Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose Harmony Commission to Investigate Child Welfare System

by Patrick Wilson

September 27, 2023

BOSTON – Massachusetts lawmakers on Wednesday proposed the creation of the Harmony Commission, a new body that would be tasked with investigating the state’s child welfare system and developing recommendations for reform.

The commission is named after Harmony Montgomery, a five-year-old girl who went missing in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2019. Harmony was in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) at the time of her disappearance.

The proposed commission would be made up of 15 members, including experts in child welfare, law, and law enforcement. The commission would have the power to subpoena witnesses and documents, and it would be required to issue a report with its findings and recommendations within one year.

The proposal for the Harmony Commission comes after a series of reports that have criticized the Massachusetts child welfare system for failing to protect vulnerable children. In 2021, the Office of the Child Advocate issued a report that found that DCF had failed to adequately investigate Harmony’s case.

The proposed commission is supported by a number of advocacy groups, including the Massachusetts Children’s Trust and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. The groups say that the commission is necessary to identify and address the problems in the Massachusetts child welfare system.

The proposal for the Harmony Commission is expected to be considered by the Massachusetts legislature in the coming weeks.

** This piece was created with the help of ai.

Looters Target Philadelphia Businesses

by Patrick Wilson

September 27, 2023

PHILADELPHIA – A group of looters targeted businesses in Center City Philadelphia on Tuesday night, breaking into stores and stealing merchandise. The looting occurred after a protest over the fatal police shooting of Eddie Irizarry, but police said the two events were not connected.

Police said the looting began around 7:30 p.m. when a group of juveniles and young people started breaking into stores along Chestnut Street. The group quickly grew to around 100 people, and they began looting stores all over Center City.

Looters broke into stores such as Foot Locker, Apple, and Lululemon, stealing merchandise and causing damage. Police said the looters also vandalized several businesses.

Police responded to the looting quickly, and they were able to make 15 arrests. However, many of the looters were able to escape.

The looting in Philadelphia is a reminder of the ongoing problem of crime in the city. Philadelphia has one of the highest crime rates in the United States, and the city has struggled to reduce crime in recent years.

The looting also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Philadelphia Police Department. The police department has been criticized for its handling of crime in the city, and the looting on Tuesday night is likely to fuel those criticisms.

The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating the looting, and they are asking anyone with information to come forward.

** This piece was created with the help of ai.

Creating a Just and Equitable Transition to Electric Vehicles

by Patrick Wilson

A just transition from gas to electric vehicles for auto workers is one that ensures that all workers, including those who may lose their jobs in the transition, are supported and have the opportunity to find new, good-paying jobs. This could include providing job retraining programs, wage subsidies, and other forms of assistance.

The transition to electric vehicles is expected to lead to some job losses in the auto industry, as EVs require fewer parts and labor to produce than gas-powered vehicles. However, the transition is also expected to create new jobs in the EV supply chain, such as battery manufacturing and charging infrastructure installation.

A just transition would ensure that auto workers who are displaced by the transition are able to benefit from these new jobs. This could involve working with automakers and unions to develop transition plans that include job retraining, wage subsidies, and other forms of assistance.

In addition to supporting displaced workers, a just transition would also need to address the impact on communities that rely on the auto industry. For example, if an auto plant closes, the community may lose jobs, tax revenue, and other important economic benefits. A just transition would include investments in these communities to help them diversify their economies and create new jobs.

Here are some specific examples of policies that could be implemented to support a just transition for auto workers:

Job retraining programs: The government could provide funding for job retraining programs to help auto workers develop the skills they need for new jobs in the EV industry or other sectors.
Wage subsidies: The government could provide wage subsidies to auto workers who are displaced by the transition and are hired for new jobs in the EV industry. This would help to ensure that they are able to maintain a decent standard of living.
Relocation assistance: The government could provide relocation assistance to auto workers who are displaced by the transition and need to move to a new location to find a new job.
Community investment: The government could invest in communities that are reliant on the auto industry to help them diversify their economies and create new jobs. This could include investments in education, infrastructure, and small businesses.

By implementing these types of policies, the government can help to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is a just one for all workers and communities involved.

** This piece was created with the help of ai.