As you may know, the BBA recently endorsed legislation that would eliminate an unjust disparity in the federal CARES Act’s treatment of taxpayers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as their families, leaving almost all of them ineligible for stimulus payments of up to $1,200 per person, despite paying the same share of taxes as those who file with a Social Security Number.
We submitted testimony to the Legislature’s Joint Revenue Committee, urging them to give the relevant bills a favorable report, so the full body can vote on the measures. And the Boston Globe has since lent its support.
Now you can help, too: The legislation faces a committee deadline of June 16 and may be rendered effectively dead for the year if not reported out by then. If you have a moment this week to contact your state Senator and Representative, by phone or e-mail, please ask them to express their support for S. 2659 and H. 4726 to the Revenue Committee chair and to Senate or House leadership.
You can find more background in our testimony and in a fact sheet by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. Thanks for your support!