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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 1, 2022 Page 17 a y avvy S iorenniiooro a Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: www.massterlist.com/subscribe THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill roll Call records local senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of March 21-25. There were no roll calls in the House last week. SUSPEND THE 24-CENTSPER GALLON GAS TAX UNTIL LABOR DAY (S 2776) Senate 11-29, rejected an amendment that would immediately suspend the state’s 24-cents-per gallon gas tax until September 5. The measure also requires that the total amount of revenue lost as a result of the suspension be taken out of the General Fund and transferred to the Transportation Fund, where the gas tax currently goes. All three Republicans voted for the suspension. Eight of the Senate’s 37 Democrats joined the Republicans and voted for the suspension. “I sponsored this amendment to provide for relief to motorists across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), the sponsor of the amendment. “Hardworking families in Massachusetts need to see relief at the pumps, and it is our legislative responsibility to provide immediate assistance wherever we can. When you amortize 24 cents over the course of 16 gallons of gas per tank, several fi ll ups per week, over the course of six months to a year, it turns out to be between $600 to $1,200 worth of savings. For many, that’s a mortgage payment, rent, car payments or essential supplies for the family.” “There is a reason Gov. Baker, the House speaker and Senate president have been focused on other ways to provide relief to residents who are crunched under the impact of infl ation,” said Sen. Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfi eld), the chair of the Revenue Committee. “I am not convinced this step would result in lower prices at the pump given the behavior of oil companies. This is a source of revenue we need for our transportation investments [and the suspension] could negatively impact the state’s bond rating and more.” “Residents have shown great patience, hard work and determination to carry Massachusetts through the pandemic, and now is the time to reward all Bay Staters for not only keeping our economy afl oat, but thriving during these challenging times,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Other states in the nation have suspended their gas tax or have plans to, including some of our New England neighbors. Massachusetts is in a strong fi nancial position to off er this relief at the gas pump and it’s time we act with the urgency needed to get this done.” “The proposed suspension of the gas tax is a political gimmick that is more likely to benefit oil companies than consumers,” said Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport). “Further, the proposal would negatively impact our bond rating and hinder our ability to fi nance necessary transportation projects.” “The Senate is committed to providing real, targeted relief to Massachusetts taxpayers,” continued Rodrigues. “We approved $500 checks for 500,000 essential workers that are in the mail right now. We created child and dependent tax credits that provide $16 million per year to over 85,000 families. And we ensured that COVID relief funds, including $10,200 in unemployment assistance for low-income families, is not subject to income tax. We will continue to provide meaningful support to families across the commonwealth. However, a gas tax suspension is the wrong approach.” “With the Senate Democrats’ lopsided defeat of a reasonable suspension of the state gas tax, following its secret defeat by the Democrat House supermajority, it’s clear that the multi-billions in revenue surplus—at least in the eyes of most Democrat legislators—belongs to them and them alone,” said Chip Ford, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation. “Obviously now, they have no intention of returning or sharing any part of the revenue bonanza with the taxpayers who provided every cent of the historic surplus, despite the increasing hardships their constituents must endure from record-setting inflation and over-taxation. Voters will remember come November, and surely will be reminded along the way, just who crushed them.” “When Massachusetts motorists suff er with higher gas prices, they can blame Washington politicians and 29 of their Democratic Massachusetts state senators," said Paul Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. "It’s really calloused of these 29 Democratic state senators, who all get paid extra to drive to work, to vote against providing immediate relief for their struggling constituents and small businesses." (A “Yes” vote is for the susBHRC | SEE PAGE 19 Dear Solo, This is big concern for millions of older Americans who don’t have a spouse, children or other family they can depend on to watch out for their well-being. While there’s no one solution to this issue, here are some tips and resources that can help you plan ahead. Essential Documents If you haven’t already done so, your fi rst step, before choosing a reliable decision maker, is to prepare a basic estate plan of at least four essential legal documents. This will protect yourself and make sure you’re wishes are carried out if you become seriously ill or when you die. These essential documents include: a “durable power of attorney” that allows you to designate someone to handle your fi nancial matters if you become incapacitated; an “advanced health care directive” that includes a “living will” that tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney,” which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to; and a “will” that spells out how you’d like your property and assets distributed after you die. It also requires you to designate an “executor” to ensure your wishes are carried out. To prepare these documents your best option is to hire an attorney, which can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000. Or, if you are interested in a do-it-yourself plan, Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2022 ($199, Nolo.com) and LegalZoom.com ($179) are some top options. Choosing Decision Makers and Helpers Most people think fi rst of naming a family member as their power of attorney for fi nances and health care, or executor of their will. If, however, you don’t have someone to fi ll those roles, you may want to ask a trusted friend or associate but be sure to choose someone that’s organized and younger than you who will likely be around after you’re gone. Also be aware that if your choice of power of attorney or executor lives in another state, you’ll need to check your state’s law to see if it imposes any special requirements. If, however, you don’t have a friend or relative you feel comfortable with, you’ll need to hire someone who has experience with such matters. To fi nd a qualifi ed power of attorney or executor for your will, contact your bank, a local trust company or an estate planning attorney. If you need help locating a pro, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org) is a great resource that provides online directory to help you fi nd someone in your area. Another resource that can help you manage and oversee your health and long-term care needs as they arise, and even act as your health care power of attorney, is an aging life care manager. These are trained professionals in the area of geriatric care who often have backgrounds in nursing or social work. To search for an expert near you, visit AgingLifeCare.org. Or, if you need help with bill paying and other fi nancial/insurance/tax chores there are professional daily money managers (see AADMM.com) that can help. Aging life care managers typically charge between $75 and $200 per hour, while hourly rates for daily money managers range between $75 and $150. It’s also important to note that if you don’t complete the aforementioned legal documents and you become incapacitated, a court judge may appoint a guardian to make decisions on your behalf. That means the care you receive may be totally diff erent from what you would have chosen for yourself. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. avvyavvy iori Solo Ager n r by Jim Miller How to Get Help as an Elder Orphan Dear Savvy Senior, I need to fi nd someone honest and reliable to look after my estate, health and long-term care when I’m no longer able to do it myself. I’m a 67-year-old recent widow with no children and one sibling I rarely talk to. Any suggestions?

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