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s Wu prepares for reelection next year, she may face backlash from residents who will see their property taxes increase and potentially higher rents if landlords pass on tax hikes. Former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi said Wu's efforts to address the issue were "set back" by the Senate's decision not to vote on her proposal. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in state politics, including a Legislature where leaders struggle to agree and a "home rule" process that requires local governments to seek state approval.

    The House passed Wu's property tax relief bill, but it was rejected by the Senate after business groups pushed back against the plan. State legislators echoed concerns from industry insiders who saw Wu's priorities as out of touch with economic realities. The Legislature also rejected two other home rule petitions filed by Wu this session, including one to cap rent increases and another for a real estate transfer tax.

    Wu's office said they were waiting for clarity on whether the Senate would vote on the proposal after Senate President Karen E. Spilka announced she wouldn't bring it up for a vote. The City Council is set to vote on new tax rates Wednesday. Political strategists say Wu's handling of the tax plan was flawed, citing her failure to effectively pitch it to senators and cultivate relationships in the Senate.

    The changing numbers on property valuations may have contributed to the bill's demise, with some arguing that Wu didn't make a strong enough case for why the tax deal was needed. The setback could hurt Wu's credibility on other requests to the Legislature and may force her to spend part of her campaign defending her inability to accomplish a key initiative.

    Wu's first mayoral run and willingness to take on business interests show she is a formidable player, but the setback makes her weaker in the political moment, according to Erin O'Brien, a University of Massachusetts Boston professor. Wu has yet to see a credible challenger emerge for next year's election, but anyone who does so will likely point to her failure on the tax change.