ECONOMY
The tax myth – To say that the folks from NH are proud of the tax structure is like saying the Pope is slightly Catholic. They are ecstatic for any opportunity to boast about their innovative lack of income tax and sales tax. This ironic point of civic pride means the property tax is nearly as expensive as the property itself. It’s unclear if the percentage of locals that inevitably complain about the exorbitant property tax exceeds the percentage that passed 8th grade math. Obviously there are inescapable fiscal needs and the cash doesn’t magic itself into these projects, dictating the primary instrument of revenue is property tax. Consequently, there is no way to fund sidewalks, education, public works, etc, without begging the town locals for even more property tax money.
“Free Stuff” – In New Hampshire, when you just don’t feel like doing a run to the dump or the item is too big, you put your crap by the street and throw a “free” sign on it. Magically, it seems to disappear. The jury is out on if people actually claim the crap, or if some ‘good Samaritan’ with a big truck and good back is doing the neighborhood a favor by taking it the last mile to the dump.
A classic no frills New Hampshire road. I just wish I had thought to capture a broken down dishwasher or dog house with a 'free' sign on it.
I agree that the no tax thing is a pain. The state will be in more trouble as long as we don't raise revenue. The issue is the fees are cheap and business' get away with low rates.
ReplyDeleteNow that I work here, I like the no income tax rate and the no sales tax is great!
I don't see the issue with the "revenue" structure here in NH. As a homeowner, I get more house and more land than I would in neighboring MA (and even way more than MD) and pay only slightly more for it. Granted we have no income or sales tax, but we do have a meals and hotel tax of 9% and being a major tourist state, that generates a lot of money for the state. You may want to even look at our "fee" structure here and you'll see that all NH really does is call "taxes".. "fees"! The Live Free Or Die or motto -is- about the freedom to do as we wish with less govt intervention, not "free" as in no taxation. The "low taxation" thing is a myth, I will give this author that for sure!
ReplyDeleteIf you look at the national ranking of states and their educational system, NH ranks in the top 10 educational systems in the country, so I don't see how limited taxation is hurting the education system?!? Forbes and Money mags have listed NH as one of the best states to raise a family, most affordable state, one of the highest graduation rates for college and primary schooling, one of the healthiest states etc...
I've lived in MD, Germantown to be exact and MD offers what over NH exactly? They have homes with propane tanks and oil drums, as well as state taxes, county taxes and local taxes and taxes on the taxes as well! Montgomery county has an import tax on all items sold in the county NOT made in the county. MD's education system, health ranking, graduation rates and tax structure rank in the bottom 40% of the nation.
I'm not getting the "hatred for NH" thing, unless you like and endorse welfare states over states like NH that don't offer "sponge off the govt programs" ?!?
Scotto,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, props for taking the time to leave a thoughtful comment. I also find entertainment in the “F you” and “I bet you can’t dance” variety remarks. But, this was refreshing.
Fortunately, I haven’t had cause to develop quite the venomous impression of Maryland as New Hampshire. However, I will concede that from a given perspective, any state could merit a hate list. I may even agree with a few negative points about Maryland. Particularly, the real estate is outrageously overpriced, but I think that correlates well with high incomes. Insert cynical comment here about overpaid government employees and those associated with federal pork.
Without taking the time to actually do any research on the topic, I will share my impression of the primary difference in the educational system. Like Ron Burgundy (Anchorman), kids in New Hampshire believe that, “diversity is an old, old wooden ship that was used in the Civil War era.” While folks in NH can thump their chests over rankings, it wouldn’t be fair to suggest the playing field is even. Cultural and socioeconomic diversity presents unique challenges (and advantages) unheard of in New Hampshire. However, I will eagerly agree that Maryland (and many other states) needs to do a much better job.