Rep Carron is a pretty good guy and he is also pro 2nd amendment. I do how ever disagree with the proposed legislation he is supporting.
On behalf of Representative Carron, we wanted to inform you of the steps we are taking to alleviate Massachusetts residents of the fear of the upcoming winter fuel prices. Responding to this winter’s anticipated double-digit price hikes for home-heating oil and natural gas, my colleagues and I in the House of Representatives are announcing a comprehensive $80 million package aimed at promoting energy efficiency and helping Massachusetts consumers defray skyrocketing heating costs.
With experts predicting that the average home-heating bill will rise by 21% this winter, Massachusetts residents need relief now. By pairing assistance with incentives, the Legislature is taking an important first step towards addressing the high cost of energy and reducing the overall economic impact on Massachusetts families.
The package implements a one-year, $800 income tax deduction for home heating expenses incurred by individuals who make less than $50,000 a year and families with annual incomes up to $75,000. Additionally, a credit of up to $600 would be applied to the purchase of such energy-saving products as high-efficiency furnaces, home insulation, new window installation and other approved residential items that use less gas and oil. The combined one-time cost to the state is $57 million.
The initiative nearly triples annual state aid to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) from $7.5 million to $20 million. LIHEAP combines federal and state funds to help pay home heating bills for 133,000 low-income state residents. Households with incomes up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty level would receive maximum benefits of $545 for electric or gas heat, and a maximum of $675 for oil, propane or kerosene heat.
LIHEAP is a critical safety net program that helps people struggling to make ends meet survive the cold winter months. This $20 million appropriation will go a long way towards increasing program awareness and participation so that more Massachusetts residents get the heat they need when they need it the most.
Other highlights include:
• Establishing a 15% or $300 tax credit for businesses that install solar water heating systems. (Currently businesses have to apply for a limited number of grants through the Renewable Energy Trust Fund.)
• Extending tax credits to developers, owners and tenants of multi-family and commercial residential buildings who invest in measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
• Authorizing the Renewable Energy Trust Fund to establish a partnership between state agencies and private organizations to further technological advances in developing fuel cell technology.
• Generating public awareness and participation for energy discount programs run by utility providers. Utility companies would be required to work with appropriate state agencies to produce a brochure detailing discounts and rebates available to homeowners who take energy-saving steps.
Again, it should be noted that this legislation has not yet passed through the legislature, but we anticipate this to move quickly. We will keep you informed of the progress.
Please feel free to contact the office if there is anything we can do in the meantime.
Again low income people do not have to think or plan ahead. The .gov will take care of them. Is it going to be any easier for me to heat my house this winter? No, and I won’t qualify for the tax credit. So not only will I have to pay for oil myself this winter, I see more of my tax dollars are going to pay for other peoples oil, who not only pay less income tax, but also pay at a much lower percentage rate than me.
Rant off… :x :x
On behalf of Representative Carron, we wanted to inform you of the steps we are taking to alleviate Massachusetts residents of the fear of the upcoming winter fuel prices. Responding to this winter’s anticipated double-digit price hikes for home-heating oil and natural gas, my colleagues and I in the House of Representatives are announcing a comprehensive $80 million package aimed at promoting energy efficiency and helping Massachusetts consumers defray skyrocketing heating costs.
With experts predicting that the average home-heating bill will rise by 21% this winter, Massachusetts residents need relief now. By pairing assistance with incentives, the Legislature is taking an important first step towards addressing the high cost of energy and reducing the overall economic impact on Massachusetts families.
The package implements a one-year, $800 income tax deduction for home heating expenses incurred by individuals who make less than $50,000 a year and families with annual incomes up to $75,000. Additionally, a credit of up to $600 would be applied to the purchase of such energy-saving products as high-efficiency furnaces, home insulation, new window installation and other approved residential items that use less gas and oil. The combined one-time cost to the state is $57 million.
The initiative nearly triples annual state aid to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) from $7.5 million to $20 million. LIHEAP combines federal and state funds to help pay home heating bills for 133,000 low-income state residents. Households with incomes up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty level would receive maximum benefits of $545 for electric or gas heat, and a maximum of $675 for oil, propane or kerosene heat.
LIHEAP is a critical safety net program that helps people struggling to make ends meet survive the cold winter months. This $20 million appropriation will go a long way towards increasing program awareness and participation so that more Massachusetts residents get the heat they need when they need it the most.
Other highlights include:
• Establishing a 15% or $300 tax credit for businesses that install solar water heating systems. (Currently businesses have to apply for a limited number of grants through the Renewable Energy Trust Fund.)
• Extending tax credits to developers, owners and tenants of multi-family and commercial residential buildings who invest in measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
• Authorizing the Renewable Energy Trust Fund to establish a partnership between state agencies and private organizations to further technological advances in developing fuel cell technology.
• Generating public awareness and participation for energy discount programs run by utility providers. Utility companies would be required to work with appropriate state agencies to produce a brochure detailing discounts and rebates available to homeowners who take energy-saving steps.
Again, it should be noted that this legislation has not yet passed through the legislature, but we anticipate this to move quickly. We will keep you informed of the progress.
Please feel free to contact the office if there is anything we can do in the meantime.
Again low income people do not have to think or plan ahead. The .gov will take care of them. Is it going to be any easier for me to heat my house this winter? No, and I won’t qualify for the tax credit. So not only will I have to pay for oil myself this winter, I see more of my tax dollars are going to pay for other peoples oil, who not only pay less income tax, but also pay at a much lower percentage rate than me.
Rant off… :x :x