Press Release: Meals and Room Tax

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Forsythe
15 May, 2010 603-822-2588

Just in time for Tourism Season, Senator Kathleen Sgambati introduces proposal allowing communities to increase rooms and meals tax beyond states 9% levy

Laconia, NH- On Thursday, Senator Kathleen Sgambati co-sponsored an amendment to HB 1128 that would allow communities to enact a local rooms and meals tax beyond the state’s current 9% tax. District 4 State Senate Candidate Jim Forsythe criticized Senator Sgambati’s proposal stating “Senator Sgambati refuses to accept the stark reality of the state’s fiscal situation, that the problems that we are experiencing are not due to a lack of revenue but are the direct result of the overspending she has advocated for since her election in 2006”. The proposal is also facing criticism across the state from businesses that rely on tourism.

Forsythe continued “This continual pattern of the state reducing aid to communities, downshifting of costs, and overspending must stop. With the summer tourism season right around the corner, this proposal will only harm the restaurant and lodging industry of the district and the state. This proposal is the direct result of continued support by Senator Sgambati to increase spending and contains no provision for communities to decrease the states rooms and meals tax to help the local tourism industry”. The proposal will now head to a conference committee.