BOSTON — Tax breaks could be coming to families across Massachusetts, if the governor has his way.
Governor Charlie Baker used his final State of the Commonwealth address Tuesday night to unveil a plan that he is set to release Wednesday. The governor said the state has a surplus of money and with inflation squeezing people’s budgets, he wants to help people who have been working hard through this pandemic.
As part of the governor’s plan, he wants to eliminate income taxes for the lowest paid taxpayers in the state, roughly 230,000 people. The hope is they use that money for necessities like food and transportation. He also wants to help families, offering double the tax break for people who claim children and dependents. His plan includes offering renters a tax break on their monthly payments and giving seniors a break on property taxes. While the governor didn’t lay out how he was going to do all this, he said he wanted to help residents in what has been a rough couple of years.
“We’ve asked the people of Massachusetts to do a lot these last few years and it’s time to invest in our families and to give them back,” said Governor Baker. “Some of the tax revenue that they created to their hard work.”
This plan would have to get passed through a democratic legislature. Lawmakers couldn’t really comment on it last night without knowing the details of the plan. However, last year when Governor Baker pitched a two month sales tax holiday, it didn’t get very far.
During his address, the governor brought up some other items he’d like to check off his list in his final year as governor. There is just over six months left in the legislative session and he would like to see lawmakers act on some of his proposals before leaving office.
Baker filed a bill prohibiting the unauthorized sharing of sexually explicit photos or videos, also known as revenge porn. Baker says Massachusetts is one of two states that doesn’t treat it as a crime. Baker also filed a dangerousness bill that would close a loophole and would prevent violent criminals from walking free before trial. The governor also wants to see the legislature do more to improve mental health services.
“The health care system doesn’t value behavioral health services, primary care, and geriatric services,” said Governor Baker. “And as a result, there are enormous staff and physician shortages and exactly the areas of care that we need most.”
Baker also said he plans to file a transportation bill to take advantage of the money the federal government is making available for improvements.
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