Legislation Would Give Low-Income City Workers Property Tax Break

City council members in Baltimore, Maryland, this week introduced legislation that would give low-income city workers, including custodians, a US$2,500 yearly property tax credit, The Baltimore Sun reports.

The tax credit, which is similar to one the council approved two years ago for Baltimore police officers and firefighters who live in the city, would provide financial relief to full-time city workers who are among the 25% lowest paid. Approximately 1,200 city workers who earn no more than $38,000 annually would be eligible for the tax credit. Baltimore’s median household income is $46,641.

Currently, Baltimore hires about 13,500 full-time employees, of which 3,375 are designated as low-income under the bill. Nearly half of Baltimore’s low-income employees live outside the city and about one in five rent their homes.

Council members believe the legislation would make it more affordable for city workers to live near their jobs. The median home price in some Baltimore neighborhoods is $39,000, compared to $1,135 in estimated monthly rent.

The legislation seeks to solve the problem of custodians and other low-income workers not being able to afford to live in areas where they work, such as the current plight of custodians in South Florida.