|
|
|
|
 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this special "Business Roundtable" edition of NH Outlook. In this program we'll explore some of the pressing issues facing NH business --from Health Care costs & the so-called Walmart bill -- to calls for an R & D tax credit -- to the state's business climate in general. Here to talk about those issues and more: Charlie Arlinghaus from the Josiah Bartlett Center For Public Policy, Dave Juvet, the Vice President of NH's Business and Industry Asssociation, Stuart Arnett, the Director of the NH Division of Economic Development in the Dept. of Resources and Economic Development and Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. Welcome to all of you. |
| Taxes Return to index of stories... |
According to the latest forecast by the "New England Economic Partnership" -- NH is the only NE state expected to have overall economic and employment growth this year. Growing the Economy and Creating Jobs is a TOP priority for the state. NH has long been a "magnet" when it comes to attracting and retaining business. One of the lowest tax burdens in the country -- is a LARGE part of that equation. A recent survey by the Tax Foundation places NH in the top 10 states-- when it comes to a "business-friendly" tax climate. NH ranked 6th on the list of states with the best tax structure. Wyoming was number 1, NY came in at number 50. Lower Taxes is certainly an Economic Development Tool: a big part of the NH advantage. Q STUART: What are NH's business taxes: and, are we at a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE? Q CHARLIE: You're quoted as saying " RHODE ISLAND is a more attractive place for businesses. How SO? Q Would a change in the INSURANCE PREMIUM tax -- bring job growth potential to NH? DAVE: Have we seen NH companies LEAVE for a lower tax state? Q DOUG: Will Companies MIGRATE to a lower-tax state to generate more profit? Q IS NH losing its TAX advantage? =========== BETH: NH's Business Revenues are UP -- giving the state a hefty TAX profit. The state's 2 main BUSINESS on corporate profits and business activity, generated 10.4 million. 2-and-a-half million OVER what was expected. Feb not usually a major month for state revenue -- in contrast to March --that's when corporations must file their annual business tax returns. DOUG/ STUART: What do those Numbers say to you? |
| R & D Tax Credit Return to index of stories... |
We continue to see Job losses in the Manufacturing Sector. High Tech Jobs -- are still not at levels they were in the boom years of the 80's. Hoping to reverse the trend -- there's been a push to re-instate an R & D Tax Credit in NH. Governor Lynch is among those leading the charge. The state had an R & D tax credit in the 90's. It was repealed in an overhaul of the state's business-tax structure. Q DAVE: The BIA -- has been actively lobbying for the R & D tax credit bill. WHY -- so important? Q What does the BILL do ?? Q CHARLIE/DOUG: 34 states offer R & D tax credit -- WHY not NH? Any reason why it shouldn't be REINSTATED?? Q Why was it REPEALED in first place? Q Is NH competitive in the GLOBAL market? Q STUART: We're seeing some new efforts to spur ECONOMIC development in high tech sector. The Mt Washington Valley Technology Center -- looking to provide resources For High Tech Firms. The Metro Center initiative in Manchester. Looks at REGIONAL approach to ISSUES? Couple of years old -- will we see other such efforts? |
| Health Care Return to index of stories... |
The cost and availability of Health Care has become the Number one concern for employers. Many thought the "solution" to NH's rising health insurance costs was Senate Bill-110, passed by the Legislature in 2003. Some companies saw rates go "down".others saw Huge jumps. In January -- SB 125 went into effect, replacing the controversial SB 110 -- undoing many of its provisions. Q DOUG: How does SB 125 differ from SB-110? Will it "stabilize" health insurance rates? Q CHARLIE: You think Legislature should have FIXED SB 110 rather than throw it out. Q DAVE: The BIA Supported this -- unhappy with SB 110. It's EARLY in the game - What's been the initial REACTION to SB-125 from the business community. Q STUART: Have we seen any companies EXIT NH due to the repeal of SB 110. Q What's being done to REIN-IN rising Health care costs. |
| Regulation/ WalMart Return to index of stories... |
In January, Maryland enacted a law that requires Walmart to spend more on employee health care. They were the first state to do so. NH had a "Walmart" bill of its own this year -- modeled after Maryland's measure. It called for the state's largest employers to spend 8-percent of its payroll on Health Insurance. It was REJECTED by the House. A companion bill is still alive. Q DAVE: Supporters viewed this as a relatively EASY & inexpensive way for lawmakers to EXPAND access to health care. To that you SAY??? Q CHARLIE: Is this an unwarranted govt INTRUSION into business --as some have suggested? Q STUART: The bill was aimed at Wal-Mart, several grocery chains, the state's larger hospitals and major manufacturers. WHAT impact would that have on ECONOMIC development ?? -- brining in new Biz? Q DOUG/CHARLIE: How much FEAR was there that lawmakers would gradually EXPAND the bill to include smaller businesses???? Q DAVE: The Companion bill HB 1703: requires certain employers to report on percentage of payroll which is being spent on health insurance premiums for employees STATUS: Tabled ** Is this a PRECURSER to another Walmart style bill? Q DOUG: Walmart is an easy target. Some call these measures REVENGE bills. say its not about health care? Q What ELSE needs to be done to address the issue of rising HEALTH CARE costs? |
| Eminent Domain Return to index of stories... |
