FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2007

 REPUBLICANS WIN VOTE TO HELP SENIORS WITH PROPERTY TAXES

 

BOSTON—In an effort to make Massachusetts more affordable for older residents, Don Humason, Jr., Westfield’s State Representative, and his House Republican colleagues won approval today for a plan that gives more seniors a bigger break on their property tax bills.

During debate on the House budget Monday, Republican legislators offered an amendment that would let seniors include half of their home heating costs when applying to be eligible for the senior circuit breaker tax credit.

Currently, seniors can only include their water and sewer fees as expenses when they apply for the program. The senior circuit breaker credit allows residents age 65 and older to claim a credit of up to $870 on their income tax form for the property taxes they paid on their home in that year, provided they meet certain income guidelines, and if their home is valued at $684,000 or less.

“Expanding the eligibility guidelines to include home heating costs would allow thousands more seniors in Massachusetts to get the added property tax relief they desperately need,” Humason said. About 40,000 seniors statewide are currently eligible for the program.

“Making Massachusetts more affordable is the centerpiece of the Republican agenda,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones, R-North Reading.  “Property taxes are one of the biggest expenses residents face, and they can be especially devastating for older homeowners on a fixed income. I am very pleased that my colleagues in the House agreed to give seniors a break.”

House lawmakers voted to approve the Republican amendment today, and will continue debating the budget throughout this week. The Senate will get a chance to offer and debate its own spending plan next month, and a final budget should be in place by July 1.

“I am hopeful and optimistic the Senate and Governor will agree with members of the House and allow this senior property tax relief measure to become law,” Humason said.