We are writing asking you to take urgent action on a NH CAN lead Priority, as well as a piece of legislation that will harm New Hampshire's ability to recover from  the recession and continue to provide essential infrastructure, such as children's services,  that citizens of New Hampshire expect.

CACR 6 would require a 3/5 vote of the legislature to approve any increase in taxes or fees. While this may sound appealing to some, it in fact could make the cuts of this past budget cycle appear small in comparison. As costs of services, such as  healthcare, continue to rise our ability to provide revenue to keep pace with needed infrastructure spending will be hampered, and potentially paralyzed.

In addition, Senate President Bragdon has suggested he will try to amend the bill. His amendment is likely to create a tax cap. This tax cap will limit increases in  spending to the cost of living. The potential wording of this amendment could create a situation whereby an influx in federal dollars in New Hampshire, could necessitate a cut in NH spending overall, so that we did not exceed the cost of living increase clause.

This alert is not about increasing taxes or even favoring one tax over an other. This alert is about asking the NH Legislature to do their job, each budget cycle, and balance the needs of NH with our ability to pay. We are asking that the legislature not abdicate its responsibility by adopting these types of tax cap schemes that will tie our hands for generations to come.

Please read the following information and contact Senators to express your concern about this legislation. Ask them to vote NO on the bill and any amendments.

John DeJoie
NH CAN Coordinator