Beacon Hill’s Attempt to Weaken Prop 2.5

The House voted 111-34 to pass legislation (House Bill 4534) giving communities the option of exempting residents that are age 65 and older, who earn less than $60,000 per year, from paying for voter-approved property tax overrides. Critics correctly say the legislation seeks to circumvent Proposition 2½, the state’s tax-limiting law, by focusing on elderly voters who are seen as most likely to oppose overrides. The bill is criticized as an end-run around Proposition 2½ tax limits. The bill is now careening toward the Senate and Gov. Deval Patrick.

When asked by Boston Herald reporter Casey Ross, the governor's spokeswoman replied: “We’ll have to take it under review, but in general we’re supportive of property tax relief.” Does this indicate that Gov. Patrick supports property tax relief for all, or property tax relief for just some? We don't know, but he's been an enigma since assuming the governorship.

“This effort is very cynical attempt to do an end-run around Proposition 2½,” said state Rep. Donald Humason (R-Westfield). Passing this bill is only going to shift the burden onto the remaining taxpayers.”

Before this bill is passed more questions need to be asked and answered. What happens when Baby boomers start retiring? As many of the baby boomers begin to turn sixty-five, who is going to foot the bill if this legislation becomes law? It is clear that a heavier burden of paying property taxes will fall on middle and low-income families year after year.

This approach to property tax relief is not relief at all. This bill is confined to accomplishing only one thing: make it easier for towns and cities to increase your property taxes and permit them to expand without any limits.