New Hampshire Democrats on Wild Spending Spree

By Jim on March 9th, 2007

Good bit over on NH Insider about the NH Democrats’ recent spending spree.

In less than 48 hours, the New Hampshire House Democratic majority has supported new taxes, new and higher fees and more spending to the tune of millions of dollars.

“Democrats, led by Governor Lynch, promised no new taxes. It sure didn’t take long for them to break that promise,” said Republican Leader, Rep. Michael Whalley.

“New Hampshire taxpayers will feel the pinch of these actions by the Democratic party,” added Rep. Gene Chandler, Republican Policy Leader. “Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars in just a day and a half, while passing a new tax on real estate that will adversely affect those of our citizens trying to achieve the American Dream of owning a home. They have continued to increase spending above and beyond the Governor’s already excessive 14.1% proposed budget increase.”

Among a number of new fees and taxes is a $40 tax on each page recorded of a deed, mortgage or plat that would take approximately $12 million away from taxpayers over two years to be spent on LCHIP, a program to which the Governor already dedicated $12 million in his budget proposal. Other spending included $150,000 going to barn preservation, $535,000 to add Temple Mountain to a park system that is already running in the red, and adding a $100,000 new position to inspect public beaches, despite the Governor’s elimination of many state employee positions.

“It is irresponsible to be spending like this outside the budget process,” concluded Finance Committee Member and Republican Whip, Rep. Steve Stepanek.

Is anybody surprised about this? The minute Democrats attain power the first thing they want to do is spend as much money as possible. It gives them control and power.

Hat tip to the New Hampshire Underground forum.