NH House Leaders Comment on House Action on Rainy Day Fund Bill

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) and D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem) today offered the following comments on the House vote, 241 to 93, to non concur on House Bill 1652. The House Bill that originally sought to restore the State’s depleted Rainy Day Fund was amended in the Senate to spend the State’s surplus.

House Speaker William O’Brien

“Perhaps the Senate can explain how taking no action on a piece of legislation is a tax increase.  Using that logic, the Senate voted to raise taxes on the employers of the state when the Senate voted today to legislatively kill an expansion of the business enterprise tax exemption passed by the House (HB 1418).  While they are at it, the Senate should also explain why they are so strongly proponents of spending surplus funds instead of putting them into the Rainy Day Fund.

“Frankly, it would be more helpful if Senators spoke directly to House leaders instead of putting out disingenuous statements.  This would truly help move our state forward and create an environment to expand our economy and create good, new jobs.  Obviously, we would prefer having a responsible dialogue with the Senate, but they seem more interested in using inflammatory rhetoric more consistent with political campaigns than actual governing.”

House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt

“I’m afraid my colleagues in the Senate are overreacting. As someone who supports elimination of the internet tax, I think the better approach would be to keep their powder dry and wait for the legislative process to work itself out. The House and Senate share common core values and it is important that we remember those values and work together. I am confident that at the end of the session, we will have advanced the best policies possible for the state of New Hampshire. We must keep calm and carry on.”