THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 14, 2025 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 or due to the system’s time constraints,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield) It will determine if current resources are effectively helping families regain stability in a quick and efficient manner, or if future adjustments to the system are needed.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)r Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes RULING OF THE CHAIR ON ICE DETAINER AMENDMENT(H 57) House 128-24, supported the ruling of the chair that a proposed amendment that would have required the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to collaborate with ICE regarding detainers issued for dangerous criminal aliens, was beyond the scope of the shelter bill and should not be allowed on the House floor for debate. Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica), the sponsor of the amendment said that the amendment would make it clear that we want these monsters off the streets and will take proactive actions to protect Massachusetts residents. He urged members to oppose the ruling of the chair so that his amendment can be debated and voted upon. “It is simply outrageous that this amendment was ruled out of scope as it pertained to the operations of the shelter system which was the exact scope of the underlying bill,” said Lombardo. “The reality is that the majority party realized it would be a terrible amendment for them to vote against so instead, they ruled it out of scope to prevent political embarrassment.” Rep. Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough) supported the ruling of the chair that this amendment is beyond the scope of this narrowly tailored funding bill. She added that there are several pieces of legislation that have been filed this session that will deal with this issue and the House can debate the issue at that time. (A “Yes” vote supports the ruling of the chair that prohibits the amendment from being debated and voted upon on by the House. A “No” vote is against the ruling and favord the amendment being debated and voted upon.)r Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong NorALSO UP ON BEACON HILL GOV. MAURA HEALEY ANNOUNCES SHE WILL RUN FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2026 – In a radio interview on WGBH Radio (89.7 FM) with talk show hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, Gov. Healey said she plans to run for reelection in 2026. “There’s a heck of a lot more to do, she said. “And so I plan to run for re-election. I’m really proud of the record so far.” The Massachusetts Republican Party released a statement saying they were “confident that voters will reject another four years of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and elect a common-sense Republican.” “We are actively engaging with several Republicans who would all make strong candidates,and we are confident we will have a formidable challenger ready to take on Healey and restore prosperity to the commonwealth,” Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale said. $850,000 TO HELP YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES – Gov. Healey announced more than $850,000 in grants to fund several organizations that provide job training, employment placement and post placement services for 119 young adults with disabilities. “We are building a strong workforce in Massachusetts, and this includes providing opportunities and training for individuals who face barriers to employment,” said Gov. Healey. “These grants will help develop and fulfill the immense potential of this segment of our workforce as we create an economy for today and tomorrow.” “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to working with partners to increase access, break down barriers and create pathways to meaningful employment including for individuals with disabilities,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. BEACON | SEE PAGE 19 2024 MASSACHUSETTS CHILD AND FAMILY TAX CREDIT Y ou are now entitled to claim a tax credit on your 2024 Massachusetts individual income tax return if you are taking care of a dependent child, other dependent or spouse with a disability or another dependent who is age 65 or older. You can claim this tax credit if you are filing single, head of household or married filing joint on your tax return. Your dependent child must be under age 13 as of December 31, 2024. With respect to a dependent age 65 or older as of December 31, 2024, that would not include you or your spouse. The tax credit to claim on your Massachusetts return is $440 for each qualifying individual. There is no limit to the number of qualified individuals that you can claim the tax credit for. This represents an increase over the calendar year 2023 tax credit which was $310 per individual. If you are a Massachusetts non-resident filing a non-resident Massachusetts income tax return, you canability such as dementia or a physical disability and requires a significant amount of time in home health care from his or her spouse. This is also a refundable tax credit so even if you your total tax is zero and you had no withholdings from wages or pension income, for example, you would still be able to receive a refund based upon the tax credit as calculated on your Massachusetts income tax return. This is the second year that not claim this tax credit. Part year residents can claim the credit and must calculate the tax credit he or she is qualified for based upon the number of days living in Massachusetts. A dependent or spouse with a disability is an individual who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself and who principally lives with the taxpayer for more than half of the taxable year. Taxpayers need to keep this tax credit in mind as many spouses are caring for a spouse who might be stricken with a disMassachusetts has provided for such a tax credit. It is a big help to taxpayers caring for children, parents or disabled individuals or spouses. This is in addition to the increase in the circuit breaker tax credit available to taxpayers age 65 or older, which is now up to $2,730. It was $2,400 in 2023 and only $1,200 in 2022. Jo s e ph D. Ca ta ldo i s an esta te planning/elder law a ttorney,Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation. Portal To Hope (“PTH”) serves people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and related assault crimes. Job Opportunities Available: PTH is seeking a Victim Advocate and a Licensed Social Worker to join our team! If you would like to join PTH’s award-winning team and share your leadership in the cause to end domestic violence, please call (781) 338-7678 for more information; or, email portaltohope@aol.com.
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