Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 BEACON | FROM Page 18 Other provisions include $195 million for nursing facilities and rest homes; $80 million for Community Health Centers; $22.5 million to reduce gun violence; $17.5 million for reproductive and family planning services; $150 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust; $100 million to promote and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles; $150 million to support the production of workforce housing; and $150 million for the Aff ordable Housing Trust Fund. The package also would allow restaurants to off er “happy hour” discounts on alcoholic beverages if a town approves this policy via local option; allow state candidates for public offi ce to use campaign funds for expenses related to child care services; allow some tenants who have been evicted to seal the records of their eviction case; ensure students can obtain academic transcripts for the courses they have completed and paid for, rather than having their entire transcript withheld for outstanding fees; and expand the ability of homeowners to add accessory dwelling units to their property. “Massachusetts has so much to off er as an innovation hub and education leader in our country, but it’s getting harder and harder to live and work here,” said Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “Housing prices are skyrocketing, childcare costs are out of control, infl ation is climbing, businesses everywhere are coping with supply-chain issues, and families know that their dollar is not going as far as it did only a few months ago. Today, we passed our economic development bonding bill and tax relief package to bring much-needed fi nancial relief to residents here in Massachusetts. This legislation prioritizes housing, climate resiliency, childcare access, workforce development, downtown revitalization, and the worker of the future. As policymakers, we must be prepared to meet the moment ahead of us and ensure that our commonwealth continues to be a great place to work and live.” “These crucial changes to our tax code will create much needed targeted relief to families across the commonwealth grappling with how to make ends meet,” said Sen. Adam Hinds (DPittsfield), Senate chair of the Committee on Revenue. “As prices rise, we need to continue to invest in the people who need it most, including those who make our economy run.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! MORE TAX RELIEF (S 3018) Senate 7-31, rejected an amendment that would reduce the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent; increase the no-income tax status threshold from $8,000 to $12,500; and increase the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $5,000, instead of just to $4,000 which the original bill provides. Supporters said that the state is sitting on a surplus of more than $3 billion and should return more of that money to taxpayers. They argued the state can easily aff ord these additional tax cuts that would help taxpayers during this horrible economic time of rising prices of gas, food and just about everything else. They noted that raising the no income tax threshold would align the state with the federal government and provide direct relief to more than 234,000 low-income Massachusetts fi lers that would no longer have to pay any state income taxes. Opponents said the state cannot aff ord the loss of millions of dollars in revenue from this additional tax relief. They listed the many tax cuts that are already in the bill and said the amendment is not necessary. (A “Yes” vote is for the additional tax relief. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Lydia Edwards No ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST A PERSON WITH A NATURAL HAIRSTYLE (H 5028) –The Senate gave final approval to and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would prohibit any person or entity including educational institutions workplaces and public spaces from implementing any policy that would explicitly target someone who wears their natural hairstyle. The measure defi nes natural hairstyle as hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles including braids, locks, twists and other formations. Supporters said this racial discrimination occurs far too often and argued it is time to put a stop to it. They are hopeful the governor will sign the bill which has been worked on for years and has fi nally made it to the governor’s desk. Sponsor Rep. Mike Day (D-Stoneham) said the measure would ensure that students and workers won’t be forced to cut their hair in order to participate in activities or go to work. GOLD STAR FAMILIES – The Senate approved an amendment fi led by Veterans and Federal Aff airs Committee chair Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) that would repeal a current law that restricts Gold Star spouses from receiving their annuity if they remarry. The amendment would also increase from $2,000 to $3,000 the annual annuity payment that Gold Star parents and spouses receive annually from the state. “Not only has the annuity payment level not increased in 16 years, but our commonwealth still has laws on the books that cruelly prohibit spouses from receiving the annuity if they remarry,” said Velis. “Think about how archaic and unfair that is, that we would penalize husband and wives, who have lost their loved ones and sacrificed so much themselves, from trying to continue on with their lives.” MORATORIUM ON PRISON CONSTRUCTION – The fate of the amendment that imposes a fi veyear moratorium on any prison or jail construction in Massachusetts is in Gov. Baker’s hands. The ban is part of a $5.2 billion bond bill to repair, modernize and upgrade state buildings. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozen s of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. How to Sell Unwanted Burial Plots Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about selling unwanted burial plots in my hometown cemetery? When my parents died about 25 years ago my husband (at the time) and I bought two plots near them in the same cemetery. But we’ve gotten divorced since then and have both moved out of state. Besides that, I would like to be cremated instead of buried. Looking to Sell Dear Looking, Life changes such as relocating, family disputes and divorce, along with the growing popularity of cremation in the U.S., is causing more and more people to sell previously purchased burial plots they don’t intend to use any longer. But, depending on where you live and the location of the cemetery, selling a plot can be diffi - cult. And, if you do sell it, you’ll probably get less than what you initially paid for it. Here’s are a few tips to get you started. Contact the cemetery: Your first step in selling your unwanted burial plots is to contact the cemetery and fi nd out if they would be interested in buying them back, or if you’re allowed to sell them yourself to another person or family. And if so, what paperwork will you need to complete the sale and is there a transfer fee? Some states require sellers to off er the plot back to the cemetery before selling it to others. Selling options: If you fi nd that it’s OK to sell your plots yourself, many people choose to use a broker. There are a number of companies, like PlotBrokers.com and GraveSolutions.com, that will list your plots for sale and handle the transaction for a fee and possibly a commission. If you go this route, you’ll sign paperwork giving the broker permission to work on your behalf. Listings can last up to three years or until the plots sell. Alternatively, or simultaneously, you can also list them yourself on sites like The Cemetery Exchange, GraveSales.com along with eBay and Craigslist, and handle the transaction yourself. In the ad, be sure to post pictures, describe the area where the cemetery is located and give the plot locations. What to ask: Appropriate pricing is key to selling your plots. It’s recommended that you fi nd out what the cemetery is selling their plots for today and ask at least 20 percent less. If you’re pricing too close to what the cemetery charges, there’s no incentive for potential buyers. Beware of scammers: If you choose to sell your plots yourself, it’s not unusual for scam artist to reach out and try to get your personal fi nancial information. Phone calls tend to be more genuine than emails and text messages. Donate them: If you don’t have any luck selling your plots, and if money isn’t an issue, you can donate them to charity such as a religious congregation, a local veteran’s group or an organization that aids the homeless. To get a tax deduction, you’ll need an appraisal, which a cemetery or broker may supply for a fee. 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. During the week of July 18-22, the House met for a total of 15 hours and four minutes and the Senate met for a total of 16 hours and 49 minutes. Mon. July 18 House 11:03 a.m.to 3:57 p.m. Senate 1:05 p.m. to 4:42 p.m. Tues. July 19 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. No Senate session. Wed. July 20 House 11:01 a.m. to 12:37 p.m No Senate session Thurs. July 21 House 11:02 a.m. to 7:32 p.m. Senate 10:17 a.m. to 11:29 p.m. Fri. July 22 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.
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