THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 14, 2023 Page 11 Report: Mass. is one of two states to see personal income drop New data shows personal income levels dropped as millionaire’s tax was enacted N ew data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released at the end of June shows Massachusetts and Indiana were the only two states in the entire country to see personal incomes drop during the first quarter of 2023. During that time, the U.S. percentage change increased by 5.1%. In New England, Maine topped the nation at 11.4%; New Hampshire ranked 29th best at 6.1%; Vermont at 30th best at 6%; Rhode Island at 33rd best at 5.8%; Connecticut at 36th best at 5.5%; and Massachusetts at 49th best at -0.9%. For comparison’s sake, Florida was 10th best at 7.9%. To read more about BEA’s data, go to https://www.bea. gov/news/2023/gross-domestic-product-state-and-personal-income-state-1st-quarter-2023 According to BEA, “Transfer receipts increased in 45 states and the District of Columbia, while growing 6.1 percent nationally. The growth in transfer receipts refl ected an 8.7 percent increase in the costof-living adjustment for social security benefi ts. The percent change in transfer receipts ranged from 38.5 percent in Maine to –31.1 percent in Massachusetts (table 4). Transfer receipts was the leading contributor to growth in personal income in Maine, the state with the largest increase in personal income in the fi rst quarter. It was also the leading contributor to the decrease in personal income in Indiana and Massachusetts. Transfer receipts in all three states were impacted by one-time state refundable tax credits.” During the last two quarters of 2022 and the fi rst quarter of 2023, there were 18 states that enacted some form of a taxpayer refund. Massachusetts was among them due to the 1986 voter-approved law known as 62F, which was triggered during the fourth quarter of 2022. During the fourth quarter of last year, 62F was responsible for a 12% increase in the share of “personal current transfer receipts from refundable tax credits,” the highest percentage in the nation during that quarter. This information may be found at https://www.bea. gov/technical-note-personal-income-state-1st-quarter-2023 “This new data is stark for Massachusetts taxpayers and should be a very clear warning to State House lawmakers. While the nation benefi ted from rising incomes, and 48 other states experienced income growth, Massachusetts was nearly alone in its decline. At the same time, the income surtax amendU.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis graphic ment was enacted and began to have a clear impact on the state economy and our uncompetitiveness. In the New England region, every state saw income growth with Maine the highest in the country and New Hampshire the second highest in New England,” said Spokesperson/ Board Member Paul D. Craney of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (MassFiscal). “BEA data also shows that the voter approved tax cap and rebate law known as 62F had an economic benefi t to Massachusetts taxpayers during the last quarter of 2022. During that time period, it was the most benefi cial tax rebate program in the country and it was the only form of tax relief for Massachusetts taxpayers because Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka refused to pass any legislative tax relief last year and they continue to do the same this year. Speaker Mariano is even going as far as trying to change 62F so it becomes less eff ective and nearly impossible to be enacted,” continued Craney. “This data can only be interpreted one way; Massachusetts is in trouble. Governor Maura Healey, Speaker Ron Mariano, and Senate President Karen Spilka need to wake up to these warnings that continue to focus on Massachusetts high taxes and uncompetitivess,” fi nished Craney. MassFiscal strongly urges Governor Healey and lawmakers to pass tax cuts, not water down or change 62F, and reject any attempts to enact a marriage penalty, which would apply the millionaire’s tax to non-millionaires. 6 Backyarding Renovation Mistakes to Avoid, According to the TurfMutt Foundation A LEXANDRIA, Va. – Summer and backyarding – the act of taking our indoor life outside – go hand in hand. This time of year especially, the backyard beckons for entertaining, working, exercising, relaxing, and reconnecting. But those looking to make improvements to their family yard for even more backyarding fun this summer need to avoid some common backyard renovation mistakes. “Mulligan the TurfMutt and I recently moved into a new home and we were reminded about some of the backyard renovation pitfalls that can be easy to fall into,” said Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages people to care for and use their outdoor spaces. “By keeping a few basic principles in mind when embarking on backyard improvements, families can set themselves up for backyard fun this summer and beyond.” Here are the top backyarding renovation mistakes to avoid, according to the TurfMutt Foundation: • Not considering your yard’s full potential. Your yard has the ability to safely and comfortably accommodate a range of functions for your family. From outdoor offi cing to al fresco dining and off ering a place for kids to learn and grow as well as work out their wiggles – your backyard has unlimited potential to expand your home’s living space. • Planting fake grass. Plastic grass offers none of the life-giving benefits of real grass – such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, urban heat dissipation, or air pollution reduction. Real grass off ers all these benefi ts, and it is easier on feet and paws. Also, real grass is a natural air conditioner! • Forgetting the “right plant, right place” rule. This is the “Golden Rule” of backyarding, but it’s more than just knowing which plants will thrive in sunny spots versus shaded areas. Selecting the right plants for your micro-climate and lifestyle will result in a living landscape that requires minimal upkeep on your part while off ering maximum environmental benefi ts. • Not treating your yard like part of the connected ecosystem. Your yard links with other community green spaces to provide food and shelter for pollinators, such as birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and other creatures. Support pollinators and wildlife by planting a healthy balance of grasses, fl owers, shrubs, and trees that thrive in your yard’s conditions and bloom at diff erent times throughout the year. • Not utilizing community green spaces. Think of community parks, dog parks, green belts, and school yards as an expansion of your own backyard square footage. Not only do these community areas provide a change of scenery from your own backyard, they are particularly benefi - cial for those with little to no backyard space of their own. • Failing to keep safety in mind. Outdoor power equipment makes big backyarding projects easier, but it is critical to keep safety in mind. Read your owner’s manual and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. Do not disable or alter any of the safety features. Always keep pets and children away from machinery during operation, and do not let children on or near lawn mowers at any time.
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