House Republican Leader Reacts to Passage of Democrats’ Budget Proposal Despite Bipartisan Opposition

CONCORD – House Republican Leader Dick Hinch (R-Merrimack) issued a statement following the passage of HB1 and HB2, bills relating to the state budget. As amended, the budget proposes to increase spending by 13% ($637 million in General and Education Fund spending, and over $1.5 billion in total funds) over the current operating budget, FY2018-2019, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Budget Assistant’s Office.

“This budget spends $9500 for every person in New Hampshire, which Republicans just don’t see as responsible or sustainable,” Rep. Hinch said. “Democrats want to call their plan tax relief, but they are still asking our citizens for more than $400 million in new and increased taxes. That’s contradictory and misleading.” “This budget includes a laundry list of items that Republicans oppose, from an income tax-funded family leave plan, to a new tax on capital gains and higher business taxes, to growing the perpetual operation of government with one-time money. This spending spree is irresponsible and sets us up for failure, deficits, and higher taxes down the road. The governor had a spending plan that met and exceeded the needs of our state without asking for anymore of your tax money, and Democrats decided to completely disregard his guidance on that key principle.”