MA Consumer Affairs: "Fraud Alert: Unemployment Benefits & ID Theft"

 

"Driven by the economic downturn brought on by pandemic related restrictions, unemployment across the U.S. is at a historic high. While national and local averages slowly decline across the country, unemployment fraud is on the rise.

For many the unemployment benefit is a lifeline. Unfortunately, for some bad actors it is an opportunity. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), unemployment fraud is up significantly and there is suspicion that the culprits are based overseas. Officials say the fraud is affecting tens of thousands of Americans, slowing the delivery of benefits to those in need, and costing states hundreds of millions of dollars.

Whether you have lost your job, or not, you could be a victim of identity theft related to this unemployment scam. Authorities report that criminals are filing for unemployment benefits online using stolen information of people who have not lost their jobs. Stolen identities can be bought online, or obtained from data breaches, email phishing schemes, or from physical theft. Fraudsters also exploit public websites and social media accounts. Many victims are unaware of the identity theft unless they are notified by a state agency, the IRS, or their employer that a claim has been filed in their name."

Continue reading the article online http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/fraud-alert-unemployment-benefits-id-theft/

The Federal Trade Commission has a similar article  https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2020/06/unemployment-benefits-fraud-puts-workers-risk-more-id-theft

 

 

Commonwealth Magazine: "Baker says fraud rampant with unemployment insurance"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER said a relatively small number of state unemployment claims were approved last week because of a screening process designed to weed out a rising tide of fraudulent claims.

The governor said the state received 31,000 applications for unemployment assistance last week, but only 1,000 passed the screening process.

“There’s a tremendous amount of fraud going on around UI,” Baker said at a Monday afternoon press conference. “Some of these fraudsters are actually paying people to call unemployment offices around the country and advocate for benefits pretending to be somebody they’re not, who’s not in fact actually unemployed.”

Baker said the anti-fraud effort is slowing down the claims process and preventing state officials from obtaining an accurate count of the number of new claims being filed each week."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-says-fraud-rampant-with-unemployment-insurance/

 

The Gov Baker press update where he made the comments on unemployment fraud. YouTube link = https://youtu.be/0c6nZ7OLwdc

Commonwealth Magazine: "Added unemployment benefits pass swiftly"; Massachusetts Majority PAC pays for Kelly mailing

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

"Added unemployment benefits pass swiftly"

"AS MANY AS 17,000 unemployed Massachusetts residents could become eligible for thousands of dollars in additional unemployment benefits under legislation that swept through the House and Senate and was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday to provide relief to residents who didn’t initially qualify for the federal Lost Wages Assistance program.

The federal program ran in Massachusetts for six weeks from the end of July through the first week in September, but in order to qualify for the additional $300 in weekly unemployment benefits a claimant had to be receiving at least $100 in weekly state benefits.

The bill passed by the Legislature on Monday increased the minimum benefit for any unemployment insurance beneficiary to $100 for the week ending Aug. 1 through the week ending Sept. 5."

Continue reading article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/added-unemployment-benefits-pass-swiftly/

Massachusetts Majority PAC pays for Kelly mailing

"The Baker-affiliated PAC is supporting two other Republican senators facing Democratic challengers – Sen. Patrick O’Connor of Weymouth, who is running against Meg Wheeler of Cohasset, and Sen. Ryan Fattman of Sutton, who is running against Christine Crean of Milford. The PAC spent $35,209 on direct mail campaigns supporting each of the Republican senators. The fourth Republican senator, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, is running unopposed.

The PAC also spent $30,538 on direct mail advertising supporting Republican Matthew Kelly of Franklin, who is running against incumbent Democratic Sen. Becca Rausch of Needham. The PAC did not support three other Republicans — John Cain of Southwick, James McMahon III of Bourne, and Steven Hall of Sturbridge – running against incumbent Senate Democrats."

Continue reading article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/baker-affiliated-pac-bypasses-sen-tran/

World Economic Forum: "The Future of Jobs Report 2020"

Given the economy currently in turmoil due to the pandemic and the Franklin School Dept soon to release their "Portrait of a Graduate", this report is timely and insightful.

