[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX VOUCHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2001

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced 
legislation, along with six of my colleagues from Massachusetts, to 
alter the federal tax treatment of real property tax reduction vouchers 
received by senior citizens for volunteer work.
  Approximately 42 towns in Massachusetts have implemented a program to 
ease the problem senior citizens, who live on fixed incomes, face due 
to rising property taxes. These towns have allowed senior citizens to 
perform volunteer work for their town in exchange for a voucher that 
reduces their property tax by up to $500.
  Specifically, my legislation would exclude from gross income vouchers 
issued by a government unit to offset real property taxes, and received 
by senior citizens, in exchange for volunteer work. The legislation 
also exempts these vouchers from employment taxes, and senior citizens 
who are at least 65 are eligible.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation enhances an important and creative 
program being implemented in many towns in Massachusetts. We devote a 
lot of effort around here to help make sure retirement does not sink 
senior citizens deep into poverty, and that they have basic health 
services. This very modest proposal takes a small step in helping 
seniors remain in their homes despite rising property taxes. A step, I 
hope, we can take this year.

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