By Bob Katzen

This bill provides a stimulus check to taxpayers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number. The state-funded stimulus check would be equal to the federal stimulus checks of $1,200 for individual filers, $2,400 for joint filers and $500 per child that is currently provided by the federal government through the CARES Act. It will also provide $10 million to immigrant aid organizations.

“While I am disappointed that [the bill] was sent to study, legislation to provide financial support to hard-working immigrants was successful in advocating for the Legislature to provide additional financial resources to immigrant families across Massachusetts,” said the measure’s sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “Whether I file this bill again in January depends on whether another federal stimulus package becomes law.”