Shannon Shannon Bouchard

Dear Chairman and Members of the Municipal & County Government Committee, My name is Shannon Bouchard, and I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1659, relative to local property tax exemptions for veterans with a service-connected disability rating. This bill provides a simple, responsible, and much-needed update to how New Hampshire supports disabled veterans. Many veterans face lifelong physical and financial impacts from their service, and their VA disability rating does not always reflect the full burden of medical costs, mobility limitations, or the need for ongoing home modifications to maintain independence. At the same time, New Hampshire has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Veterans on fixed incomes, especially those with service-connected disabilities that limit employment, are disproportionately vulnerable to being priced out of their homes. HB 1659 offers communities a reasonable tool to relieve that pressure without creating a new statewide mandate. It empowers municipalities to better support veterans based on real local need. This legislation honors the service and sacrifice of disabled veterans while helping ensure they can continue living safely and affordably in their own homes. It also provides clarity and consistency for municipalities trying to meet the needs of residents who have already given so much. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to vote Ought to Pass on HB 1659. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Shannon Bouchard Sandown, NH