NH Governor sets up a 'Tax Me More' account for those who feel their taxes aren't high enough - Washington state introduces a 'Tax Me More' bill of its own

posted 3/9/03

New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson announced that he is setting up a special "Tax Me More" account for those who feel that their taxes aren't high enough.

"The voters spoke loud and clear last November: No income tax, no sales tax, no tax increases, no way. I have put forward the first budget in a long time that controls spending and lowers taxes. But every now and then I hear someone wants to spend more money or raise some tax," said Benson. "I can certainly respect a difference of opinion and I want to accommodate those who feel that their taxes aren't high enough. That's why I am setting up the 'Tax Me More' account for those people who want to pay more in taxes."

Anyone wishing to pay higher taxes can make their checks payable to "The State of NH / Tax Me More Account" and mail their checks to Administrative Services, Room 120, Statehouse Annex, Concord, NH, 03301. All voluntary tax payments should be accompanied by the "Tax Me More" tax form. Copies of the form are available the Governor's Customer Service Department and can be obtained by calling (603) 271-7626.

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Washington State has its own proposed "tax me more" bill. SB5700 is a revenue enhancement bill that would allow people to pay more taxes if they would like too. It could be exempt from the cutoff. I encourage you to let Senator Rossi know that you would like to see this bill come out of committee.

-S-1087.1
SENATE BILL 5700

State of Washington 58th Legislature 2003 Regular Session

By Senators Benton, Swecker, Oke, Esser and Hewitt

Read first time 02/06/2003. Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

AN ACT Relating to creating the tax-me-more account; adding a new section to chapter 82.32 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. Recognizing there are individuals who believe they are undertaxed and that advocate a greater tax burden for Washingtonians, it is hereby the declared policy of this state to provide such individuals with the opportunity to contribute more of their income to state government and to this end there is hereby created in the state treasury the "tax-me-more account." Any person who believes they are undertaxed may contribute any amount of money they so choose to the account. The account shall consist of money received from contributions, donations, gifts, bequests, grants, or other sources granted or given for this account.

NEW SECTION. Sec. A new section is added to chapter 82.32 RCW to read as follows:

The tax-me-more account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from citizens' voluntary contributions, donations, gifts, bequests, grants, or other sources granted or given for this account must be deposited in the account. Money in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used for any general fund or transportation purposes.