Overview
- Senators voted 33-5 to defeat an amendment by Sen. Michael Rush that mirrored Mayor Michelle Wu’s proposal to shift more of Boston’s tax burden onto commercial property owners.
- The Senate approved Sen. Will Brownsberger’s statewide ‘tax shock’ bill 37-1, creating a tool for cities and towns to phase in large increases or offer targeted tax credits in years when residential levies rise by more than 10%.
- Lawmakers also advanced companion relief backed by Sen. Nick Collins to authorize rebates funded by municipal surpluses, sending both measures to the House for consideration.
- Boston’s Senate delegation split, with Rush, Lydia Edwards, Liz Miranda and Sal DiDomenico voting for the tax-shift language and Will Brownsberger and Nick Collins opposed; Sen. Patricia Jehlen also supported the amendment.
- City officials warn the average single-family tax bill is projected to jump about 13% due to falling commercial values and rising residential values, while Wu’s plan sought a temporary override of the 175% cap through fiscal 2029.