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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. It's been a busy week in the Legislature where lawmakers took aim at Gun Permits, Gay Marriage, Taxes and more. We have a mixed bag of economic news from the North Country. The embattled Linda Pepin has her say in the ChoiceLinx Scandal -- and Politics. |
| Roundtable Return to index of stories... |
Joining us this week in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from The Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com. A warm welcome to you all. |
| Intro Gay Marriage Return to index of stories... |
Let's Begin with what became the most highly charged debate in the Legislature this week -- Gay Marriage! House lawmakers voted to "block" recognition of same-sex marriages. The action is largely in response to a Court ruling in Massachusetts that allows gay couples to marry as of May 17th. NH lawmakers feared they would be forced to HONOR those marriages. Here's a sample of the emotion-filled debate. Q Norma: 18 members spoke against the bill -- only 3 spoke in favor. A lot of deeply personal testimony from HOUSE members -- is that UNUSAL? Q KEVIN: The vote was 213-to-140 for the bill. It goes back to Senate for review, with a sunset clause --which puts a TIME LIMIT on the bill. Q Edith: A lot of raw nerves. It's an issue destined to come back again. CLEARLY MOMENTUM ON THIS ISSUE. What level of support have you seen for Gay Marriage in NH? Q James: Some 38 states have passed "Defense Of Marriage Acts" to block gay marriages. This is a National Issue that's NOT going away and will play out no doubt in a lot of political races. |
| Gay Marriage Return to index of stories... |
Concord-AP -- After an emotional and often personal debate, New Hampshire's House has voted to block recognition of gay marriages. The vote was 213-to-140 for the bill. The vote comes in response to a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision giving gay couples the right to marry there starting May 17th. Many lawmakers fear New Hampshire would be forced to honor those marriages. The bill now goes back to the Senate for review. The Senate passed a similar version of the bill last month. Opponents tried in vain for more than three hours to persuade the House to kill the gay marriage bill, saying it was unnecessary and hurtful. But the majority disagreed. |
| Concealed Weapon Return to index of stories... |
The House also voted to KILL the concealed weapon bill -- which would have allowed anyone over 18 to carry a concealed weapon without asking for permission. Under current law, you need a license from the local police department to carry a concealed handgun. Q Norma: The Senate had passed this one -- Obviously a different sentiment in the House. What was the compelling argument against CHANGE? Q Kevin: The House voted 223 to 94, was that a WIDER margin that expected? Q Edith: Always when you talk about guns --the constitutional right to bear arms comes up. Any reaction to this debate in the North Country? Q Those wanting to change the Law say licenses are not given out uniformly by police deparments --and police have too much discretion. Valid argument? Q House lawmakers didn't feel Senate took Police Concerns about concealed weapons into consideration? |
| open adoption Return to index of stories... |
The Open Adoption Bill sailed thru the House this week -- clearing the way for adult adoptees to gain access to birth certificates -- regardless of confidentiality expectations of birth parents. Q Norma: The bill is heading to Governor Benson's desk -- is he expected to sign it? Q Kevin: Supporters argued the state does not guarantee confidentiality to birth mothers ---is their a concern this could give women pause to think of terminating their pregenancy? Q What was the motivation behind the bill -- access to medical history info? Q Edith or James: Any thoughts? |
| School Funding Return to index of stories... |
Friday it was learned New Hampshire communities will get 235 million-dollars less in state school aid than expected next year due to a mistake in the law. Norma, can you fill us in? |
| granite state poll Return to index of stories... |
The latest Granite State Poll shows Governor Craig Benson with a SOLID Lead over both of his likely Democratic Challengers in November's Election. 49% of likely voters say they'd vote for Benson -- 25% would cast ballots for House Minority Leader Peter Burling. 21% Undecided. In a match-up with former Attorney General Philip McLaughlin -- 49% would vote for Benson, 28% for McLaughlin. 2O% were UNDECIDED. Q James -- Suprised -- or does that mirror what you've been hearing? Q Edith, The name recognition also a factor for both Peter Burling and Philip McLaughlin. I would suspect that would be apparent the further away youget from Concord. Q Kevin, Norma: The Granite State Poll also found STRONG support for federal govt legalizing purchase of Prescription drugs from Canada. 81% in favor. The Governor's STAND on that issue obviously a MAJOR plus. Q 20-21% UNDECIDED. how significant is that? What does that say BOTH HAVE EXPLORATORY COMMITTEES |
| politicoes in state Return to index of stories... |
New Hampshire continues to be a MAGNET for some Political heavyweights. Some Big Political Names are scheduled to appear in the coming months. Q James, I understand Al Gore is coming back to NH? Q New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson also coming. NOt just Dems.Republican heavy weights too, former NJ Gov * Christie Whitman? NY Gov George Pataki? * Gov HOward Dean returns to Manchester for a May rally? Q Kevin, some interesting news in the Jeb Bradley race. He will have a challenger. What are his chances? James -- any thoughts? Q Today -- UNH dedicated an environmental technology building for Senator Judd Gregg. Clearly, an Environmental Advocate --but, Senator Gregg says "The War Against Terrorism" is the BIG issue this year. Any one willing to take on GREGG this time around? |
