From the Dome
An update on legislative priorities affecting your business
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We’re pleased to bring you this update written on behalf of the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee dedicated to keeping members posted on legislation affecting your business, your employees and your quality of life. If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber at (603) 224-2508. |
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Legislature prepares for busy session
As we enter daylight saving time, and get close to St. Patrick’s Day and the loosening of COVID restrictions, the Legislature is beginning to bring more into focus the priorities for this session. We are hoping one priority may be to eventually come back to Concord and frequent our restaurants and shops to help the local economy.
The House Committees met this week and voted on many bills which had public hearings and were waiting to move forward to the floor of the House for a vote. We still have a few bills that have not been voted on, but I expect the Committees will vote next week as the marathon full House session is the first week of April at the Bedford Sportsplex. The Speaker has requested the Committees retain as many bills as possible that do not need action before next year as he wants to limit the number of days the House meets and the length of the sessions. He is trying to be cautious as some members have been vaccinated and other not; some wear masks and others do not. Limiting the risk to all is the priority.
The full Senate has been meeting remotely, mainly from home even with their pets allowed. They have been passing several omnibus bills, some continuing COVID-related emergency orders. One COVID related bill, the Senate is poised to pass is SB 3; the bill exempts the PPP, Paycheck Protection Program money from NH taxation. It came out of Committee 5-0 even with Department of Revenue Administration’s opposition to the bill. We expect it will pass unanimously in the Senate but not in time for taxes being filed by businesses for 2020. Businesses will have to file an amended return later if this makes it to the Governor’s desk.
Business Taxes
We heard quite a lot in the beginning of the session as well as in the Governor’s budget address about lowering business taxes. The Governor did put some business tax decreases in his budget. In the meantime, the House and Senate both had bills introduced to lower BPT and BET respectively, as well as to phase out the Interest and Dividends tax and raise the exemption. So far, all the House business tax bills have been retained.
The Budget hearings in House Finance are starting. We will have to wait until the budget is finished in the House to begin to see where the business tax issues are headed. The House will be finished with the budget by April 9th, crossover. Most of the Senate business tax bills have been laid on the table awaiting the budget which they will receive from the House in mid-April. By then, we will have new revenue numbers, Federal virus relief money and spring.
COVID updates for spring
Governor Sununu’s press conference with a theme of continued loosening of restrictions (yahoo!):
- NH’s domestic travel 2-week quarantine requirement has been scaled back to a recommendation.
- Retail can now re-open to 100% capacity – no more limitations on number of people.
- Walk-ins and waiting areas are now permitted at barbers and salons.
- Karaoke, pool and darts are back on the menu at restaurants.
- The statewide mask mandate will remain in place for now. The Governor said he finds it “difficult” to imagine keeping it beyond Memorial Day.
- New, more flexible guidance was issued for overnight and day camps to facilitate their availability and openings this summer.
- On vaccines:
- 406k total shots have been administered in NH.
- 280k first shots only (21% of population).
- 132k are now fully vaccinated (10% of population).
- 31,250 new doses are expected next week.
The Chamber is still socializing
While it will be terrific to see all of you at a Chamber event in-person in the not too distant future, there are two big social events to look forward to in the meantime: the Virtual Citizen of the Year Award gala on March 30 and Virtual Business Showcase on April 13. Both events will be hosted online through Remo which allows you to freely move around a virtual floor map of the event space to network and socialize. |
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Watch: Legislative Update
On Thursday, March 11 the Chamber hosted its Legislative Update forum online with Panelists David Juvet of Business & Industry Association of NH, Phil Sletten of NH Fiscal Policy Institute and Dean Spiliotes of NH Political Capital. Each shared insights on the top issues in NH's 2021 legislative session. Moderator Ari Pollack, Esq., of Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, PC, facilitated the discussion which included questions from online attendees. Watch the full forum on your smart tv, laptop, desktop, smart phone or tablet. We are proud to present alternatives to in-person programming for members and the community during this time of social distancing and thank sponsor Ledyard National Bank for their generous support. |
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Watch: State of the State
On Thursday, March 4 the Chamber hosted its State of the State Update forum online with Governor Chris Sununu. The Governor discussed current economic challenges, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and other priorities for New Hampshire. Members of the business community submitted questions that the Governor answered during a Q&A. Watch the full forum on your smart tv, laptop, desktop, smart phone or tablet. We send special thanks to Governor Sununu for joining us to share opportunities for the state, especially as they relate to the business community, and sponsor Lincoln Financial Group for their generous support.
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Upcoming Chamber webinars and forums
Registration is open for the following events (and a few more) on our Key Events web page:
A complimentary webinar that includes an overview of programs currently available for small businesses including first and second draw PPP as well PPP forgiveness requirements, the EIDL program, SBA-backed loan debt relief and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.
A complimentary virtual forum featuring Concord Mayor Jim Bouley and City Manager Tom Aspell discussing this year’s capital priorities. This event includes a Q&A and will also recognize the City of Concord’s 2020 and 2021 Police Officers of the Year. Generously sponsored by Charter Trust Company.
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Grants available for small businesses located in Concord, NH
The Glenn and Susanne Currie Small Business Challenge Grant is offering grant opportunities of up to $2,000 for small businesses located in Concord, N.H. that are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those who have been less successful in accessing adequate funding through the CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other state and federal resources. Apply by March 24.
PPE available through the Chamber
Does your business need gloves, masks or posters during what we hope is the final stretch of COVID-19? Stop by our office at 49 South Main Street, Suite 104 in Concord, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5 and get what you need. We're almost to the finish line!
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Reading this as a forwarded message?
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This legislative update was provided on behalf of the Chamber's
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Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
49 South Main Street, Concord, New Hampshire | (603) 224-2508
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