Public Inquiry & Assistance Center The AGO's Public Inquiry and Assistance Center (PIAC) works with consumers who have a range of questions and concerns and offers a free service that helps resolve matters between consumers and merchants outside of courts. Contact PIAC at (617) 727-8400. |
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Welcome to the summer issue of Building Better Communities. The AGO uses this newsletter, along with our website and on our blog, At Issue & In Focus, to address issues of importance to Massachusetts residents, cities, towns and businesses. Much of what we address in the newsletter refers to various resources online. In an effort to address issues in a timely and responsive manner, we post to our blog regularly. We hope that At Issue & In Focus will be a community blog, and encourage you to read it regularly, add your comments, and submit guest blog posts from your organization by emailing agoblog@state.ma.us.
Thank you for taking the time to read the July edition of Building Better Communities! We welcome your feedback and thank you for the work you do each day for our communities.
Cordially,
Martha Coakley
Massachusetts Attorney General |
 Municipal Investment Trainings
In these tight fiscal times, municipalities are faced with even more challenging choices when it comes to their investments and the need to safely maximize returns. Throughout June, the AGO hosted a series of Municipal Investment Trainings with municipal executives to foster a partnership with them in the identification of and response to a variety of investment-related issues. During 2008, the AGO recovered more than $77 million for 26 different municipalities under the state's civil False Claims Act, as part of an initiative to investigate misleading and unlawful investment marketing to local governments. You are our eyes and our ears on the ground. If you believe that your municipality is being defrauded, speak with your town counsel or contact the AGO. |
 DPU Public Hearings
Customer participation in ratemaking proceedings helps ensure that electric and gas companies provide reliable energy services at the lowest cost. Throughout the month of July, the Department of Public Utilities will hold public hearings regarding the petition of National Grid (Massachusetts Electric Company, and Nantucket Electric Company) for a general increase in electric rates and approval of a revenue decoupling mechanism. For a full list of dates and locations, visit the Public Hearings: National Grid Rate Changes section of the AGO website. Those who wish to participate in the hearings, but are unable to attend in person, may submit written comment to the DPU. |
 Youth Employment
Massachusetts' child labor laws were written to protect young workers because they tend to suffer injuries at much higher rates than adults, and they need to balance work and education. In summers past, the AGO has launched a website (www.LaborLowDown.com) and provided a number of educational materials on youth employment. As your teens embark on summer employment opportunities, take the time to discuss their rights as youth employees. For information, visit the Youth Employment section of our website, or download the Attorney General's Guide for Working Teens. | |
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