|
|
|
|
 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: A hacker takes AIM at the State's Computer system -- A move to involve Parents in Decisions on "Morning After Pills" and the push to SIMPLIFY Living Wills. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Tom Fahey from the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold from NH Business Review. Welcome to all of you. |
| NH computer breach Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the security breach of the state computer system. The state believes someone hacked into the system possibly seeking credit card information. State Liquor stores, the Veterans Home and the Motor Vehicles offices were Targeted. All state servers are now being reviewed for possible illegal software. If you used your credit card for transactions at the impacted sites within the last 6 months you're being advised to closely monitor your statements and report questionable activity to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454. Q KEVIN/TOM: Yikes.I just charged something recently at a state liquor store. Has there been ANY EVIDENCE credit card info has been STOLEN? Q What about DEBIT cards -- should you contact your bank if you've used it at any of the affected locations? Q THIS could have happened anytime within the last 6 MONTHS? Q DID the HACKER get thru to any other DATA stored on the SYSTEM? Q EZ- Pass INFO NOT affected??? Q KEVIN: OTHER state's WEB sites have been compromised in the past. Rhode Island Q KEVIN/TOM: WHY wasn't this caught EARLIER? HOW was it discovered?? Q KEVIN/TOM: ARE steps being taken to PREVENT this from happening again? 50$ |
| Morning After Pill Return to index of stories... |
Several Bills to LIMIT the scope of the states' Emergency Contraception Law went before lawmakers this week. One measure before the Senate seeks to protect pharmacists who refuse to dispense the so-called "morning after pill." The bill also calls for parental notification if emergency contraception is given to a minor. The law -- which went into effect in August allows Pharmacists to write prescriptions for "morning after pills" so women don't have to make a trip to a doctors office. Q KEVIN/TOM: Attempts last year to involve parents failed in both chambers. ANY reason it would have a DIFFERENT outcome??? Q ABORTION Oppenents believe pill is tantamount to an abortion -- I Imagine they were VOCAL on the matter? Q STATE'S Medical Society OPPOSES giving Pharmacists PROTECTIONS for REFUSING to dispense legal medicine. Q WHERE do Pharmacists STAND? Q In MA -- WaLMART orderered to sell morning after pills by pharmacy board Could something like that happen here? Q Are their EXCEPTIONS to the NOtification RULE in Laws. ========== BETH: * FDA made morning after pills over-the counter drug in Sept NH is 1 of a handful of states that allow pharmacists to write prescriptions. |
| Cold Medicines Return to index of stories... |
The House taking aim at COLD Medicines. Passing a bill that would require Pharmacists to move "some" Over-the-Counter COLD medicines.BEHIND the counter. The medicines contain key ingredients in making meth-amphetamine -- an illegal and highly addictive Drug. Q Sounds like These medications would be treated like ALCOHOL. Buyers would need to show a PHOTO ID, and sales to minors would be prohibited. Q Just shows how much concern there is over the METH-AMPHETAMINE problem in the state. Q Are we seeing other STATES take these kind of measures? Q Sounds like Pharmacists would have to become cold medicine police. keep medicine in sight of cash register -- DO they support these changes???? Q Any DEBATE on this? Q What can we expect from the Senate? Q Supporters HOPE to reduce ACCESS -- but what about Pharmaceutial COMPANIES not up in arms? Q What other measures are included in the bill? BETH: METH use on Rise in NE.unlike heroin or cocaine -- anyone with the right ingredients can make it just about anywhere. |
| Governor's daughter Return to index of stories... |
Substance Abuse -- is an issue the First Family has tackled. It's also an issue that's hit close to home. - For the 2nd time this school year, the Governor's college-aged daughter has been arrested. 19-year-old Jacqueline Lynch, a sophomore at UNH was charged with possession of alcohol and intoxication at the end of January. Q KEVIN/TOM: I imagine this has got to be a bit of a distraction for the Governor? ** Has he commented PUBLICLY about this latest arrest??? Q EDITH/JEFF: It's not an unfamiliar problem for politicians. Certainly the Bush daughters have had similiar run ins with alcohol. TOUGH to be in the spotlight? Q The governor and his wife say their daughter will move OFF-campus -- and commute to school. A bit of a drive from Hopkinton. ** just drives home their belief that Much more needs to be on the substance ABUSE front. |
| Michelle's Law Return to index of stories... |
The bill known as "Michelle's law" went before the Senate this week. The measure calls for insurance companies to continue health care coverage of full time students, covered under their parents insurance, even if the student is forced to leave school due to illness. Michelle Morse was a student at Plymouth State University who faced that situation during her fight with cancer. That was Michelle's MOM -- with an emotional plea to lawmakers to pass this legislation -- which already cleared the house. Q KEVIN/EDITH: AnneMarie MOrse has been a tireless ADVOCATE. Shows what one person can do when they CHAMPION a cause and stay with it. Q KEVIN/TOM: Measure Passed House UNANIMOUSLY last month -- will SENATE follow suit? Q WHAT are the STUMBLING blocks? This really come down to COST -- and who PAYS. Wasn't the argument made that FAMILIES can continue coverage under COBRA Q KEVIN/TOM: Why aren't Insurance Companies FIGHTING the measure? |
| Do Not Rescusitate Return to index of stories... |
Living WILLS came before the House this week. The End-of-Life Legislation "cleared" the House and is on to the Senate. Opponents Fear proposed changes would make it easier for doctors to withhold life-sustaining treament for patients unable to communicate. |
| GOP Head Return to index of stories... |
This week State GOP Party Chair, Warren Henderson AGREED to stay on the job thru the end of March -- which would allow state committee members to ELECT a successor. This was a suprise Move. Q TOM/ KEVIN: Was there NO CONCENSUS on a Replacement? Q GOP NATIONAL Committeeman Tom Rath -- said this Makes for a BOTTOM UP -- rather than TOP down process. Q WHOSE in the RUNNING: 3 Candidates are in the running - They are???? Businessman/activist Wayne Semprini of New Castle state Rep. Fran Wendelboe of New Hampton and vice chairman Wayne MacDonald Q I'm hearing that SEMPRINI has the support of the party's establishment? ** Rep Wendelboe represents rank-and-file Q TOM/KEVIN: COULD we see more NAMES surfacing in the race. The decision comes MARCH 25th -- stay tuned. |
| Bode Miller Olympics Return to index of stories... |
NH's Own Bode Miller, an Olympic favorite -- not having much luck early on at the Olympics. So far, the skier has been disqualified in the men's Alpine combined event for straddling a gate and finished a disappointing 5th in the downhill. Q EDITH: Bode -- NORTH Country Icon -- He has 3 events left -- including the Super-G on Saturday -- what are you thinking? Can he bring home GOLD? Q EDITH: He's always controversial -- North Country folks cheering him on?? ======================== WARM WEATHER Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers frustrated in NH due to this winter's warmer-than-usual temperatures. Many trails don't have enough snow. Q EDITH: How are things going in the North Country? Q Any downhill ski area impacted? Q KEVIN/TOM: Any rumblings in Concord about the warmer weather and the impact on tourism/state's economy? ================= NORTH COUNTY LIASON The Governor's office announced this week that its North Country staff person Peter Bensen has resigned. Q EDITH: Governor wants to fill post ASAP -- how important has this representative been to the region? ===================== |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Tom Fahey in Concord, Edith Tucker and Jeff Feingold in Durham. Thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you next time. |
| govs daughter Return to index of stories... |
DURHAM, N.H. - University of New Hampshire police have charged the governor's daughter with an alcohol violation for the second time this school year. Foster's Daily Democrat reports that 19-year-old sophomore Jacqueline Lynch was arrested January 28th and was charged with unlawful possession of alcohol and intoxication, second offense. The report says authorities responded to her dormitory and found her in the hallway. She was taken into protective custody. Paul Dean, deputy campus police chief, said she was treated no differently than any other student. A spokeswoman for Governor John Lynch said today the governor and his wife have decided their daughter will move off campus and commute to school from home. AP-NY-02-16-06 1805EST AP-NH--Gov's Daughter Governor's daughter charged with second alcohol offense avbdovflsho DURHAM, N.H. - University of New Hampshire police have charged the governor's daughter with an alcohol violation for the second time this school year. Foster's Daily Democrat reports that 19-year-old sophomore Jacqueline Lynch was arrested January 28th and was charged with unlawful possession of alcohol and intoxication, second offense. The report says authorities responded to her dormitory and found her in the hallway. She was taken into protective custody and spent the night in Strafford County jail. Paul Dean, deputy campus police chief, said she was treated no differently than any other student. A spokeswoman for Governor John Lynch said today the governor and his wife have decided their daughter will move off campus and commute to school from home. AP-NY-02-16-06 1748EST |
