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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides NOT to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax -- Emissions testing gets a Reprieve -- and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome! |
| Revenue/Cigarettes Return to index of stories... |
We Begin with the Budget. A key House committee raised revenue estimates. 50-million for the next 2 years, and 25-million for this year. It's still not enough to fully restore proposed budget cuts --and pay for a school aid plan that passed the House. Which may explain why this week House Speaker Doug Scammon did an "about-face" on the CIGARETTE Tax. He now says he will support a 28-cent hike in the state tobacco tax. Q KEVIN/TOM: Scammon had promised NO NEW TAXES -- or Tax Increase. What exactly PROMOTED the turn-around? Q What does this do for the PROSPECTS of getting a cigarette tax PASSED? ** Senate President Tom Eaton still AGAINST it? Q MIKE/EDITH: When you get outside he CONCORD belt -- is there support for a CIGARETTE tax.to fund school aid, and other services? Q KEVIN/TOM: Tax would raise 87-Million. Even with that -- Isn't it true that lawmakers would come up SHORT in the Education Funding Bill? Q Where Else are lawmakers looking for REVENUES? ** Talk of raising COURT fees. ** Re-Calculating the state BEER tax. ** Lynch wants to hire more state auditors to track down tax delinquents Q KEVIN/TOM: When does the HOUSE need to get their spending plan to the SENATE. |
| Gambling Return to index of stories... |
Expanded Gambling was "talked-up" as a budget fix -- but, on thursday, the Senate "shot-down" a plan to add video slot machines at race tracks and in Coos County. The bill's sponsor -- Manchester Senator Lou D'Allesandro -- promoted video slots as an economic recovery package for the state. But, Most senators didn't buy it. Q EDITH: Coos County stood to benefit from this -- Will this be a major SETBACK for those trying to jump start the economy? Q TOM/KEVIN: The vote: 18 to 6. Suprised by the trouncing the bill got? ** Usually Senate supportive of slots -- it's been the HOUSE that's objected. Why the CHANGE? Speaker dead set against it. Q NH's vote MIRRORS what's happened in Neighboring MA --where lawmakers there also resist LEGALIZING slot machines at tracks. ** How big a role did problems at the Lakes Region Greyhound Track play in the bill's DEFEAT??? Q MIKE/EDITH: Coalition against Expanded Gambling -- lobbied hard. They call this a success. Gambling no longer viewed as FREE money? Q Any chance we'll see Senator D'Allesandro bring this up again? |
| Same Sex Marriage Return to index of stories... |
Same Sex Unions were back in the news-- with the first public hearing of a state commission, charged with looking at which NH laws would have to be re-written "if" civil unions were legalized. Several Proponents of gay marriage spoke out. Only one person spoke out against gay marriage at the hearing -- who said government has no jurisdiction over marriage. Last year, lawmakers voted against recognizing gay marriage in NH. Q Kevin/Tom: Where does the commission go from here? Q EDITH/MIKE: Of course, MA-- recognizes Gay Marriage. This week, CT moved towards becoming the 2nd State to Pass a Same-Sex Civil Union Bill -- following VT. Will NH be next???? Q TOM/KEVIN: The Commission chairman is a CONSERVATIVE Republican -- who's been CRITICIZED for waiting so long to hold hearings. Why has it taken so long for the commission to get going? Q Will we see a report by the expected December 1st deadline? |
| Emissions Return to index of stories... |
This week -- Drivers and some Inspection Stations were given a REPRIEVE from using a computerized Vehicle Emissions Testing System. The emissions testing was to have become a "mandatory" part of vehicle inspections this April. But, House lawmakers decided to give drivers a year's GRACE period for getting their vehicle's emission system tested. Q TOM/KEVIN: What Happened? Q Why was the measure watered down? Q MIKE/EDITH: Your thoughts on emission testing? |
| Videotaping inters Return to index of stories... |
And - Don't look for video cameras anytime soon at traffic intersections. The House killed a bill this week that would have allowed video cameras to enforce VIOLATIONS. The measure called for the posting of WARNING signs that would alert drivers that pictures would be taken of License Plates running RED LIGHTS. The vote 217- to 99. Q MIKE/EDITH: Soundly defeated! WHAT, is this just NOT the NH way?? Q How do you PROVE who Is or Isn't driving the vehicle? Tickets given to Vehicle OWNERS -- who would be PRESUMED Guilty. Q TOM/KEVIN: tHE VOTE 217-TO 99. Who came out in SUPPORT of the MEASURE. Police? Q The House voted to BAR RECONSIDERATION of the issue until 2007? That sounds a bit UNUSUAL? why?? ** IS this a PERENNIAL bill? Don't Mess with people in their vehicles. |
| Seatbelts/EZ Pass Return to index of stories... |
