Ok….so I’m more than a little excited. But who wouldn’t be if you’re a New Hampshire economic developer and you wake up this morning to find a Boston Herald editorial headline that reads “Selling Mass Out.”  Just like the country duo who are the centerpiece of a promotion that is inviting Massachusetts business owners to get “Big & Rich” in New Hampshire, the hits just keep coming…..

The editorial reads:

Selling Mass. Out

In case you haven’t caught any of those ads from the car dealers in the last few days this is the last week for Massachusetts residents to take advantage of a “mere” 5 percent tax on the purchase of a new or used car – and most other consumer goods as well.

Yes, as of Saturday the sales tax goes up by 25 percent – to 6.25 percent – and don’t think our friends over the border in New Hampshire have overlooked that helpful little policy change.

As the Herald reported a few days ago, Granite State officials in charge of economic development have launched a new promotion to entice Massachusetts companies – inviting 900 Massachusetts business owners to enter a contest to win tickets to a Big & Rich concert, where recruiters will be stationed to sell the winners on the benefits of locating in the Granite State.

One of those benefits? Why, no state sales tax, of course.

Steve Boucher, legislative director of New Hampshire’s economic development division, said the timing of the concert is “pure coincidence.” “But I’d be lying to you if I said the timing isn’t perfect.”

The Patrick administration has pooh-poohed the latest attempt by New Hampshire to spirit Bay State businesses away. And it is true that the commonwealth’s highly-educated workforce, its concentration of academic brainpower and innovation, will ensure that we always remain competitive.

But between a massive corporate tax increase, high unemployment insurance costs and now this hit on the average worker’s pocketbook, the perception of Massachusetts as a business-unfriendly state is natural and fitting. In this economic climate, that is a perception we can ill afford.

Looks to me like Tuesday is shaping up to be a fine day.

– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director