Paused due to COVID, Springfield revamping tax work-off program for older adults
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Read the full Press Release below
Springfield, MA (02/20/2023) – Lifelong Springfield resident and At Large Springfield City Council candidate Juan F. Latorre III is calling for the implementation of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Program. The program, established by the City Council and signed into law in 2019, has been unutilized for more than three years, and would provide critically needed relief to seniors.
“Our residents continue to experience record levels of inflation, and our seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes, are among those most impacted. The price of electricity, heating fuels, gasoline, television, telephone service, and groceries are straining household budgets past their limit. Rising property values and a growing municipal budget have resulted in record property tax bill increases. Excise bills have just been delivered, and the trash fee is right around the corner. We can implement this program now and provide needed relief for our seniors!” said Latorre III.
Through conversations with senior residents, Mr. Latorre III identified that many seniors are unable to qualify for most existing relief programs. Social Security, a pension, personal savings, or owning a vehicle can push income or assets past allowable program criteria. Starting this program will ensure there is at least one financial relief program that every senior homeowner is eligible for. “With significant improvements in health outcomes related to COVID-19 pandemic having been achieved, the time is now for Springfield to use this ‘tool in the toolbox’ to provide relief.”
Mr. Latorre III envisions a variety of roles that seniors could fill within the city, including program development at Senior Centers; Workforce development and training programs; Serving the Springfield Public Schools as additional aides in the classroom, bus monitors, or substitute teachers; Administrative work at City Hall; Beautifying city parks through a robust gardening program, and more.
“Implementation of this tax work-off program will benefit not just seniors, but all of Springfield! This program will allow more seniors an opportunity to reduce their property tax burden. We will provide our seniors, who spent so much of the pandemic in isolation, the opportunity to regain independence and socialization in their lives. City operations will benefit from the diversity of experience and skillsets that our seniors can provide, which will improve the productivity of City Hall.”
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Mr. Latorre III, of Sixteen Acres, works as an engineer in the telecommunications industry. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Western Massachusetts Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and helps run two Scouting units in Forest Park. He serves as chair of the Springfield Restaurant Week Committee, served as chair of the Springfield City Council Young Professional Sub Committee, and volunteers his time with organizations across Springfield. Learn more about Juan F. Latorre III’s campaign on Facebook, Instagram, or via his website.