Shifting the blame on property taxes
Republicans have controlled the NH Senate, House and Governor’s Office since 2021. Yet Dan Innis, in his July letter, insists that rising property taxes are the result of Democratic policies and poor fiscal management at the town level.
Isn’t it more likely that Republican policies are responsible? Over the past six years, Republicans have reduced state revenue sources, including business taxes and the Interest and Dividends tax, leaving less to fund services many of us consider essential and sending little to towns and school districts. State aid sent to towns has not kept pace with inflation and ranks among the lowest in the nation.
It makes more sense that Republican policies have contributed to the crises in many communities, with towns and schools stretched to and past their limit while inflation, healthcare and insurance costs continue to rise. These are hammering town and school budgets, and ultimately passing the cost onto us.
If Dan Innis and colleagues are allowed to further cut state-level revenue, the logical outcome will be to further push costs of services onto towns and schools, further increasing property taxes.
To be strong and competitive in the 21st century, New Hampshire needs a new funding model. We do not need an income or sales tax, but we do need a legislature committed to a fair, honest and transparent plan for funding essential services and education. For that, in Senate District 7, choose Rebecca Harned in November.