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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Immigration Reform spurs protest around the country and in New Hampshire. Governor Lynch loses his bid to raise the drop-out age but picks up a challenger in his re-lection bid and Newt Gingrich and John McCain testing the presidential waters. Here to talk about this and more from the State House in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome. |
| Dodds Speaks vo Return to index of stories... |
We begin with Gary Dodds, the Rye businessman and candidate for the First Congressional district -- who disappeared last week following a car crash. He was found a day later in the woods of Dover and spent more than a week in the hospital. The 41-year-old Dodds spoke out for the first time Friday morning just prior to his hospital release. He recounted his ordeal to the media with his family by his side. A Hospital spokeswoman says Dodds suffered a concussion and some situational amnesia Circumstances surrounding the incident raised a lot of questions. Q JAMES: Have those questions been put to REST? The hospital says Toxicology tests showed no drug or alcohol use? Q It was a huge MEDIA event --with crews from Boston and NH. No QUESTIONS allowed? Still the buzz in ConCORD tom???? Q Will questions continue to dog him??? ** The good news of course, He's expected to make a full recovery. DODDS says he has No plans to withdraw from his Congressional Race. |
| Immigration Rally 1 Return to index of stories... |
The immigration debate one of the big stories this week, taking center stage in Washington and touching off demonstrations everywhere including New Hampshire. Protestors at St. Paul's Church in Concord urged lawmakers to allow an estimated 11-million illegal immigrants to settle in the US legally. The question of who gets to be an American is a divisive one. Also, Monday at the Legislative Office Building activists came out to oppose National ID cards. They want New Hampshire to opt out of the federal mandate for a standardized drivers license system. A bill to remove New Hampshire from the list of states that will comply has passed in the House and was slated to go before a Senate comittee this week. Q TOM: Will the Senate follow the House's lead & reject national ID cards? Q Would The Governor sign such a bill? ** arguments: would impose significant state expenses Q EDITH: OF course Libertarians argue this would put STATES under the thumb of the federal govt Q JAMES: Do we know if OTHER states are looking to OPT out of this federal mandate. The Argument for these cards is to PROTECT our borders -- prevent use of drivers licenses by terrorists. Cong Bass says it would be a MISTAKE for the state to BLOCK Real ID -- that NH would become a magnet for those trying to get fake ID's. Q Could the federal govt BAR NH citizesn from air travel and entrance into courthouses without one of these cards? ** REAL ID requries states to put info about citizens into a federal database. ============================================= On the Immigration front: Q TOM: On Wensday the House REJECTED a bill that would have required employers to tell the state if they hire people who are not US Citizens. Q The bill passed in the Senate, The House sent it to a study committee. IS it DEAD for the year? Q EDITH: The bill would require Employers to verify if a worker is an undocument worker. Something they say they're NOT equipped to do and would result in workplace discrimination? Q JAMES: SO, As Congress struggles over effective immigration policy, A lot of STATES like NH are crafting their own LEGISLATION? Q OPPONENTS say "This is not a huge immigration state," and ask "Why are they going after businesses and immigrants? They say It comes down to a fear of foreigners." Q part of the problem -- bill did not define ALIEN??? ======= stay tuned on that front. |
| Sex Predators Return to index of stories... |
This week The Senate handed Governor Lynch a WIN as they voted to "restore" the option for a 25-year Minimum sentence to a bill that "toughens" penalties for child sex offenders. Q TOM: The House had stripped the provision from the bill. They wanted JUDGES, not proseuctors to have discretion in SENTENCING first=time offenders. Will the House and Senate be able to resolve their differences. Q TOM: Does Most of the bill have support of both houses? Q JAMES: Looks like the Governor may have dodged a major defeat??? The Governor says he'll work with lawmakers to help them resolve their differences. When are we likely to see this acted on???? We'll be watching to see what happens. |
| Dropout Bill Return to index of stories... |
The governor's bid to raise the high school drop out age didn't fare as well. The House rejected the proposal citing a lack of money to expand programs for at-risk youth. The Governor called it a case of partisan politics. But, the battle may not be over! Q TOM: The measure wasn't killed outright -- but, sent to a study committee. Can it be RESURRECTED this yr? ** The vote wasn't even CLOSE in the house? WHY Q JAMES: It's been called the HALLMARK of his legislative agenda. I How big a SETBACK is this for the Governor? ** viewed as a KEY TEST of Lynch's political powers of persuasion. Q TOM: Some suggest efforts to DERAIL the bill were fueled by a desire to DENY Lynch a Big Election YEAR TROPHY??? Q EDITH: Former Gov. John H. Sununu endorsed Lynch’s bill. As governor, he tried without success to get lawmakers to Raise the dropout age. This battle has been around for a while?? Q EDITH: Critics say the Gov hasn't accounted for additional costs to keep students in school -- amounting to an UNFUNDED mandate. does it make sense to RAISE the age?? ** Where does the North Country stand when it comes to High School Dropouts? ========= Q TOM: The bill would use 600-thousand dollars for pilot programs in Manchester and Nashau. Is the drop out problem more ACUTE in those communities? Q Sponsor: Sen Dick Green says.the issue is not going to wait until next year? WHAT are the prospects? |
