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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Legislative Year-in-Review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. In this program we'll take a look back at the 2006 Legislative session, what bills passed, what didn't and why. We saw debate on issues such as the Sexual Predators Act, a smoking ban, Same Sex Marriage, Deadly force, as well as several election bills. This being an election year actions taken in the first five months of 2006 will likely play a role in the campaign season and the fall elections. Here to give us some perspective on all this from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Colin Manning from Foste's Daily Democrat and here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome. Q We begin with a look at the more memorable moments. KEVIN/COLIN: What stands out for you in this past legislative session. EDITH/JAMES?? Q The TENOR of this past legislative session. How would you categorize it? Q EDITH/JAMES: Suprises of the session?? |
| Roundtable Return to index of stories... |
** Let's look at the big Winners and Losers in the session in terms of bills that MADE it and those that DIDN't. KEVIN/COLIN: What comes to MIND??? Q SEXUAL PREDATORS ACT: toughens penalties for sexual abuse of children. It was Gov Lynch's TOP legislative Priority. Didn't get exactly what he wanted. A much watered down version passed. ** Still viewed as a VICTORY for Gov Lynch?? Sticking point: giving prosecutors power to seek 25 min mandatory sentence Q DROP OUT bill: that would have raised the age to 18. DIED. Another priority of the Governor's. What did this one in??? Q When you look at the so-called "LIVE FREE OR DIE" bills.such as a smoking ban, Deadly Force, maybe REAL ID HOW did those FARE??? Q A SMOKING BAN: DESPITE strong support in the House, it was narrowly defeated in the SENATE. ** Was the outcome SUPRISING? or predictable. Q REAL ID: NH did not become the first state to DECLARE its independence from the digital ID law passed in Washington. WHY NOT?? What killed it. Q Several CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS were debated. At LEAST one will make the Nov Ballot. ** Debate on Amendment to BAN GAY marriage -- contentious at times. In the end Defeated by House. PREDICTABLE?? Q EMINENT domain will be on the ballot. This was an EASY winner. Q Legislature ALTERED school funding plan. Left State Property TaxEs in place. Sets up yet another COURT BATTLE.??? Q The battle to stem the growth of METH use in NH -- also made some headway. What came out of those BILLS?? ** The Legislature passed and Governor signed HB 1745 into law toughening laws on the production of METH-AMPHETAMINE. Q COLIN: Where does the Govenor's VETO TALLY stand? VETO likely to be sustained. What's OUTStanding? Q A number of ELECTION laws came into play this year? WHAT SURVIVED? Q Medicaid WELFARE reform. Health & Human Services Cmsr John Stephen & Gov Lynch -- not always on the same page. Where do things stand on that???? Q The Pandemic Bill didn't pass MUSTER?? |
| PSNH Return to index of stories... |
The Big story for the North country this session: the closing of two mills and the loss of hundreds of jobs. Lawmakers pitched a proposal that would allow PSNH to build a power plant to offest the closing of the Berlin pulp mill. As a regulated utility legislation was needed to allow PSNH to do that. Q That bill died? WHat happened?? ** independent electricity companies argued that PSNH was being given an unfair advantage. Q EDITH ** will we see competing companies pitch plans for a wood-fired plant at the former pulp mill? PSNH says historically regulated utilities are the ones that build such facilities ** Whitefield Power and Light announced plans to buy the 33-megawatt, wood-fired power plant in the empty mill. New Energy Capital and Tamarack Energy plan to partner in a North Country plant too. |
| Flood Relief (Mix) Return to index of stories... |
More rain causing havoc in the southern part of the state just weeks after the Mothers Day flooding this latest round of wet weather closing more roads and schools. Flood Relief was a big theme in this year's session. Q KEVIN/COLIN: Both House and Senate negotiators agreeing to spend 2.8 million to buy flood-damaged property in Alstead. Where does that MONEY come from??? Q Gov Lynch asked lawmakers for $5 million in flood relief to give immediate help to communities affected in May's floods. Legislators decided to DEAL with the MAY floods separately??? WHY? |
| Dem Convention Return to index of stories... |
