NHLRA's Weblog

Unemployment Benefits for Part Time Workers

The Senate Banks & Insurance Committee has voted 3-2 to recommend killing HB 170.  The bill would enable individuals to limit their job search to part-time work if they have to take care of a child.  It is expected to cost the Trust Fund $500,000 a year and not measurably impact employer tax rates.   NHLRA is monitoring the bill.

Wholesale Softdrink Tax

Senator Dick Green has made it known that he intends to offer an amendment to establish a tax on carbonated drinks, fruit juices, bottled water and other drinks with water added to them.  They would be taxed on the wholesale level at the following rates:  1 cent for drinks up to 12 ounces; 2 cents for drinks 12 ounces to 128 ounces; and 5 cents for those over 128 ounces.  It would not apply to beer or wine.  Green plans to offer his amendment on Wednesday, May 18 at the Senate hearing on HB 535, which would increase the tobacco tax.  Green wants to raise money to fund LCHIP and drinking water programs.