Which of course leads to Seatbelts -- NH remains the only holdout on buckling up. Q KEVIN/TOM: Bring us up to speed on what happened? Q EDITH/MIKE: BETH: E-Z pass and Discounted TOKENS. The state's turnpike system has been financed since the 1980s through bonds repaid solely by tolls. This week --the state Treasurer --hinted that keeping DEEP discounts on Tokens and giving drivers a break on E-Z Pass could open the turnpike to a bondholder TAKEOVER. Q KEVIN/TOM: What are we to make of that? Q MIKE/EDITH: Got to be Politically tricky. Governor and Councilors don't want to be remembered for ELIMINATING discounted tokens -- but, can we afford it?? Q MIKE/EDITH: E-Z Pass not really for the INFREQUENT drivers. It's market is really COMMUTERS -- who may be more concerned with CONVENIENCE than COST. *** So -- should we KEEP the tokens -- but, charge E-Z Pass users full price??? Q KEVIN/TOM: Here's the argument why people want the discounted tokens: ** A 50 percent discount on your E-Z bill won't equal the deal you get with tokens. Because you have to pay $30 to get a transponder and a $1 monthly fee on top of that. The tolls would be extra. TRUE?? BETH: Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray said state can't afford to have tokens and EZ-Pass at a 50-percent discount without losing money. KEVIN/TOM: She's talking Maybe 40-percent. What's likely to happen. |
| Insurance/SB110 Return to index of stories... |
This week the SENATE approved a plan to "limit" the increase in health insurance costs to small business owners-- to 20 percent. The move is in direct response to an outcry over SB-110 --which let insurance companies consider a workers health, age and location in setting rates. Some small businesses saw their premiums SKYROCKET. Q KEVIN/TOM: I understand this new measure still allows Insurers to use AGE and INDUSTRY to determine rates? Not quite the REPEAL some wanted? Q EDITH/MIKE: Will this find a lot of support in the North Country and the Seacoast? ** SB110 -- hurt businesses in areas with higher health care costs like the Seacoast. Q KEVIN/TOM: What happens next with this measure? Q BETH: We know lawmakers are moving ahead on Insurance REFORMS -- What about MEDICAID reforms - TOM: What's this I hear about a STALEMATE? |
| Pope Return to index of stories... |
We can't close the show without mentioning the end of an Era at the Vatican and the funeral of Pope John Paul. The Catholic Church in NH designated friday a day of mourning.closing facilities to allow the faithful to take in the service for the pontiff in Rome which drew huge crowds including world leaders, royalty, and common folks. President Bush and Governor Lynch both ordered flags flown at half staff in honor of the Pope.leaving some to question the division of church and state. got a lot of flak!! Q Kevin/Tom: Have you heard any rumblings about this at the State House? What is STATE policy in terms of the flag at half staff? Q Edith/Mike: Vatican sovereign nation -- and as such, the death of its leader warrants the flag at half-staff. Clearly, those objecting in the MINORITY? BETH: one comment I read: " So, I don't enrage anyone I think the Pope was a great man -- but, we're supposed to be separate from church and state? Will NH fly the flag at half staff when Rev Billy Graham,Pat Robertson or the Rev. Al Sharpton passes on? or when the major Jewish religious leaders pass on? Let's be fair to everyone. *** REACTION anyone???? Not just here: The French government faced accusations of double standards over decision to fly flags at half-mast in honor of Pope John Paul. Critics said it violated the state's commitment to secularism. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My Thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Tom Fahey in Concord. and, Edith Tucker and Mike Pomp in Durham. and, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Berlin Development Return to index of stories... |
Some good economic News for the North Country this week. Berlin has begun a project to revitalize a large vacant section of its downtown. Engineers, planners, architects and the City Council met this week to come up with designs to develop a vacant 6-block section of the city. Q Edith: Any sense on what's being talked about for that downtown block? Q Edith: How long has it been vacant -- and when might the project be completed? |
| same sex Return to index of stories... |
Last year lawmakers voted against recognizing gay marriage in New Hampshire but they did agree to establish a commission to study all aspects of same-sex marriage including which laws would have to be re-written if same-sex civil marriages were legalized. This week the commission had a public hearing about legalizing same-sex unions in the state. Several proponents of gay marriage spoke out. The house voted to BAR reconsideration of the issue until 2007. The House rejected their arguments and took the unusual step of voting to bar reconsideration of the issue until 2007. signs WAR The bill would have required the municipalities to post signs warning drivers about the cameras that would take pictures of license plates of cars running red lights. enforcement at traffic lights. House kills bill to allow video enforcement at traffic lights nmlavbstho CONCORD, N.H. - Don't look for video cameras anytime soon at New Hampshire intersections controlled by traffic lights. The House voted 217 to 99 today to kill a bill that would have allowed cities and larger towns to use video cameras to enforce violations. The bill would have required the municipalities to post signs warning drivers about the cameras that would take pictures of license plates of cars running red lights. Opponents objected that tickets would be issued to a vehicle's owner who would be presumed guilty. To avoid paying the fine, the owner would have had to swear someone else was driving. Opponents also objected that the fines were higher than if a police officer issued them to raise money to pay for operating the video surveillance system. The House rejected their arguments and took the unusual step of voting to bar reconsideration of the issue until 2007. AP-NY-04-06-05 1746EDT |
| Al Gore TV Return to index of stories... |
