Carson, Bradley concerned with increased property taxes from COLA

Concord, NH – Today the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee recommended HB 616-FN, relative to a cost of living adjustment for retirees in the state retirement system, ought to pass. Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry), Chairman of the committee, and Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) issued the following statements:

“I appreciate and respect all the work our state retirees have done through their many years of service to the state which is why I have sponsored responsible COLAs in the past,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry), Chairman of the Executive Departments and Administration Committee. “However, this COLA is an irresponsible use of taxpayer funds and creates an extreme burden on local communities who will be forced to raise property taxes to pay for it. There are better ways to fund COLAs that work for everyone and I will prepare such an amendment when the Senate meets next week.”

“This legislation flies in the face of all the work that has been done to reform the state’s pension system,” said Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro). “Starting in 2011, the state began making tough decisions to ensure that the pension obligations we made would be there in the future for our state retirees. It is unfortunate that the hard work and sacrifices made over the last decade will be upended in one legislative session with legislators unwilling to stand up for taxpayers.”

“Our Democratic colleagues ran last year on lowering property taxes, but their vote today proves they actually will increase property taxes,” Bradley added.