CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire is investigating whether other states are improperly taxing its residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
The review by the state Department of Justice announced Wednesday was sparked by a recent emergency regulation enacted in neighboring Massachusetts. According to the July 21 rule, residents in other states who were working in Massachusetts before the pandemic are subject to Massachusetts’ income tax while they work from home.
The regulation, which is in effect until Dec. 31 or 90 days after the state of emergency in Massachusetts is lifted, raised strong objects in New Hampshire, one of nine states without an income tax.
“We need to maintain that New Hampshire advantage at all costs,” Republican Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement. “We will take immediate steps to stop any attempts to impose income taxes on Granite Staters in a manner that violates the law or the New Hampshire or United States Constitution.”
Meanwhile, Democratic state Sens. Dan Feltes and Lou D’Allessandro wrote to Massachusetts Department of Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder asking him to reconsider.
“That’s unfair, that’s anti-worker, that’s anti-public health, and it rests on, at best, shaky legal grounds,” they wrote. “In the interest of public health, protecting workers, and protecting our regional relationship, we respectfully encourage you to withdraw the tax rule change penalizing New Hampshire residents who now work remotely due to COVID-19.”
In other coronavirus-related news from New Hampshire:
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BACK ON THE BUS
Three New England bus lines that shut down in March because of the coronavirus will resume service this month between destinations in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York.
Concord Coach Lines, Dartmouth Coach and Boston Express will resume service Aug. 16 with trips to Boston. Service to New York will be limited to Dartmouth Coach trips on Fridays and Sundays.
The bus lines have put numerous safety protocols in place. Each bus will run at reduced capacity, masks are required and plexiglass shields have been installed around headrests. Air filtration has been upgraded in terminals and on buses, and new cleaning procedures are in place.
Separately, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Relief and Recovery recently approved a request from the state Department of Transportation for funding to help intercity bus service resume.
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NATIONAL GUARD EXTENSION
New Hampshire’s Congressional delegation expressed disappointment Wednesday that the Trump administration has reduced support for National Guard members who are responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Democratic delegation had asked the administration to extend the New Hampshire National Guard’s activation through Dec. 31. According to the delegation, the request has been granted, but starting Aug. 21, the state will be reimbursed at only 75% instead of 100%. Only Texas and Florida will be fully supported, they said.
“Considering the enormous financial strain that the state is under as a result of COVID-19, full federal support for the Guard’s deployment remains vital,” the delegation said in a joint statement.
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu had asked that the activation be extended through September.
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THE NUMBERS
As of Wednesday, 6,791 people had tested positive for the virus in New Hampshire, an increase of 27 from the previous day. The number of deaths stood at 418. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases decreased increase over the past two weeks, from 26 new cases per day on July 21 to 23 new cases per day on Aug. 4.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness and can lead to death.
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