Letter to the Editor:
For generations New Hampshire has touted its NH Advantage. We have consistently been rated as one of the best places to live because of effective and efficient government, safety, overall health as well as healthcare services, low taxes, excellent schools and local control. As well, New Hampshire has regularly ranked as a great place to do business and be an innovator and entrepreneur.
Some think the NH Advantage is not having a broad based tax but this is an extremely narrow definition for such a meaningful distinction, stemming from so much more.
But this Advantage is slowly slipping away. Many young people, including young families, are leaving the state for better opportunities, affordable housing relative to wages and better infrastructure including child care.
As well, too many businesses in our state can’t find skilled workers to fill available jobs. Employers who need a prepared and educated workforce are struggling, having to use creative ways, less effective ways, of filling positions.
In the meantime, the state has been all too often usurping local control, and passing unfunded mandates which then raise the only significant local tax - property taxes. Increasing the burden they have become.
Further, tuition at public universities in New Hampshire is higher than in any other state, and our graduates have among the highest student loan debt totals in the country. Too many young people are leaving our state, in order to earn enough to repay those students or even earlier to earn their degree at a lower cost, and consequently less student loan burden.
But the housing market is one of the most significant issues. There is a huge housing shortage for renters and first time buyers.
While New Hampshire's economy is comparatively strong, that strength varies depending on where you are in the small state. The closer to the Massachusetts border, the more robust the economic activity. Travelling further north gives rise to greater economic challenges.
The state has been aggressive in marketing the so-called "New Hampshire Advantage." But the reality is it no longer exists for too many New Hampshire citizens and families.
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