$150 million for library construction projects; $103 million for AI in systems across the state; $100 million for infrastructure improvements in rural communities; $21 million for resilience in agriculture and fi shing; and $40 million for food science innovations. “Massachusetts is the best state in the nation to live, work, go to school, raise a family and build a future, said Healey. “That’s in large part due to our commitment to investing in cutting-edge industries that produce transformative innovations and make life better for people. The [bill] builds on this leadership, positioning us to the global hub for climate innovation and applied AI, while also growing our already world-renowned life sciences industry, culture and tourism sectors.” “From day one, we have set out to make Massachusetts the best place for individuals to pursue rewarding careers and for companies to start, scale and succeed,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “The [bill] will help us achieve that vision. With this bill, we are positioning Massachusetts to lead for future generations.” “[We] celebrate the signing of the … economic-development bill, which provides vital support to key industries through the infusion of close to $4 billion into the state economy to ensure that the commonwealth remains competitive,” said Brooke Thomson, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts which represents 3,400 member businesses. “[We] believe the bill enhances Massachusetts’ ability to lead in sectors like life sciences, climate technology, advanced manufacturing and applied AI.” $3.2 MILLION FOR APPRENTICESHIP GRANTS — Gov. Healey announced $3.2 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce to 29 organizations to train and place 514 apprentices across the state. The grants, which include contract renewals and new awards, leverage more than $2 million in state funding complemented by remaining support from federal funds to train apprentices in high growth industries like health care, manufacturing, clean energy and early childhood education. “Registered Apprenticeship THE REVERE ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 “Your voice matters, and creates more rewarding and equitable career pathways for all of our residents, while addressing our greatest workforce challenges,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “The newly announced grants will support local, regional and statewide efforts to grow and diversify apprenticeship opportunities as well as help create new programs in multiple sectors.” “Registered Apprenticeship increases access and opportunity for untapped, diverse talent to pursue a career supported by technical training combined with on-the-job training,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This proven model empowers individuals, especially underrepresented workers in fi elds like construction and hightech industries to advance in a career with meaningful wages, benefi ts, and the skills employers need.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “I think it’s absolutely appropriate that there be enforcement and deportation of individuals who commit crime, including violent crime. That’s very, very important. We recognize it would be devastating if there were mass raids, here and across the country, that took out people who’ve been working in this country for a long time, who have families and kids here.” ---Gov. Healey on Presidentelect Donald Trump’s plan to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants/ undocumented immigrants by declaring a national emergency. “I am joining with Sen. Peter Durant in asking Gov. Healey to make public safety a priority by allowing ICE to do their jobs. It is outrageous that an illegal immigrant was arrested for forcible rape of a child and then released back on to our streets. I cannot believe that she is turning a blind eye to protect migrants who have attacked children.” --- Senator-Elect Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton) urging Gov. Healey to cooperate with the Trump administration in deporting criminal illegal immigrants/undocumented immigrants. this is your opportunity to help us build on our successes and strengthen our movement for the future. Together, we can ensure the Massachusetts Democratic Party continues to represent and advocate for the values that matter most to our communities.” --- Steve Kerrigan, Chair, Massachusetts Democratic Page 19 Party announcing the launch of a Virtual Listening Tour to be held on Zoom, to engage with people across the state. “Our Lottery customers are passionate sports fans and super proud of our teams. By partnering with the Celtics on this exciting instant ticket, we are a state of winning for players both on and off the court.” --- State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, commemorating the team’s latest title run with the launch of the Celtics Banner 18 instant ticket game, a $10 ticket that is on sale now at Lottery retailers across the state. BEACON | SEE Page 21 What You’ll Pay for Medicare in 2025 Dear Savvy Senior, I know there will be a small 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefi ts next year, but what about Medicare? What will the Medicare Part B monthly premiums be in 2025, and when do the surcharges kick in for higher income benefi ciaries? Medicare Benefi ciary Dear Benefi ciary, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced their cost adjustments for 2025 and the increases for premiums and out-of-pocket costs for most benefi ciaries will be moderate. But if you’re a high earner, you’ll pay signifi cantly more. Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2025. Part B Premium While Medicare Part A, which pays for hospital care, is premium-free for most benefi ciaries, Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient services does have a monthly premium. Starting in January, the standard monthly Part B premium will be $185, up from $174.70 in 2024. That $10.30 bump represents a 5.9 percent increase, which is more than double the most recent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment which was 2.5 percent. But if you’re a high earning benefi ciary, which makes up about 8 percent of all Medicare recipients, you’ll have to pay more. Medicare surcharges for high earners, known as the income-related monthly adjustment amount (or IRMAA), are based on adjusted gross income (AGI) from two years earlier, which means that your 2025 Part B premiums are determined by your 2023 AGI, which is on line 11 of the IRS tax form 1040. Here’s how it breaks down. If your 2023 income was above $106,000 up to $133,000 ($212,000 up to $266,000 for married couples fi ling jointly), your 2025 Part B monthly premium will be $259. Monthly Part B premiums for singles with an income between $133,000 and $167,000 ($266,000 and $334,000 for joint fi lers) will rise to $370. Individuals earning above $167,000 up to $200,000 ($334,000 to $400,000 for joint filers) will see their monthly Part B premium increase to $480.90. Those with incomes above $200,000 up to $500,000 ($400,000 to $750,000 for joint fi lers), will pay $591.90 per month in 2025. And single fi lers with income of $500,000 or more ($750,000 or more for joint fi lers) will pay $628.90 per month. Part D Premium If you have a stand-alone Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan, the average premium in 2025 will be $46.50 per month for most benefi ciaries, down from $53.95 in 2024. But again, for high earners with annual incomes above $106,000 ($212,000 for joint filers) you’ll pay a monthly surcharge of $13.70 to $85.80 (based on your income level) on top of your regular Part D premiums. How to Contest Income Benefi ciaries that fall into any of the high-income categories and have experienced certain life-changing events that have reduced their income since 2023, such as retirement, divorce or the death of a spouse, can contest the surcharge. For more information on how to do this, see “Medicare Premiums: Rules for Higher-Income Beneficiaries” at SSA.gov/benefits/ medicare/medicare-premiums.html. Other Medicare Increases In addition to the Part B and Part D premium increases, there are other cost increases you should be aware of. For example, the annual deductible for Medicare Part B will be $257 in 2025, which is $17 more than the 2024 deductible of $240. And the deductible for Medicare Part A, which covers hospital services, will increase to $1,676 in 2025. That’s $44 more than the 2024 deductible of $1,632. There are no surcharges on Medicare deductibles for high earners. For more information on all the Medicare costs for 2025 visit Medicare.gov/basics/costs or call 800-633-4227. 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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