Andrew Sanborn: Tourism-based taxes would help shift education burden

To The Daily Sun,

New Hampshire’s heavy reliance on local property taxes places a disproportionate burden on homeowners, especially when it comes to funding public education. While our state is rightly proud of having no broad‑based income or sales tax, the tradeoff has been some of the highest property tax rates in New England and constant pressure on local school budgets.

There is a practical, fairer way forward that builds on New Hampshire’s strengths.

Tourism is a major driver of our economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars each year through the Meals and Rooms (rentals) Tax. Visitors who stay in our hotels, rent cars, ski our mountains, and enjoy our restaurants rely on public infrastructure and services, yet they contribute relatively little to education funding compared to homeowners. Modestly expanding or restructuring tourism‑based taxes — particularly on lodging and short‑term rentals — and dedicating a greater share of that revenue directly to the Education Trust Fund would help shift part of the burden off local property taxpayers.

Equally important is ensuring that this revenue results in meaningful state support for schools. New Hampshire relies more heavily on local property taxes to fund education than almost any other state. Increasing predictable, statewide education aid would reduce the pressure on towns to raise property taxes year after year, while also promoting greater equity between communities with very different tax bases. This approach does not require creating a sales or income tax, nor does it undermine local control. It simply recognizes that a state with a strong tourism economy can fund education more broadly and sustainably by asking visitors to help support the services that make New Hampshire an attractive place to live and visit.

Reducing over‑reliance on property taxes while strengthening education funding is not radical — it is responsible, balanced, and long overdue.

Andrew Sanborn

Sanbornton