THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 Page 19 of the federal credit; increasing the senior circuit breaker tax credit cap from $1,170 to $2,340; increasing the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000; and increasing the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $2 million. 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 (D-Pittsfield), 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. Brendan Crighton Yes 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 afford 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 filers 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. Brendan Crighton No BHRC | SEE PAGE 22
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