HB 1300 is not a tax solution
Republicans have been in control in Concord since 2017. During that time they have reduced or eliminated numerous sources of revenues. The result of this fiscal irresponsibility is nearly $3 billion in costs downshifted to towns and schools. This loss of funds has resulted in higher property taxes, among the highest in the nation.
Who is hit hardest by those property tax increases and the loss of services? Not the wealthy. Not big business. No, it is the majority of citizens, many of whom are struggling to get by month to month. Many seniors and some families having to decide between paying for heat or food or medications. This is called the New Hampshire Advantage.
The Republican’s solution for fixing their property tax debacle is their tax cap proposal, HB 1300, a real mess. If HB 1300 passes it will not lower your taxes. It will hamstring schools as they struggle to meet rising costs. Once those costs hit the tax cap ceiling, cuts will have to be made. Should your school cut programs? Should it cut staff? Neither of these options will benefit our students.
New Hampshire has a constitutional duty to adequately fund education. Republicans have avoided this responsibility for over a decade, cutting state aid causing our taxes to rise. Why think they will do anything different this election cycle? Please vote No on HB 1300. Let’s elect representatives who have a plan to move New Hampshire toward a more responsible way to fund towns and schools, and who genuinely care about us.