by Senator Denise Ricciardi, District 9, New Boston Beacon September 2026 Edition
It has been an honor to represent the 13 towns of Senate District 9 for the past six years. When I first ran for office, I promised to bring common sense to Concord, work across the aisle to solve problems, and listen.
I’ve knocked on many doors, and people tell me affordability is key. That starts with no income tax and lower property taxes.
Over the last six years, I’ve fought to increase education funding statewide by $420 million. In the most recent budget, Senate District 9 schools received $47.6 million, and more than $1 billion was sent to schools statewide—funding meant to ease the burden on property taxpayers.
However, sending money to schools isn’t the same as solving the problem. Even as Concord’s support for schools grew, per-pupil spending doubled, enrollment fell, test scores stayed flat or slipped, and administrative costs increased. Property tax rates are set locally, not in Concord. Working families deserve a real voice in whether that spending reflects their priorities.
That’s why I supported legislation giving voters the chance to establish tax caps this November. A tax cap is a direct, local check on runaway property tax growth. It doesn’t take the decision out of your hands; it puts it there.
Legislation I introduced in 2021 has doubled funding for towns by guaranteeing 30% of the Rooms and Meals Tax goes to municipalities—again to help property taxpayers. District 9 towns received $5.7 million last year alone, on top of $2.8 million for roads and bridges and $47.6 million for schools. That is $56.1 million flowing back to our Senate District 9 communities in a single year. I’m not finished. In 2027, I’ll file legislation to raise that 30% to 40%.
We’ve delivered this funding without an income tax or sales tax. Now, some in Concord are pushing a 3% income tax alongside a brand-new state homeowner tax layered on top of existing property taxes— one that could add $1,800 to $2,000 to the property taxes of median-valued homes. I don’t think families here can afford that, and I will oppose it.
New Hampshire already has the third- lowest overall state and local tax burden in the country, property taxes included. Every state around us has both an income tax and a sales tax, as well as higher property taxes. We need to maintain our advantage, grow our economy, and use that revenue to help property taxpayers with more state funding for schools and towns.
Property taxes aren’t the only cost weighing on families. When I’m knocking on doors, healthcare comes up often. Two years ago, I sponsored legislation cutting through insurance company delays, so patients get the care they need when they need it, because delayed care leads to worse outcomes and higher expenses.
Governor Ayotte recently signed a bill I sponsored to give patients better access to lower-cost prescriptions and pharmacy discounts. As a mother, I’ve also worked to expand support services for new mothers, secure clean water infrastructure, and improve student outcomes by banning cellphones in schools.
Every summer, I visit the select boards in all 13 towns of District 9 because I believe in solving problems with local officials— whether it is traffic sound mitigation in Bedford, a new roof for the VFW in Jaffrey, funding for the meeting house in Greenfield, or charitable gaming funds so Mont Vernon could build a new library. I’ll also keep pushing to get the Gregg Mill Road project in New Boston completed. This is the part of the job I truly enjoy.
At a time when our politics feel more divided than ever, I’ve tried to hold onto one simple idea: listen first, then go to work. I’ll keep fighting to make New Hampshire more affordable, from your property tax bill to your healthcare costs, and I’ll keep opposing an income tax and a sales tax that would undo the progress we’ve made together.
If you have a concern, a question, or an idea, my door—and my cell phone—are always open: 603-490-8572.