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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Emotions run high at State Budget Hearings -- as those impacted sound off. Action taken on Education Funding and Medicaid -- and, The Right to die issue remains front and center with the death of Terri Schiavo and word of the worsening condition of the Pope as we tape this program. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270. Welcome!! |
| Budget/Disabled Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the state budget -- where the human side of program cuts was evident at a lengthy public hearing this week. Lawmakers saw the personal face of those facing service cuts including programs for the disabled and mentally ill. The wait list for services to disabled adults is infamous because it isn't fully funded in the current budget -- leaving hundreds without help. Q TOM/KEVIN: Some have suggested that the Social cuts were made on purpose to build a case for tax hikes. A fair criticism? TOM/KEVIN: don't we go thru this political dance every budget cycle. |
| LCHIP Return to index of stories... |
The lion’s share of the budget cuts would be to social service programs --but, The popular LCHIP program --which gives communites matching funds to protect land and historic buildings -- has also been targeted. Q TOM/KEVIN: competing constituencies. If revenue projections come in higher for March and April --Where will lawmakers RESTORE cuts FIRST. Q LCHIP: The Governor in his INauguratoin speech -- spoke to the importance of the program -- any sense on where LCHIP will stand when the dust settles. |
| Budget/Lawmaker Return to index of stories... |
Some difficult decisions ahead for Lawmakers -- who can't help but be swayed by emotional appeals -- as we hear from Representative Eaton. Q TOM/KEVIN: Let's talk about MONEY? How realistic are Gov Lynch's revenue numbers? Q Do you expect a lengthy budget session that will last way into the summer? Q JAMES/MIKE: We all remember Benson's first budget go around and the VETO stamp. Friction with Lawmakers -- how is Lynch doing as far as consensus building which he campaigned on? |
| Lynch/Revenues Return to index of stories... |
Governor Lynch has been trying to build a case for his budget around the state -- He took aim at those who have called his Revenue Projections too ROSY. Q TOM/KEVIN: The Tobacco Tax -- much made of it --but, I'm hearing there's no way he's going to get a 28-cent tax hike on cigarettes? What's your sense on that front? |
| Legislative Week Return to index of stories... |
Budget Busters such as Education Funding and Medicaid -- were also dealt with this week at the capital. There is now ONE education plan -- a merger of several proposals --it's before the House Finance Committee. It calls for 527-Million dollars to fully fund. Q TOM/KEVIN: Can you give us a snapshot of what the HYBRID bill looks like and what's next on that front. Q A new look-back MEDICAID bill was also sent to the House Finance Committee. What will that do -- any sense of the revenue it would generate? Q ETHICS bill acted on as well. -- Senate approves the Morning after pill -- which allows women to buy emergency contraception without a prescription after unprotected sex. will Lynch sign this. |
| Schiavo Return to index of stories... |
The Right to Die issue remains in the News with this week's death of Terri Schiavo. The case has been a catalyst for state legislatures -- including NH where lawmakers are looking at revising Living will Laws. Terri Schiavo died 2 weeks after her feeding tube was removed by a judge's order. Her husband says his wife did not want to be kept alive artificially, Her parents dispute that. The ordeal and Schiavo's death has divided the nation and triggered a "growing" debate on who makes life-and-death decisions. More debate is a certainty. Less certain -- is whether there will be much impact on next year's congressional elections and the 2008 presidential election. Q JAMES: What are the political ramifications of the case? ** ripple effects for years -- OR "MINIMAL" political impact. ** POlls show: Unhappines about Republican efforts to have govt intrude in Schiavo case. Q We've had UNOFFICIAL word at the time of this taping that Pope John Paul has died. The pontiff -- whose been on a feeding tube -- has spoken on behalf of providing food and water, even through artificial means, to patients like Schiavo. MIKE: Will his DEATH impact this whole DEBATE. Q TOM/KEVIN: Has the unconfirmed death of the Pope been recognized in anyway at the capital A lot of CATHOLICS in NH? Q TOM/KEVIN: NH's Living Will laws are in the process of being REVISED. The Senate acted on a measure this week. What's the status of the living will bill. How does the measure change existing law. When might the Senate vote on this. |
| AG/Ayotte Return to index of stories... |
Who will be NH's next AG? Current Attorney General Kelly Ayotte is certainly on the short list. Ayotte has been very visible in recent days. Clearly she wants the job. Lynch has indicated they have a good working relationship. But, there's talk of other candidates as well. Q TOM/KEVIN: Ayotte was a Benson Appointee Does Governor Lynch want someone of his own choosing? Q JAMES: How important is this appointment for Lynch? Will there be expectations on Lynch to appoint a democrat in that key position? Q Ayotte's term ended March 31st, Thurs. Anybody have a sense on how PUBLIC the process will be -- and when we might see an appointment? |
