Temporary gas tax cut makes it past N.H. House

By a 208-98 count the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed legislation that would cut the state’s gas tax by 5 cents—from 18 cents a gallon to 13 cents—but Gov. John Lynch believes the measure does not have much longer to live. Most think it will die in the Senate.

House Republicans are hoping that the discount, which would be in effect through June, would give motorists a break on the rising cost of gas and also attract tourism from neighboring states. However, critics contend the cut would never reach the taxpayers and would only drop more profit into the coffers of the oil companies. The move also would cost the department of transportation $6.6 million in revenue.

If the bill does manage to make its way out of the Senate, Lynch has said he would veto it.

“I don’t believe it is going to get to me,” Lynch told the Concord Monitor. “I don’t worry about political gimmicks.”

House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt said his party is only doing what they pledged to do during the November elections, and Rep. Ken Weyler, who chairs the House Finance Committee, added that he believed the New Hampshire DOT would still be able to make major repairs to roads and bridges.