New Hampshire’s policy debate is increasingly defined by competing accusations rather than a shared vision for the state’s future. On one side, the incumbent party centers its message on a long-standing pledge of “no tax increases and no new taxes,” arguing that rising costs are not driven by state policy but by unchecked spending at the local level. The other side counters that a decade of supporting business and high-income tax cut rates has steadily eroded state revenues, shifting the burden onto towns and cities and fueling high property taxes for homeowners.
As a five-term state representative for the towns of Wilmot and Sutton in Merrimack District 6 and serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, I consider myself a moderate Democrat centrist when it comes to issues. I believe in shared outcomes rather than ideological labels, and I see merit — and shortcomings — on both sides of this debate.
One side believes that it is the responsibility of local governments to control spending. This approach may preserve a lean state budget, but it also widens disparities among communities with unequal tax bases. The other side focuses on expanding opportunity, reducing economic barriers and ensuring that individuals and families can succeed regardless of income, geography or background. Yet it has not provided a detailed explanation of how programs would be funded.
So, what is the solution?
A solution-oriented vision for New Hampshire would move beyond blame and beyond slogans. It would focus instead on structural balance — aligning revenues, spending and outcomes in a transparent and sustainable way would be a practical solution that respects local community voices and local control.
House Bill 503 in the 2025 session, which was voted “inexpedient to legislate,” offered such an approach. It would have provided a responsible, state-level revenue source capable of reducing reliance on local property taxes while funding shared priorities such as housing, workforce development, child care, education and essential services without an income tax or sales tax. New Hampshire’s towns and cities don’t lack ideas or work ethic — they lack sustainable, predictable investment.
A credible vision must be honest about funding, not reliant on wishful thinking or one-time grants. When the state pays its fair share, towns and cities gain breathing room. As property tax pressure eases, it frees local capacity to invest in true economic drivers: workforce and middle-class family housing, child care, infrastructure, emergency services, health care, public education and industries like agriculture and forestry.
This is not about growing government nor is it about abandoning fiscal discipline. It is about recognizing that the state’s persistent underinvestment has consequences, and those consequences are being borne by homeowners and local governments with limited options.
As New Hampshire looks ahead, residents will be asking important questions about the state government’s vision of those running for state representative, senator and governor come this November. Will those seeking office align their views with a political party or align themselves with the hopes of their local communities?
New Hampshire is strongest when elected leaders and neighbors commit to working together. By listening first and compromising when necessary and focusing on practical solutions rather than partisan talking points, we can move forward in a way that respects individual liberty, supports working families and ensures that our towns and cities remain resilient for generations to come.
Tom Schamberg of Wilmot represents Merrimack District 6 in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.