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 Hello/Intro GuestsReturn to index of stories... |
Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. We're broadcasting from the NH Historical Society in Concord -- just around the bend from the State House where lawmakers have been busy. NH is moving closer to a Smoking Ban, the push is on to raise the state's minimum wage, and with the dust now settled from the Governor's budget address we'll hear how his spending plan is going over. Here to talk about all this and more: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Welcome. We Begin with the smoking ban. The Senate voted Thursday to JOIN the other New England states in "banning" smoking in bars and restaurants. It still has to pass the HOUSE. but, Governor says he'll sign it. Q A ban has been discussed and DISMISSED in the past. What made the difference THIS year ? ** no longer issue for border towns small biz want minimal govt intervention ** Lung assoc says 50% restaurants already are smoke free -- so, why mandate. ** republicans can it political posturing. Q Republicans tried to BROADEN ban.with amendments. but no Luck??? ** Democrats-- offered to file a new bill to ban smoking in the additional areas so public hearings could be held on them. Q For those unfamiliar with the bill --- what exactly does it CALL for? Q More bad news for smokers. The Governor also proposing a 28-cent hike in the TOBACCO tax. Is that likely to go thru as well? ** Tax Still lower than other NE states -- but, closing the gap. The real losers.small biz. |
| Conversation Return to index of stories... |
MINIUMUM WAGE Q Another MONEY issue before Lawmakers: The MINIMUM WAGe BILL. Governor wants to RAISE it from $5.15 an hour to $7.25.over 2 years. * Congress still wrangling over a national increase. Democrats want to deliver -- If passes won't it make NH efforts MOOT The nation's lowest paid workers may be getting their first raise in 10 years if the House of Representatives and Senate can agree on legislation. Both houses of Congress independently passed bills to raise the minimum hourly rate from $5.15 to $7.25 by 2009. asking lawmakers to maintain current funding levels for the next two years, and give communities an additional 5 percent. At the same time, he wants to define an adequate education, and change the constitution to make it easier to target school aid. Q Support University System, Q Budget: Charlie Arlinghaus with Higher than last 6 budgets Developmental disabled list State least conservative budget in state o gen funds increased by 350 mil 3 times faster than rate of inflation charlie new scratch ticket 30 dollars. popular elsewhere - Governor John Lynch today urged legislators to raise New Hampshire's minimum wage. He spoke in favor of a bill to raise the wage from the current $5.15 an hour to $7.25 over two years. GAMING revenues real money. casino gambling LCHIP more spending than any budget in recent history buget passed to house.finance goes out on the road no marathon hearings in concored want public input very involved process then goes to senate. they assess.ultimately committee ofconference in june a budget signed. a long way f Gov.only a beginning point. lots of changes. predictions.from public ** LCHIP. going to happen/ Legislature.similiar to gov's plan -- Spending will go up more.additioanl tax or tow to mix??? fiscal strength. |
| budget Return to index of stories... |
10 a.m. - Agency presentations on the budget. Departments of Safety, Revenue, Environmental Services, Judicial Branch, Dept. of Justice, Judicial Council, Treasury and Retirement. LOB210-211. 10 a.m., HB565, bars leghold and conibear traps, Representatives Hall. 10 a.m., HB514, raises the minimum wage, LOB307. 10 a.m., House Ways and Means works on revenue estimates, |
| Smoking ban Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Smoking Ban TOPS,0097 N.H. takes first step against bar smoking CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Senate voted today to ban smoking in bars and restaurants, the first step toward joining its New England neighbors on that issue. The bill still must pass the House, but supporters are optimistic it will. Governor John Lynch has said he will sign it. Last year, a similar measure passed the House but died in the Senate. More than a dozen states and hundreds of cities and counties around the country ban smoking in restaurants, bars or both. New Hampshire is the only state in New England that does neither. AP-NY-02-22-07 1326EST Senate vote on smoking ban. Senate convenes at 10:30 a.m. CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Senate is considering a smoking ban in restaurants and bars statewide today. More than a dozen states and hundreds of cities and counties around the country ban smoking in restaurants, bars or both. |