| hacker Return to index of stories... |
On Wednesday, illegal software was discovered in the system Security breach reported in New Hampshire's computers avbrew CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire is asking people who used credit cards to make payments to the state for things like car registrations and liquor purchases to check their statements. Governor John Lynch said yesterday that the state computer system was breached, possibly by a hacker seeking credit card information. Lynch said the breach involved online and in-person transactions in various locations, including motor vehicle offices and state liquor stores. No reports of illegal activity have been reported, but officials asked people who used credit cards with the state in the last six months to report suspicious purchases. State experts discovered the breach yesterday when they found illegal software in the system. The software, which may have been installed for six months, allows a hacker to watch transactions in real time, but not recover earlier data. Media Advisory: Contact: Pamela Walsh Thursday, February 16, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 NH Chief Information Officer, Department of Justice To Update Media at 4 p.m. About Investigation Into Potential Security Breach, Ongoing Review of Systems CONCORD - New Hampshire's Chief Information Officer, Rick Bailey, and representatives of the Department of Justice will update members of the media at 4 p.m. today about the continuing investigation into the potential security breach in the state's computer systems and the ongoing review of the state's systems. TIME: 4 p.m. DATE: Thursday, February 16, 2006 WHERE: Governor and Council Chambers State House Concord # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov AP-NH--Computer Breach Security breach reported in New Hampshire's computers avbrew CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire is asking people who used credit cards to make payments to the state for things like car registrations and liquor purchases to check their statements. Governor John Lynch said yesterday that the state computer system was breached, possibly by a hacker seeking credit card information. Lynch said the breach involved online and in-person transactions in various locations, including motor vehicle offices and state liquor stores. No reports of illegal activity have been reported, but officials asked people who used credit cards with the state in the last six months to report suspicious purchases. State experts discovered the breach yesterday when they found illegal software in the system. The software, which may have been installed for six months, allows a hacker to watch transactions in real time, but not recover earlier data. AP-NY-02-16-06 0516EST ====================================== By Kevin Landrigan Telegraph Staff CONCORD – Consumers using credit cards at state liquor stores, motor vehicle substations or the Veteran’s Home in Tilton are being warned to check the last six months of their financial statements. Gov. John Lynch revealed Wednesday that someone had hacked into a state computer. “We felt it was important to alert the public that there is at least the possibility that some credit card information may have been accessed,’’ Lynch said at a late-day press conference to announce the computer system breach. “At this time we are not aware anyone’s personal financial information has been misused, but we do take very seriously the potential,” Lynch said. State computer staff spotted the unauthorized software earlier Wednesday. A similar device has been used to steal financial information of individuals from some state and corporate Web sites, according to Richard Bailey, chief information officer for the Office of Information Technology. The device allows a cracker, or criminal computer hacker, to watch transactions on the state computer as they take place, not to delve into earlier financial records, Bailey said. Bailey said the program could have been there for six months, when the last complete inspection was done. “We don’t know how long it was there. We know it was not there six months ago,’’ Bailey said. The state is in the midst of installing a software inspection program that automatically and on a near-daily basis will pick up these potential cracker alerts, Bailey said. The credit card purchases at risk include not only those made online but also online at liquor stores, state officials said. At times, this computer has held all business made either in person or over the Internet, they said. The liability that consumers face from unauthorized use of credit card information is limited. Under federal regulations, consumers are not liable for any charges made after they notify a bank or credit card company that the card was lost or stolen or the card number compromised. If charges are made before notice is given, the limit on liability is $50 per card. Protections are less strong for debit cards. State computer experts took the compromised computer off the system Wednesday. Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte called in the FBI and U.S. Attorney Thomas Colantuono for a forensic examination of the compromised computer. “We take this intrusion into the state system very seriously,’’ Ayotte said. Anyone who spots suspicious transactions on a credit card statement should contact Ayotte’s consumer protection bureau at 888-468-4454. In December, Russian crackers broke in to a Rhode Island government Web site and stole credit card data from individuals who have done business online with state agencies. The crackers had boasted in January on a Russian-language Web site that they stole information from as many as 53,000 transactions. There’s been no such Web chatter found since the New Hampshire incident, Bailey said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003, Telegraph Publishing Company, Nashua, New Hampshire ------------------------------------ By TOM FAHEY State House Bureau Chief 5 hours, 59 minutes ago CONCORD – A security breach on the state's computer network prompted state officials to warn consumers about potential credit card theft yesterday. Gov. John Lynch said people should check their credit card statements carefully. A rogue program that a hacker planted in a government computer could have stolen account numbers over the past six months. Anyone who used a credit card for so much as a bottle of wine at a state liquor store at Christmas is a potential victim. "It is important to alert the public that there is at least a possibility that some credit card information may have been accessed," Lynch said in an evening news conference. "I want to stress, however, that at this time we are not aware that anyone's financial information has been misused. But we take very seriously the potential." He described the problem as apparently isolated to a smaller network server unit used by the Division of Motor Vehicles and the state veterans home, and by the State Liquor Commission as a backup. The program may have lain hidden for as long as six months — the last time computer experts ran a thorough check of the state's network. Lynch urged those who spot questionable activity in their statements to call the attorney general's consumer protection bureau hotline at 1-888-468-4454. A new computer security upgrade detected the hidden program, a variant of the password recovery program "Cain and Abel," state chief information officer Richard Bailey said. The software tracks information in real time; that means users can steal information only while it is running. "We don't know how long it was there," Bailey said of the hidden program. "We do know that it was not there six months ago." The server involved has been taken off line and will be examined closely by computer forensics teams. The FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the state Attorney General's Office are all working on the case. "Hopefully, we'll find out who did this and hold them responsible," Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said. The new security program is the Cisco Systems MARS program, which raises an alert when it detects suspicious patterns of computer activity, Bailey said. He said the MARS tool is so new to the state that technology workers are still learning all its capabilities. Bailey's office ran MARS yesterday morning and detected the theft program. "There is no indication that any information was captured," from consumers right now, Bailey said. People who conducted business in person or online with any of the three agencies involved should check their records and statements carefully, he said. "The best practice is always to check every credit card statement and look for any anomalies," he said. Social Security numbers are unlikely to be at risk because they don't appear on credit cards, he said. Bailey said the breach of security did not get through to a second layer of data where the state stores additional data on state clients. He described the area where the program resided as a DMZ, using a warfare term acronym for a demilitarized zone. The program was blocked from digging deeper into the network by a security firewall, he said. According to Lynch, the Division of Motor Vehicles and the veterans home used the server to transmit financial information. It was also used as a back-up system for the Liquor Commission and the state liquor stores. |
