortunate situation for so many families who should not have to worry about finding enough formula to feed their babies,” said AG Healey. “As scammers look to exploit every hardship for their own gain, we are urging consumers to use caution, beware of unknown sellers, and call our office if they suspect a scam or encounter exorbitant prices when purchasing baby formula.”

 

Any family having trouble finding formula should consult with their pediatrician before making changes to their baby’s diet. Families can also contact formula manufacturers for assistance finding formula, such as:

 

• MyGerber Baby Expert website
• Abbott’s Consumer Hotline: 1-800-986-8540
• Reckitt’s Customer Service line: 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123) 

 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has also created a resource on what families can do and what they should avoid during the shortage. Do not attempt to make your own formula, water down formula, or use recalled or expired formula. Consult the Food and Drug Administration’s website to check whether your formula has been recalled before use.

 

Families are encouraged to remain vigilant in order to avoid falling victim to scams. Some tips include:

• Shop for formula at trusted retailers;
• If purchasing formula from an unknown source, search online for the company’s name, and look for keywords like “scam,” “complaint,” or other negative consumer reviews;
• Call your pediatrician to see if they have formula in stock.

 

Consumers with concerns about scams, exorbitant prices, or other unfair or deceptive business practices should file a complaint online with the Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or call the Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CURBSIDE FOOD WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CURBSIDE FOOD WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM New pickup program will turn residents’ food waste into compost and clean energy, expanding City-wide composting options

BOSTON - Thursday, May 26, 2022 - Building on her commitment to make Boston a Green New Deal City, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Public Works Department today announced that a curbside food waste collection program with rolling online enrollment is now available. Food waste collection will align with residents’ scheduled trash and recycling collection days. This program will reduce the City’s reliance on landfills and incinerators, and make it more convenient for Boston residents to dispose of their household food waste. The food waste, which will be collected through a partnership between Garbage to Garden and Save That Stuff, will be sent to Save that Stuff's composting site in West Bridgewater to be turned into compost that will be made available to Boston parks, gardens, and schools, and sent to Waste Management's CORe Facility in Charlestown where it will be made into clean energy.  “In Boston we do big things by getting the small things right, and curbside food waste collection is an important example of how we can each have an impact in moving our city toward sustainability with how we dispose of our food scraps,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Making it easier and more accessible for residents to compost diverts our City’s waste from landfills and incineration, so Boston can be a Green New Deal city. I encourage everyone interested to sign up, and I’m excited to see how the program grows in the years to come.” Any Boston resident who lives in a residential building with six units or less is eligible to enroll in the program. The City is prioritizing enrollment in the program to residents in vulnerable communities, based on the state's criteria for environmental justice communities coupled with proximity to a Project Oscar compost drop-off site. This year’s curbside collection program will have a cap of 10,000 households for the first year, with the goal of adding 10,000 or more every year, depending on demand. Service begins August 1, 2022. In July, compost bin “starter kits” will be delivered to residents who have enrolled in the program. The “starter kits” include an onboarding manual, a roll of liners, kitchen bin, collection bin, and a magnet outlining what food scraps are and are not accepted in the program. Accepted materials include common household food scraps such as coffee grounds, fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, and eggs.  “Food waste constitutes one-third of the current waste stream, and we’re excited to introduce this program to Boston residents to help meet our zero waste goals,” said Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge. “Our goal is to educate residents on ways to reduce the amount of food waste they generate and give them ways to responsibly dispose of what they can’t use or donate.”  "Expanded composting opportunities for Boston residents is critical to meet our zero-waste goals," said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. "By centering environmental justice communities in this process, we are placing equity at the forefront of our work and helping the residents that are most impacted by the effects of climate change.”  Today’s announcement aligns with Boston’s Zero Waste Plan, outlining the City’s strategy to reduce its waste by 2035. MassDEP estimates that food waste accounts for more than 25 percent of the waste stream in Massachusetts after recycling. When sent to landfills or incinerators, food waste can generate harmful greenhouse gasses, lose potential energy, cause pollution, and lose its agricultural benefits. The City’s collection team will transform Boston’s food waste by utilizing two methods: Save that Stuff’s Composting Facility in West Bridgewater, MA: Food scraps will be turned into compost at Save that Stuff’s composting facility in West Bridgewater, MA. In the composting process, organic material is made into nutrient-rich fertilizer that helps produce more plants and food. The finished compost will be made available to Boston parks, community gardens, and schools.  Waste Management’s CORe Facility in Charlestown: At the Waste Management’s CORe Facility food waste is made into a slurry for easier combustion. The slurry is then hauled to North Andover’s Greater Lawrence Sanitary District (GLSD) where it is produced into biogas and renewable electricity which is sent to the grid.  “The benefits of food scrap recycling are undeniable,” said Garbage to Garden President and Founder Tyler Frank. “We have offered private subscription curbside composting for ten years, but this municipally-funded program is a major milestone for New England. We’re excited to be a part of this unique program, and look forward to seeing this model replicated as other communities follow Boston’s lead in the next few years.” “We look forward to recovering this important segment of the waste stream and are encouraged by the steps Boston is taking towards our One Goal. Zero Waste!” said Save That Stuff President Erik Levy. The link to sign up for the curbside food waste collection program, as well as more information about the City’s composting efforts, can be found here.  In addition to this program, the City is expanding Project Oscar, its food waste drop-off program. Launching this summer, the City will be partnering with farmers markets and community gardens to roll out nearly 25 new sites across the City. To find a drop-off nearest to you, please click here.  "As an organization that makes compost, distributes compost to neighborhood gardeners and buys in compost from regional companies, we know how important this resource is and how our local food system can be strengthened by producing more of it,” said Danielle Andrews, the Boston Farmer Manager for The Food Project. “We are thrilled to partner with the City to offer a comprehensive composting program to residents, using both our West Cottage farm and Dudley Common farmers’ market as drop off locations for food scraps and other organic matter."

