Benson Releases Senior Proposals Calls for Senior Advocate, Property Tax Cap

CONCORD-Today Candidate for Governor Craig Benson called for measures to help New Hampshire’s seniors, including a crack down on people orchestrating elderly scams, capping property taxes and creating a Senior Advocate position.

“New Hampshire needs to protect its seniors from skyrocketing property taxes,” said Benson. “By instituting the ‘Senior Tax Cap,’ seniors who have worked hard all their lives, paid their dues and put their kids through college will not be forced from their homes.”

While the state has allowed local communities to adopt optional elderly property tax exemptions, there is no statewide program in place. Even the existing low-income hardship relief program applies only to the statewide property tax rate. Benson’s proposal would limit what any homeowner over the age of 65 would pay in all property taxes at a percentage of their income.

A simple “refund post-card” form would be all that is required along with copies of a tax bill and federal income tax form to receive the state rebate. Currently the state rules are too complicated for many to follow and the four page form needed to file for hardship relief intimidate many seniors from seeking relief. The program would be funded through savings realized through Benson’s Common Sense Education Plan which calls for allowing growth in the budget by up to 3 percent and providing the current $904 in state education aid for the next biennium.

Benson also called for the creation of a Senior Advocate to help the elderly navigate the maze of state bureaucracy and coordinate volunteer services around the state. He also announced that former Manchester Mayor Emile Beaulieau would be willing to volunteer for the position.

“The advocate will help all seniors in NH navigate the maze of state bureaucracy, implement technology training initiatives and coordinate state policy affecting seniors,” said Beaulieau.

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