AP-Gore-TV Channel Former VP into TV SAN FRANCISCO - Al Gore has a plan for luring the Internet generation back to television: make it more participatory by having viewers contribute their own video. The former vice president and longtime Internet champion has joined investors to announce the creation of Current. The cable T-V channel that will target younger viewers with a blend of news, culture and viewer-produced video. Gore will serve as chairman of the board of the new venture, which will be based in San Francisco. The channel, which will launch August first, will be available in 19 million cable-subscriber homes. The channel will try to engage viewers ages 18 to 34. Sound: AP-NY-04-04-05 1920EDT =================== Al Gore launches youth TV channel Former US Vice-President Al Gore is to spearhead a new TV channel offering bite-sized entertainment and current affairs aimed at young people. The cable channel Current will launch in August with 15-second to five-minute "pods" on subjects from fashion to finance plus Google's search headlines. It will also encourage its 18-34 audience to make their own TV packages. Mr Gore, who will be the channel's chairman, said it would let viewers "engage in the dialogue of democracy". He said he wanted to "transform the television medium itself" by making it easier for viewers to get their voices heard. We are about empowering this generation of young people in their 20s Al Gore Current's website will offer editing software and tutorials for viewers to post their videos on the site. A vote will pick the best ones to be shown on TV. Mr Gore said: "We are about empowering this generation of young people in their 20s to engage in a dialogue of democracy and to tell their stories about what's going in their lives in the dominant media of our time." But Mr Gore, 57, who lost out in a hard-fought presidential campaign to George W Bush in 2000, said Current would not be a political mouthpiece. 'Two-way TV' "We have no intention of being a Democratic channel, a liberal channel, or a TV version of Air America," he said, referring to the liberal radio network. "That's not what we're all about." He said the San Francisco-based channel would launch on 1 August and be available to 19 million subscription viewers. Its "pod" segments, styled on an iPod digital music player's ability to play a wide variety of styles, will also cover topics such as technology, music, parenting and career advice. The five-person crew can be one young woman in her 20s with something the size of a handbag Al Gore And a deal with Google will provide details of the top search topics twice an hour. Mr Gore said he was frustrated that television has traditionally been a "one-way" medium dominated by large companies. "The $100,000 television camera has become a $3,000 high-definition camera, and the $250,000 editing console has become a $1,000 Apple computer program," he said. "The five-person crew can be one young woman in her 20s with something the size of a handbag." |
| drugs Return to index of stories... |
LACONIA, N.H. - Studies show that New Hampshire's teenagers are using drugs more than their national counterparts and many of them are not getting treatment. Studies by the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies and Centers for Disease Control indicate that marijuana use among the state's teens is among the country's highest. Meanwhile, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says drug charges against New Hampshire's juveniles rose by 18 percent between 2000 and 2002, placing the state among the top ten in the country in alcohol and drug abuse and in the number of teens needing but not receiving drug treatment. That survey also shows that about 12 percent of the state's teens have serious alcohol or drug problems. An estimated 79-hundred young people, or seven percent, need drug treatment but do not get it and 93-hundred teens, about eight percent, need but do not receive alcohol treatment. Researchers say there is some overlap in the estimates because many of the teens abuse both alcohol and drugs. avbfls BOSTON - A defrocked Catholic priest, who spent three years in prison in New Hampshire, has been indicted in Boston on 13 counts of sex assault against children. Robert Burns will be arraigned today. Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley says the alleged abuse took place in the mid-1980s through the early-1990s while Burns was a priest in Jamaica Plain and Charlestown parishes. Burns was convicted in 1996 of indecent assault of a child and spent three years in prison in New Hampshire. avbho CONCORD, N.H. - Drivers in New Hampshire are being asked to be on the lookout for frogs, salamanders and toads on the roads in the coming weeks especially on warm, rainy nights. The Fish and Game Department says spotted salamanders, spring peepers, wood frogs and toads will be hopping and sliding across roadways as they head to mate and lay their eggs. Wetlands biologist Michael Marchand says the amphibians already are on the move in southern New Hampshire. avbdov MIDDLETON, N.H. - conservation groups hope recent support from several communities will help generate a second one million-dollar federal grant to help buy 22-hundred acres on Moose Mountain in Middleton and Brookfield. The Moose Mountains Regional Greenways is working with the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests to protect the property for conservation and recreational use. Eight communities supported a recent resolution to buy the property. The forest society says it will submit the communities' resolutions to the state's delegates in Washington to show local support of the proposal to buy the property for two-point-four- million dollars, most of it in federal grants. avbflsap |
