Massachusetts Legislature Passes Moratorium on Non-Essential Evictions and Foreclosures Amid COVID-19

The Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate on Friday passed legislation that will provide a critical safety net for renters, homeowners, and small businesses grappling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus public health emergency.

The legislation prohibits all non-essential evictions and foreclosures and provides mortgage borrowers with forbearance options and protects tenants from late fees as well as other protections.

“Staying home is an essential component to ending this pandemic, and the Massachusetts State Senate is committed to making sure that our residents will be allowed to stay in their homes for the duration of this public health crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are also protecting our small businesses and non-profits, which are particularly vulnerable during this pandemic. I would like to thank Speaker DeLeo and the House for their commitment to this issue, and particularly thank Senators Crighton and Rodrigues for working so hard to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”

“Our first priority is protecting those who are most vulnerable, and many homeowners and renters need relief now from the economic strains building as a result of this public health emergency,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “We acted to safeguard tenants and homeowners from economic insecurity during and for a period after the state of emergency ends. I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for her partnership on these issues, and I thank Chairs Honan and Michlewitz for their work with members and stakeholders in moving this bill forward.”

“As this public health crisis continues to unfold, we must do everything we can to address the urgent needs of our Commonwealth and ensure families can remain safe in their homes,” said Senator Michael Rodrigues, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D – Westport). “Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the collaborative efforts of Senator Crighton, and the partnership of Speaker DeLeo, Chair Michlewitz and Representative Honan, the acceptance of this conference committee report demonstrates our commitment to protect renters, homeowners, and small businesses experiencing financial hardship during this uncertain time.”

"This legislation will offer much-needed assistance to thousands of the Commonwealth’s renters, homeowners, and small businesses," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “During these difficult times, we need to be cognizant of our most vulnerable populations and help ensure that people will not lose their homes and businesses due to the effects of COVID-19. I want to thank Chairman Honan, Senator Crighton, and Senator Rodrigues for their partnership in getting this legislation passed quickly.”

“During these uncertain and extremely difficult times, no one should have to worry about losing their home,” said Senator Brendan Crighton, Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing (D- Lynn). “Thank you to Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, my fellow legislators and the many stakeholders who worked to pass this crucial legislation that will protect renters and homeowners alike during this crisis.”

“This is one of the most significant pieces of legislation we will pass during this state of emergency,” said Representative Kevin G. Honan, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing (D-Boston). “It is important to remember that this is more than just a housing justice issue, it is a public health issue. In a time where our collective health and safety depends on the ability of each and every one of us to shelter in place, the need for housing stability has never been greater.”

To address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its adverse impacts on renters, homeowners and small businesses, the bill includes the following components:

• A moratorium on all stages of the eviction and foreclosure processes for 120 days from the enactment of the legislation or 45 days after the State of Emergency has been lifted, whichever period of time is shorter.

• Prohibits all non-essential evictions for residential properties and small businesses.

• Prohibits residential landlords from terminating tenancy and sending a notice to quit.

• Halts landlords from issuing late fees and reports to credit agencies for nonpayment of rent, provided that a tenant offers notice and documentation to the landlord within 30 days of the missed rent payment that the non-payment was related to a financial impact from COVID-19.

• Allows for video or telephone conferencing during the State of Emergency for reverse mortgage loans in lieu of in-person counseling until the State of Emergency order is lifted.

• Evictions may proceed during the moratorium for actions that involve allegations of criminal activity or lease violations that are detrimental to public health or public safety.

• Requires mortgage lenders to grant a forbearance of up to 180-days on required mortgage payments if homeowner submits request demonstrating financial hardship as result of COVID-19.

• Allows landlords to use a tenant’s last month rent for expenses like mortgages payments and property maintenance, while protecting tenant rights regarding rent paid in advance.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, now heads to the Governor.

"want to be prepared to move ahead once the disease threat recedes"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin

"Democratic governors in the Northeast — as well as Republican Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker — and along the West Coast on Monday announced separate state compacts to coordinate one of their biggest challenges in the weeks to come: How to begin reopening society amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The governors made separate announcements just hours after President Trump said on Twitter that it was his decision to decide when to “open up the states."

The governors did not announce specific plans on how to scale back stay-at-home orders or reopen businesses. Instead, both groups said they would coordinate those decisions while first considering the health of residents. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said it could take time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/13/business/cuomo-says-northeast-governors-will-coordinate-reopenings-after-coronavirus-outbreak-subsides/

Gov Charlie Baker spoke during a media availability at the State House to discuss updates relating to COVID-19 on Monday in Boston, MA.Nancy Lane

The "What Trump Can Teach Us About Constitutional Law" is a worthy and timely listen. Law Professor Elizabeth Joh discusses the separation of powers between the President and the States. Our current president may say anything he wants, but as we have heard, not all of it is actually true.   

