Governor Baker Urges All Residents to Avoid Travel Throughout Winter Storm

 Governor Baker Urges All Residents to Avoid Travel Throughout Winter Storm 

 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today is urging the people of the Commonwealth to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for the upcoming winter storm, which is expected to severely impact much of Massachusetts and bring blizzard conditions. Current forecasts predict eastern Massachusetts may receive 18 to 24 inches of snow, with as much as 30 inches possible in certain areas of the South Shore, with over 12 inches in central parts of the state and lesser amounts in western Massachusetts.

 

Beginning Friday night, and continuing throughout the day Saturday, the storm has the potential for strong winds, heavy snow and limited visibility, as well as flooding in some areas. Forecasts also predict high snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour with strong wind gusts, creating white out conditions and poor visibility on roadways and making it hazardous for travel.

 

Due to the forecast, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is implementing a tractor trailer travel ban on the state’s interstate highways from Saturday between 6:00 a.m. through midnight for tractor trailer trucks, tandems and special permit haulers. MassDOT urges all of these large truck drivers to plan accordingly and to stay off the roads to allow MassDOT crews to work.

 

The Massachusetts National Guard has equipment and personnel standing by to assist the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and local authorities with high water and stranded driver rescues if needed.

 

“We are actively monitoring this weekend’s winter storm, and we are urging residents to stay home and to allow crews to safely treat and clear roadways,” said Governor Baker. “We will keep the public informed, and we remind everyone to please check in on neighbors in need and to assist in keeping sidewalks and fire hydrants clear.”

 

“This storm has the potential for high winds and flooding in some coastal regions,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to collaborate with state agencies and local officials as the storm progresses, and we encourage residents to ensure they are prepared.” 

 

This storm could cause power outages throughout the state, particularly along the coast, in eastern and southeastern Massachusetts and on the Cape and Islands. Utility crews are being staged to assist in restoring power. People are reminded to stay away from any downed utility wires. 

 

MBTA and Commuter Rail:

The MBTA has announced that service on the Green Line’s D Branch and on the Mattapan Line is suspended Saturday. Shuttle buses will replace both D Branch service and Mattapan trolleys. Additionally, ferry service between Charlestown and Long Wharf is suspended tomorrow. Many buses are expected to operate on Snow Routes as weather conditions worsen. Crews will be working to clear snow and ice and respond to incidents such as downed trees, throughout the transit system, including the Commuter Rail, and T customers are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops. 

 

The Commuter Rail will operate on a regular weekend schedule for Saturday. On the Fitchburg Line, the planned bus diversion is canceled for Saturday and trains will operate between Littleton and Wachusett. MBTA and Keolis crews will be pre-positioned at key facilities and infrastructure (switches, signals, etc.) to help ensure normal operations. Switch heaters and snow jets will be activated in critical areas as snow and ice begin to accumulate Friday night to ensure normal flow of train traffic. 

 

The MBTA’s Emergency Operations Center will closely monitor rail and bus service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at www.mbta.com/winter. Service alerts will be posted on Twitter at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR. 

 

Highway Safety:

MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment available for snow and ice operations and this includes over 1,400 plow and spreader combos, 2,100 plows, and 460 front-end loaders. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has postponed road tests scheduled on Saturday, January 29 due to the storm. Massport advises travelers to check with airlines as most airlines have already postponed flights scheduled for Saturday. MassDOT urges members of the public to stay updated on reduced speed limits, tractor trailer bans and roadway conditions.

 

Public Safety:

The State Emergency Operations Center at Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Headquarters will activate Saturday for the duration of the storm to monitor its impacts, coordinate response efforts and support impacted communities.  MSP will have increased staffing for storm patrols and will offer additional support as needed statewide, and MSP Marine Unit assets and equipment will be pre-positioned to assist in flood-rescue efforts if needed. Residents are encouraged to check with their local public safety officials for shelter and other resources available during and after a storm, and can call 2-1-1 for any non-emergency storm questions. 