| minimum wage Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch today urged legislators to raise New Hampshire's minimum wage. He spoke in favor a bill to raise the wage from the current $5.15 an hour to $7.25 over two years. The governor told a House committee that many families are working hard just to get by, and often not making enough for basics. He said raising the wage is the right thing to do. Hotel and restaurant owners are criticizing the proposal, saying it's unnecessary because most businesses already pay their workers more. AP-NY-02-22-07 1254EST New Hampshire is the only state in the Northeast whose minimum wage rate is just $5.15 an hour. Two years ago, the New Hampshire House passed legislation increasing the wage. The state Senate killed the measure. House Bill 514 would raise the minimum wage rate to $6.50 on Sept. 1, and then to $7.25 next year. A recent University of New Hampshire study found the majority of people earning minimum wage in New Hampshire are over the age of 25, and a high percentage of those people are women. "These are men and women trying to make ends meet. They're trying to pay for the basics on a wage rate set 10 years ago. Has the price of groceries, or rents been frozen for 10 years? Of course not," Gov. Lynch said. Other studies by Princeton economists have shown an increase in the minimum wage has little to no effect on employment. Raising the minimum wage does not hurt low-wage earners through a reduction in jobs and actually leads to economic activity, the studies found. "We should not wait for Congress to raise the federal minimum wage. We should do what is right for our families and for our state and finally raise the minimum wage ourselves," Gov. Lynch said. # # # |
| gov's term Return to index of stories... |
GOVERNOR'S TERM Proposed amendment would double length of gov's term dewman CONCORD, N.H. - A former governor led support yesterday for a proposed constitutional amendment in New Hampshire to double the length of a governor's term. Walter Peterson told lawmakers he thinks state government would function better if governors didn't spend so much time running for office. New Hampshire and Vermont are the only states whose governors serve two-year terms. One opponent said she's concerned voters will not turn out for legislative elections if there is no governor's contest on the ballot every two years. --- Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http:/www.unionleader.com |
| Thanks/Goodbye Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Tom Fahey. Special thanks to our hosts here at the NH Historical Society in Concord. And, thank you for watching NH Outlook, where NH talks. I'm Beth Carroll, I'll see you around NH. |
| Web Promo Return to index of stories... |
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| background Return to index of stories... |
BUDGET Steve Norton, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies; Charlie Arlinghaus, President of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy raises spending 9% over 2 years PUBLIC Safety Popular Good: more funding for higher ed ** Motor vehicle registration increase Charlie: Our biz taxes growing faster than they should Best part: Gov has asked for montly spending reports Biggest spending Higher than last 6 budgets 6 on dev disabled list Gov budget consistent with his priorities Gov says old mechnicism changed.incr 5 % this year, constatnt for next. School boards facing 5 % increase in state aid why schools upset: Funding -lukewarm reception Gov's school plan: Cigarette tax 28-cents NH lower than other states on tobacco tax…gap closing. Significant changes in border sales / Grocer assoc opposed to tax - affects biz. Advantage over MA shortened.some slip offs secondary concern: cig taxes very regressive.tax on poor people.essentially does not affect wealthy person. Convenience stores rely on cig sales/ loss leader to bring them in…can't bring in…won't sell other items.worrisome situation. Will Legislature pass it??? |
| fish & game Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - A plan to ban state Fish and Game officers from search and rescue missions in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest unless the federal government pays is getting a bad review in the state Senate. A Senate committee is recommending the full Senate kill the bill. *** Committee recommends against forest rescue payment plan dewman CONCORD, N.H. - A state Senate committee is recommending the Senate kill a plan to ban state Fish and Game officers from search and rescue missions in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest unless the federal government pays. The Fish and Game Commission opposes the bill and the Forest Service says it has no authority to make the payments. Berlin state Senator John Gallus said he's received many complaints from sportsmen and women that Fish and Game is spending money on searches and rescues in the national forest at a time when the agency is running short on money. Opponents told the Senate Wildlife, Fish and Game Committee yesterday that hikers and climbers pump millions of dollars into the state economy and that the Legislature should not change the state's ability to coordinate rescues. --- Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http:/www.unionleader.com |
