By Bob Katzen

The Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would make it easier for communities to offer local property tax exemptions to seniors by allowing cities and towns to institute a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption for income-eligible seniors who have lived in their community for at least 10 years.

“Rising property taxes have created serious financial burdens for many elderly residents in my communities and across Massachusetts,” said sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “The legislation that I filed to provide an option for municipalities to opt in to a senior citizen property tax exemption would allow municipalities to support struggling income-eligible seniors and allow many aging residents the ability to continue to live in their communities and not be driven out due to increasing tax burdens.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes