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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook tonight. Another Education Funding tax plan emerges from the House. We'll hear the debate over an increase in the electric consumption tax among other things. Movers and shakers in New Hampshire business descend on a granite state high school to do a little show and tell. |
| Headlines Return to index of stories... |
Good Evening. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Tax Plans Return to index of stories... |
Another plan has come forward to pay for education. The House Ways and Means committee voted today to recommend that the Legislature pass an electric consumption tax increase and a business tax credit repeal. There's debate over whether this plan will garner the votes needed to pass in the house. We'll have complete details and speak to members of the house ways and means committee who are on both sides of the issee in just a few minutes. |
| Judicial Reform Return to index of stories... |
Some legislators want more authority over the state Supreme Court. As it stands now, the court can make its operating rules, which have the force of law. The House voted to change the constitution so the Legislature has final say. Supporters of the change say they weren't trying to interfere with the court but rather were ensuring that all branches of government face checks and balances on their powers. The proposal is one of dozens of bills aimed at reforming the system after the impeachment of Chief Justice David Brock last year.Brock was acquitted by trial in the Senate. The plan now goes to the Senate, which rejected a similar measure last year. To be enacted, it also would have to be approved by voters in a referendum next year. |
| Forest Policy Return to index of stories... |
Environmental groups say the public wants President Bush to support the roadless forest policy enacted by Bill Clinton. At a news conference this morning, the group said 94 percent of those who testified at Forest Service hearings favored the plan. It would prevent road building and timber harvesting on 58 million acres of federal land, including 45 thousand acres in New Hampshire. |
| Forest roads SOT Return to index of stories... |
10:08:34 The roadless forest policy protects habitat for over 1600 rare, threatened endangered species. Pure safe drinking water is by far a greater commodity than is fossil fuels. We must shift our attention away from what corporate interests want for our treasuresed lands for their profit to doing more to protect our sources of pure water.10:09:02 |
| Tag Forest Roads Return to index of stories... |
President Bush is expected to announce next week whether he will continue the policy. |
| Regional Airports Return to index of stories... |
Regional airports in New England are busier than ever. The head of Massport told a legislative committee today that 80 percent of the total growth in airline passengers over the last five years occurred at smaller airports like Manchester as well as Worcester and Hanscom Field Airports in Massachusetts. In the five years before 1996, Boston's Logan Airport shouldered 80 percent of the increased traffic. |
| Church Vandalism Return to index of stories... |
Manchester churches and synagogues will keep their lights on tomorrow night to show support for a church that was the target of a hate crime last weekend. Satanic symbols and obscenities were spray painted at the Brookside Congregational Church. Rabbi Arthur Starr is organizing the protest against the vandalism. Starr says an attack against one church is an attack against all congregations. |
| Industrial Clean-up Return to index of stories... |
The U-S Senate has unanimously approved Senator Bob Smith's bill to help clean up more than 500-thousand abandoned industrial sites. The bill provides 200 million dollars annually for the next five years for assessment and cleanup. New Hampshire sites that would qualify are located in Bradford, Greenfield, Newport, Northfield, Tilton, Winchester, Londonderry, Durham, Concord, Milford, Mont Vernon and Franklin. The bill encourages developers to build on the sites by insulating them from future Superfund lawsuits if additional toxic wastes are found. Senators say the measure will create thousands of jobs, increase tax revenues and preserve and create open space and parks.The bill now goes to the House. President Bush has indicated he supports the measure. |
| Intro Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Another beautiful day. Just a few minutes ago we checked in with Katie Hess at the Mount Washington Observatory to see what we can expect and how things are on top of Mount Washington tonight. |
| Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
CG:WEATHER\Mount Washington Observatory\Current conditions\Temperature: 31 Degrees\Mostly clear\Visibility: 45 miles\Winds: calm CG:WEATHER\Tonight \North and mountains\Increasing clouds \Lows in the upper 20s\\ CG:WEATHER\Tonight\South\Clear \lows in the 30s.\\ CG:WEATHER\Tomorrow \Statewide\Partly sunny \Highs in the mid 50s to upper 60s\\ |
| Intro Tax Plans Return to index of stories... |
Revisiting our top story, the House Ways and Means Committee today approved another education funding package to present to the full house. While some of the components are familiar, an electric conumption tax is new. Producer Richard Ager has the story. |
| Tax Plans Return to index of stories... |
