The Joint Committee on Revenue convened on September 16, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at enhancing financial support for families in Massachusetts. Chaired by Senator Jamie Eldridge and House Co-Chair Representative Adrian Madero, the meeting featured testimony on several bills focused on children, families, and health.

A key highlight of the hearing was the testimony from Charlotte Bruce, Director of Policy for Children's Health Watch. She advocated for bills H3073, S1957, and S1975, which aim to expand the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and child and family tax credits. Bruce emphasized the importance of these credits as effective tools for reducing poverty and improving financial stability for families. She noted that currently, only 82% of eligible workers claim the EITC, and many low-income families miss out on both state and federal credits. The proposed legislation would initiate a coordinated outreach campaign to ensure that eligible families are informed about these benefits.

In addition to outreach, the bills would strengthen the credits themselves by extending the EITC to immigrant families, removing caps for larger families, and increasing the credit's value. Specifically, the EITC match would rise from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, and the child and family tax credit would increase from $4.40 to $600 per child, adjusted for inflation. These changes are seen as vital, especially as recent census data indicates that nearly 10% of Massachusetts families live below the poverty line.

The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1938 and House Bill 3159, which focus on supporting family caregivers. This legislation aims to address the needs of caregivers who play a crucial role in the health and well-being of their family members.

The meeting underscored the committee's commitment to addressing economic challenges faced by families in Massachusetts. As the legislative session progresses, the committee encourages the submission of written testimony to ensure comprehensive review and consideration of these important bills.