Americans for Prosperity (AFP) today called for the immediate resignation of Commissioner Kevin A. Clougherty of the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA). This request follows a public hearing held yesterday in Concord on the proposed LLC tax where Commissioner Clougherty stated, “I’m going to be fair and I’m going to go after everybody.”

“Commissioner Clougherty’s comments, coupled with the fact that he stated the DRA couldn’t hold more public hearings on the LLC tax due to state budget cuts, is a clear indication that he does not have the best interest of New Hampshire taxpayers in mind,” stated Corey R. Lewandowski, state director for Americans for Prosperity. “Commissioner Clougherty is a salaried employee who drives a state-issued vehicle and doesn’t pay tolls. What possible additional expense could there be to hold additional pubic hearings on this very important topic?” Lewandowski continued.

During yesterday’s public hearing under direct questioning from AFP Honorary Chairman, Tom Thomson, Commissioner Clougherty acknowledged it was his idea to insert the proposed LLC tax into HB2, the state budget bill. Commissioner Clougherty further did not deny that it was also his idea to increase the rooms and meals tax on restaurants and small business owners to 9%.

“In the best interest of the hard working people of New Hampshire, Governor Lynch should request and immediately accept the resignation of Commissioner Clougherty,” said Lewandowski. “With 6.7% unemployment in New Hampshire, the last thing small business owners need is a DRA Commissioner who pledged ‘to go after everybody,’” Lewandowski concluded.