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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. President Bush takes his Social Security Message to NH, Governor Lynch unveils his 2-year budget, and more debate on lowering the state's death penalty age. Here to talk about all this: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press in Concord, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and Talk Show Host at WTSN-AM.here in Durham. Welcome to all of you. |
| Lynch Budget Intro Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the BUDGET. Governor John Lynch unveiled his plan Tuesday for balancing the state's 2-year budget. It closes a 370-million dollar gap by raising the cigarette tax - and counting on higher revenues. Q KEVIN/NORMA: Clearly, the Governor knows he needs to have bi=partisan support for this budget. How did this go over with Lawmakers? Q How would you say this CONTRASTS with Governor Benson's BUDGET? Q Republican party chair says LITTLE news in the speech --but, is that a good thing. |
| Budget QUES Return to index of stories... |
Q Lynch proposed raising the CIGARETTE tax 28-cents per pack to balance a lean budget -- Higher than the 17 cents floated earlier? Q The cigarette tax hike would raise the total tax to 80 cents per pack, still less than the rest of New England. Q NORMA: One day after he presented his Budget, the Governor told Lawmakers of a 13-MILLION Dollar ACCOUNTING error? How big a DEAL is that? State Employees Benefits --not included in this budget??? Q NO real major initiatives announced in this budget? Pretty LEAN. Q LCHIP -- managed to survive. He campaigned on that. Did the program get what it wanted? Q Lynch did call for the funding of 14 more state troopers. Some might suggest that's payback for their SUPPORT in the election? James -- would they be that be far off??? Q A Poll by the UNH Survey centers shows Governor Lynch with "modest" approval ratings. 43% APPROVE of what he's doing -- 6% disapproved -- and 51-percent were NEUTRAL. JAMES: Sounds like people haven't made up their minds? Q This pretty much mirrors Craig Bensons' ratings at the same time. THis a pretty typical RATING for freshman governors Q Same Poll suggests that NH residents believe the BUDGET DEFICIT is a "serious" problem. How important is that in Lynch getting his budget through? Q The same Poll shows that the majority of NH residents think PUBLIC EDUCATION is the state's most important problem. 1/4th support DECREASING STATE spending to solve the deficit problem -- about the same amount support hiking cigarette taxes. |
| SB 110 Return to index of stories... |
The Governor Friday took aim at SB-110 -- the bill which brought more health insurers to NH-- but, also lead to skyrocketing health premiums for small businesses. Lynch, unveiled a bi-partisan proposal to "revamp" the measure, signed by 13 senators from both parties. This came as hearings got underway at the State House on bills dealing with small group health insurance. Q KEVIN/NORMA: Gov Lynch -- Not talking REPEAL as he did on the campaign trail and even at his Inauguration --but REVAMPING the measure. Clearly, a COMPROMISE. SUPRISED? Q How much resistance was there to REPEAL in the Legislature? Q JAMES: What kind of POLTIICAL message does this compromise SEND? Q NORMA/KEVIN: What is he giving up? The ability to prevent insurers from using AGE in setting premiums? Q With 13 Senators on his side -- is this bill going to FLY thru the Legislature? Q Lynch's office says the compromise SATISFIES the Governor -- but, will it satisfy small businesses who wanted SB110 REPEALED. Q Businesses in the North Country and Seacoast were especially hard hit by SB-110. Lynch's office says They should benefit if the proposed compromise becomes law. |
| Bush Visit Return to index of stories... |
President Bush was in New Hampshire this week -- giving a sales pitch for Social Security Reform. Mr. Bush outlined his plans for privatizing parts of Social Security at a hanger at the Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth. |
| Soc Security Return to index of stories... |
As for "Revamping" the system -- President Bush has his job cut out for him in NH. According to a UNH Survey Center Poll. 54-percent of New Hampshire adults surveyed believe the President's plan that allows young workers to invest part of their payroll taxes in private accounts is a BAD idea. Only 32-percent LIKED the concept. 14-percent don't know. *** Q JAMES: Given the lack of support in NH for his reforms and his candidacy -- Why come HERE? Most of the other states he was visting -- had voted for him in the election. Q Congressman Jeb Bradley was not in attendance he was in Washington voting. Bradley does NOT embrace Mr Bush's Privatization Plan. Why would some suggest HE was the reason the President came here? Q MIKE: Questions raised again about SCREENING the crowd. Tickets were released thru local Congressional offices. NOT the first time we've heard that complaint. Actually --there were a number of empy seats. Q In NH, Bush approval rating is -steady at 52%. Unchanged since October. Pollster Andy Smith says -- Mr Bush has still not convinced NH that his presidency is doing a good job. NH split over need for socialsecurity reform and Direction of US Policy in Iraq. |
| Death Penalty Return to index of stories... |
