By Bob Katzen
“My office will always advocate for consumers, especially when they are preyed on by a company that engages in unfair and unlawful business practices. We were able to hold Safe Home Security and its sister companies accountable for their alleged deceptive tactics, securing millions in debt relief for consumers, and we will continue to hold bad actors accountable.”
—Attorney General Andrea Campbell on her office’s $6.5 million settlement, including $4.7 million in debt relief, with a Connecticut-based home security services company to resolve allegations that the company violated state consumer protection laws by deceptively trapping Massachusetts consumers in long-term auto renewal contracts and engaging in illegal debt collection practices.
“Every day I hear from families in my district who are facing eviction, rent increases and housing instability. I am committed to using every tool available to address the housing crisis, deliver immediate relief to families in need and to work collaboratively to create a system that makes housing truly affordable for all.”
—Sen. Lydia Edwards who, along with Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge), last week launched the Housing for All Caucus in the Massachusetts Legislature.
“MassDOT is pleased to work collaboratively with municipal leaders, Metropolitan Area Planning Councils and Regional Planning Agencies to further the goals of Safe Streets for All. We will continue to support the development of safety action plans and continue to work with our partners to improve transportation infrastructure to help make travel safer for the public whether people choose to walk, bike, take public transportation or drive.”
— Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca announcing $30.6 million has been awarded to 17 municipalities and Regional Planning Agencies through the first round of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program.
“This is a hard conversation to have right now, because the consensus is, ‘hey, we have lots of money, let’s cut taxes.’ And then times get bad, and they’re coming real fast, when times get bad, we can’t raise taxes. So we cut services.”
—Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) cautioning about reducing state taxes.