"The Future of Jobs Report provides the timely insights needed to orient labour markets and workers towards opportunity today and in the future of work. Now in its third edition, the report maps the jobs and skills of the future, tracking the pace of change and direction of travel. This year we find that while technology-driven job creation is still expected to outpace job destruction over the next five years, the economic contraction is reducing the rate of growth in the jobs of tomorrow. There is a renewed urgency to take proactive measures to ease the transition of workers into more sustainable job opportunities. There is room for measured optimism in the data, but supporting workers will require global, regional and national public-private collaboration at an unprecedented scale and speed."

Download your copy of the PDF report https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2020 

or read my shared copy here:

 

World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Report 2020"

 

In the News: by the numbers, there are highs and lows

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 

"The state Department of Public Health reported an additional 702 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the statewide total to 139,353.

There were 14,962 new molecular tests conducted, with an approximately 4.69% daily positive rate. That is the highest rate since June 6."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201016/mass-reports-highest-covid-19-test-positivity-rate-since-june-6---469?rssfeed=true

 

"The state’s unemployment rate dropped into single digits in September after spending five months above 10%, as employers reported adding 36,900 jobs and Massachusetts continued its economic recovery from the sudden COVID-inflicted recession.

State labor officials announced Friday that the unemployment rate declined to 9.6% in September, 1.8 percentage points below the revised August rate of 11.4%.

The state unemployment rate is now the lowest it has been since March, the last month of data that did not fully reflect the massive layoffs prompted by government-mandated shutdowns and large-scale shifts in consumer behavior to avoid public health risks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201016/mass-jobless-rate-falls-below-10?rssfeed=true

 

“The weather is just getting more and more extreme,” she said, noting that while droughts are happening in this part of the world, other areas are seeing record rainfall and hurricanes.

Earlier this month, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides declared a Level 3 Critical Drought in the southeast region of the state. When such a declaration is made, it means “many sectors, community functions and environmental resources are facing critical strain” due to the drought, according to the state’s drought management plan.

In September, Theoharides declared all seven regions of the state at a Level 2 Critical Drought Level, which called for more restrictions on water use and greater collaboration between the state and municipalities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201016/recent-rain-too-little-too-late-for-farmers-hit-by-drought?rssfeed=true  

Town Common walkway as the fallen leaves are gathered

In the News: Identity theft problem with unemployment;

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"John and Stephanie Jennings received quite a surprise during the coronavirus pandemic.

Early in the outbreak, Stephanie opened a letter from the state Department of Unemployment Assistance that said her unemployment benefits claim had been processed.

The problem is she never filed one, because she wasn’t out of work.

A few weeks later, John received a similar letter from the DUA. He was also employed, working remotely from home.

Someone — or some entity — stole the couple’s personal identification, and filed fraudulent claims with the DUA."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201010/a-horrible-situation-metrowest-residents-target-of-stolen-identity-during-coronavirus-pandemic?rssfeed=true

"Gov. Charlie Baker met with White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx on Friday after she met with a group of college presidents in Cambridge.

Birx became a familiar face earlier this year when she regularly appeared with President Donald Trump at White House briefings on the coronavirus. Now she is on a nationwide tour of college campuses.

Birx visited the Broad Institute on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Friday for a roundtable discussion with college and university presidents from Massachusetts.

Birx said Massachusetts and the rest of the Northeast are seeing what she called a “silent spread” with more and people catching the virus, but not showing symptoms."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201010/birx-warns-of-covid-19-silent-spread-during-meeting-with-baker?rssfeed=true

"Both the fluctuating pattern and the scale of the changes are unusual"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"The number of Massachusetts workers counted as unemployed dropped by more than 250,000 over the past two months, a decline of more than a third that helped the state escape from a short streak of owning the worst jobless rate in the country.

About 114,000 more workers became employed in that span, too, a sign of continued steps toward recovery following the pandemic-related recession’s low point in the spring.

But the improving jobs numbers and unemployment rate likely mask deeper, more lasting damage at both the state and federal level: many people are dropping out of the workforce altogether, hinting that some — particularly women, who disproportionately fill caretaker roles — have given up attempts to find employment amid slow hiring and uncertainty about the COVID-19 health outlook.

