N. Raj

Subject: A plea against HB 1068: Protecting NH’s Future Retirees and Local Economy Dear Committee Members, I am writing to urge you to vote against HB1068. As a University of New Hampshire graduate and a property owner in Ossipee, I view this bill as a penalty on those who have maintained a loyal connection to the state for over 26 years. The Human Element My wife and I purchased our home in Ossipee to give our children a connection to nature and to secure a place for our eventual retirement. When my job relocated us to Texas six years ago, we made the difficult financial decision to keep our NH home. We did this because we cherish every moment we spend there during the summer months. The Economic Reality HB1068 (as well as HB1707 and HB1580) threatens to push out families who are net-contributors to the state economy. • Tax Revenue: We pay full property taxes yet utilize zero municipal services (such as schools), effectively subsidizing the year-round community. • Local Employment: We employ local tradespeople for landscaping and maintenance year-round. • Local Spending: We spend our discretionary income in NH all summer, supporting local businesses and children's camps. The Housing Supply Misconception While I acknowledge the housing shortage is the primary motivator behind this, forcing the sale of vacation homes in rural areas like ours will not solve the crisis for first-time buyers. These properties often do not align with the needs or price points of the workforce housing inventory the state desperately needs. We are not landlords nor do we operate a hotel—we rent our home for only three weeks a year to help cover maintenance. We are future retirees trying to keep a foothold in the state we love. Please do not punish us for maintaining our connection to the great state of New Hampshire. I respectfully request that you vote against HB1068. Sincerely, N Raj