| Coburn Campaign Return to index of stories... |
Governor Lynch has picked up a challenger. Republican Jim Coburn is testing the waters. The Windham legislator has opened a campaign office and hired some consultants. Q JAMES: Paint us a picture of Jim Colburn?? Q TOM: What's been the talk at the statehouse? Q John Lynch favorability ratings still STRONG? Q EDITH: The Governor has been very attention to the North Country. STRONG stupport there? ** Lynch is in northern NH this friday to discuss state efforts to help workers losing jobs in 2 mill closings. Anything new on that front? ** Fraser Papers Pulp Mill closes in Berlin in 3 weeks, Groveton Paperboard already closed. Q There's been some OPPOSITION to plans to build a federal prison in Berlin. Q PSNH has expressed interest in converting Berlin pulp mill into a wood burning plant. Need state approval. Movement on that front??? |
| McCain in NH 1 Return to index of stories... |
On the Presidential watch, there have been a few notables in New Hampshire of late. Arizona Senator John McCain drew an overflow crowd to a recent town hall forum in Keene. His first such event in New Hampshire since winning the 2000 primary. This is what he had to say to Outlook's Richard Ager: McCain has not said if he's running. His appearrance drew many of his former supporters. Q JAMES: These early visits -- are designed to get some buzz. How did this one stack up??? He also attended a fundraiser for NH republicans -- was that MORE important for McCain at this stage? Q EDITH: McCain --still a popular guy in NH -- where he won the 2000 Primary? |
| Gingrich NH 1 Return to index of stories... |
McCain was not the only familiar Republican in the state. Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich was here as well. The 62-year-old Gingrich remains involved in public policy debate especially on the issue of health care. He was here Wednesday for a health care leadership forum in Bedford where he addressed the issue of using technology to improve and make health care more efficient. He was a guest on our program Thursday. And, I asked Gingrich if he was running in '08. Says he's not yet decided. Q JAMES: Certainly sounds like a candidate -- or is it more about being involved in the national dialogue. This was his 2nd trip to NH since October. On Today show talking about Iraq. Q Former Senator John Edwards will be back in NH on the 20th? What can we expect from him??? drumming up support for Democrats. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Tom Fahey and James Pindell in Concord. And Edith Tucker here in Durham. On Monday, an interesting debate on a rarely used tool that allows the Legislature to remove a judge without stating specific crimes or holding a senate trial. That's Monday on NH Outlook. I'm Beth Carroll. Thanks for watching. I'll see you next time. |
| Judge/Bill of address Return to index of stories... |
And, an effort to remove a Judge from the bench failed this week. A legislative committed voted UNANIMOUSLY against a "Bill of Address" targeting Superior Court Judge Kenneth McHugh. Representative Richard Marple brought forth the Bill of Address on behalf of James MacFarlane, who maintains the judge should be removed for failing to honor a Connecticut divorce case dating back to the 19-80's. Bills of address allow legislators to unseat judges with a lower standard than impeachment, and no trial. This was only the 3rd time in 70 years it was used. Q TOM: What was this all about? ** Complicated case -- what value was there in this? Q What are the committee members saying in response to this? |
| dodds Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Candidate Recovers ,0215 Dodds discharged from hospital, still recovering dewst PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - New Hampshire Congressional hopeful Gary Dodds left the hospital today in a wheelchair, more than a week after crashing his car and wandering cold and wet in woods for more than 24 hours. Portsmouth Regional Hospital says Dodds suffered a concussion and some amnesia in the crash on April fifth, though he suffered no permanent brain damage. A spokeswoman says Dodds suffered significant nerve damage in his feet and will need physical therapy to regain balance and his ability to walk. With his wife and two daughters at his side, Dodds said he is thankful to be alive and will continue his recovery at home. The Democrat who seeks the First District nomination to challenge Congressman Jeb Bradley says he will scale back campaigning so he can make a full recovery, but hopes to resume a full schedule as soon as possible. He didn't take questions, but described hitting a guardrail on the snowy Spaulding Turnpike, being hit by airbags, then being in cold, deep water as he somehow crossed the Bellamy River. He didn't remember much about the following 27 hours, except covering himself with leaves to stay warm, hearing helicopters then seeing a light and hearing a whistle from rescuer who found him last Thursday night. |
| Coburn Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch is in northern New Hampshire today to discuss the state's efforts to help workers losing jobs in two mill closings. Fraser Papers pulp mill closes in Berlin in three weeks and the Groveton Paperboard company already closed. North Country -- AP-NH--Coburn Campaign CORRECTION,0061 Coburn opening campaign office for governor's run dewdov CONCORD, N.H. - Republican Jim Coburn is taking steps to boost his campaign for governor in New Hampshire. The Windham legislator is opening a Concord campaign office on Wednesday. He's also hired consultants Jack Heath, Mike Biundo and Alicia Preston to run his campaign. They helped Republican Frank Guinta win his run for mayor in Manchester last year. AP-NY-04-10-06 1113EDT "Republican Jim Coburn kicked off his bid to unseat Governor John Lynch Wednesday. The former high-tech entrepreneur is relatively new to politics, and an early campaign move seems to highlight