Vermont Lawmakers Boost New Hampshire Economy

Valley News reporter John Gregg writes up Montpelier's efforts to help New Hampshire businesses. Thanks guys!

Convenience stores, gas stations and liquor outlets along the Vermont side of the Connecticut River Valley are bracing for an economic hit from a series of tax increases approved in Montpelier this spring.

As of Monday, June 1, a new 2 percent tax on gasoline distributors is adding more than 3 cents a gallon to the state tax on motorists at the pump.

And the budget approved by lawmakers in overriding Gov. Jim Douglas' veto earlier this week, and which takes effect next month, will add 25 cents to the tax on a pack of cigarettes and apply Vermont's 6 percent sales tax to sales of hard liquor.