AFP-NH Applauds Senate Committee Vote to Block Massive Gas and Diesel Tax Hike

MANCHESTER – Americans for Prosperity – New Hampshire (AFP-NH) is applauding the Senate Ways and Means Committee vote today to re-refer HB 617.  The bill, as passed by the House, would have increased the state gasoline and diesel tax 67%.

“We applaud the members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee who voted today to put the needs of New Hampshire working families and businesses ahead of the wants of state government by voting to re-refer this bill which would have constituted the largest tax increase in state history,” said Greg Moore, AFP-NH State Director.  “The demands and burdens on our families and businesses should not increase just so we can grow state government.  We praise the Senate Committee for putting a stop to HB 617 and hope the full Senate will follow suit when the bill comes before them for a vote.”

HB 617 will next be voted on by the Senate.  The gasoline and diesel tax increase contained within HB 617 was also included in the House passed budget.

“We may have won this battle, but we are still engaged in a broader war on energy consumers in the state,” added Moore.  “The House has passed several measures this year that would make the everyday lives of our families and business more difficult.  From an increase in the RGGI tax and the home heating oil tax to folding the gasoline and diesel tax increase into the state budget, the House seems determined to make people pay more for state government and make due with less for their families and businesses.  We oppose the House’s war on energy consumers and call on the Senate to remove the gasoline and diesel tax increase from the state budget. ”