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Bill

S 2025

An Act establishing the Massachusetts student relief and retention tax credit

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Kennedy

Massachusetts proposes a student tax credit to provide financial relief and boost college retention, subject to September hearing review.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 2025

Legislative bill overview

S 2025 establishes a tax credit in Massachusetts designed to provide financial relief to students and improve student retention rates. The specific mechanism—whether credits apply to individual student taxpayers, families with student dependents, or educational institutions—is not detailed in the available information. The bill has progressed through initial procedural stages and is scheduled for a substantive hearing in September 2025.

Why this is important

Student debt and affordability are significant barriers to college completion and economic mobility. Tax credits targeting this issue could reduce financial pressure on students, potentially lowering dropout rates and enabling faster degree completion. However, the actual impact depends entirely on the credit's design, eligibility requirements, and funding mechanism.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact and funding: Tax credits reduce state revenue; policymakers will debate whether the state can afford this relief or if funds should be redirected from other programs
  • Eligibility scope: Questions will likely arise about who qualifies (income thresholds, school types, in-state vs. out-of-state students, graduate vs. undergraduate levels)
  • Credit design efficiency: Debate over whether direct grants to institutions, income-based credits for individuals, or loan forgiveness would achieve retention goals more cost-effectively

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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