AFP-NH Speaks Out Against 67% Hike in NH Gas Tax, 48% Increase in Car Registrations
WINDHAM – Americans For Prosperity (AFP) New Hampshire today testified against legislation (HB 617) that would increase the state’s tax on gasoline and diesel by 67% and would raise car registrations by 48%.
“A report by the federal Energy Department showed that Americans are now paying 4% of their income just to fill up their gas tanks,” said Corey R. Lewandowski, State Director of Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire. “At the same time, gas prices are currently at record highs. This bill also brings back the wildly unpopular vehicle registration hikes. The working families across New Hampshire simply can’t afford to see another hit in their wallets that this bill creates. We urge the legislature to focus on the impact to our residents, and not just on growing government.”
Lewandowski said that this tax increase, coupled with the bill to increase the tax on heating oil that recently passed the House (HB 185) and the effort to increase electricity rates through the RGGI cap-and-trade scheme, combine to place huge new burdens on New Hampshire citizens with higher energy costs.
“The War on Energy Consumers needs to stop,” added Lewandowski. “While the people of New Hampshire are struggling to find good jobs and hope that they might get a raise this year, leaders in Concord are pushing an agenda to make it more expensive to fill your gas tank, heat your house or turn on the lights. Our citizens don’t need more government spending; we need to keep more of our hard earned money to pay for our basic needs.”
Rick Watrous
9:45 pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2013
If you don't like a gas tax, how would you pay to repair and maintain our deteriorating roads and bridges? The money has to come from somewhere.
This bill would have the money come from the people who drive their vehicles over those roads and bridges. Consider it a user fee in the NH tradition.
Swamp Fox
9:48 pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2013
And our Governor giving raises to professors helps?
Swamp Fox
4:31 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
A tax on the poor Watrous, those who can afford it the least.
Peter T. Hansen
10:28 pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2013
If the current gas and toll income were left to just bridges and roads we'd be fine but 445 YES 445 of the toll and gas tax money goes to "other than roads and bridges". Did I hear they want to use gas tax for choo choo's next!!!
Peter T. Hansen
10:30 pm on Tuesday, February 19, 2013
MY BAD that is supposed to be 44% 44% not 445!!
Rick Watrous
8:10 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I agree an income or sales would be ultimately fairer. A progressive income tax would be most fair to the poor and provide the state with needed revenue. The alternative is an ever growing host of user fees, increased property taxes and casino gambling.
Swamp Fox
8:56 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Any demomocrat and you specifically cannot be trusted with more money.
wm as it is.
2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
how about cutting taxes and handing out pink slips.
Scott-NH
3:41 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Study after study has shown that if NH were to implement a sales tax, then the commercial base that fuels the jobs in this state would collapse. Those most vulnerable would find themselves without jobs because the advantage of drawing out of state residents to NH to shop and spend would be gone. We have a lot of Mom and Pop retail establishments that would simply go under because the worm on the hook [ no sales tax], would be gone.
Why would a MA, ME or even a VT resident bother to come to NH for shopping if they have the same stores in their own states charging similar sales taxes?!? I think you need to think that through a little more Rick. You need to look at what the economy of this state provides for jobs and then look at the ideas proposed.
I have no problem w/ a casino, it brings jobs to the state and we are an entertainment & tourism state, that's where the majority of our revenues come from. Eventually though, the property tax issue is going to destroy any NH advantage. While I don't relish the idea of an income tax, I'd rather give that 6.25% to NH than to MA where I work. To me, a sales tax will destroy the New Hampshire economy simply because it's built around not having one.
Apljak
8:26 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Unfortunately, It appears that NH is following in lockstep with the Fiscal Irresponsibility. Tax and Spend should now replace Live Free of Die!
Peter T. Hansen
8:04 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
How is it that MA has a income tax a sales tax and equally high property taxes and their roads and bridges SUCK? All we ever hear is this tax or that tax or this casino will solve ALL our problems and when we look all the taxes due is increase spending on anything but what it was intended. These people will if allowed spend us into any and every broad based tax they can dream up just look around the northeast and you'll see the real story.
Jan Schmidt
1:40 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Peter, MA has problems NH will never face and they provide other programs and services that NH will never provide. Comparing the two gets us nowhere.
You don't let your roof go without repair, or a pipe leak and then break and flood the basement... You fix it as soon as you see you need it. Closing your eyes and saying its going to cost something is no way to protect your investment. NH is ours, and we have to keep our home in good repair or its value will continue to decline... Just like that uncared for house.
Nobody likes taxes, but as citizens we know we have a responsibility to maintain our infrastructure... Everyone except those who don't give a hoot about our home.
Hilltopper
2:25 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
But what citizen would agree to pay a contractor to fix the roof or repair a pipe who after agreeing on a price, would keep telling the homeowner more money is needed to complete the repairs and then uses the money at lunch every day for Mikey D's, a sixpack and lottery tickets?.
Jan Schmidt
2:30 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
So your solution is to let your house become worthless?
not you Hill, you're way too smart.
Hilltopper
2:36 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Nope My house wouldn't be worthless but I would have enough fiscal responibility to pay for what is needed to be done by the contractor and not for the contractor's fiscal irresponsibility
William Rapf
12:31 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I'd rather have our roads and bridges repaired with monies raised by those who use them (and contribute to their deterioration most) than have to pay increased property tax for the same repairs. The Legislature should increase the gas tax and insure that 100% of that revenue is dedicated to road repair and maintenance.
News Flash
1:55 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Give NH democrats a chance and we will become exactly like Taxachusetts. You can see them doing it right before our very eye. YES THEY WILL LIE ABOUT IT.
Rep Kevin Avard
2:41 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APseTnWFnA4