New Hampshire Democrats gather for their election-year convention Saturday, June 3rd. Governor Lynch giving the keynote remarks. What a difference two years make. The 2004 election was his first political campaign. He's come along way. Q JAMES: When you look at what was accomplished in this Legislative session -- what impact will that have on Lynch's re-election prospects. Q The Gov dealing with 2 flood crisis in his term. WINNING moments for him??? Q His popularity giving democrats some political muscle this fall???? ****** Q This was a year when we saw leadership changes. Sen Pres Tom Eaton was ousted by Ted Gatsas. HOW DID HE measure up this legislative session???? WIN, LOSE or draw? Q House Speaker Doug Scamman -- facing a challenge in December. How did he FARE this session?? Q When it comes to the Conference Cmte Battle: where the fate of outstanding bills are decided --WHO was the winner.Scamman or Gatsas? decided ********* Q Paul Hodes -- announcing he will run for the 2nd Congressional Seat now held by Charlie Bass. It will be a re-match. |
| Paul Hodes annouce Return to index of stories... |
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 4:42 PM To: Dawn DeAngelis Subject: HODES ANNOUNCEMENT TOUR Dear Friend, Paul Hodes’ campaign for Congress is on the move. The University of New Hampshire’s Granite State Poll recently showed Paul just 7 points behind his incumbent opponent Charlie Bass. Paul was one of only 12 Congressional challengers nationally to raise more money than the incumbent in the first quarter. The national press is talking about this race, with the New York Times calling it a race to watch, and the publications that handicap Congressional races have recently upgraded this race as one of the nation’s most competitive. Now Paul is bringing his campaign to the voters of District 2. Please join us this week as Paul officially announces his candidacy for Congress in New Hampshire’s Second District. CONCORD Wednesday, May 31st 1:30 P.M. Legislative Office Building 33 North State Street KEENE Wednesday, May 31st 6:30 P.M. The Pub 131 Winchester Street HANOVER Thursday, June 1st 10:00 A.M. Location To Be Announced BERLIN Thursday, June 1st 2:30 P.M. T-Bird’s 101 Main Street NASHUA Friday, June 2nd 10:00 A.M. Location To Be Announced If you have questions, please call the Hodes for Congress campaign at 603-223-2006. We hope to see you! Be on the lookout for more information regarding the Hanover and Nashua and check out our website at http:/www.hodesforcongress.com/. Paul Hodes for Congress 26 South Main Street, #253 Concord, NH 03301 To unsubscribe from this mailing list, click here Powered by NGP Software, Inc. |
| Exec Council Return to index of stories... |
As we look ahead to the campaign season, there's a lot of interest in the open seat on the Executive Council, Ruth Griffin stepping down after 20 years. Some familiar names popping up. Q JAMES/ This is shaping up to be an interesting race. Portsmouth Businessman Sean Mahoney says he's in -- as is State Sen Chuck Morse. Q EDITH: Ray Burton-- who's been on the council for about 28 years ALSO running for re-election. Months ago -- his political future was up in the air --amid calls for his resignation for knowingly hiring a convicted sex offender as a part-time campaign aid. & NH's Rep Congressional Delegation called for his resignation Will he run into any problems stemming from that controversy?? ** Political observers call BURTON one of the best retail politicians he's seen. Says he'll win. ** Democrats tried but couldn't recruit a candidate against Burton. Even sounded out Agriculture Commissioner Steve Taylor of Meriden, who declined. Bass won't campaign against him -- but won't campaign for him either. |
| Immigration Return to index of stories... |
Immigration shaping up to be a big POLTICAL issue in this election year. An Immigration Reform package went before New Hampshire Lawmakers this session. Pushed by Republican legislators but, did not go very far. Q KEVIN/COLIN: WHY? Q Ted Gatsas, the Senate president -- has been a strong proponent of Immigration reform. It was on his legislative agenda. Not able to muster the support needed??? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Colin Manning at the State House in Concord. As well as Edith Tucker and James Pindell in Durham. And, thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you next time. |
| Sununu/Border vo Return to index of stories... |
The issue of Border protection was the subject of a Senate sub-committee hearing chaired by New Hampshire Senator John Sununu in Concord. New federal legislation called "The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" requires Americans and Canadians to show a passport or a proposed passcard to cross the border. Sununu has expressed concerns over how tightening border travel will affect New Hampshire's economy including trade with Canada. Testimony focused on the new restrictions on what's long been called the "undefended border." Witnesses included business leaders and former U.S. Senator Slade Gordon, a member of the 9/11 Commission. Q EDITH: This is a big issue for the North COUNTRY. why? Q FAVORITE MOMENT? predictions for NEXT session??? something to look for??? |
