Economy, Budget & Taxes:

• Against the expansion of income tax
• Against implementing a general sales tax
• Against an increase in I & D tax
• Does not support an LLC tax
• Against expanding local meals and rooms tax
• Does not want to add tolls to I-93 at the MA border.
 

In regard to the economy, budget and taxes Gov. Lynch states: “The Gaming Commission made that very clear in its report that a strong regulatory structure framework must be developed before any gaming licenses are considered. I continue to have concerns about the proliferation of gaming in our state, and the impact that could have on our quality life. Once NH heads down the road of expanded gambling, we can’t go back. So if we proceed with some form of expanded gambling, it needs to be done carefully. I opposed adding tolls at the Massachusetts border in Salem. But the expansion of Interstate 93 is a critical project for New Hampshire’s economy and the safety of our citizens and visitors. Over the past several years, we’ve made great strides in rebuilding our roads and bridges, but there are a number of critical road and bridges projects across the state that I support. There is a bipartisan legislative commission that is currently considering ways to ensure we can fund necessary road improvements, and I will carefully consider its recommendations.”
 

Gov. Lynch does not support a cap on property tax and states: “I do not believe the state should take decisions out of the hands of local communities and their voters. I believe citizens of local communities should be able to act to cut local spending – as they do in many communities – and cap property tax increases. But I also believe that it is important that the state work with communities. Over the past several years, we have significantly increased state funding to education, which has helped offset local property tax increases.”
 

In regard to reforming retirement benefits of municipal & state employees Gov. Lynch states: “I am committed to ensuring we have a sound, secure retirement system that keeps our promises to employees across New Hampshire. We have made great strides working in partnership with employees to begin stabilizing the retirement system, including moving to a recognized accounting system and increase the contribution rate for new state employees. But the burden of fixing the system after two decades of neglect and accounting gimmicks cannot be borne by employees alone. I will continue to work together with communities and employees to improve the retirement system.”
 

Civil Issues:

• Against repeal of the death penalty
• Against the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana for adults
• Against mandatory automobile insurance
• Against a mandatory seat belt law
• Against a mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders
• Against a top 2 primary system

Immigration:

Gov. Lynch does not believe immigration laws should be left to the federal government stating: “There is an appropriate state role for ensuring compliance with immigration laws. For example, I signed a law that penalized employers for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. But it is the federal government’s job to safeguard our borders, and Congress needs to act on this issue.”
 
Energy  & Environment:

Gov. Lynch believes the amount of subsidies, aesthetics and environmental impacts should restrict the use of windmills and wind farms for power generation stating: “All three of these factors should play a role in decisions about the siting of wind farms. Currently there are federal tax credits available to commercial wind farms and in New Hampshire we have a rebate program for homeowners that install renewable energy systems such as windmills. I support these subsidies as a way to spur investment in renewable energy sources such as wind. However, subsidies cannot and do not cover the entire cost of these projects. Developers need to have viable financing plans in place in order for their projects to move forward. To some extent aesthetics are considered when siting both large wind developments and individual windmills. For small installations, RSA 357:1 allows municipalities to regulate wind turbines, including tower height, setbacks and other items that may relate to aesthetics. The law also tries to strike a balance however, specifically outlining where municipalities can not unreasonably limit wind installations. For larger installations, the Site Evaluation Committee has jurisdiction and this process will review certain aesthetic concerns such as reviewing the local ordinances and historic reviews. As with the smaller systems there must be a balance between these reviews and the overall renewable energy benefits of the project. The Site Evaluation Committee takes environmental impacts very seriously when reviewing applications for wind and other energy generation plants. These installations need to meet state and federal environmental requirements. We have one operating wind farm in New Hampshire and another that has been permitted by the Site Evaluation Committee. It is very possible to successfully develop renewable wind energy within the environmental, aesthetic and financial constraints set out by our regulations."
 

In regard to adopting a NH constitutional amendment reducing the role of courts in the school funding challenge Gov. Lynch states: “I believe New Hampshire should adopt a constitutional amendment, although not one for the purpose of reducing the role of the courts. There should be checks and balances. But I’ve supported and continue to support a constitutional amendment that affirms the state’s responsibility for education, but would give the legislation greater flexibility to address this challenge and direct more funds to schools with greater needs.”

In regards to amending the NH constitution to allow statewide referendums Gov. Lynch states: “With 424 members, New Hampshire has the most representative state legislature in the country, and representatives and senators are in close contact with their constituents. I believe we should be very cautious in adopting a referendum system. In other states, referendums have become the targets of millions of dollars in spending by outside special interest groups. In many states, referendums have also worsened budget problems by requiring the state to institute costly new programs without any consideration of how to pay for them.”

Health Care:

On the legalization medical marijuana Gov. Lynch states: “I have deep compassion for ill patients who believe that marijuana would offer them relief. Given the problems we have seen in other states, I have deep concerns about the ability to ensure marijuana would only be used for legitimate medical purposes. The best course forward would be for the federal government to consider the issue, and if there are sufficient medical benefits, allow it to be prescribed by doctors through pharmacies – just like other controlled drugs.”

Social Issues:

• Against Gay Marriage repeal

Interest Group Ratings:

• In 2010 the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund gave Governor Lynch a grade of C.