By Bob Katzen

House 25-132, rejected an amendment that would exempt retirement income of seniors aged 69.5 and older from the current 5 percent tax on it.

Amendment sponsor Rep. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) said the cost of living is soaring and that the amendment would strengthen retirement income security for senior citizens. He noted that these seniors have worked for decades and saved as much as they can.

Rep. Adrian Madaro opposed the amendment and said it unfairly attempts to bypass the legislative process by proposing massive tax code changes as a budget amendment without public hearings and rigorous stakeholder engagement and review. He noted that the state’s current flat 5 percent tax on retirement income is modest in comparison to other states.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment exempting retirement income from the current 5 percent tax. A “No” vote is against exempting it.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No