Proposal lets elderly homeowners avoid tax overrides

LYNN – Elderly residents on fixed incomes tend to vote against property-tax overrides, which are often proposed to build new schools, libraries or for other major municipal expenses.To proponents of Proposition 2 1/2, these citizens represent a failsafe to reckless spending, the kind that unavoidably raises property taxes. Others see them as roadblocks to obtaining necessary community improvements.The state House of Representatives voted Thursday in favor of a bill that would let communities exempt moderate and lower-income senior homeowners from Proposition 2 1/2 overrides.Critics of the bill contend it will end-run Proposition 2 1/2, legislation that was designed to slow the rate of property-tax increases. Supporters say it’s nothing more than a tax break for senior citizens who simply can’t afford the tax increase that would accompany the override.In recent years, many cities and towns in Massachusetts have found it increasingly difficult to pass overrides. In communities with lots of young parents, construction of a new school is frequently a priority. Since residents in their golden years are unlikely to benefit from the project, their votes tend to kill Proposition 2 1/2 overrides.Lawmakers are now pushing the bill, sponsored by Rep. Ruth Balser, which exempts senior citizens earning less than $60,000 a year from any property tax increases caused by overrides. Already passed by the House, the measure is headed for a Senate vote.Rep. Steven Walsh, a Lynn Democrat, downplayed the notion that the bill is an end-run of Proposition 2 1/2.”It’s a local option bill,” he said. “It gives municipalities one more tool that lets senior citizens stay in the community and in their homes. And it’s an alternative to a property tax increase.”Walsh said the counter argument can certainly be made, but those discussions are best made at the local level.”The reality of it is, we’ve been trying to give cities and towns tools to deal with property tax increases, whether it’s a meals tax, hotel tax, or one on light poles for the utility companies. The more options we give, the more each community can choose what’s best for themselves,” he said.Barbara Anderson of Citizens for Limited Taxation, vehemently disagreed.”Seniors are our first line of defense against overrides,” said Anderson, whose name is synonymous with Proposition 2 1/2. “Senior citizens are defeating these overrides and now they are trying to give them a reason not to vote.”The tax exemption would apply to homeowners 65 or older with an income of $60,000 or less, provided that their real estate taxes exceed 10 percent of their income.Rep. Donald Humason is among the Republican lawmakers opposed to the measure .”This bill is a very cynical attempt to do an end-run around Proposition 2 1/2,” said the Westfield Republican. “It will come back to bite us in the end.”