“It’s a significant problem,” Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President and CEO Eric Rosengren said in a speech on Thursday. “The longer the pandemic goes on, the more you’re going to see people leaving the labor force, not only because they can’t find a job, but because they have to care for either elderly parents, people that are sick because of the pandemic, or children that are not able to go to school because schools have been closed and there is not availability of daycare.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201009/not-so-rosy-data-shows-many-in-mass-have-left-workforce?rssfeed=true

In the News: "Lawmakers make plea for federal dollars"; 3 year old loses part of leg in accident

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"Dozens of lawmakers want the Baker administration to act promptly to aid workers who missed out on up to $1,800 in additional benefits because of “arbitrary” and “punitive” eligibility requirements.

More than 110 legislators, almost all Democrats and no Republicans, wrote to Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta on Thursday, urging her to work with the House and Senate to raise the state’s minimum unemployment benefit payments so all recipients can access a pool of federal aid.

A small but unclear number of Bay State residents facing major economic strain fell just short of qualifying for the temporary Lost Wages Assistance federal program, lawmakers say, blocking off additional aid that could help them survive the pandemic’s continuing upheaval."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200928/lawmakers-make-plea-for-federal-dollars?rssfeed=true

"Sarah Reardon “got the kind of phone call that no parent ever wants to get.”

She was unpacking boxes on Aug. 22 at her new home in Franklin while her two daughters, Alexa, 6, and Abigail, 3, stayed at their father’s home in Lakeville for a few days. That Saturday, she received a hysterical call from her children’s father riding in the back of an ambulance.

Abigail had been backed over by a riding lawn mower.

He told her the ambulance was on its way toward Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, which had the closest Level 1 Trauma center." 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200928/franklin-3-year-old-loses-part-of-leg-after-lawn-mower-accident-her-mother-is-urging-parents-to-understand-full-dangers-of-machines?rssfeed=true

Gov Baker's COVID update for Sep 9, 2020 (video)

"Today (Sep 9, 2020), Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito provided an update on efforts to support communities with persistently higher rates of COVID-19 transmission, especially over the Labor Day weekend. 

Governor Baker also provided an update on the disbursement of federal supplemental unemployment benefits."

Video link = https://youtu.be/FL13LuaQuHw 

From CommonWealth Magazine we share a related article: 

"Gov. Charlie Baker said on Wednesday that health care costs overall in Massachusetts are dropping, not because fears of COVID-19 are prompting people to avoid hospitals but because the incidence of such routine health issues as ear infections, sore throats, and strep are way down from previous years.

The governor said the wearing of masks and social distancing is having an impact beyond COVID. “There’s a lot of stuff that traditionally ends up in the ER, or in the hospital, or in the doctor’s office that isn’t ending up there,” Baker said. “It’s because people aren’t moving around the same way, they’re treating each other different, and germs don’t have the ability to travel the way they have in years past.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-covid-precautions-driving-down-health-care-costs/

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group - Sep 15 - "Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism"

Session #1 = Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism

• Wednesday, September 15th from 10:00 am – 12 pm
• Virtual Doors open at 9:45 am!
• The session shall start promptly at 10 am

Facilitators: Ed Lawrence and Melody Beach

This first interactive session in our fall program discusses ageism, career pathways, and assessments.

Ageism is real. Bias is inevitable. So, what do you do?

What’s your career path? Do you want to stay in the same field or transition to a new one? What’s your plan?

Assessments may be required by many companies, but they are a necessity for the modern job seeker. Knowing yourself--your values and preferences--enables you to set realistic career goals and ultimately land the job you want.

This session isn’t just a presentation; it poses questions, presents real- time exercises, and challenges your mindset.

This is your first step in mastering the 21st-century job-search in a world of Millennials still reeling from an ongoing pandemic.

Are you willing to do what it takes to land a job during uncertain, challenging times? If so, we invite you to join the 50+program this fall. Eight sessions that build a foundation for one purpose---land you a job.

