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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 10, 2025 Page 19 BEACON HILL ROLL | FROM PAGE 18 with a section that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any dogs or cats at specified outdoor locations, such as flea markets and roadsides. This prohibition would not apply to the transfer of a dog or cat by, or to, a shelter, animal control or animal rescue; or to the display of a dog or cat as part of a state or county fair exhibition, a 4-H program or similar exhibition or educational program. Violators would be fined $50 per animal for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent offenses. “Early separation of puppies and kittens from their mother, and the unregulated roadside sale of dogs and cats, are practices that often lead to serious health or behavioral problems for the animal and no recourse for the new owner,” said sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “I was proud to file this legislation in the Senate this session and am glad that it is one step closer to becoming law and establishing new protections for animals throughout the commonwealth.” “Passing this legislation would represent an end to WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION REPEAL T he United States Senate this past December passed H.R. 82, The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 with a vote of 76 in favor and 20 not in favor. This landmark legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Both the WEP and the GPO have served to greatly reduce Social Security benefits for public servant retirees who had worked as a firefighter, teacher, police officer, or in any other city or state employment position. This bill was previously approved by the House of Representatives on November 12, 2024 by a 327-75 margin. President Biden signed this legislation into law on Sunday, January 5, 2025. These public service positions are not covered by Social Security. The WEP was first introduced in 1983 during the Reagan administration resulting in a significant reduction of monthly Social Security retirement benefits for those retirees who did contribute to Social Security during a portion of their working years but who worked most of their career in the state public sector thereby becoming eligible for a state pension upon retirement. The GPO resulted in a significant reduction in a surviving spouse’s Social Security retirement benefits as a result of the predeceased spouse having worked in the public sector thereby receiving a state pension. The surviving spouse would be collecting the deceased spouse’s state pension under a joint and survivor election option made by the deceased spouse. The predeceased spouse would have settled for a lesser monthly retirement benefit knowing that his or her surviving spouse would be entitled to collect that state pension for the remainder of his or her life. What this new legislation essentially means is that state workers will be entitled to 100% of their Social Security retirement benefits based upon their work history in the private sector and contributions to the Social Security system. This also means that your surviving spouse will receive 100% of your Social Security monthly benefit upon your death, regardless of whether or not your surviving spouse is also receiving a state retirement benefit either under her own state retirement benefit or her spouse’s state retirement benefit. The marriage must have lasted at least 10 years to collect under a predeceased spouse’s work history. The surviving spouse will of course receive the higher Social Security monthly benefit based either upon her own work history or her spouse’s work history. Retirees will also receive retroactive payments for benefits lost after December 31, 2023. There could be as many as 2.5million retirees that have been affected by the WEP and the GPO acts. Massachusetts is one of the states where state workers have been significantly impacted. The expected cost to the federal government by eliminating the WEP and the GPO legislation approximates $200billion over the next decade. The impact on the health of the Social Security Trust Fund would be an acceleration of the time in which the fund would be depleted. Congress will undoubtedly either cut other benefit programs, foreign aid, contributions to global causes such as World Health Organization, etc., or increase payroll taxes, in order to sustain the Social Security Trust Fund for future retirees. I don’t see our federal government ever jeopardizing Social Security benefits for our seniors. Far too many Americans depend upon those benefits just to meet their minimum monthly expenses. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney,Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation. the supply-and-demand relationship between Massachusetts and puppy mills and give these animals a better opportunity at finding a home,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), a sponsor of an earlier version of the measure. “I am a longtime supporter of animal protection issues, even before I ran for Senate. I have co-sponsored many animal protection bills and I am focused on protecting animals as some of the most vulnerable members of our society. All animals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and I am proud to be a voice for animal rights on Beacon Hill.” RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS (S 3006) – The House and Senate approved and sent to the governor a bill that would change the name of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. The proposal also replaces outdated language in the state’s lawbooks, including changing “elderly persons,” to “older adults” and “handicapped” to “adults with a disability.” The new legislation also incorporates gender-neutral language into current law. The original version of the bill was filed by Gov. Healey in May. “The Executive Office of Elder Affairs was established more than 50 years ago and was one of the nation’s first state agencies dedicated to addressing the needs of older people,” said Healey. “Today, the agency has evolved to offer programs and services that support 1.7 million older residents and nearly 1 million family caregivers. Our administration is committed to meeting the changing needs of today’s older adults, and I am thrilled that this name change better reflects those that we serve.” “The new name … mirrors the values and goals of our older adult population and our commitment to support the vibrancy, independence and dignity of our family members, friends and neighbors as they age,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. QUOTABLE QUOTES “People must have access to the vital health care services they need. Hospital closures in recent years, however, have left patients worried about where they can access care and resulted in job losses for invaluable nurses and healthcare workers. Our audit of the Center for Health Information and Analysis revealed a startling lack of oversight around the financial conditions of hospitals in the commonwealth. ---State Auditor Diana DiZoglio urging the administration swiftly implement her recommendations in the audit. “If you believe that the description of your property is inaccurate and over-assessed, an abatement will be the only remedy available to reduce your tax bill. Homeowners in some communities, including Boston, have already received their bills. Now is the time to consider whether to apply for an abatement.” ---Secretary of State Bill Galvin noting that as property taxes increase, property owners who are receiving higher than expected third quarter tax bills last week that the deadline to file for a property tax abatement is just a few weeks away. “Stormwater pollution affects the water we drink, the rivers we cherish and the health of our communities. We are tackling this challenge collaboratively, leveraging expertise to reduce pollution and protect vital natural resources. This funding empowers local solutions to protect public health, preserve clean water, and reduce flood risk. It’s a proactive step toward cleaner water and greater resilience against climate-driven flooding.” ---Mass Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple announcing $246,000 in grants to four regional watershed coalitions and planning collaboratives in Massachusetts. “President Carter lived a life dedicated to peace, human rights, democracy and moral clarity. He set an enduring example of what it means to serve others, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. “I’m sending love and strength to the Carter family as they, and our nation, process this profound loss. May we all honor his memory by building a more just, peaceful and caring world.” ---Gov. Maura Healey ordering the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings until January 28, 2025 in honor of the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter. HOW LONG WAS LAST BEACON | SEE PAGE 22

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