 

DCR Closures:

This evening, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement parking bans for agency-managed parkways. Parking bans will be consistent with local municipal bans in which the parkways are located, and are expected to be lifted shortly after the completion of snow clearing operations. All coastal DCR-operated parking lots, as well as some agency-managed recreational facilities, will also be closed. Please check DCR’s website and Twitter @MassDCR for updates.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with MEMA, National Weather Service, MassDOT and MSP to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. Please visit mass.gov/snow to learn what you should do before, during and after a winter storm.

White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Careers and Internships

 White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Careers and Internships

Careers

Executive Staff Assistant, White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)

Application Deadline: Thursday, February 03, 2022

Announcement Link (s): https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/632622200 and https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/632622300

 

Summer Internships

Deadline: February 10, 2022 for Summer Session (May-August 2022)

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders offers full-time student volunteer internships year-round (spring, summer, and fall). Part-time applicants who can commit to at least 20 hours a week will be considered, although the Initiative prioritizes full-time applicants (32-40 hours a week). Internships will be based in Washington, DC, with the option to work remotely.

The Initiative is responsible for the implementation of President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14031, dated May 28, 2021. Its purpose is to drive an ambitious whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities. The Initiative is housed at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services within the Office for Civil Rights.

Interns at the Initiative are responsible for assisting the staff on a wide range of AA and NHPI issues and priorities, including addressing anti-Asian bias and hate, COVID-19 recovery, capacity building, civil rights, data disaggregation, economic development, education, health, language access, workforce diversity, and more. In addition, interns will help write policy memos and proposals, draft blogs, assist with communications and social media, help coordinate and staff events, and assist with outreach to national and local AA and NHPI organizations and leaders.

Applicants for intern positions must be undergraduate or graduate students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a diploma, certificate, or degree-seeking student. Ideally, the candidate will already be familiar with AA and NHPI issues and have outstanding writing, research, communications, and computer skills.  

How to Apply:*

If you are interested in applying, please send the following to WHIAANHPI@hhs.gov with the subject line “Internship Application for WHIAANHPI”:

·        Dates that you are available for the internship (minimum of 3 months)

·        Location preference of your internship (Washington, DC; or remote)

·        Resume

·        A written statement that describes (1) an issue that affects the AA and NHPI community on a national level, (2) a strategy that you would implement at the Initiative to address that issue, and (3) the organizations and/or federal agencies with whom you would collaborate and why. The statement should be no more than one page, single-spaced in Times New Roman, 12 point font.

(*If not accepted to this program, your application may be passed onto other federal agencies for consideration.)

All intern applicants must be:

·        At least 18 years of age

·        Enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in a degree-seeking program at an accredited academic institution

·        Authorized to work in the United States

·        All interns must go through a security background check.

 

A limited number of paid internships may be available, and we also encourage potential interns to seek course credit or funding through external programs. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

--

"There is no shame in being wrong at times. Everybody is, including knowledgeable experts. The world is a messy, uncertain place. The only way to be right all the time is to be silent or say nothing interesting."--David Leonhardt 

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈免費協助年薪6萬元以下者報稅

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES FREE TAX SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MAXIMIZE REFUNDS FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS  Boston Tax Help Coalition to provide remote and community-based tax preparation services in 9 languages