Pre-Registration is Required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/ 

Get your copy of the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X9NH62bZBEGAcpd2rkefxi4RyXf02GR4/view?usp=sharing

Sep 15 - "Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism"

"unemployment taxes are 'probably the first of many bills' from the pandemic"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 

"With unemployment soaring, state lawmakers are considering ways to soften the blow from a major impending increase in the taxes employers pay toward the state’s unemployment system, a jump in costs that one business group described as a “pretty staggering.”

With the unemployment insurance trust fund suddenly facing a multibillion-dollar deficit over the next four years, the contributions required from Massachusetts businesses are set to increase nearly 60% when the calendar turns to 2021 and then continue growing at a smaller rate through 2024.

Those higher taxes -- estimated at an average of $319 more per qualifying employee next year -- will be due starting in April, raising concerns that the sharp uptick will put a drag on the economic recovery from the ongoing COVID-prompted recession and make it more difficult for employers to bring back jobs they cut.

Christopher Carlozzi, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business Massachusetts, said his group and the employers with which it works view the projected increases as “a looming crisis.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200906/how-is-massachusetts-going-to-pay-all-of-unemployment-requests-employers-will-face-staggering-hike-in-unemployment-taxes?rssfeed=true

50+ Job Seekers Program Fall Schedule

Eight Bi-weekly Sessions: Tuesdays 10 am – Noon

Thanks to new funding from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and MCOA, we are excited to announce our 6th year and offer 50+ Job Seekers eight virtual, interactive workshops starting September 15th.
 
The 50+ Job Seekers program is now launching its 6th year, providing career transition support, strategies, materials and guidance to the 50+ demographic of job seekers.

Come network with fellow job seekers, pick up new skills or refresh your current
ones. We present the topics essential to your job search. We equip and empower you to be successful. Learn from our experienced Career Coach facilitators.

Mark your calendar and commence your journey to re-Invention and transformation.

• 9/15: Self-Assessment, Career Pathways and Ageism
• 9/29: Turn your Resume into a Marketing Tool
• 10/13: Create a Robust LinkedIn Profile
• 10/27: Use LinkedIn as a Job Search Tool
• 11/10: Develop your STARS/PARS
• 11/24: Network your way to a New Career
• 12/8: Create a Marketing Plan/Job Search Toolbox
• 12/15: Panel Event: Practice Interviewing with Employers

To Register: If you have already attended 50+ sessions or townhalls, you will receive an invitation from one of our Group Leaders to register for these events.
If you are New to the 50+ program and have never attended any sessions, registration is required. Use the link below to register; select Town Hall and complete the rest of the form. Upon receipt, you will receive an email with a link to attend the event.

https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

-------------
Ed Lawrence
Group Leader

50+ Job Seekers Program Fall Schedule

In the News: police alert residents to lock cars; unemployment in MA is highest in USA

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

A ring of criminals who steal belongings from cars and trucks has swept through several local communities in the last two weeks, and police are telling residents there’s one huge way they can protect their vehicles — by locking them.

From Wednesday through Saturday last week, vehicle break-ins were reported in Dover, Needham and Sherborn, said Medway police Lt. Matt Reardon. On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, he said Hopedale, Holliston, Franklin, Medway and Millis were hit.

“We believe it’s the same organized crew responsible for all the break-ins both nights,” Reardon said. On Tuesday night there were eight break-ins reported in town, he said, with West Street and the lower Village Street area targeted.

The thefts happened late at night into the wee hours of the morning, and all vehicles hit were unlocked, said Reardon. That’s why Medway police, along with more than five other local departments, are urging residents to lock their vehicles at night, with some advocating for the “9 p.m. routine.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200821/organized-crew-of-criminals-is-sweeping-area-police-urge-residents-to-lock-up-vehicles?rssfeed=true

"The state’s unemployment rate, which soared during the coronavius pandemic, fell to 16.1% in July, yet remains the highest in the nation, according to numbers released Friday by state and federal labor officials.

The July rate is down 1.6 percentage points from the adjusted June rate of 17.7%, according to the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

The national unemployment rate in July was 10.2%. The Massachusetts unemployment rate in July 2019 was 2.9%.

