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3/30/2021
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Deputy Speaker Lima to introduce bill creating $10,200 state tax exemption for unemployment benefits
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 STATE HOUSE – Deputy Speaker Charlene M. Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence) will be introducing legislation to grant Rhode Islanders a $10,200 state tax exemption for unemployment benefits received during the pandemic.
“The financial and economic devastation to our citizens and businesses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was not the fault of our citizens. Recently the federal government gave a $10,200 tax exemption to anyone receiving unemployment compensation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first $10,200 received in unemployment benefits will not be taxed by the federal government,” said Deputy Speaker Lima.
“I want to give this same benefit to Rhode Island’s taxpayers so I will be submitting legislation, together with Rep. David Morales, to provide a similar tax exemption for the first $10,200 received in state unemployment compensation for all Rhode Islanders. This unemployment exemption will be in effect for the fiscal years 2020. Our citizens need all the financial help the government can give in order for them to survive the economic harm caused by this pandemic which was caused through no fault of their own. It would be unconscionable if Rhode Island did not follow the federal government’s tax exemption for unemployment benefits. This is especially true since we will be receiving over a billion dollars in stimulus money from the Feds. This money must be given to those individuals most harmed by this pandemic and my legislation would help in accomplishing this goal,” concluded Deputy Speaker Lima.
“It has been the working people and those on limited income who have been most impacted by COVID-19. Unemployment benefits have been the lifeline for this group to pay rent, buy food and pay utilities. It is imperative that these benefits be continued as fully as possible, this legislation will accomplish these goals,” said cosponsor Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence).
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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