"During a health crisis, what is the government allowed to do? As the novel coronavirus spreads across America, there have been closures and lockdowns across the country. In this episode, we look to history to understand who has the power to quarantine, and how the office of the president can be used to slow down a pandemic."   https://trumpconlaw.com/39-quarantine-powers

https://trumpconlaw.com/39-quarantine-powers

"to keep people alive and to keep our health care system from getting so overwhelmed"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A trio of executive orders Gov. Charlie Baker signed Thursday aims to expand the health care system’s capacity and ensure access to COVID-19 treatment, including in field hospitals.

The actions come almost one month into a state of emergency as the latest step preparing for a surge in infections and hospitalizations that could arrive as soon as Friday. At his daily press conference, Baker also discussed new details about a South Boston field hospital and the state’s ongoing quest to obtain ventilators.

Baker said the state heard from the federal government last night that it will receive an additional 100 ventilators, and Boston Children’s hospital is making a “wonderful donation” of five ventilators. So far, Massachusetts has received 100 ventilators of the 1,700 it’s requested from the national stockpile.

“Obviously, we continue to be focused on the pursuit of ventilators through other means and other channels as well,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200409/new-orders-aim-to-attract-staff-for-covid-19-surge


The full press release and link to the update as recorded live on Thursday can be found
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-field-medical-station-details-new-support-for-health

"to keep people alive and to keep our health care system from getting so overwhelmed"

COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program

"The Baker-Polito Administration announced an online portal where individuals and companies can easily donate or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and volunteer to support the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. This effort will ensure that front line responders get the protective equipment they need to stay and push for more trained volunteers to join the response.

“Massachusetts has already received generous donations from countless organizations, and by launching this portal we’ll make it easier to streamline these offers and quickly distribute supplies to those in need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We also need more volunteers to help support our response to this unprecedented public health emergency, and urge people to sign up to lend a hand. Our administration will continue making every effort to secure supplies from all possible resources to support our front line workers during these tough times.”

The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program creates an easy portal allowing companies and organizations to sell or donate protective equipment that is in short supply given the global demands for such items."

For additional info
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-launches-online-portal-for-personal-protective-equipment

Visit the COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation web page
https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-ppe-procurement-and-donation-program

Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1244287599881191429

COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 will have access to capital assistance

"Today (3/16/20), the Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses with a $10 million loan fund to provide financial relief to those that have been affected by COVID-19.

The $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized the fund and will administer it.

“As our administration continues to take steps to protect the health and safety of residents, we recognize the hardships facing the small businesses that create the foundation of the state’s economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This recovery loan fund is a new resource to help small businesses address emergency needs due to the disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Continue reading the article
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-10-million-small-business-recovery-loan-fund


How to Apply:

• Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org. 
• Completed applications can be sent via email to mgcc@massgcc.com with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund”.
• MGCC can be reached by email: mgcc@massgcc.com

Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses

Announcement video link => https://youtu.be/FfzIhhGQKrI

"testing capacity at the state lab will increase to approximately 400 patients per day"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker said there are currently no plans for a statewide shelter-in-place order, but he has put a number of unprecedented measures in place across Massachusetts.

Just after 6:20 p.m. Sunday, Baker ordered a more restrictive public gathering plan, banning all gatherings of 25 or more people. The governor’s initial ban was on gatherings of 250 or more people, which was put into place on Friday.

“These gatherings include all community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions and any similar event or activity that brings together 25 or more people in single room or a single space at the same time. This includes venues like fitness centers, private clubs and theaters,” Baker said.

Baker also banned bars and restaurants from serving food and drinks on site, but will allow them to serve food via takeout and delivery services. The on-site service ban begins Tuesday and is scheduled to last until April 17."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/gov-charlie-baker-bans-gatherings-of-over-25-people-orders-school-closure-restaurants-take-out-only

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Massachusetts Legislature Approves a $15 Million Fund in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

The Senate and House today passed a supplemental budget to create a $15 million fund in response to the outbreak of COVID 19 cases in Massachusetts. The funds, held in reserve, will support the Commonwealth’s monitoring, treatment, containment, public awareness and prevention efforts against the 2019 novel coronavirus by the Department of Public Health, regional and local boards of health, and other public entities.

