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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook tonight. As the deadline looms on solving the education funding crisis, we'll look at the bottom line of these taxing issues. plus. From Gulag to Glasnost, eye opening art at the Currier Gallery. |
| Headlines Return to index of stories... |
Good Evening. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. |
| State Revenues Return to index of stories... |
State revenues for March fell short of expectations by 11 percent. The New Hampshire treasury took in 146 million dollars but had expected 164 million. The largest shortfall came from 18 so called donor communities witholding state property tax payments. The money totalling 19 million dollars was withheld over a legal dispute with the state. Governor Jeanne Shaheen's budget director says what bears watching is whether softening receipts from business taxes are a sign that an economic downturn will hurt state coffers. She says April will be a critical month. |
| Intro Tax Primer Return to index of stories... |
Legislators at the State House face some tough decisions in the next couple of weeks as they look for a way to fund public education. House members have held hearings on several bills - each proposing a different solution to how to pay for our schools. This afternoon, several legislators attended one of several informal workshop meetings designed to help them get familiar with the choices to fund public education. House members have held hearings on several bills - each proposing a different solution to how to pay for our schools. Among those providing some analysis on the benefits and drawbacks of each plan was Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. Doug will be joining us for some discussion on this topic in a few moments. But first, producer Richard Ager gives us a roundup on each of the plans, what they promise, and what some of their critics are saying. |
| Tax Primer Return to index of stories... |
SOURCE: TAPE 21 05:55:30 NEW TRACK: At a packed State House hearing last week, the Governor outlined her Excel plan. Bite: Tape 1 10:18;03 First, I believe that what we do must provide adequate and reliable funding for our schools. Secondly, whatever we do must give us the lowest tax rate in New England. Third, it must be something that won't harm the economy of the state. Fourth, it must lower the rate of the statewide property tax. And fifth, it must allow us to improve the schools in New Hampshire. Graphic: The Excel plan would impose a 2.5% on retail sales, but would include exemptions on food, clothing, fuel, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and services. would cut the statewide property tax from $6.60 to $4.90 per $1000 of assessed value. If implemented, the state estimates the plan could raise nearly $400 million in 2002. NEW TRACK: The plan also emphasizes its overall purpose by setting performance standards for schools and establishing an early literacy and reading instruction program. The heaviest criticism has come from retailers and an academic consultant hired by a retail group. Bite: 11;:15:14 In NH, a sales tax is a really bad idea because it would disrupt a whole industry that the state consciously or unconsciously developed around the idea of drawing in shoppers from other states. Bite: Tape 1 10:27:28 It's time for us to solve school funding. We must solve it and we must solve it this year. There are significant financial consequences to our failure to address this issue. SOURCE: TAPE 18 NEW TRACK: Of the two income plans on the table, the Hager-Below bill is given the better chance. The bills sponsors, including Senator Clifton Below, made a detailed presentation of how the bill would work during a hearing last month. Graphic: It would impose a 3.3% tax on income but grant large exemptions of $11,000 per taxpayer and $3000 per dependent. Single parents would get an additional $3000 exemption. Bite: 13:48:27 We have schools for us. For society. The schools benefit all of us. They represent the future and a society that invests in education is investing in the future. The people who wrote our constitution understood this. They put an education clause in our constitution. Track: But many legislators say an income tax will not get the support need to pass. Tape 1 33:56 If the people of NH were given a multiple choice question and asked if you would rather have an income tax, a sales tax, or tweak your current tax structure in order to address the issue, my suspicion is that the majority would say let's tweak the current system. NEW TRACK: Not surprisingly, Representative Hess has his own plan SOURCE: Outlook Tape 12 03;25:47 NEW GRAPHIC: House Bill 50 would change the structure of the education trust fund. It would dedicate 75% of the current revenues from the business enterprise tax and business profits tax to