| vouchers Return to index of stories... |
A proposal to provide vouchers to children attending private or religious schools has been put off in the Senate. The head of the Senate Finance Committee, Salem Senator Charles Morse, said the Department of Education made an error calculating the cost of the program. He asked senators to return the bill to his committee for next year. The bill had passed in the Senate last week but did not include any provision for funding. The plan called for the state to issue a designated number of certificates, worth roughly three-thousand to four-thousand dollars per year toward tuition at nonpublic schools. Proponents argued this would give poor parents a chance to pick The House's tax writing committee has raised its estimate of what the state can spend over the next two years -- but not enough to pay for a school aid plan and restore proposed budget cuts. Governor John Lynch and the House now are about 200 million dollars apart on how much money the state will have. No one offered any ideas for raising state money for education but several people at a House Finance Committee hearing Monday were critical of the latest proposal to spend it. ADVERTISEMENT The committee has two weeks to figure out how to fund an education spending plan that would require $497 million in state money with another $22.3 million proposed for tax relief to poor homeowners. The plan would target aid to communities with smaller tax bases and more needy pupils. The finance committee has about $420 million to $450 million to work with when it allocates education aid if it eliminates the state property tax. That may cover the targeted aid but it is not enough to pay for transition grants for towns that would lose money under the new approach. Committee members asked several speakers how the state should generate more money for education but got no takers. Still, people were quick to say what not to do: no broad-based tax and no increases in business taxes. Despite Chairman Fred King's insistence that it was his committee's job to fund not to change the plan, testimony focused primarily on that. Plymouth Rep. Debra Naro advised the committee to take out test scores and graduation rates as factors to determine which schools need more money. "The message we will be sending across the state is: dumb it down and we will send you more money," she said. Danville Rep. Michael Asselin, who serves on the House Education Committee, proposed changes in how a portion of the education aid could be distributed to account for the cost of special education, poor and high school students. This would help cities such as Nashua, Dover, Laconia and Manchester, he said. It would reduce the money going to communities with fewer special education and poor students. Asselin argued this was fair because these pupils are typically more expensive to educate than others. Rep. Mark Carter, who also serves on the House Education Committee, said spending on special education differs drastically pupil to pupil, making it hard to incorporate into any formula. That's why the Education Committee left it out, he said. "It's going to lead to an incentive to code ," he said after the hearing. Several people asked the committee to delay implementation of any new plan so school districts won't be forced to adjust to new state aid amounts after they've already approved budgets. State and local spending on education "needs to be synchronized," said Merrimack Town Manager Tim Tieperman. The hearing continues Tuesday. PRINTER FRIENDLY E-MAIL TO A FRIEND TOOLS PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION E-MAIL TO A FRIEND TOP E-MAILED ARTICLES SEARCH GLOBE ARCHIVES Today Yesterday Past 30 days Last 12 months Advanced search Graduate and Professional Programs Unlimited Phone Calls to US & Canada $24.99/mo Need help with a tax filing issue? Click Here. Find great offers from your Boston Area Audi Dealers Protect Your Vehicle with LoJack. Click Here Choose from over 600 undergraduate & graduate courses feedback | help | site map | globe archives | rss © 2005 The New York Times Company |
| franklin/school aid Return to index of stories... |
F RANKLIN - For months, the city has battled with how and whether to pay the Franklin Career Academy, the state's first charter school, its cut of state education aid money. Last night, the city council decided not to do so, in a 5-4 vote. After the council defeated a motion to pay the charter school about $77,000 in aid and another motion to delay payment until further information was made available, the city's attorney, Paul Fitzgerald, requested to meet with the council in private. Afterward, Councilor Jerry Audet made a motion to deny the funding request. Audet said he had no comment as to why he suggested the city withhold payment. Other councilors said it was based on Fitzgerald's advice. Earlier in the meeting, Audet questioned whether the charter school is an unfunded state mandate. "The state can take us to court, and we can get the opinion of a judge, instead of just flinging money at this," he said. ---ADVERTISEMENT--- But Bill Grimm, the Career Academy's founder, said the school is not an unfunded mandate because the money that the Franklin school district is supposed to transfer is state money, not local money. He said he understands the difficulty the city is having, however, because he also was under