The Commonwealth’s taxpayers will get a three-month reprieve on the day to file state income tax, and consumers will be able to order beer or wine with a takeout meal, according to updates provided by Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) and Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) regarding the State’s efforts to combat COVID-19 and support residents throughout the public health emergency.
Covid-19 Testing and Active Cases
As of March 27, 29,371 patients have been tested for COVID-19, as testing capacity continues to expand. Those testing positive increased to 3,240, which is up 823 from yesterday. Ten more deaths today brought the total to 35. The vast majority of the patients who have not survived the illness were elderly or had preexisting conditions.
Filing Massachusetts Taxes
The Governor announced during today’s press briefing that the April 15 state tax-filing deadline has been postponed to July 15. The extension is especially important for residents who are facing financial hardship related to the COVID-19 emergency and those who rely on tax-filing assistance programs. Many of these assistance programs have been suspended in an effort to follow social distancing guidelines. Taxpayers may still file early if they so choose.
Take-Out Meals Update
The House of Representatives passed legislation consistent with a bill filed by Rep. Gordon, which will enable local restaurants to sell beer or wine to customers with food orders for takeout or delivery. Rep. Gordon filed this legislation to assist consumers who may not want to take the health risks of making a second stop to a liquor store before picking up a take-out meal. It will also allow restaurants to deliver beer or wine to age-appropriate consumers along with takeout meals. Rep. Gordon’s bill carried 41 cosponsors in the House and Senate, including Senator Barrett, and was made a part of an overall municipalities bill. It will now go to the Senate, which can take it up as early as Monday.
Governor Baker’s Additional Travel Guidance
In addition, Governor Baker issued additional travel guidance, in which travelers arriving in Massachusetts will be instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days. Signage along local highways, including US Route 3 and Route I-93 has already been posted. Flyers will be handed out at Logan Airport and Amtrak stations. Visitors are instructed not to come to Massachusetts if they are displaying symptoms. Residents are advised not to travel outside Massachusetts, unless necessary.
Rep. Gordon’s Office Hours Scheduled for April 2
Rep. Gordon will host another virtual office hours session on Thursday, April 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Constituents from Burlington, Bedford, or Wilmington’s precinct 3 are encouraged to call in. Instruction on how to join the virtual session will follow.
As always, Rep. Gordon reminds constituents that he can be reached at [email protected] or 617-722-2575. Rep. Gordon and his staff are continuously checking email and phone while working remotely.
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