Override exemption for seniors gets mixed reviews

[Ian David]

Override exemption for seniors gets mixed reviews
Local lawmakers favor exempting most senior citizens from overrides, but elderly advocates call it a “divisive move.”

by Mirochnick
enterprise special correspondent
Posted Mar 24, 2008 @ 03:00 AM
BOSTON —

A Statehouse bill that would allow cities and towns to exempt certain seniors from Proposition 21/2 tax increases has the support of local lawmakers, but some seniors and those who work with them aren’t sure it’s the best idea.

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“We’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t,” said Hall, 76. “If we’re not charged this (tax hike) money, it would either have to come from the younger folks or it’s money that schools and public safety aren’t going to have. But if taxes keep going up, we’re going to get run out of our homes.”

The bill, which passed the House last month, would exempt from override taxes those seniors with incomes under $60,000 a year who pay more than 10 percent of their income on real estate tax.

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Rep. Christine Canavan, D-Brockton, said she voted for the bill to support her party, but she hopes it doesn’t reach a vote in the Senate. “Local option is the key. It makes this a digestible bill,” Canavan said. “I don’t think this is a good fit for a city like Brockton. It made it easier for me knowing Brockton would most likely never pick up the local option.”

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http://www.enterprisenews.com/business/x2018125914