as much. Windham State Rep. Jim Coburn's first official step towards a run for Governor was the launch of the Friends of Jim Coburn political action committee. Coburn did that in January. The man he tapped to be the committee's treasurer was a longtime business associate -- Hudson accountant Glenn DiBenedetto. "I've know Glenn DiBenedetto for 12 years and he has a good reputation in his accounting firm in Hudson, NH. He was the accountant for our company, and he served us well -- he's an honest man" During some of that same 12 year period. Glenn DiBenedetto also worked for Presstek -- a Deleware based printing press technology manufacturer headquartered in Hudson. From 1990 to at least 1998 DiBenedetto was Chief Financial Officer for the publicly-traded company. In 1996 and 1997 shareholders filed seven federal class action lawsuits alleging Presstek officers and directors, including DiBenedetto, issued false and misleading reports, misstated earnings, and failed to correct analyst reports concerning Presstek that contained inflated financial projections. Those seven suits were merged. and ultimately settled in 2000, when Presstek agreed to pay out 22 million dollars to shareholders. When the settlement was announced, Presstek admitted no wrongdoing, and said those named in the suit had what the company termed "meritorious defenses". Presstek's then CEO Robert Hallman described the payout as being in the company's best interest. When asked about the Presstek settlement yesterday, Jim Coburn said it was news to him, and that he neither knew of Dibenedetto's role at Presstek, nor that his treasurer was ever named in any lawsuit, let alone one that settled for 22 million dollars. "No, I wasn't aware of it at all." Coburn for Governor Spokesperson Alicia Preston, meanwhile, insists that despite the hefty settlement, there's little of note in the lawsuit, and even less to Glenn DeBenedetto's involvement. "When people sue companies they name who ever they can. The company did what they did, but this guy wasn't involved in whatever that wrongdoing was." State Republican Committee Chairman Wayne Semprini, for his part, says he doesn't feel entirely confortable weighing in on a matter that's Jim Coburn's to sort out. But Semprini did offer the man who's currently the GOP's sole hope for reclaiming the corner office one bit of advice. "I know that Jim would want to make sure that he avoids anything that would give any impression that there are any improprieties out there." Glenn Debenedetto did not respond to several requests for an interview for this story. But with tax day approaching, it's without doubt a busy time for any accountant..Jim Coburn says DiBenedetto conveyed as much the last time they talked. I spoke to him last week he said it's a crazy time of year for him." State Political Action Committees, including the Friends of Jim Coburn will make their first filings with the Secretary of State's office in June." ### |
| Phone Jamming Return to index of stories... |
White House pressed on N.H. tactic Democrats seek records, testimony on phone jamming By Rick Klein, Globe Staff | April 13, 2006 WASHINGTON -- New Hampshire Democrats are seeking to depose senior White House officials to learn what they knew about a 2002 episode in which a national Republican operative helped organize the jamming of Democrats' phone lines on Election Day, a scheme for which two GOP officials have already been convicted. This week, as a Manchester judge considers a request to compel testimony and records from the White House and the Republican National Committee in a civil suit brought by the Democrats, the nearly four-year-old local political scandal spilled onto the national scene, with the chairmen of the parties trading barbs and accusations. Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, sent a letter on Tuesday to his RNC counterpart, Ken Mehlman, citing the fact that the man convicted of organizing the phone-jamming called the White House political office repeatedly in the days before the election. Dean demanded that Mehlman say whether anyone at the White House or the RNC knew about the plot. Mehlman, who in 2002 headed the White House political office, responded by saying he and his staff knew nothing of the plans. But Democrats fired back yesterday, accusing Mehlman of refusing to reveal the extent of the contact between the White House or RNC and the New Hampshire operatives. ''They're stonewalling because they can't face the truth," said Damien LaVera, a DNC spokesman. ''The law was broken here. We need to know where this goes -- who was involved in this, who authorized it." The episode began with a political dirty trick engineered by New Hampshire Republicans on Nov. 5, 2002. Republican John E. Sununu, then a House member, was locked in a tight Senate race against Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, then the governor, in a contest some observers thought could determine control of the Senate. In an effort to disrupt Democrats' get-out-the-vote efforts, officials with the state Republican Party hired a telemarketing company to tie up the hot lines that had been set up by Democrats and a firefighters' union to help get voters to the polls. For about 90 minutes, computer-dialed calls tied up the hotlines, until the scheme was halted by state Republican officials who grew concerned about its legality. Sununu won the race by about 20,000 votes on a day in which Republicans swept the major races in New Hampshire and much of the nation. The case has yielded three convictions so far, including those of the RNC's New England regional political director for the 2002 elections, James Tobin, and the then-executive director of the state Republican Party, Charles McGee. The third person convicted was Allen Raymond, a former Virginia telemarketing executive who was hired by the New Hampshire Republicans. New Hampshire Democrats are now trying to prove that national political figures were involved in orchestrating or condoning the plan. On