Vote ‘no’ on Question Two
On this year’s general election ballot, you will see a statutory question, Question 2, required by law, concerning property tax growth. I recommend voting “no.”
Passing Question 2 will not reduce your property taxes. It is an assault on our public schools and our democracy, advanced by the Free State Project. Its adherents have stated that they intend to destroy public education.
Our public schools are the bedrock of our communities. They help protect the value of the one major asset that working people can use to build equity: their homes. For families struggling to pay a mortgage, put food on the table, cover utility bills, and raise children, a home is often their most important investment. Strong public schools help sustain property values and keep our communities vibrant.
A false narrative is circulating that blames rising property taxes on public schools “spending too much money.” As a school board member, I have seen the painstaking, scrupulous planning behind every budget. There is no waste, no fraud, and no abuse. Our primary concern is serving our students by providing the best education our community can afford.
Two major factors increase our property taxes: inflation and decreased state funding. New Hampshire contributes the least to public education of any state, and the current level of state funding violates our state constitution, as numerous court decisions have affirmed. Do not be distracted by claims that addressing this failure is a Trojan horse for creating a sales tax or an income tax. That is a separate debate. Our state government is responsible for ensuring that our public schools receive constitutionally adequate funding.
The most effective way to regain control of your property taxes is to elect honest, serious people to our state government.