| eminent domain Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Eminent Domain Senate unanimous in support for restrictions to eminent domain amsstfls CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Senate was unanimous today in supporting a bill that would limit government's power to take private land by eminent domain. Similar legislation is also advancing in the House. Two constitutional amendments also have been proposed. Lawmakers are reacting to a U-S Supreme Court ruling that permitted New London, Connecticut, to take a group of older homes along the city's waterfront for a private developer who plans to build offices, a hotel and convention center. New Hampshire lawmakers want to prevent a similar scenario from happening here. The high court's narrow 5-4 ruling was so contentious that some critics began a campaign to seize Justice David Souter's home in Weare to build a luxury hotel. Others singled out Justice Stephen Breyer's vacation home in New Hampshire for use as a park. AP-NY-02-16-06 1237EST |
| bode Return to index of stories... |
SESTRIERE, Italy - American Bode Miller is out of the men's Alpine combined event at the Turin Olympics. He was disqualified for straddling one of the gates on the first slalom run. Miller had a lead of nearly one second when he was D-Q'd. Austrian Benjamin Raich moves into first place. American Ted Ligety is currently third, 86-hundredths of a second off the lead. Ligety has the fastest time of those who have gone down the hill in the slalom so far. The second slalom run is later today. OLYMPICS-GRETZKY ========== Gretzky arrives 2/15 CESANA PARIOL, ITALY -- Rarely has such a trumped-up Winter Olympian delivered so little in such newsworthy fashion. Then again, welcome to the wacky world of Bode Miller, the outspoken, Nike-driven alpine ski celebrity. Known for his appearances on magazine covers and the CBS television show 60 Minutes, Miller followed his subpar showing in the men's downhill with a disqualification in the first slalom run of yesterday's combined event. Ted Ligety gave the United States the Olympic gold medal that Miller couldn't deliver, uncorking the two fastest slalom runs of the day to win the event and break the Americans' bad luck in alpine skiing. The 21-year-old skier from Park City, Utah, in his first Olympics, had a combined time of 3 minutes 9.35 seconds for the downhill and two slalom runs. Ivica Kostelic of Croatia won the silver medal, 0.53 behind the American at 3:09.88. Rainer Schoenfelder of Austria captured the bronze at 3:10.67. The combined features a single run on a shortened downhill course and two slalom runs. Miller was first in the combined downhill and first again after the opening slalom run. Unfortunately for the man who told 60 Minutes he once skied "wasted," television replays showed he had missed a gate. That blew Miller's second chance at a medal here. In last Sunday's downhill, the 28-year-old publicity king finished fifth, more than a second behind the winner, Antoine Dénériaz of France. "It's totally out of my hands," said Miller, who didn't bother to protest when informed of his disqualification. "You just deal with it. Jesse Hunt said on the video you could see it clearly.... It's a drag, but the downhill was good and I made it to the finish. That's at least half the battle for me." Asked whether he was disappointed by his efforts so far, Miller replied: "I don't tend to get that disappointed. At least I don't have to go all the way down to Torino tomorrow." Miller insisted he was well prepared for the Olympics, even though he recently took some time off to golf in Dubai. Before that, he was not having as strong a season as he did in 2004-05, when he won the World Cup overall championship. "I came out of the downhill and I was ready to be on the podium," he said. "A few things didn't go my way. Obviously, I was in position to win by a significant margin, even with the poor skiing in my first run. I'm prepared to ski well in all events I'm in. It's just a matter of execution." Along with Miller's inability to produce a medal so far, the U.S. ski team has had to deal with injuries on the women's side. Downhiller Lindsey Kildow crashed during Monday's third training run and had to be flown by helicopter to a hospital in Turin. There were initial fears Kildow had seriously hurt her back. Hunt said Kildow was "pretty banged up," but there was a chance she could still compete in the downhill today. She was released from hospital yesterday afternoon. "There's a rule we need to enter the athletes one hour after the last training run and Lindsey is on that entry," Hunt said. "If she doesn't race, we'll go with three athletes." In the combined, John Kucera of Calgary was the top Canadian, finishing 17th. François Bourque of New Richmond, Que., was 21st. Manuel Osborne-Paradis of Vancouver and Ryan Semple of Montreal did not finish. Men's combined Gold: Ted Ligety, U.S. Silver: Ivica Kostelic, Croatia Bronze: Rainer Schoenfelder, Austria Bode Miller's disqualification opens gate for compatriot. Print this article E-mail this article Letter to The Editor Not-so-golden gate: Bode Miller DQ'd from combined By CLARE FARNSWORTH P-I REPORTER SESTRIERE, Italy -- Bode Miller was in total control. The American maverick and expected U.S. poster boy of these XX Winter Olympics had locked in on the lower part of the downhill course earlier in the day to take the lead in the Alpine combined, and all but locked up a gold medal with an aggressive first run in the slalom Tuesday night. "With the lead he has, if he can put a good run together, he should win," Canadian skier Ryan Semple said with a shrug after going out on his initial slalom run. Then, quicker than Miller can slice around a slalom gate, it was gone. His name from the leader board. The gold medal even his competitors were conceding him. The expectations that his success in these 2006 Games would justify all the money that has been pumped into revitalizing the U.S. Alpine skiing program. Miller had been disqualified. The stunning development spread through the media in the mixing area like word the president had been shot -- or the vice president had shot someone. Was it a joke? What had he done? What was going on? Everyone had a question. No one had any answers. As reporters ran toward Tom Kelly, vice president of public relations for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, all he could say was, "I just got here. I don't know anything." Before Kelly could get a clarification, Miller appeared at the far end of the staging area. Or at least that's what someone said, setting off a stampede that made the bottom of the snow-covered slope look more like the streets of Pamplona. Call this one running for the bull. One reporter pushed another. Others elbowed their way to the front of the fence. Those in the back were complaining so loudly they couldn't hear that those in the front couldn't decipher what Miller was saying, either. Those running to catch up were still asking, "What's going on? What's he saying?" Miller indeed had been disqualified, for straddling a gate. He was unaware of the infraction after completing his run, which left him with a combined time of 2 minutes, 23.68 seconds for the downhill and slalom -- nearly a full second faster than Austrian Benjamin Raich, who assumed the lead after Miller's DQ. Ted Ligety, 21, posted the fastest times in both slalom runs and won the gold medal, the first Olympic ski title for an American man in 12 years. A video replay of Miller's run showed the straddle and Jesse Hunt, U.S. Ski Team Alpine director, relayed the decision to Miller -- who has been disqualified or failed to finish 11 times in 39 races this season. "I didn't protest. It's totally out of my hands. You just deal with it," Miller said. "Jesse said on video you could see it clearly. Which, if it's clear, it's clear. "I've straddled probably more times than most people have finished a slalom. It's a drag, but the downhill was good and I made it to the finish. That's at least half the battle for me." Miller is, above all else, a battler. After finishing a disappointing fifth in the downhill Sunday, he came back on Tuesday to dominate the course -- and the field. Switzerland's Didier Defago was the leader when Miller moved to the start, the 32nd skier down the hill. Miller still trailed Defago at the second interval. That's when he locked in and took control. By the time Miller got to the bottom of the hill, he had a.32-second lead over Defago that held up. Miller continued his domination on the slalom, despite what he labeled "bad skiing." Then, everything was dashed. "I have no idea where I hooked a gate," Miller said. "It must have been in the flushes. You go so quick through there." Pushed on the subject, Miller added, "The only time it makes sense is probably in the bottom flushes because it would have either had to have been a flush or a hairpin, because I didn't feel a thing. The only time, when you're going super straight like that through a flush, is when you can straddle them and not feel anything at all." Additional replays showed that on the 42nd of the 56 gates, Miller pinned the gate with his left ski and it popped up between his legs. What was Miller feeling, now that he had lost a golden opportunity for the second time in three days? "I don't tend to get that disappointed," he said, and then took a dig at the medal ceremonies being held downtown. "At least I don't have to go all the way down to Torino tomorrow." |
