The House gave initial approval, on a voice vote without a roll call, to legislation that would allow cities and towns to establish a personal property tax exemption or abatement program, of up to $1,000 per child, for grandparent over the age of 55 who are raising their grandchild.
Supporters, noting this tax reduction would be in addition to any current property tax reduction the grandparent is already receiving. They said this would help the grandparents financially by making up for the thousands of dollars in additional costs they are incurring as a result of raising a grandchild.
Rep. James Murphy (D-Weymouth), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his proposal and its passage.