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By Bob Katzen
Without a roll call vote, the House gave initial approval to a bill that would allow municipalities to grant a property tax reduction to property owners who serve as volunteer, call or auxiliary firefighters or EMTs. The reduction of the tax bill would be capped at $2,500 per property owner but would be in addition to any other exemption or abatement to which the property owner is entitled.
The municipality would be responsible for establishing the parameters of its property tax reduction, including the criteria by which the reduction would be calculated, and the local rules and procedures necessary for implementing it. The firefighters and EMTs would not be considered employees of the municipality and the tax reduction would not be considered wages for income tax purposes.
Supporters said these people are invaluable and selfless and should be given a property tax reduction.
Chief sponsor Rep. Steve Howitt (D-Seekonk) and co-sponsor Susannah Whipps (U-Athol) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they sponsored the bill.