| Landlord Tenants / Return to index of stories... |
When lease is up, time to pack? Proposal would make it easier to evict By LISA ARSENAULT Monitor staff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 15. 2006 8:00AM W hen the state Supreme Courtruled in September that landlordscannot evict tenants just because their lease is up, it made one legislator's "head snap back." Rep. William O'Brien, a Mont Vernon Republican, is proposing a law that would make the end of a lease reason enough for landlords to tell tenants to hit the road. O'Brien isn't a landlord, and he didn't get any angry phone calls from people in his district. Instead,O'Brien said he acted because the court's ruling "just didn't make sense." "This is just me looking at this with 30 years of legal experience and saying this is not a result I want," said O'Brien, a lawyer. "You're basically allowing tenants to establish a perpetual life estate on property they're renting. That concerns me." Supporters of O'Brien's proposal say it is a no-brainer, but opponents say he doesn't understand the court ruling or the consequences his bill would have for tenants. Landlord-tenant laws in the state came under scrutiny last summer, when renter Kasha Dziewisz challenged her eviction from Royal Crest Estates in Nashua. The owner of the estates, AIMCO properties, sent Dziewisz a letter in July ordering her to move out by Aug. 31, when her lease was up. She chose to fight the eviction in court instead. A Nashua District Court judge sided with the landlord in the case and ordered Dziewisz to leave. The state Supreme Court reversed that ruling in mid-September. ---ADVERTISEMENT--- In the ruling, justices said they hoped to give landlords the flexibility to evict tenants for legitimate reasons but also wanted to protect tenants from being forced to move for no good reason. Landlords like Bo Szanto of Concord say the ruling takes away a property owner's crucial right, and he's glad a legislator is coming to his defense. "You have a contract with somebody for a year, and when the year is up, you should get to decide whether or not they can stay," he said. "If you're a good tenant and you pay your rent, you're not going to be losing your apartment." But low-income housing advocates say changing the landlord-tenant law could have devastating effects on for a segment of the population that is already struggling to find affordable housing. "Whenever someone has to move, there is the moving cost and there is the disruption - lost time from work and find housing in the same school district," said Mary Sliney, executive director of The Way Home, a nonprofit resource center in Manchester. "That kind of disruption of a family's life should only happen when there is just cause." Under current law, even renters who do not sign a leasebut have a tenancy-at-will agreement are protected from eviction. This law would change that, Sliney said. Changing the law would give landlords the right to evict tenants if they didn't like them, and it would discourage renters from bringing needed repairs to the attention of landlords, she said. Tenants can be evicted for failing to pay rent, damaging property, causing health or safety hazards, or violating a specific term of their lease, under current law. Tenants can also be evicted for "other good cause," such as a landlord's need to renovate or sell a building, or if the landlord raises the rent when the lease is up and a tenant doesn't want to pay. O'Brien said preventing landlords from evicting tenants when their lease is up may actually increase evictions. He said landlords who would have otherwise just let the lease run out on a problem tenant will have to go through the eviction process instead. "I'd try to bend over backwards to just let the year run out,"he said. "With this court decision, you can't do that." A subcommittee vote on O'Brien's bill was split, 3-3, last week. Now it will go before the House Judiciary Committee,which will pass it on to the full House with a recommendation to pass or kill it. If landlords could evict tenants just because their lease was up, important legal protections for tenants would be lost, said Elliott Berry, a lawyer for New Hampshire Legal Assistance who has spoken out against O'Brien's bill. The result would be more month-to-month leases, he said, which effectively allow landlords to ask a tenant to leave at any time. "You don't have to have a good cause ever ," he said. Berry, who wrote a brief supporting Dziewisz in the Supreme Court case, said low-income tenants would be particularly hurt. They do not sign a one-year lease with the intention of moving in a year, he said, but they don't have the "bargaining power" to convince the landlord to opt for a longer lease. "People should feel secure in their homes," said Cynthia Dokmo, a Republican from Amherst who opposes the bill. "We don't want to make it that you don't have to have a cause to evict someone." Dokmo, a lawyer, said it seems like a simple idea at first - if a lease is up, the landlord ought to have the right to evict the tenant. But the court's ruling and existing landlord-tenant laws make it clearthere is more at stake, she said. "You're balancing the public good against contractual rights,"she said. "When you're dealing with people's homes, public good is higher than contractual rights." ------ End of article By LISA ARSENAULT |
| Insurance Alliance Return to index of stories... |
Insurance alliance bill debated at hearing By KEVIN LANDRIGAN, Telegraph Staff klandrigan@nashuatelegraph.com Published: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006 BILL AT A GLANCE Bill No.: HB 515 Sponsor: Conway Republican Rep. Howard Crowe Dickinson. Description: This would permit companies to group together and form purchasing alliances to try and reduce their health insurance premiums. They would have to apply with the rating restrictions imposed on insurers of small businesses with no more than 50 employees. Status: The Senate Banks and Insurance Committee took testimony Tuesday on this House-approved bill. CONCORD – Legislation letting companies form alliances to purchase health insurance met a wall of opposition Tuesday, despite Gov. John Lynch’s support and the overwhelming approval of the House of Representatives. Senate President Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester, said lawmakers approved of the concept in 1998, but none were ever created. “We had one in place; it’s been in place yet no clever entrepreneur has taken advantage of it. Why? What makes this better?’’ Gatsas asked. Small business owners and insurance brokers all warned the Senate Banks and Insurance Committee that it was too soon to make sweeping changes to a 2005 law that prevents carriers from basing premiums on health risks or residency of the employees. “This looks like more harmful tinkering without giving last year’s bill any testing time,’’ said Elizabeth Dunn, vice president of Souhegan Wood Products in Wilton. This legislation permits small companies to form alliances of up to 3,000 members. Insurance carriers would still have to price insurance based upon this new rating law for companies of fewer than 50 employees. Amherst Republican Rep. Stephen Stephanek said the alliances could save costs by using collective power to promote good health. “This bill is not a quick fix, not a silver bullet,’’ Stephanek said. “The real savings is going to be by creating better, healthier lives for members of the group.’’ Nashua businessman Paul Johnson said this would eliminate many brokers who specialize in helping small firms like his that don’t have a human resource staff. “At present, the brokerage business is a competitive market. This would do away with that,’’ Johnson said. Executives with Nashua, Manchester and Portsmouth Chambers of Commerce all supported the concept and had urged lawmakers originally to sponsor the bill. Kevin Landrigan can be reached at 224-8804 or klandrigan@nashuatelegraph.com. Discuss This Article Topic Posts Author |
