Bill exempts seniors from overrides

Must make less than $60G

By Casey Ross, Boston Herald

A bill criticized as a “cynical, end-run” around Proposition 2 1/2 tax limits was overwhelmingly approved by House lawmakers yesterday, intensifying a property tax debate now careening toward the Senate and Gov. Patrick.

The House voted 111-34 to pass legislation giving communities the option of exempting residents age 65 and older from paying for voter-approved tax overrides.

The exemption would only apply to senior citizens making $60,000 or less whose property taxes exceed 10 percent of their income.

Critics say the legislation seeks to circumvent Proposition 2 1/2, the state’s tax-limiting law, by focusing on elderly voters who are seen as most likely to oppose overrides.

“This effort is very cynical attempt to do an end-run around Proposition 2 1/2,” said state Rep. Donald Humason (R-Westfield). Passing this bill is only going to shift the burden onto the remaining taxpayers.”

But proponents of the legislation said it will shield low and middle-income seniors from tax hikes that would otherwise drive them out of their homes.

“We want to allow our seniors to remain in their communities. We don’t want them pushed out,” said state Rep. Ruth Balser (D-Newton), the bill’s lead sponsor.

The proposed legislation now heads to the Senate, where officials said it appears to face an uphill battle. Senate President Therese Murray declined to comment on the bill yesterday.

Meanwhile, Patrick immediately faced calls to veto the legislation.

“He ran on a promise of property tax relief, and he at least should not make it any worse,” said Barbara Anderson, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation. “Seniors are the first line of defense on property taxes, and (this bill) is trying to prevent them from voting.”

Patrick spokeswoman Cindy Roy said, “We’ll have to take it under review, but in general we’re supportive of property tax relief.”

The effect of the bill was a source of heated debate yesterday. House Republicans raised a flurry of objections, arguing that the legislation would shift the tax burden onto young families and give one class of voters free reign to approve overrides without paying the consequences.

Geoff Beckwith of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, disagreed. “This will allow communities to provide additional tax relief and protect low income seniors,” he said.