BOSTON - Friday, January 28, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the Boston Tax Help Coalition (BTHC) has launched its twentieth tax season and is once again offering free tax preparation for residents who earn $60,000 per year or less. In response to COVID-19, the Boston Tax Help Coalition and community partners have modified tax preparation services, providing them both in the community and remotely to ensure that all qualified residents can file safely while maximizing tax refunds and credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Tax preparation assistance is available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Locations and hours are listed on bostontaxhelp.org or by calling 311.  "Boston residents can save hundreds of dollars per household through the Boston Tax Help Coalition’s free tax preparation,“ said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Staff and volunteers will also help eligible residents receive the highest Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit possible. These free resources are not only a valued resource to thousands of Boston residents, but serve as a model for similar programs around the country.”  The EITC is a refundable credit for low-wage workers. Along with the Child Tax Credit, the EITC is a powerful anti-poverty tool which lifted more than 9.4 million people out of poverty in 2020, including about 5 million children. In 2021, the average EITC amount returned to BTHC taxpayers was $2,314.  Yet, according to the IRS, 20 percent of all eligible filers do not receive the credit, with approximately $10 million dollars of EITC left unclaimed in Boston.  “The Boston Tax Help Coalition provides a critical service to our community, meeting residents where they are to inform them of tax credits and guide them through the tax preparation process,” said Bob Giannino, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “United Way is proud to help fund this program and support similar financial opportunity initiatives to ensure that the most vulnerable households in our region, who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, are able to build a foundation to financial empowerment.” “The pandemic has introduced many complexities to life – and to the tax filing process," said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. "We are proud to be part of the Boston Tax Help Coalition, and we are motivated to ensure that every eligible resident receives the refunds they’re due. That can make all the difference during a time of extreme hardship.” Due to the pandemic and job losses, many taxpayers' refunds could be negatively impacted. To protect taxpayers from losing much-needed refund dollars, Congress created a "Lookback Provision" under the stimulus. Individuals may elect to use their 2019 earned income to calculate their 2021 EITC if their 2019 earned income is greater than their earned income from 2020 or 2021. Residents should bring a copy of their 2020 and 2019 taxes with them to the tax appointment to maximize their EITC credit.  BTHC serves approximately 13,000 taxpayers annually, training hundreds of IRS-certified volunteers and returning $24 million in refunds and credits directly to taxpayers. Since its founding in 2001, BTHC has served 183,000 taxpayers and obtained $326 million for them in federal and state refunds. In addition to tax preparation, the Coalition provides clients with other free services to improve their financial health. The Coalition connects taxpayers to Bank On Boston, part of a national initiative that helps residents identify banking services that are safe, affordable, and non-predatory. Trained Financial Guides also offer taxpayers the Financial Check-Up, a key component of Boston Builds Credit, the City's free credit building program. A Financial Check-Up is a one-on-one session in which a taxpayer can review his or her credit score with a guide and obtain personalized credit-building strategies.   Part of the Mayor's Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE), the Boston Tax Help Coalition works to increase accessibility to its free tax services through outreach and materials in English and eight other languages: Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese.  About the Mayor's Office of Financial Empowerment The Office of Financial Empowerment was created in 2014 to address racial wealth disparities and connect City residents with access to credit building programs, financial education, individualized financial coaching, and income support. Residents who seek to improve their financial stability can use these free programs to achieve economic well-being. OFE is also a lead partner on Boston Builds Credit, the first municipal credit building program in the United States. OFE is an affiliate of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development and the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

波士頓市今晚 (28日)9點起風雪停車禁令生效

MAYOR WU DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY, PARKING BAN IN EFFECT FRIDAY AT 9 P.M.