| Bill Signings Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Anti-Meth Law ,0176 Gov signs anti-meth bill nmlsthofls CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch signed a bill into law today establishing stiff penalties for making and using methamphetamine in New Hampshire. Under the new law -- which takes effect January first -- people convicted of making or attempting to make meth face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to 500 thousand dollars. The law also allows the court to order offenders to pay to clean up the toxic chemicals used to make meth. Last month, Lynch signed a bill establishing penalties for knowingly exposing a child or incapacitated adult to meth. Those convicted face up to five years in prison on top of any other charges. The drug is highly addictive and can be made with ingredients from pharmacies and hardware stores, including over-the-counter cold medicine. Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen says the laws are an important deterrent to making meth. Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said the laws bring the state one step closer to stemming the production of methamphetamine and protecting its most vulnerable residents. AP-NY-06-01-06 1350EDT AP-NH-XGR--Identity Theft,0115 Lynch signs identity theft law dewst CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire residents are getting a new tool to help prevent identity theft. Governor John Lynch signed a bill into law today that makes it easier for consumers to put a freeze on credit reports. Identity theft victims can place the freeze at no charge. Placing a freeze on credit reports prohibits the reporting agencies from releasing information without the consumer's authorization. The freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans and services from being approved without consent. Lynch also plans to sign another bill that requires businesses to let consumers know if their personal information has been improperly disclosed due to a security breach. Both take effect January First. AP-NY-05-31-06 1322EDT AP-NH-XGR--Amilia's Law,0133 Lynch signs law requiring fuel gas fitters to be licensed nmlstfls CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch signed Amilia's Law today requiring propane and natural gas handlers to be licensed to reduce the risk of explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. The law was named after 5-year-old Amilia Lurhmann of Medfield, Massachusetts, who died in a propane explosion at her parents' lake home in Moultonborough three years ago this week. A worker cut a gas line and failed to cap it and when the family turned on the gas for a clothes dryer, the basement filled with propane, triggering the explosion. Her parents, Michelle and Craig Luhrmann , lobbied lawmakers for the stricter controls. At today's signing, Lynch told them their efforts mean other families won't go through the same loss. The law takes effect January first. AP-NY-05-31-06 1131EDT AP-NH-XGR--Fire-Safe Cigarettes,0160 Lynch signs law requiring cigarettes to be self-extinguishing nmlstfls CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire is joining four other states in requiring that all cigarettes sold be self-extinguishing or "fire safe" starting in October 2007. The cigarettes are wrapped in special ultra-thin paper with bands that inhibit burning unless a smoker draws in air. Retailers violating the law face fines of up to one thousand dollars per sale depending on the number of cigarettes sold. New York, California, Vermont and Illinois have similar laws. The National Fire Protection Association estimates 700 to 800 people are killed annually in the United States by fires started by unattended cigarettes. AP-NY-05-31-06 1123EDT Lynch to sign gas-handling safety bill, 'fire-safer' cigarettes bill klmho CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch is signing a bill today that would require workers handling propane and natural gas to be licensed by the state of New Hampshire. The law is named for five-year-old Amilia Luhrmann, who lost her life in an explosion caused by an improperly connected gas line at her family's Moultonborough vacation home in 2003. Lynch also will be joined by legislators and fire chiefs from across the state to sign legislation requiring retailers to sell "fire-safer" cigarettes. He also plans to sign a bill designed to combat identity theft. |
