I am a retired homeowner in Jaffrey who is finding it difficult to keep up with the property tax burden in this state fueled by regressive taxation and, most recently, by the ever-rising cost of education vouchers.
I am delighted to pay for public education. I was educated in public schools and am happy to pay for others to enjoy that right. I am, however, loathe to pay taxes for students to attend private and religious institutions with little to no oversight. I live in a modest home, and last year paid $5,600 in property taxes.
In order to support the public schools in Jaffrey this year, my taxes will increase over $500, approximately 9%. I repeat, I want to support my town’s public schools. I do not want to support the tuition of those who choose to educate their children elsewhere. Most of those receiving vouchers currently were already educating their children in such institutions. It’s only going to get worse as legislators continue to raise the income cap on vouchers.
This state has become a libertarian hellhole run by emotionally adolescent males still swooning over their teenage crushes on Ayn Rand. I may have to evacuate in my old age.
Robin Boyd
Jaffrey