New Hampshire
Commentary: New Hampshire’s housing crisis: Protect renters, stop HB 60
Did you know that a recent survey on housing costs found that 87% of rental properties in New Hampshire are unaffordable? The truth is undeniable: affordable housing is the most urgent issue facing our state today. And make no mistake, even if you’re not a renter, this statewide crisis is driving up your property taxes. For renters, finding an affordable place to live is nearly impossible. Many are paying more in rent than they would for a mortgage. When the majority of housing is out of reach, and there’s nowhere else to turn, renters are forced into debt and poverty just to secure basic shelter — or worse, face homelessness. This situation is unacceptable. The priority of legislators in Concord should be expanding access to affordable housing, reducing rent costs, and keeping Granite Staters out of poverty. Yet, instead of focusing on this critical issue, Republicans are, for the fourth time in three years, attempting to change the law that has protected tenants from unjust evictions for the past 40 years.
House Bill 60, which will be presented in the House Committee on Housing this week, would allow landlords to evict tenants without cause, dismantling 40 years of tenant protections. If passed, this bill would expose renters to sudden displacement, regardless of whether they’ve paid their rent on time or abided by their lease terms. We have to address the elephant in the room, vulnerable populations — like families with young children, seniors, and people with disabilities — would bear the brunt of this change. Imagine being evicted from a home you’ve rented in good standing for years simply because your child’s laughter was a little too loud or because a landlord wanted a tenant they deemed more “suitable.”
The consequences of eviction are far-reaching. Without stable housing, children face disruptions in their education, hindering both academic performance and social development. Adults struggle to maintain consistent employment, leading to increased turnover rates for businesses. At the same time, municipalities, already strained by tight budgets, are left to shoulder the financial burden of homelessness through welfare programs and emergency services—costs that ultimately fall to property taxpayers.
Between 2022 and 2023, homelessness in New Hampshire surged by an alarming 52.1%, vastly outpacing the national increase of 12%. This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a humanitarian crisis impacting families and individuals across the state. Behind every number is a person who has lost their home, stability, and sense of belonging. Housing is not a mere commodity; it’s a fundamental necessity. Without it, nearly every aspect of life becomes a struggle.
Those opposed to tenant protections often argue that such policies place undue burdens on landlords. However, this viewpoint overlooks the larger social and economic costs of widespread evictions and homelessness. Existing “for cause” eviction laws already offer landlords a way to address legitimate concerns like unpaid rent or property damage. Allowing evictions without cause only exacerbates the imbalance, leaving every single tenant in New Hampshire vulnerable and unprotected.
Addressing this crisis requires bold action to increase access to affordable housing and protect renters from unjust displacement. Policymakers must prioritize investments in affordable housing initiatives, strengthen enforcement of fair housing laws, and resist attempts like HB 60 to erode tenant protections. These steps are not just ethical obligations but also practical necessities. A healthy housing market benefits everyone by creating stronger, more resilient communities, boosting local economies, and alleviating the strain on public resources and local property taxpayers to pick up the tab.
In New Hampshire, we take pride in our resilience and commitment to community. But resilience alone cannot solve systemic problems. It’s imperative that we advocate for policies ensuring every resident has a safe and affordable home. The time for action is now. Let’s unite to confront this housing crisis with the compassion and resolve it demands, not pass legislation like HB 60 to make the problem worse. Together, we can build a state where everyone has the foundation they need to thrive.
State Reps. David Paige, D- Conway, and Rep. Ellen Read, D-Newmarket, serve as ranking and deputy ranking members of the New Hampshire House Committee on Housing, respectively.
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
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