CONCORD, NH – House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) and Senate Majority Leader Regina Birdsell (R-Hampstead) released the following joint statement after Democrats in the Senate and House introduced over $1 billion in tax hikes this week.
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn):
“Democrats talk about affordability while actively scheming to raise taxes on Granite Staters. That contradiction tells you everything you need to know. House Republicans will stop these reckless tax hikes cold. I speak for the entire caucus when I say these proposals are dead on arrival in Ways and Means, and we will hold Democrats accountable for their assault on your wallet.”
Senate Majority Leader Birdsell (R-Hampstead):
“We are only one week into the 2026 Session, and Democrats are already reaching into your pockets. The party that claims to champion lower property taxes and affordable housing is now pushing bills that will make homes and businesses more expensive, not less, directly hitting Granite Staters’ wallets.
After Senate Democrats unveiled their disastrous “More Money Out of Your Paycheck” agenda last December—totaling over $600 million in new state spending—they aren’t even trying to hide their intentions anymore. We believe your paycheck belongs to you, and New Hampshire Republicans will continue to fight against these reckless policies.”
Background:
- On January 7, 2026, Representatives Tom Oppel (D-Canaan) and Tom Schamberg (D-Wilmot) unsuccessfully attempted to suspend House Rules to allow for HB 503, amending how revenues from taxes are allocated to the education trust fund, to return.
- HB 1596-FN, relative to the collection of certain health care program premiums; funding for the university system of New Hampshire; and raising the tobacco tax.
- HB 1580-FN-L, relative to the taxation of non-primary residences.
- HB 1707-FN, creating an additional property tax for certain unoccupied properties and creating a housing transfer tax exemption for certain low- and moderate-income home buyers.
- HB 1090-FN, subjecting certain motor vehicles to meals and rooms taxes.
- HB 1480-FN, raising the meals and rooms tax rate.
- SB 471 FN, relative to affordable housing investment fees.
- SB 634, enabling municipalities to adopt a municipal occupancy fee.