James Cowles

I am Board Member, and Board Chair, of the Makers Mill in Wolfeboro, NH. I have also been a prior board member on multiple NH non-profits serving the local community. I strongly oppose HB 1293. The would eliminate long-standing property tax exemptions for nonprofits across the state, like the Makers Mill, and place an additional financial strain on NH's non-profits during a time when community needs are only growing, resources are stretched thin, and grants (particularly those that stem from the State/Federal government) that used to provide much needed financial support to such organizations are no longer available (and won't be for the foreseeable future). This bill could foreseeably force nonprofits to cut back on certain community services. I can't think of a worse time in recent history to enact a bill like HB 1293. Thank you for your time and consideration.