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kjbathe · 08-26-2007, 07:33 PM

Before we start implementing an income tax in the pursuit of "equity" for NH workers commuting into the Bay State, we should note that Mass salaries are generally 5-10% higher than in Southern NH. Why? I've always chalked that differential up to the 5+% more Mass employees are paying at tax time. You still need to look at the overall tax burden. And NH's tax burden is still lower, even when NH residents cross the border each day for work.

People quickly lose sight of, or simply don't understand, the fact that when Federal Disasters are declared, or Federal Funds are sought, it's still coming out of OUR pockets. I really wish the government sent us bills for taxes each month rather than taking it directly out of checks before we even see them. Federal Funds to repair the collapsed Interstate in Minnesota: You and I are buying that. Federal Funds to repeatedly rebuild damaged homes in Hurricane, Tornado or Flood-prone areas: You and I are paying for those. Rebuilding New Orleans, a city 12 feet below sea level: I'm giving that to myself as a stocking stuffer this year.

Wanting the State to fund education: Again, you and I will still be paying those bills, but adding more layers of middle men and women so that folks in Concord can decide how much of the money we send in should come back to us.

Isn't it easier if we just fund our own schools, public services, infrastructure and other local priorities? And in so doing, eliminate the 30-80% of overhead involved with sending our money someplace else so that they can decide not to send it back? For all the folks from other states touting the merits of the broad-based taxes, I've never heard an explanation for why their schools aren't any better, why their roads aren't as well maintained, or why their bridges are in greater disrepair. And they think NH should adopt these models? No thanks.

There also seems to be some assumption that NH is only open from May - September, after which we all close up shop leaving a dozen or so folks behind to keep the pipes from freezing until we need them next May. I don't have the stats, but would love to see a comparison of second homes to primary homes in the State. I'm guessing second homes rank well below 5% of the total homes in the state.

Part of the NH advantage is that we can (sometimes) control spending. Control spending, and you can control taxes. But there will always be the crowd that demands all sorts of new or additional services from the towns or cities, expects the State or "the Government" to fund those projects, and want the free money so that their taxes remain unchanged. Bottom line, those folks want all the perks but expect that someone else (you and I) should foot the bill.

Local Control. It's not perfect, but it's better than anything else people have offered as a real alternative to keep spending in check.

08-26-2007, 07:33 PM	#67
kjbathe Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 289 Thanks: 3 Thanked 22 Times in 12 Posts	Free Money Before we start implementing an income tax in the pursuit of "equity" for NH workers commuting into the Bay State, we should note that Mass salaries are generally 5-10% higher than in Southern NH. Why? I've always chalked that differential up to the 5+% more Mass employees are paying at tax time. You still need to look at the overall tax burden. And NH's tax burden is still lower, even when NH residents cross the border each day for work. People quickly lose sight of, or simply don't understand, the fact that when Federal Disasters are declared, or Federal Funds are sought, it's still coming out of OUR pockets. I really wish the government sent us bills for taxes each month rather than taking it directly out of checks before we even see them. Federal Funds to repair the collapsed Interstate in Minnesota: You and I are buying that. Federal Funds to repeatedly rebuild damaged homes in Hurricane, Tornado or Flood-prone areas: You and I are paying for those. Rebuilding New Orleans, a city 12 feet below sea level: I'm giving that to myself as a stocking stuffer this year. Wanting the State to fund education: Again, you and I will still be paying those bills, but adding more layers of middle men and women so that folks in Concord can decide how much of the money we send in should come back to us. Isn't it easier if we just fund our own schools, public services, infrastructure and other local priorities? And in so doing, eliminate the 30-80% of overhead involved with sending our money someplace else so that they can decide not to send it back? For all the folks from other states touting the merits of the broad-based taxes, I've never heard an explanation for why their schools aren't any better, why their roads aren't as well maintained, or why their bridges are in greater disrepair. And they think NH should adopt these models? No thanks. There also seems to be some assumption that NH is only open from May - September, after which we all close up shop leaving a dozen or so folks behind to keep the pipes from freezing until we need them next May. I don't have the stats, but would love to see a comparison of second homes to primary homes in the State. I'm guessing second homes rank well below 5% of the total homes in the state. Part of the NH advantage is that we can (sometimes) control spending. Control spending, and you can control taxes. But there will always be the crowd that demands all sorts of new or additional services from the towns or cities, expects the State or "the Government" to fund those projects, and want the free money so that their taxes remain unchanged. Bottom line, those folks want all the perks but expect that someone else (you and I) should foot the bill. Local Control. It's not perfect, but it's better than anything else people have offered as a real alternative to keep spending in check.