| Lynch Energy Costs Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Lynch-Energy Costs CORRECTION Lynch to hold first meeting with agency energy coodinators jayhoflsfn FIXES "energy" to "agency" in lede CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch meets for the first time tomorrow with energy coordinators from every state agency to discuss progress on his executive order that they reduce energy use by ten percent. Lynch spokeswoman Pamela Walsh says the governor will introduce the coordinators to the state's newly hired energy manager and explain new policies on equipment purchases, such as using Energy Star appliances and vehicle mileage minimums. In July, the governor directed state agencies to reduce energy use by 10 percent. In September, he asked them to do more, such as encouraging teleconferencing to reduce the need for travel, encouraging employees to car pool to state meetings and turn off lights. AP-NY-02-13-06 1050EST For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Tuesday, February 14, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor Urges State Agency Energy Teams To Move Quickly to Cut State Energy Use by 10 Percent Governor Speaks to 75 Employees About Ongoing Efforts To Implement his Energy Efficiency Executive Order CONCORD - Highlighting the benefits to taxpayers, public health and the environment, Gov. John Lynch today urged the members of state agency energy teams to continue to move quickly to implement his Executive Order to cut state energy use by 10 percent. "State government's yearly electric bill is more than $18 million dollars, making us the largest energy user in the State of New Hampshire. With the dramatic rise in energy prices, those costs are only increasing. That is why I issued an Executive Order directing state government to cut its energy use by 10 percent," Gov. Lynch said. "Successful implementation of this order will allow us to reduce state government costs and reduce the pollution that threatens the health of our citizens and our environment." As part of Gov. Lynch's Executive Order, state agencies were required to appoint energy coordinators. In addition to hearing from Gov. Lynch, the energy coordinators also heard today from the state's new energy manager, Gary O'Connell, and about new state purchasing policies aimed at increasing energy efficiency and other steps their agencies should take to reduce energy use. At today's session the state's purchasing director detailed new guidelines that require state agencies to purchase equipment, including air conditioners and computers, with an Energy Star rating, unless specifically granted a waiver by the Department of Administrative Services. These products pay for themselves, often in less than a year, by reducing operating costs. Under the Executive Order, every agency was also required to create a Clean Fleets Program to reduce energy waste and costs in the 4,000 vehicles in the state's fleet. Under the order, all new passenger and light-duty vehicles purchased by the state must have a highway fuel economy rating of at least 27.5 miles per gallon and be certified as low-emission vehicles, with the exception of emergency and law enforcement vehicles. Light-duty trucks must have a highway fuel economy rating of at least 20 miles per gallon. The Department of Transportation recently purchased 27 passenger cars and three vans under the new guidelines, and the new vehicles represent a 20 percent increase in fuel economy over the vehicles they will be replacing. As part of the Governor's energy efficiency initiative, the Department of Administrative Services has also established the State's Enterprise Energy Management System, to track energy use and measure progress. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov |
| Health Emergencies Return to index of stories... |
QD Abortion Opponents WEIGH in on this one? Q Does the Senate bill offer any exceptions to the notification rule? What about the House version? Q As far as protecting pharmacists some say they take an "oath" to serve the needs of their customers, what's next refusing to dispense birth control pills? Are pharmacists speaking out on this? Q Critics of a new law that allows specially trained pharmacists to dispense emergency contraceptions want lawmakers to involve parents in their young daughters' decisions to prevent unwanted pregnancies. ====================================== The state's current law requires pharmacists to take a two-hour class and get a doctor to approve them before they can begin writing prescriptions for the drug. It also requires them to talk to women who ask for the morning after pill and have the women answer a questionnaire Wal-Mart does not sell emergency contraception in New Hampshire at all - even with a prescription from a doctor, according to spokesman Dan Fogleman. A Massachusetts pharmacy board order requires the store to begin selling the morning after pill, but New Hampshire does not have any similar orders in the works, Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Greg Moore said. STATEHOUSE FYI: CONCORD - 10:30 a.m., HB1492, grants immunity from liability to pharmacists who refuse to dispense an emergency contraceptive pill, House Judiciary, LOB208. CONCORD - 1 p.m., HB1682, requires parental notification of a parent or legal guardian of a child who has been provided with emergency contraception by a pharmacist, House Judiciary, LOB208. ====================== CONCORD, N.H. - Legislators are considering a proposal that would add extra penalties to those convicted of taking the life a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The bill, sponsored by Representative Kathleen Souza, would count a fetus as a separate murder victim in murder, manslaughter and negligent homicide cases. It would not apply to the loss of a fetus caused by a medical procedure, including abortion. However opponents of the bill say they're concerned the proposal could ease the way for future court challenges to abortion. Pamela Walsh, Governor John Lynch's spokeswoman, says the governor opposes the bill because it could be used to limit reproductive rights. The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee could vote on the measure today. The bill would still have to go before the full House for a vote. FYI: CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch addresses state agency energy teams, DHHS/DES Auditorium, 29 Hazen Drive, 10 a.m. CONCORD - 3:30 p.m., SB314, establishes minimum renewable standards for energy portfolios, Senate Energy and Economic Development, LOB102. WALMART this week AP-NY-02-13-06 1503EST 'Morning-after pill' bills involve parents By NORMA LOVE The Associated Press 13 hours, 48 minutes ago CONCORD – Critics of a new law that allows specially trained pharmacists to dispense emergency contraceptions want lawmakers to involve parents in their young daughters' decisions to prevent unwanted pregnancies. A Senate bill would require parental consent for girls under 18 to get the so-called "morning-after pill" while a less restrictive House bill would require pharmacists to notify parents after dispensing the pill if the girl is younger than 16. The Senate bill and a second House bill also propose protecting pharmacists from discipline if they refuse to dispense the pill on moral grounds. The law — enacted last year — allows pharmacists who volunteer for the program to provide women and girls with an elevated dose of birth control hormones without a doctor's prescription. The pill can cut the chance of an unwanted pregnancy by 89 percent if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Attempts last year to involve parents failed in both chambers. Abortion opponents argue that life begins at conception and the pill facilitates an abortion by preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the womb. Sen. Robert Letourneau, prime sponsor of the Senate bill, told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee yesterday that parents, not pharmacists should counsel their children on such important decisions. Pharmacists also should have the right to refuse to dispense the pill, he said. "These drugs have the effect of killing the human embryo," said Letourneau, R-Derry. "The young women getting these pills need parental guidance," said Rep. Kathleen Souza, R-Manchester. The Senate bill would require parental consent unless the girl was a victim of rape or incest and charges had been filed. The bill also would make an exception if a doctor said the girl's health or welfare was at risk. Law supporters argued that the pill prevents unwanted pregnancies that later could result in abortions. They also said requiring parental consent or filing rape or incest charges would delay the pill's use past its 72-hour effectiveness. "If a young woman is the victim of incest, the most important thing to her is quick access," said Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester, sponsor of the new law. "She's going to be scared, ashamed and most likely has been threatened against telling anyone by the person who violated her." Dr. Barry Smith, an obstetrician, insisted the pill is safe based on years of experience by doctors. "This is not a massive dose," he said. "It doesn't kill pregnancy. It prevents pregnancy." The bill also would shield pharmacists who refused to fill emergency contraceptive prescriptions from civil liability and disciplinary action by the pharmacy board. A similar effort in the House would prevent the pharmacy board or an employer from punishing a pharmacist who refused to dispense the pill. The New Hampshire Medical Society opposed giving pharmacists protections for refusing to dispense legal medicines. Dr. Gary Sobelson said the society does not believe barriers should be erected "based on the personal views of pharmacists." Sobelson said a pharmacist next could decide not to dispense birth control pills. "Pharmacists take an ethical oath to serve the needs of their customers," said Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter. Print Article | Email a Friend | Submit FeedbackSite Search -SB399, authorizes the HHS commissioner to ration and prioritize certain pharmaceutical agents in the event of a shortage during a pandemic. The commissioner has the power to close public places during a pandemic, Senate Public and Municipal Affairs, Statehouse 103. 