Jessica Berry

Dear Chairman Janigian and Members of the Ways and Means Committee, I am writing in strong support of the New Hampshire Advantage Amendment to CACR 12, which would amend the New Hampshire Constitution to permanently ban any tax on personal income. New Hampshire's lack of an income tax is the foundation of the New Hampshire Advantage. It drives our economic growth, attracts businesses and families from across New England, and ensures that working Granite Staters keep more of what they earn. I support this amendment for the following reasons: - PERMANENT CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION: This amendment would enshrine the income tax ban in our constitution, ensuring no future legislature can impose an income tax without the people's consent through another constitutional amendment. - LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE: If passed by the House and Senate, this question goes directly to the voters on the ballot. The people of New Hampshire deserve the right to permanently protect themselves from an income tax. - ECONOMIC STRENGTH: New Hampshire's no-income-tax status is our greatest competitive advantage. Neighboring states with income taxes continue to lose residents and businesses to New Hampshire. - PROTECTING FAMILIES: Working families in New Hampshire keep more of what they earn than in any neighboring state. This amendment ensures that will always be the case. - CLEAR AND STRONG LANGUAGE: The amendment explicitly prohibits any tax on wages, earned income, personal income, or other income of individuals, regardless of its designation. There are no loopholes. I urge the committee to recommend the New Hampshire Advantage Amendment and send it to the full House for approval. Let the people of New Hampshire vote to protect their wallets and their future. Thank you for your consideration.