Malsbenden: Behind That Ayotte Smile

School Vouchers: Ayotte’s proposed $80 million increase in school vouchers benefits students already enrolled in private schools. These vouchers divert essential funds from the Education Trust Fund—money meant for public schools—into private, religious, and homeschooling institutions, with little to no oversight. With state revenues down 7.8% this plan will leave communities struggling to maintain their schools and services leading to higher property taxes.

2. Revoking Education Funding: Compounding this issue, 31 GOP legislators want to revoke the state’s responsibility for funding public education, further shifting the financial burden onto local homeowners.

3. Misleading Rhetoric on Taxes: The Ayotte campaign misrepresents Joyce Craig’s stance on taxes, claiming she would impose an income tax. In reality, Craig advocates for reinstating the Interest and Dividends Tax which has been on the books since 1923. The GOP repealed this tax in 2021. This tax generates approximately $40 million annually and goes toward essential services and education. This reinstatement aims to reduce the financial pressure on property taxpayers and ensure fiscal responsibility in New Hampshire’s budget.

4. Homelessness Crisis: Under Mayor Craig's leadership, significant steps had been taken to address homelessness, including activating an Emergency Operations Center and opening additional winter shelters. However, Sununu’s Doorway program has fallen short, leaving many still facing long waitlists and insufficient resources.

These policies threaten our community's financial stability and property taxes. Consider the above issues at the ballot box. Vote Craig for Governor.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Malsbenden

Newmarket, NH