NH State Representative Steven Smith

This week, the NH House will debate and vote on the state budget.  I have a lot of concerns both about the numbers, and the methods.  Families here in Sullivan County have been struggling to make ends meet while their salaries have remained stagnant, and the price of everything has gone up.  I agree with NHGOP Chair Jennifer Horn, who said:

“The last thing we should do during these difficult economic times is take hundreds of millions of dollars out of the pockets of struggling New Hampshire families.”

Rep. Neal Kurk (R-Weare): of the House Finance Committee said:

“It includes over $70 million in increased taxes that will hurt the economy and job creation.”

In addition to the increased taxes and fees, I am extremely concerned that the House wants to give up our discretion regarding how your money is spent.  We Representatives are your oversight on government spending.  When we ask you for more money, particularly for a specific purpose, we are supposed to make sure that these agreements are honored.  Instead, the Democrat leadership in Finance wants us to give up that power to Governor Hassan.  This is not how NH government is supposed to work.

Rep. Karen Umberger (R-Intervale) of the House Finance Committee said:

“I find it unbelievable that the Democrats on House Finance would vote to cede nearly all legislative discretion and allow the Governor to sweep millions of dollars out of dedicated funds to cover a budget deficit. This could affect as many as 300 state programs or agencies that rely on dedicated funds including Fish & Game, State Parks, Enhanced 911 System or even unemployment compensation. Responsible budgeting starts with transparency. This is a terrible precedent to set. When people buy into these funds via a fee or license, they expect that those dollars be used for that purpose. Why have dedicated funds if the Governor can use them as an ATM?”

This country began with a fight over taxation without representation.  NH is a shining example of staying true to those founding principles by having one of the largest Legislative bodies in the world; so that we can be accessible to, and accountable to, You.  Don’t let them take this away from you.  Call or email your Representative and tell them to reject this plan, and that you want to remain in charge of how we spend your money.

Steve

This year’s state budget.

I felt the need to write about my vote today on HB595, which repealed portions of the voting laws passed last session. It probably looks like I’ve flip-flopped, or am trying to have it both ways. I always try to be as honest and clear as possible with the voters of this district, so bear with me here. Last session I voted for the Voter ID law. I did so because I believed that it was the right thing to do. I still do. I have not changed my position.

2013 is a different world. Democrats own the House and the Executive branch. Considering that at least one Republican Senator still in office voted against the Voter ID bill last session, it would have been a good gamble for Democrats to grab some headlines, swing for the fences, and repeal the whole thing. 

They may have succeeded. The worst case scenario probably would have been to face some amendments in the Senate, and in the end, pass something similar to what we had today. Instead, a compromise was presented, and I applaud House Democrats for going this route. Since it was the best we could hope for, and a genuine compromise, I chose to support it.

HB595 leaves in place the existing Voter ID provisions, and simply repeals the portions of the laws that have not yet taken effect. The voting laws passed last session were to be phased- in over several years. Even though this bill was not the outcome that I desired, I recognize that this is the honorable way to conduct House business.

In the interest of full disclosure, should other bills tightening our voting process arise, I will probably support them. I believe that each person’s vote is too important a thing to risk by having even one improperly cast vote negate yours. I believe that Voter ID laws are the best way to ensure that we adhere to the principle of “one (wo)man”, one vote”. Allowing the status quo to go on for a while may in fact give folks time to get used to the changes, and then make other laws more palatable and the GOP position stronger. Time will tell.

Steve