As we celebrate the 4th of July in the company of family and friends with a cookout or maybe go to a parade and fireworks, we should think about the meaning of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The 13 colonies set America free by severing ties with Great Britain.

These are the words known best by most from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.”

These are powerful words! The preamble sought to encourage and bring together the people of America with hopes of a better life. The people of the colonies wanted to be free to live their lives as they chose. Since 1776, many have given their lives to ensure we Americans continue to be free.

To me, being free means not being under the control or in the power of another person or government. The United States is the greatest country on earth. We are “free” to live our lives as we choose, and make changes in our life if we are not happy with our current circumstances. If we are determined to do something we will get it done. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

In keeping along the line of being free, I believe a part of being free is keeping all taxes and fees as low as possible for the taxpayers. In my opinion, keeping taxes and fees as low as possible is under attack by Democrats.

I understand that the State of New Hampshire has a hefty budget surplus. It is hard to comprehend why the Democrats in the Legislature want to burden the taxpayers with so many new taxes and fees.

The following information is the legislative voting record on taxes and fees of Ken Wells, District 1 (Andover, Danbury, Salisbury) through June 6. Information on these bills can be viewed at gencourt.state.nh.us/rollcalls/.

Mr. Wells voted FOR the following bills:

HB712, which I believe has the same effect as creating an income tax. Rates in my opinion would be set by an unelected bureaucrat.

HB686, creating a new tax on capital gains.

SB1, which I believe has the same effect as creating an income tax. Rates in my opinion would be set by an unelected bureaucrat.

HB2, which I believe has the same effect as creating an income tax, as well as new taxes on capital gains, vaping, and sports betting and increasing business taxes.

HB1, increasing state spending. In my opinion, this increase is a massive $1.5 billion, or 13%, and in my opinion high taxes are the result of high spending.

HB680, creating a tax on vaping.

HB623, raising business taxes.

HB166, which would in my opinion permit state bureaucrats to raise hidden taxes on electricity without legislative oversight and approval.

HB641, creating an additional tax on room rentals.

SB74, increasing by 40% a surcharge on Registry of Deed users. In my opinion, SB74 would support a program unrelated to the Registry service.

SB205, which in my opinion would permit state bureaucrats to raise hidden taxes on electricity without legislative oversight and approval.

HB682, which in my opinion would double and triple various fees.

HB616, an unfunded mandate raising towns’ and schools’ retirement costs. In my opinion, the State passes too many unfunded mandates.

SB72, requiring utilities to buy more Renewable Energy Certificates. In my opinion this would raise the cost of electricity for all New Hampshire consumers.

Mr. Wells voted AGAINST the following bills:

HB497-0113h, reducing the statewide property tax.

HB185, reducing the interest and dividends tax.

HB157, reducing electric rates by allowing more use of methane as a fuel.

HB477, reducing electric rates by distributing all proceeds from RGGI sales to ratepayers.

CACR12, prohibiting an income tax.

HB2-1435h, replacing a mandatory family leave plan, funded by what I believe amounts to an income tax, with a voluntary plan.

We all need to thank Governor Sununu for using his “veto” pen and protecting the people of New Hampshire from unnecessary additional taxes and fees

Have a Happy 4th of July.

Louise Andrus