FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22nd, 2022
Contact: Ben Kaplan, Communication Director, Benjamin.Kaplan@masenate.gov
Facebook: State Senator Susan Moran Twitter: @SenSusanMoran
Senators Urge Convening of Special Session to Address Economic Development Bill
Bill includes investment in industry, support for towns, and tax relief for residents
(Boston – 08/22/2022) On Friday, a bipartisan group of 13 Massachusetts State Senators sent a letter to Senate President Karen Spilka urging her to convene a special session to pass a final version of the stalled economic development bill. This legislation includes critical investments in the Commonwealth, including bond authorizations for capital projects in communities and vital tax relief for constituents.
The House and Senate passed its own version of the economic development bill during formal session, but the differences were not reconciled before the chambers adjourned on the final day. While the Senate is able to pass bills during informal session, between the end of the 2021-2022 term and the beginning of the 2023-2024 term, doing so requires unanimous agreement among legislators and could be derailed by just a single dissenting member. Bond authorizations also require a roll call vote, which must occur during a formal session.
“Though we have been fortunate here in the Commonwealth to be granted strong revenue projections and a windfall of federal relief, we recognize that economic instability is still a reality for so many of our residents,” Senator Moran (D – Plymouth & Barnstable) said. “It has been a collaborative effort to identify these areas of need, and I am extremely grateful for the significant input I have received on our local priorities. I am confident that this funding will bolster our long-term economic recovery efforts while giving our municipal leaders the financial elasticity to tackle projects that will improve quality of life and spur regional development."
More broadly, this spending package reflects the Legislature’s commitment to the working-class families and individuals across Massachusetts who are struggling to balance ever-ballooning costs of living. It is my hope that this legislation will grant immediate relief for our neighbors who are most in need.”
“This economic development bill provides crucial funds for countless communities, programs, and industries – not to mention desperately needed tax relief for individuals and families,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) following the release of the letter. “We owe it to our constituents to reconvene and get this bill passed.”
In the letter to the Senate President, signatories state, “We recognize that action by the House will be required and appreciate your public comments in support of reconciling the differences between the House and Senate bills. We believe the Senate should continue to demonstrate that it stands ready to act on this bill without risk of delay from the objection of a single lawmaker.”
The economic development bill provided much-needed tax relief for constituents, including tax rebates of $250 for certain individuals and $500 for certain joint filers. It also provided tax relief to seniors, renters, low to middle income residents, and those with children or dependents.
“Now more than ever, at a time when residents need extra support, and the Commonwealth has the resources to provide such support, we must take action,” said Senator Moore.
The letter is signed by Senators Susan L. Moran (D-Falmouth), Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury), Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer), Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth), Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton), Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen), Ryan C. Fattman (R-Sutton), Edward J. Kennedy (D-Lowell), Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester), Michael D. Brady (D-Brockton), John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough), and Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton).
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