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Driscoll Testifies In Favor of Military Tax Abatements
07/07/2009BOSTON – Representative Joe Driscoll (D-Braintree) testified before a revenue committee hearing on a bill he proposed that would allow a municipality the ability to offer tax abatements to members of the National Guard and reservists who are homeowners.
This bill would save those serving throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from having to make payments on property they own. It is intended to give relief to those serving, and their families, at a time when the economic downturn has burdened military families.
The legislation is a local-option version of a bill that was passed and signed into law by Governor Patrick during last session as a home rule petition for the Town of Braintree. The home rule petition was introduced to Town Meeting by then-assessor Dan Clifford. Its adoption made Braintree the first community to offer property tax abatements, retroactive to Fiscal Year 2002, to Massachusetts National Guard members and reservists for each fiscal year they are on active duty.
“This bill does right for those who protect us abroad,” said Rep. Driscoll. “In Braintree, it has already proven to be a valuable program at a low cost considering the sacrifices these soldiers make.”
In 2005, Representative Driscoll announced the passage the Welcome Home bill, which offered tax deferrals for civilian soldiers. However, with the number of National Guard members and reservists accounting for approximately 40% of the men and women deployed in Iraq, it was decided that a tax abatement would serve as an even more appreciative means to provide financial relief.
Many members of the National Guard and reservists serve at a detriment to income they would accumulate had they stayed in private life. Given the financial burden this places on many military families, an abatement from property taxes proved beneficial; it also came at a cost of only $13,000 annually to the Town of Braintree.
“When a breadwinner is off serving on behalf of their country,” stated Representative Driscoll, “They should leave knowing their family will be taken care of in their absence. I am optimistic this bill would strengthen any already strong military benefits package in Massachusetts.”
