The Power of Persistence

To my fellow residents and my supporters -

Back in 2023, I spoke out publicly on an issue I care deeply about - property tax relief and civic engagement for our seniors.

I had spoken to many seniors who were struggling with the isolation that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to them, as they were advised for years to isolate themselves from the community for health reasons.

Additionally, I routinely speak with seniors who are struggling to meet their day to day means, and feel as if Springfield is squeezing them out of their homes as property tax values increase.

I believe that our seniors have paid a tremendous debt to our community, and still have incredible skills and wisdom to offer. That’s why I publicly pushed for the establishment of a Senior Property Tax Work Off Program, an initiative passed by the Springfield City Council in 2019, but not yet implemented.

As noted in my Press Release, and in this article from Masslive:

“We will provide our seniors, who spent so much of the pandemic in isolation, the opportunity to regain independence and socialization in their lives,” Latorre said. “City operations will benefit from the diversity of experience and skillsets that our seniors can provide, which will improve the productivity of City Hall.”

Today, I’m pleased to share that the Senior Property Tax Work Off Program has been launched! The applications are available in both English and Spanish, are available in all Senior Centers.

While we all sometimes feel that Government can be too slow to respond, and not do enough to hear to voices of those they serve, my message to you is don’t give up. Keep fighting for what you believe in. Sharpen your argument and elevate your voice. Change will come.

Juan (Jay) F. Latorre III