By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to legislation that would allow cities and towns the option to freeze the valuation of any property in which the owner has lived for more than 30 years. The freeze would only apply to owners whose income does not exceed 100 percent of the area median income and whose liquid assets, excluding the home, are less than $100,000.
Supporters said that since property taxes are based on the assessed value of the property, freezing the valuation will also help keep the property tax low and help many seniors remain in their homes.
Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he sponsored the measure and how he feels about its passage.