the education fund - about $270 million. It would remove 165 million in other revenues, including the tobacco settlement. That would still increase the Education trust fund by $105 million, enough, Hess says, to fill the current deficit. Bite: This bill accomplishes two major goals. First, it fully funds the education trust fund at the existing level of $881 million from existing revenue sources. In so doing,it assures our citizens and our NH families that our schools will remain open. The money is there. The state will meet its obligation to fund an adequate education for all of our children, and we can do so without enacting a broad-based sales or income tax. SOURCE: Outlook tape 18 01;23:39 Track: For Rep. Andy Peterson, the problem is clear. Bite: Tape 1 10:15:18 What it shows here a result by eight years from now - about 2009 - of almost 2.2 billion dollars of accumulated deficit and annual deficits that are running in excess of $300 million. Track: To prevent such a fiscal meltdown, Peterson is proposing a one percent tax on retail sales of goods and services that would be included in the price of those goods and services. Bite; Tape 1 11:08:11 In general, a business is going to be required, subject to certain exemptions and deductions in certain cases, to pay 1% of their gross receipts that come in for the selling of a retail good or the provision of a service within the state. For most businesses, this would only be collected once a year. Graphic: The tax would exempt food, rent, tuition, prescription drugs, and gasoline. It would also repeal the Estates and Legacy tax and reduce the statewide property tax, the business enterprise tax, and the business profits tax. Track; As with all plans, this proposal has drawn opposition. Bite; Tape 3 00:01;40 Net profit before taxes is only 2 - 2.5 %. 1:55 I 1% gross receipts tax as proposed in HB766 in effect would be a 50% tax on profits. I cannot imagine a new hidden business tax that would require $220,000 to the state regardless of their profitability. A simple statement that all we have to do is raise our prices by 1% is unrealistic in the highly competitive motor vehicle business. Track: Some opposition was tempered by a fear that other tax plans could be worse. Bite: 00;04:35 The tax option proposed in this bill by Rep. Peterson would not be the first choice of the membership of the Retail Merchants Association, nor is it one of the three that we would justify supporting, but when compared with the sales tax, this option is far less damaging to the retail sector. Track: That best of a bad lot attitude has attracted support from many Republicans. Bite; Tape 2 12:26:45 Certainly Rep. Peterson's proposal will be one of the things that Ways and Means will consider to raise additional revenue and then it will just be a decision by the House first to see if they like that option or if they do want to go with a broad-based tax. Track: That's the $100 to 400 million dollar question. For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. |
| Intro guests Return to index of stories... |
Richard has outlined what are generally conceded to be the four major plans, but we should mention there are others. Representative. Alf Jacobsen has his own income tax bill, Senator Ned Gordon has proposed a new cost-sharing arrangement between towns and the state, and Representative Peter Bergin has a plan. It's enough to make your head spin. So - joining us to make some sense of it all, we have Doug Hall, from the NH Center for Public Policy Studies and State Revenue Commissioner Stan Arnold. How close or far do you think we are from reaching a solution.Are we any close than we 've been in past years. Doug, you have been following attempts to find funding solution for years.how realistic do you think any of these plans are right now. What stands in the way of a solution? Stan - as member of cabinet , you've defended governor's plan- how viable do you think other plans are.she has said open to other plans. Slowdown economy change numbers. sales tax slowdown - not only retail other areas hurt.liquor rooms and meals detractors for each plan. Income tax - 3.3% on average family 28.000 off right way then in real terms how calculate how will that slow down economy more than sales tax. What will supreme court decision do to these plans.each proposal uses a reduced property tax rate. |
| Thank guests Return to index of stories... |
I'd like to thank my guests, Doug Hall and Stan Arnold, for being here. |
| BUMP Return to index of stories... |
CG:BUMP\FOR MORE INFORMATION\ONLINE TAX CALCULATOR http:/www.nhpr.ORG\ |
| Snow Tax Break Return to index of stories... |
