Mass. governor visits Lynn senior center to promote state tax cuts, urges seniors to file for credits

Governor Maura Healey visited the Lynn Senior Center Tuesday to highlight tax cuts passed by the Healey‑Driscoll administration and urge eligible residents — especially seniors and families — to file to receive credits.

The visit focused on the state's expanded senior "circuit breaker" credit and increases to child, family and earned income tax credits. "We cut state taxes for the first time in over 20 years," Healey said, adding that many residents will "be paying less than before" and that qualifying taxpayers should use the online resources at mass.gov/taxcuts to claim benefits.

The announcement matters to Lynn because many residents at the senior center and in the surrounding community face rising housing and energy costs, officials said. Healey and local leaders framed the changes as part of a broader affordability agenda that also includes a new low‑income MBTA fare discount and energy affordability measures.

Details offered at the event included: the senior circuit breaker maximum was doubled from $1,200 to more than $2,700 for some claimants this year; last year, about 64,000 seniors claimed the credit; the child and family tax credit now pays $440 per child or dependent adult with no cap; an increase to the state earned income tax credit previously provided an extra $250 to over 326,000 families; and the administration announced a plan it says will lower energy costs by $6,000,000,000 for ratepayers over five years. Healey also said the administration reduced the estate tax and expanded business credits for employee benefits.

Mayor Nicholson, who opened the event, thanked state and federal partners for support of the senior center and welcomed the governor. "It's great to see that in action here today in Lynn," Healey said, recalling participating in activities at the center and describing the center as "driven by the seniors and by this community." Megan Best, identified at the event as elder services director, spoke afterward about families and grandparents using the new credits.

During a short question-and-answer period, Luz Arevalo of Greater Boston Legal Services told attendees that free tax preparation sites are available statewide and offered to share resources. Mariah Eastman, taxpayer advocate for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, said the department provides free filing options, including MassTaxConnect and participation in the federal direct file program that enables free filing for both federal and state returns.

Speakers at the visit also criticized recent federal funding cuts, and Healey contrasted those decisions with the state's investments in education, mental health and housing. City and school officials at the center described local projects supported with earlier funds and said some work remains to open new facilities for special education students.

The governor reiterated that residents needing to claim credits should visit mass.gov/taxcuts for filing instructions and information on eligibility. No formal vote or local policy action occurred at the event; the visit was a public information and outreach appearance.