NH House Republican Leader Comments on Senate Killing the Tobacco Tax Hike

CONCORD – Today House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) offered the following comment in reaction to the Senate voting 13-11 to kill HB659, the bill that would raise the tobacco tax by 20 cents per pack.

House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett)

“I would like to commend the Senate for voting to ITL HB659 and killing the increase in the tobacco tax. The tobacco tax is a regressive tax that makes businesses less competitive to begin with. Raising the tax by 20 cents would cause our state to lose revenue in many areas. Not only will it hurt revenue, but considering the state of our economy, the last thing businesses on the borders need is a tax increase that drives consumers away. When consumers come to New Hampshire to purchase tobacco because of the lower tax rate, they also purchase non-tobacco products. Raising the tax will encourage consumers to go elsewhere, and make it more difficult for businesses to succeed and grow.”

NH House Republican Leaders Comment on Senate Tabling Stand Your Ground Repeal Bill

CONCORD – Today House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) and House Republican Policy Leader Laurie Sanborn offered the following comments in reaction to the Senate voting 19-5 to table HB135, a bill that would have repealed the “Stand Your Ground” law passed by the previous legislature.

House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett)

“Retreat is not something responsible New Hampshire citizens should be forced to do when faced with a deadly threat. Our right to self defense and defense of our families and other innocent victims should not be limited to the walls in which we reside. Claims that current law would result in increased violence are unfounded. I commend the Senate for voting to table HB135, and not repealing ‘Stand Your Ground.’”

House Republican Policy Leader Laurie Sanborn (R-Bedford)

“I would like to thank the Senate for standing up for New Hampshire citizen’s Second Amendment rights and rights to self defense. Telling law abiding citizens they need to turn their backs on an attacker and run away instead of defending themselves or their loved ones is entirely the wrong message, especially in the seconds that could mean the difference between life and death. The people of New Hampshire have a natural and basic human right to protect themselves wherever they happen to be, not just in the confines of their home.”

NH House Republicans Comment on House Passage of Bill Restricting Fishermen

CONCORD – Today House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett), and members of the House Fish and Game Committee, Assistant House Republican Leader Elisabeth Sanders (R-Danville) and Rep. John Burt (R-Goffstown) offered the following comments in reaction to the passage of SB89, a bill that would restrict the types of tackle New Hampshire fishermen can use, based on anecdotal evidence of loon deaths possibly due to ingesting lead. The bill passed 225-142.

House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett)

“Although it’s very sad that lead may have caused the death of a handful of loons, there is not enough evidence to ban an entire type of tackle that fishermen use. Fishermen come to New Hampshire from all over the region to fish in our lakes and rivers. Fish & Game Department has indicated this law would be nearly impossible to enforce. We need more study before we pass any measure as drastic as this bill. Our state’s sportsmen and outdoor industry deserve as much.”

“Last year’s interim study committee concluded that more time was needed to thoroughly examine this issue and that no legislation should be introduced in 2013. Until we have a conclusive report, this legislation is premature.”

Assistant House Republican Leader Elisabeth Sanders (R-Danville)

“After spending 6 hours listening to committee hearing testimony on SB89, and after much research to learn more facts, I am very disappointed that SB89 passed. It seems that the wishes of our anglers have been replaced with exaggerated tales of disaster. I believe that before more restrictive laws are enacted, additional unbiased studies should take place. The bill did not have the support of the Fish and Game department and commissioners. The average loss of 5-6 adult loons per year due to lead ingestion is tragic. The loss of angler confidence in our legislative decisions may have the unintended consequence of the tragic loss of fishing related revenue.”

Rep. John Burt (R-Goffstown), House Fish & Game Committee

“The science behind this legislation is unproven. We shouldn’t base a legislative decision affecting a $1.2 billion industry in New Hampshire on an unproven claim. The majority of our committee supported the recommendation of the Fish and Game Department on every bill, except for SB89. I believe we should have listened to them, the enforcement agency, and not have rushed to pass this bill they say is unenforceable they say won’t save any loons.”

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.”

NH House Republican Leader Denounces Rep's Online Comments on Marathon Bombing

CONCORD – Today House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) offered the following reaction to recent online comments made by Rep. Stella Tremblay (R-Auburn) suggesting the Boston Marathon attack was a “Black Ops terrorist attack” carried out by the government:

House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett)

“Rep. Tremblay’s comments are highly offensive, egregious, and irrational. They are severely troubling and unbecoming of any public office holder or citizen of our great nation. I am ashamed that Rep. Tremblay saw fit to disseminate radical conspiracy theories online. She in no way represents the views of the caucus, the Republican party or the Granite State.”

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those affected by the atrocities committed in Boston and we stand united in support of the law enforcement community who worked tirelessly to apprehend the terrorist perpetrators.”