ATHOL – Although she didn’t support every detail in the legislation, state Sen. Jo Comerford believes that the $561 million tax relief package recently signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey will benefit the residents of North Quabbin.

Comerford, D-Northampton, said the reduction in taxes wouldn’t offset the projected increase in revenues from the Millionaires Tax – also known as Fair Share – which was approved by voters in last year’s statewide election. This tax imposes a 4% surcharge on taxable income exceeding a $1 million threshold and it’s estimated this will raise over $1 billion in 2023.

“I completely understand the constituents who fought for the Millionaires Tax,” Comerford said. “I understand their confusion, concern.”

Comerford said while some people have been focused on Fair Share, the revenues of which are targeted to education and transportation, they shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the core budget also provides increased funding for these services. That includes, she said, an additional $15 million for rural school districts.

“The majority of the (tax relief) bill focuses on individuals,” she continued, “and the majority of the individual breaks go to middle and working and poor families. That’s the truth about the tax package.”

Comerford said she opposed the short-term cut to capital gains taxes included in the bill.

“I didn’t support it during Senate debate, and I was sorry to see it was in the compromise bill,” Comerford said. “But I was really happy to see things like the low-income housing tax credit; that’s what communities like Athol need and Greenfield need, to be able to stretch their funding on affordable housing development.”

Comerford added that she was pleased to see an increase in the earned income tax credit, something she has advocated for in the past.

“There’s nothing simple about all the decisions we make, but, for North Quabbin particularly, there’s a low-income – an elder tax credit – it’s called the Senior Tax Circuit Breaker,” she said. “I heard a lot from elders who are currently low-income. They called so many times I felt I had grown to know them.”

The circuit breaker tax credit, according to the mass.gov website, is based on the actual amount that residents over 65 pay in real estate taxes or rent on the residential property they occupy as their principal residence. The maximum credit amount for tax year 2022 was $1,200. A provision in the tax relief package increased this to $2,400.

“There are good things in there for people who need some relief, even as we try to increase spending,” said Comerford. “I believe the way to help our Commonwealth be competitive is to make sure we have robust health care, excellent education and transportation. That’s the frame of mind I have – always.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.