OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Straight Talk With Sam - Property Tax Credit for Seniors

Date: Aug. 16, 2004
Issues: Senior Citizens Unemployed and Low-Income Taxes


Volume 4, Issue 33, August 16, 2004

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM

Property Tax Credit for Seniors

Home is where the family is. At least, that's what people have been saying for years. But no one should be forced from his or her home because they cannot afford property taxes. For many communities, property taxes help fund priorities like education.

However, for retirees, property taxes are a significant financial burden that makes it too expensive for some seniors to remain there. I cannot imagine suddenly losing a place you've called home for many years. I do not think its right that taxes force them out.

That is why I am pursuing legislation to remove some of the burden of local property taxes. I believe that we should provide a tax credit for anyone over the age of 65 that pays property taxes. The tax credit will be equal to 10 percent of the property taxes for low-income seniors.

While it is only a house or a condominium with a kitchen and living room, each home has memories that last a lifetime. And a lifetime does not end when people retire. Ask anyone who is retired and they will tell you that life truly begins with retirement. Property tax relief for seniors can help seniors stay in a familiar environment. They worked hard to live in their homes and property taxes should not force them from it.

arrow_upward