Mark D. Levine

Brilliant to see that the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs has launched a programme to protect and support NYC's cultural spaces. Inspired by the Mayor of London's Culture and Community Spaces at Risk Office, the programme responds to rising property prices and gentrification putting cultural spaces like music venues, theatres, bookshops at risk.

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Grant opportunities

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The December 2024 edition of the SPOA Newsletter features extensive media coverage of SPOA's testimony and opposition to the Boston tax shift proposal, which landed in the State Senate. Episode 12 of SPOA Housing Policy Series, "Confronting Eviction Delay Tactics," centers on Aletta Horton, a small property owner who was forced to turn to eviction as a last resort, only to face false accusations from her tenants to delay an already long eviction process, placing Aletta at risk of foreclosure. Attorney Jordana Greenman describes how the legal system failed to protect Aletta in a timely manner. Given that small business owners provide most of the rental housing in Massachusetts, can this endangered group be saved before it goes extinct? Also included are property owner perspectives about the need for Section 8 reform and an argument against forcing broker fees upon rental housing providers exclusively, as presented by Demetrios Salpoglou on NBC 10 News. You can read more by accessing the link below. Simon Rios Scott Van Voorhis Donna Cohen Joanna Allison Demetrios Salpoglou Anthony Tse Kimberly Donovan Kristian Kotov Kelly Catallo Evan Griffith Melvin A Vieira Jr. Chris Gallo Kent Fitzpatrick, AIFA®, GFS®, CBFA Greg Vasil Kate Franco Patricia Baumer Nicholas Sarwark Valerie Sarwark Daniel Fishman Cris Crawford Mark Tashjian Tara DeSisto Roger Valdez Melanie Tringali Marita Palavicini Jason Pan Ralph Jaeger Kate Lipper-Garabedian Jay Ash Jordana Roubicek Greenman Wildia Capre, MBA, CPA Aletta Horton Brian Butler Christina Dorobek Ryan Kath Shira Stoll Groma Greater Boston Real Estate Board Boston Pads Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® #bostonrealestate #bostontaxes #bostontaxshift #massachusettsrealestate #brokerfees #section8 #propertyrights #eviction #housingjustice

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YES! Expanding mental health services to afterschool programs will make MH services more accessible to children in even more settings.

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What happens now that MCAS is no longer a state graduation requirement in Massachusetts? The change has sparked conversations among Voices for Academic Equity members, including myself, shedding light on the existing disparities in local graduation standards. The focus now shifts to addressing these inequities and striving towards providing a quality high school education for all students. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eEXDBAxV

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Check out my op-ed in the Daily News about why NYC elections need to be aligned with state and federal elections, a recommendation of the New York City Campaign Finance Board. NYC has stellar voter registration at 82%, but dismal voter participation--7.2% in last year's primary, and 12.8%. Combining NYC elections with state and federal candidates would dramatically increase voter participation in city elections, and would save taxpayers the $60 million it costs to administer NYC-only elections in every odd-numbered-year. A democracy is only as good as the people who make it. New York has the roadmap to building a stronger, more inclusive democracy. Let's get moving! https://lnkd.in/eg8sji74

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The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff as they carry out their critical work. That’s why we are excited to introduce AlertMedia, a state-of-the-art safety monitoring system designed to provide real-time assistance and protection for our team in the field. This innovative tool offers discreet emergency alerts, location-aware threat intelligence, and 24/7 monitoring support to help our workforce stay safe while serving Rhode Island’s children and families. At DCYF, safety is a shared priority. Together, we can continue building a secure and supportive environment for staff and those we serve. #WorkplaceSafety #Innovation #RIChildrenAndFamilies

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The humanities have a real impact on people's lives and are essential now more than ever. As our world becomes more divided and exceedingly reliant on automation, only the humanities (and the arts) allow us to connect and see each other as wholly human.

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👀 City of Cambridge’s free, universal #prek will be an important effort to follow. This Boston Globe Media article does a terrific job of highlighting the important access, affordability, quality, and equity benefits to #children and #families. 💡I would add at least two additional positive impacts: 1.) families will not only be able to save money, but they will be able to participate and contribute more to the local #economy and achieve greater personal #economicsecurity by increasing their earnings; and, 2.) by addressing #preschool with this public-private approach, the City is opening the door to creative solutions to support #infants and #toddler, an absolutely critical period of development for children and a major barrier for families and #caregivers who are trying to work or achieve full employment. 👏 Globe journalists Spencer Buell & Christopher Huffaker #chikdcare + #workforce = #jobs + #economicgrowth for ALL! Follow and learn more with Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education! #MassBiz4EarlyEd https://lnkd.in/eB_4fpHZ

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⚠⚠ #Massachusetts has seen a growing net loss of 25-44 year olds 💡💡💡 CHILDCARE is a response to this #laborforce #economic #competitiveness "alarm" #MassBiz4EarlyEd 👀 Boston Globe Business coverage of NEW #outmigration analysis by Boston Indicators of The Boston Foundation: "[P]olicymakers and #labor #economists alike have sounded the alarm over the increasing number of people fleeing Massachusetts for other states. . .And it probably does not bode well for the Bay State’s long-term economic competitiveness." "Particularly dire: Working-age adults are leaving in droves. On net, Massachusetts lost an average of 22,631 people age 25 to 44 across 2021 and 2022 — the largest number of any age group and a marked increase over previous years, according to the report." Read complete Boston Globe Media story here: https://lnkd.in/ezKFqFjP 👏 Dana Gerber, Kirkland An Read Boston Indicators analysis here: https://lnkd.in/ewi6wQuU 👏 Peter Ciurczak #childcare + #workforce = #jobs + #economicgrowth for ALL of #MA. . .AND working-age #talent attraction + retention! Follow and learn more with the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education!