| Intro Pepin Return to index of stories... |
Let's not forget the Choicelinx Scandal and the embattled Linda Pepin! She's the Benson volunteer accused of inappropriately receiving a BROKERS fee for negotiating the state's Health Insurance Contract. At Insurance Department Hearings this week LINDA PEPIN was front and center addressing questions on what she'd done to earn those fees. Q Norma: What's the status of the hearings? are they over. Q Kevin -- She says she's a consultant, others say she acted as a broker? WHY is that distinction so crucial? Q Do people understand the anatomy of this controversy? Q Edith -- Does the general public care about this? Q James: How much of a political liability will this be for Benson -- it doesn't seem to have hurt him in recent polls? |
| Berlin fire & Mill Return to index of stories... |
In the North Country -- it was the best and worst of times this week. A 5-alarm blaze destroyed a number of downtown businesses on Sunday. There's talk of making the fire site green space, and adding some much needed parking. Better News came Wednesday when State Officials and the "Nexfor Frasier Mills" unveiled a new and improved mill facility. Making good on an agreement reached back in 2002, Nexfor has revamped the mill to reduce air emissions. The mill-owner has invested over 35-million dollars in the improvements. Q Edith: Does this mean the SMELL you get hit with when you drive thru the area will be gone? People will be breathing.easier. Q Do these "pollution control" projects at Nexfor bring the MILLS back into compliance with state and federal air pollution regulations? Q Obviously a good sign when a Company puts that kind of money into a community? |
| Next OutlookTease Return to index of stories... |
We'll have to let that be the last word. Thanks to Norma Love and Kevin Landrigan in Concord. And Edith Tucker and James Pindell here in Durham. Thanks to you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
On the First anniversary of the Fall of the Old Man -- we thought it fitting to look at what will Rise in its absence. Here to talk about that are Van McLeod, Commissioner for the Department of Cultural Resources --and Maura Weston, President of the Board of Directors of the "Old Man of the Mountain" Legacy Fund. 1 Cmsr McLeod: A lot has happened in a year. Give us a BRIEF sense of the range of ideas the "Old Man of the Mtn Revitalization" Task force weeded through. 2 Cmsr McLeod: In the end -- what did the task force decide was an appropriate tribute to the NH Icon? 3 Maura Weston: You're charged with coming up with the MONEY to pay for all this. Have you set a target goal yet? Give us an idea of fundraising opportunities you're looking at? 4 Maura Weston: What is the mission of the Legacy Fund? What motivates you to get behind an effort such as this. 5 Cmsr McLeod: As a cultural Resource -- how does the Old Man of the MT stack up? 6 CMSR MCLEOD: Governor Benson is hoping things can be finished by May of Next Year --the Bicentennial anniversary of the Old Man's Discovery -- is that FEASIBLE? 6 Maura Weston: Comemorative coins and stamps -- Will they be funding some of the Old Man of the Mountain tribute? 7 Cmsr McLeod: The Profile Awards are being given out today in Manchester honoring champions of NH's heritage. We have a picture of the award created by a local artist. Who are the FIRST recipients of the Profile award? 8 Maura Weston: What can people do if they want to get involved in the effort? 9Cmsr McLeod: Educating Future generations about the Old Man's Legacy is a major element of the tribute -- Will school Curriculum's be involved? Thanks to Van McLeod, and Maura Weston.Good Luck with your Mission. |
| CG FOR OLD MAN Return to index of stories... |
Cmsr Van McLeod Department of Cultural Resources Maura Weston President, Legacy Fund |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook. We'll mark the one year anniversary of the Old Man in the Mountain. Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. Tuesday on New Hampshire Outlook. We'll mark the one year anniversary of the Old Man in the Mountain. Tuesday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| pepin Return to index of stories... |
When challenged by Insurance Dept. attorney Leslie Ludtke about what exactly she had done to earn the state fees, Pepin replied that her background and experience qualified her. She insisted in testimony that insurance broker functions had been performed by others. |
| Cigarette Tax Return to index of stories... |
There's talk of a "temporary" Increase In NH's TAX on cigarettes. The House Ways and Means Committee is backing a jump of 12-cents a pack. Q Norma: Any chance of this going anywhere-- is their Legislative SUPPORT? Kevin: Would this be Dead on arrival if it ever gets to Governor's desk? Q Edith: NH has competitive edge with its TAX on cigarettes --in border communities. Small retailers rely on it -- can't imagine there'd be much support there? Q James: You've got to love this notion of TEMPORARY Tax -- once enacted, very rarely eliminated? |
| Malpractice Return to index of stories... |
Hoping to end friviolous lawsuits and lower MALPRACTICE premiums -- the state Senate voted to make it harder to SUE doctors. Q What exactly does the measure call for. -- In hopes of weeding out frivolous lawsuits and lowering malpractice insurance premiums, the state Senate voted today to require pre-litigation screening when patients sue doctors. Doctors complain that high premiums and the threat of lawsuits are forcing them to leave their specialties or practice defensive medicine, further driving up the cost of health care. The Senate voted 19-to-three to have a panel made up of a judge, a doctor and a lawyer evaluate malpractice lawsuits before they go to court. It rejected an alternate proposal to remove the lawyer and doctor from the panel and have it composed entirely of judges. |
| fish stocking Return to index of stories... |