“Massachusetts acted quickly to put in place funds for our public health system so that it may have resources immediately available to combat the spread of the coronavirus,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). ““Thank you to Chair Michlewitz for his work to move this legislation this week and Leader Jones for his support. We took this action in partnership with our Senate colleagues, and we appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka and the work of Chair Rodrigues during this public health crisis.”

“This week, the Senate, along with our partners in the House, acted decisively to provide a flexible source of funding to assist state and local efforts to deal with our unfolding public health crisis,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I would like to thank everyone, from Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, to Speaker DeLeo and Chair Michlewitz, for their collaborative work to quickly pass this supplemental budget.”

“I am pleased that we were able to approve this critical funding so quickly,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways &; Means (D – Boston). “We will continue to work collaboratively with our partners in the Senate and with the Baker administration to combat this crisis however we can.”

“As COVID-19 outbreak continues to disrupt the day-to-day actions of our Commonwealth, we must continue to rapidly respond to this immediate public health crisis,” said Senator Michael Rodrigues, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Westport). “Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Spilka, and the partnership of Speaker DeLeo and Chair Michlewitz, we have acted swiftly to provide an immediate infusion of $15 million to enhance state and local response efforts to ensure the well-being of our residents and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

“I’m pleased we were able to take quick action as a first step to address the coronavirus outbreak,” said House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “I expect this will be the first of many actions we will take to respond to this rapidly evolving public health situation.”

“To combat the spread of Coronavirus illness, the Senate and House have acted quickly to give the state and local agencies charged with protecting the public health the resources they need to respond effectively to this threat,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Our actions today reflect our ongoing commitment to do what is necessary to reduce risk of harm to the people of the Commonwealth.”

The bill now goes to the governor.

Massachusetts Legislature Approves a $15 Million Fund  in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

In the News: Baker enacts state of emergency over coronavirus

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts as the number of people who have tested positive for the new coronavirus in the state jumped by 51 to 92.

Of that number, 70 are connected to a meeting held by biotech company Biogen at a downtown Boston hotel. At least six are currently hospitalized.

Baker said the state of emergency will give him greater power to take actions like shutting down events with large gatherings of people or gaining access to buildings or stockpiling protective gear if needed without getting bogged down in existing paperwork requirements. Baker is also restricting virtually all travel by executive branch employees and encouraging teleworking. There are about 42,000 executive branch workers. Baker urged companies and organizations to consider adopting the same measures.

“At this time the number of people infected and requiring medical attention is very much within our health care system’s capacity,” he said. “The purpose of moving forward with these measures now is to act before the numbers increase.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200310/baker-enacts-state-of-emergency-over-coronavirus-positive-tests-jump-by-51-to-92

The audio of the recent Board of Health meeting can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-216-board-of-health-meeting-march-4.html

Coronavirus Information Portal
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/attention-franklin-coronavirus.html  

Coronavirus Information Portal

MassBudget: Governor's FY 2021 budget $74M short for low-income students; one-time revenue gains largely offset by planned phase-outs; and assumptions that MassHealth will remain stable

New MassBudget analysis finds delay or underinvestment for some essential benefits and programs

Governor's FY 2021 budget for K-12 funding falls short by $74 million for low-income kids

While the Governor's Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget proposes funding levels that mostly keep pace with the state's seven-year plan to overhaul funding for K-12 schools, it falls short in keeping one key area on track: support for students in low-income families.

In this critical area of the new school funding law - the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) - the Governor's FY 2021 budget only delivers on four percent of the necessary increase, leaving low-income students $74 million short. Under this budget proposal, state lawmakers would have to make up the remaining 96 percent of what's needed for low-income students over the next six years, according to a new MassBudget report, Opportunity Delayed: FY 2021 Governor's budget for K-12 funding falls short by $74M for low-income kids. http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=FY2021%20Governor%27s%20Budget%20SOA%20Highlights.html

"The goal of the Student Opportunity Act is to update our state funding for public schools so every child can get an excellent education, regardless of their background. Slower progress on any part of this new law means state lawmakers will have to play catch-up later," said Colin Jones, senior policy analyst and author of the report. "Meanwhile, schools would not be able to consistently phase in enhancements to their programs on schedule."

Other MassBudget briefs analyzing the Governor's FY 2021 budget found that:

In revenue, the Governor's budget proposes one-time revenues that will largely be offset by scheduled losses.

The Governor balances his budget by adding about $498 million in mostly one-time tax and non-tax revenues. These one-time sources will not be available to help fund the budget in future years.