BOSTON - Friday, January 28, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today declared a snow emergency ahead of the forecasted winter storm that is expected to begin early Saturday morning and continue into Sunday. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between 18 to 24 inches, with winds as high as 40-50 mph. Residents are advised that a parking ban will take effect starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight. Once the snow emergency goes into effect, vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will be towed. The City is urging residents to abide by snow regulations and encouraging all drivers to use caution if traveling. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and to call 311 for non-emergency related issues. For any emergency, residents should call 911.   “As Boston prepares for the big snowstorm on its way, I encourage all our residents to take precautions to keep everyone safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I want to thank the many city employees who have already begun preparations and will be responding to the storm this weekend—treating and clearing our streets, as well as being available to answer 311 calls for non-emergency questions throughout the weekend.” A snow emergency has been declared, starting Friday, January 28 at 9:00 p.m. A parking ban will also take effect at that time and all vehicles parked on a posted snow emergency artery will be towed to allow for snow clearing operations to take place. Boston residents with a resident sticker can find a list of free and discounted garages here; and parking at participating garages will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Discounted parking starts two hours before we declare a snow emergency, and ends two hours after lifting the emergency. Trash and recycling pick-up will continue on a regular schedule on Friday (1/28) and resume on Monday (1/31). Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App for more information on their trash and recycling pick-up schedule.  Nighttime street sweeping on main roads, arteries, and commercial roads is canceled until further notice. Updates will be provided on boston.gov when night time street sweeping is scheduled to resume. As indicated in signage posted in BPS school parking lots, parking is not allowed in these lots during snowstorms. Vehicles may be towed if they are parked in BPS parking lots during the snow emergency. Towing could start on Saturday and could continue through the weekend until lots are cleared. You have 48 hours to use a space saver after the end of an emergency. After that, you must remove it from the street. Please note that space savers are banned in the South End.   All BCYF community centers and the Boston Public Library will be closed on Saturday.  The Public Works Department (PWD) will have equipment to treat Boston's roads prior to the snowfall starting, and the City has the ability to put over 850 pieces of equipment on city streets. The PWD currently has 38,000 tons of salt on hand.   The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in constant contact with the National Weather Service to receive detailed forecast updates for the City of Boston and to ensure City departments have plans in place to handle the weather. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email. Residents can call 311 for non-emergency issues.   Rules on clearing snow: Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property.  Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.  Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here. Caring for vulnerable populations: If you see individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather, please call 911. Boston's emergency shelters are open 24-hours a day and accept walk-ins. Amnesty is offered to anyone with a non-violent restriction. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City work closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. The BPHC Engagement Center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition to providing an indoor heated space, it offers a range of basic amenities and comfort items, such as clean bathroom facilities, water, coffee, and light snacks. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Safety tips: Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency. Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders, and be mindful of slippery surfaces.  Dress for the weather: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face coverings in indoor public places. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well. Always wear a hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.   Dress children warmly, and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for signs of frostbite: Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911. Heating safety: Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, and it is poisonous and potentially deadly. Don't place electric space heaters near curtains or other flammable materials. Turn them off before you go to bed. Emergency home repair resources:  Income-eligible homeowners and Boston's residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).    In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand new heating system before a catastrophic failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.     For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @CityofBoston on Twitter.

紐英崙中華專協職涯座談系列 首場邀彭貴安、王欣愷、周邦彥分享經驗

紐英崙中華專業人員協會職涯講座主持人、講者及嘉賓。(視頻截圖)

紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事會主席周萬欽。

                  (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華專業人員協會 (NEACP)和4組織、機構合作， 1月25日晚在網上舉辦「職業生涯:我們從這兒走向那裏?」講座，3名講者分享經驗，為將近60名出席者釋疑解惑。

             紐英崙中華專業人員協會甫於去年底完成幹部交接，新任董事會主席周萬欽和會長林致中在這2022年第一場講座開場前說明，該會和波士頓經文處(TECO)教育組，波士頓台灣人生物科技協會 (BTBA)，哈佛台灣同學會 (HTSA)，新英格蘭學聯 (FTSANE)合作，今年將舉辦職業展系列，下一場是訂2月16日舉行的年度職業展，以及3月份為碩博士生舉辦的職業發展講座。相關資訊稍後都會在該會官網上公佈。

紐英崙中華專業人員協會新任會長林致中。

          25日晚的這場講座，講者分別為Lux 研究所全球諮詢副總裁彭貴安 (Kevin Pang)，Macquarie 資產管理的全球新興市場產權分析師王欣愷 (Jeffrey Wang)，以及Openly的保險產品研究副總裁周邦彥 (Penn Chou)。