| Lynch Poll/Humor Return to index of stories... |
A new poll is out on Governor Lynch and it shows most adults in the state are happy with how he is handling his new job. 58-percent of those questioned by American Research Group say they approve of Lynch's job performance while 8 -percent disapprove and 34-percent are undecided. At a Chamber of Commerce Breakfast this week Lynch shared a recent exchange he had during a ski trip to Sunapee. Q JAMES/MIKE: Are we seeing a change in John Lynch since he has taken over office? Q KEVIN/TOM: Lynch criticized along the campaign trail for being a bit STIFF is he growing into the job? Q A lot of consensus building -- bringing all parties together. Will that help this budget process move more quickly than in the past? |
| E-Z-Pass Return to index of stories... |
Governor Lynch weighed in this week on the E-Z Pass System and discount tokens. Lynch says he doesn't want the discount tokens eliminated all at once when the new E-Z Pass system gets installed. He's reluctant to set a deadline for phasing-out Tokens -- which give drivers a 50-percent discount on fares. Q A bill that passed the House recently would eliminate tokens once E-ZPass is in place statewide. Has there been BACKLASH to that? Q no reason tollbooths can't accomodate both tokens and ez pass? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Tom Fahey from Concord. James Pindell and Mike Pomp. Thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| budget copy Return to index of stories... |
House budget plan gets criticism By KEVIN LANDRIGAN, Telegraph Staff landrigank@telegraph-nh.com Published: Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2005 CONCORD - Jan Skoby of Milford admits getting more worried as her disabled son, Amir, gets older and risks becoming another statistic waiting for services. Amir, 14, has Down’s syndrome and now gets speech therapy and an in-home aide 2˝ hours a day that allows Skoby, a single parent, to work full time. “The waiting list started when my child was 5 years old. Now he’s 14 and the waiting list issue is still not resolved, and I am very scared,’’ Skoby told the House Finance Committee. The Milford woman was one of more than 300 advocates who turned out Tuesday to oppose a proposed House budget that would trim $162 million from Gov. John Lynch’s proposed spending plan. The lower spending plan would represent about a 2 percent increase over the current two-year budget cycle. Lynch’s plan called for increasing state spending by 8 percent. The cuts were proposed to comply with the revenue estimates of House tax experts that were more than $240 million less than Lynch’s forecast. Many expect the House budget panel to adjust upward its expectation of revenues when it meets to prepare a final spending plan early next week. On Tuesday, Lynch again predicted that his higher estimates would prove to be accurate. “I am even more confident that the revenue estimates in my proposed budget are sound,’’ Lynch said to loud applause in historic Representatives Hall.Lynch said he considered many of the proposed cuts that are in the House plan. “But we rejected them because we determined they were unwise, and I think many of you feel the same,’’ he said. State officials estimate that it would cost $9 million to eliminate a waiting list that consists of more than 200 families of disabled adults who are unable to get services. Lynch’s budget calls for spending $4.5 million on these services over the next two years. The House budget would trim that request by two-thirds to $1.5 million. Skoby said she has only had to take one summer off from work even though her son has survived one eye and three heart operations. “I don’t know what we would do without these services, and I am very upset that it’s taken this long to try and eliminate the waiting list,’’ she said. Several organizations tried to make a visual statement with their opposition to the House plan. Those backing more money for the waiting list wore day-glow pink buttons, while those pushing to restore money for peer support of residents with mental illness had yellow buttons touting their cause. Sheila Evans of the New Hampshire Women’s Lobby was distributing Band-Aids with this saying written over them: “Some cuts never heal.’’ Supporters from across the state urged the House to restore the $10 million that Lynch had favored for the Land Community Heritage Investment Program. The smaller House budget would set aside $5 million for LCHIP. “Please proceed with the understanding that this is about more than nice views and charming villages,” said Bradford Wyman of Dummer, who chairs the LCHIP board. “It is about maintaining the natural and cultural infrastructure that attracts new investment, business leaders and tourism that helps strengthen our business base.’’ Lynch agreed that it’s time to increase spending for LCHIP, which only got $1.5 million in the current budget. “Some might argue that investing in LCHIP is something we can put off to a later time. But the fact is our state’s population is growing rapidly, and if we delay action, it may be too late,’’ he said. Emily Harper Scott of Keene said the services for her two grown disabled children are vital and permit Jason, 20, to work at the Keene Beauty Academy and volunteer at a nearby nursing home. “This is not a poor state, and the revenue is there if it’s looked for. This is unacceptable to me and if it’s unacceptable to you, let’s hear the applause,’’ Scott said as the crowd erupted in response. Several speakers urged lawmakers to increase the state’s cigarette tax. Lynch’s budget relies on increasing the 52-cents-per-pack levy by 28 cents. Former state Sen. Ned Gordon, a Bristol Republican, urged restoration of a $5 million fund from liquor store profits to support drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs. Supporters of spending for mental health programs were a varied lot. Keene Police Chief Arthur Walker said if cuts are made to support those with mental illness, the crime rate will rise. “There is a very substantial nexus between the criminal justice system and the mental health system,’’ he said. “You can’t affect one without affecting the other.’’ John Howard was one of more than a dozen who wanted removed from the plan giving Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen the power to consolidate the 12 private, nonprofits that deliver services to the disabled. Howard serves on the board of directors of the Area Agency of Greater Nashua. “I’ve seen a lot of mergers in my business life,” he said. “Take my word for it. If you look for the short-term savings, they aren’t going to happen, folks.’’ Kevin Landrigan can be reached at 224-8804 or landrigank@telegraph-nh.com. Subscribe to The Telegraph. === Highlights of the House Finance Committee's draft two-year state budget. Amounts are spending from general tax revenues. ADVERTISEMENT -- Reduces by two-thirds what Gov. John Lynch recommended spending for services for the disabled on a waiting list. Spends $1.5 million. -- Cuts in half what Lynch recommended for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program to $5 million. The program got $1.5 million in the current budget. -- Eliminates $27 million Lynch had tucked in the budget for a pay raise for state workers. -- Reduces Lynch's recommended spending on the University System of New Hampshire by $2 million. -- Eliminates $3 million paid to teaching hospitals. -- Eliminates $2.5 million in payments to hospitals for treating catastrophic cases, such as premature babies born to poor women. -- Cuts the outpatient payment rate to hospitals from 91 percent to 80 percent. -- Changes what over-the-counter drugs will be covered by Medicaid. -- Implements premiums for children with severe disabilities in the Katie Beckett program. -- Eliminates coverage of psychological services for poor adults. Saves $4 million. -- Reduces a proposed increase in funding for dental services. -- Includes more assets in determining who qualifies for subsidized coverage under the Healthy Kids insurance program. -- Implements a sliding scale for premiums for poorer families to participate in Medicaid. The poorest families would pay $10 per person up to a maximum of $30 per family. -- Eliminates a proposed funding increase for community mental health centers. -- Eliminates a new 12-bed group home for the mentally ill. Saves $600,000. -- Closes the Tobey School in Concord and moves some children to the grounds of the state's youth reformatory in Manchester. Some students would be returned to their school districts. -- Reduces funding for peer support for the mentally ill. -- Eliminates funding for vacant jobs throughout the budget, but does not eliminate the positions to make it easier to fill them if money becomes available. For example, the Department of Corrections' personnel budget would be cut $6 million. A separate cut at the youth reformatory would mean laying off 27 people. -- Shifts $9 million in costs onto local property taxpayers to care for the elderly and disabled. PRINTER FRIENDLY E-MAIL TO A FRIEND Gourmet Gift Baskets Online Bingo Buy Poker Chips Contact The Telegraph of Nashua Privacy Policy and User Agreement © 2005, Telegraph Publishing Company PO Box 1008, Nashua, NH 03061 594-6440 All Rights Reserved |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: Amateur astronomer John Gianforte brings us his monthly update on what to look for in New Hampshire's April skies. Join us Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =================================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Amateur astronomer John Gianforte brings us his monthly update on what to look for in New Hampshire's April skies. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: state politics/ government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/01/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Emotions run high at State Budget Hearings as those impacted sound off. Action taken on Education Funding and Medicaid and, The Right to die issue remains front and center with the death of Terri Schiavo and word of the worsening condition of the Pope as we tape this program. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270. We begin with the state budget where the human side of program cuts was evident at a lengthy public hearing this week. Lawmakers saw the personal face of those facing service cuts including programs for the disabled and mentally ill. The wait list for services to disabled adults is infamous because it isn't fully funded in the current budget leaving hundreds without help. The lion’s share of the budget cuts would be to social service programs but, The popular LCHIP program which gives communites matching funds to protect land and historic buildings has also been targeted. Governor Lynch has been trying to build a case for his budget around the state. He took aim at those who have called his Revenue Projections too ROSY. Budget Busters such as Education Funding and Medicaid were also dealt with this week at the capital. There is now one education plan a merger of several proposals it's before the House Finance Committee. It calls for 527-Million dollars to fully fund. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| key: economy/ business Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/01/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Emotions run high at State Budget Hearings as those impacted sound off. Action taken on Education Funding and Medicaid and, The Right to die issue remains front and center with the death of Terri Schiavo and word of the worsening condition of the Pope as we tape this program. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270. We begin with the state budget where the human side of program cuts was evident at a lengthy public hearing this week. Lawmakers saw the personal face of those facing service cuts including programs for the disabled and mentally ill. The wait list for services to disabled adults is infamous because it isn't fully funded in the current budget leaving hundreds without help. The lion’s share of the budget cuts would be to social service programs but, The popular LCHIP program which gives communites matching funds to protect land and historic buildings has also been targeted. Governor Lynch has been trying to build a case for his budget around the state. He took aim at those who have called his Revenue Projections too ROSY. Budget Busters such as Education Funding and Medicaid were also dealt with this week at the capital. There is now one education plan a merger of several proposals it's before the House Finance Committee. It calls for 527-Million dollars to fully fund. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| key: crime/ legal issues/ law enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/01/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Emotions run high at State Budget Hearings as those impacted sound off. Action taken on Education Funding and Medicaid and, The Right to die issue remains front and center with the death of Terri Schiavo and word of the worsening condition of the Pope as we tape this program. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270. The Right to Die issue remains in the News with this week's death of Terri Schiavo. The case has been a catalyst for state legislatures including NH where lawmakers are looking at revising Living will Laws. Terri Schiavo died two weeks after her feeding tube was removed by a judge's order. Her husband says his wife did not want to be kept alive artificially, Her parents dispute that. The ordeal and Schiavo's death has divided the nation and triggered a "growing" debate on who makes life-and-death decisions. More debate is a certainty. Less certain is whether there will be much impact on next year's congressional elections and the 2008 presidential election. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| key: religion/ ethics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/01/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Emotions run high at State Budget Hearings as those impacted sound off. Action taken on Education Funding and Medicaid and, The Right to die issue remains front and center with the death of Terri Schiavo and word of the worsening condition of the Pope as we tape this program. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270. The Right to Die issue remains in the News with this week's death of Terri Schiavo. The case has been a catalyst for state legislatures including NH where lawmakers are looking at revising Living will Laws. Terri Schiavo died two weeks after her feeding tube was removed by a judge's order. Her husband says his wife did not want to be kept alive artificially, Her parents dispute that. The ordeal and Schiavo's death has divided the nation and triggered a "growing" debate on who makes life-and-death decisions. More debate is a certainty. Less certain is whether there will be much impact on next year's congressional elections and the 2008 presidential election. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| key: transportation Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 04/01/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 26:46 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Friday Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Emotions run high at State Budget Hearings as those impacted sound off. Action taken on Education Funding and Medicaid and, The Right to die issue remains front and center with the death of Terri Schiavo and word of the worsening condition of the Pope as we tape this program. Here to talk about all this from Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph, and Tom Fahey from the Union Leader. Here in Durham: James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com, and Mike Pomp, NewsDirector and TalkShow Host at WTSN-1270.Governor Lynch weighed in this week on the E-Z Pass System and discount tokens. Lynch says he doesn't want the discount tokens eliminated all at once when the new E-Z Pass system gets installed. He's reluctant to set a deadline for phasing-out Tokens which give drivers a 50-percent discount on fares. PRODUCER/REPORTER: NAME OF PARTICIPANTS:Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Mike Pomp\News Director, WTSN-1270 AM |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