Massachusetts added more than 72,000 jobs last month after adding nearly 95,000 in June as the state continues to recover from the economic shutdown prompted by the pandemic, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary job estimates."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200821/mass-unemployment-rate-down-to-161-still-highest-in-nation?rssfeed=true

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july272020.pdf

Water Operations Person (L4) - Department of Public Works   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/l4-water-operations-externalposting-august2020.pdf

Recycling Center Laborer - Department of Public Works  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/recycling-center-laborer-posting-august172020.pdf

Substitute Custodian   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-july272020.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities

Commonwealth Magazine: state guidelines “confusing and disappointing”

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share articles of interest for Franklin:

"UNDER NEW STATE GUIDELINES issued Tuesday night, Somerville should be preparing to bring students back to school in person next month. It isn’t.

Somerville, a dense urban area outside of Boston, is ranked as “green,” or low-risk, on a new state map measuring COVID-19 rates. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education says green communities should have full-time in-person learning, or at least a hybrid model if there are extenuating circumstances. 

Somerville already decided to start with fully remote learning, and Mayor Joe Curtatone called the new guidelines “confusing and disappointing.” “To look at a color-coded map and say that should be a bright line as to whether to bring back students, staff, teachers to school really disregards all the other variables we must analyze…when we make these decisions,” Curtatone said."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/not-every-school-district-is-buying-bakers-guidance/

"Baker said Trump’s proposal is credible, but it takes money that states are already counting on to cover their COVID-19 costs and uses those funds to pay for the enhanced unemployment insurance benefit.

“That FEMA money, as far as most states are concerned, is what’s there for us to apply to be reimbursed for the costs we incurred in March, April, and May during the original emergency,” Baker said.

The same goes for using CARES Act funds to pay for the state’s share of the enhanced unemployment insurance benefit, Baker said. The governor said the CARES Act funding in most cases has already been designated for other needs. “It’s using most of a pot of money that’s already designated for a very particular purpose,” he said.

Baker said he would prefer that Congress step up and pass a comprehensive stimulus plan. “It’s really important that there be a fourth [stimulus] package,” he said."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-opposes-trumps-stimulus-alternative/

In the News: "Last-ditch virus aid talks collapse; no help for jobless now"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A last-ditch effort by Democrats to revive Capitol Hill talks on vital COVID-19 rescue money collapsed in disappointment Friday, making it increasingly likely that Washington gridlock will mean more hardship for millions of people who are losing enhanced jobless benefits and further damage for an economy pummeled by the still-raging coronavirus.

“It was a disappointing meeting,” declared top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, saying the White House had rejected an offer by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to curb Democratic demands by about $1 trillion. He urged the White House to “negotiate with Democrats and meet us in the middle. Don’t say it’s your way or no way.”

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said, “Unfortunately we did not make any progress today.” Republicans said Pelosi was relying on budget maneuvers to curb costs and contended she has overplayed her hand.

Often an impasse in Washington is of little consequence for the public — not so this time. It means longer and perhaps permanent expiration of a $600 per-week bonus pandemic jobless benefit that’s kept millions of people from falling into poverty. It denies more than $100 billion to help schools reopen this fall. It blocks additional funding for virus testing as cases are surging this summer. And it denies billions of dollars to state and local governments considering furloughs as their revenue craters."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200807/last-ditch-virus-aid-talks-collapse-no-help-for-jobless-now?rssfeed=true 

Veteran Employment And Housing Virtual Walk-In Clinic

Resources Available

• Employment Assistance
• Education & Training Resources
• Housing Programs
• Support Services

*** Visit from any Device***
Join Meeting   https://zoom.us/j/97525135152?pwd=VnpGRGE0Wmd6dmFEUDAxSnkwSWJyQT09

Meeting ID: 975 2513 5152
Password: 819142
Or Call: (929) 205 - 6099

Join Weekly:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 PM – 2 PM

Hosted by Volunteers of America

Download a copy of the flyer:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yTojlNlDrwHRgg34HhtzbpwwvpTXVCnd/view?usp=sharing

Veteran Employment And Housing  Virtual Walk-In Clinic

“What we are seeing is that there are more families in need because of job losses”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

“We’re unsure what’s going to happen at the end of the month, when that extra money runs out,” Franklin Food Pantry’s Lynn Calling said, of federal benefits set to expire at the end of July. “That’s something a lot of pantries are talking about. .... We don’t know what it will look like. This is nothing we can plan for.” 

