Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 28, 2022 Rep. Lipper-Garabedian advocates for policy to assist graduates with student loan debt O n December 14, 2021, State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian testified in a virtual hearing before the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue regarding a bill she fi led, H.2985, An Act encouraging employer student loan repayment. Joined by President Rob McCarron of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), Lipper-Garabedian advocated for legislation that assists graduates with the often crippling challenge of college debt and further supports employers in their recruitment and retention eff orts, promising additional benefi t to the Commonwealth’s economy. Massachusetts ranks 14th nationwide in debt that students carry when graduating from the Commonwealth’s ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.239 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.599 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.99 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.499 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 A Malden man sentenced for possession of crack cocaine and firearms By Christopher Roberson lberto Lopez, 27, of Malden, was sentenced on January 19 for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and several fi rearm charges. According to federal law enforcement offi cials, investigators searched Lopez’s residence in November 2018. At the time, he was a suspect in a drive-by shooting in Revere which had happened two months prior. During the search, investigators recovered “numerous fi rearms.” The weapons included a Colt .45 with an obliterated serial number, a Glock .45 and two loaded Glock magazines. A bag containing approximately 94 grams of crack cocaine was also found as well as more than $3,000 in cash. On June 10, 2020, Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and to one count of possession of a fi rearm with an obliterated serial number. Lopez was subsequently sentenced to fi ve years in prison and fi ve years of supervised release. A trusted family name combined with exceptional craftsmanship & professionalism. Call for a consultation & quote. public universities. Overall, 71 percent of Massachusetts students graduate with debt, with an average amount of roughly $31,000. H.2985 would establish a tax exemption for Massachusetts employers that assist their employees who reside in Massachusetts with paying off student loan debt. The bill sets the annual exemption at $2,000 per employee, helping graduates with college affordability, and employers with workforce recruitment and retention. “The broader economic effects of student loan debt are well documented. Numerous studies show the adverse consequences of debt on indicators from homeownership among young adults to small-business formation, family planning, and overall fi nancial growth and security,” said Lipper-Garabedian. “Student loan debt has a disproportionate eff ect on and can exacerbate wealth gaps of economically vulnerable populations – veterans, seniors, female heads of household, fi rst-generation college students, and communities of color.” “I thank Representative Lipper-Garabedian for her leadership and advocacy in support of a program that will help our next generation of employees manage their student loans,” said McCarron. “This legislation thoughtfully builds on the recruitment and retention successes that employers have seen after implementing a student loan repayment program and Representative Lipper-Garabedian’s proposal will provide students and families with another tool to help fi nance their college education and encourage them to remain in Massachusetts following graduation to join our knowledge-based economy.” “Changing economic deKate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative mands and implications from the pandemic make post-secondary education crucial for residents to adapt to and meet 21st century workforce needs,” said Lipper-Garabedian. “Policymakers should embrace tools that make postsecondary education more affordable.” The Joint Committee on Revenue is expected to make a recommendation on the bill in the coming weeks. 63 Years! • Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks • Roofing • Replacement Windows • Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured Prices subject to change Ask about our Conditioner! FLEET
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