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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024 Page 19 tion to ensure gender- neutral and inclusive language while removing antiquated references;???allowing veterans to be reimbursed for visits to outpatient behavioral health providers; providing consistent care to veterans by codifying medical assistance benefi ts; and creating a working group to study and make recommendations on the use of psychedelics as an alternative therapy for mental health treatments for veterans. “Very few are brave enough to raise their hand and pledge to defend our nation and the values that we hold dear, no matter the cost,” said Sen. John Velis (D-Westfi eld), chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs. ”It is on us — as a commonwealth — to always remember, recognize and honor that sacrifi ce however we can.” “As a commander in the United States Naval Reserves and an Iraq War veteran, it is my great privilege to serve in a body that commits itself time and time again to honoring our nation’s armed service members,” said Sen. Mike Rush (D-Boston), vice chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs. “This legislation passed by the Senate maintains our state’s promise to our service members and their families that they will be honored as they have done for us.” “We don’t rest on our laurels in Massachusetts,” said Sen. John Cronin (D-Fitchburg). “This bill modernizes our laws to ensure that the commonwealth remains second to none delivering veterans services and ensures our vets have the support needed to repatriate into our communities.” The House has approved a diff erent version of the measure and a House-Senate conference committee will work to hammer out a compromise version. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes MERCHANT MARINE DAY (S 2817) Senate 38-0. approved an amendment designating June 12 as United States Merchant Marine Day in recognition of the establishment of the United States Merchant Marine on June 12, 1775. The amendment was approved last week on June 13 and if eventually approved again by both branches, will not take eff ect until June 12, 2025. “I co-sponsored this amendment because it rightfully acknowledges the Merchant Marines, who deserve equal recognition among other branches of service,” said Sen. Mike Brady (D-Brockton). “It honors those who have served our country with distinction, affi rming their importance.” “I was honored to co-sponsor and vote for [this amendment] said Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). “This amendment would recognize the service of Merchant Marines by installing their fl ag at veteran cemeteries and the Statehouse as well as creating a Massachusetts Merchant Mariner Medal. I was proud to see the Senate pass the amendment with unanimous support.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment). Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL SALES TAX HOLIDAY (H 4751) — The House and Senate approved a measure designating August 10 and August 11 as a sales tax holiday weekend for the Bay State, allowing consumers to buy most products that cost under $2,500 without paying the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax. State law currently calls for a 2-day sales tax holiday every year. This bill simply sets the specifi c dates. “I was happy to sponsor the legislation establishing this year’s sales tax holiday,” said Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly). “This bill emphasizes the Legislature’s commitment to supporting local jobs and businesses. Consumers have faced higher prices for goods due to infl ation, so this tax-free weekend is a great opportunity to provide individuals, families and businesses across the commonwealth with some relief.” “The sales tax holiday provides signifi cant relief to families during a time of year where their checkbooks are already stretched from the purchase of back-to-school supplies and other family expenses,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Susan Moran (D-Falmouth). “It’s also a vital tool in bolstering our economy, especially for our cherished small businesses, who often operate on thin margins.” “The sales tax holiday is a great opportunity for residents to get out and support the local businesses in their community and get some shopping done during a time of year when people are gearing up for the fall,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m glad we worked together in the Legislature to get this done for residents again this year. “Each year, the Legislature’s temporary suspension of the sales tax aims to boost revenue for small businesses and enhance aff ordability for consumers,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). REQUIRE ALARMS IN RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOLS HOT TUBS AND SPAS (H 2389) — The House gave initial approval to legislation that would require alarms in all existing, newly-renovated and newly-constructed residential swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. The measure would impose a fi ne of between $100 and $500 on violators. “I sponsored this legislation in order to bring a higher level of safety to the commonwealth regarding swimming pools,” said sponsor Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfi eld). “The installation of a swimming pool alarm is a simple measure that can save a person’s life. An alarm, when activated, detects when someone enters the pool so that no person is unnoticed whether they are an adult or child.” DON’T MISS THIS EVENT: WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE NEWS INDUSTRY — As the news industry rapidly evolves and struggles with financial challenges, the local media ecosystem continues to adapt. Join MASSterList and the State House News Service for a two-part program that will explore the insights of some of Boston’s leading journalists and media fi gures about what they do, how the landscape is changing and what the future holds for the news industry. The event is at the MCLE Boston (Downtown Crossing), June 25, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Get tickets at: https://massterlist.com/media-2024/ DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (H 2536) — The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would provide a 100 percent regular compensation pension benefi t for police offi cers who have BEACON | SEE Page 20 Can You Stop and Restart Social Security Benefits? Dear Savvy Senior, Can I stop my Social Security retirement benefi ts and restart them later to get a bigger payment? I recently got anice unexpected inheritance, so don’t need the money from Social Security right now. If possible, I would like tosuspend my benefi tsand restart them at age 70. Do-over Dan Dear Dan, Yes, there are actually two diff erent strategies that allow Social Security benefi ciaries to undo their claiming decision. But to be eligible, there are certain conditions you’ll have to meet. Here’s what you should know. Withdrawal Benefits If you are in your fi rst year of collecting retirement benefi ts, you can apply to Social Security for a “withdrawal of benefi ts.” Social Security will let you withdraw your original application for retirement benefi ts, but it must be within 12 months of the date you fi rst claimed your benefi ts. If you opt for a withdrawal, Social Security will treat it as if you never applied for benefi ts in the fi rst place. But there’s a catch. You’ll have to repay every dollar you’ve received, including those of any family members who have been collecting benefi ts on your earnings record, such as a spouse or minor child, along with any money that was withheld from your Social Security payments — for example, to pay your Medicare premiums. You can only withdraw your application for Social Security benefi ts once, but you can apply for benefits again later when the monthly amount would be larger. To withdrawal your benefi ts, fi ll out Social Security form SSA521 (see ssa.gov/forms/ssa-521. pdf) and send the completed form to your local Social Security offi ce. If you change your mind, you have 60 days from the date Social Security approves your withdrawal to cancel the request. Suspend Benefits If, however, you miss the 12-month window, or if repaying your Social Security benefi ts is not fi nancially feasible, there is another do-over option, but you’ll need to be full retirement age or older to be eligible. Full retirement age is 66 and 6 months for those born in 1957, but it rises in two-month increments every birth year to age 67 for those born in 1960 and later. You can fi nd your full retirement age at SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html. At that point, you can “suspend” your Social Security benefi t and the good news is you don’t have to repay anything. But the bad news is your monthly Social Security benefi ts stop and so do those of any dependent family members (except a divorced spouse). During the suspension, you will also accrue delayed retirement credits, which will increase your monthly retirement benefi t by two-thirds of 1 percent for each suspended month (or 8 percent for each suspended year) up until age 70. Suspended benefits would automatically resume at 70, or you could choose to resume Social Security benefi ts earlier, but you’d only receive delayed retirement credits for the period when benefi ts were suspended. You can request a Social Security suspension over the phone (800-722-1213), in writing or in person at your local Social Security offi ce. The suspension would begin the month after you make the request. Also note that if you’re enrolled in Medicare, there’s another consequence of withdrawing or suspending your benefi ts. Normally, Medicare Part B premiums ($174.70 per month in 2024 for most benefi ciaries) are deducted directly from monthly Social Security payments. If you withdrawal or suspend your benefits and you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, you’ll start receiving a quarterly bill from Medicare. You’ll have the option of paying electronically or by mail. Or you can sign up for Medicare’s Easy Pay, which automatically deducts your premium payments from your savings or checking account each month. 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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