Susan Chase

I urge support of this bill. As one half of a senior couple myself -- and one with an income considerably above this new proposed limit and who has always considered myself securely middle class -- I realize that I'm beginning to be nervous about being able to meet our needs going forward as our town's property taxes rise along with other day-to-day expenses plus the medical costs that come with advanced age. I cannot imagine managing with a yearly income of even $35,500 but raising the limit to that amount for a couple and increasing the limit on assets of up to $60,900 may give senior couples a fighting chance to remain in their homes. I implore you to pass this legislation and to look for other ways to make up for the small amounts of property taxes that will then not be collected and which such older residents will then be allowed to keep in their pockets for daily needs..