Meanwhile, $420 million in recurring revenue will be disappearing from the state's revenue stream because of recent and pending changes in law. The Governor's FY 2021 budget already accounts for these losses, but the losses will leave the state with that much less each year to invest in communities.

Details on the revenue picture in the budget can be found in FY 2021 GOVERNOR'S BUDGET: Revenue - Governor proposes one-time revenues, which will largely be offset by scheduled loss of recurring revenues.  http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=FY2021%20Governor%27s%20Budget%20Revenue%20Highlights.html

On MassHealth, the Governor proposes to hold steady.

The Governor's FY 2021 budget proposal does not include major health reform initiatives and assumes the MassHealth caseload will remain stable during the fiscal year. The proposal includes about $17.94 billion for a range of MassHealth programs and related spending. More than half of the MassHealth program spending is reimbursed by the federal government.

The Governor has proposed separate legislation to re-align overall health care spending to emphasize behavioral health and primary care.

For details on MassHealth funding in the budget, see FY 2021 GOVERNOR'S BUDGET: MassHealth and Health Reform - Governor proposes to hold steady.  https://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=FY2021%20Governor%27s%20Budget%20MassHealth%20Highlights.html

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=FY2021%20Governor%27s%20Budget%20SOA%20Highlights.html

MassBudget: Governor's FY 2021 budget $74M short for low-income students

In the News: "a good start"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A proposal from Gov. Charlie Baker to close a gap in skilled technical workers is a good start but needs funding, recruitment and capacity if it is to succeed, according to a local lawmaker and school administrators.

In its fiscal 2021 budget proposal submitted last month, the Baker administration proposed approximately $15 million to launch Career Technical Initiative, a multi-year investment to train an additional 20,000 skilled workers over the next four years by offering three teaching shifts a day at local vocational schools.

Aligned with the executive offices of education, economic development, housing, and labor and workforce development, Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet aims to provide career training opportunities not only for students enrolled in vocational schools but also for traditional high school students and adults.

“I like the concept certainly because I know that we definitely could use more skilled workers, and I think this concept would certainly address that issue,” said Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200209/franklin-rep-roy-on-board-with-career-technical-initiative-concept

"the Governor's budget is where the conversation starts"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

A state senator who has advocated for education funding reform is pushing back against Gov. Charlie Baker’s description of his fiscal 2021 budget proposal as “fully” funding the new school finance law.

In keeping with the law Baker signed in November, the $44.6 billion budget he filed Wednesday recommended a $303.5 million increase in Chapter 70 aid to local schools. Baker said his budget “will fully fund the first year of the Student Opportunity Act,” which committed the state in $1.5 billion in new funding for K-12 education over seven years.

But state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, D-Boston, who filed one of the bills on which the Student Opportunity Act was based, said Baker’s budget does not fully fund “both the letter and spirit of the Student Opportunity Act.” She said its overall Chapter 70 number “is in the right ballpark,” but the total “is not distributed in an equitable way across the four categories” specified in the law.

Pointing to information from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Chang-Diaz said Baker’s plan “takes a 14% step toward full implementation” for health care, special education and English learners, but a 4% step for low-income students.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200126/chang-diaz-questions-bakers-ed-funding-claim

Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz is not the only one with questions on the education funding and following through on the Governor's commitment.  Tracy Novick, a field director for the MASC as well as a school committee member in Worcester, has an extensive analysis of the education funding in the House-2 budget. (House-2 as it is Governor Baker's second budget in the Legislative term).

"It is the first year of the implementation of the Student Opportunity Act, so the first question is, was it implemented?
I think my answer on that is "mostly, but," as I said to Commonwealth Magazine when they called me this week.

• The estimation was the 1/7th of implementation of the Student Opportunity Act would take an additional $300M in Chapter 70 aid statewide; that was hit. 
• The new law guarantees $30/pupil minimum increases with hold harmless; that was done. 
• House 2 does increase health insurance by the GIC three year average increase of 2.34%, rather than the inflation rate for the rest of the foundation budget, which is 1.99% (which is not great at all). "

Continue reading Novick's analysis
http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/01/on-governor-bakers-fy21-budget-proposal.html

Franklin residents will have a chance on Feb 4 to address our legislative representatives at the Legislative Forum hosted by the School Committee at FHS.