Soundup: Voting bells Track: It was a day full of distractions as committee members frequently had to answer the roll-call bell for votes upstairs in Reps Hall. Soundup: Legislature tape 2 14:08:42 If you're in favor of section 6 as amended, raise your hand. Track: Still, by early afternoon, the Republican majority had approved all the key elements of a new funding plan, House Bill 375. The plan does retain some parts of the House Leadership plan defeated last week. Graphic: The new funding plan repeals the Business Enterprise Tax credit that businesses have been able to deduct from their Business Profits Tax. That will raise $80 million the first year. The plan also introduces an electric consumption tax to raise $25 million. Bite: Legislature bill 2 15:18:10 It's spread across a wide - everyone who uses electricity in NH, so it's truly fair and equitable solution. It impacts the average residential user in the order of $1.50 a month on their bill. In - 70% of the state is on PSNH - they're seeing a big rate decrease next week so the important thing people should realize is that next month, your bill will still be lower than it was last month, even with this solution going forward. Bite; Legislature bill 2 15:16:19 This new package will allow us to close the deficit and in fact, we now anticipate a surplus at the end of the next biennium of $7 million. By so doing, we are able to eliminate a previous insurance credit which was questionable. Track: The chairman of the House Energy Committee was cautiously supportive. Bite: Legislature bill 2 15:25:47 Well, I think that anytime that we have higher electric rates in the state, it's a problem, and I can't say that increasing the tax on electricity isn't a problem, it is. But when you look at it in conjunction with some other events that are happening, - the rate decrease that is going to happen next week, largely eliminates that problem. The conservation initiative that we voted last week, the low-income program that's been established by the legislation in prior years, and the public utilities commission. I would agree with what Rep. Harrington said that this tax is probably not as bad as some of the others. Track: But House Democrats are unlikely to lend bipartisan support. Bite: Legislature bill 2 15:49:20 They propose to raise millions of dollars by eliminating the loophole between the BPT and the BET - that's not a loophole, that's a credit. And they propose to impose an energy consumption tax. Well, in order just to get to that level, they have to maintain an artificially elevated statewide property tax which is going to cause scores of towns to become donor towns next year. They have to maintain artificially elevated BET rates - they have to maintain artificially elevated interest and dividends tax rates. So this is a prescription for revenue disaster imposed upon the people of NH. Track; For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. |
| intro guests Return to index of stories... |
Soon after the vote, I spoke with two members of the House Ways and Means Committee. Representative Paul McGuirk, a Democrat from Walpole and Representative David Alukonis a Republican from Hudson. He's also Chair of Ways and Means. |
| Business Outlook Return to index of stories... |
Today on Wall Street, investors once again were lured to the safety of blue chips at the expense of the high-tech sector. It was an earnings warning from wireless technology maker Qualcomm that tempered investors' enthusiasm for tech stocks. |
| Wall Street Stocks Return to index of stories... |
Other stock prices came out mixed while the market tried to make sense of the conflicting information about earnings and the economy. The Dow Jones industrial average, which had been up triple digits at one point, ended up 67 points at ten-thousand-692. The broader S-and-P 500 gained almost six points to 12-hundred-34. Tech stocks retreated, with the Nasdaq composite down about 25. CG:STOCKS\Dow Jones Industrials\ 10692.35\+67.15\NYSE\ 629.36\+5.86\American Stock Exchange\938.13\+ 14.56\Nasdaq\ 2034.88\-24.92\S&P 500\1234.52\+5.77 |
| Layoffs Return to index of stories... |
A Concord company known for hiring refugees and the disabled has laid off about 80 percent of its workforce. The president of Bancroft Products says the downturn in the economy has forced the company to put off expansion plans and lay off 260 employees. Bancroft is a contract manufacturing company. He says he's worrried that many people leaving Bancroft will have trouble finding new jobs because of cultural and language barriers. |
| Fish Buyout Return to index of stories... |
Next month, New Hampshire fishermen will get the opportunity to tell the government how they feel about a plan to protect some species of fish. Under the plan, fishermen would give up their limited access permits to groundfish such as cod, yellowtail flounder and haddock. In return, they would get compensation. Public meetings will also be held next month in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The New Hampshire meeting will be held in Portsmouth on May 15th. |
| Intro Heal Thyself Return to index of stories... |
OnCam:Ally As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But is it? This week, Dartmouth Community Medical School's program Heal Thyself addressed strategies for prevention and health maintenance. |
| Tag Return to index of stories... |
The Dartmouth Community Medical School forums continue for the next four weeks. While the forums are sold out, you can see summaries here on NH Outlook, and see and hear the complete presentation on our website at nhptv.org. |
| Intro Entrepreneurs Return to index of stories... |
Finally tonight, success. Some say it is about passion. While others follow their dreams. What do Nashua area businesses, technology and H.S. students have in common? Find out as Producer, Andrea Sarris visits Brookline/Hollis H.S. in search of the state's next generation of entrepreneurs. |
| Entrepreneurs Return to index of stories... |
Meet Nashua area entrepreneurs who discuss their career paths with Hollis/Brookline HS students at a technology conference coordinated by the School-To-Career coordinator, Lindsay Lankin. This piece interweaves many interviews with area businessmen and students who are impressed with the entrepreneurial passion and that you can follow your dreams. The piece opens with Mark Thompson, Creative Director show casing The Big Machine Studios creative work and segues into student Robert Brook who is impressed with the caliber of presenters as well as gives us insight that business is not always business. Dr. Jeffrey Sohl, from UNH shool of business tells us the reality that 80% of start-ups fail in the State of NH. However, Gary Maedl, President/CEO of Launch Partners, Inc. emphasizes the true spirit of an entrepreneur. Stephen McCalmont, of Altaworks, Inc. discusses why Nashua attracts the best engineers, and why economically it is a fantastic place to begin a start up. The story leaves us with a female student understanding that these entrepreneurs are living out their dreams. outro: Liz Davies: "..Living out their dreams." |
