NH Democrats Push More Taxes and Spending, Including for Claremont Schools

CONCORD, NH — Even as state officials warn of a budget crunch, Democrats are pressing for more education spending, starting with Claremont.

Rep. Hope Damon (D-Claremont) has filed an LSR making an "appropriation to the Claremont school district for costs associated with a building renovation project.” The measure follows decades of additional aid to Claremont after the state’s landmark school funding lawsuits. Despite that history, the Claremont district continues to post poor results and shrinking enrollment.

Republicans say pouring in more state dollars hasn’t solved the problem and won’t this time either.

Other Democrats are moving in the same direction. Rep. John Cloutier (D-Claremont) submitted multiple titles calling for the Legislature to “adequately fund public education” and to undo past language keeping the courts out of the fight.

Together, the filings signal another push for higher state spending in one of New Hampshire’s weakest school districts.

Democrats are also pursuing new taxes and fees. Sen. Suzanne Prentiss filed a bill to let towns impose a local occupancy fee. Rep. Jonah Wheeler wants a vacation-home surcharge. Rep. Jerry Stringham filed to raise the tobacco tax. Rep. Dick Ames has a measure to change the statewide education property tax. Sen. David Watters proposed a surcharge fund for the arts.

Direct appropriations are on the list too. Sen. Cindy Rosenwald filed a bill to give Nashua money to purchase the former Daniel Webster College property. Sen. Donovan Fenton filed one requiring schools to provide certain services at no cost to students, with the state paying the bill.

And Democrats are eyeing new state-level programs and commissions. Rep. Russell Muirhead filed a measure creating a voter-owned elections fund. Rep. Ellen Read and Rep. Jodi Newell filed several housing-related tax changes. Another title requires the Department of Revenue to submit ideas to lawmakers on how to raise revenues.

With business tax receipts softening and budget writers warning of gaps, Republicans say Democrats are falling back on the same formula: higher taxes and higher spending, even in districts like Claremont where more money has failed to fix the schools.