| Key: state politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/25/07 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:00 Now on New Hampshire Outlook -- where NH talks: What's new from the state house in Concord? We'll find out. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. We're broadcasting from the NH Historical Society in Concord -- just around the bend from the State House where lawmakers have been busy as of late. Issues on the agenda include a statewide Smoking Ban and a push to raise the minimum wage for workers. Plus: with the dust now settled from the Governor's budget address, we'll hear how his spending plan is going over. Here to talk about all this and more: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph |
| Key: economy Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 02/25/07 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:00 Now on New Hampshire Outlook -- where NH talks: What's new from the state house in Concord? We'll find out. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to NH Outlook. We're broadcasting from the NH Historical Society in Concord -- just around the bend from the State House where lawmakers have been busy as of late. Issues on the agenda include a statewide Smoking Ban and a push to raise the minimum wage for workers. Plus: with the dust now settled from the Governor's budget address, we'll hear how his spending plan is going over. Here to talk about all this and more: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph |
| budget/ ap Return to index of stories... |
Lynch unveils $10 billion NH budget By NORMA LOVE Associated Press Writer CONCORD, N.H. _ Gov. John Lynch unveiled a $10.2 billion state spending plan Thursday that would put a hold on a contested school aid law in preparation for a debate over whether to limit aid to only poorer communities. Lynch's plan would spend $3.2 billion from general tax revenues during the next two-year budget. That is a 15 percent increase over the current budget. Total spending would be 9 percent higher when federal money, gasoline taxes and other funding sources are included. The total does not include school aid. Lynch would distribute less school aid than the current law calls for. He would distribute $497 million in non-property tax school aid each of the next two years. A school aid system found unconstitutional by a superior court calls for distributing $527 million each year. Currently, the state distributes $473 million. In September, the state Supreme Court left the system in place but set a July deadline for the state to define an adequate education or face possible intervention. Lynch would suspend the current aid law. He would give towns the same aid they got this year plus five percent; they would receive that amount in each year of the biennium. Lynch said he soon will offer a constitutional amendment to allow the state to limit aid to poorer towns. ''I do not believe we should put in place a new school funding formula until we have defined an adequate education and passed this constitutional amendment,'' he said. ''Nor do I believe we should simply go forward with the current law.'' Lynch estimates the education fund would have a $100 million surplus at the end of the two years if the aid law is suspended. The statewide property tax _ which contributes $363 million annually to state school aid _ would drop to $2.24 per $1,000 of property value next year. To pay for his budget, Lynch would hike the cigarette tax 28 cents per pack _ to $1.08 cents per pack. He would shore up the highway fund used to build and repair roads and bridges with a $6 annual increase in the vehicle registration fee. Lynch's mention of a constitutional amendment was met with mild applause. The rest of his school aid plan was met with silence. House Finance Chairwoman Marjorie Smith said the cigarette tax probably could be raised even more without hurting New Hampshire retailers. ''He put 28 cents in because he believed it was all that was necessary to balance his budget,'' she said. Smith noted that Lynch's school aid amounts count on lawmakers doing something they have not done in the past _ adopt a constitutional amendment on school funding. ''He expects that amendment to pass. The history we have is the House has not been particularly supportive of that approach,'' said Smith, D-Durham. ''But, there is a new House.'' Senate Finance Chairman Lou D'Allesandro said Lynch ''has his priorities straight.'' ''It's a well thought out budget,'' said D'Allesandro, D-Manchester. Lynch also counts on about a 16 percent increase in state revenues in the budget after counting in the cigarette tax hike and other revenue enhancing measures. He believes revenues from tourism will be increased by spending $500,000 more on advertising. He would institute a research-and-development tax credit to spur business. Lynch again called on lawmakers to increase the school dropout age to 18 and said his budget would spend more than $54 million in state and federal funding on alternative programs to keep students in school. Among them is $4 million to increase tutoring and one-on-one assistance for at-risk students. Lynch also would give a $16 million more in aid to the University System of New Hampshire. That is in addition to the nearly $40 million the system would get in his capital budget toward building upgrades. He promised to crack down on agencies drawing on money intended for highways for other uses. The result has been delays in road and bridge projects that will mean higher costs when the state can afford to do them, he said. ''State agencies must stop using the highway fund like an ATM,'' he said. Nevertheless, Lynch said his budget will allow the state to move forward on the expansion of Interstate 93 and other, high priority projects. He said he included funding in his capital budget to nearly double _ up to 57 _ the number of bridges on a ''red list'' of getting critical repairs. Lynch also included $1 million in the capital budget toward the return of rail service to southern New Hampshire. Lynch said he rejected $291 million in spending requests from agencies. In November, Lynch had warned agencies they would have to justify funding 742 vacant positions. The budget eliminates 321 of them. Lynch said he had to deal with $300 million in costs the state is obligated to fund _ among them the state's share of rising pension costs. The retirement system currently is about 67 percent funded _ a shortfall of about $2 billion. Lynch noted the state's costs rose well above $100 million to cover its share. Lynch did not give the Fish and Game Department the $3.2 million in additional funding it claimed it needed to avoid layoffs. Instead, he moved responsibility for the agency's dams to the Department of Environmental Services. Lynch's Fish and Game budget also counts on $500,000 in additional revenues from auctioning an extra 100 moose hunting permits over two years. The budget does not include any layoffs, he said. The Land and Community Heritage Investment Program would get $12 million _ the amount it sought. The money is used to preserve land and historic places. Lynch also includes $6 million in his capital budget for repairs and renovations at state parks _ the first systemwide such improvements since 1963. Lynch wants a master plan developed for the state prison system, but in the meantime included $10 million to begin work expanding the prison in Berlin. |
| budget/telegraph Return to index of stories... |
A new budget awaits snip-and-add process Published: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007 KEY POINTS BACKGROUND: Gov. Lynch has proposed a budget for the next two years, beginning July 1, which would increase expenditures by 9 percent. CONCLUSION: While Lynch’s budget contains many worthy proposals, the Legislature is sure to trim a few and to pursue its own priorities as part of its customary review process. The budgets that governors submit aren’t the budgets they usually get. By the time the Legislature finishes its review and amendment process, an austere budget can wind up with some fattening and a budget considered too generous may end up by being whittled down. Conservatives in the Legislature are decrying Gov. John Lynch’s budget that includes a 9 percent increase in proposed expenditures for the next two years beginning July 1. Most legislators, especially those in the Democratic leadership, are taking a wait-and-see attitude. We expect that the Legislature, although dominated by Democrats, will leave its imprint on the budget, going along with Lynch on some proposals and changing others. The most controversial aspect of the budget revolves around cuts in school aid grants until that controversial issue is resolved, including a definition of “adequate education” and a possible amendment to the state constitution targeting school aid to needy communities. Expect a lot of political maneuvering on this one, as some communities, including Nashua, would take a substantial hit. To finance his increased budget, Lynch is proposing to increase the cigarette tax by 28 cents per pack for a total tax of $1.08. New Hampshire would still have the lowest per-pack tax of neighboring states, but the increase would generate an additional $87 million in revenue to offset the proposed budget. The state is addicted to cigarette-tax revenue. On the one hand, the state advocates smokers to quit the habit for their health’s sake, but on the other, it carefully pegs its tax levy so that it won’t jeopardize sales and revenue. In his budget, Lynch has included funds to appeal to a diverse section of the population. The sum of $12 million is included for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program. While the program enjoys widespread popularity, it has been hampered in recent years by a lack of sufficient funds. Another notable inclusion would allow $5.7 million to cut in half the list of people with developmental disabilities waiting for state aid. There shouldn’t be a wait list, and the Legislature should be looking to eliminate the list altogether. That’s shamefully overdue. Lynch has also included some money for a host of other social and education services, to expand the prison in Berlin and to provide long-delayed basic maintenance for state parks and historic sites. Each program proposal in the Lynch budget has merit, but the Legislature will have to do what budget committees in cities and towns must do each year – innovate and prioritize, with an eye to spending no more than what’s available in reasonable revenue projections. It’s a daunting task, considering New Hampshire’s chronic need to raise revenue in a way that doesn’t require a sales or income tax generally winds up encouraging deferrals in a number of areas that need attention. |
