NH House: March 2009 Archives

There are two races in NH that could use your attention:

• NH Senate District 3 - Republican Jeb Bradley vs Democrat William Martin

• NH House Rockingham 4 - Republican Marilinda Garcia vs Democrat Sheila Murray

Both need your time and your talent; please go to their websites and sign up to assist.  Jeb's election is April 21st, Marilinda's is April 28th.

“If you don’t think there is going to be a problem with this budget wait until you see what happens to property taxes, I don’t think you want to be responsible for that, it’s their problem. They caused it; they’ve got to fix it.”

—Gov. John Sununu

As we anticipated coming into this session, House Democrats have begun the assault on our way of life here in New Hampshire. From mandatory seat belts to an increase in taxes and fees to smoking in cars. It was never more evident this week with the passage of HB 436, which legalizes same-sex marriage. I was very disappointed by the outcome of this vote not only because there are still many questions to be answered when it comes to this very divisive issue, but because of the way it was achieved.

It was pretty clear after the first count, when we held a one vote margin, that it was only a matter of some parliamentary maneuvering before the results would be overturned. A one vote victory on any issue that is one of the cornerstones to the Democrats’ agenda, is no victory at all. It is a shame that the legislative process, in this case, included arm twisting by the majority to change what should have been a conscience vote by their members. I am convinced that the views in this bill absolutely go against the beliefs of the majority of our citizens.

I know that there was much confusion on the floor of the House following the first vote, but we knew it was just a delaying tactic while House Democrats first found someone who was willing to call for reconsideration while forcing certain members to change their vote of conscience.

It was interesting to see that Gov. Lynch, who has publicly stated on several occasions that, “marriage is between a man and a woman,” has yet to announce that he would veto HB 436 should it arrive at his desk. But he was quick to wave the veto flag earlier this week should legislation repealing the death penalty reach his desk.

It is time to turn our attention to the budget and the fiscal damage that is already being done by House Democrats This coming week the Finance committee will be voting on HB 1 & 2, the state budget. Finance Republicans have been working hard to ensure an open and fair budget process, but they face an uphill battle with threats of the death tax and a capital gains tax being shoved in during the executive session. We will stand with our Finance Republicans as they strive to offer a real balanced budget to the House. I encourage you and your constituents to let Democrats on Finance know that they will not support new taxes and fees or increases in existing ones.