In a March 20 guest commentary (“Citizens can’t afford tax hikes in governor’s budget”), Rep. Pete Silva, R-Nashua, claimed the Republican budget would not shift costs. However, the Republican budget does actually downshift costs to communities.

Not only have the Republicans rejected the increased revenues in the governor’s budget, but they have cut another $500 million from his budget. The cuts they have made to the safety net – the elderly, the sick and the disabled – are particularly distressing. Cutting programs doesn’t eliminate the needs; it simply shifts the payer.

Deep cuts would be made to mental health services for individuals with the most serious mental illnesses. In addition, the Children in Need of Services program would be eliminated. Many of these adults and children would end up in police custody.

Law enforcement resources, court time and jail sentences are local financial responsibilities. The social costs of eliminating or slashing treatment and diversion services are financial costs that all of us would see added to our property taxes.

The Republicans also have decided to cap state education payments toward the cost of an adequate education, meaning Nashua would not get an additional $13 million a year in state aid. What this means for us is that as school district costs rise, we would not get additional assistance for property tax relief.

Readers are cautioned that when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. When the Republicans tell you that more money will “stay in the wallets of the taxpayers,” watch out.

It’s not the whole story.

Rep. Cindy Rosenwald

Nashua