| Budget response Return to index of stories... |
State House Dome: Lynch's budget gets a lukewarm response By TOM FAHEY State House Bureau Chief Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007 YES, LAWMAKERS from both parties stood and cheered for the LCHIP part of Gov. John Lynch's budget speech last week. In fact, his proposal to put $12 million into the popular Land and Community Heritage Investment Program prompted one of his biggest standing ovations. But as Lynch unveiled the rest of his plan for spending $10.2 billion over the next two years, the standing ovations usually faded out halfway to the back of the room. One frustrated Democrat complained that his party wasn't whooping it up enough. "They need to be whipped, and I mean literally," he said. Republicans picked up on the lack of enthusiasm. "I was overwhelmed by the lack of positive response by the Legislature as a whole," said Minority Leader Michael Whalley. "I just didn't sense there was overwhelming support," he said. Rep. David Hess said, "I would categorize the response as lukewarm at best, and even tepid." Subjects that drew underwhelming reaction included a constitutional amendment on school funding, defining an adequate education and raising the mandatory age for school attendance to 18. Could it be that Dems and the GOP alike were floored by the news their schools weren't getting the money they expected? That sort of thing tends to dampen enthusiasm. One thing House and Senate members didn't get a chance to applaud was the idea of including kindergarten as part of every child's schooling. The governor didn't mention it. In fact, his proposed definition of an adequate education doesn't mention it either. "We didn't want to start adding things to existing standards without public debate," Deputy Chief of Staff Pam Walsh said Friday. Bills on kindergarten and on the definition of adequacy will give people an opportunity to air their opinions, she said. —————— SCHOOL-AID HURDLES Lynch plans to freeze aid to school districts with a one-time 5 percent boost across the board. But his proposed change to school funding can't happen unless the Legislature amends existing law. Lynch's proposal comes one month before most local school districts are to vote on budgets for the 2007-08 school year. In towns as varied as Bedford and Pittsfield, his plan spares them a reduction in aid. In others, it creates a big a cut in next year's aid. Include Nashua in that crowd. The Gate City is at risk to lose a $9 million boost. Londonderry would be short by $1.9 million. Hess said school districts that lose under Lynch's funding plan are bound to go to court to try and block it. He called it "an impossible assumption" to think there won't be a court challenge. —————— HUNTING FOR SUPPORT The hot topic of discussion in the hallways after Lynch's speech was moose. Lynch proposed auctioning an extra 50 moose-hunting permits each year, to raise an estimated $250,000. Rep. Gene Chandler, who has shot his share of moose over the years, hates the idea. "Reprehensible," he told a number of reporters. "I was aghast when I heard it." Whalley didn't like the idea, either. "Rescue Fish and Game through selling permits to the highest bidder? Our wildlife, I would suggest, is held in trust for everybody, not just the wealthy. What are we going to sell or auction next?" he asked. Sen. Bob Clegg said he likes it. "If somebody wants to pay $10,000 to hunt moose in the state of New Hampshire, fine," he said. Clegg sees it as a job creation bill for woodland guides. "You don't just walk into the woods of northern New Hampshire and walk out again that easily," he said. But he doesn't want to see permits that should go to state residents getting snapped up at auction by high-rollers. The state awarded 675 moose permits by lottery last year. Lynch is not the only one thinking about an auction, already used in Maine and Vermont. Rep. Bob L'Heureux, Sen. John Gallus and Sen. Sheila Roberge are sponsors of HB 87, which would auction three moose-hunting permits. The bill calls for $5,000 minimum bids. Information from Maine and Vermont shows it might be tough to hit the fiscal target Lynch has set. Vermont, which auctions five permits, got $21,517 in 2005. Last year, the state got 11 bids, ranging form $5,101 to $560. Maine saw 18 bids for five permits in 2005, six for more than $10,000 and the lowest for $1,000. Last year, the top bid was $12,715, and the lowest was $527. Three were for $1,000 or less. Fish and Game executive director Lee Perry said he hasn't seen details of Lynch's plan so he didn't want to comment. He did say the moose herd is carefully managed, and that hunting permits are issued for specific sectors of the state. "It could have an impact in terms of the herd and the