Tuesday, they asked a state judge to allow them to widen their inquiry in a civil lawsuit so that they can question former White House aides -- possibly including Mehlman -- and other national political figures about their conversations with state Republican officials. ''We want to know who was ultimately responsible for this," said Paul Twomey, a lawyer for the New Hampshire Democratic Party. ''When criminals are involved in committing crimes, you want to see who they're talking to." Mehlman acknowledged in his statement Tuesday that he and his staff members had regular contact with New Hampshire officials on Election Day and the days leading up to it. But he said none of them knew of the state party's plans. ''To be clear, none of my conversations nor the conversations of my staff involved discussion of the phone-jamming incident," he said. Republicans argued in court Tuesday that the lawsuit should be tossed out. Robert Kelner, a lawyer for the RNC, said that the Justice Department investigated the phone-jamming episode, and has not charged anyone at the White House or the RNC with wrongdoing, with the exception of Tobin. ''This lawsuit is election-year politics," Kelner said. ''It was filed in 2004, right before the election. And now it's picking up steam in a year where we have congressional elections." Still, Democrats contend that several facts suggest more involvement by national Republicans than has been proved to date. Phone records show that Tobin made a flurry of phone calls to the White House political affairs office on and around Election Day. Twenty-four such calls were placed between Nov. 4 and Nov. 6 -- the day before and the day after the election. Records also demonstrate that other New Hampshire Republican officials -- including John Dowd, then the state party chairman, and Jayne Millerick, a GOP consultant who would become chairman, called the same phone number at the White House on or around Election Day. Frequent contact between the White House and those involved in close Senate races is typical in an election season, and Democrats concede that they have no evidence suggesting that the phone-jamming was discussed. But Democrats say the volume of calls is reason to suspect that phone-jamming may have been discussed. Democrats already have Tobin's phone records and those of the local GOP office. They are seeking access to White House and RNC phone records, and want to ask GOP officials about the calls in sworn testimony. Democrats also say that the RNC is paying Tobin's legal bills, a decision that has cost it $2.8 million to date. Republican Party officials say they are handling his legal bills because the charges arose from his official actions, and because he has maintained his innocence. Tobin was found guilty in December of telephone harassment, and he faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced in May, though Tobin is appealing. Tobin was President Bush's New England campaign chairman in 2004, but he resigned shortly before the election when his name surfaced in the investigation. Rick Klein can be reached at rklein@globe.com. |
| Romney Healthcare Return to index of stories... |
By next summer, Massachusetts may be the first state to require Universal Health care Coverage. It's being touted as a national model. This Wednesday Governor Mitt Romney signed the legislation into law guaranteeing coverage for virtually all residents. Q This has eluded Presidents, Governors and other political leaeders trying to accomplish this for generations. Q The law has set a standard for other states and thrust Massachusetts to the forefront of the national debate about how to dramatically expand health care coverage without creating a single government-controlled system ** Romney faced criticism for vetoing a key portion of the legislation: a $295 per employee annual fee on businesses that do not provide their employees with coverage. Romney signs sweeping health care bill, but vetoes assessment BOSTON - Governor Romney has vetoed eight provisions of the new health care reform bill, including a 295-dollar-per worker assessment on businesses that do not provide health coverage for their employees. The vetoes were disclosed moments before a Faneuil Hall news conference in which the governor signed the remainder of the landmark bill into law. The governor said he was rejecting the assessment provision because it was "not necessary to implement, or finance health care reform." The Democratic-controlled Legislature is seen as likely to override the veto. The new law is intended to require coverage for nearly all of the more than half a million of the state's uninsured residents and is being touted as a national model. It would provide subsidies and sliding-scale premiums to get poor and low-income residents into health plans. AP-NY-04-12-06 1121EDT |
| Mercury Emissions Return to index of stories... |
Groups seek crack down on mercury emissions By KEVIN LANDRIGAN, Telegraph Staff klandrigan@nashuatelegraph.com Published: Tuesday, Apr. 11, 2006 CONCORD – A legislative plan to reduce toxic mercury emissions from the state’s smokestacks needs to go further and quicker, according to some environmental, medical and faith-based groups. Under legislation now being considered, Public Service Co. of New Hampshire would have until the year 2013 to prevent 80 percent of the mercury that comes into its three coal-fired plants from going up and out through the smokestacks. Groups including the Sierra Club, the New Hampshire Medical Society and an arm of the Unitarian Universalist Church are pursuing a tougher rule, requiring a 90 percent reduction by 2011. Harmful levels of mercury, a neurotoxin, have been found in the state’s lakes and ponds, leading state officials to advise children and pregnant women not to eat caught fish. Clean Water Action’s Doug Bogen also charges that this bill would let PSNH off the hook financially, by cutting its costs for reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide that help create