the impression that charter schools in the state would not need to ask local districts for the aid this year. "It's hard because when anybody has money in their hands: They think it's their money," Grimm said. The council was presented with three options last night: The city could issue revenue anticipation notes, or essentially borrow the money; it could take the money out of the undesignated funds balance, the city's surplus; or it could declare charter schools an unfunded state mandate and refuse to pay. The council's resolution, however, did not specifically call charter schools an unfunded mandate. Councilor Doug Boyd said it was not up to the city council to decide that. Councilor Jay Bowers said he agreed, but in order for a ruling to be made, the question would have to make its way before a judge. The charter school first requested the aid money in December. According to state law, the money is supposed to follow the student to whichever public school he or she attends. But Grimm had told the local school district that the charter school would not ask for any money in its first year. Grimm said he had hoped the state would fully fund the school, at $8,000 per pupil, which has not happened. Since then, the Career Academy's funding request has been before both the city council and the school board multiple times. Last week, the school board voted to recommend that the city borrow the funds to pay the charter school. The board also instructed the superintendent to draft a letter to the state requesting that it look into revoking the Career Academy's charter. Some of the reasons cited were financial instability and misrepresentation. Last night, Grimm said the Career Academy needs the state aid money as soon as possible. The school is owed $115,000 total from several school districts, but it has only received $1,700 so far, he said. As to the school's future, Grimm said it would be discussed at a meeting of the board of directors tonight. "It's been very challenging," he said. |
| Avian Flu Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire health officials told lawmakers today they are developing a plan to deal with the possible spread of a new strain of the bird flu, also known as avian flu. Health officials say the virus, now found in Southeast Asia, could reach New Hampshire next winter. About 48 people have died in Asia after catching the virus from infected birds. So far, the virus does not appear to travel from one person to another. But because viruses mutate, that could change. In a worst case scenario, state health officials say a new strain of bird flu could cause as many as one-thousand deaths in New Hampshire. State efforts include planning for the quick and efficient distribution of a vaccine if it's needed. In addition, health officials are briefing lawmakers, doctors, emergency workers and town leaders about response plans. State Medical Director William Kassler says the state is in good shape after having dealt with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS outbreak, more than a year ago. |
| gay jesus Return to index of stories... |
Bishop says misinterpreted remarks causing him grief dewman MANCHESTER, N.H. - New Hampshire's Episcopal bishop says he is receiving a flood of angry messages after being falsely accused of suggesting that Jesus might have been homosexual. Gene Robinson says he's furious his remarks in February about Jesus' lifestyle are being misintrepreted to mean something he never said. A Web log and conservative publications have been reporting that while speaking at a forum in Massachusetts, Robinson implied Jesus may have been gay. Robinson, the church's first openly gay bishop, said he was making the point that even for his time, Jesus apparently led a nontraditional life. AP-NY-04-05-05 0839EDT |
| BUDGET Return to index of stories... |
Democratic Governor John Lynch included the tax in his budget, but House budget writers did not factor it into their work on a school aid bill passed last week. The tax would raise about 87 million dollars. Scamman said budget writers still will have to cut spending in the school aid bill because the cigarette tax wouldn't raise enough money to fund it fully. nmlstfls CONCORD, N.H. - The picture may be a little brighter for budget writers this morning. The House's tax writing committee worked yesterday to revise estimates of what the state can spend over the next two years. Preliminary figures totaled about 75 million dollars for this year and the next two years. Updated numbers are closer to 90 million dollars. About one-third of the money would come this year and could be available toward the new budget if it isn't spent. Governor John Lynch and the House are about 200 million dollars apart in their estimates of how much money the state will have to spend. Lynch is much more optimistic about the economy. The Finance Committee cut 162 million dollars from Lynch's budget to bring it into line with earlier, more conservative House estimates. The new House estimates close the gap, but not enough to restore all the spending cuts and pay for a school aid bill that passed the House last week without enough funding to pay for it. CONCORD, N.H. - Republican House Speaker Douglas Scamman announced today he supports raising New Hampshire's cigarette tax 28 cents a pack to pay for school aid. Democratic Governor John Lynch included the tax in his budget, but House budget writers did not factor it into their work on a school aid bill passed last week. The tax would raise about 87 million dollars. Scamman said budget writers still will have to cut spending in the school aid bill because the cigarette tax wouldn't raise enough money to fund it fully. Scamman said new, higher revenue estimates of what the state has to spend over the next two years mean budget writers can restore some but not the entire 162 million dollars in cuts they made to Lynch's budget. CONCORD, N.H. - The Senate approved a plan today that would limit small business owners' share of health insurance premium increases to 20 percent. The new plan steps back from reforms enacted just over a year ago under Senate Bill one-ten, which let insurance companies consider workers' health, age and a business' location in setting rates. That law drew outcry because it drove up costs for businesses with sick or older workers. It also hurt businesses in areas with higher health care costs, such as the Seacoast. Today's plan would stop insurers from considering workers' health or a business' location to assess premiums. But the plan still would allow insurance companies to look at workers' ages and industry to determine rates. ==== Small business insurance reform gains momentum amsbywst CONCORD, N.H. - The Senate approved a plan today that would limit small business owners' share of health insurance premium increases to 20 percent. The new plan steps back from reforms enacted just over a year ago under Senate Bill one-ten, which let insurance companies consider workers' health, age and a business' location in setting rates. That law drew outcry because it drove up costs for businesses with sick or older workers. It also hurt businesses in areas with higher health care costs, such as the Seacoast. Today's plan would stop insurers from considering workers' health or a business' location to assess premiums. But the plan still would allow insurance companies to look at workers' ages and industry to determine rates. Ablowich told Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council in a letter obtained by The Associated Press that a takeover, while unlikely, is possible if the turnpike system fails to produce enough revenue to satisfy terms of the bonds. Ablowich noted that the turnpike system has been financed since the 1980s through bonds repaid solely by tolls. "In issuing the bonds, the state agreed to meet certain financial performance measures for the system," he wrote. "One of the most important covenants made with bondholders is to maintain a certain level of annual net revenues in excess of the yearly expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the turnpike system." Ablowich said that so-called "coverage ratio" has trended downward since 1998 as expenses have risen faster than traffic and revenues. If the state fails to achieve the coverage ratio, it could risk defaulting on the bonds, even if it is bringing in enough revenue to pay turnpike expenses, Ablowich said. Bondholders also could demand new toll charges to bring the system back into compliance, he said. The House voted last month to eliminate discount tokens sold to drivers using the system in anticipation of a discount instead being offered to drivers using E-ZPass. Some have suggested keeping tokens, at a discount, through this year. But Lynch says he doesn't want E-ZPass to push out tokens, which now are sold at a 50 percent discount. He also does not want to set a deadline to eliminate tokens. The state is already modifying some toll booths to accommodate E-ZPass, which uses special transmitters on vehicles to automatically deduct tolls from drivers' accounts. The system is to go statewide later this year. Lynch has complained that E-ZPass was set in motion without a financial plan to pay for it. Ablowich expressed similar concerns. "I am anxious for the state to bring E-ZPass forward, but I also have concerns about the financial impact of the new service to the turnpike system," he said. Spokeswoman Pamela Walsh said Tuesday that Lynch has asked the Department of Transportion to propose ways to launch E-ZPass without undercutting the turnpike system's finances. Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray said the state could offer a 40 percent discount on tokens and E-ZPass without losing money. "We can't afford to have tokens and E-ZPass at a 50 percent discount," she said. If tokens are phased out, "we think we could run E-ZPass with a 50 percent discount," she added. Murray said she would like to offer a smaller discount to E-ZPass users at first and increase it as tokens are phased out. She said she would like to start E-ZPass at the end of May and hopes to meet with the Executive Council on Wednesday to discuss options to get the program started. |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/08/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides not to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax Emissions testing gets a Reprieve and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. We Begin with the Budget. A key House committee raised revenue estimates. 50-million for the next 2 years, and 25-million for this year. It's still not enough to fully restore proposed budget cuts and pay for a school aid plan that passed the House. Which may explain why this week House Speaker Doug Scammon did an "about-face" on the cigarette Tax. He now says he will support a 28-cent hike in the state tobacco tax. Expanded Gambling was "talked-up" as a budget fix but, on thursday, the Senate "shot-down" a plan to add video slot machines at race tracks and in Coos County. The bill's sponsor Manchester Senator Lou D'Allesandro promoted video slots as an economic recovery package for the state. But, Most senators didn't buy it. This week the SENATE approved a plan to "limit" the increase in health insurance costs to small business owners to 20 percent. The move is in direct response to an outcry over SB-110 which let insurance companies consider a workers health, age and location in setting rates. Some small businesses saw their premiums skyrocket. