A new plan for an income tax to fund education in New Hampshire is being proposed at the State House, sparking intense debate and discussion. Democratic lawmakers and progressive activists have unveiled their "3-3 Tax Savings Plan": a 3% income tax and a $3 statewide property tax, each generating $1 billion. This proposal aims to shift the tax burden to wealthier Granite Staters while maintaining the same revenue. State Rep. Thomas Oppel, D-Canaan, emphasizes the plan's fairness, stating that the burden will be on those who can afford it. The income tax includes generous deductions: $35,000 for each taxpayer, $15,000 for each dependent, and $15,000 for single heads of households. The property tax is $3 per $1,000 of assessed value, with a $250,000 exemption credit. Former Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky counters arguments that the plan will increase taxes, claiming that 80% of New Hampshire residents will experience a decrease due to the deductions. However, some Democrats are distancing themselves from the proposal, and House and Senate Democratic leaders have expressed opposition to an income tax. Republicans are seizing on this as a political issue, predicting it will be a hot topic in the upcoming election. After decades of debate, income tax supporters believe they have a chance to change the status quo, as Mark Fernald, the 2002 Democratic nominee for governor, states, "It's time for change; the property taxes are too high." This proposal has ignited a heated discussion, with many questioning the fairness and implications of shifting the tax burden to wealthier residents.
