Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 16, 2020 MassFiscal praises AIM’s position on potential tax hikes T he Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (MassFiscal) recently responded to the Association of Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) coming out against future tax increases that would hurt the state’s businesses. AIM’s newsletter points out the hard reality that countless small businesses are currently facing, many of which are on the verge of collapse. AIM calls for support from Beacon Hill for these businesses, by extinguishing calls for new taxes. “Any tax hike or new tax, whether broad based, targeted (often euphemistically called “user fees”), should be rejected by State House leaders. Now is the time for the Speaker, the Senate President and the Governor to roll up their sleeves and put the interests of the public ahead of their big government wish lists,” said MassFiscal Spokesperson/Board Member Paul Craney. “State House leaders need to realize they cannot spend their way out of a budget and economic crisis. They cannot tax businesses into prosperity; rather, they should focus on government spending reform.” He added, “Today’s warning by AIM should not fall on deaf ears among State House leaders. It’s a warning for all legislators, whether they represent the most conservative or the most left-wing districts across the state. Ignoring AIM’s concern, which in turn represents the concerns of businesses all around the state, will only result in a loss of more jobs and a deeper economic hole to climb out of…Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance is pleased to see AIM use their important voice to appropriately weigh in on the looming budget and policy battle that will take place after the election. The employer community is often on the table, and never at the table. It’s time that changes.” ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF PROPOSED AMENDED 2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN 5-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD In accordance with the federal regulations relative to citizen participation for Community Planning and Development Programs and applicable waivers to those requirements through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as set forth in the memorandum from U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), dated April 9, 2020, the City of Malden (“the City”) is making available to the public for review and comment an amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan. Pursuant to emergency waivers provided by HUD to the City in April 2020 and subsequently incorporated into the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, the public comment period for amendments in response to state and national emergencies is 5 calendar days. Amendment Summary: This is an amendment to enable the City to receive and administer $780,411 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from HUD made available through the third tranche of CDBG CARES Act funding. The funding will be used to facilitate assistance to households, persons, and businesses impacted by COVID-19 and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by preventing eviction and ensuring housing stability. Eligible CDBG activities will include but not be limited to rental assistance, eviction prevention services, microenterprise assistance, creation/ retention of jobs for low- and moderate-income persons, support for small businesses owned by low- and moderate-income persons, and administrative and planning costs associated with these activities. Most programs funded under this amendment will meet the national objective for benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, though some business activities may meet the national objective for addressing an urgent need. Public Comment Period and Process: The draft amendment can be viewed at www.maldenredevelopment.com. This Action Plan amendment is available for a 5-day public comment period from October 16 to October 21. Citizens wishing to submit written comments during the public review and comment period should email comments no later than October 21, 2020 at 5 p.m. to Alex Pratt, Community Development Director, at apratt@maldenredevelopment.com. Comments can also be provided during a virtual public hearing to be held Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 5 p.m. on Zoom. All comments received will be included in the Final Amendment sent to HUD along with the City’s responses. Zoom Public Hearing Log-In Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86052676109?pwd=QnpXNHlaYk9xSGdHbitkVUVnMENPdz09 Meeting ID: 860 5267 6109 Passcode: 360617 Call in by phone by dialing one of the following numbers and providing the meeting ID and passcode listed above: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or +1 929 205 6099 US (New York). Other call-in numbers can be found here: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kd4sTnrimp In the unlikely event that the meeting log-in information changes due to technical issues by Zoom, the MRA will post updated log-in information on www.maldenredevelopment.com. October 16, 2020 FBI Warns of Potential Charity Fraud Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic M any Americans want to help during the COVID-19 pandemic by contributing to charities, but the FBI is warning that scammers also want to help—they want to help themselves to your money. Nationwide, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have received reports of scammers fraudulently soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19. They are leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic to steal your money, your personal information, or both. Don’t let them. Charity scams often occur when a scammer poses as a real charity or uses the name of a real charity to get money from you. Be careful about giving money to any charity calling you for donations and be wary if you get a call about a donation pledge that you don’t remember making. Remember, you can’t always believe your caller ID. Scammers often spoof organizations’ phone numbers. It’s always best to research the organization telephone number yourself and call direct to verify. Do not be pressured or rushed to donate. That is a strong indicator of a scam. Similarly, if you receive an email purporting to be from a charitable organization, do not click on links. These could be attempts to download viruses onto your computer or cell phone. Watch out for charity names which sound very similar to well-known charities, as well as email addresses that are not consistent with the charity soliciting donations. Instead, search for the charity using an internet search engine to ensure you’re connected to the actual charitable organization. The best way to protect yourself is by doing your research. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of a charity fraud: Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether you’re donating through charities, social media, or crowdfunding websites. MALDEN: TODAY | FROM PAGE 7 to the chase. We all know my main man Mohammed Saab, his brothers and his able-bodied mechanics at Superior Gas & Auto Repair are the best of the best! You always leave there a happy, satisfied and informed customer. And Mohammed is, like (really), wicked smaht! He should have been a political talking head on MSNBC! Missed his calling. Once again, I digress. So, who do you think wins top dog for Auto Service/Repair? Everybody else in the city but Superior (and I believe a few were simply made up – where the heck is the repair shop called “Highland Avenue??”). Don’t worry Mo, Malden knows you guys are the best. In the “those who refuse to remember the past are condemned to repeat it” category, I present the following. We all know my main gal Gina and her more than able-bodied hair stylists’ compadres at Salon Viari are the best of the best! You always leave there a happy, satisfied customer. And Gina is, like (really), wicked nice! So, who do you think wins top dog for best Hair Salon!? Everybody else in the city Look for online reviews of charity organizations or use information from your state’s regulator of charities or from websites like the Better Business Bureau, give.org, charitynavigator.org, or charitywatch.org to check on the legitimacy of charitable organizations. Before donating, ask how much of the donation will go toward the program or cause you want to support. Every organization has administrative costs, and it’s important to understand those structures. Never pay by gift card or wire transfer. Credit cards are safer. After making a donation, be sure to review your financial accounts to ensure additional funds are not deducted or charged. Always do your research before clicking on links purporting to provide information on the virus, purchasing COVID-related products online, or providing your personal information in order to receive money or other benefits. The FBI has more tips at fbi. gov/charityfraud. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, report it to the FBI online at tips. fbi.gov and to FTC at: ftc.gov/ complaint. (and I believe a few that were made up) but Salon Viari. Puzzling to put it kindly. Don’t worry Gina, Malden knows you gals are the best. “This is the end, beautiful friend, this is the end, my only friend, the end.” I had fun with this. Nothing was meant maliciously, of course, as regular readers of mine will attest to. I love you all (said in my best rock star voice after two months on the road). We are fortunate to live in New England, Massachusetts, Malden in 2020. We in Malden are on an upward trajectory unlike anything ever seen in the past. Our future is without limits. We may have way too many “bump outs” (Exchange & Jackson – what the heck!), but if that is the extent of our grievances, then Maldonians should count their proverbial blessings (can’t complain about blue bags anymore – that’s been fixed – insert smiley face). I rest my case – said in my very best Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) voice. Hope you all enjoyed. Postscript: Support local business! Seriously. It’s not just a slogan.
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