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Practical tips for Leaders!

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Nonprofits Need State Contracts That Keep Up With Inflation   At a State House rally today, thousands of nonprofit practitioners called for increase funding for Connecticut nonprofit that operate under state contracts. The issue at stake is that State contracts with nonprofits have not moved with inflation over the last five years, resulting in depressed wages for nonprofit front-line employees serving our States’ citizens and the slow curtailment of services.   Through State contracts, the legislature and state agencies rely on Connecticut nonprofits to implement the work on the ground in addressing the current mental health and substance abuse crisis, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, assisting those experiencing homelessness, hunger, and re-entering society after incarceration to rebuild their lives and contribute to Connecticut’s workforce.   With state contracts not keeping up with inflation, these core human services have been continually limited. In many cases are some nonprofits will have to close their program and doors in FY24 and FY25 because costs override funding. What is being asked of the Connecticut legislature is to increase in funding by at least 5% in FY25 so that community nonprofits can keep up with inflation and costs, and pay their front-line employees a living wage.   The current year’s surplus is $3.3 billion above what is needed for the state budget and a full Budget Reserve Fund. The Fiscal Accountability reports late last year predicted surpluses for the next several years. Community nonprofits and the people they serve ask: “If not now, when?” Please tell your legislators and the Governor you’ll only support a budget that includes funding increases of at least 5% in FY25 for community nonprofits to keep with inflation…or else the unaddressed needs will end up as larger issues in our Connecticut communities.   Putting your head in the sand does not make issues that need to be addressed and remedied go away.

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Today Governor Hochul has announced her proposal to expand resources for youth in education and mental health. This includes the expansion of the successful Latina Mentoring Initiative (LMI) as well as the creation of the Black Girls Mentoring Initiative. LMI is a hallmark program of the NYS Council on Children and Families, and I have no doubt that Black Girls Mentoring will achieve success in helping young women as well. From the press release: Young Latinas have the highest rate of suicide attempts among teen populations in the U.S. In New York State, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Latina teens, and in New York City, 18.5 percent of Latina teens seriously considered suicide in 2019, a percentage higher than their peers. In 2021, the State launched the Latina Mentoring Initiative (LMI) to empower future Latina leaders ages 8 to 24 by building soft skills, confidence and nurturing aspirations via personal and professional development. In the last three years, LMI has created a safe space that builds community where youth are inspired by Latina representation, encouraged to expand their possibilities and are affirmed and celebrated. This year, the Governor has proposed to increase investment in the LMI to increase the number of youths served by this impactful program. Additionally, leveraging learnings from the success of the Latina Mentoring Initiative, the Governor has proposed launching the Black Girls Mentoring Initiative to support young Black women.

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Save the dates! August 8th & 9th the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity is co-hosting a Fatherhood conference at Central Connecticut State University. Register here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eTBzax7t "Fatherhood: The Next Level Conference," scheduled for August 8th and 9th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This free 2 day conference is hosted in collaboration with the CT Department of Children and Families Fatherhood Division, the CT Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity, and Central CT State University's Brotherhood Initiative. Our goal is to educate our communities and mental health professionals on effectively engaging men of color and to explore strategies, resources, and solutions for addressing mental health challenges. The event will feature training sessions for mental health professionals, clinicians, social workers, and other community stakeholders on culturally competent care and effective interventions. We will delve into the intersectionality of race, gender, and mental health, empowering participants to navigate and overcome systemic challenges. Additionally, the conference will provide a safe space for boys and men of color to share experiences, discuss coping mechanisms, and access healing resources. Insights and recommendations from the conference will be shared with state leaders to inform policymaking efforts aimed at improving mental health outcomes and access to care. At every stage of life, men are encouraged to consider three equally important aspects of their health—physical health, mental health, and social connection. This year's conference seeks to address and provide resources in all three of these areas. Register here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eTBzax7t

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BREAKING STATE SAVINGS NEWS and CONGRATULATIONS! Rhode Island announces the intent of the new Rhode Island Savers (RISavers) program to partner with the already established MyCTSavings program. This will establish the 2nd partnership arrangement among state-facilitated retirement savings programs, and will allow the new RISavers program to launch its pilot in early 2025 will full open later next year. [The first is the Colorado Partnership for a Dignified Retirement that includes Colorado SecureSavings Program, MERIT - Maine Retirement Investment Trust, Delaware EARNS, and Vermont Saves.] For more information about announcement this morning in RI: Press release: https://lnkd.in/e-WP3HMZ And local news ProJo: https://lnkd.in/e9UUj6YZ CalSavers OregonSaves Illinois Secure Choice RetirePath Virginia RetireReady NJ MarylandSaves

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Want to know more about how you as an employee can help move the needle on climate action - and how to help companies do more of the right things to protect climate policy and more? Check out ClimateVoice during #Climateweeknyc

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"CHILD CARE IS A WIN-WIN-WIN!" 💯 RIGHT! The Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education and a growing number of #employers agree with our friend and friends, Eneida Roman and Amplify LatinX, in today's Boston Globe Media (HT Lauren Booker). "[Child care is] a win-win-win because the first win is that we’re equipping … these child care providers with the necessary tools to run profitable #businesses because that way they can transform their lives, their #family’s lives, and the #economy of their #community. Second, by having a stronger child care ecosystem, we are going to create more #employment. Then third, it supports the larger economy and the ecosystem because it makes #industry more attractive." #childcare + #workforce = #jobs + #economicgrowth for ALL! #MassBiz4EarlyEd AND it's (mostly) #businesswomen, #smallbusiness, #communitydevelopment, #education, #equity and more! #Latinx

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