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Senator Collins Supports Senate Passage of Fair Housing and Key Consumer Protection Bills

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The Massachusetts Senate recently advanced a trio of bills focused on protecting consumers and expanding opportunity across the Commonwealth, headlined by major legislation strengthening fair housing protections. Together, the measures address discrimination in the housing market, bolster safeguards for car buyers, and modernize standards for the certified public accountant workforce. “We are hitting the ground … Read more

Senator Collins Votes to Advance Consumer Protection and Workforce Development Legislation

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Measures address housing discrimination, auto buyer protections, and CPA workforce pathways Last week, Senator Nick Collins chaired a hearing of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and voted to advance a trio of bills focused on consumer protection and professional licensure, moving the measures favorably out of committee and onto the Senate floor for … Read more

Senator Collins Votes to Improve Literacy Standards

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Legislation Ensures Early Dyslexia Screening So No Child Falls Behind Last week, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that supports young learners by ensuring reading instruction is rooted in proven, evidence-based practices. The bill creates new statewide standards for literacy education and assessment, offers professional development resources for educators, and offers flexible options and supplemental funding … Read more

Massachusetts Legislators Call for Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Community

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Letter Calls on Executive Branch, Congressional Leaders to Take Action Ahead of Feb. 3 Deadline Senator Nick Collins sent a letter co-signed by 68 of his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature urging federal leaders to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the Haitian communities living in the United States. The letter was addressed to Department … Read more

Senator Collins Reminds Residents of Options to Lower Tax Bills

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With property tax abatement applications due by February 2, Senator Collins is urging residents to review their assessments and explore available tax relief options. As deadlines for tax relief options approach, Senator Collins wants to remind residents that filing for a property tax abatement is an important tool available to homeowners who believe their property … Read more

Tax Relief Legislation Overwhelmingly Passes Senate

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37–1 Vote to Approve Property Tax Relief for Homeowners, Seniors and Small Businesses  Last week, Massachusetts State Senate voted to make housing more affordable in Massachusetts, approving new tools that give cities and towns the ability to lower the cost of property taxes and put money directly back in residents’ pockets. “Last week my colleagues … Read more

Boston Deserves Better Than a Zero-Sum Tax Hike

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This article originally appeared in the Dorchester Reporter By Senator Nick Collins For several weeks, my office has heard from residents across Boston seeking relief from the Mayor’s proposed property tax increases. Much of this outreach has followed the Mayor’s aggressive public relations campaign, in which she has blamed the Senate for her decision to … Read more

Boston’s Valuation Process Needs Reform

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This article first ran in The Boston Guardian. By Senator Nick Collins With the new year underway and property taxes rising in Boston, the City’s valuation practices are once again under scrutiny. Commercial property owners recently filed a class action lawsuit against Boston’s Assessing Department, alleging retaliation against property owners who sought overvaluation abatements. Residential … Read more

Senate Tax Relief Bills Advance

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Testimony Being Taken By Senate Committee on Ways and Means Two Senate proposals aimed at delivering property tax relief to homeowners are currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means after advancing in the Senate last week. S.1933, An Act to Prevent Property Tax Bill Shocks, filed by Senator Will Brownsberger, would … Read more

Tax Relief Already Passed by the Legislature

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Relief Measures Already Passed by the Legislature In October 2023, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a comprehensive tax relief package that will provide relief directly to taxpayers. Please see the links for more information on attaining tax credits: Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-senior-circuit-breaker-tax-credit Doubled the refundable senior circuit breaker tax credit, which supports seniors facing high … Read more