News: Press Releases & Statements
Under the Dome: “Tax Relief” Bill Not What It Seems
03.06.08 | Contact: Meredith Warren, 617-722-2100
BOSTON—A sizeable tax increase for Massachusetts homeowners is successfully making its way through the Legislature, but the Democrats pushing the measure don’t want you to know that.
In fact, they’re calling their proposal “property tax relief.”
Legislation approved by the House last week would exempt seniors from having to pay any tax increase that results from a Proposition 2 ½ override that is approved in their city or town. Homeowners over the age of 65 could apply for the tax break if they earn less than $60,000 a year and if their property taxes are more than 10 percent of their income.
The unfortunate flip side of the proposal is that it increases the cost of an override for every other homeowner—including working families on tight budgets—because they’ll be forced to cover the taxes older residents aren’t paying, in addition to paying for their own share of an override.
At a time when the economy is slowing, gas prices are expected to hit $4 a gallon by summer, and home heating costs are astronomical, many younger taxpayers with families to support can no more afford a Proposition 2 ½ override than their elderly neighbors.
Asking them to cover not only their share of an override, but also that of the senior homeowners in their community, is just unfair.
I certainly want to help seniors, and I am a passionate advocate for effective tax relief programs such as the senior circuit breaker tax credit. But I also don’t want to increase taxes for working families. That’s what this latest proposal does, and that’s why I voted against it last week.
The real issue here is that Massachusetts taxpayers are already paying enough. And unfortunately, thousands of them will be asked to pay even more in the coming months as they face Proposition 2 ½ override votes in their communities. Since local officials know they cannot rely on the state for an increase in local aid next year, they are going to turn to residents to help pay for schools, public safety and other essential services.
Along with the Republican members of the House and Senate, I have been pushing legislation that would send $450 million back to cities and towns as local aid. We also filed a resolution to fully fund local aid next year, add $223 million to Chapter 70 school aid, and distribute an additional $150 million, one-time boost in Lottery aid for communities.
Increasing local aid to cities and towns through proposals like these would help relieve pressure on cities and towns to raise local property taxes on homeowners of all ages. Then maybe we won’t need “tax relief” bills like the one approved by the House last week.
Brad Jones, R-North Reading, is a state representative and is the minority leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
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