smog. Currently the utility has to buy credits from other polluters when they fail to achieve required reductions of sulfur dioxide. This bill would permit the utility instead to claim as those credits any mercury reductions over 80 percent. “It’s a case of robbing Peter to pay polluter,’’ Bogen said. PSNH spokesman Martin Murray said that the bill allows for the mercury reduction target to be moved up if technology improves. Scrubbers could turn out to be more effective than utility experts now believe, resulting in a higher target. “This sets a floor of 80 percent, not a ceiling, if the technology shows more reduction can be achieved,’’ Murray said. As for sulfur dioxide credits, Murray said, ratepayers would be helped by the swap. Those purchases are costing PSNH customers $20 million this year, he said. “We think this is a balanced approach, and many agree with us,’’ Murray said. The bill’s backers have their own coalition, including the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Timberland Owners, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and the Audubon Society. The measure would reduce mercury emissions to 50 pounds per year, from the current level of 120 pounds. The amendments sought by opponents that call themselves the New Hampshire Clean Power Coalition would reduce those emissions to 25 pounds per year. “We ask the Senate not to derail this bill, but to improve it,’’ said Carl Paulsen of the New Hampshire Rivers Council. Kevin Landrigan can be reached |
| Missing Candidate Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Injured Candidate,0101 Dodds remains in hospital dewho PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Congressional hopeful Gary Dodds is still in the hospital recovering from injuries he suffered after spending more than 24 hours cold and wet in the woods of Dover last week. State police say they continue to investigate events surrounding the incident, in which Dodds' car crashed on the Spaulding Turnpike and he wandered into the woods. Dodds has posted a message on his campaign website saying he's resting comfortably, and there is no timetable for his release. Dodds said this week that his feet still were swollen and that he couldn't walk. AP-NY-04-13-06 0829EDT AP-NH--Missing Candidate,0166 Dodds discusses accident on web site dewman RYE, N.H. - Democratic congressional candidate Gary Dodds says he's not sure how long he'll be in the hospital as he continues recovering from spending a freezing night and day in woods after a car crash. In a message on his campaign web site, Dodds writes from Portsmouth Regional Hospital that he can't walk because his feet still are swollen, but that he expects to make a full recovery. He says he suffered a concussion, frostbite and hypothermia. Dodds, who is from Rye, says he remembers swerving last Wednesday evening to miss something on the Spaulding Turnpike, jumping a guardrail and coming to a stop in the woods. Dodds said the airbags had deployed and he smelled what he believed was smoke, so he climbed out the passenger window. As he wandered from the crash, he ended up in the Bellamy River, and spent the next 27 hours freezing in the woods. A volunteer search dog team found him Thursday night. |
| Flood Bill Return to index of stories... |
ap 4/12/06 Governor Lynch to testify in support of bill to help flood families klmho CONCORD, N.H. - Six months after floods devastated southwestern New Hampshire, Governor John Lynch is testifying today in support of a bill that would help those families who were hit the hardest. The bill would allow the state to buy property in Alstead, Acworth, Langdon and Walpole that was severely damaged or destroyed by the floods. The property would be bought at pre-flood assessed value, minus the total amount of financial aid the property owner received from the floods. No property owner would be required to sell. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Wednesday, April 12, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor Asks Senate Finance Committee to Pass Bill to Help Hardest-Hit Victims of October Floods CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today asked the Senate Finance Committee to support legislation to help the hardest-hit victims of the October floods. "Just over six months ago, floods devastated western New Hampshire, costing seven of our citizens their lives, and causing millions of dollars in damage to roads, homes and businesses. In those six months, we have made tremendous progress. We've removed debris. We've re-opened roads. In cooperation with FEMA and with donations from the people of New Hampshire, we've helped many citizens repair the damage they suffered," Gov. Lynch said. "But there are New Hampshire families who haven't been able to rebuild and who haven't been able to recover. Their homes were washed away. In some cases, even the very land where their houses once stood is gone. They are paying mortgages on properties that no longer exist," he said. "The damage these families suffered is unprecedented in modern New Hampshire history. And that's why I believe the exceptional nature of this disaster calls for exceptional action by the State of New Hampshire," Gov. Lynch said. "This assistance is critical to allowing some of our families to rebuild their lives." The legislation, House Bill 1767, would allow the state to purchase property located in Alstead, Acworth, Langdon and Walpole that was severely damaged or destroyed by the floods. The property would be purchased at pre-flood assessed value minus the total amount of financial aid the property owner received from any other such as federal disaster aid or insurance payments. No property owner would be required to sell. The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Dan Eaton, Jay Phinizy, Jack Pratt, Liz Hager, Deborah Hogancamp, and Sen. Bob Odell. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov |
| Bradley Iraq Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Bradley-Iraq Attack,0098 Congressman's plane came under attack in Iraq dewman WASHINGTON - Congressman Jeb Bradley and several other congressmen had a close call during a visit to Iraq this winter. Word is just coming out that the military plane carrying the group had to dodge a missile as it flew from Baghdad to Kuwait City in January. Bradley says it was scary when the pilots began swerving and diving the plane and firing flares that deflected the missile. Bradley told The New Hampshire Union Leader he kept the incident quiet because he wanted news from the visit to focus on the troops, not the congressmen. AP-NY-04-13-06 0640EDT |
| Mill Help Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Mill Help,0161 Stephen promises state help for mill workers dewber BERLIN, N.H. - New Hampshire's Health and Human Services Commissioner went to Berlin to check in on services being prepared for mill workers about to lose their jobs and returned to Concord with some homework. John Stephen met with local service providers to discuss ways his agency can help those losing their jobs. They raised questions on everything from health insurance to the impact layoffs will have on the community health system. Fraser Papers is closing its Berlin mill on May sixth, putting about 250 people out of work. The company will provide insurance coverage for the laid-off workers through the end of May. But some providers asked, for instance, if a program that provides low-cost and free health insurance coverage for uninsured kids under age 19 could be expanded to cover those over 19 if they are in college. Others asked if the state could help recruit doctors and substance abuse counselors for the region. AP-NY-04-11-06 0836EDT |
| Emissions Test Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Emissions Tests,0096 Emissions test enforcement delayed by legislators dewdov CONCORD, N.H. - Drivers have gotten more breathing room to fix emissions controls in New Hampshire. Legislative leaders agreed the state should put enforcement of the new emissions test on hold until November first. Initially, enforcement was to begin on May first. Inspection stations are conducting the test, but only as an advisory to drivers. Legislators want the delay to work out questions with the program. The major cause for the delay is that the state hasn't figured out how to implement a waiver system for drivers who can't afford costly repairs. AP-NY-04-12-06 0951EDT |
| North Ctry Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch is in northern New Hampshire today to discuss the state's efforts to help workers losing jobs in two mill closings. Fraser Papers pulp mill closes in Berlin in three weeks and the Groveton Paperboard company already closed. q MILAN, N.H. - Some residents in New Hampshire's North Country aer organizing to oppose plans to build a federal prison in Berlin. Many of the 40 people at a meeting Wednesday night complained that the impact the prison would have on neighboring towns has been largely ignored. wood-burning plant at Berlin mill March 28, 2006 BERLIN, N.H. --North Country officials say they support converting the Berlin pulp mill into a Public Service Company of New Hampshire power plant. Article Tools Printer friendly E-mail to a friend N.H. RSS feed Available RSS feeds Most e-mailed More: Globe City/Region stories | Latest local news | Globe front page | Boston.com Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts PSNH President Gary Long said Berlin is one of the candidates the company is eyeing for a 50 megawatt wood-burning plant. Long said he is willing to move quickly on the proposal if the Legislature and local community support it. A wood-burning power plant could absorb the supply of wood that will become available after the mill closes in May. Construction of a power plant requires approval by the Legislature. North Country lawmakers say they are working on getting the necessary bills passed in Concord. City officials have also been talking with New England Wood Pellet about putting a plant at the mill site. Long said there are five other sites that are potential options. ------ Information from The Berlin Daily Sun, http:/www.mountwashingtonvalley.com/BDS/newsbds |
| DROP OUT Return to index of stories... |
dewman CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynchs push to raise New Hampshire's dropout age to 18 may be headed to summer school. The bill comes up for a vote in the House today, but House leaders say they think it should be studied more during the summer. The governor said the issue already has been studied enough. House Majority Leader Michael O'Neil says Republican leaders feel the bill is not yet ready to go into law. For instance, he says lawmakers should study how school districts will handle students who don't want to be in school. AP-NY-04-12-06 0634EDT Lynch’s plan to raise dropout age losing GOP support By KEVIN LANDRIGAN, Telegraph Staff klandrigan@nashuatelegraph.com Published: Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2006 BILL AT A GLANCE BILL NO: SB 268 SPONSOR: Rochester Republican Sen. Dick Green DESCRIPTION: The current limit is 16 and the proposal permits a superintendent to grant a waiver to students who have “alternative learning programs’’ outside public school. The change in the age for dropping out would start in the 2008-09 school year. STATUS: The House was expected to vote on the bill today. The state Senate endorsed it by a 17-7 count last month. CONCORD – House Republican leaders are turning away from Gov. John Lynch’s plan to raise the student dropout age from 16 to 18, saying the bill needs further study. “We feel the bill is not ready for prime time,’’ declared House Majority Leader Michael O’Neil, a Hampton Republican, during an impromptu press conference Tuesday. The thumbs-down from Speaker Douglas Scamman, a Stratham Republican, and his leadership team emerged on the eve of today’s showdown vote that had already shaped up as a key test of Lynch’s political powers of persuasion. At the start of the week, Lynch