harvest ". but it's all conjecture and speculation at this time," he said. —————— BUDGET HEARINGS Speaker of the House Terie Norelli has scheduled public hearings on the Lynch budget. The series begins Monday evening, March 5, in Lebanon at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center auditorium. Others are March 6 at Keene State College, March 8 at Rochester Community Center, March 12 in Manchester at PSNH headquarters, and March 15 in Whitefield at White Mountain Regional High School. The usual marathon public hearing at the State House won't happen, and there won't be a hearing in Concord at all, Norelli said. She is also trying to open access to government hearings. The House now has equipment to stream two committee hearings at a time on the Internet. She said Finance hearings and one other committee will be on the House Web site. That second committee will vary, depending on which bills are drawing the most interest. The whole idea of public access got a different test on Thursday in the House Judiciary Committee. One citizen wanted to videotape a work session on the parental notification bill on abortion. Chairman David Cote checked with the House clerk's office on protocol, and was told it was up to him. "My inclination was to let it go ahead," he said. One committee member objected, so he decided not to allow it, Cote said. The move prompted Rep. Paula Manney to complain to Norelli, pointing out that the state's right-to-know law provision allows tape recorders, camera equipment and videotape of public proceedings. Cote said now he knows. —————— FIRST FISH New Hampshire's first lady will be tossing the fish over the boards tonight at the Whittemore Center. Gov. Lynch proudly announced that his wife, Susan, will hurl tonight's fish when UNH scores its first goal during the women's hockey game against UConn. He had no idea what kind of fish it will be, but was sure it wasn't the winning three-foot cusk from the Lakes Region Great Rotary Fishing Derby last weekend. —————— NEW DIRECTOR Mike Biundo introduced Tammy Simmons last week as the new director of the New Hampshire Advantage Coalition. Simmons, owner of Simmons Country Print in Derry, has a political resume that includes work on the campaigns of Jim Coburn, Manchester Mayor Frank Giunta, President George Bush and former U.S. Sen. Bob Smith. —————— DRUG DISCOUNTS Lobbyist Rick Newman, representing independent pharmacies, urged passage of a bill establishing a statewide discount on prescription drugs. The pharmacists have had their run-ins with Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen in the past. Stephen's term ends Oct. 8. Newman told the committee not to base its decision on whether Stephen likes the bill. "There may be a new commissioner in 247 days, not that we're counting." He was counting. The number was right on the money. —————— WINTER WELCOME Getting back to that budget speech, the first applause line Lynch got, by the way, came before his prepared remarks. Snowplows across the state were still cleaning up the first big snow of the season. "Welcome to winter in New Hampshire," Lynch said, bringing bipartisan cheers. Tom Fahey is the Statehouse bureau chief. |
| adeq education Return to index of stories... |
Lawmakers get earful on 'adequate' education By CAROL ROBIDOUX New Hampshire Union Leader Staff Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007 MANCHESTER – Education cannot be "adequate" unless it considers the needs of the individual child -- and also includes kindergarten for all, provides curriculum for gifted students, allows flexibility for students with disabilities, prepares students for 21st-century technology, hires a fleet of guidance counselors to bridge gaps between parents and administrators, and extends the school day to allow children who don't speak English at home to catch up on basic skills with a qualified teacher. And that's not all. But that was the bulk of suggestions brought before a joint legislative task force during last night's public meeting at Memorial High School. It was the second of five planned statewide forums meant to give voice to the people, as lawmakers listened. The crowd of more than 50 included several local politicians, teachers, school administrators and others who came with prepared statements outlining their particular agendas. Among them, Rona Zlokower of MediaSmart, a community education program through Child Health Services. She said teachers have trouble competing with the kinds of seductive technology kids are mastering at home. "We need to teach teachers to use technology to a greater extent in the classroom so that MTV is not overtaking the ABCs," Zlokower said. Hooksett school board chairman Joanne McHugh said her school resources are mostly devoted to the general population or special education students. "We face a difficulty in our community to meet the needs of advanced learners," McHugh said. "What you are defining here are minimum standards. We expect these students to be the leaders of the future. They can't do that with a minimum education." Kate Richards, of the Performing Arts School in Bedford and founder of the