Misleading the public on schools and taxes
It’s hardly surprising that the new property tax reducing proposal aired by the group “Cut Our Property Taxes,” has generated a host of intentionally false scare tactics.
Andrew Demers’ recent op-ed in this paper is a case in point. His initial reference to “two brand new taxes” suggests that our proposal raises New Hampshire people’s taxes. For roughly 80% of New Hampshire’s population the opposite is true — your overall taxes go down under our 3-3 proposal.
Both the statewide income and property taxes include generous exemptions aimed at helping middle and working class folks and those on fixed incomes. Taxes are therefore much more in line with one’s ability to pay.
The article also claims that our group’s proposal will substantially increase spending for education at a time when enrollments are declining. This, too, is false.
Under the 3-3 proposal, the new state funds replace funds from the burdensome and unfair local property tax. The overall level of spending for education in New Hampshire does not go up.
Demers also makes the patently false claim that New Hampshire people working in Massachusetts will have to pay both New Hampshire and Massachusetts income taxes. They won’t. You pay the income tax in the state where you’re employed. You will receive a tax credit that cancels out your New Hampshire income tax.
But check it out for yourself! See what would happen to your taxes under the 3-3 plan by using the tax calculator at nhtaxsavingscalculator.com.