10:30 a.m. We seek coverage of this hearing: State wants power to control, ration medicine in health emergency nmlsthosfls CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire officials want the power to control and ration medicine in a health emergency. Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen also asked a Senate committee today for the power to close and decontaminate buildings and to cancel events if they pose a public health threat. Stephen said lawmakers gave the state the power to take charge of vaccines and other medicines after the September 11th terrorist attacks, but the authority expired in 2004. Stephen said the state needs the power to deal with isolated health incidents, such as a flu outbreak, and to keep the disease from spreading. The governor would approve the decisions and a special committee would be appointed to advise the state. Stephen said the powers are needed to deal with incidents that aren't as serious as a pandemic. |
| Pataki Cancels Return to index of stories... |
BEDFORD, N.H. - New York Governor George Pataki has canceled tomorrow's visit to New Hampshire, because he had his appendix out this morning. The governor, a potential presidential hopeful, had been scheduled as the speaker at a Politics and Eggs breakfast tomorrow in Bedford, and a lunch for business leaders in Manchester. AP-NH--Pataki Visit Pataki cancels N.H. trip after surgery dewap BEDFORD, N.H. - Guess who's not coming to breakfast? New York Governor George Pataki has canceled tomorrow's visit to New Hampshire, because he had his appendix out this morning. The governor, a potential presidential hopeful, had been scheduled as the speaker at a Politics and Eggs breakfast tomorrow in Bedford, and a lunch for business leaders in Manchester. An aide said Pataki is fine. He checked himself into a hospital in New York last night because of abdominal pain and had surgery this morning. AP-NY-02-16-06 0855EST |
| Death Penalty Return to index of stories... |
not a surprise CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's death penalty lives. The House yesterday defeated a bill to repeal the death penalty. Repeal supporters argued the risk of executing the innocent was too great. Death penalty supporters said some crimes are so heinous they deserve the ultimate punishment. AP-NH--Death Penalty House rejects bill to repeal death penalty nmlavbstflsho CONCORD, N.H. - The House today soundly rejected a bill to repeal the death penalty. The House voted 200-to-137 to kill the bill, which would have reduced capital murder crimes to first-degree murder with a mandatory punishment of life without parole. The Legislature voted to repeal the death penalty in 2000, but then-Governor Jeanne Shaheen vetoed the bill. Lawmakers tried again in 2001, but failed to pass the repeal bill to Shaheen's desk. New Hampshire last executed someone in 1939. No one is on death row and no capital murder trials are pending. Repeal supporters argued the risk of executing the innocent was too great to leave the law on the books. But death penalty supporters said some crimes are so heinous they deserve the ultimate punishment. AP-NY-02-15-06 1736EST |
| NH Primary Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--New Hampshire Primary Bill could make it easier for candidates to run in N.H. primary nmlavbamsstfls CONCORD, N.H. - The House voted today to protect the state's earliest presidential primary by making it easier for candidates to sign up for New Hampshire's contest without offending national party leaders. The House voted without debate to send to the Senate a bill that increases the state's nimbleness in dealing with threats to the primary's leadoff status. The bill would encourage candidates to sign up to run in New Hampshire long before the primary date is scheduled. The proposal is in response to a national Democratic Party commission that recommended changing the schedule for the upcoming presidential nominations by adding one or two caucuses after Iowa's caucus and before New Hampshire's primary. New Hampshire law already gives the secretary of state authority to set the primary date - requiring that it be at least seven days before any similar contest in another state. AP-NY-02-16-06 1602EST |
| Boat Speed Limit poll Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Boating Speeds-Poll Poll shows majority favors N.H. boating speed limits dewbywstho XX UPDATES, EDITS XX CONCORD, N.H. - Supporters of speed limits on New Hampshire's inland waters hope a new survey will convince senators to swing their way. A measure limiting boating speed to 45 miles-per-hour during the day and 25 miles-per-hour at night on New Hampshire's lakes has already passed the House. A Senate committee holds a public hearing on the proposal next week. The poll was commissioned by the New Hampshire Lakes Association, which supports the speed limit. Twelve hundred residents were questioned last week. Nearly two-thirds said they supported speed limits, nine percent were opposed. The survey also reports eight out of ten people think limits would make the waterways safer, and three-quarters said limits would make boating more enjoyable. Opponents say speed limits can't be enforced because most boats don't have speedometers and radar is far less reliable on water. AP-NY-02-16-06 1246EST AP-NH--Boating Speeds-Poll Poll shows majority favors N.H. boating speed limits dewho CONCORD, N.H. - As the issue is being debated in the Legislature, a new poll shows New Hampshire residents support setting speed limits for boats. The poll was commissioned by the New Hampshire Lakes Association, which supports the speed limit. Twelve hundred residents were questioned last week. Most say boating speed limits would make the waterways safer and more enjoyable and make boating laws more enforceable. Nearly two-thirds favor limits, with nine percent opposed. Eight out of ten people said they think limits would make the waterways safer and three-quarters said limits would make boating more enjoyable. Speed limit supporters argue many people cannot enjoy lakes and rivers because they are afraid of high-speed boats. Opponents say speed limits cannot be enforced because most boats don't have speedometers and radar is far less reliable on water. The House has approved a 45 mile-per-hour daytime speed limit for boats on inland waterways. It would drop to 25 miles per hour at night. AP-NY-02-16-06 1139EST |
| Gay Marriage Return to index of stories... |
GAY MARRIAGE Gay marriage constitutional amendment rejected by committee avbflsfn CONCORD, N.H. - A legislative committee has voted two-to-one against a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in New Hampshire. The vote yesterday in the House Judiciary Committee was 14 to seven. State law already bans same-sex marriage, but opponents want to have the Constitution declare that "a marriage between one man and one woman shall be the only legal union that shall be valid or recognized in the state." They say that would keep the issue out of the courts, avoiding situations like those in Vermont and Massachusetts where the courts ruled marriage can't be limited to heterosexuals. Gay rights activists say no such lawsuits are planned. During a recent hearing most people opposed a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. |