Greater Manchester Alliance for the Gifted, said the definition of "adequate education" is too subjective to be mandated by the state. "A one size fits all education doesn't work," Richards said. "In each class you will find a child who is struggling to understand and you will find a student waiting for the next topic because she's already mastered it." Mary Ellen Hannon, superintendent of Derry schools, said it's time for all districts in New Hampshire to offer kindergarten. Hers is one of about 10 that do not. "Saying no to public kindergarten means politics wins over children," Hannon said. Tammy Simmons, executive director of the New Hampshire Advantage Coalition, said that the series of meetings, which she said were orchestrated by Gov. John Lynch, are "merely a feel-good exercise" that will lead New Hampshire to a statewide income tax. "We don't need to define adequate education. The court has overstepped its bounds and the legislature has not stood up to keep it in check," Simmons said. ?Tax foes lobby on schools ruling CommentNH blogosphere & eventsPrintEmailPage top |
| lynch & primary Return to index of stories... |
Lynch, Iowa governor to meet By JOHN DISTASO Senior Political Reporter 10 hours, 17 minutes ago Gov. John Lynch yesterday agreed to meet with Iowa Gov. Chet Culver on Saturday in Washington, D.C. They're expected totalk about Culver's concerns about his state's leadoff Presidential caucus. Culver has been pledging in the Iowa media lately to preserve the position of the caucus as other states move up their caucuses and primaries. His biggest worry, according to Iowa news reports, is New Hampshire. Secretary of State Bill Gardner has strongly indicated he will respond tthe Democratic National Committee's placement of the Nevada caucus between the Iowa and New Hampshire events by scheduling the first primary ahead of the date the national party set for it. New Hampshire law allows him to schedule it ahead of Iowa, if he feels it's necessary to protect the primary's status. Speculation about such a move has the Iowa governor concerned. Iowa law says its caucus must be first by eight days, regardless of what any other state does. So, if New Hampshire goes earlier than the DNC wants, Iowa presumably would, too. Still, if Gardner sets the primary date in early January 2008, and Iowa goes eight days earlier, Iowans might be caucusing on or before New Year's Eve. Culver told Iowa reporters he was "very engaged in doing everything I can to keep Iowa first, and to work tthe extent possible with our friends in New Hampshire to protect our first-in-the-nation status." None in these parts knows exactly what Culver wants Lynch to do, but you can bet the New Hampshire governor isn't about to start lobbying Gardner on when to schedule the primary. Lynch spokesman Colin Manning said that at the meeting, to be held during a break in National Governors Association proceedings, Lynch "will make it clear he's committed to keeping the New Hampshire primary first in the nation, that the decision to set the primary date is in the hands of Bill Gardner and that he will support whatever Bill Gardner decides." Culver might not be feeling the need to mend fences with the Granite State if his state's representatives had supported New Hampshire during the year-long DNC process that put Nevada into the January schedule between Iowa and New Hampshire. Presidential candidate and former Gov. Tom Vilsack's people on a DNC commission and its rules committee voted with the majority against New Hampshire. Iowa attorney David Nagle, a former state Democratic chairman and congressman, suggests that Culver should "tell that mistakes were made by us, by an inexperienced delegation, and that Iowa and New Hampshire should stand together in this fight." Culver's chief of staff and spokesman could not be reached yesterday. Gardner was unavailable, too, but his deputy, David Scanlan, said that neither he nor Gardner has heard from Iowa officials "in the recent past." Culver, by the way, didn't ask Lynch to meet until after he had announced that he had a meeting set, Manning confirmed. BACK ON BOARD Warren Rudman knows that the year 2000 is ancient history. The former U.S. senator from New Hampshire knows his friend, John McCain, is a different political animal now, and he knows McCain has an unpopular position on the war in Iraq. "He has been highly critical of the administration's conduct of the war and has said repeatedly that there are insufficient forces in Iraq to complete the mission," Rudman told us yesterday. "He has been consistent about that and I give him great credit for putting what he believes is right for the country over his political fortunes. It's a negative for him and I'm sure he knows it." Rudman today will be announced as a national co-chair for McCain's exploratory committee, while former Gov. Walter Peterson will sign on as a honorary state co-chair. Both men held the same titles for McCain's 2000 effort. Rudman said his own Iraq position is that "it's too late" for an escalation. "It should have happened 18 months agand was resisted by the administration. John himself has said