Granite Staters feel the squeeze every day. Property taxes rise year after year, forcing families to cut costs or even consider leaving the state. Energy bills spike during harsh winters, healthcare costs eat into household budgets, and grocery prices remain stubbornly high despite promises from politicians in Washington. Too many working families live paycheck to paycheck, and young people question whether they can build a future here without being crushed by expenses.
The root causes are clear. Unchecked local spending, particularly in schools and municipalities, drives the bulk of property tax increases. Overregulation inflates energy and healthcare prices. And when government grows without restraint, it crowds out private enterprise, making everything more expensive.
In the upcoming 2026 legislative session, House Republicans will tackle these issues head-on with practical, conservative solutions that put money back in your pocket. Our focus remains on making New Hampshire truly affordable without resorting to higher taxes or more bureaucracy.
First, we will rein in local spending to stop endless property tax hikes. Property taxes fund most local services, including education, which often accounts for the largest share of the bill. In recent years, local spending has outpaced inflation, leading to higher rates even as property values fluctuate. For example, education spending per student has climbed while outcomes have stagnated or declined in some areas. Republicans believe taxpayers deserve tools to hold local officials accountable.
We will advance measures like enhanced spending caps and greater transparency in budgeting. These empower voters at town meetings and school deliberations to prioritize essentials over excess. Past efforts, such as proposals to recalibrate school spending toward classrooms rather than administration, show that responsible limits work. By directing resources efficiently, we can ease the burden on homeowners and renters alike, who ultimately bear these costs through higher rents or taxes.
Second, Republicans will continue reducing regulatory burdens that drive up energy and healthcare costs. New Hampshire families pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, partly due to regional dependencies and past policies favoring costly mandates over reliable sources. Regulations from Concord and federal levels add layers of expense, passed directly to consumers.
In 2026, we will streamline rules to promote competition and innovation. This includes supporting diverse energy options, from nuclear to natural gas, while cutting red tape that hinders affordable supply. For healthcare, excessive mandates limit choices and raise premiums. By easing these barriers, we can foster market-driven solutions that lower costs without new spending programs.
Third, we will solidify New Hampshire’s position as the best place in the Northeast to do business. Our low-tax, limited-government model already attracts companies and jobs, creating competition that leads to better wages and lower consumer prices. From groceries to gas, a thriving economy means more options and downward pressure on costs.
Republicans have delivered on this promise before: no broad-based sales or income tax, responsible budgeting, and policies that keep businesses here rather than fleeing to high-tax states. This approach brings in revenue through growth, not hikes. More jobs mean higher incomes, which translate to affordable living.
Democrats offer a stark contrast. Their default solution involves raising taxes and expanding subsidies. They argue that more government programs will make things “affordable,” but history shows otherwise. Subsidies do not lower underlying costs; they simply shift them to taxpayers statewide through higher state taxes or fees. This makes doing business more expensive, discourages investment, and ultimately raises prices for everyone.
For instance, proposals to fund new initiatives often rely on broadening tax bases or increasing rates, which ripple through the economy. Higher business taxes get passed to consumers in the form of elevated prices at stores and services. More mandates mean compliance costs that employers absorb or transfer. The result: less prosperity, fewer jobs, and no real relief for families.
Republicans reject this cycle. We believe true affordability comes from freedom, fiscal discipline, and empowering individuals over government. Controlling local spending protects property owners. Cutting regulations unleashes competition in energy and healthcare. Strengthening our business climate grows the pie for all Granite Staters.
As we head into 2026, House Republicans stand ready to build on our record of results. We have kept state spending in check, expanded parental choices in education, and maintained the New Hampshire Advantage. Now, we will double down on policies that make life more affordable without growing government.
That is the New Hampshire way: live free, control costs, and prosper.