No UNH stories |
| region: Return to index of stories... |
The Legislature voted to allow the purchases last year, but then-Governor Craig Benson vetoed the bill and lawmakers lacked the votes to override. Governor John Lynch supports the bill. The bill would allow specially trained pharmacists to offer the so-called "morning after" pill, which is a large dose of birth control hormones that can prevent pregnancy if taken soon after unprotected sex. Supporters argued the pill would prevent abortions and unintended pregnancies. They said the bill would make access to the drug easier. Opponents said the bill would encourage promiscuity. They tried in vain to get the Senate to limit access to women age 18 and older. The move failed by a vote of 16 to eight. The Senate voted 14 to ten to send the bill to the House. AP-NY-03-31-05 1814EST House advances school funding plan amsstftjm CONCORD, N.H. - The plan to fund New Hampshire's education system is making its way through the Statehouse. The plan is a merger of several proposals, including one piece that sends aid to towns with needy students based on factors such as median income. The proposal also would protect school districts from losing more than 90 percent of their state aid in any one year. All together, it would require about 527 million dollars to fully fund. With today's approval by the House, the education plan advances to the Finance Committee. That panel is free to make changes before returning the legislation to the House for a second look. Governor John Lynch says he's pleased with the House vote. AP-NY-03-30-05 1654EST EDUCATION/MEDICAID AP-NH--Heavy Schedule Lawmakers having a busy week dewdov CONCORD, N.H. - Lawmakers in the New Hampshire House are preparing for a busy week, with more than 200 bills to be acted on. The list includes some of the major issue of this legislative session, including education fundings, the minimum wage and ethics. House members meet tomorrow and Thursday, as they aim for a deadline of April 13th to act on all pending bills. AP-NY-03-29-05 0949EST ===== A New Hampshire state senator's plan to address the cost of medical malpractice is getting a lukewarm reception from his peers. The Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday heard a proposal sponsored by Berlin Senator John Gallus that would create screening panels involving a judge, lawyer and doctor. CONCORD, N.H. - In an effort to help New Hampshire's small businesses afford health insurance, the House yesterday approved a plan that would stop insurers from considering a business' location or the health of its workers in setting rates. The plan is almost identical to one approved by the Senate last week. |
| Post Show Log Return to index of stories... |
Friday, April 1, 2005: We started a bit late. Beth had to debrief the guests on the order of the show. The show went well. We had to fix a full screen graphic in the show after taping. it had an overlap of information on it the first time. We taped promos and finished by 3pm. Director's Log: Randy showed Drew how Friday's are different from the rest of the week, AD wise. Concord was dark on both back sides of the screen. Todd tried to fix it which helped but it still seemed darker. Plus, the guest's faces were pale and dull compared to the background color. I will talk to Todd about fixing that. Tom Fahey's IFB was falling out for some reason but it wasn't a problem during the show. There is a light that hits Beth's face from the side that needs to be adjusted. I had Greg look at it during the show. We will tweak it on Monday. Everything else seemed to go smoothly. Good show. |
| bradley/bass Return to index of stories... |
Today: Wednesday, Mar. 30 Rep Bass Hears from Voters on Soc Security. Donna Moxley, 2005-03-25 During Congress's Easter break, 2nd District Representative Charlie Bass has been touring the state. He's been holding town-meeting style forums to talk about social security and other issues. Bass has not held meetings in any of his districts larger towns, like Concord, Keene, Nashua, or Hanover. Instead he's visited towns like Woodstock and Epsom. And as the Keene Sentinel's Donna Moxley reports, if Thursday's meeting in Marlborough was any indication, Bass has been getting an earful. listen: Email this story Write to the Editor Printer-friendly version ......... Related stories: 2005-03-29 Merrimack Gives Bradley a Social Security Earful 2005-03-28 NH Business Needs Affordable Housing Too 2005-03-25 County Sheriffs Need Additional Funding ......... Related shows: 2005-03-31 Ownership Society : Thursday's early evening meeting at the Marlborough town offices generated a great deal of interest. So much so that about 70 people had to relocate from a town conference room that held less than half that many. And the crowd grew as the evening progressed. In the town community room, Representative Bass answered questions about social security, programs for the poor, and even the Terry Schiavo controversy. No one who spoke supported President Bush's proposals to change social security. And Bass himself received little praise and a much criticism. Jean Diamond of Keene came armed with notes, 5:02 Diamond: The focus on social security is a simple one as far as I can see, I don't see it as a major issue, not to make private accounts, especially, because that takes away the safety net entirely, and it adds to the deficit. Social security can be fixed by lifting the cap off the FICA deductions, by raising the retirement age, that can be fixed. That's a minor change, minor, compared to what's happening with healthcare. Diamond said she wants Congress to pay less attention to social security and more to the state of Medicare and the country's healthcare system. Many in the mostly senior crowd suggested alternatives to the private accounts proposed by the Republican Administration The suggestions often were met with applause. David Van Streen lives in Peterborough. 