The use of Eminent Domain for the taking of private businesses has been a hot topic of late with the battle for Pennichuck Water Works in Nashua. The city is trying to take the property by eminent domain - Pennichuck sued. The battle has dragged on for years. The Public Utilites Commission has not yet made a decision. In February, Claremont began proceedings to seize property beneath an incinerator. If successful, the eminent domain claim would make the city the landlord of the Wheelabrator plant, which some local groups are trying to shut down when its trash burning contract expires. Q DOUG/CHARLIE: Eminent domain -- always controversial. What are the broader IMPLICATIONS in the Pennichuck and Wheelabrator cases???? Q STUART: Just how common is the use of eminent domain for ECONOMIC development purposes common? Q DAVE: The Supreme Court left the issue of eminent domain to each individual state to resolve & NH is dealing with several bills this session. Is this an issue on the BIA's radar screen? |
| affordable housing Return to index of stories... |
NH has an aging population According to demographer Peter Francese, NH is the 7th "oldest" state in the nation. The median age is close to 40. Q DAVE/DOUG/CHARLIE: How does that IMPACT our potential for economic GROWTH??? Q STUART/ Towns are buying up land putting up AGE-restricted Housing. That's squeezing out younger workers and their families. Are we PRICING workers out of the region??? Q DAVE: How does the Workforce Housing issue impact NH Businesses. A big issue for the BIA? Q CHARLIE: How do you give builders incentives to BUILD affordable housing? ** incentives, zoning bonuses ** hospitals say they can't recruit enuf nurses -- people can't afford to live here. ** When COSTS passed on to employers -- it says to companies -- it's cheaper to do business elsewhere. elsewhere Q When it comes to producing a skilled workforce & attracting companies. How is NH doing? ============= Q STUART: There are a number of "make business better" bills in the Legislature this year. What would they do -- and are they likely to pass? Q What do you see as the biggest challenges facing NH businesses in 2006? What needs to be done to address that? |
| Business Friendly Return to index of stories... |
Q How does the state maintain a "friendly" business climate. Q Rising ENERGY costs -- how are businesses mitgating costs??? encourage increased use of RENEWABLES Q How difficult is strategic planning in the state. ** Limited RAIL service.is that need being addressed? Would allow workers to live in less expensive places -- but work in Major centers like Boston ,Portsmouth etc. Q How quickly does NE need to act -- to stay COMPETIVE against regions that are catching up? Q Are we seeing GROWTH in the higher-paid jobs??? High Tech employment in state has recovered. Q What are we seeing in the way of OPPORTUNITIES. what are the challenges. The Metro center in Manchester |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Stuart Arnett, Charlie Arlinghaus, Doug Hall, and Dave Juvet. And, thank you for watching this special business roundtable edition of NH Outlook. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you next time. |
| walmart Return to index of stories... |
The measure called for the state's largest employers to spend 8-percent of their payroll on Health Insurance. |
| econ pic graphic Return to index of stories... |
We begin with just a quick snapshot of the state's economy. NH is the only NE state expected to have overall economic and employment growth this year. That, according to NE Economic Partnership forecast. NH's total employment is forecast to grow at 1.5 percent per annum -- compared to 1.3 percent in Rhode Island and under 1-percent for Maine, Ct and Vermont. As for gross state product -- NH's economy is expected to grow 3.5 percent per year, CT's forecasted growth is 3.2 percent, Massachusetts is at 3-percent. Maine and Vermont have the slowest overall growth with Vermont at 2.8% and Maine at 2.4%. |
| Governors Meeting Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Bush-Governors CORRECTION Governors press Bush on funding for National Guard avbap Restores dropped word in fourth graf WASHINGTON - Governor John Lynch has joined his colleagues from around the country in urging President Bush to boost funding for the National Guard. They are worried his budget may force cutbacks. After a White House meeting, many governors said they fear the budget doesn't have enough cash to support the things the Guard does. Bush's 2007 budget would support a state-controlled guard of about 333-thousand. That's the current level, but it's 17-thousand fewer than authorized by Congress. Lynch says that while the Bush administration says it will find the money to bankroll a 350-thousand-person National Guard, it doesn't know where the money will come from. Lynch says the staffing target for New Hampshire's Army Guard is just short of 19-hundred, a number that could be cut by 230. He says he hopes to keep New Hampshire's numbers at the target level. AP-NY-02-28-06 0521EST WHITE HOUSE - President Bush is thanking the nation's governors for supporting National Guard troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the governors are concerned they're not seeing enough support from the White House. They're meeting privately today with Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, to argue that the administration shouldn't reduce spending for the Guard. Media Advisory: Contact: Pamela Walsh Monday, February 27, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor to Hold 3:30 p.m. Media Conference Call To Discuss NGA Meeting CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch will hold a media conference call at 3:30 p.m. today to discuss the National Governors Association annual winter meeting. The Governors are meeting with President Bush at the White House today. Photo of Meeting Attached: Gov. John Lynch and Dr. Susan Lynch join Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist, at the Healthy America 5K Walk/Run on Saturday morning, the kick-off event for the National Governors Association's Annual winter meeting. NGA meeting.jpg DATE: Monday, February 27, 2006 TIME: 3:30 p.m. CALL: 1-800-261-3225 CODE: 535-291# # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov scriptSLUG: DC:GOVERNORS DINNER ARRIVALS ITEM: PO-81SU TYPE: VO/NAT TRT: 1:30 SOURCE: CNN EMBARGO: NONE SUPERS- Washington Sunday --VIDEO SHOWS-- V.S. of various governors and their spouses arriving into a room in the White House. --VO SCRIPT-- PRESIDENT BUSH AND FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH HOSTED THE NATION'S GOVERNORS AT A STATE DINNER TONIGHT. THE GOVERNORS ARE IN WASHINGTON FOR FOUR DAYS OF TALKS. IMPROVING HEALTH CARE, AND THE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM ARE AMONG THE TOP ISSUES ON THE AGENDA. |
