Governor McKee Joins Seniors And Advocates to Highlight Plan to Eliminate Tax on Social Security Benefits
Governor McKee’s Proposal Puts Money Back In The Pockets Of More Than 32,000 Rhode Island Seniors
PROVIDENCE – This week, Governor McKee joined senior citizens, advocates, and supporters at the Edward King House senior center in Newport to highlight his proposal to eliminate Rhode Island’s tax on Social Security benefits.
While Donald Trump’s disastrous economic agenda drives up everyday costs for working Rhode Islanders, Governor McKee’s proposal would put money back in the pockets of more than 32,000 Rhode Island seniors, including 9,200 early retirees in the first year.
Retirees and advocates praised the proposal, citing high polling support and noting that the relief would allow seniors to afford to stay in Rhode Island.
Key Point from AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor: “Far too many are now struggling to afford health care and other basic needs… It’s time to eliminate this unfair tax.”
Read more below:
The Providence Journal: McKee pitches end of tax on Social Security. What he said in Newport.
It’s tax season, and while volunteers at Edward King House Senior Center in Newport were downstairs guiding seniors through their filings, upstairs Gov. Dan McKee promoted plans to eliminate the tax on Social Security income that could make their filings a little easier in 2027.
“When we’re talking about affordability for all, and I emphasize ‘for all,’ I mean, regardless of age group, we want to make sure we’re moving forward policies that can help control and contain the cost of living for the people living in the state of Rhode Island,” McKee told the crowd of seniors on March 16.
Rhode Island is one of just eight states that tax Social Security benefits, but it may not be for long. McKee included plans to phase out the tax as a part of his proposed fiscal 2027 budget for the state, which is currently making its way through the General Assembly. If included in the approved budget, it would provide tax relief to an estimated 32,000 seniors in Rhode Island who currently pay the tax.
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What’s Up Newp: McKee visits Newport to push for elimination of Rhode Island’s tax on Social Security benefits
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“Many people here have been paying taxes — specifically Social Security taxes — for their whole careers,” McKee said. “When those hard-working people retire, is it fair that they should have those earnings taxed all over again?”
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“Far too many are now struggling to afford health care and other basic needs,” Taylor said. “It’s time to eliminate this unfair tax.”
Cimini noted that many older adults claim Social Security before reaching full retirement age due to health challenges, job loss or caregiving responsibilities, leaving them without the tax exemption available to others.
During his visit, McKee also met with Edward King House Executive Director Carmela Geer and volunteers helping older adults file their annual tax returns through a tax aide program.
The Edward King House serves as a resource center for older adults in the community.
WJAR: McKee proposes eliminating Rhode Island tax on Social Security for early retirees
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“Certainly it would help with bills more than anything because everything is going up exponentially,” Rhode Island retiree Anna Barbieri said.
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Catherine Taylor with AARP Rhode Island says the tax could push retirees to move to other states that don’t tax Social Security benefits.
“If folks are going to move in order to keep a few hundred dollars in their pocket, then we lose so much by not having those folks here,” Taylor told NBC10 in an interview.
Taylor also pointed to an AARP poll that found 89% of Rhode Islanders support eliminating the tax.
