Screwing the Young

[NewHampshireDem]

http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=59077

Unfair tax breaks? Younger homeowners feel pinch of aging state
By Sunday News Staff

Some Granite State analysts say increasingly generous income and asset limits offered by some cities and towns in their property tax break programs for senior citizens are unfair to some younger, lower-paid home owners — and could even lead more out-of-state elderly to take up residence here.

But others say the savings reaped by seniors through such programs helps them stay in their homes, and is so small in real dollar terms that it would have no practical effect on either attracting older folks looking for a deal, or driving away younger folks who feel put upon by making up the difference.

The $16 million local property taxes that seniors didn’t pay in 2003 was picked up by others, in some cases younger folks who earn less than the seniors getting the tax breaks, according to an analysis by the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies, a Concord-based non-partisan think tank.

<snip>

“I’m not trying to discriminate against the younger people, but they can go out on a Saturday and get a part-time job,” Hooksett resident and former town council member Patricia Rueppel].

Hey, all you old people who want to vote against schools and vote to keep the unfair property tax system can go fuck yourselves. Get a job at Wal-Mart or picking up trays at McDonald's. Or, better yet, sell the fucking Cadillac and the winter place in Florida. How about one or two less trips down to Foxwoods? Fixed income my ass. So I'm supposed to spend one of my two days off each week so your retirement can be a little easier? Bullshit.

Have I mentioned how much I hate this goddam state?

[acmejack]

1. Hey, it's the "Greatest Generation" in action

But don't worry, by the time I should have retired few seniors will own a house to get a tax break on.

[onyourleft]

2. Interesting comments.

I'm one of those on the verge of senior citizenship. However, at 61, I still work 10 to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the same pay that I was getting 12 years ago. I think you could say I'm on a fixed income. I don't own a Cadillac nor do I winter in Florida. What's more I have never stepped foot in Foxwood and I support our school system. Frankly, with the economy the way it is, higher fuel prices, higher grocery prices, I don't see my circumstances changing. Retirement? That is not in my future.

Perhaps we need more than tourism to help this state. However, with the what I consider unfair taxation of small business in this state, I don't see that we are going to be getting an influx to help perk the job market and economy. Perhaps it is not just the property tax that should be an issue, although it is always a good one to beat to death. My personal property taxes are extraordinarily high and I may have to move to reduce that.

Interestingly, I know of several people (natives of New Hampshire) just a little younger than me who are now selling and leaving this state with the hope of better jobs and incomes, perhaps saving a little so that they can have retirement eventually.

I am not a native, having moved here only 15 years ago. However, there is more in this state that will keep me here than there is ill that would make me leave.

Influx of seniors to take advantage? I doubt it. It's too cold here. ;-)

[maxanne]

3. let's blame the old people

There are plenty of old people in Coos, Grafton, and Carroll counties who are living on fixed incomes, and barely getting by - and hanging on to their homes by the skin of their teeth.

There are also plenty of millionares in NH who aren't paying taxes, thanks to our regressive tax system. That's the real problem.

As long as we blame "those people" (whomever they are, at any given time) instead of looking at the real problem - we are making the right wing VERY happy.

If you hate this goddam state so much - there are 49 others to choose from.

[Redneck Socialist]

4. My folks pay more in taxes than they did for their mortgage.

Maybe it's people like them who are getting screwed by the system not a bunch of winy young people.