So he offered them cash. Their own cash, if they still pay income taxes, and someone else's cash if they don't. In order to understand this scheme, there are certain things you must know. No matter how much market house values increase, the city or town can only increase its total tax levy by 2 percent over the previous year's levy, plus a factor for new construction or improvements. If a community wants more, it must ask its voters for an override of Proposition 2 on a local ballot.
Some overrides do pass.
But when school overrides fail, proponents often blame senior citizens. Younger taxpayers, who struggle with mortgages as well as taxes, are dependent upon the senior vote to save them from overrides promoted by people who can afford higher taxes and don't care about people who can't. Many politicians have never liked Proposition 2 . Sen. Magnani is a co-sponsor of Birmingham's bill and testified at the hearing about his concern for senior citizens. When an opponent of Proposition 2 suddenly expresses concern for any homeowners, it's important to find out what he and his allies really want.