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, Sen. Jack Barnes\ District 17, Sen. Lou D'Allesandro\ District 20 |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/08/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides not to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax Emissions testing gets a Reprieve and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Same Sex Unions were back in the news with the first public hearing of a state commission, charged with looking at which NH laws would have to be re-written "if" civil unions were legalized. Several Proponents of gay marriage spoke out. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: family/ marriage Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/08/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides not to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax Emissions testing gets a Reprieve and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Same Sex Unions were back in the news with the first public hearing of a state commission, charged with looking at which NH laws would have to be re-written "if" civil unions were legalized. Several Proponents of gay marriage spoke out. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/08/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides not to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax Emissions testing gets a Reprieve and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. This week, drivers and some Inspection Stations were given a reprive from using a computerized Vehicle Emissions Testing System. The emissions testing was to have become a "mandatory" part of vehicle inspections this April. But, House lawmakers decided to give drivers a year's grace period for getting their vehicle's emission system tested. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: environment Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/08/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides not to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax Emissions testing gets a Reprieve and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. This week, drivers and some Inspection Stations were given a reprive from using a computerized Vehicle Emissions Testing System. The emissions testing was to have become a "mandatory" part of vehicle inspections this April. But, House lawmakers decided to give drivers a year's grace period for getting their vehicle's emission system tested. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/08/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides not to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax Emissions testing gets a Reprieve and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. And, don't look for video cameras anytime soon at traffic intersections. The House killed a bill this week that would have allowed video cameras to enforce violations. The measure called for the posting of warning signs that would alert drivers that pictures would be taken of License Plates running red lights. The vote 217- to 99. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: transportation Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/08/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. A busy week at the capital where the Senate decides not to gamble on slot machines, the House Speaker "endorses" a Cigarette Tax Emissions testing gets a Reprieve and, Testimony is given on Same-sex Unions. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270 and Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. And, don't look for video cameras anytime soon at traffic intersections. The House killed a bill this week that would have allowed video cameras to enforce violations. The measure called for the posting of warning signs that would alert drivers that pictures would be taken of License Plates running red lights. The vote 217- to 99. Which of course leads to Seatbelts NH remains the only holdout on buckling up. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |
| OutlookMoneyprmo Return to index of stories... |
Monday Tonight. credit. budgeting. saving and investing. Putting you and your family on the road to financial health. Tuesday Tonight. are you managing your credit card debt -- or is it managing you? Find out what a credit card user should know --and take control of "your" money. Watch for advice -- in our new series. Wednesday Tonight. life on a budget. It isn't just for those having a hard financial time. With the right start you can Gain control of your financial life. Watch our new series. Thursday Tonight. why save? It's the best way to put you and your family on the road to financial health -- and reduce those money hassles. Watch our new series for strategies you can follow. |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday, April 8, 2005: Beth briefed the guests. we started just before 2:30pm. The promo will be done in Avid because of the Financial Literacy series. We finished by 2:50pm with no problems. Directors Log: It was just fine. Beth's mic looked a little funny because she had a thin shirt on but that was the worst of it. |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |