Andrew Sanborn: School funding problem is not inevitable; must handle now

To The Daily Sun:

New Hampshire’s reliance on local property taxes to fund public education is unfair, unsustainable, and increasingly unconstitutional. Homeowners are paying some of the highest school property taxes in the nation, while the state contributes less to education than any other state. This problem is not inevitable.

New Hampshire can reduce education property taxes without adopting a broad income tax or general sales tax by modernizing how education is funded and by requiring businesses and visitors who benefit from our economy to contribute more fairly. This proposal shifts approximately $500- to $600 million per year away from local school property taxes and replaces it with stable, state‑level revenue dedicated exclusively to K‑12 education. The goal is simple: real property tax relief, greater equity between communities, and a funding system that complies with the state constitution.

A modest education surcharge on the Meals and Rooms Tax would ensure that tourists and out‑of‑state visitors help support the schools that educate New Hampshire’s workforce. Strengthening the Business Enterprise Tax would require large employers — who depend on that workforce — to contribute more, while preserving protections for small businesses. Establishing a minimum Business Profits Tax floor would prevent highly profitable corporations from eliminating their tax liability entirely through credits, improving fairness and stability without raising headline rates.

Additional targeted visitor fees tied to lodging, rentals, and recreation would ensure that tourism helps pay for the public services it relies on. A small fee tied to lodging, rentals, and recreation would ensure that tourism helps pay for the public services it relies on. A small administrative fee on short‑term rental platforms would address housing pressure in many towns while generating dedicated education revenue. Finally, a larger share of lottery, gaming, and casino revenue should be constitutionally dedicated to public education. Fairness, fiscal responsibility, and local control.

Andrew Sanborn

Sanbornton