             周萬欽指出，年輕人在找第一份工作時，總是面對很多挑戰，這次的講座，重點放在產業職涯，年輕人應該想自己對哪個專業所需的特長特別感興趣，然後了解公司的大小規模，座落地點，以及什麼時候該去申請工作。

Lux 研究所全球諮詢副總裁彭貴安 (Kevin Pang)。

              周萬欽強調，申請工作的時間點很重要，因為大部分的公司都有所謂的聘僱季節，如果有實習經驗，將會使申請者更具競爭力。當機會出現時，也不妨轉行、換公司。

             彭貴安原本在西岸的柏克萊大學就讀，想繼續深造念博士時，教授告訴他應該到東岸去，還忠告他不要怕改變，不要怕新事物，他這才來到哈佛。他也以此經驗忠告出席講座者，成長意味著把自己丟去做自己擅長，喜愛並有收入的事，然後最好能對社會做些有意義的貢獻。

Macquarie 資產管理的全球新興市場產權分析師王欣愷 (Jeffrey Wang)。

             彭貴安自己從哈佛取得博士學位後，進業界工作10年，帶領團隊研究幹細胞，陸續在幾家公司工作過。其中第一家被輝瑞製藥買下，第二家後來上市，這些經歷讓他對公司的經營管理發生興趣，於是進修企業管理，接著自己創辦公司，再賣掉公司。

沒想到一位10年前認識的朋友，這時候打來一通電話，把他找去做諮詢顧問，幫助財富500強公司經營得更好，更有效率，這才把他帶進諮詢行業。彭貴安藉此勸年輕人，不要停止聯誼交流，因為你永遠不知道朋友會在什麼時候帶給你驚喜。

Openly的保險產品研究副總裁周邦彥 (Penn Chou)。

             王欣愷從1999年起踏入金融界，他說這一行讓人最興奮的是它不斷改變，自己必須一直學習新事物，攫取新技能，並在過程中逐步更了解自己。

             他說，其實踏入某一行工作時，人們不見得知道自己會面對什麼樣的環境，總有很多需要學習，調整的地方。MBA的企管課程對他就很有幫助，讓他進一步了解到在技術之外的人際層面重要性，開始注意國際事務，還把他帶到倫敦來工作。他說，基金管理其實不只是研究、挑選股票，還要建立資產，和客戶對話，爭取信任，他自己的下一步也會是繼續嘗試不同職務，角色，體會國際文化，邁向更高的領導職位。他相信大家都能慢慢找到自己的路。

             周邦彥謙稱自己踏入職場僅11年，時間遠不如另兩位長，但他從密西根州取得數學和企管兩個學位後，並不確定自己將來要往哪一條路走。一直嘗試在自己有興趣和有新機會的事物中尋求平衡。

2009年剛畢業時，他很幸運地進了一家做精算分析的公司，研究即使對保險業來說都還是很新的數據科學和預測模型，他很有興趣的做了幾年後，出現用機械學習做人力資源分析的機會，讓他進一步瞭解到光有技術，不足以驅動改變，還必須懂得人類心理，具備和更廣大群眾溝通及解說的能力。

沒想到這時候Draft King這家著名的體育博彩公司打電話來，邀他加入，為該公司成立分析部門。他從沒接觸過這類企業，很想感受一家公司的從小變大，於是興致勃勃加入，結果在那兒不到二年，Draft King擴大到快有2000名員工時，他以前的同事創辦了Openly，打來電話，找他加入，於是在”嚐新”的前提下，他又轉進一家僅有30多名員工的初創企業。

這場講座在周萬欽的主持中，三名講者還分享了各自行業在招聘新人各別看重那些條件，能力，面試時的注意事項，各行業的文化特色等供年輕人參考。

中華專協的這場講座，錄影視頻已上傳到youtube，網址為https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk4drYmLdwY， 查詢未來講座資訊，可上網www.neacp.org。

