House Republican Press Release

March 1, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. D’Amelio: Elderly Tax Relief Measures Will Make CT More Affordable for Seniors

Measures Would Exempt Pensions from State Income Tax; Provide Property Tax Relief

Three elderly tax relief measures that were unveiled at a news conference today will make Connecticut less expensive for senior citizens on fixed incomes and enable them to continue living near their families and friends, said state Representative Anthony J. D’Amelio, R-71^st District, who cosponsored the bills.

The legislation would phase out the personal income tax on pension and Social Security income for seniors aged 62 and older (House Bill 5541); expand the number of elderly people eligible for local property tax relief by lowering the current age when seniors qualify for the benefit from 70 to 65 and increasing the income eligibility levels by $10,000 for both individuals and married couples (H. B. 5542); and allow seniors 65 years of age and older who do volunteer work in their communities to receive a property tax abatement of up to $750 (H. B. 5712), Representative D’Amelio said.

“Many Connecticut seniors who had looked forward to spending their retirement years in their home towns, close to their families and friends, have instead packed up and left for states like Florida, South Carolina. Arizona or Nevada,” Representative D’Amelio said. “For some, it was the lure of warmer winters; but for most, it was a matter of simple economics. Connecticut is a high tax state that does not exempt pension benefits from the state income tax. When municipal property taxes are added to the burden retirees on fixed incomes have to bear in our state, the financial advantages of moving to states in the south and southwest where property taxes and the cost of living are lower and pensions are not taxed are obvious.”

“It is simply a disgrace that pensions are taxed in Connecticut,” Representative D’Amelio said. “For seniors whose sole source of income is their pension and Social Security benefits, having to forfeit any portion of their benefit checks can be a real hardship. Most of the seniors I know are close to their children and grandchildren. Connecticut’s seniors worked hard and sacrificed for their children. They have roots in towns like Waterbury and Middlebury. The bills I have cosponsored will help them enjoy a secure retirement here in Connecticut near the people they love if they become law. I urge all my colleagues in the General Assembly to support them.”