Who ever thought a snow storm would wind up providing a tax break? Well - New Hampshire and Maine residents whose property was damaged in the big storm early last month may be eligible for just that. Seven counties in New Hampshire and six in Maine were declared federal disaster areas because of the storm March fifth through seventh. The Internal Revenue Service says residents of those counties may be able to get tax refunds from losses not covered by insurance. Taxpayers must file a special form with their federal tax return. Those who already have filed, can file an amended return or wait until next year. |
| Intro Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Well, there was some sun in some parts of the state today, but it still was on the cool side for spring.Katie Hess from the Mount Wasington Observatory looks at what we can expect weatherwise and tells us about the weather up where she is tonight. |
| Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
CG:WEATHER\Mount Washington Observatory\Current Conditions\Temperature: 12 Degrees\Northwest Winds at 20 mph, Gusting to 26 mph\Windchill -25 Degrees\Freezing Fog and 200 Feet Visibility CG:WEATHER\Tonight\North\Cloudy Chance of Snow Showers \Lows 20 to 25 Degrees with Light Winds\\ CG:WEATHER\Tonight\South\Variable Clouds\Lows in the 20s\Winds out of the North at 5 to 10 mph\ CG:WEATHER\Tomorrow\North\Mostly Cloudy in the Morning Then Clearing\Highs 35 to 40 Degrees\WInds out of the Northwest at 5 to 10 mph\ CG:WEATHER\Tomorrow\South\Mostly Sunny\Highs in the 40s to near 50 Degrees\Winds out of the Northwest at 5-10 mph\ Currently on the summit the temperature is 12 degrees. The winds is out of the NW at 20 gusting to 26 mph giving us a windchill of -25 F. We have freezing fog and a visibility of 200 feet. Tonight N: Cloudy with a chance of snow showers especially over the mountains. Lows 20 to 25 degrees with light winds. S: Variable clouds with lows in the 20's and winds out of the N at 5-10 mph. Tomorrow N: Mostly cloudy tomorrow morning then clearing. Highs 35 to 40 degrees with winds out of the NW at 5-10mph. S: Mostly sunny with highs in the 40's to near 50 degrees. Winds out of the NW at 5-10mph. |
| Business Outlook Return to index of stories... |
Stocks sank for the second straight day this week as a seemingly relentless stream of earnings warnings were released on Wall Street. The dispute between the United States and China over a grounded U-S spy plane added to the market's uneasy mood. |
| Wall Street Stocks Return to index of stories... |
The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled 292 points to close at 94-hundred-85, its lowest close since March 22nd. The Nasdaq composite sank 110 points, or six percent, to end at 16-hundred-72 -- its lowest close since autumn 1998. The S-and-P 500 dropped 39 points to eleven-hundred-six, for a three-and-a-half percent fall. CG:STOCKS\Dow Jones Industrials\9485\-292\NYSE\572.08\-17.21\American Stock Exchange\832.24\-22.62\Nasdaq\1672\-110\S&P 500\1106\-39 |
| NH Stocks Return to index of stories... |
Here's a look at stocks of interest to New Hampshire investors.Bottomline technology dropped three points-or 50-percent of it's value after opening. Compaq was down nearly one and a half points. Oracle was down two point oh seven. State Street Corporation dropped one point nine two. And Timberland Company ended the day down just over three points. CG:STOCKS\Bottomline Tech\2.91\-3.00\Compaq\16.49\-1.49\Oracle\13.25\-2.07\State Street Corp\90.02\-1.92\Timberland Co\46.10\-3.05 |
| ATM Fees Return to index of stories... |
If you feel like it's costing more than ever when you use your ATM card at a bank other than your own - you're right on the money.The New Hampshire Public Interest Research Group says the cost has nearly tripled. In a new national survey, figures show that five years ago - it cost one dollar and one cent.today it's two dollars and eighty six cents. One reason - a spokesperson from the reseach group says consumers are charged twice to use the ATM only once.Not only does the ATM owner charge you - if you're not a member of that bank - but your own bank charges you as well. CG:BUMP\ATM Surcharges\1996 - $1.01 2001 - $2.86\Source: NHPIRG |
| Annalee Dolls Return to index of stories... |
Within the next few years, Annalee Dolls will be made outside of the U-S. The company's chief operating officer, says collectible and gift buying has dropped about 35 percent since last fall. So the company has been looking outside the country as a way to cut costs. The dolls will still be designed in Meredith. And the company's gift shop and doll museum also will remain. Annalee Dolls are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Lakes Region. |
| Intro Russian Art Return to index of stories... |
Throughout the Cold War, the Soviet government controlled most of the artwork produced in the country. For the most part, it was used as propaganda. At the same time a large, underground alternative art movement was very much alive. The Currier Gallery in Manchester is now hosting an exhibition of some of those works - it's called, From Gulag to Glasnost. |
| Tag Closer Return to index of stories... |
From Gulag to Glasnost is on exhibit at the Currier Gallery of Art through June 10. From Gulag To Glasnost The Currier Gallery of Art Manchester Through June 10 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 11AM -8PM Saturday 10AM-5PM www.currier.org |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on tonight's program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.o-r-g. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts and participate in our daily poll. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program you can call us at 800-639-2721. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
Tomorrow on New Hampshire Outlook - Healthy New Hampshire 2010: A new campaign is underway to improve the health of children, women and men in the Granite State. We'll look at the asthma, smoking, obesity and diabetes epidemics and find out what's being done to get people to take charge of their own health. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of New Hampshire Outlook. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, thanks for joining us. Stay tuned for Keeping Up Appearances. We'll be back tomorrow at 7:30. Good night. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundadtion Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| Smith blames Clinton Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--China-NH dewman Smith blames Clinton for China plane standoff -- Senator Bob Smith is blaming former President Clinton for President Bush's first foreign policy crisis. Smith says Clinton administered a failed partnership with China, that did little to to ease tensions. He says the policy helped lead to the stalemate over returning a surveillance plane and its crew after an emergency landing on a Chinese island this week. Congressman Charles Bass is commending Bush for pressuring China to allow American officials to see the crew and plane. AP-NY-04-03-01 0526EDT |
| School Sports Return to index of stories... |
While this year's late snowfall has been a boon to the ski industry it has been a headache for high school athletic directors trying to salvage the spring sports season. Teams have been unable to practice and track and field meets scheduled for this week have been put off. Officials are considering shortening the sports season by canceling early games or adding a week to the season to allow the early games to be made up. |
| PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Healthy New Hampshire 2010: A new campaign to improve the health of children and adults in the Granite State. Find out what's being done to get people to take control of their own health. Tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Billing Settlement Return to index of stories... |
The owner of a rehabilation center in Dover is paying nearly 200 thousand dollars to settle Medicare abuse allegations. As part of nine lawsuits nationwide against Vencor Incorporated of Kentucky, the government charged that the Dover Rehabilitation and Living Center billed Medicare for respiratory services and supplies that either were not necessary or not provided. Nationally, Vencor agreed to pay 219 million dollars in the settlements. U.S. Attorney Paul Gagnon says the New Hampshire lawsuit and most of the others were brought by whistleblowers, who will share in the settlement. |
| key: community Return to index of stories... |
DATE:4/3/01 TOPIC:This afternoon, several legislators attended one of several informal workshop meetings designed to help them get familiar with the choices to fund public education. House members have held hearings on several bills - each proposing a different solution to how to pay for our schools. Among those providing some analysis on the benefits and drawbacks of each plan was Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. SEGMENT LENGTH: 6:20 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. |
| key : culture / arts Return to index of stories... |
DATE:4/2/01 TOPIC:Russian art exhibit, produced by Phil Vaughn SEGMENT LENGTH: 4:41 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| key: economy Return to index of stories... |
DATE: 4/3/01 TOPIC: Richard has outlined what are generally conceded to be the four major education funding plans, but we should mention there are others. Representative. Alf Jacobsen has his own income tax bill, Senator Ned Gordon has proposed a new cost-sharing arrangement between towns and the state, and Representative Peter Bergin has a plan. It's enough to make your head spin. So - joining us to make some sense of it all, we have Doug Hall, from the NH Center for Public Policy Studies and State Revenue Commissioner Stan Arnold. SEGMENT LENGTH: 6:20 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Doug Hall\NH Center for Public Policy Studies Stanley Arnold\NH Revenue Commissioner |