| sununu Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Sununu ,0182 Sununu chairs hearing on passport-travel requirements CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire residents and Canadians will have to show a passport or a proposed passcard to cross between the U-S and Canada soon. That has people in the trade and tourism business worried. Several spoke at a hearing today organized by New Hampshire Senator John Sununu in Concord. They say the added cost and time it takes to get a passport or other special identification will discourage tourists and make it harder for Canadians to do business with New Hampshire. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be phased in over the next two years and will require everyone entering the country, including U-S citizens and Canadians, to show a passport. Federal officials say one possible alternative would be a wallet-sized card that would use "biometric" markers to identify travelers. Biometic markers include fingerprints, voice, eyes and other unique human identifiers. Sununu says he's concerned the program could harm travel, trade and economic activity between Northern New England and Canada. AP-NY-05-31-06 1332EDT Jonathon:leave at 8:15am for Sununu chairs a senate subcommittee field hearing entitled on "The Regional Impact of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" on Wednesday, May 31 at the New Hampshire Technical College in Concord, New Hampshire. CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Senator John Sununu leads a hearing in Concord today on the regional impact of a plan to require everyone entering the country from Canada, including U-S citizens and Canadian nationals, to show a passport. Sununu says he's concerned the program could harm travel, trade and economic activity between Northern New England and Canada. SUNUNU Sununu chairs hearing on passport-travel requirements klmho CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Senator John Sununu is leading a hearing in Concord today on the regional impact of the "Western Travel Initiative." That's a program that will start in 2008 and require all people entering the country, including U-S citizens and Canadian nationals, to show a passport at the border. Sununu says he's concerned that the program could unintentionally harm travel, trade and economic activity between New Hampshire, Northern New England and Canada. The hearing will review the program through testimony and questions from panels of witnesses, including a managing director of passport services for the State Department; state travel officials; and Quebec's delegate to New England. |
| flood info Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Flooding-Disaster Declaration,0106 Bush approves federal aid for communities hit by flooding dewho CONCORD, N.H. - The president already approved flooding disaster help for New Hampshire residents and now, cities and towns also can apply for help paying for their flood response and damage. Yesterday's disaster declaration covers damages to public property in six counties, where roads were closed, bridges were washed out and buildings and dams damaged. Governor John Lynch says without federal help, many communities could not afford to rebuild their roads and bridges. The Legislature approved using five million dollars in state money to cover the immediate costs of repairs. Communities who receive federal money will use it to repay the state. |
| school breakfast Return to index of stories... |
06-2107 04/10 HOUSE BILL 1249-FN-A-LOCAL AN ACT relative to state reimbursement for school breakfasts and making an appropriation therefor. SPONSORS: Rep. Stiles, Rock 15; Rep. Pilliod, Belk 5; Rep. Rush, Merr 7; Rep. Weyler, Rock 8; Rep. MacKay, Merr 11; Sen. Green, Dist 6; Sen. Martel, Dist 18; Sen. Larsen, Dist 15; Sen. Foster, Dist 13 COMMITTEE: Education ANALYSIS This bill requires school districts which participate in the National School Breakfast Program to maintain annual statistics on the number of breakfast meals served to pupils. The bill appropriates $100,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 to reimburse schools which serve qualifying breakfast meals to pupils. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics. Matter removed from current law appears Matter which is either all new or repealed and reenacted appears in regular type. 06-2107 04/10 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Six AN ACT relative to state reimbursement for school breakfasts and making an appropriation therefor. Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 127:1 Department of Education; Appropriation for School Breakfasts. The sum of $100,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 is hereby appropriated to the department of education for the purpose of reimbursing schools for breakfast meals as provided in RSA 189:11-a, VII. The department of education may use up to $10,000 of this amount in support of technology upgrades within the department. