With the New Hampshire General Court wrapping up its work for this legislative session, lawmakers and advocates are sharing their perspective on what did and didn’t happen this year – as well as what needs to get done next year.

In an op-ed published by NH Journal, a leading political news and commentary site in New Hampshire, state Rep. Brian Labrie (Hillsborough 2-Bedford) detailed some of the pro-growth highlights for small businesses from this session.

Rep. Labrie is an NFIB member and the owner of two small businesses: B.H. Labrie Landscaping and Drop One Portables. He worked closely with NFIB NH to protect small businesses from harmful mandates and tax increases this year.

From the op-ed:

As a small business owner and state legislator, I approach every vote with one question in mind: Will this help or hurt the men and women who are working hard to keep New Hampshire running?

…

This past legislative session, small businesses in New Hampshire scored meaningful wins. And while we have more work ahead, I’m very proud of what we accomplished and what we prevented.

The biggest victory? Killing HB 503, a $700 million tax hike that would have reversed a decade of pro-growth tax reform. That bill would’ve raised the Business Profits Tax (BPT), the Business Enterprise Tax (BET), and the Meals and Rooms Tax. It would’ve hit job creators, consumers, and working families all at once. We stopped it cold.

Rep. Labrie also shared his view on what’s needed next session:

– Reduce the tax burden further. While our business taxes are low by New England standards, New Hampshire still ranks 16th nationally. And the BET, in particular, is a tax on payroll—it punishes businesses for hiring and investing in people.

– Cut outdated regulations and make state agencies more business-friendly. New Hampshire ranks as the 18th most regulated state. We hear constantly from homebuilders, retailers, and service businesses who struggle with agencies that should be helping them, not hindering them.

– Improve access to health insurance for small employers. That means enabling Association Health Plans and creating tax credits—like one tied to the BET—for businesses that help workers afford their own coverage through programs like Health Reimbursement Arrangements.

Read the full op-ed here – LABRIE: Protecting the New Hampshire Advantage—And Expanding It – NH Journal