Stimulus 2022: Massachusetts lawmakers propose $250 tax rebate checks for inflation

Americans are still feeling the burn from soaring costs and gas prices — and Massachusetts lawmakers want to give them a little relief.
On Thursday, Massachusetts Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano — alongside legislators including Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka — announced that lawmakers “will act to establish” a fund to provide rebates for residents.

“Whether it is the rising price of gas, groceries, or summer clothes for kids, the Massachusetts Legislature has heard loud and clear that increased costs due to inflation have cut into family budgets,” the legislators wrote in a release.
Individuals would be eligible for a one-time $250 check, and married couples would get a $500 check.

The plan would provide a single round of payments to all taxpayers who earned at least $38,000 in 2021. It would cut off eligibility for singles earning above $100,000 and couples making more than $150,000. Most people would receive their payments before September 30.

According to the Boston Globe’s Matt Stout, the plan will have to pass the state’s Senate and House by July 31, when the legislature’s session ends.
“These rebates represent the Legislature’s commitment to delivering immediate financial relief directly to residents of the Commonwealth, rather than to large oil companies that continue to profit off economic uncertainty and international conflict,” the lawmakers said.

It comes as some states issue direct payments to help residents deal with rising prices at the pump and grocery store. California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved issuing a round of direct payments to millions of California residents this summer.  The $350 checks will flow largely to middle-income residents, though some high-earning taxpayers are eligible to get smaller payments as well.

It seems very unlikely that Congress will approve a fourth round of direct federal payments similar to the $1,400 stimulus checks that were distributed under the March 2021 stimulus law. Republicans and some Democrats are likely to argue that the measure would both aggravate inflation and add to the national debt.

source

See Also:  Rhode Island Taxpayers To Receive $250 ‘Stimulus Checks’ Next Month

Related Stories:

Stimulus 2022: Massachusetts’ propose tax refund payments worth up to $20,000 Stimulus Checks 2022: Some Florida families with kids will get a $450 ‘inflation relief’ check Stimulus Nov. 2022: Massachusetts, New Jersey & Pennsylvania Among States Giving Checks Rebate Checks November 2022: Delaware residents can claim $300 relief checks, Apply online now Inflation Stimulus Payments 2022: Which States are still sending checks? Stimulus Check Update 2022: Here’s When to Expect Your Rebate Is Your State Giving Out Inflation Stimulus Checks in 2022? Stimulus Checks In June 2023: New Mexico, New Jersey, And Massachusetts Citizens To Receive Payments