Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's controversial plan to raise property taxes on commercial buildings, aimed at saving residential homeowners from a sizeable tax increase, appears dead at the State House.
While the Massachusetts House approved her home rule petition, the State Senate rejected it on Monday night after state revenue officials revealed it was based on inaccurate tax revenue estimates.
In a statement, Senate President Karen Spilka said there was not enough support for the bill, and she would not take it to the floor for further debate.
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is calling on the Massachusetts Inspector General to conduct an independent investigation into the revenue figures used to support the tax proposal.
"The numbers that were provided to city councilors and state senators were inaccurate ... and I'm being polite," he said.
Flynn said it's important to provide "the most relevant and accurate data so elected officials can make the best decisions."
Flynn said the mayor should be focused on making cuts to city spending before raising property taxes.
WBZ NewsRadio has reached out to the mayor's office for comment.
WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin (@mikemacklinwbz) reports.