| State Troopers Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--State Troopers Senate approves spending to hire another seven troopers amsst CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire is a step closer to getting more state troopers. The state Senate today overwhelmingly approved a proposal to hire seven troopers. Opponents argue that money for new troopers was considered and rejected last year. It would cost about 680 thousand dollars. They say new positions shouldn't be added outside the regular budget cycle. They also noted the safety department has seven unfilled positions. Supporters say the department is working to fill those positions. They say the state needs more troopers to adequately protect the public. Several senators had particular concerns about response times in the North Country. Governor John Lynch supports the additional troopers. The proposal now moves to the House. AP-NY-02-16-06 1158EST For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Thursday, February 16, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Gov. Lynch Applauds Senate Vote To Increase Number of State Troopers CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch applauded a state Senate vote today to increase the number of New Hampshire state troopers by seven, a step he called for in his State of the State address. The House must now consider the legislation. "New Hampshire's increasing population and an increasing number of visitors have put new demands on the New Hampshire State Police. But in recent years, we have seen a reduction in the number of troopers. That's not safe for our citizens, our visitors or our troopers. And I applaud the state Senate for taking an important step toward reversing this dangerous trend." The legislation, SB 294, would allow the State Police to add seven troopers. New Hampshire currently has 287 authorized trooper positions. In contrast, Vermont, with half of the population, has 328 troopers, and Maine, with nearly an identical population, has 341 troopers. The legislation is sponsored by Senators Lou D'Allesandro, Bob Clegg, Joe Foster, Peter Burling, David Gottesman, Sylvia Larsen, Iris Estabrook, Maggie Hassan, Martha Fuller Clark, Bob Letourneau, John Gallus, Carl Johnson, Jack Barnes, Andy Martel, Joe Kenney, and Dick Green, and Representatives Jim Craig, Dan Eaton, Larry Emerton, Sherman Packard, and Bruce Hunter. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov |
| Politics & Eggs Return to index of stories... |
Notes: Event: "Politics & Eggs" Breakfast Featuring New York Governor George Pataki Presented by: The New England Council and the New Hampshire Political Library Date: Friday, February 17, 2006 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. The Bedford Village Inn, Bedford, NH |
| Drinking Age Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Drinking Age House rejects proposal to lower drinking age amsavbstfls CONCORD, N.H. - A proposal to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18 for active duty military personnel was rejected by the House today. Portsmouth Representative Jim Splaine, a Democrat, had argued it wasn't fair to send 18- to 21-year-olds to war while forbidding them to drink alcohol. But a committee of lawmakers, along with the attorney general, had recommended against it. AP-NY-02-15-06 1736EST |
| healthcare Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers have killed a plan to make the state's largest employers spend eight percent of their payroll on health insurance. The House rejected the plan yesterday that was aimed at Wal-Mart, several grocery chains, the state's larger hospitals and major manufacturers. |
| train stations Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Lawmakers have turned down a proposal to spend state money to help run the Amtrak Downeaster train stations in Dover, Exeter and the University of New Hampshire. Opponents said the state should not be responsible for reimbursing the communities and urged supporters to seek help through the congressional delegation. |
| Road Signs/Motto Return to index of stories... |
ROAD SIGNS-MOTTO Senator wants state motto on road signs dewlaw CONCORD, N.H. - A New Hampshire state senator wants to put the state's "Live Free or Die" motto on road signs. Derry Republican Robert Letourneau says the motto stands for liberty and freedom and should be on the signs. Many highway signs now carry the tourism slogan "You're going to love it here." Last year, the Legislature defeated a bill co-sponsored by Letourneau to add the motto to the state flag. Opponents said the words were too politically charged. Letourneau says he's open to discussion on whether all signs should have the motto added, but says for now he's focusing on signs on the major highways into the state. |
| living will Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - The House today approved changes to state law that would clarify the rules for living wills. In a two-hour debate, supporters argued the changes make the existing law and required forms easier to understand. Opponents feared it would become easier for doctors to withhold life-sustaining treatment if patients can't communicate. The law applies only to people who fill out an advanced directive or living will that indicates what kind of medical care they want if they can't express their wishes. It also provides rules and forms for people to designate someone to make health care decisions for them. The bill also adds a new section that sets out the terms for a do-not-rescusitate order, which allows someone to refuse C-P-R. The bill now advances to the Senate. End-of-life legislation moves ahead Bill makes it easier to define final care By: MEG HECKMAN Monitor staff House members approved legislation yesterday that would make it easier for New Hampshire residents to define the medical care they'd like to receive at the end of their lives. The bill, which now heads to the Senate, retools regulations for living wills and medical powers of attorney, and adds guidelines for do-not-resuscitate orders, which are not currently addressed under state law. Yesterday's debate, like the bill itself, was long and complex, touching on religion, medical technology and lawmakers' personal experiences. Supporters said the legislation simplifies complex legal documents and helps patients assert their wishes. Rep. Daniel Itse, a Fremont Republican, shared some of the problems he's had securing treatment for his 12-year-old son, Jarrod, who is severely brain-damaged. In one instance, a hospital inserted a do-not-resuscitate order into the boy's file without permission, he said. In other cases, Itse had to repeatedly tell doctors to continue providing Jarrod with tube feeding. "The most important thing in the bill is that the will of the patient and the will of agent be respected,"he said. Those against the bill raised technical and philosophical concerns and cited the Diocese of Manchester's opposition. The proposal, they said, permits death in too many circumstances and makes it easy to usurp the rights of elderly or disabled people. "It still has a provision in there that's aimed at finding a way to pull the plug," said Rep. Paul Mirski, an Enfield Republican. "There's kind of an angel of death written into the bill." The concepts the bill covers are not new. Since 1991, the state has allowed adults to use two documents to indicate the type of care they'd like at the end of their lives. One, called a living will, outlines the procedures a person wants when they're near death or permanently unconscious. The other, called a durable power of attorney for health care, designates someone to make medical decisions when the patient cannot. Current law does not cover do-not-resuscitate orders, which bar medical personnel from using CPR or other resuscitation techniques if a patient has a heart attack or stops breathing. Instead, most hospitals and nursing homes have their own forms patients can choose to fill out. After nearly three hours and several amendments, the bill passed 231-118. Supporters say the legislation would: • Add a uniform do-not-resuscitate order to state law and require medical personnel to obey paper forms and jewelry declining resuscitation. • Update medical terminology, eliminate legal jargon and make the forms easier to read. • Grant nurse practitioners the authority to help a doctor determine that a person is near death and sign do-not-resuscitate orders with a patient's permission. • Make the forms simpler to notarize. Right now, the law requires two witnesses and a notary or justice of the peace. The bill asks for just two witnesses. The bill must still pass the Senate, which hasn't weighed in on the matter in 15 years. Gov. John Lynch believes the state should encourage people to clarify their end-of-life wishes, but he hasn't yet read the amended bill, said his spokeswoman Pamela Walsh. Several house members, including Itse, plan to propose more changes to the law next year, such as a provision that makes it harder for doctors to remove life support from patients without living wills. Copyright 2006 Concord Monitor |
| state gop Return to index of stories... |