Finally, The State's Death Penalty is back on the legislative agenda. A measure to RAISE the minimum age from 17 to 18 -- was again the subject of a hearing this week. Q NORMA/KEVIN: The Legislature passed the exact proposal last year, but Governor Craig Benson vetoed it. Where does Gov LYNCH stand on the death penalty?? Q Is the measure likely to pass the Legislature again -- and wind up on Lynch's desk? The state allows for the death penalty for those who kill a police officer, corrections officer or court official; commit a murder during a kidnapping or rape; or solicit another to kill. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Norma Love in Concord, and James Pindell and Mike Pomp here in Durham. And, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Journalists from around the state join us to talk about this week's top stories. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Monday a special edition of New Hampshire Outlook: A look back in time to Colonial New England for a look at living history in real life and on film. Join us Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Tonight a special edition of New Hampshire Outlook: A look back in time to Colonial New England for a look at living history in real life and on film. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| lynch poll Return to index of stories... |
He lost the election in NH -- still has not yet convinced In the most recent UNH Granite State Poll, 52 percent of New Hampshire adults say they approve of the job Bush is doing as president, 43 percent disapprove, and 4 percent are neutral. These figures are essentially unchanged since October when 51 percent approved of Bush’s performance as president, 46 percent disapproved, and 4 percent were neutral. “Bush narrowly lost the election in New Hampshire and has not yet convinced Granite Staters that his presidency is doing a good job,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH Survey Center. |
| EZ Pass Return to index of stories... |
E-Z pASS could be up and running by summers end on all toll roads. Not yet decided: Just how deep a discount to give EZ-Pass Holders. Tokens currently provide motorists with a 50-percent -- discount and its not clear if pass holders should get the same discount. A new bill aims to give the Legislature the power to make the decision on the EZ pass discounts. It's traditionally been the Executive Council's domain. Q What's fueling this bill? Is this likely to fly? Q The bill also would end the use of tokens on the state turnpike system. Would that be a popular move? Q Would it save state money? |
| soc sec Return to index of stories... |
BUDGT Q What about this 1 Governor John Lynch has proposed raising the state cigarette tax 28 cents per pack to help balance a lean state budget. Lynch told lawmakers this morning he is offering better government, not bigger government. He also kept his promise to repeal the statewide property tax. Lynch proposes covering a projected 370--million-dollar shortfall by counting on the economy for higher revenue, raising the cigarette tax, recouping tax mistakes through auditing, and increasing lottery and liquor sales. The cigarette tax hike would raise the total tax to 80 cents per pack, still less than the rest of New England. He also includes money to subsidize health insurance for an additional six thousand children through the Healthy Kids program and he's recommending ten million dollars for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, which got a million and a half dollars in the current budget. His budget would add 14 state troopers and would cut about 100 unfilled management jobs in the Health and Human Services Department. Administrative Services Commissioner Don Hill noticed the error Tuesday afternoon, after examining some documents accompanying Lynch's budget presentation. Lynch said Hill called him later that evening. "I very much appreciate Commissioner Hill's candor in letting me know right away," Lynch said. Hill said the $13 million shortfall could be reduced after the state finishes collecting proposals from outside vendors that could change the structure of state employees' benefits package. Lynch's budget advisers said they had no immediate plans *** PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - President Bush's Social Security mission to New Hampshire is being greeted by supporters and skeptics. Demonstrators on both sides of the Social Security reform issue gathered outside the airport hanger in Portsmouth where the president is appearing today, carrying signs and banners for and against the plan. Thirty-one-year-old Sabrina Velandry of Portsmouth says she believes allowing people to invest part of their Social Security taxes will end up costing more. She says the current system isn't perfect, but believes it just needs minor tweaks. Connie Sillitta of Dover says even though she won't directly be affected by the changes the president is proposing, she supports the plan for her children. She said she likes the idea of government getting out of people's lives. Supporters are waving banners that say "Fix Social Security now." Opponents' signs plead "Don't steal our Social Security." == CONCORD, N.H. - Congressman Jeb Bradley is in a touchy spot today, as President Bush visted his district to talk about reforming Social Security. In a debate in 2002, Bradley said he was against privatizing Social Security, a key element of Bush's plan. A Bradley spokeswoman said Bradley has not taken a position on Bush's plan. Bradley was not with the president today in Portsmouth, and even though Bush heaped praise on scores of local politicians, he did not mention Bradley. The White House has said the aim of the president's road trips is to sell Americans on the idea that there is an immediate problem with Social Security, even though the system doesn't run out of money for decades. He hopes they will put pressure on their representatives in Washington to back his plan. |
| bush visit Return to index of stories... |
Bite: 11:56:31 I'm going to continue travelling over and over.nothing changes. Bite: 11:57:58 President Clinton thought raising the age.sit down at the table.I'm open minded.exception of the payroll tax increase. Bite: 11:59:51 If you're a younger worker.into a personal account.accumulate $250,000.his or her lifetime. Bite: 12:16:06 I've been planning.appreciate what you're doing. Bite: 12:26:45 I like calling Congress.till we get something done. soundup: 08:35:46 Under Franklin's leadership, we established social security. It has been the most successful govt. program. |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/18/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 3:30 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. President Bush takes his Social Security Message to NH, Governor Lynch unveils his 2-year budget, and more debate on lowering the state's death penalty age. Here to talk about all this: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press in Concord, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and Talk Show Host at WTSN-AM here in Durham. We begin with the budget. Governor John Lynch unveiled his plan Tuesday for balancing the state's 2-year budget. It closes a 370-million dollar gap by raising the cigarette tax - and counting on higher revenues. The Governor Friday took aim at SB-110 the bill which brought more health insurers to NH but, also lead to skyrocketing health premiums for small businesses. Lynch, unveiled a bi-partisan proposal to "revamp" the measure signed by thirteen senators from both parties. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Gov. John Lynch\ New Hampshire, Sen. Ted Gatsas\ District 16 |
| key: economy/ business Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/18/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 3:30 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. President Bush takes his Social Security Message to NH, Governor Lynch unveils his 2-year budget, and more debate on lowering the state's death penalty age. Here to talk about all this: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press in Concord, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and Talk Show Host at WTSN-AM here in Durham. We begin with the budget. Governor John Lynch unveiled his plan Tuesday for balancing the state's 2-year budget. It closes a 370-million dollar gap by raising the cigarette tax - and counting on higher revenues. The Governor Friday took aim at SB-110 the bill which brought more health insurers to NH but, also lead to skyrocketing health premiums for small businesses. Lynch, unveiled a bi-partisan proposal to "revamp" the measure signed by thirteen senators from both parties. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Gov. John Lynch\ New Hampshire, Sen. Ted Gatsas\ District 16 |
| key: crime/ legal issues/ law enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/18/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 3:30 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. President Bush takes his Social Security Message to NH, Governor Lynch unveils his 2-year budget, and more debate on lowering the state's death penalty age. Here to talk about all this: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press in Concord, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and Talk Show Host at WTSN-AM here in Durham. Finally, the State's Death Penalty is back on the legislative agenda. A measure to raise the minimum age from 17 to 18 was again the subject of a hearing this week. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Rep. James Pilliod\ Belknap, Rep. James Pilliod\Bill Co-sponsor, Chief William Wrenn\Hampton Police Dept., Chief William Wrenn\NH Association of Chiefs of Police |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/18/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 3:30 Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. President Bush takes his Social Security Message to NH, Governor Lynch unveils his 2-year budget, and more debate on lowering the state's death penalty age. Here to talk about all this: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press in Concord, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and Talk Show Host at WTSN-AM here in Durham. Finally, the State's Death Penalty is back on the legislative agenda. A measure to raise the minimum age from 17 to 18 was again the subject of a hearing this week. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Norma Love\Associated Press, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Rep. James Pilliod\ Belknap, Rep. James Pilliod\Bill Co-sponsor, Chief William Wrenn\Hampton Police Dept., Chief William Wrenn\NH Association of Chiefs of Police |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday, February 18, 2005: We started a bit late today because one of our guests was a few minutes late. We began just before 2:15pm. A wrong key was put in during a Governor Lynch soundbite so we had to stop the show briefly to fix that. Todd didn't have the correct adapter for his camera so he worked on battery power and fortunately it lasted. Everything else went well. We finished just after 2:45pm. |