| Lynch Medicare Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Lynch-Medicare Lynch to extend state Medicare emergency coverage dewfn CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says he will issue an executive order tomorrow that the state continue picking up medicine costs for New Hampshire residents having trouble with the new Medicare program. Through the end of last week, New Hampshire's emergency drug assistance program helped pay for prescription medicine for 898 people. The government has promised to pay the state back the 131 thousand dollars. Lynch said the problems continue, with about 20 people a day coming to the state for help, as Washington tries to iron out problems with the program. AP-NY-02-28-06 0959EST |
| emient domain Return to index of stories... |
Just in the way of a timeline. 4 years ago Pennicuck -- an investor owned water company --started to consider merging with a larger company. That same year, to retain local control -- Nashua approved plans to take-over Pennichuk. The following year in 2003 Nashua offered to buy it --the deal was turned down. The city then announced plans to SEIZE the property by eminent domain. Pennichuck sued the city NH Supreme Court ruled in favor of Nashua -- said the city could move forward with a takeover The PUC hasn't made decision on case yet |
| key: Economy Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/03/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this special "Business Roundtable" edition of NH Outlook. In this program we'll explore some of the pressing issues facing NH busines from Health Care costs & the so-called Walmart bill, to calls for an R & D tax credit to the state's business climate in general. Here to talk about those issues and more: Charlie Arlinghaus from the Josiah Bartlett Center For Public Policy, Dave Juvet, the Vice President of NH's Business and Industry Asssociation, Stuart Arnett, the Director of the NH Division of Economic Development in the Dept. of Resources and Economic Development and Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Charlie Arlinghaus\Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, Dave Juvet\VP, NH Business & Industry Assoc., Doug Hall\NH Center for Public Policy Studies, Stuart Arnett\Director, NH Economic Development |
| key: Health / Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/03/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this special "Business Roundtable" edition of NH Outlook. In this program we'll explore some of the pressing issues facing NH busines from Health Care costs & the so-called Walmart bill, to calls for an R & D tax credit to the state's business climate in general. Here to talk about those issues and more: Charlie Arlinghaus from the Josiah Bartlett Center For Public Policy, Dave Juvet, the Vice President of NH's Business and Industry Asssociation, Stuart Arnett, the Director of the NH Division of Economic Development in the Dept. of Resources and Economic Development and Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Charlie Arlinghaus\Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, Dave Juvet\VP, NH Business & Industry Assoc., Doug Hall\NH Center for Public Policy Studies, Stuart Arnett\Director, NH Economic Development |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/03/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this special "Business Roundtable" edition of NH Outlook. In this program we'll explore some of the pressing issues facing NH busines from Health Care costs & the so-called Walmart bill, to calls for an R & D tax credit to the state's business climate in general. Here to talk about those issues and more: Charlie Arlinghaus from the Josiah Bartlett Center For Public Policy, Dave Juvet, the Vice President of NH's Business and Industry Asssociation, Stuart Arnett, the Director of the NH Division of Economic Development in the Dept. of Resources and Economic Development and Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Charlie Arlinghaus\Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, Dave Juvet\VP, NH Business & Industry Assoc., Doug Hall\NH Center for Public Policy Studies, Stuart Arnett\Director, NH Economic Development |
| key: Consumer Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/03/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:20 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this special "Business Roundtable" edition of NH Outlook. In this program we'll explore some of the pressing issues facing NH busines from Health Care costs & the so-called Walmart bill, to calls for an R & D tax credit to the state's business climate in general. Here to talk about those issues and more: Charlie Arlinghaus from the Josiah Bartlett Center For Public Policy, Dave Juvet, the Vice President of NH's Business and Industry Asssociation, Stuart Arnett, the Director of the NH Division of Economic Development in the Dept. of Resources and Economic Development and Doug Hall from the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Charlie Arlinghaus\Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, Dave Juvet\VP, NH Business & Industry Assoc., Doug Hall\NH Center for Public Policy Studies, Stuart Arnett\Director, NH Economic Development |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |