December 17, 2021
A Message from the Coalition for a Strong MA Economy
Next year, Massachusetts voters will vote on a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts State Constitution that will impose tax increases. If passed, it would be the state’s largest tax increase in history and raise taxes on incomes of $1 million or more from the current 5% rate to 9% – an 80% tax increase.
This measure applies to a person’s income as well as a person’s assets, such as home sales, stock options, family trusts, inheritances, and the list goes on. This would tax the nest egg of many small business owners and longtime homeowners whose retirement depends on their investments. Unlike federal taxes, this amendment would treat one-time gains – for example from selling a business or home – as regular income, pushing people like retirees and small business owners into the millionaire’s bracket, and nearly doubling their taxes.
Additionally, short-term capital gains would increase from 12% to 16%, which would make Massachusetts’ short-term capital gain state tax the highest in the country.
If you are interested in learning more about or contributing to the campaign, please visit the Coalition for a Strong MA Economy. If you have any additional questions on this issue, please contact the campaign at [email protected].
MA Minimum Wage Set to Increase to $14.25 on January 1, 2022
On January 1, 2022, the MA minimum wage will again increase. Members are reminded to take note of the following changes:
- Minimum wage increase to $14.25 per hour (currently $13.50)
- Tipped wage increase to $6.15 per hour (currently $5.55)
- Retail Premium Pay mandate reduces to 1.1 times the employee’s regular hourly rate for work
The Retail Premium Pay mandate applies to most retail employees performing work on Sundays and certain holidays. All members are encouraged to download RAM’s 2022 Retail Holiday Schedule for a detailed guide.
For additional information you may also visit:
RAMHIC Offerings for 2022
RAM members are reminded that BCBSMA health insurance plans, with effective dates through the end of the year, may still be purchased through association’s health insurance cooperative at a 3% discount off available rates.
With the discount set to expire in the new year, the cooperative will be expanding its package of free ancillary benefits in an effort to continue providing value to participating members. Starting January 1, 2022, all members purchasing a BCBSMA health plan through the cooperative will also receive free accident, life, vision, hospital indemnity and employer assistance plans for their employees, as well as access to fee-waived health financial accounts.
Members interested in learning more should visit the RAMHIC main page here.
2022 RAM Dues Invoice
Members with an email on file will receive a 2022 dues invoice the first week of January. Paper invoices will be mailed out as well.
We hope you will also take the time to visit our website at www.retailersma.org to make sure your profile includes the correct email and contact for the person who handles your finances. If there is a different person within your business who would be interested in RAM’s issue alerts, advocacy campaigns or member benefit news, please add that person’s email as an additional email address. We want to make sure we are properly communicating with you and your staff to maximize your membership with the Association.
To login, click member login at the top of the RAM website. Username is typically the first initial and last name of the contact person on the account. If you have any questions about our website or your RAM membership, please do not hesitate to contact RAM’s Membership Director, Andi Shea, at [email protected] or at 617-523-1900 X 150.
Thank you for your investment in RAM. We wish you a prosperous holiday season and a Happy New Year.
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