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Legislative Update Week of April 14, 2003
As many of us are frantically finishing our federal tax returns, two news accounts in recent days tell a disturbing story regarding property taxes and seniors. On April 12, the New York Times reported that many seniors in the Northeast are being forced to give up their homes because there has been such a dramatic increase in their property taxes. The news account reported on one widow whose property tax bill rose from $2,200 in 1996 to its current level of $3,500. The woman, who lives outside of Boston, partakes in a program by which seniors are able to work off part of their tax bill. Unfortunately, due to cuts by the state, the town is limiting the amount set aside for the property tax/work program. Thus, the widow is concerned that she will have to move, and give up a house that she and her husband invested a lot of time, energy and love. The second news account appeared in the Denver Post dated April 14, 2003. The state legislature is currently considering a proposal to end certain property tax credits. The Senior Homestead Exemption is a relatively new program, having been approved by voters in the year 2000. Many seniors interviewed for the story are very concerned, as they are living on fixed income. What the legislature is considering is a proposal to halt the property tax measure for three years, until the state’s economic situation - presumably -- improves. But that will be too late for many seniors, according to the story. While budgets need to be met, we feel there are other measures that could be taken so as not to force middle-income seniors - living on a fixed income - to give up their family residence. We are hopeful that alternative steps can be taken to settle these - and others perhaps across the country - situations in a better manner. April 2003 | ||||||||
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