In the upcoming New Hampshire elections, a noteworthy alignment has emerged between the key issues concerning businesses and citizens alike. Housing shortages and affordability, childcare scarcity and costs, healthcare challenges including nursing staff shortages, and the impact of inflation on personal finances are at the forefront of both groups’ concerns.
Recent surveys highlight the extent of these shared worries. A Saint Anselm College poll conducted in June revealed that 75% of respondents prioritize more affordable housing. Similarly, a Goldman Sachs survey from the same month indicated that 84% of participants desire more affordable childcare options. Additionally, a University of New Hampshire survey in August found that 45% of respondents are grappling with inflation’s effect on their finances.
To delve deeper into these issues, Fred Kocher, host of NH’s Business, invited Anna Brown, Executive Director of Citizens Count, and Mike Cote, an award-winning journalist and editor at Yankee Publishing, to discuss the matter.
Brown, whose nonprofit organization focuses on issues affecting New Hampshire citizens, confirmed that housing and healthcare consistently appear as top concerns among both voters and businesses. She emphasized that these challenges affect not only individuals’ household budgets but also companies struggling to accommodate their workforce.
Cote, who recently published articles on housing in New Hampshire Business Review, highlighted the severity of the housing crisis. He shared a personal anecdote, noting that an apartment he grew up in now rents for twice the amount he and his wife pay for their current condo mortgage. This stark comparison underscores the dramatic increase in housing costs over time.
The conversation also touched on consumer confidence, with a New Hampshire Business and Industry Association report from August revealing that residents remain pessimistic about their personal finances. Nearly half of the respondents reported difficulty affording basic necessities in the past year. Although inflation has moderated slightly since the survey, its impact continues to be felt.
Brown suggested that consumer confidence will likely be a significant issue in the upcoming November election, particularly given New Hampshire’s ethos of the “New Hampshire Advantage” – the state’s lack of income and sales taxes. She noted that while economic concerns are prominent, other issues such as abortion rights and former President Trump’s influence should not be overlooked.
Cote emphasized that people are still feeling the effects of higher prices, especially in groceries and home renovation costs. He predicted these economic pressures would persist for some time.
Looking ahead to the election, Brown identified taxation as a key issue, given the anticipated tough budget year for New Hampshire. She mentioned that candidates might discuss business taxes and potential new revenue sources to address the state’s financial challenges.
Cote added that the depletion of federal pandemic relief funds would necessitate finding alternative funding sources for various state initiatives.
As the election approaches, it’s clear that the intertwining of business and citizen concerns will play a significant role in shaping the political landscape. Candidates will need to address these shared issues effectively to resonate with both the business community and individual voters. The alignment of these concerns underscores the interconnected nature of economic and social challenges facing New Hampshire, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that benefit both the private sector and the general public.