During the first formal remote voting session in Massachusetts history, Representative Ken Gordon (D – Bedford) and his colleagues in the House of Representatives passed legislation to authorize necessary state borrowing during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
“It was fascinating to take part in this historic remote voting session in the House as we passed this bill to provide the state with necessary access to funds that will support residents and businesses in the Commonwealth throughout the Covid-19 emergency,” said Representative Gordon.
The session today was the first held following the passage of Emergency Rules enabling House Members to vote and debate remotely in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Emergency Rules were adopted to ensure that Members could comply with social distancing measures put into place by Governor Baker.
In order to provide residents with needed financial relief, the 2020 tax-filing deadline in the Commonwealth is extended to July 15, which will also delay the receipt of state taxes. The legislation authorizes the State Treasurer to borrow sums that will allow the state to continue providing important services. Under the bill, the treasurer must repay those sums by June 30, 2021, when taxes from Fiscal Year 2020 have been collected.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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