Closing in on four months into statewide shutdowns driven by the global pandemic, the region’s food pantries are settling into a “new normal” of more clients, longer hours, and fewer volunteers. 

“I hate to use that term (but) I think really it’s the only expression that’s accurate,” United Way of Tri-County President and CEO Paul Mina said. “I think during this time frame, people have come to trust that we’re going to be there when we say we’re going to be there, and there’s going to be food.” 

The United Way of Tri-County oversees three pantries – Pearl Street Community Cupboard and Café in Framingham, Marlborough Community Cupboard, and WHEAT Community Cupboard and Café in Clinton."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200726/months-after-shutdown-due-to-coronavirus-food-pantries-find-new-normal-as-they-feed-hungry-in-metrowest-and-milford-area?rssfeed=true

You can donate directly to the Franklin Food Pantry via their secure online donation link. You can set up for a one time donation or recurring, from a bank account or a credit card.  http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Donation2FoodPantry  or go the the Food Pantry page and select "Donate"  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Note: I was honored to lead the  Board of Directors for the Food Pantry for several years and will be helping them with the capital campaign to fund the purchase and buildout of their new building on East Central St.

Franklin Food Pantry

In the News: fraudulent unemployment claims identified; funding required for ballot application mailing

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts has recovered more than $158 million from fraudulent unemployment claims after identifying tens of thousands of incidents of fraud since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, officials announced Tuesday. 

Because of the rampant fraud, which officials said is part of a nationwide scheme, new identity verification efforts are being implemented by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. 

DUA officials said the additional measures may “temporarily delay the payment timeframe” for some claims. The agency is working on the verification effort with the Massachusetts State Police, the Department of Corrections, and the National Guard. 

Officials said that personal data stolen in earlier commercial data breaches is being used in the fraud."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/at-least-158m-in-unemployment-fraud-recovered-by-mass-dua-reveals

"The state’s top election official said Tuesday he can’t mail ballot applications to voters, as required under a time-sensitive new law, until the Legislature approves funding for the bill that Gov. Charlie Baker signed on Monday. 

The law requires Secretary of State William Galvin to send mail-in voting applications by July 15 in order to give voters time to request a ballot for the Sept. 1 primary elections, fill it out, and mail it back in.

“We had hoped to do it by that date. The legislation calls for it. But the Legislature has not sent the money. We can’t pay for the postage. We can’t pay for the printing until we have the postal permit. We can’t buy the permit until we get the money,” he told reporters outside the State House.

Galvin said a $5 million appropriation included in a more than $1 billion Senate spending bill that largely deals with COVID-19 appropriations “would probably get us going.” The House and Senate spending bills differ, and it’s unclear when legislative leaders will agree on a single bill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/galvin-waiting-for-funding-to-mail-ballot-applications

“the overall unemployment rate would have been about 3 percentage points higher than reported"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

“I do think it’s a little bit of a fragile recovery at this point,” Modestino said. “We are by no means out of the woods, but I think it’s an encouraging start and really the next two, three, four months will tell us where we are.”

Nakosteen noted that the Bureau of Labor Statistics said in its report that household surveyors, whose data is used to calculate the unemployment rate, misclassified “a large number” of furloughed workers as employed but absent from work rather than unemployed on temporary layoff as they were instructed.

The bureau’s standard practice is not to change survey data, but if those workers had been classified properly, “the overall unemployment rate would have been about 3 percentage points higher than reported (on a not seasonally adjusted basis),” Friday’s report said.

Like Modestino, Nakosteen urged patience until monthly figures for June and July are available and can indicate if the slight upswing is a trend that will continue or part of an uneven recovery.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200606/economists-express-caution-over-surprising-jobs-report