6:34 - I want to share with Charlie some of my concerns, and one of them is I'd like to know why - I've heard that he supports Bush's plan to destroy Social security as we know it and I think the numbers that the Bush administration is putting out are fake numbers and there isn't a crisis. as it is now, and with minor adjustments, it can take care of itself. When pressed, Representative Bass said he is likely to vote in favor of the President's social security reforms should they come before Congress. But his support for changing the nation's retirement system came with a few conditions. 72:12 or so - Bass: when and if the social security bill comes to the floor, if it preserves and protects the program, if it comes about as a result of an honest debate that's occurred in this country across this country, if it is bipartisan, if it includes measures that will keep the program solvent, I'll vote for it. If it doesn't, I won't. In the end the 2nd District Republican said he supports the idea of putting money in personal savings accounts rather than Social Security. But while preserving his allegiance to the president, Congressman Bass made sure to keep all his options open. For NHPR news, I'm Donna Moxley. 207 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301-5003 phone 603.228.8910 fax 603.224 Merrimack Gives Bradley a Social Security Earful Kerry Grens, 2005-03-29 In his twelfth town hall meeting this year, Congressman Jeb Bradley swapped solutions with Merrimack residents on social security, immigration, and energy policy. His colleague, Representative Charlie Bass, held similar events in the second district and often met criticism. But the Merrimack crowd was far more supportive. NHPR’s Kerry Grens has more. listen: Email this story Write to the Editor Printer-friendly version ......... Related stories: 2005-03-28 NH Business Needs Affordable Housing Too 2005-03-25 Rep Bass Hears from Voters on Soc Security. 2005-03-25 County Sheriffs Need Additional Funding ......... Related shows: 2005-03-31 Ownership Society 2005-03-28 Senator John Sununu 2005-03-25 Terri Schiavo: Granite Staters React see more A rough transcript: About twenty five townspeople filled a small room, eager to put in their two cents about social security. Representative Bradley took a quick survey of what the crowd thought were good ideas. Bradley: Is this a good way of trying to bring the system back into solvency, raising the payroll tax? Show of hands? I don’t see any hands going up for that, and generally that’s the reaction I’ve gotten at the other town hall meetings. Cutting social security benefits received a similar lack of support. But when Bradley got to personal accounts as a way to protect social security, hands shot up. John Harvell from Merrimack would like to see the whole system privatized. Harvell: The only real solution—personal opinion—is to expand these personal accounts to the point where the government’s out of the business and the people own their own accounts. That’s the only long term solution that’s going to last. At his town meetings, second district representative Charlie Bass often met resistance to privatizing social security. But at the Merrimack gathering, Colleen Lillstrang was the only person to speak out against proposed changes. Lillstrang: And my social security has already been extended to age 66, so there was an adjustment, not 65. And I don’t know how I can retire until I’m about 70. If I collect at 66 and just work until I drop. So if they cut anymore or do anything else, I don’t know how I’m going to survive. Bradley listed the pros and cons of private accounts, like trading ownership for risk, but didn’t commit to an opinion. Many in the room supported an idea that Bradley did propose. He would like to see benefits reduced for those with higher income, citing Bill Gates as a prime example of someone who doesn’t need social security. But social security was not the only issue on Merrimack voters’ minds. Residents also brought up drilling for oil in Alaska, which they didn’t seem to like, and protecting American borders from illegal immigrants, which they passionately demanded. Bradley said that immigration is coming up at town meetings with increasing regularity. Bradley: I think people are concerned about two things in particular: the national security implications or homeland security implications. And secondly, is the cost of whether it’s Medicaid or food stamps or temporary assistance for families in need or other entitlement programs, there is a cost to tax payers. With so many issues and so many opinions, Bradley has been unable to find consensus. But he praised town meetings as a catalyst to begin a much needed discussion, particularly on social security. For NHPR News, this is Kerry Grens. 207 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301-5003 phone 603.228.8910 fax 603.224.6052 |