Building Better Communities

An Update from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office

Volume I, Issue 2

October 2008

Energy Bucks logo

More than 800,000 Massachusetts residents are eligible for
various programs that can help them save on energy costs, including fuel assistance, discount energy rates, and energy efficiency services. You can apply for programs that may be available to you through a Community Action Program (CAP) in your area.
Energy Resources
As the weather gets colder, there are resources available to help communities deal with rising energy costs.
You can find additional resources in the AGO's Energy Resource Guide. 

Grant Opportunities

Organizations are always on the look-out for new sources of funding. Some that may be of interest to you:
Public Inquiry & Assistance Center 

The AGO advocates for and on behalf of consumers. The AGO's Public Inquiry and Assistance Center works with concerned consumers who have a range of questions and concerns in the area of consumer protection and offers a free, voluntary service that tries to help resolve matters between consumers and merchants outside of court. Contact the Public Inquiry & Assistance Center Hotline at (617) 727-8400 or visit the AGO's website.

 
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As we move towards winter, I wanted to use this second edition of Building Better Communities to keep you updated on some resources available to help you better advocate on behalf of the health, safety and rights of the residents of the Commonwealth. With the weather changing, rising energy costs will be on top of everyone's list of concerns. Community resources will be stretched thin. We are committed to doing what we can to help your constituents remain as comfortable as possible.
 
Also, you may know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Massachusetts, there has been a significant increase in domestic violence-related homicides, and the impact ripples beyond the families into the community. We should use this month to think about all victims and what services we currently have available in our communities.
 
I encourage you to read this newsletter and share it with your colleagues. Our office welcomes the opportunity to work with you in support of our continued commitment to efficient and effective responses to individuals, businesses, and other organizations across the Commonwealth. We always welcome any feedback about how we can make this newsletter most helpful to you. If you have suggestions, thoughts or questions, please respond to us at agonewsletter@state.ma.us.  
 
Cordially,
 
Martha Coakley, Massachusetts Attorney General 
Martha Coakley 
Massachusetts Attorney General
   
ThermostatRising Energy Costs
Residents of the Commonwealth will see significant increases in their energy costs over the next year, which will have an especially sobering affect with the change of seasons. The Attorney General's Office has taken several steps to begin addressing this issue, including hosting a series of Winter Heating and Energy Roundtables over the past month. In early November, a new report will be available on the AGO website, incorporating suggestions and feedback from these Roundtables. 
HomeHousing Concerns
Independent studies have found that many lenders, holders and servicers of mortgages have failed to live up to their promise of providing realistic loan modifications as a way to help Massachusetts residents keep their homes and avoid foreclosure. The Attorney General's Office has been working to provide support and resources to homeowners and communities throughout Massachusetts. Most recently the Attorney General testified before the House Financial Services Committee. She asked the committee to continue to consider its points of leverage to motivate successful loan modification. For more information and available resources for homeowners and communities, visit the Home & Housing section of the AGO's website.
In 2007, there were 55 domestic violence-related deaths in the state, and 43,000 children were exposed to reported acts of abuse and violence between family members. If you or someone you know needs help you can contact Jane Doe Inc, the Massachusetts Office of Victims Assistance, or your local police department or District Attorney's office. In addition, violent crime often has a significant economic impact on a victim and his or her family. The Attorney General's Victim Compensation and Assistance Division provides financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crime. For more information, visit the Victims of Violent Crime section of the AGO's website. 
Health careHealth Care   
For those who are not eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance or public programs, the search for an affordable health plan can be a challenge. Before signing up for any new health plan, consumers should be aware of possible scams. For tips and information on how to protect yourself, visit the How to Choose a Health Plan section of the AGO's website. If you think you may have fallen victim to a health plan scam or want to discuss a potential scam, contact the AGO's Health Care Hotline at (888) 830-6277.
GoDirectGo Direct
In 2007, $56 million worth of Social Security checks were fraudulently endorsed. The US Department of the Treasury is urging Social Security and SSI recipients to switch to direct deposit. Go Direct,a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks, to encourage people who get Social Security and other federal benefit payments by check to switch to direct deposit. Direct deposit of Social Security is safer, easier, and can help protect you from identity theft and fraud. Sign up today at 1-800-333-1795 or online at GoDirect.org.