co-signed a strongly worded letter to all House members, rebutting complaints about the plan and the calls for more review. “It’s time we stop just discussing the problem and commiserating about the problem. It’s time that we take action to address the problem,’’ wrote Lynch, along with Rep. Stephen L’Heureux, a Hooksett Republican and chairman of the House Education Committee. Former Republican Gov. John H. Sununu had endorsed Lynch’s bill. As governor, Sununu had also tried without success to get lawmakers to raise the dropout age. “Please encourage the House Republicans to support your dropout legislation,’’ Sununu wrote Lynch on Tuesday. L’Heureux’s committee narrowly endorsed Lynch’s bill by an 11-10 vote. But O’Neil predicted some GOP members who were with Lynch last week are now on board to send it off to study. Any vote for what’s known as interim study effectively kills legislation in an election year and would force Lynch to try to come back with a new bill in 2007. “I think it’s important we act responsibly on this bill and do the right thing. It needs more study,’’ said Rep. Sharon Carson, a Londonderry Republican. Since 1988, the Legislature has three times created laws to study how best to prevent school dropouts. Carson served as vice chairman of the most recent study in 2003. “The record proves the last thing we need is more study on this,’’ said Lynch Communications Director Pamela Walsh. The school dropout issue is one of Lynch’s top priorities for the 2006 session and supporters believe its passage can only boost a rosy outlook for his re-election this fall. The only Republican who has said he’ll run against Lynch – Rep. James Coburn of Windham – attacked Lynch’s plan as shortsighted. “Let’s improve the education within the classroom. Through real world learning, charter opportunities and hands-on education, let’s engage our students, not chain them to desks,” Coburn said. Critics contend the mandate would force students who want to drop out would become disruptive in existing classrooms, that Lynch hasn’t accounted for the increased costs to keep these students in school and it amounts to an unfunded mandate. Lynch says the state could redirect the $25 million already spent on dropout prevention programs and it’s not a new mandate as state law requires local taxpayers to educate all willing students until they reach age 21. According to legislative sources, Scamman has privately told Lynch that while he had reservations about the bill , he had reassured Lynch recently that the House GOP would not mobilize to defeat it. Yet Republican legislators on two other policy committees told The Telegraph they got telephone calls Tuesday afternoon from committee leaders urging they set the bill aside. The House Majority Office Report that went out to GOP members Friday said while it had questions whether it needed more study, all House members were free to vote as they wished. “This is a conscience vote and we urge you to carefully consider all the questions before making a decision,’’ O’Neil wrote. But the L’Heureux-Lynch letter and a desire to deny Lynch a big election year trophy may be fueling this late drive to derail it. O’Neil denied his motives were partisan. “I had John Lynch as a student at UNH and have always been a huge supporter of education. I taught for 20 years and my wife has spent 30 years in the classroom,’’ O’Neil said. “We need to make sure we come up with a viable program.’’ ailed this week as the House rejected a proposal to CONCORD, N.H. - Plans to raise the high school dropout age to 18 in New Hampshire failed today in the House. Opponents say they share the goal of reducing the number of dropouts, but argued there isn't enough money to expand programs for at-risk youth. Lynch says House gives up on children dewho CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says House members who voted against his school dropout plan have given up on New Hampshire's children. The House voted yesterday to send a bill raising the dropout age to 18 to a study committee. Lynch says the state has been studying the issue enough since at least the 1980s. He calls is a case of partisan politics. Opponents said there wasn't enough money to expand programs for at-risk youth. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Wednesday, April 12, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor: House Votes to Give Up on NH's Children Yet Another Study Does Not Substitute for Real Action, Will Not Reduce New Hampshire's Dropout Rate CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today criticized members of the House for giving up on New Hampshire's children, by choosing to call for yet another study instead of real action to reduce New Hampshire's high school dropout rate. "The House majority voted today to give up on New Hampshire's children," Governor Lynch said. "Instead of real action, the House chose yet again to 'study' New Hampshire's dropout problem," Gov. Lynch said. "Well, we've been studying this issue to death since at least the 1980s, if not longer, with little to show for it. "Today, the Legislature had an opportunity to take bold action. To send a clear message that we aren't going to give up on our young people, or let them give up on themselves. To set a deadline for our state to reduce number of dropouts, instead of just talking about it," Gov. Lynch said. "It's time we stop taking the easy way out, and stop allowing the students who need the most help to drop out." "But instead of putting the needs of New Hampshire's young people and economy first, the majority of House members made excuses or, in some cases, simply decided to put partisan politics first," Gov. Lynch said. The House voted today against legislation, SB268, that would have raised New Hampshire's compulsory age from 16 to 18 and allowed students, parents and schools to develop alternative learning programs for students who do not succeed in traditional classroom settings. The legislation is part of an overall state strategy