Woonsocket Radio News Room

Sen. Patalano introduces legislation to eliminate income tax on Social Security benefits

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Todd M. Patalano has introduced legislation to repeal Rhode Island’s tax on Social Security benefits.

“Our state’s Social Security tax is a burden that has overstayed its welcome,” said Senator Patalano (D-Dist. 26, Cranston). “Seniors on fixed incomes are getting hit especially hard by the high cost of living and it’s our responsibility as legislators to provide solutions, not additional burdens. By repealing the Social Security tax, we can give our seniors the full enjoyment of the benefits they worked hard their whole lives for and provide some breathing room for those struggling with rising prices.”

The bill (2025-S 0409) would increase the modification for taxable Social Security income to include all taxable Social Security income, eliminating all state income taxes on Social Security benefits, beginning with the tax year starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

“Repealing the Social Security tax is both good policy for our state and the fair thing to do,” said Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Lincoln), who is a cosponsor of the bill. “Allowing seniors to hold on to 100 percent of their Social Security benefits will make it easier for working Rhode Islanders to choose to stay in their communities when they retire, rather than moving out of state for lower taxes. Spending from Social Security benefits also supports small business and creates local jobs in Rhode Island, a benefit that will only increase when seniors have more of their benefits left over to spend.”

Rhode Island is currently one of only nine states that still tax Social Security income. This issue will affect more and more residents over time: by 2030, one in four Rhode Islanders is projected to be over 65 years of age.

A 2023 survey of adults 45 years and older conducted by Rhode Island AARP found that 89% of respondents agreed that lawmakers should repeal the state tax on Social Security.

Rep. Charlene M. Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence) has introduced companion legislation (2025-H 5758) in the House.

Senator Patalano is serving his first term in the Senate. A lifelong resident of Cranston, Senator Patalano has been a member of the Cranston Police Department since 1995 and currently serves as the Chief of Administrative Services at the rank of Major. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Roger Williams University School of Justice Studies.

 

President Trump says the tariffs imposed on other countries are having the desired effect, and he's now open to negotiations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his initial tariff plan is over, and he's watching it settle in. He said every country has called, asking to cut a trade deal with the U.S. to avoid the tariffs.        Stocks are closing sharply lower one day after President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. The S&P 500 had its worse day since 2020 as the White House announced a baseline tariff rate of ten-percent against most countries yesterday that will go into effect on Saturday. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 16-79 to 40-545. The S&P 500 lost 274 points to 53-96. The Nasdaq lost 10-50 points to 16-550.        A multi-day severe weather event is unfolding for more than 55-million people. It comes after at least seven people were killed in the South Central U.S. after storms that included several tornadoes hit the region yesterday. Tonight, there is still a tornado threat for the same areas, but forecasters warn there could also be potentially catastrophic flooding in the Mid-South and Midwest.        The Federal Aviation Administration is offering more support to air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport. The Critical Incident Stress Management team will be meeting with airport personnel sometime early this month. The FAA is also reviewing the arrival rate at the airport and will conduct regular wellness checks.        The Senate has confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The television personality was confirmed on a party-line vote of 53-45. Oz now assumes a role that provides health insurance to roughly 160 million Americans.        Steven Spielberg and George Lucas top the latest Forbes list of celebrity billionaires. The latest Forbes ranking of the world's wealthiest people includes 18 celebrities, with film director Steven Spielberg topping the list at five-point-three-billion dollars. Star Wars creator George Lucas is in second place with a net worth of five-point-one-billion dollars.       

Old News Archives