NH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – WEEK IN REVIEW
Feb 15 – 17, 2011
The legislative session has certainly been interesting so far. Several new representatives have gone to the podium crying and screaming about guns (they want them), condemning Canada (too foreign), and acting like Henny Penny mumbling something about the tentacles of the monster federal government and so on… Needless to say - it is never a dull moment under the golden dome in Concord...
Since there are fewer journalists reporting less NH news, on fewer pages devoted to the news than ever before, I thought I would provide a weekly sampling of what has been happening. While I certainly do not claim to be a journalist or even objective – I thought sharing my thoughts and opinions might be interesting.
Now if you’ve been reading the papers or watching television – you know that this week specific high profile hearings were held on the repeal of Same Sex Marriage, as well as stacking the Transportation Committee with ringers to ensure that we don’t have passenger rail in Central NH. But here is a sampling of other issues that were voted on – few had to do with generating jobs & growing the economy.
ARREST A COP:
The NH House voted 240 to 120 (HR 125) to make it lawful to exempt firearms, firearm accessories & ammunition manufactured in NH from federal law and regulations. Now what’s interesting is this bill would make a state or federal cop, who enforced a lawful federal regulation, guilty of a misdemeanor or felony. Many said this bill is unconstitutional and in direct conflict with the National Firearms Act – but that didn’t matter to this radical extremist controlled legislature. Oh, and this is the bill where one of the newly elected reps got up at the podium and screamed that the Federal Government is an “evil monster!”
BAN BIG BIRD:Now don’t think they were done – for we should not forget HB 113 which prohibits the University System of NH to use any state appropriations to fund public television. Or, as I like to think of it, the bill that bans Big Bird – which would be funny enough, but one of the reasons given for supporting this bill was it gets even with PBS’s for firing Juan Williams… This bill to de-fund CH 11 passed 263 to 102.
BUST WORKER RIGHTS:Next was (HB 474-FN) the decision to impose “right to work” on public sector workers – which is really anti-worker/anti-union and has so many unanswered questions it should not have seen the light of day. Sadly, this passed 221 to 131.
SALTY WATER – IS GOOD FOR YOU:
Not to be undone – the Resources, Recreation & Development Committee brought to the full session a bill that defeated incentives for salt applicators to be trained and to implement proper salt application practices. Apparently, once salt gets into your water system it is there forever. Well, the majority wanted nothing to do with that kind of “Nanny State” thinking –so inexpedient to legislate was how it went down!
BIG BAD EVIL FEDS:
My favorite crazy bills were HB 440-FN and HCR 6. The first requires NH to join the lawsuit challenging federal health care reform legislation and repealing the authority for state implementation of federal health care reform. Forget, as stressed by the minority, this clearly constitutes an enforcement action challenging federal law. Passing this bill will undermine NH control and put our people at risk. The minority further pointed out that passing this bill will rescind that authority, thus pass the reins over to the federal government to take control of the program. Someone else got up and pointed out a number of benefits NH people are presently receiving which would be jeopardized. Needless to say – Feds are evil and this passed 267 to 92.
SECURE BORDERS – NOT THE NH WAY:
HCR 6 (House Concurrent Resolution) admonishes the federal government for entering into an agreement with Canada and Mexico relative to the Security & Prosperity Partnership after September 11, 2001. It also undermines the authority of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation, as well as encroaches upon the essential functions of the executive branch. This passed 215 to 140.
NOW YOU SEE IT – NOW YOU DON’T (TAX RELIEF THAT IS):
Last but not least – was an exercise in political hype and “smoke & mirrors” which I like to call – Now you see it – Now you don’t! I am referring to HB 37-FN-A and HB 166-FN which gives the illusion of a tax cut on your communications (land line) bill, as well as reduces the meals & rooms tax. Yes – the republican legislature overwhelmingly voted to cut our taxes – only to table both measures immediately after passing which puts them in political limbo and translates into – Sorry, just kidding!
Well – I could go on, but my doctor says I need to pace myself and not get too excited – so stay tuned.
Raymond Gagnon, Representative
NH House of Representatives
Sullivan District IV
