NH House Republicans Comment on Senate Amendment Blocking DRA From Taxing Businesses Based on Tipped Employees

CONCORD - Today House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) and Rep. Pat Abrami (R-Stratham) offered the following comments following the hearing on a Senate proposed amendment that would block the Department of Revenue Administration from being able to use tips received by employees in their calculation of Business Enterprise Tax owed by businesses.

House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett)

“I’m hopeful that the Department of Revenue Administration would not try to seek new and interesting ways to circumvent the legislative process to reach into the pockets of our small business owners. A clear reading of existing statutes prohibits this type of taxation The livelihoods of many restaurateurs and their employees are at stake. This amendment is good for business and our State’s hospitality industry. I’m happy the Senate is working to address this issue, and we will work to ensure the House concurs with this amendment.”

Rep. Pat Abrami (R-Stratham), House Ways & Means Committee

“Our State’s business community would appreciate transparency and predictability in how taxes are assessed. In this instance, it appears as if the DRA has taken it upon themselves to reinterpret their rules. The State’s hospitality industry employs tens of thousands of people. Without this amendment, each one of these employees is subject to becoming an increased tax burden to their employers. If we’re looking to help our job creators in this recovering economy, we need to step in and prevent the DRA’s new nickel-and-diming scheme.”

SHEA-PORTER FLEES TO AVOID TAKING A STAND ON GAS AND INCOME TAX

“Congresswoman Shea-Porter had multiple opportunities to use her voice to encourage like-minded New Hampshire officeholders to oppose legislation that would devastate middle-class families. Sadly, the Congresswoman refused to take such a stand.”

(Manchester – April 2, 2013)  Yesterday afternoon at a local senior center, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) repeatedly avoided questions on two important issues that, if implemented, would severely impact Granite Staters.  In particular, the Congresswoman refused to respond to multiple attempts of whether she supports local Democrats’ efforts to raise the gas tax by fifteen cents[1] or whether she holds similar positions on a New Hampshire income tax as her District Director and former New Hampshire gubernatorial candidate Jackie Cilley had been vocal about in 2012.[2] Both of these pieces of legislation would have devastatingly negative effects on middle-class families.
 
Video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGc4eYrX2MA

Derek Dufresne, spokesman for Citizens for a Strong New Hampshire, Inc, made the following statement:

“While mothers are struggling to fill their gas tank each week, New Hampshire Democrats are considering an increase in the gas tax. While Granite State families are trying to stretch their paychecks, New Hampshire Democrats have proposed an income tax.  Such efforts are unconscionable when so many in New Hampshire are fighting to make ends meet. However, what’s even more disappointing is for Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter to ignore repeated attempts to learn of her positions on these important issues.

“Congresswoman Shea-Porter had multiple opportunities to use her voice to encourage like-minded New Hampshire officeholders to oppose legislation that would devastate middle-class families. Sadly, the Congresswoman refused to take such a stand. We encourage Granite Staters to call Congresswoman Shea-Porter at 603-641-9536 and ask her stop ignoring her constituents and voice her opposition to an increase in the gas tax and a New Hampshire income tax.”

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[1] http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4932017-95/rep-democrat-republican-bill

[2]http://www.livefreeordiealliance.org/ElectionCentral/2012GubernatorialElection/JackieCilley/tabid/2119/Default.aspx

AFPNH - Will Your Legislators Support a State Income Tax?

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First, members of the NH General Court are filing bills for the next legislative session which will begin in January. Among the bills you may want to watch is one submitted by State Rep. Peter Sullivan that would establish a 1% personal income tax in NH.  Additionally, State Rep. Larry Rappaport has introduced a bill that would require any utility company undertaking an “elective” project to bury the transmission lines.  You can read more about how this relates to Northern Pass HERE.  We will monitor these pieces of proposed legislation and keep you apprised of their status. Second, the question of how the health care exchange required by President Obama’s health care takeover will run in NH is also likely to be debated.  As you may recall, during the last legislative session, AFP-NH supported HB 1560 which would have established an interstate Health Care Compact that would have empowered member states with the authority to enact state laws that superseded any and all federal laws regarding health care within the state. Unfortunately, HB 1560 was Laid on the Table in the Senate. You can read more about the current debate HERE.  Third, lawmakers continue to suggest that changes be made to the Liquor Commission as a result of the findings of the Special House Committee to Evaluate the NH State Liquor Commission.  Proposed changes include cutting the number of commissionersfrom three to one as well as having the Legislature reclaim full oversight over the agency’s budget.  You can read more about it HERE. Finally, this Saturday, November 24 is Small Business Saturday.  Use THIS LINK to learn more about the small businesses in your community and how you can support them. Sincerely, Corey R. Lewandowski State Director Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire P.S. If you would like to donate to our efforts, please CLICK HERE.

AFPNH - Is an income tax on the horizon?!

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First, despite the fact that 57% of NH voters just showed their support for a constitutional ban on a state income tax, State Rep. Peter Sullivan has submitted a bill for consideration by the legislature that would establish a 1% personal income tax. We cannot allow the short-term whims of the legislature to impede upon the NH Advantage that has taken generations to establish. We will monitor this legislative request and keep you informed on its status.  Second, the House Special Committee on Defined Contribution Retirement Plans for Public Employees released its final report recommending that NH move from the current plan to a defined contribution plan, which is more similar to a 401 (k). As you may know, NH like so many other states is currently facing a mounting public pension shortfall. You can read more about it HERE. Third, today California is launching a cap-and-trade program. You can read more about it HERE. In NH, we will continue to advocate for the repeal of NH’s participation in the failed cap-and-trade program known as RGGI which has raised the rates of NH residents and small businesses. Finally, tomorrow NH state agencies will submit their 90% proposed budgets, detailing how they would allocate their resources if their budgets were reduced by 10%. As you may recall, in 2011, the NH General Court passed SB 146 which called for this reduced spending alternative as part of the budget process. It became law without signature. Sincerely, Corey R. Lewandowski State Directo Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire P.S. If you would like to donate to our efforts, please CLICK HERE.

Shea-Porter For Congress - Where should Guinta be?

New Hampshire-  Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement following Congressman Guinta’s appearance at a press conference today. 

“My position is that there is no need to pass a constitutional amendment because no one is proposing a state income tax.  However, the real question is: Why is Congressman Frank Guinta hanging around the State Capitol?  Shouldn’t he be at the Federal Capitol, fixing the mess he left us in and stopping us from going over the fiscal cliff he and his tea party colleagues created?”