Michael S Bennett

Testimony in Opposition to HB 1293 House Ways and Means Committee Dear Chairman Janigan and members of the Committee, My name is Rev. Michael S. Bennett, and I serve on the Board of Our Place NH, a nonprofit organization creating homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I respectfully urge you to vote against House Bill 1293, which would impose property taxes on nonprofit-owned property valued over $1 million. As our board chair has already testified, “Our Place NH has worked to raise funds and secure property in Dover where we plan to build homes for 11 adults with developmental disabilities. New Hampshire urgently needs this kind of housing. Today, nearly 75% of adults with developmental disabilities live with aging parents, many of whom worry every day about what will happen when they can no longer provide care. Our Place NH exists to offer a simple but powerful answer: a real home, in community, with dignity and belonging. “Creating and sustaining this kind of housing is challenging. Operating costs exceed the rent our future residents can afford. Like many nonprofits, we rely on ongoing fundraising to close that gap. If property taxes are added to our expenses, the result will be fewer homes, longer waiting lists, and families left without options. When supportive housing is unavailable, the state ultimately bears greater costs through emergency placements and crisis services. Investing in stable, community-based homes is not only compassionate—it is fiscally responsible.” As a retired pastor in this community, I am aware of good works being done by so many non-profits. Please do not advance HB 1293. This amendment would make an already difficult situation even harder for families and individuals who are counting on solutions like ours. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Rev. Michael S. Bennett Dover NH