| Tag Entrepreneurs Return to index of stories... |
For more information you can contact the school to career coordinator at Hollis Brookline High School. |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on tonight's program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.o-r-g. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts and participate in our daily poll. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program you can call us at 800-639-2721. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
Tomorrow on a special New Hampshire Outlook - remembering former Governor Mel Thomson. We'll take you to the State House memorial and then we'll talk to the people who knew Thomson best during the turbulent seventies of his three term tenure. Tomorrow's service begains at 10 AM in Representatives Hall. You can see and hear streaming video on our website at NHPTV.org. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of New Hampshire Outlook. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, thanks for joining us. Stay tuned for Oceans Wild. We'll be back tomorrow at 7:30. Good night. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundadtion Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| Brock Defamed Return to index of stories... |
The attorney representing Chief Justice David Brock has sent an open letter to the speaker of the house addressing the latest inquiry by the Judicial Conduct Committee. On Friday, the Judicial Conduct Committee released its findings that Supreme Court Chief Justice David Brock committed serious judicial violations. The JCC was investigating the administration of the court by the chief Justice and how the court dealt with behavior by former Justice Stephen Thayer. On Monday, two dissenting members of the commission went public with their concerns about the JCC decision. They complained, among other things, that Associate Justices Broderick and Duggan tried to influence the JCC's decision. Since then, members of the legislature, including Speaker Gene Chandler have called for an investigation. Brock's Attorney says the Chief Justice has not only been admonished by the committee, but he's also been defamed as a result has defamed Chief Justice David Brock.That from the Chief Justice's attorney David Nixon. In an open letter to the speaker of the house Nixon said the committee forced he and his client to respond within deadlines and "under the gun." Last week, Chief Justice David Brock was admonished by the JCC for administration of the court and conduct of former Justice Stephen Thayer. Two members of the JCC who voted against the admonishment later voiced concern about the JCC decision and involvement of Justices two supreme court justices in negotiating an agreement with the JCC attorney. Attorney Nixon's letter was prompted by statement from speaker of the house that the JCC and matters surrounding its decision would be investigated. |
| key: government: state Return to index of stories... |
DATE:4/26/01 TOPIC: the House Ways and Means Committee today approved another education funding package to present to the full house. While some of the components are familiar, an electric conumption tax is new. Producer Richard Ager has the story. SEGMENT LENGTH:3:19 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rep. Jonathan Hill\R - Bill 375 Sponsor |
| key: health Return to index of stories... |
DATE: 2/26/01 TOPIC: This week, Dartmouth Community Medical School's program Heal Thyself addressed strategies for prevention and health maintenance. SEGMENT LENGTH:1:02 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tracy L. Bach, JD\Dartmouth Community Medical School |
| key: government: state Return to index of stories... |
DATE: 4/26/01 TOPIC:Soon after the House Ways and Means Committee approved another education funding package to present to the full house the vote, I spoke with two members of the House Ways and Means Committee. SEGMENT LENGTH::9:25 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rep.David Alukonis\Chair, Ways and Means Committee Rep.David Alukonis\R - Hudson Rep. Paul McGuirk\D - Walpole |
| key: education Return to index of stories... |
DATE: 4/26/01 TOPIC: What do Nashua area businesses, technology and H.S. students have in common? Producer, Andrea Sarris visits Brookline/Hollis H.S. in search of the state's next generation of entrepreneurs. SEGMENT LENGTH: 2:55 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| PROMO 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on a special New Hampshire Outlook - remembering former Governor Mel Thomson. We'll have recollections from those who worked with him here in New Hampshire. Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| PROMO 11:30 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. We'll look at the week in review when Journalists from around the state join us for a lively roundtable discussion. Join us tonight at 11:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Thank guests Return to index of stories... |
Thanks you both for joining us here on Outlook. |
| Airport Trees Return to index of stories... |
Some neighbors of Laconia Airport in Gilford are fighting airport plans to trim and cut trees along a runway approach. The airport authority says it's a safety issue. Owners and residents of Edge of the Woods mobile home park believe cutting trees will ruin the parks appearance. The park owners say they would rather see the airport install navigation beacons, but airport officials say the Federal Aviation Administration won't allow it. The airport has gone to the Belknap County Commission to ask permission to take the trees by eminent domain. The commission will schedule a public hearing. |
| MON PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook. As electric de-regulation becomes a reality, what will it mean to New Hampshire consumers? Which choice translate into savings? For a complete look at this complex issue tune in Monday on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| MON TON. 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. As electric de-regulation becomes a reality, what will it mean to New Hampshire consumers? Which choice translate into savings? For the complete look at this complex issue tune in Tonight at 7:30 for New Hampshire Outlook. |