AG’S OFFICE REACHES RESOLUTION WITH REAL ESTATE COMPANIES THAT ORCHESTRATED LEASE-TO-OWN SCAM

 AG’S OFFICE REACHES RESOLUTION WITH REAL ESTATE COMPANIES THAT ORCHESTRATED LEASE-TO-OWN SCAM

AG’s Investigation Found For-Profit Companies Deceptively Lured Hopeful Home Buyers into Purchasing Distressed Properties with False Promises of Homeownership

 

BOSTON – Two for-profit real estate companies and their owner will pay $60,000 and no longer operate in Massachusetts to resolve a lawsuit brought by the Attorney General’s Office alleging a “lease-to-own” scam that unfairly and deceptively lured low-income Massachusetts consumers into real estate agreements for distressed homes they couldn’t afford.

 

The consent judgment, entered in Suffolk Superior Court, alleges that, since 2016, AngleFund, Inc., and DTH-REO, Inc., under the direction of owner David Buttross, purchased multiple distressed, previously foreclosed properties across Massachusetts and leased them to vulnerable consumers under “lease-to-own” or “contract for deed” arrangements. Consumers were given the option to purchase the property outright later but had little chance of being able to afford ownership of the homes. Most of these properties had significant sanitary code violations and some were deemed unfit for habitation and had been condemned by the properties’ respective towns. AngleFund and DTH continued to lease these properties in spite of their conditions.

 

“These companies created immense financial and emotional hardships for hopeful homebuyers in Massachusetts,” said AG Healey. “We are very pleased to secure relief for the families affected, including providing an opportunity for home ownership, and stop these companies from doing business in Massachusetts again.”

 

The AG’s Office began its investigation in 2017 after the AG’s Neighborhood Renewal Division identified a condemned property in Avon that had been previously leased to tenants by AngleFund and DTH. The investigation further revealed at least 13 properties owned by the companies in Massachusetts, including homes in Avon, Charlemont, Fitchburg, Lakeville, North Adams, Springfield, Winchendon, and Worcester. According to the AG’s Office, the companies typically sought out prospective buyers with low income or poor credit.

 

The AG’s Office alleges that, once signed onto to the leasing contracts, the costs for repairs and maintenance shifted from the landlord—in this case AngleFund or DTH—to the tenant, requiring tenants to retain sole responsibility for pulling any necessary permits needed for maintaining upkeep and restoration of the property. Before leasing the properties, AngleFund and DTH allegedly did not disclose to tenants the severe conditions of the homes, or that some were even considered unfit for habitation.

 

In Massachusetts, offering a residential property for rent or to “lease-to-own” that is unfit for habitation and failing to disclose to a prospective tenant the existence of any condition that could result in a violation, is prohibited by the AG’s Landlord-Tenant Regulations.

 

According to the AG’s complaint, AngleFund and DTH also allowed for tenants to convert their “contract for deed” arrangements to mortgages and offered seller-financing to tenants. However, both companies failed to provide the proper disclosures to buyers under state and federal law and failed to perform an analysis of a borrower’s ability to pay, violating the Attorney General’s Mortgage Lender Regulations, federal regulations, as well as other Massachusetts statutes intended to protect consumers.

 

Under the terms of the AG’s settlement, AngleFund and DTH will be required to pay $60,000 in restitution to the consumers harmed. As a result of a court order obtained by the AG’s Office, AngleFund and DTH will also no longer be allowed to purchase additional properties or originate new mortgages in Massachusetts and have been banned from doing business in the state. Tenants will also be given the option of full ownership of their properties from AngleFund, and the company has agreed to pay any outstanding property taxes or fees in connection with the properties prior to the transferring of the deed. 

 

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Tara Ruttle and Division Chief Amber Villa of the AG’s Neighborhood Renewal Division, and Division Chief Shennan Kavanagh of the AG’s Consumer Protection Division, with the assistance of Investigator Ciara Tran from the AG’s Civil Investigations Division