HEYStill, Henderson's action sets up a prolonged campaign, and nothing prevents others from entering the race. CONCORD, N.H. - Three candidates are in the running to take over as chairman of New Hampshire's state Republican Party. Activist Wayne Semprini of New Castle, vice chairman Wayne MacDonald and legislator Fran Wendelboe all say they are interested in the job. Republican chairman Warren Henderson recently resigned because of family health problems. So far it looks like Semprini has the support of the party's establishment. Senate President Ted Gatsas says Semprini is his choice. Meanwhile, Wendelboe, a five-term state legislator, says she represents the party rank-and-file. MacDonald says he's talking to members of the executive committee about his candidacy. ================= Henderson stays on as state GOP chairman By JOHN DISTASO Senior Political Reporter 11 hours, 37 minutes ago CONCORD – State Republican Chairman Warren Henderson avoided a possible conflict among leaders of his party by deciding yesterday to officially remain as party chairman until March 25. That is when the party's 464-member state committee will meet to elect his replacement. Henderson's unexpected move was made public at last night's meeting of the party's 39-member executive committee, which had been considering naming an interim chairman. Henderson did not attend the meeting, but wrote the executive committee members an e-mail saying that when he initially decided to make his resignation effective yesterday, he expected that, "... a consensus might emerge around a replacement," who, if appointed by the executive committee could accelerate the process of preparing the party for the 2006 elections. "Since that consensus has not emerged, and with the intention of maintaining a process which is even-handed and fair to each candidate for a chairman," he decided to amend the effective date. The new date will not change the fact that Henderson, as a practical matter, will not be deeply involved in party business during the next six weeks. He is expected to be in Florida often caring for an ailing father — the reason he announced his resignation two weeks ago. This move keeps state committee vice chairman Wayne MacDonald of Londonderry in that position officially, but, in practice, MacDonald will act as chairman in Henderson's absence. MacDonald is one of three vying to succeed Henderson. The other two candidates, businessman/activist Wayne Semprini of New Castle and state Rep. Fran Wendelboe of New Hampton, had no objection, however. Wendelboe, who has accused party leaders of trying to "anoint" Semprini, said, "I felt that this should have happened, anyway. It's the natural progression." Wendelboe said the Henderson move was, "an interesting solution to their dilemma of what to do tonight," referring, she said, to " people who have got a little bit out in front of themselves." Semprini added, "I don't consider Wayne having a leg up. I really don't." Henderson wrote that by changing the date of his resignation, "I hope that I can help the Executive Committee avoid being pressured into taking sides or temporarily elevating any one candidate in a contested race for chairman." He said he wanted "a calm and orderly transition to a new chairman while I attend to unplanned and unavoidable family matters." Republican National Committeeman Tom Rath said the move, "levels the playing field. This decision on a new chairman rather than being top-down, ought to be bottom-up." Senate President Ted Gatsas and House speaker Douglas Scamman, both Semprini backers, were also supportive of waiting until march 25. Still, Henderson's action sets up a prolonged campaign, and nothing prevents others from entering the race. By JAMES W. PINDELL PoliticsNH.com CONCORD, Feb. 14 -- State Republican Chairman Warren Henderson rescinded his resignation just before a meeting was about to take place shaping who his replacement would be. The surprising move came on the day his resignation was to become official and just as the state Republican Executive Committee was about to meet and discuss his replacement. Posted in NH Republican Party | read more » State GOP leaders could have debate over process instead of chair tonightSubmitted by admin on February 14, 2006 - 12:28am. By JAMES W. PINDELL PoliticsNH.com CONCORD, Feb. 14 – Before 40 leaders of the state Republican Party even enter a discussion as to who should be their next chairman tonight they will grapple question more fundamental: do they act as the party’s brain trust and thrust forward a leader or do they organically let a leader be selected five weeks later by the entire party. In other words, will party leaders decide the new chairman will be decided through a top down or bottom up process? As Warren Henderson’s resignation becomes final today, the state’s executive committee will meet for the first time. During this meeting the committee can decide to temporarily name someone any vacated position. But, according to party rules, the position isn’t permanently filled until the entire 464-member state committee votes |
| michell'es law Return to index of stories... |
y TOM FAHEY State House Bureau Chief 13 hours, 47 minutes ago CONCORD – A Senate committee heard an emotional plea yesterday from a mother whose daughter died of cancer for lawmakers to make life better for other young adults with cancer. AnnMarie Morse of Manchester urged the committee to recommend passage of House Bill 37, which would require health insurers to continue coverage for up to 12 months for college students who take a leave of absence because of serious illness or injury. Known as Michelle's Law, the bill passed the House unanimously last month. Michelle Morse died in November at age 22 after a two-year bout with cancer, five months after graduating from Plymouth State University, cum laude. She studied to be an elementary school teacher. Chemotherapy treatments failed to stop her cancer from spreading. Her doctors had advised her to leave school to focus on her health, but if Morse dropped full-time student status, her parent's health insurance would have dropped her. Most policies cover students over 18 only if they attend school full time. Her parents were unable to afford the $1,100 monthly premiums that were available under the COBRA laws. "We paid our premiums monthly, on time, every time. Yet when we needed it most, it would be taken away," Morse told the Banks and Insurance Committee. "What has happened to us has happened to others. And it will continue to happen, unless you, as our state's leader, help us make a change," she said. "Since she was not allowed to make a difference in the classroom, I hope you will allow her to make a bigger difference to the families in New Hampshire. It would be comforting to know that she did not die in vain." Insurance companies have not fought the measure. Because so few students would be affected by the bill, they've said it would not make a significant impact on their profits. Rep. Will Infantine, R-Manchester, prime sponsor of the bill, said the current law has effects that lawmakers never intended, like the choices the Morses faced. "No parent should ever have to make that decision," Infantine said. Dick Hage, vice president of student affairs at PSU, said he has seen similar cases over the years. "Students remain enrolled against strong medical advice in order to retain medical insurance," he said. Because they are weakened by their condition, their school performance and their health slips. He said the current law sends a disturbing message: "Don't expect coverage if you have to leave school to fight for your life," he said. Sen. David Gottesman, D-Nashua, pointed out that the bill does not guarantee 12 months of coverage, but only continuance of existing coverage for up to 12 months. A student could lose coverage after only 30 days of illness, he pointed out. Leslie Ludtke, health care policy analyst for the Department of Insurance, said the question is not necessarily about insurance, but a question of who bears the cost, since families can continue coverage, albeit at great expense, by paying for the insurance under COBRA law. |
| Key: Health / Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/17/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: A hacker takes AIM at the State's Computer system -- A move to involve Parents in Decisions on "Morning After Pills" and the push to SIMPLIFY Living Wills. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Tom Fahey from the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold from NH Business Review. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| Key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/17/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: A hacker takes AIM at the State's Computer system -- A move to involve Parents in Decisions on "Morning After Pills" and the push to SIMPLIFY Living Wills. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Tom Fahey from the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold from NH Business Review. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| Key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/17/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: A hacker takes AIM at the State's Computer system -- A move to involve Parents in Decisions on "Morning After Pills" and the push to SIMPLIFY Living Wills. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Tom Fahey from the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold from NH Business Review. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| Key: Recreation / Leisure / Sports Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 2/17/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of NH Outlook. Making headlines this week: A hacker takes AIM at the State's Computer system -- A move to involve Parents in Decisions on "Morning After Pills" and the push to SIMPLIFY Living Wills. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord, Tom Fahey from the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold from NH Business Review. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |