Vote no on misleading ballot question
Many New Hampshire communities have voted on school budget caps during their regular budgeting process. Almost every time, voters rejected the caps. Frustrated by this exercise of local control, and displaying the typical Free Stater attitude that “I know what’s best for NH,” Republican House Majority Leader Jason Osborne responded: “Perhaps, if voters are unwilling to cap themselves, the State will step in and cap local taxes for them.”
That’s why Question 2 is on our ballots. Outside the context of actual budget discussions, it asks if we should cap school taxes at the previous year’s level, adjusted for inflation and new construction and also limit administrative costs.
Question 2 falsely promises that the inflation-based cap won’t affect classroom instruction or school services. But many essential costs like heat, transportation, health insurance and special education can rise faster than inflation. Communities that adopt the cap might well find themselves with no choice but to fire teachers, counselors and other staff and/or stop offering art, music, sports, languages, AP classes, etc.
Question 2 is part of a broader Republican/Free State effort to dismantle public education. Our property taxes are high because the state won’t pay its share of public school costs, downshifting them to local communities. Rather than raising the state’s contribution, these politicians now want to restrict how much communities may invest in their own schools. If they succeed, our students will bear the consequences.
Please vote NO on Question 2.