Vote NO on tax cap question
On Nov. 3, the general election in every town throughout New Hampshire will contain a question about putting a tax cap on school property taxes. Please vote NO on this amendment, which contrary to claims, will not lower property taxes.
Currently, local property taxes make up more than 70% of school funding. State funding for public schools used to but no longer includes payments toward the state retirement system. Also, the available building aid from the state has been significantly reduced. Last year, the tuition the state provides to districts for students attending regional career technical centers were reduced by 25%. As federal SNAP eligibility is tightened, not only will students’ nutritional needs not be met but districts will lose the over $2,300 per child granted to districts to help meet academic needs for lower income students.
The tax cap is tied to the inflation rate but some costs may exceed the rate of inflation (such as health insurance for employees, fuel costs and special education) which are costs the schools cannot avoid.
Our public schools are extremely dependent on property taxes to operate. Enacting a property tax cap through the general election will leave our schools at risk of being unsustainable. If voters oppose this tax cap, they will still have the option of voting to impose tax caps at local district meetings in March of 2027.