Governor Craig Benson is expected to sign into law today a bill that gives New Hampshire anglers more information about where and when the state stocks streams, ponds and lakes. The measure allows the state Fish and Game Department to tell people which bodies of water recently have been stocked with fish. Q Edith: Doesn't this take the SPORT out of fishing? Give anglers a better shot at catching the BIG ONE? Q Norma Kevin: Obviously a LOT of support for this one -- it PASSED. Under measure fishermen Won't know WHICH water bodies will be stocked -- or exact stocking locations --so, What WILL they know? |
| msspelled roadsign Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Mispelled Road Sign Dartmouth spelled wrong on state road signs kcmleb -- The state transportation department is accepting full responsibility for two highway signs posted on Interstate 89 that incorrectly spelled the name of Dartmouth college. The signs dropped the letter "T" from the name of the prestigious Ivy League school. Department spokesman Bill Boynton says the state does not believe it is the work of Harvard graduates. The faulty signs were removed yesterday, hours after a reporter spotted them and started making calls. The signs are being corrected and will be replaced. Roland Adams, a spokesman for Dartmouth College, says the school definitely supports the correct spelling of the institution's name. |
| Easter egg hunt Return to index of stories... |
An UPDATE on Governor Benson's CYBER Easter Egg Hunt. A handful of children will be getting a secret grand prize for completing the hunt -- half of the 300 kids who logged on FOUND the golden egg hidden in the state's official website. Q Kevin: the unconventional hunt caused a stir with the state employees union --has that subsided or is there still ill will? Union bunny. Q James: What was this called "Egg Gate" ? |
| katie beckett Return to index of stories... |
HB1428, keeps the Katie Becket program as it is currently administered through July 1, 2005. |
| key: State Politics/ Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/30/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Joining us this week in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from The Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com. Let's Begin with what became the most highly charged debate in the Legislature this week -- Gay Marriage! House lawmakers voted to "block" recognition of same-sex marriages. The action is largely in response to a Court ruling in Massachusetts that allows gay couples to marry as of May 17th. NH lawmakers feared they would be forced to HONOR those marriages. Here's a sample of the emotion-filled debate. Let's not forget the Choicelinx Scandal and the embattled Linda Pepin! She's the Benson volunteer accused of inappropriately receiving a BROKERS fee for negotiating the state's Health Insurance Contract. At Insurance Department Hearings this weekLinda Pepin was front and center addressing questions on what she'd done to earn those fees PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Kevin Landrigan\The Nashua Telegraph, Norma Love\The Associated Press, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Rep Tony Soltani\R - Epsom, Rep Ray Buckley\D - Manchester, Rep Corey Corbin\R - Sandown,Rep Steve Vaillancourt\R - Manchester, Rep Harry Haytayan\R - Hollis, Linda Pepin\HR Consultant |
| key: Crime/ Legal Issues/ Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/30/04 22:00 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Joining us this week in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from The Telegraph, and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here in Durham, Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat, and James Pindell of PoliticsNH.com. Let's Begin with what became the most highly charged debate in the Legislature this week -- Gay Marriage! House lawmakers voted to "block" recognition of same-sex marriages. The action is largely in response to a Court ruling in Massachusetts that allows gay couples to marry as of May 17th. NH lawmakers feared they would be forced to HONOR those marriages. Here's a sample of the emotion-filled debate. Let's not forget the Choicelinx Scandal and the embattled Linda Pepin! She's the Benson volunteer accused of inappropriately receiving a BROKERS fee for negotiating the state's Health Insurance Contract. At Insurance Department Hearings this weekLinda Pepin was front and center addressing questions on what she'd done to earn those fees PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Kevin Landrigan\The Nashua Telegraph, Norma Love\The Associated Press, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Rep Tony Soltani\R - Epsom, Rep Ray Buckley\D - Manchester, Rep Corey Corbin\R - Sandown,Rep Steve Vaillancourt\R - Manchester, Rep Harry Haytayan\R - Hollis, Linda Pepin\HR Consultant |
| Berlin Fire Return to index of stories... |
In the North Country -- It was the best of times and the worst of times in Berlin this week. A 5-alarm blaze destroyed a number of downtown businesses on Sunday. Despite the economic setback, Berlin Mayor Bob Danderson remained optimistic: |
| estate tax Return to index of stories... |
-- An estate tax just like the one the House killed last week could be revived. A House committee is considering that tax as well as increasing the cigarette tax 16 cents a pack, imposing a new seven percent tax on gambling and enacting a tax on telephone poles and wires. The money would be used for education aid. The House Finance Committee wants to soften the impact on 116 towns that stand to lose money next year when a new aid system takes effect. The committee proposes guaranteeing towns 90 percent of the previous year's aid for three years as a transition to the new system. The committee says it needs money from non-property tax sources to avoid making wealthy towns pay for the transition with property taxes. The House's tax-writing committee is reviewing the proposals this week. The Senate passed a different version of the bill last month. |