A solid, robust economy is critical to New Hampshire’s success. Our tax revenue is directly tied to the viability of our economy. A more productive economy results in improved revenues with a decreased individual tax burden.

Our economy is driven by successful small businesses growing, expanding, hiring more people, and using local products and services. These businesses require a “business friendly climate”, which means they won’t be unfairly taxed, there is an adequate communication infrastructure, they can attract and keep a skilled workforce, and a transportation infrastructure including roads, rail, and airports is readily available. We have to make our “10 year highway plan” 10 years and not the 15 years it has become.

Part of our economic plan must address local economies across the state. While local municipalities have the bulk of the responsibility, the state can serve an important role in adjusting the state tax structure, improving transportation, and in promotion of New Hampshire as a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The state can also encourage certain economic goals, for example, why shouldn’t the North Country be the “Energy Capitol” of the East Coast? It has the raw materials for renewable energy, our universities are investigating alternative energy sources, and we certainly have the climate to thoroughly test new energy products.

Our economy is currently sound in most areas, but it won’t stay that way unless we start to plan for our future, and take steps now so those plans can be put into action. We must continue to watch spending so increased taxes don’t drive business away. We need to provide an educated workforce, and affordable housing for that workforce. We need affordable health care and insurance. We need to keep our young people in the state, with good employment and wages, so we can maintain a diverse spectrum of citizens.

New Hampshire is a great place to live. We need to take action now, implementing plans that will keep it that way for the next 20 years. We cannot allow another two years of the same.