Passing the Buck(s) - Granite Grok

Passing the Buck(s)

NH Family Budget Woes

This letter is addressed to the Republicans who plan to sponsor a budget amendment that will increase the NH State Gasoline Tax by 8 cents, paying for a DOT budget shortfall. It is also addressed to any Republican who votes for such an amendment.

We read over the weekend that you are sponsoring an effort (without public input) to increase the gas tax by another 8 cents, after it was just raised 4 cents.

I find it hard to believe that we have no other means, no other government waste or abuse, to fill this budget shortfall.

Raising the gas tax (and please do not call it a “user fee” or “toll”), yet again, is a hit on consumers, who are seeing their healthcare, housing, energy, food, and phone costs rise every month, while the Federal Government continues to devalue our dollar. Most consumers cannot absorb a hike such as this.

And let’s consider the impact this increase would have on business, which is already lackluster in our state. Add 20-25% to fuel costs, once again, and watch headcount and benefits contributions drop like a stone. If we’re lucky, they won’t relocate to a state with a lower BET/BPT.

As we speak, I am dealing with a 20% increase in my business healthcare costs – after 30% last year.  Do you own a business? Do you know what a 20%+ increase to a heavy line item means?  Have you asked the DOT to cut costs and make sacrifices, like you are now asking consumers and businesses to?

I had the impression you were Conservatives (or at least mainstream Republicans) and we’re inclined to support cutting back government, not feeding it and taking the easy route.

Thanks to Shawn Jasper and his band of backstabbers, Republicans, in general, are looking weak, divided, and haphazard.

Please don’t help them further alienate our party from the voters of NH.

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