1.7 min readBy Published On: August 24th, 2015Categories: News0 Comments on Tax Relief Bill for residents over 55

filed on Beacon Hill

From a press release:

BOSTON—Recently, the Massachusetts Legislature held a public hearing on a home rule petition which would grant tax relief to homeowners throughout Boston.  The petition was presented by City Council President Bill Linehan and City Councilor Steve Murphy and was approved by the City Council.  

As written, the home rule petition would establish property tax deferrals for low-income, long-term residents over the age of 55.  This deferral would allow older residents to stay in their homes despite the burden of rising property taxes. 

In order to out this tax relief program into effect, the City of Boston must first obtain authorization from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  As a result, Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Representative Nick Collins filed the home rule petition with the Massachusetts Legislature and testified in support of it at the public hearing at the State House.

“Councilor Linehan and I filed this petition to bring relief to long term homeowners who need it now” said Councilor Murphy. “I want to thank the Mayor, Rep. Collins, and Rep. Michlewitz for driving this home at the State House” 

“This bill would give well deserved tax relief to those longtime residents who need it the most” said Rep. Michlewitz. “Allowing residents to stay in their homes should be a priority and that is why I was happy to sponsor this bill with Representative Collins.” 

“There are many lifelong residents of our city who are on a fixed income and are struggling to keep up with rising taxes in so that they can remain in their homes,” said Rep. Collins.  “This is a problem we are aware of at the city and state levels and I am working with my colleagues in City Hall and the Boston Legislative Delegation to protect these members of our community.  This bill will allow long-term residents on a fixed income, particularly the elderly and disabled, to continue living comfortably in their beloved homes.” 

The bill is now being considered by the Joint Committee on Revenue.
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