Budget Woes

On Wednesday May 12, one bill, SB450, an effort to deal with the budget deficit, took almost seven hours to debate in the New Hampshire House. While many of the votes on the 14 amendments which were introduced along the way followed party lines, this was not always the case. People in both parties, let alone the Libertarians, had concerns about different sections of the bill which included substantial cuts, new revenue sources and bonding-"the good, the bad, and the ugly" according to Representative Neal Kurk of the Finance Committee.

For a detailed explanation of the process, and to see how your representatives in Rockingham 1 voted, click here .

Then, click here to see what happened in the Senate.

Finally, an Adequate, if not Excellent Education.

The issue which most occupied the legislature from 2006 through 2009 was defining, costing, funding and establishing accountability measures for an adequate education of New Hampshire's children. The funding formula, which was to be put in place for fiscal 2012, faced a challenge in the legislature on May 5.

Click here to see how your representatives voted on funding education-and the effect on your property taxes if the state does not assume its fair share.

Report from the Legislature: Energy and Speed Limits

A lot of work, but not many roll call votes are taking place in the NH House. On May 6, small scale energy projects and Winnipesaukee speed limits got the most attention. Check it out right energy projects here.

NH Gets on Board?

SB515, voted on this week, would allow the Commissioner of the Department of Employment Security to participate in the Local Employment Dynamics [LED] Program. The Program provides online information for economic development, transportation planning, emergency management and workforce development. It is used by companies across the nation and the world seeking to expand as a first step in relocation consideration. All the other states plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands already participate. Because New Hampshire does not, it receives no consideration from those using the tool.

Check how your representatives in Rockingham 1 voted on this proposal to support economic development by clicking here.

You can also read how your reps voted on land parcels and DWI as well as concurence issues.

Report from the Legislature: Gambling on Water

This week those who feel gambling will solve all New Hampshire' financial woes had their chance to present their case to the 'full House. This week also saw a vote on whether the state will support local control of resourses, particularly water.

For a full report, click here.

Next time you see them, ask your Republican reps how they voted on the water issue that so affects their Nottingham and Northwood constituents.

Save NH State Parks-and other stuff

This week the NH House voted in support of license plates to support state parks. NH is the only state which relies totally on fees and our parks, one of the cornerstones of the NH advantage, need help. There is a serious threat from those who want to privatize these treasures.

The governor has indicated that he would support sequential numbers as a version of park vanity plates [get yours early for a low number] which could make them even more enticing as NH has a high incidence of vanity plates.

Click for photos from The Forum of the plate designs as well as other issues considered recently.

Report from the Legislature: 4th Grade Legislators

Ready for a new New Hampshire cat, rock or fruit? To find out how click here.