At Issue & In Focus

Question of the Week: Are You Getting Loan Modifications From Your Lender?

According to a recent report by the Boston Globe  some homeowners are still struggling to get loan modifications from their lenders (Two Big Banks Lag in Mortgage Aid Program, August 4, 2009). The findings of a government report released earlier this week showed that only 15 percent of the 2.7 million homeowners that have signed up for the federal Hope For Homeowners Program have actually received help from their lenders. The program, which was launched in March, provides funding to lenders in order to provide financial assistance to homeowners. The report also showed that Bank of America and Wells Fargo, two companies that received bailout money, have fallen well below the mark for modifying loans for consumers.

We want to know:

Are you Getting Loan Modifications from Your Mortgage Lender?

Question of the Week: What is Civic Engagement?

“Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” (Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000)

This week, At Issue & In Focus has focused on civic engagement. On Monday, we blogged about veterans’ resources: “Observances of Independence Day throughout Massachusetts give us another opportunity to recognize our veterans and active military personnel for their work, sacrifices and continuing commitment to the principles upon which our country was founded.”  Yesterday, we blogged about volunteering, and listed a number of resources to get involved in your community.

We want to know …

What does civic engagement mean to you? 

How do you work “to make a difference in the civic life of” your community?

Question of the Week: ‘Green Collar Jobs’ Reviving the Economy

While many industries have shed jobs and laid off workers as a result of the global economic slowdown, a new study by the Pew Charitable Trusts predicts that the clean energy economy will be a decisive factor in the future health and growth of the economy. According to the report (The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses, and Investments Across America), between 1998 and 2007, clean energy jobs grew at a faster rate than any other industry and could be the answer to America’s economic woes if investments continues to flow into these industries.

This state-by-state study came about after researchers observed an emerging trend of states and the federal government offering tax credits, incentives and passing legislation to increase so-called green jobs in their states and communities. For example, Massachusetts passed the Green Communities Act in 2008 which offers benefits to municipalities that make a commitment to efficiency and renewable energy.  The Green Communities Act also made energy efficiency programs compete in the market with traditional energy supply.  Utility companies are now required to purchase all available energy efficiency improvements that cost less than it does to generate power, ultimately saving money on consumers’ electricity bills.  Customers who take advantage of these incentives will save money as they reduce how much energy they use.  The goals of this economic movement in Massachusetts and beyond are to both further environmental goals and increase jobs and investments in their states.

According to the study, Massachusetts had a total of 1,912 clean businesses and 26,678 clean jobs in 2007. The study also found that Massachusetts saw a 4% increase in clean job growth from 1998 to 2007.  The study says clean energy jobs encompass these five categories: 1) clean energy; 2) energy efficiency; 3) environmentally-friendly production; 4) conservation and pollution mitigation; and, 5) training and support.

We want to know:

Would you like to see more green jobs added to the Massachusetts business community?

Do you currently hold a green energy job; and if so, what is your profession?

Question of the Week: There Still Work To Do

This past weekend, Major League Baseball hosted the 3rd annual Civil Rights Game at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. The event culminated a weekend of activities to honor the history of civil rights in the United States and in baseball.

The unofficial theme for the weekend was: "There is still work to do." The sentiment was underscored by former President Bill Clinton telling a lunch crowd, "If you want to honor Hank Aaron and Muhammad Ali and Bill Cosby, you must first recognize that this struggle is nowhere near over," and author and NAACP activist James Clingman Jr., reminding attendees that, "the new civil rights struggle is about economics, the changing of the financial guard, true equality where it counts for real, in the pocketbook and in the neighborhoods."

While directed to the baseball fans, the message resonates with the mission of the Attorney General’s Office. Society has seen changes, but we know there is still work to be done. Each day, the AGO continues to encourage social and economic justice, through the work of the Civil Rights Division: protecting members of the GLBT community from harassment, securing a fair and positive work environment, working with corporations to ensure equal access to tools for the disabled.  Across the entire office, the AGO advocates for fair housing and lending practices,  for fair treatment and wages in the workplace, and affordable health care for all members of the community.

We want to know…

What “is there still to do” in your communities and what is being done to promote these values?

Question of the Week: How Do You Plan to Stay Cool?

Summer is typically the busiest time for electricity use, but energy experts are anticipating a significant drop in demand from years past. This week, The Wall Street Journal reported that electricity demand is down and as a result, reserves are growing, (Surplus, Price to Aid Homes, June 1, 2009). Electricity usage is expected to decrease by almost two percent this summer from a year ago, according to the WSJ. Even though many people have changed their energy usage habits to cut back on their own expenses at home, the drop in demand is also attributed to big businesses shutting down. The article goes on to posit that all these factors could equal more reliable delivery of power this summer and potentially, price drops for consumers in some locations.

Even with the drop in demand expected, it’s unlikely that people will entirely forego cooling off with fans or air conditioners this summer. And if you plan on utilizing electrical power to cool off this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently advised, diligent consumers can protect their wallet while protecting the environment (EPA Offers Tips to Save Energy and Fight Climate Change this Summer).  Simple changes such as setting a programmable thermostat can save you up to $180 a year on energy costs.  The EPA advises consumers to consider the following: maintain and inspect your cooling system to ensure its running at its peak efficiency; seal air leaks in and around your home to keep the heat out and cool air in; and turn off lights and equipment when not in use so that they do not generate unnecessary heat.

For additional energy saving tips and related resources, please visit the Energy Saving Tips section of the AGO website.

We want to know:

How do you plan to help keep your home cool this summer?

What tips do you have for reducing your energy bill during the summer months?

Question of the Week: Have You Been Spoofed?

We’re talking about people who use tricks to try to get personal information from you like your social security number, your full name, your address, and your date of birth. Identity theft is an increasingly serious and common crime that is happening nationwide. You may have already heard of a type of identity theft scam commonly known as phishing. Phishing usually uses thousands or even millions of emails from a falsified sender address, with the hope that some small percent of people will respond with personal information, or purchase a non-existent product, etc.

But criminals are coming up with new schemes to help them carry out more identity theft every day. Many scammers today are trying to steal your personal information through a method called spoofing. Some of us have even seen this type of scam first hand in the form of an email we may have received in which the sender pretended to be somebody they weren’t. It is not uncommon for the email to direct the recipient to a website that looks like a legitimate website from a company. The website then asks the victim to confirm or update account information, or it may ask for the victim’s social security number, credit card information, personal identification number, password or user name, or other sensitive personal information. The thief then can use your personal information to commit identity theft or other fraudulent activities. Spoofing can (and frequently is) a person to person trick.

Recently, identity thieves have been putting a new twist on spoofing by actually calling their intended victims in a manner that tricks their victims’ caller ID box to display the name of a legitimate company (ABC News, Layer of Privacy Protection Lost, April 13, 2009). Through this caller ID spoofing, the thieves can make it appear as though they are calling from a company that the victim’s does business with like their bank or their phone company. Thieves can even use software to disguise their voice, making it harder for the victim to identify who is calling.

We’d like to know:

Have you been spoofed?

What kind of schemes have you encountered where you thought someone was trying to steal your personal information?

Question of the Week: Do You Check Before You Post?

Blogs have become increasingly popular as more and more people log on to the Internet, join social networking sites, discuss their opinions, or write about their daily lives on the World Wide Web.  While many bloggers identify themselves publicly on their blogs, some use aliases and write their blogs anonymously. According to the Wall Street Journal, recently some bloggers have run into legal trouble for information that they have posted, and some are even getting sued by people or companies who feel that they have been defamed or that their privacy has been invaded (Bloggers, Beware: What You Write Can Get You Sued, May 22, 2009).

It’s important to remember that the Internet is a pubic forum, and almost anything available on the Internet, whether it is from a blog or a person’s social networking site profile, can be read or accessed by members of the public for an undetermined amount of time.  Remember that when you share personal information, potential employers, friends, colleges and strangers may be able to find you through a simple Internet search.  Some users do not realize that images or messages they post online can create a lasting reputation — good or bad — that may be attributable to them for years to come.  For tips on how to protect yourself and the information that you post on the Internet, visit the Cyber Crime & Internet Safety section of the Attorney General’s website. 

We’d like to know:

Do you write a blog or post to others' blogs?

What type of information do you post to social networking sites?

Do you check your information and think about who might see it before you post on the Internet?

Question of the Week: ‘Cash-for-Clunkers’

This week, a bill that would provide $3,500 or $4,500 to people who replace old cars with more fuel-efficient vehicles gained widespread support among the members of the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. The proposed plan would be a part of a larger federal climate change bill and would run for one year, offering credits to people who trade in vehicles with average city and highway fuel economy of less than 18 miles a gallon for a more fuel efficient car or small truck. The better the fuel efficiency of the car purchased, the larger the voucher a person will receive, according to articles that ran in several news publications in early May, including the Wall Street Journal (Deal Struck on 'Cash for Clunkers', May 6, 2009).

This proposal has the dual purpose of attempting to spur the sale of over one million purchases of new cars to help the ailing auto industry and to meet the Obama Administration’s energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction goals. President Obama has signaled a desire to have a vote on a wide-ranging energy bill that would include the ‘cash for clunkers’ provision, by Memorial Day.

With gas prices creeping back up as we move closer to the summer driving season, the debate over energy costs is sure to return to the front burner and a debate over this bill will surely pick up in the coming weeks. But with the economic downturn still weighing heavily on much of the population, a $4,500 tax credit for a brand new car may still be out of reach for many individuals and families who are trying hard to minimize their monthly expenses.

We want to know:

Would you like to trade in your gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient vehicle in exchange for a voucher that could satisfy up to one year of car payments?

Have you already upgraded to a more fuel-efficient car in recent years?

Or do you prefer to keep your SUV?

Question of the Week: Does Your Child or Teen Surf the Internet Safely?

Once known only to schoolyards, bullies now have a new medium through which to operate: the Internet.  As reported by BU Today, cyberbullying through social networking websites has become more common among today’s youth and on college campuses (Cyberbulling goes to college, April 21, 2009).  According to The Orlando Sentinel, Internet privacy among youth is also being threatened by new schemes employed by cyber predators to victimize children (Your computer could open door to cyberpredators, April 29, 2009).  These are just a few examples of how the World Wide Web continues to change our daily lives and further reason for young Internet users to be vigilant in protecting themselves and recognizing Internet abuse.

In a recent appearance on "Ask the AG" on FOX25, Attorney General Coakley addressed the issue of Internet safety, in which she highlighted her office’s efforts to combat cyber crime through its Cyber Crime Initiative and the need to find a balance between privacy and public safety on the Internet.  Although cyber crimes are constantly evolving, Web monitoring, education, and common sense can help prevent Web users from becoming victims. 

We want to know:

What steps have you taken to ensure that your child or teen is surfing the Internet safely?

For additional information and tips on Internet safety, please visit the Keeping Young People Safe section of the AGO website. 

Question of the Week: Daughters/Sons to Work Day

In 1993, the Ms. Foundation for Women established the “Take Our Daughters to Work” Program, encouraging parents and mentors to do just that: bring girls – daughters, nieces, neighbors – to the workplace and expose them to various career opportunities.  Ten years later, the program was expanded to include boys to provide them the same benefit. 

Today the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® program is a movement, having expanded to a national nonprofit with a clear mission.  According to their website:

The Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation is dedicated to developing innovative strategies and research-based activities in informal educational programs that empower girls and boys in all sectors of society to confront and overcome societal messages about youth so that they may reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. Through its leadership, expertise, and collaborations, the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation advocates for changes in social policy and public awareness on behalf of youth.

The Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® program is held on the fourth Thursday of April each year.  We want to know:

Did you participate in the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® program as a child?  How did it influence your career or education path?

Have you participated as a mentor?  What was your experience like?