For the eighth year in a row, an analysis of taxes, spending, and government efficiency finds New Hampshire taxpayers are getting the best tax-dollar “return on investment (ROI)” in the nation.
WalletHub employed an expert panel to analyze 30 metrics of the quality and efficiency of state-government services across five categories — education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure/pollution — and taking into account the drastically different rates at which citizens are taxed in each state.
Once again, New Hampshire is #1. Its tax burden is the third-lowest in the U.S. while the quality of its government services ranks fourth, making it the only state to rank in the top 10 in both categories.
“This ranking proves that with low taxes, limited government, and local control, New Hampshire far and away has the most efficient government in the country,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “We’ve cut taxes again and again, practiced fiscal responsibility, and returned millions to cities and towns. It’s why businesses and families are coming in droves. The New Hampshire Model works!”
New England is a mixed bag when it comes to taxpayer return on government spending, with both Rhode Island (12) and Maine (16) ranking in the top 20, while Vermont (44) and Connecticut (45) lag near the bottom. Massachusetts, which just implemented a so-called “Millionaire’s Tax,” ranked 33rd.
“Low taxes and small focused government works,” said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “From day one, Gov. Sununu has made it clear to this administration that we are running a tight ship and delivering the highest value for our taxpayers.”
The news is likely to garner more news than the Granite State’s previous success thanks to Sununu’s potential 2024 presidential run. It highlights the fundamental premise of his possible campaign — a responsible fiscal manager with an optimistic vision who avoids divisive cultural warfare.
“It means Sununu has more to his story than being funny and his positive outlook he also has a strong record of accomplishment to tout as well,” said Republican strategist Dave Carney.
GOP communications professional Alicia Preston Xanthopoulos sees the news as “an excellent talking point for a potential presidential run in 2024.”
“Here we have more than campaign talking points. We have a long-term governor who can point to the actual results of his leadership and a prior administration can’t take credit for it. But, what remains to be seen, is whether people actually vote on the issue of taxes,” Xanthopoulos added. “Look at November 2022.”
And Ray Chadwick of Granite State Taxpayers offered Sununu his organization’s highest praise:
“GST Founder Mel Thomson said it best: ‘Low taxes are the result of low spending.’ Frugal government that focuses on its core responsibilities demands less of our income. That leaves more for people to spend as they wish, and businesses to invest and grow employment,” Chadwick said.
“That’s what fuels the ‘New Hampshire Advantage.'”
