Beacon Hill Attraction – March 19, 2021

The House and the Senate: The Beacon Hill Roll Call records the votes of local officials and senators from the week of March 8-12.

Help for companies and employees (H 89) –The House voted 155-0 to approve and submit a bill to the Senate that excludes Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from state taxation in 2020. creates a tax credit for unemployed workers whose income was 200 percent below the federal poverty line and ensures that anyone earning less than $ 25,000 as an individual or $ 34,000 for a household of two is eligible for a tax credit. Other provisions waive penalties for unemployment insurance taxes; Freezing of unemployment insurance rates paid by employers; and create a mechanism to ensure that all employees have access to 40 hours of paid sick time for any COVID-related issues, including positive tests, quarantine, or caring for a loved one. Employers with fewer than 500 employees can use federal tax credits to cover these costs. Companies would also receive a new surcharge in the form of an excise tax on workers' wages through December 2022 to repay the interest on the federal loans due in September. House Ways and Means chairman Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston) said the bill will stabilize the state's unemployment system and bring far-reaching, much-needed relief to businesses and workers.

Ban Double Dipping Over $ 100,000 (H 89) –The House voted by 4 to 152 votes in favor of rejecting an amendment to the section of the law that excludes PPP loans from state taxation in 2020. Some opponents of this tax break say it will cost the state $ 600 million in lost tax revenue. Another part of the bill allows those companies whose loans are not taxed to get more tax breaks by deducting from their other non-PPP business income any business expenses paid in the exact PPP dollars that were not taxed . The change, a compromise proposed by Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville), would limit these additional deductions to USD 100,000. MP Uyterhoeven said the bill offered some companies an unfair "double dip" that went beyond the first dip and did not tax the loan as income. Opponents of change said the change would place a huge tax burden on small businesses that are still trying to survive the blow caused by the pandemic.

Extension of postal voting until June 30th (H 73) –The Senate voted 40-0, and Parliament passed a roll-call vote to pass a bill and send it to Governor Charles D. Baker Jr., extending the legislature-approved amendments through June 30th , and the governor signed the law in July 2020 to facilitate postal voting and expand the possibility of early voting in the 2020 elections. The changes expire on March 31st. The bill extends the law by 90 days to June 30, and aims to help cities in local elections held before June 30.

Also on top of Beacon Hill

More than 6,500 invoices submitted for consideration in the 2021-2022 legislative session –In the 2021-22 session, the legislators submitted 6,587 bills for review. Representatives submitted 4,096 while Senators submitted 2,491.

Here are some of the suggestions:

Pay well if you don't choose (HD 237) –Under this proposal, eligible voters would have to cast one vote in every November general election or face a $ 15 fine added to the state tax liability of the non-voter for each missed election. The measure also makes it clear that the voter does not have to vote for anyone and can leave the ballot blank. Another provision provides for all current deadlines for registering for voting and allows people to be registered at any time. "This bill is intended to stimulate discussion about whether voting is more than a right and instead a civic duty, similar to the duty of the jury," said Bill sponsor Rep. Dylan A. Fernandes (D-Falmouth). “A citizen who does not vote receives $ 15 on his annual tax return, which is less than the civic obligation to pay a parking ticket in many Commonwealth cities. The bill will fail this session and was tabled to encourage citizens to think critically about the value of the vote. Should a democratic society place more value on paying the parking meter on time than voting on it? "

"Rep. Fernandes' legislation is completely wrong, ”said Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. "If you think politicians should force the public to vote, don't be surprised if the next law they propose tells you who to vote. If MP Fernandes wants to instill more confidence in the electoral process, it should The Massachusetts Legislature is the most opaque legislature in America where even some of its votes on the committee are not published. He should focus more on his own conduct rather than that of his constituents. "Where else than in Massachusetts is anything not prohibited by law made mandatory?" Asked Chip Ford, General Manager of Citizens for Limited Taxation. "Vote is a right; therefore, it is a right not to vote if so one's choice. "

Online State Lottery (HD 36) –Allows the state lottery commission to sell lottery tickets online using an individual's bank account, debit card, or prepaid gift card, and sets spending limits. The use of a credit card would be prohibited. Other provisions include an age verification system to ensure players are at least 18 years old. a limit of tickets to be sold online; a process that enables players to voluntarily refuse to participate in the online lottery; and security measures to protect lottery players' personal information.

No smoking in cars with children (HD 100) –Prohibits smoking in motor vehicles with a child who must be in a passenger restraint. Massachusetts law requires children to use a restraint until they are at least 8 years old or at least 12 inches tall. The measure imposes a $ 100 fine on drivers who violate the ban. The proposal prohibits a police officer from searching a motor vehicle, its contents, the driver or a passenger solely for violating this law. It also prohibits the violation from being used as evidence of contributory negligence on the part of the driver in civil lawsuits, and requires officials to give only a warning and not a quote to a driver who violates this law 90 days after the law comes into effect. Supporters say secondhand smoke causes breathing problems, ear infections, and mental disorders including depression. They find that it can also make a child's asthma worse. Some opponents say this is another example of unnecessary government interference in people's lives. Others wonder why this arbitrary bill doesn't protect children older than 8 or taller than 57 inches.

Repainting of police vehicles (HD 223) –Increases the fine imposed on police car sellers who fail to repaint the exterior in a solid color to remove any evidence of distinctive police insignia or markings. Current law provides for a fine of between $ 10 and $ 500. The bill would increase the fine to $ 500 for first-time violations and $ 1,000 for subsequent violations.

Make College Athletes Pay (HD 337) –Allows Massachusetts college athletes to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness. The National Collegiate Athletic Association prohibits these students from self-marketing and benefiting from endorsements. Sponsor MP Steve Howitt (R-Seekonk) said the legislation was inspired by the history of the University of Massachusetts women's team and the endorsement of Brittany Collens, a professional tennis player. In 2017, two off-campus athletes unwittingly received a refund of $ 252 for a phone jack intended for on-campus athletes as part of their annual scholarship grant. This self-reported accounting error almost three years later led the NCAA to view this as an improper advantage that gave the women's tennis team a sporting advantage. The NCAA recognized victories for three years, including their 2017 Atlantic 10 championship.

Prohibit Animal Abusers From Having Pets (HD 216) –Prohibits any pet shop, shelter, or breeder from allowing anyone convicted of animal abuse to purchase or adopt an animal. The measure would impose on both the seller and the buyer or user up to a one year prison term and / or a minimum penalty of US $ 1,000 for a first offense and up to a five year prison term and / or a minimum penalty of US $ 5,000 for a subsequent crime.