For more than four decades, Proposition 2 ½ has served as one of the most important taxpayer protections in Massachusetts. Approved directly by voters in 1980, it places clear limits on how fast local property taxes can grow, ensuring families, seniors, and small businesses are not priced out of their homes by unchecked local tax increases.

Now, that protection is under direct threat.

A growing chorus of Beacon Hill insiders, municipal lobbyists, and progressive politicians are pushing to weaken, overhaul, or even repeal Proposition 2 ½ altogether. Under the guise of “flexibility” and “modernization,” these proposals would make it easier for cities and towns to raise property taxes beyond the voter-approved limits, shifting the burden onto homeowners, renters, and local employers already struggling with high costs.

Mayor Michelle Wu has openly called for repealing Proposition 2 ½, while the Massachusetts Municipal Association is advocating for changes that would permanently raise levy limits, tie tax increases to inflation, and make it easier to phase in higher taxes over multiple years. These proposals may sound technical, but the result is simple: higher property taxes and fewer protections for taxpayers.

Proposition 2 ½ already includes a clear, democratic process for raising taxes when truly necessary. Local officials can go directly to voters and ask for an override. That safeguard respects taxpayers and ensures accountability. Weakening Prop 2 ½ bypasses voter consent and opens the door to automatic tax hikes year after year.

Massachusetts is already one of the highest-taxed states in the nation. Property taxes are rising, housing affordability is collapsing, and residents are leaving the Commonwealth in search of lower costs and better opportunities. Undermining Proposition 2 ½ would accelerate these trends and make it even harder for families to stay, work, and retire here.

Instead of attacking voter-approved tax limits, lawmakers should focus on restoring fiscal discipline, prioritizing local aid to cities and towns which hasn’t seen a real increase since 2010, and addressing the policy failures that are driving up costs across the board.

We need to send a clear message to Beacon Hill: Proposition 2 ½ is not negotiable.

Contact your legislators today and demand that they reject any effort to weaken, amend, or repeal Proposition 2 ½. Tell them to respect the will of the voters and stand up for taxpayers, not special interests pushing for higher taxes.

Make your voice heard. Email your legislators now and defend Proposition 2 ½.