THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025 Page 17 plant-based protein sources to low-income seniors who participate in the Senior Nutrition Program; direct the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to off er voluntary training and resources concerning plant-based protein sources to organizations participating in the National School Lunch Program and other food programs it oversees; and direct DESE, in awarding food-related grants, to consider whether proposals will increase awareness of and access to plant-based protein sources. “Eating more plant-based proteins is beneficial to human health, to the climate and to the environment, but many of us don’t know about those benefi ts and don’t have access to healthy options like beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and chickpeas,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “I fi led the Bean New Deal legislation to promote awareness of the benefi ts of plant-based eating and to increase access to plantbased options at public institutions and within public nutrition programs. Massachusetts residents should be able to choose food options that foster healthier communities and promote sustainability. This bill would give them that choice.” GIVE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COLLEGE CREDITS FOR HIGH SCORES ON ADVANCED PLACEMENT PLANS — Another proposal heard by the Higher Education Committee would direct the Department of Higher Education to establish regulatory standards allowing high school students who have achieved a score of 3 or higher on their Advanced Placement (AP) exams to receive college credit at Massachusetts’ state universities. “The American Council on Education and the College Board both recommend granting college credit to students who score a 3 or higher on their AP exam because those who achieve a score in this range are generally more prepared for subsequent coursework than students who only completed the introductory course and did not take the exam,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Providing college credit for AP classes taken in high school allows students to be rewarded for their hard work by giving them much more fl exibility to pursue a double major or study abroad, provides a less confusing college application process by setting a uniform standard and saves students tuition money due to the reduced number of classes they have to take.” BAN HOTELS FROM PROIVIDING PLASTIC-PACKAGED TOILETRIES TO GUESTS (S 609) — The Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on legislation that would ban, beginning in January 2027, hotels, motels and boarding houses from providing small plastic-packaged toiletries to guests. Toiletries are defi ned as a product provided by a hotel “intended to be applied to or used on the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, conditioning or moisturizing including, but not limited to, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and liquid soap.” “For healthier people and a healthier planet, it’s important that we continue shifting away from using plastic materials,” said sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “Their production and disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, their usage leads to microplastic contamination and they continue to be among the most harmful materials littered through our neighborhoods and our natural resource areas. Because there are logical, less harmful and even more convenient ways to provide shampoos, soaps and the like at hotels, banning the plastic packaging in this one area is an important, incremental step towards a healthier future.” BAN USE OF HELIUM BALLOONS (H 996) — Another bill heard by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee would ban the intentional release in the air of any type of balloon that is fi lled with helium or any other type of gas that is lighter than air. First-time offenders would be fined $100 and an additional $100 per ten balloons released. Subsequent violations would be fi ned $500 and an additional $100 per ten balloons released. The ban and fi nes would not apply to balloons released by or on behalf of a state agency or the United States for scientifi c or meteorological purposes; hot air balloons that are recovered after their launch; and balloons released by a person under the age of 12. The state would also be required to prepare and make available to retail distributors of balloons notice of this new law and information about the harmful eff ects of releasing balloons into the environment. The notice must be available in English and in any other language spoken by at least ten percent of the Massachusetts population. Supporters noted that the idea for this bill was fi rst presented by the Provincetown Elementary School 3rd grade class. They said that balloons present a threat of entanglement and ingestion to birds, marine life and mammals. “I sponsored this bill which was previously fi led by former Rep. Sarah Peake, with the hope that Massachusetts will follow BEACON | SEE Page 18 Strategies for Paying Off Credit Card Debt Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I, who are retired, have accumulated about $7,000 in credit card debt over the past few years and need some help paying it off . What can you tell us? Living Underwater Dear Living, I’m sorry to hear about your fi nancial woes but know that you’re not alone. Credit card debt has become a big problem in this country for millions of older Americans. According to a recent AARP report, 52 percent of adults ages 50 to 64 have credit card debt, along with 42 percent of those ages 65 to 74. Rising costs of basic expenses like food, housing, utilities and health care are the main culprits. But now, new tariffs on products made in China and other foreign countries will make many goods more expensive, which could make this problem worse. Of older adults carrying a balance, nearly half owe $5,000 or more, and nearly a third owe upwards of $10,000. While paying off credit card debt can feel overwhelming, it’s doable with a solid plan and a bit of belt-tightening and persistence. Here are some strategies to help you tackle it: Create a Budget Start by taking a close look at your income and expenses to see where you can free up money to put toward your credit card debt. Also look for areas to reduce spending, such as dining out, entertainment or subscriptions. And see if you’re eligible for any fi nancial assistance programs (see Benefi tsCheckUp. org) that can help boost your budget by paying for things like food, utilities, medicine and health care. Call the Card Company While the average credit-card interest rate is more than 20 percent, some credit card companies may be willing to lower your interest rate or work out a payment plan, especially if you’re struggling. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Pay More Than the Minimum Credit card companies only require the minimum payment, but it’s usually mostly interest. Try to pay more than the minimum every month to make a dent in the principal balance. Choose a Repayment Strategy If you have more than one credit card, pick one and get serious about paying it off . Start with the card that carries the highest interest rate, or the one with the smallest balance. If you focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate fi rst, you’ll pay less interest over time, saving yourself a lot of money. Once the highest-interest card is paid off , move to the next highest, and so on. Or you may want to start with the card with the smallest balance. Paying off smaller debts quickly can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. Consolidate Your Debt If you have multiple highinterest cards, look into consolidating your debt with a low-interest personal loan from your bank or credit union. Or consider moving your debts to a balance transfer credit card with 0 percent interest for an introductory period, which is usually 15, 18 or 21 months. This will eliminate the amount of interest you’re paying temporarily. But be careful! Once the introductory promotion ends, the card company will charge interest on any remaining balance. Consider a Debt Management Plan If you need more help, use a nonprofi t credit counseling agency (see NFCC.org) to create a debt management plan for you. At no cost, a counselor will go over your income and debts and determine what’s workable. The counselor will then negotiate with your lenders, to get a payment plan that will lower your interest and monthly payments and maybe forgive some debt. If you accept their negotiated off er, you’ll start making one monthly payment to the counseling service, which will in turn pay the issuers. You’ll likely pay the agency a small fee and give up the cards included in the plan, but over time you’ll be able to pay off your debt. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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