Editor’s note: Wellesley Middle School Social Studies students as part of a Civics Action Project have this week taken over The Swellesley Report‘s letters-to-the-editor page. The students are well-versed in their topics, have carefully researched all angles, and are ready to present their opinions to the community. Thank you to the WMS Social Studies teachers for organizing this community-based project.
To the editor:
Currently in the town of Wellesley, and many other towns across Massachusetts, the financial struggles of many people are made harder by their older age, hardships as a veteran, and certain disabilities. It’s our job to help those who need it most, and provide a sense of belonging to them. In Massachusetts, over 100 towns and cities offer tax breaks for certain groups like seniors and disabled individuals. Still, there is currently not enough awareness about this important issue. We hope to see Wellesley thrive, and this is only one of the many ways that the town can do that.
Retired senior citizens and veterans, as well people with life-altering disabilities, are often examples of people with fixed incomes. People with fixed incomes living in a town as expensive as Wellesley often struggle financially. Put yourself in their shoes.
Other town use tax breaks to help out their constituents, examples include:
Newton: Newton Taxation Aid Fund provides modest grants to help elderly and/or disabled citizens faced with temporary financial hardships.
Waltham: The City of Waltham’s Taxation Fund Committee offers tax assistance by defraying the real estate taxes of low- income elderly or low-income disabled residents who meet established guidelines.
Weston: Weston offers personal property tax exemptions for seniors and disabled people.
Natick: Natick’s Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund Committee provides real estate tax relief for elderly, low income, and disabled residents.
If they can do that, so can we. Let’s come together as a community to implement this vital tax relief. Let’s make sure that our seniors, veterans, and disabled neighbors aren’t forced out of the town they love simply because they can’t afford to keep up with rising taxes, expenses, and overall cost of living. Together, we can ensure that Wellesley is a town for everyone.
Efrata Derege
Wellesley Middle School student
