Rep. Thomas Oppel (D-Canaan) planned to bring an amendment to the House floor allowing the legislature to impose progressive income taxes to fund public schools and offset local property taxes. As reported by NH Journal, Oppel was tied to former Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky’s property tax group, and Republicans signaled they welcomed a recorded vote on the issue.
NH Journal reported that House Democrats had a long record of opposing income tax bans, but now faced a different question. The choice was whether to vote for the power to tax income.
On Thursday, they’ll face a different dilemma. Whether to vote in favor of giving the state the power to impose a progressive income tax.
NH Journal
The NH Journal report laid out the text of the proposal Oppel intended to offer on the floor.
Rep. Thomas Oppel, D-Canaan, plans to bring an amendment to the floor Thursday, “providing that: the legislature may impose progressive-based income taxes, and revenues derived from such taxes be used exclusively to fund public schools in order to offset local property taxes.”
NH Journal
According to NH Journal, the measure went further than the earlier 3-3 plan by adding a graduated structure. The outlet described the change.
His amendment on Thursday goes further, imposing a graduated income tax.
NH Journal
Volinsky endorsed the amendment in comments to NH Journal, casting it as a break from reliance on property taxes.
“Tom Oppel’s responsive amendment breaks that chain and opens NH to more diverse and more fair opportunities to fund important state services like public education.”
NH Journal
Read the full story at NH Journal.
