Tom Ploszaj, Republican

Resides: Center Harbor

Experience: Retired. 44 years volunteer EMT Fire Dispatch Town Board Trustee EMT/Research scientist

Position on issues

Broad-based sales tax: "NH has managed and excelled, ranking higher than most states without broad-based taxation. NH needs to explore avenues to lower petition costs and departmental expenses. NH has prepared food, entertainment, and lodging taxes."

Broad-based income tax: "NH has managed and excelled, ranking higher than most states without broad-based taxation. NH needs to explore avenues to lower petition costs and departmental expenses. NH has an income tax from dividend and interest incomes."

Capital gains tax: Against. "I am in favor of reducing the div.& inc. tax rate if data supports an overall increase of revenue from the rate cut. I am in favor of repealing the div. & interest tax and replacing its equivocal lost revenue with a capital gains tax. Div. & interest taxation disproportionally affects NH senior and retired residents. NH government needs to refrain from expanded spending, especially in the post-COVID-19 economy."

Business tax decrease: Against. "Although business data suggests a lowering of business taxes supports an influx of new industries and jobs and its additional taxes. I have not received accurate data of anticipated revenue due to COVID-19 and the extension of NH shutdown effects on business. I oppose repealing or reducing both the Business profit and Business Enterprise taxes until the legislature receives and analyzes revenues and spending data."

Cigarette tax increase: "Taxation needs to be based on needs and the economy not as a deterrent or punishment."

Road usage fee: "Lowering the gas tax and using the revenue for only roads and bridges would do more for infrastructure maintanience and improvement than a new tax would."

Minimum wage increase: "Setting an arbitrary rate greater than the Federal rate would have a negative impact on those with only entry-level training / experience."

Tax incentives for affordable housing: "This would have a direct impact on local property taxation. Any incentives need to be available by local municipalities."

NH business subsidies and tax credits: "I have not reviewed the present system of abatements, subsidies or credits to make an informed opinion"

Student debt repayment for certain industries: "I have not reviewed how and this would benefit the taxpayer or fill any shortage and need to research the methodology of such a program."

Per-pupil school funding increase: Against. "Historically an increase in per pupil cost has not shown an equivalent increase in student performance."

Tax revenue for private and home schooling: For. "Firstmost I am for the best quality of education that can be offered to each student. Presently cost for a student outside their district is covered. If a student excels and benefits from another approved educational environment revenues should be allocated."

Statewide, mandatory family and medical leave: Against. "By definition, this would create a tax on income on one subset of employees with no way to readjust for any life changes."

Private, opt-in family and medical leave: "I am in favor of the idea but have not researched if this targets a subset of employees and employer in which other employees and employers would be prevented from joining. I need more information to make an informed opinion."

Abortion ban after 24 weeks: For. "I believe this is the responsibility of the parents and with responsibility comes action. I believe 24 weeks would be enough time for parents to make an informed decision."

Marijuana legalization: "With restrictions similar to tobacco and alcohol. Presently the criminality and decriminalization system in place does more harm to persons, families, and NH than legalization with recovery programs for those addicted."

Stricter gun laws: "The data has not suggested that the recent Constitutional Carry law has increased anti-social or criminal behaviors. NH continues to be one of the safest states and ideologically constitutional rights should not be denied nor infringed."

Increased access to police misconduct reports: For. "I am a supporter of police as Peace Officers being legally responsibile to report misconduct. The NH legislature has given law enforcement extraordinary powers and responsibilities and with those comes the need for focused oversite. Law enforcement should be held to a higher standard and those with serious/continued misconduct prosecuted/removed. Those on the EES (Laurie List) need to reviewed for the determination of denial of certification."

Net metering expansion: "The bill priority must be beneficial overall to the residents of NH. Incentives be it regulation or statute in favor of NH electricity producers is more advantageous than incentivizing out of state utilities with tax reductions."

Extending renewable energy portfolio standard: "Against"

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: "I would like to review data in that REGGI improves NH environment and is not a carbon tax scheme of a non-fiduciary reallocation of wealth."

Emergency power restrictions on Governor: "For"

Mail-in voting: "I personally (see tomploszaj/Twitter) received an unsolicited absentee request at a former residence I moved from twelve years ago. There were multiple persons who had access to that request. Voting is such an important right that it should not be trivialized for convenience's sake. Many of NH forefathers made full-day travels to vote. At this time I am of the belief that there is too much incentive for fraudulent voting when not appearing in person."

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