AARP Massachusetts Testifies in Support of Family Caregivers at State House

AARP is fighting to get the commonwealth’s 780,000 caregivers some help. Jen Benson, State Director of AARP Massachusetts, testified before the Joint Committee on Revenue in support of Senate Bill No. 1938 and House Bill No. 3159 – An Act Supporting Family Caregivers.

“Most of us are, have been, or will be a family caregiver—or will need help to live independently,” Benson stated. “When taken as a whole, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers is a comprehensive package of policy recommendations that would help the Commonwealth’s 780,000 family caregivers.” (read Jen’s Benson’s Testimony here.)


The  bill, Sponsored by Senator Joanne Comerford, Representative Michael Kushmerek, and Representative David Rogers, aims to ease financial, emotional, and logistical burdens faced by caregivers—many of whom spend over $7,000 annually out-of-pocket to care for loved ones. The proposed legislation includes:

• A refundable $1,500 tax credit for eligible caregivers.
• Respite care vouchers for middle-income families.
• Unemployment insurance eligibility for caregivers who leave the workforce.
• Workplace protections against discrimination.
• Authorization for eligible spouses to be paid caregivers.
• Creation of a permanent commission to address caregiver needs.

“Family caregivers are stressed and often overwhelmed balancing the physical, emotional, financial, and time-consuming demands required to care for their older loved one,” Benson emphasized. “This bill will provide commonsense solutions that save time and money and offer more support.”

The bill has garnered strong endorsements from organizations across the state.

Dignity Alliance Massachusetts described the legislation as a necessary response to a growing public crisis:

“Caregivers bear substantial out-of-pocket costs for medications, home modifications, and specialized equipment. Many are forced to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce entirely, resulting in lost wages and jeopardizing their own retirement security. This is not a private family matter; it is a public crisis that demands a public policy solution.”
Read Testimony here.

Home Care Aide Council highlighted the importance of respite vouchers:

“We need to support family caregivers by offering these vouchers to help cover the expenses that they incur annually by caring for their family members,” the Council stated. “This voucher system would help address the financial challenges of caregiving and allow more unpaid family caregivers to keep their family members at home and in the community, where they wish to be.”
Read testimony here.

Mass Aging Access, representing 27 Aging Services Access Points and Area Agencies on Aging, emphasized the broader impact:

“This important legislation is a recognition of the immense value that the more than 780,000 family caregivers in Massachusetts provide as well as the financial and emotional toll that family caregiving can take.”
Read testimony here.

As did the Massachusetts Councils on Aging:

“This is a growing population of families and the provisions in this legislation will provide critical relief so they can continue to provide this vital care to their loved ones.”
Read testimony here

AARP Massachusetts has been advocating for family caregivers in Massachusetts; hosting webinars, legislative briefings and teletown halls to raise awareness. AARP also provides information and resources for caregivers. You can find that here.

“They are your family, friends and neighbors and they are the backbone of services and supports in this country,” Benson said. “They help make it possible for older adults and people with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities—where they want to be.”

If the bill is passed favorably out of the committee, it will go to the full Massachusetts House and Senate to be voted on. The current legislative session goes until the end of next year. The formal session ends July 31.