THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020 Page 5 McGonagle secures $175,000 for COVID-19 relief in Everett B OSTON – Last week Representative Joe McGonagle along with his colleagues in the House of Representatives passed a supplemental budget of more than $1 billion to facilitate federal CARES Act funding to reimburse communities hardhit by COVID-19 – which includes $175,000 for Everett community needs. The spending measure follows the April passage in Congress of the Federal CARES Act, which requires states to expend funds on items related to COVID-19 for federal reimbursement. The supplemental budget directs funds to address vital needs, including for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), field hospitals and contact tracing. “The COVID-19 pandemic pushed all of our community resources to their limits and we must help them as they have helped us,” said McGonagle. “This pandemic is ongoing with an unclear timeline so we must continue to care for the vulnerable populations and support our local businesses.” cured: In the bill, McGonagle se• $75,000 to increase funding for the Eliot Family Resource Center for additional food, diaper service and fundamental family services for residents • $100,000 to implement a grant program for small businesses of six to 50 employees impacted by the pandemic, with preference given to minority-owned and women-owned small businesses. “I understand the stress and tremendous impact this virus Baker-Polito Admin. announces Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 29-30 weekend B OSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced this week that the annual sales tax–free weekend will take place from August 29-30. This marks the second sales tax holiday held under the new law signed by Governor Charlie Baker in 2018 that made the weekend an annual occurrence. “The annual sales tax holiday is an opportunity for us to support small businesses and consumers, and this year, it’s a great way to support our economy that’s been impacted by COVID-19,” said Governor Baker. “This pandemic has created enormous challenges for the Commonwealth’s small businesses, and the sales tax–free weekend is one way that we can encourage more economic activity to help Main Street businesses and local economies.” “As the Commonwealth continues its phased reopening process, we recognize that many small businesses continue to face diffi culties,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud that our Administration worked with the Legislature to enact legislation making the sales tax holiday permanent and look forward to this year’s tax-free weekend and the economic activity that will come with it.” “We are proud to continue supporting local businesses and consumers as we work with our colleagues in the Legislature to navigate the evolving COVID-19 environment while adhering to public health guidelines,” said Secretary for Administration and Finance Michael Heff ernan. “The upcoming sales tax holiday will be an opportunity for people throughout Massachusetts to help support local companies and generate much-needed economic activity.” has had on small businesses. Visiting these businesses, I have seen and heard their stories of struggling to survive the shutdowns, particularly women- and minority-owned businesses. My hope is that this grant can supply some relief as they move forward. Additionally, the Eliot Center continued their tremendous work every day throughout the pandemic so I hope these funds can give them a much-needed boost.” The bill now moves to the Senate. Joseph McGonagle State Representative Life insurance company to pay $145K for failing to issue cancellation notices H artford Life and Accident Insurance Company will pay $145,000 to resolve allegations that it failed to properly issue cancellation notices to over 100 Massachusetts residents. In an Assurance of Discontinuance fi led in Suffolk Superior Court, Attorney General Maura Healey’s offi ce alleged that Hartford Life violated Massachusetts consumer protection law when it failed to properly issue cancellation notices to residents insured under a group policy. “People depend on life insurance for critical support in often incredibly diffi cult circumstances,” said Healey. “It’s important that people have clear, accurate information about the status of their policies. We are pleased that this settlement will provide restitution to consumers harmed by this company’s practices.” As part of the resolution of this matter, Hartford Life will reissue cancellation notices that will provide a new termination of coverage date. Additionally, the company will give consumers the right to convert their coverage under the group policy to an individual policy without proof of insurability. The company will also give policy benefi ciaries the right to fi le a claim that may arise up to 60 days from the date of the notices. Hartford Life will pay $120,000 to consumers in connection with claims identifi ed during the investigation, and it will also pay $25,000 to the Commonwealth. Consumers with questions about this settlement should contact Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division at 1-888-830-6277.
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