"the Governor's budget is where the conversation starts"

MassBudget: Four stories to watch in the FY 2021 budget debate

A summary of our series

Four stories to watch in the FY 2021 budget debate The process to create the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget begins this week with the release of the Governor's proposal. Some key items to look for in the FY 2021 budget cycle are whether the Commonwealth will have the revenue to fund important priorities such as the new law to overhaul K-12 funding, updates to our ailing transportation system and many other pressing needs. These issues were discussed in a series of recently released reports by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget). A summary of the series is in FY 2021 BUDGET PREVIEW: Four items to watch in the budget debate. "We have ambitious plans to revamp the way we fund our public schools and to modernize our transportation system. Now, it's time we fund these plans." said Marie-Frances Rivera, president of MassBudget. "These bold plans coincide with a year that is likely to see slower revenue growth. Unless we raise substantial new revenue, it will be difficult to accomplish these goals without shortchanging other important services." In the FY 2021 budget preview series, MassBudget examined: How lawmakers might deliver on a historic bill to overhaul the state's K-12 school funding formula. The bill gives lawmakers seven years to implement the formula. To both keep pace with inflation and phase in the new funding, lawmakers would need to provide about $303 million per year in additional school funding aid from FY 2020 to FY 2027. Whether lawmakers will fund needed upgrades to the transportation system or maintain the status quo. Mounting issues - from worst-in-the-nation traffic congestion to subway system failures - have turned up the pressure on lawmakers to address the state's aging transportation infrastructure. The budget is one way for lawmakers to signal their willingness to invest and innovate. Whether lawmakers will provide support to working families and those who need it most through the state's tax code. The Baker Administration last year proposed doing this through an increase of the state dependent deduction. But, for about the same cost, the state could provide better support for those who need it most through an expanded state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Whether the state will have enough revenues to fund the above priorities and others. The estimated revenue growth for FY 2021 is significantly slower than it has been in recent years. Further, changes to the tax code will take about a $650 million bite out of revenue in FY 2021 and even more in future years. The full series is posted on the Budget Resources landing page. Analyses of each budget proposal also will be posted on that page shortly after the proposal is released. MassBudget also will be monitoring any policies or budget items that will help ensure the state's tax system lessens (or does not exacerbate) income inequality. To track the funding and proposed funding for specific line items, see MassBudget's interactive Budget Browser. This tool will be updated shortly after each proposal is released. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

"State of the Commonwealth" - Livestream - Jan 21, 6:30 PM

What are you doing at 6:30 PM Tuesday, Jan 21?

"On Tuesday, January 21st - watch Governor Baker’s 2020 State of the Commonwealth address streamed live on the https://Mass.gov homepage. #MASOTC"

Shared via Twitter https://twitter.com/MassGov/status/1218961334924083200

The MA.gov page info
https://www.mass.gov/news/massgov-to-livestream-state-of-the-commonwealth-address

"State of the Commonwealth" - Livestream - Jan 21, 6:30 PM

MassBudget: Previewing the FY 2021 budget debate

Previewing the FY 2021 budget debate RON GILBERT / CREATIVE COMMONS / FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/23161425@N08 In preparation for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget debate, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) is publishing a series of four major stories to watch. These include whether lawmakers will pass a targeted tax cut to help working families, how the state will fund its newly-passed K-12 education funding overhaul, how the state will generate revenue to revamp its aging transportation system, and how revenue changes and assumptions will determine how much funding the budget can include. This series kicks off today with a brief that considers whether the Baker-Polito Administration will reboot its proposal to double a tax deduction people can claim based on how many dependents (like a child or grandparent) they have at home or whether lawmakers will adopt a measure that would give a better bang for the buck. The Administration earlier proposed to double the state's dependent deduction, from $1,000 to $2,000, which would cost the state $87.5 million per year. This proposal will only save families up to $50 per dependent in taxes. For about the same cost, the state could increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by 10 percentage points - from the current 30 percent match of the federal credit to 40 percent. "The EITC is a proven way to move people out of poverty, boost long term health, and educational outcomes," said Phineas Baxandall, Senior Policy Analyst and author of the brief. "Compared to increasing the dependent deduction, an increased EITC would better help those who need it most." Read more about the Administration's proposal and the EITC in FY 2021 BUDGET PREVIEW: Will the Governor reboot his dependent deduction proposal or take a more targeted approach? Additional briefs in the FY 2021 Budget Preview series will be published into the week of Jan. 20. The briefs will be posted http://massbudget.org/budget.php. Once the Governor releases his budget, MassBudget will publish a Budget Snapshot highlighting some of the key stories in the proposal. MassBudget also will update its interactive Budget Browser, which allows users to track the funding for each line item going back to FY 2001. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!