to reduce New Hampshire's high school dropout rate. New Hampshire is currently spending $25 million a year on dropout prevention and recovery. In addition, Gov. Lynch recently held a summit bringing together 250 educators, business and community leaders, law enforcement and lawmakers to develop strategies for implementing the law. The legislation would have gone into effect in the 2008-2009 school year. New Hampshire's compulsory attendance age was set at 16 in 1903. "I will keep fighting to help every New Hampshire child get a high school diploma. We have to stop pretending that young people can get by today with the same amount of education as in 1903. It's just not true," Gov. Lynch said. The bipartisan legislation had broad support from business and community leaders, law enforcement and educators. The Senate approved the bill by a vote to 17-7, and the House Education Committee recommended it be passed. Yesterday, members of House Republican Leadership, decided they were going to oppose the recommendation of the House Education Committee and push instead for a study. # # # AP-NH--Dropout Bill,0100 Dropout bill may be headed to more study |
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AP-NH--Immigration Rally ,0109 Robinson, religious leaders speak against immigration proposals kwsthos CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Episcopal bishop spoke at an immigrants' rights rally today, saying Christians are called to help the poor and the oppressed. Bishop Gene Robinson said if Jesus were alive today, he would advocate justice and loving care for immigrants. Robinson was among several religious leaders who spoke at the rally in front of Saint Paul's Church, across the street from the Statehouse. They oppose proposals in Congress that would criminalize immigration and also make it a crime for church members and others to offer humanitarian aid to immigrants. Similar rallies were held around the United States today and over the weekend. AP-NY-04-10-06 1315EDT CONCORD, N.H. --The House on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have required employers to tell the state if they hire people who are not U.S. citizens. Article Tools As Congress struggles with how to craft an effective immigration policy, many states have taken it upon themselves to craft legislation. State legislators this year have introduced at least 368 bills in 42 states tackling immigrant issues, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The majority have sought to make daily life harder for illegal immigrants by limiting access to government-provided services, though some aimed at stopping exploitation. Newt Gingrich -- here talking about smart cards to track illegals. "This is not a huge immigration state," said Movafaghi. "So why are they so bent on going after businesses and immigrants? It comes down to a fear of foreigners." |
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Q JAMES: avoid a major defeat -- How will this shake out? was handed a win this week s,0153 Senate restores minimum sentence to sexual predators act CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Senate handed Governor John Lynch a win today by voting to restore the option for a 25-year minimum sentence to a bill toughening penalties for child sex offenders. Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte had lobbied for the minimum sentence as part of a package of legislation called the Sexual Predators Act. The House voted to support most of the legislation but removed the option for prosecutors to demand a 25-year minimum sentence in certain cases involving first-time convictions. For the bill to become law, the House and Senate will have to resolve their differences. The bill also would make it easier to keep violent sex offenders in a secure facility if they're considered unsafe even after completing prison sentences. It sets more stringent requirements for sex offenders to register and adds new penalties if they fail to follow the rules. AP-NY-04-13-06 1120EDT |
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/14/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:40 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Immigration Reform spurs protest around the country and in New Hampshire. Governor Lynch loses his bid to raise the drop-out age but picks up a challenger in his re-lection bid and Newt Gingrich and John McCain testing the presidential waters. Here to talk about this and more from the State House in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: Immigration / Refugees Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/14/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:40 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Immigration Reform spurs protest around the country and in New Hampshire. Governor Lynch loses his bid to raise the drop-out age but picks up a challenger in his re-lection bid and Newt Gingrich and John McCain testing the presidential waters. Here to talk about this and more from the State House in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
| key: Crime / Legal Issues / Law Enforcement Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 4/14/06 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:40 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this week-in-review Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Immigration Reform spurs protest around the country and in New Hampshire. Governor Lynch loses his bid to raise the drop-out age but picks up a challenger in his re-lection bid and Newt Gingrich and John McCain testing the presidential waters. Here to talk about this and more from the State House in Concord: Tom Fahey from the Union Leader, and James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. And, here in Durham Edith Tucker from the Coos County Democrat. Welcome. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, James Pindell\PoliticsNH.com, Edith Tucker\Coos County Democrat |
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