麻州政府推出數據樞紐

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Launch of New Massachusetts Data Hub  

New Data Hub tool connects users to data, reports published by Massachusetts state agencies 

Browse resources by topic, check out featured data, or search by keyword. 

 

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of the Massachusetts Data Hub, a new, user-friendly data search tool developed by the Executive Office of Technology Services (EOTSS). The Data Hub allows users to search state resources and data by topic and keyword, as well as browse featured data published by state government. 

 

The Data Hub reflects the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to sharing data transparently and openly to better serve the Commonwealth’s many residents, businesses and visitors. 

 

“The Massachusetts Data Hub brings additional organization and transparency to the Commonwealth’s vast and varied data landscape,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This tool’s launch represents an important step in making state data more readily available and easy to access.” 

 

“It is critical that state data is available to municipal leaders so that they can make better informed decisions in tackling the many challenges their communities and constituents face,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The Massachusetts Data Hub will work toward these goals by making state government more inclusive and providing more intuitive access to agency data.”  

The Massachusetts Data Hub aggregates state agency-published data and web pages, and organizes content around topics that make data easier to find. As of its launch, the Hub includes more than 250 pages of content where state agencies have published datasets, dashboards and reports on subjects such as COVID-19, births and deaths, state finance and vehicle crash data.  

 

Users can search by topic – such as Health and Social Services, Energy and Environment, Transportation – or by keyword. This enhanced search feature allows constituents to review data published across state government without needing to know which state agency collects the information or where to find it on their websites. 

 

“The Massachusetts Data Hub represents a collaboration with dozens of Commonwealth agencies to make state data easier to find and understand,” said Secretary of Technology and Security Services Curt Wood. “EOTSS looks forward to continuing collaboration with our agency partners to improve the tools and technologies that enable them to better connect constituents with their data.” 

 

 

 

Over the coming months, EOTSS will continue incorporating additional datasets and making iterative changes to improve the Hub’s usability. Additionally, EOTSS will collaborate with agencies to improve webpages containing data by making them easier to find and adding plain language descriptions of the data. 

 

EOTSS was established in 2017 as the Commonwealth’s lead technology and cybersecurity agency via Article 87 government restructuring legislation filed by Governor Baker and approved by the Legislature. Its mission is to lead initiatives to modernize the Commonwealth’s IT infrastructure assets, continually strengthen government cybersecurity operations and standards, and leverage innovative technology solutions to offer user-friendly digital services to its constituents. 

 

To access the new Massachusetts Data Hub, click here. 

 

To provide feedback to help improve the Hub, click here.