Listen to the interview with Deirdre Cummings.
Reflecting the impact of the pandemic on family finances, there was a surge in complaints last year to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – the government agency set up to protect people from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices by financial companies. A report from MassPIRG said complaints rose by more than 50 percent in 2020.
More than half the total complaints were about the credit reporting industry.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Deirdre Cummings, Consumer Program Director with MassPIRG.
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Listen to the interview with Katie Allan Zobel.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has given almost $12 million in grants to more than 180 nonprofits in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.
Much of the money of late has gone to community organizations and agencies with programs that help individuals and families with housing, food, and mental health services.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Katie Allan Zobel, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
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Listen to the interview with Abby Getman Skillicorn.
A milestone is being reached in an effort to combat food insecurity during the pandemic in the largest city in western Massachusetts.
It is expected that today the six millionth free meal will be distributed by the Springfield Public Schools.
The emergency food program that started when school buildings closed last March has continued at 18 sites across the city where breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack can be picked up three days a week.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Abby Getman Skillicorn, Student Engagement Manager for Home Grown Springfield the food service program of the Springfield Public Schools.
Listen to the interview with State Sen. Eric Lesser.
With complaints rising about a slow and uneven rollout of the coronavirus vaccine in Massachusetts, the state legislature is planning to step up oversight.
Legislative leaders have announced three new standing committees that will focus on the state’s pandemic response.
House Speaker Ron Mariano said there were “communications and operational shortcomings” by the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker in the vaccine rollout.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with State Senator Eric Lesser, who represents the First Hampden and Hampshire district.
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