Massachusetts Receives Additional Federal Fund for Unemployment During Pandemic

Last week, Massachusetts won additional grant funding from the federal Lost Wages Supplemental Payment Assistance program to continue supporting those who qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

PUA claimants should expect to receive their benefits between today and Saturday, while regular unemployment claimants can expect their benefits on or before September 15.

If you have ANY questions about the status of your unemployment claim, or how to apply, please don't hesitate to give my office a call at (617) 722-2460! We are always happy to help.

Malden Awarded $225,000 in Federal Grant Funding for New Fire Department Equipment

Early Wednesday, Malden was awarded $225,000 in federal grants for the Malden Fire Department. The funding, awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants programs, will provide funds for the purchase of new portable radios, and fire and arson investigation equipment for the department.

The award of these grants was made possible by the cooperation and advocacy of Malden’s state and federal delegations throughout FEMA’s grant process.

“With most folks at home, we’ve seen higher call rates for emergencies, and it’s more important now than ever that our emergency services have the resources they need” said Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden). “I’m proud to have worked with our federal delegation to win these funds for the equipment Malden’s firefighters need to stay safe while they continue to save lives and serve our City.”

For more information, please contact Representative Ultrino’s office at (617) 722-2460 or email him at Steven.Ultrino@MaHouse.Gov.

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to Offer Designated Service Hours for Customers 75 Years of

Dedicated hours will be by appointment only every Wednesday through September at five Service Center locations

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing that it will begin offering dedicated service hours for customers who are 75 years of age or older and are required to renew their Massachusetts driver’s license in person. The new designated service hours will be by appointment only and will be offered on Wednesdays through the month of September at select service center locations. The services will begin on Wednesday, September 2, at the Watertown Service Center with additional locations in Danvers, Leominster, New Bedford, and South Yarmouth to follow beginning on Wednesday, September 9. The RMV is offering this new customer service option to facilitate proper “social-distancing” protocols to keep customers and staff safe and healthy.

The following service centers will exclusively serve these customers who make renewal appointments:

● Danvers Service Center (starting September 9​th​)

● Leominster Service Center (starting September 9​​th​)

● New Bedford Service Center (starting September 9​​th​)

● South Yarmouth Service Center (starting September 9​​th​)

● Watertown Service Center (starting September 2​nd​ ​)

Below are all other options for seniors to renew by appointment:

● If you are a AAA member, you may make a reservation now to renew your driver’s license/ID at a AAA location. Visit aaa.com/appointment​s to schedule your visit.​

● If you are not a AAA member, visit Mass.Gov/RM​V​ to make a reservation to renew at an RMV Service Center. Select the Seniors License Renewal option on the Make/Cancel a Reservation transaction.

● Email the RMV for assistance to renew at MassDOTRMVSeniors@dot.state.ma.us​

● Call the RMV at 857-368-8005.

License and ID renewal appointments are also available at our other open RMV Service Centers that offer general appointments to the public. Select Renew My Driver’s License or Mass ID option on the Make/Cancel a Reservation at Mass.Gov/RMV to view availability and make a

reservation at one of these locations.

“It’s more important now than ever that we ensure folks have access to reliable transportation and this is especially true for our seniors,” said Representative Steve Ultrino (D-Malden). “I’m glad that the RMV has committed to these new renewal options for seniors so our seniors can easily renew their licenses and continue to get around safely during these difficult times.”

For additional information on RMV service offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mass.gov/rm​v or contact Representative Ultrino’s office at (617) 722-2460.