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4/2/2021 Senator Algiere bill would give unemployment recipients relief

STATE HOUSE, Providence – Senate Minority Leader Dennis L. Algiere, (R-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) yesterday introduced legislation that would exempt the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits from state taxes.

“I have been hearing from many frustrated and upset constituents that Rhode Island is not following federal tax guidance and has chosen to tax unemployment earnings at 100 percent,” Leader Algiere said. “That the state is bleeding more money from already-struggling taxpayers is unacceptable.”

Reports indicate more than 108,000 people received unemployment compensation due to coronavirus restrictions.  The R.I. Division of Taxation will tax 100 percent of the unemployment benefits collected in 2020 despite the fact that Internal Revenue Service has exempted $10,200 from federal taxation.

“Our constituents were badly impacted during the last year. The amount of revenue that our state will receive by ignoring federal guidance and taxing unemployment benefits at 100 percent is negligible, but the impact it will have on more than 100,000 struggling taxpayers is significant,” Leader Algiere said.

Senate Minority Whip Jessica de la Cruz, (R-Dist. 23, Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield), Senator Thomas J. Paolino, (R-Dist. 17, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield and Senator Gordon E. Rogers (R-Dist. 21, Coventry, Foster Scituate) co-sponsored the legislation.  They are joined by the entire Senate Democratic Leadership: Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. Providence, North Providence), Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey, (D-Dist. 29, Warwick).



For more information, contact:
Katie Haughey Cardoza, Senate Minority Office
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2708