Sweeney: Hassan Represents No Compromise

As the Legislature continues its summer break (for most of us anyway) I would like to thank you, my constituents, for reaching out during the session and voicing your opinions and concerns. It is an honor to serve the town of Salem.

Many of you have read about the legislative branch’s budget being at odds with the governor’s and though conflict can sometimes be a good thing, I feel Gov. Hassan has done her constituents a disservice by vetoing the budget. This budget was a responsible counteroffer to the Governor’s proposal that included $130 million in tax increases. Tax increases often result in negative, unintended consequences and one of the Governor’s proposed increases was raising New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax by $0.21.

According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, cigarettes are the top revenue generator and account for 31.8 percent of in-store sales nationwide. With 1,890 cigarettes retailers in the Granite State, the governor seemed to have overlooked how raising the cigarette tax would harm small businesses across the state. New Hampshire’s lack of a sales tax and lower cigarette tax gives our convenience and grocery stores an advantage over our neighbors- especially in border towns like Salem.

With the governor seeking compromises on budget holes that do not exist, I hope the legislature will continue to stand with its citizens and small businesses by rejecting any increase in the cigarette excise tax. I know I will.

State Rep. Joe Sweeney, R-Salem