Odessa American in Odessa, Texas

Taxachusetts taxes spark bold Massachusetts reform push

Massachusetts faces rising tax ire with three serious property tax reform proposals in the legislature. A constitutional amendment to hold taxes at current levels clears a test, while two other plans seek rebates if property taxes exceed eight percent of income and a cap of 2.5 percent of fair market value. The piece compares Massachusetts taxes to California’s Prop 13, noting Boston’s high rates and broad state and local levies, and cites examples from Cambridge Somerville and Marshfield where budgets are being cut to curb spending.