it's a gamble." Rudman noted that Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, "believes this can have a chance of stabilizing Baghdad, son that basis, if I were in the Senate, I'd have tvote tgive him that chance. "It's certainly a different election than it was in 2000," Rudman added. "It's going tbe a hard fight for the New Hampshire primary," but he said McCain, even as the front-runner and as a more traditional Republican than the outsider "maverick" he was eight years ago, can win it. McCain, by the way, will finally get New Hampshire -- in about a month, Rudman said. MITT'S NEW AD Criticisms of Republican Mitt Romney's new TV ad are welcomed by his supporters in New Hampshire as proof that the DNC and other Republican candidates are taking him very seriously. The 60-second spot, alsairing in Iowa, South Carolina, Michigan and Florida, describes him as a "business legend" wh"rescued the Olympics" and "the Republican governor whturned around a Democratic state." It begins with Romney's wife, Ann, saying, "Every place that Mitt has gone, he has solved problems that people said were nearly impossible." Shown speaking in a town hall-style setting, the candidate says, "I believe the American people are overtaxed and the government is overfed. I believe we're spending tomuch money and that's got tstop." Romney plans a one-stop New Hampshire visit tomorrow at GT Solar in Merrimack, then will return tthe state on March 1. HILLARY STAFFS UP First, Nick Clemons, now Kathleen Strand. Hillary Clinton's campaign, continuing ttap the Democratic State Committee for talent, plans tannounce today that Strand will be the campaign's state communications director. Strand holds the same title for the party. She'll join Clinton on March 12, twdays after Hillary returns tNew Hampshire to keynote the party's 100 Club fund-raiser. Strand came tNew Hampshire in the summer of 2004 as press secretary for John Kerry's state campaign. She returned in August 2006 as communications director of the party and its coordinated campaign. Party executive director Clemons will take over as Clinton's New Hampshire campaign manager the week after next. Outgoing party chair Kathy Sullivan praised Strand and called the breakup of her party team "sad," but said, "This group had such a tremendous impact on New Hampshire politics." The campaign is "thrilled" to have Strand, said spokesman Mo Elliethee. "She's one of the best out there, and with her New Hampshire ties, she'll be a huge asset in our efforts to ntroduce Senator Clinton to Granite Staters." BUBBA'S BIG PUSH Hillary supporters here and elsewhere received their first e-mail from The Big Guy yesterday. Bill Clinton's fund-raising letter sets a goal of raising "one million dollars in grassroots donations in a week's time." Bill, by the way, says he "can't wait" to join Hillary on the campaign trail. Nword yet on when that might happen. A WARM EMBRACE Democratic Presidential hopeful Chris Dodd was received warmly by a group of influential state lawmakers at the Sulloway and Hollis law firm in Concord last week. The Connecticut senator contributed big money to the Senate Democratic Caucus PAC during the 2006 campaign. At the luncheon, Dodd literally embraced the embattled Ray Buckley, the PAC's executive director and party vice chair. Nothing has yet come of investigations into child pornography and sexual harassment allegations against Buckley. Dodd said, "I love Ray Buckley. I have high regard for Ray Buckley and his leadership in the state." Sullivan noted that Dodd was "very loyal to New Hampshire" by convincing the Connecticut delegation to support New Hampshire when the DNC -- which he once chaired --moved against the primary. QUICK TAKES John Edwards returns on Saturday with house parties in Nashua, Salem and Concord. He'll also meet with One Corps volunteers to talk about their National Day of Health Care Action, which is Saturday, and stop at The Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester and visit with customers. Barack Obama's New Hampshire campaign today will open its state campaign headquarters at 60 Rogers St., Manchester. It's described as a "big, bright office" of about 8,000 square feet in an old office building tucked between Hayward and Harvard streets. Potential GOP Presidential candidate Tommy Thompson continues to stay in touch with prominent Granite Staters, but the former Health and Human Services secretary is telling them he feels no need to hurry into the race. The New Hampshire Advantage Coalition, a low-tax, small-government lobbying group, has hired former radio talk show host Gardner Goldsmith as its communications director and former state Rep. Paul Mirski as legislative director. Americans Against Escalation in Iraq will join with a state coalition of activist groups for a news conference at the Legislative Office Building today at noon to criticize Sens. Judd Gregg and John Sununu and thank Reps. Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter for their recent Iraq-related votes. Lynch will talk about the primary and key issues facing the state on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. |