Granite State Priorities is pleased that Question 1, an attempt to amend NH's state Constitution to forever ban any new tax on income, failed. We thank our supporters, our partners and our allies for their role in defeating the amendment.

It's important to remember this was not a referendum on the voters' desire for tax reform, nor was it an informed debate on the merits for or against an income tax. The main argument for a ban centered on a political gimmick that Granite Staters have been sold since the Nixon Administration: that we are "advantaged" solely by our state's tax policy. There has been no serious study to prove or disprove this theory since the pledge was coined for use on a campaign yard sign.

Granite State Priorities hopes with this question now put aside that lawmakers will assume their rightful role in the coming years as stewards of our true advantages, and begin the hard work of finding ways to fund the priorities every Granite Stater has the right to expect. Strengthening our support for public education at all levels, spurring economic development, and ensuring access to healthcare, safety net services, public safety, transportation, courts and other core systems we all depend on, whether directly or indirectly, ensures New Hampshire is prepared to embrace opportunities and respond to economic challenges of the 21st century.

Equally important is revising the state's current upside-down tax system so that the pressure of paying for these priorities does not fall hardest on those least able to pay, in the form of property taxes.

Granite State Priorities believes there are many who voted on either side of this question who want these priorities in place and who agree our current property tax-dependent, upside-down revenue system needs change. These voters may have alternate ideas for how to fund such a change. We remain open to all possible solutions to accomplish these goals. We strongly believe a study of all possible ideas should emerge from this process so that we can continue this discussion in a rational, constructive way.