Poll: Granite Staters Back School Budget Cap Central to GOP Property Tax Relief Plan

CONCORD, NH — A new Granite State Poll, a States of Opinion Project, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll shows that a majority of Granite Staters support capping annual school budget increases to the rate of inflation—a central provision of HB 675, the Property Tax Relief Act, which cleared the House Finance Committee last month.

The survey asked residents whether they support limiting school budget growth to inflation unless two-thirds of local voters approve a higher increase. Even without mentioning property taxes in the question, 52% said they support the cap, while 31% oppose it, according to the Granite State Poll conducted Nov. 13–17.

Republicans overwhelmingly back the measure, with 80% in support. Independents favor it by a wide margin as well—49% support to 28% oppose. More than one in five Democrats also support the policy, the poll found.

The results closely track with internal data circulated to House Republicans last week, which noted similar support levels across party lines. Majority Leader Jason Osborne said the numbers reaffirm the public’s appetite for tax relief and stricter limits on local spending. “Granite Staters are counting on Republicans to deliver this critical policy,” Osborne wrote in a memo to the caucus.

HB 675, which advanced from the Finance Committee in November, proposes a statewide cap tying school budget growth to inflation while preserving local authority to exceed the cap through a two-thirds supermajority vote. Supporters argue the policy is needed to slow what has become one of New England’s fastest-rising property-tax burdens. Local school appropriations remain the largest driver of tax bills in most communities.

While Democrats have criticized the bill as limiting district flexibility, the UNH poll suggests many voters view rising property taxes as a greater concern. Nine percent of respondents named taxes among the state’s most important issues—more than education, crime, or health care—and only housing (which likely includes property taxes) and the cost of living ranked higher.

The poll also indicates that the cap proposal is one of the few major education-finance ideas with majority support.

HB 675 now heads to the full House early next session. If approved, it would move to the Senate, where Republicans hold a majority, before advancing to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, whose approval rating climbed to 54% in the same survey.

Republican leaders say the polling should give lawmakers confidence to move forward. “This aligns precisely with our internal metrics,” Osborne wrote. “Let’s deliver on the mandate they have handed us.”

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