For the tenth year in a row, a national data analysis declares New Hampshire the state with the best taxpayer return on investment (ROI).
The new Wallethub report credits the state’s lack of an income tax as a key reason for its efficiency with tax dollars.
“The Granite State’s tax resources have had a good impact on crime prevention and the environment, as the state has the lowest crime rate and the second-lowest air pollution in the country. It has one of the best public school systems as well,” according to the report.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R), who took office in January, released a statement celebrating the state’s success.
“The New Hampshire Advantage is alive and well thanks to our continued commonsense leadership and fiscal responsibility,” Ayotte said. “We will ensure our state remains the best for taxpayer return on investment by looking for better ways to serve our citizens with fewer taxpayer dollars.”
New Hampshire has consistently ranked at or near the top in measurements of economic liberty and fiscal responsibility. For example, last year New Hampshire was named the best place in North America for economic freedom by the Canada-based Fraser Institute for the sixth year in a row.
And, as the new Wallethub report noted, “the state has some of the lowest unemployment and poverty rates in the country.”
New Hampshire’s record of economic success is believed to have played a key role in the governor’s race last year. Ayotte ran on a platform of maintaining the economic policies of Gov. Chris Sununu. Democrats made the case that, after eight years of Republican rule, it was time for a change.
Voters responded by giving Ayotte a nine-point victory over former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig (D).
Drew Cline, president of the free-market Josiah Barlett Center for Public Policy, says the new analysis contains a lesson for other states — if they’re willing to learn it.
“Too many people assume that more government equals better government. New Hampshire shows that isn’t true. Our low tax, low-spending culture delivers relatively high quality services at a low price by forcing state agencies to focus on maximizing every dollar,” Cline said.
New Hampshire was followed by Florida and South Dakota at the top of the ROI rankings. Only one other New England state, Rhode Island (#8), made the top 10. New Mexico was at the bottom of the list, along with Alaska and Hawaii, but many economists view those two states as unique due to reasons of geography.
The next-worst state among the lower 48 in taxpayer ROI? Gov. Gavin Newsom’s California.
“Live Free or Die isn’t just a slogan on a license plate – it’s a set of values we live by. We will continue to build on this momentum and keep our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Ayotte said.
