Democrats may claim they do not want an income tax, but do not let their claims fool you. The very first thing House Democrats did this year in House Session was attempt to introduce an income tax. Then just last week, House Democrats joined several activists on the steps of the State House to lay out yet another income tax proposal. During House Session on Thursday, we presented Democrats with an opportunity to ban an income tax in New Hampshire. 159 Democrats voted against the proposal. Things could not be more clear: Democrats want an income tax for New Hampshire. To that, Republicans say: HELL NO.
Just a few days ago, House Democratic leadership was swift to condemn an income tax. House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson and Democratic Deputy Leader Laura Telerski both stated they opposed an income tax. I would like to pose a simple question: if they both oppose an income tax, then why did they and their caucus vote against a proposal to ban income tax in New Hampshire?
As chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, I had the privilege to lead the charge in obliterating HB 503, Democrats’ brazen attempt at introducing an income tax to New Hampshire. In March, Republicans stopped that ridiculous proposal on the House floor. Then in October, Democrats tried to subvert House rules to bring it back. The House Rules Committee rejected the proposal. As if that was not enough, the very first thing House Democrats did during House session this year was try to suspend House Rules to resurrect this proposal yet again. Once again, Republicans on the House floor overwhelmingly shot it down.
Now they are back with a new proposal. Democrats’ latest income tax scheme is something called the “3-3 Plan.” Flanked by House Democrats, income tax crusader Andru Volinsky introduced the plan, which would impose a 3% income tax and a $3 statewide property tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Not only does this introduce a brand new income tax, but it would also raise property taxes significantly by layering a new statewide property tax on top of what families already pay. At a time when many families are struggling with rising costs, the government taking more of their money is the last thing they need. Therein lies the difference between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats’ solution to rising costs and high taxes is to tax you even more. Republicans are focused on delivering real relief without taxing your pay.
Democrats like to claim that an income tax will relieve property taxes. They promise property tax relief in exchange for a low to moderate income tax. We have heard this story before. In 1991, Connecticut introduced an income tax with the promise of eventually easing property tax burdens. That promised relief never came. Today, Connecticut’s property tax rates are higher than New Hampshire’s. On top of that, Connecticut Democrats are complaining that the state’s income tax is not high enough. This is not relief. This is what happens when government takes people’s money and funnels it into endless spending.
Another claim Democrats like to make is that we can use an income tax to fund education. New Hampshire does not have an education funding problem. We have an education spending problem. New Hampshire currently ranks fourth in per-pupil spending in the nation and has the second highest administrative spending per pupil in the country. Yet, even as we have spent more on education, performance has fallen, proving that increased spending does not equate to better education. The way to fix this is not by taxing everyone to hell and hoping things get better. It is by demanding accountability and ensuring every dollar actually makes it into the classroom.
The New Hampshire Advantage is not an accident. It is the result of decades of principled leadership and a commitment to limited government and low taxes. An income tax would destroy that advantage and turn New Hampshire into just another high-tax New England state. House Republicans will fight to the last vote to stop an income tax if we have to. No income tax. Not now. Not ever.
Do not let Democrats trick you. They support an income tax. They had the opportunity to prove otherwise on Thursday and did not. An income tax will not bring relief to New Hampshire, it will only open the floodgates to more spending and higher taxes. All Democrats want to do is tax you into oblivion. As Republicans, our answer will always be the same: HELL NO.
Rep. John Janigian, R-Salem, represents Rockingham District 25.