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sum out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. 127:2 New Paragraph; School Boards; Food and Nutrition Programs. Amend RSA 189:11-a by inserting after paragraph VI the following new paragraph: VII. Each school district which participates in the National School Breakfast Program shall maintain annual statistics on the number of breakfast meals served to pupils. Such school which demonstrates to the department of education that an approved school wellness policy, as required under the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, is in effect, and that such school is providing breakfast meals to pupils that meet or exceed the United States Department of Agriculture’s child nutrition criteria may apply for and receive a 3 cent reimbursement for each breakfast meal served to a pupil. The department of education shall request biennial appropriations in an amount sufficient to meet projected school breakfast reimbursements. The department of education shall prescribe forms as necessary under this paragraph. 127:3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage. Approved: May 19, 2006 Effective: July 18, 2006 |
| convention Return to index of stories... |
Joining them will be businessman Gary Dodds, a candidate for New Hampshire's first congressional district. It will be his first public appearance following a car accident in April. Dodds will start physical therapy sessions twice weekly. A Granite State Poll last month showed that Congressman Jeb Bradley led Dodds and other Democratic challengers when voters were asked about November. Other Democrats running for the First District are House Representatives Jim Craig and Peter Sullivan, and Carol Shea-Porter. NH DEMOCRATS TO HOLD ANNUAL CONVENTION SAT JUNE 3 Gathering at St. Anselm College in Goffstown will Feature Sen. Feingold , Gov. Warner , Gov. Lynch, and Local Candidates CONCORD, NH -- New Hampshire Democrats will gather for their election-year convention on Saturday, June 3 at St. Anselm College in Goffstown, NH. The convention will include breakfast remarks by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold , lunch remarks by former Governor Mark Warner , keynote remarks by Gov. John Lynch, and remarks by various congressional candidates. "New Hampshire voters are hungry to give Governor Lynch a strong team of Democrats to keep our state moving in the right direction, and they are demanding a change of leadership in Washington, DC," said NH Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan. "We're going to use our convention to keep that momentum going by strengthening local town and county parties and capitalizing on our grassroots support." *** THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE PRESS *** 8:30 AM -- Convention Kick-Off Breakfast with Sen. Russ Feingold 10:00 AM -- Pledge of Allegiance, Welcome and Introduction by Kathy Sullivan 10:05 AM -- Awards Presentation by Convention Co-Chairs Sen. Lou D'Allesandro and Maggie Hassan 10:15 AM -- Remarks by Gov. John Lynch 10:30 AM -- Remarks by 2005 NH Federal Candidates: Rep. Jim Craig - U.S. Congress 1st District Gary Dodds - U.S. Congress 1st District Carol Shea Porter - U.S. Congress 1st District Rep. Peter Sullivan - U.S. Congress 1st District Paul Hodes - U.S. Congress 2nd District 11:00 AM -- Report of the Credential Committee, Ray Buckley 11:03 AM -- Report of the Rules Committee, Finis Williams 11:07 AM -- Report of the Resolutions Committee, Rep. Jane Clemons 12:00 PM -- Blue State/Blue Plate Lunch with Governor Mark Warner 1:10 PM - Continuation of Resolutions Committee Report 1:40 PM -- Report of the Platform Committee, Mike Atkins and Deb Reynolds 2:40 PM -- Conclusion and Wrap-Up, Kathy Sullivan ### |
| key: State Politics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 6/2/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:00 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Legislative Year-in-Review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. In this program we'll take a look back at the 2006 Legislative session, what bills passed, what didn't and why. We saw debate on issues such as the Sexual Predators Act, a smoking ban, Same Sex Marriage, Deadly force, as well as several election bills. This being an election year actions taken in the first five months of 2006 will likely play a role in the campaign season and the fall elections. Here to give us some perspective on all this from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Colin Manning from Foste's Daily Democrat and here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: James Pindell \PoliticsNH.com , Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat , Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat , Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph |