Friday – March 18, 2011
Coming off a wild legislative week, where NH House members arrived early and left late (e.g. 10pm 3/16) – I was reminded of the old TV program by David Frost. For those too young – he would take a satirical approach at reviewing the week’s News. While certainly not as talented as Mr. Frost – I will nevertheless attempt to provide an overview of activity this past week in the NH House.
Unfortunately, there was little in the way of comedy – although in a rather dark albeit sad way, the week did have its bizarre & dark comedic moments. From a member who with the help of a sheleighly like stick kept popping up at the well (podium) like a leprechaun minus his “pot of gold” and mouthing words difficult to follow – to a surprise visit by former Speaker Newt Gingrich (the NH Primary season is upon us) – to several legislators being scolded and ordered to their seats – caused for breaks in the process of Aye’s, Nay’s, OTP’s and ITL’s…
Early in the week, a well respected senior republican senator related how he could never recall the House being in session for 3 days in a row and so late into the evening – and with a twinkle in his eye, he thanked his lucky stars that he now belongs to the other body of the NH General Court. Needless to say – with 200-300 bills to dispose of – we journeyed on to This Was The Week That Was – NH Style…
OVERVIEW:
After a quick count – it seems that we addressed a total of 272 pieces of legislation; however about 161 were passed on consent – so we only debated something like 128 in three days – nevertheless, certainly yeoman work for a citizen legislature obsessed with Jefferson’s “Agrarian Myth” and an era long gone. So here goes:
EDUCATION – NOT NH’s PROBLEM:
The NH House decided (252-113) to pass a constitutional amendment (CACR 12) that walks away from the state’s responsibility to fund education and if successful will take the Supreme Court out of the scenario. It is like the collective entity known as the State of NH does not exist, but each city & town will be left to their own devises and on their own. Of course, as nihilistic as this seems – in this present climate where everyone is out just for themselves (individualism to the max), what else should we expect but this kind of thinking to win the day.
INCOME TAX ON RETIREES:
The NH House voted to violate its promise to NH retirees regarding medical benefits. Regardless that this is payment for services rendered – the NH House voted 188–120 (HB 231-FN) to charge retirees on fixed incomes a significant amount of their modest incomes to pay for benefits. The average pension for a Group I retiree is $11,000 per year – this translates into an income tax on the elderly of NH. So much for keeping promises…
NO TO JOBS – NO TO INFRASTRUCTURE – NO TO BUSINESS:
In a 190-119 vote, the NH House decided to de-rail the NH Passenger Rail Authority. Despite the fact that this volunteer group has not cost the state a dime – and has been funded by private sector donations resulting in a 4.2 million dollar grant to study the feasibility of re-building rail service through the Merrimack River Valley from Mass thru Nashua to Manchester & Concord. The legislature said NO – NOT NEEDED. Despite a spectrum of experts who testified that it would create jobs, enhance an integrated transportation network and impact an area where 35% of the state’s population resides.
NO WORKING FAMILIES NEEDED:
The House overturned a committee recommendation relative to workforce housing that has been in effect for two years and supported by numerous communities and planning experts across the state. Workforce housing allows cities and towns creative ways to provide affordable housing for middle class families such as nurses, fire and police as well as teachers to live in the communities they work. Sadly, this legislature chose (219-110) to overturn existing law and impose obstacles for young families starting out.
GUNS & PARENTAL RIGHTS:
What do the two have in common you ask? I don’t know, but a constitutional amendment dealing with parental rights wrapped itself around the argument that the bearings of arms and parents rights were somehow connected. Regardless of the fact that both the US and NH Supreme Courts have recognized the natural rights of parents to raise their children and that the problem lies not in the constitution but in culture. Note: the constitutional amendment failed, but not before garnering 212 representatives in support.
WHO’S DA BOSS!!!
Regardless that we may be exceeding our constitutional authority, in a 259-107 vote, the House mandated the NH Attorney General to join the law suit challenging the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Now the AG has stated that he will challenge this in court as his office is part of the executive branch of state government. But these arguments didn’t carry the day – even if such a venture will be timely and costly to the taxpayer. Historically, the manner to resolve such an issue would be to solicit an Opinion of the Justices (you know that 3rd branch of government), but heck we’re the General Court and its only money we don’t have!
PISTOL PACKIN MAMA’S & PAPA’S:
This has been a strange session where it seems anything dealing with guns has priority – maybe even more important on the radical extremists’ list of priorities than dismantling government! HB 210 was relative to the use of deadly force. Now it doesn’t matter that no one has been jailed for not retreating and the issue has not been a problem, but 270-92 representatives voted to pass it anyway. Another gun bill (HB 330-FN) was relative to carrying a firearm (concealed, loaded, or unloaded) without a license. It seems that having to get a special permit to carry a concealed weapon really is too inconvenient. So in a vote of 244 – 109 the NH House voted for what they call constitutional carry. Yippee KY-yo, Welcome to Dodge!
GO TO JAIL – THROW AWAY THE KEY!
HB 524-FN dealing with persons convicted of violent crimes was passed 264 – 97, which results in critical and crippling changes to a bill passed last year. Regardless that the Attorney General, or a former republican Speaker of the House testified as to how parole is an effective tool in transitioning prisoners back into society and allows for supervision and control vs. just opening the doors and saying “see yah” when someone has completed their sentence. Even costs didn’t impact this crowd as it cost the taxpayers’ $33,000 dollars per year to house one prisoner.
NO TO VACINATIONS – NOT!
In a surprising moment of common sense – the House defeated (294-49) an attempt to prohibit vaccinations in public school (HB 422). Thankfully a house member who is a retired public health professional inoculated us against a swarm of half truths & falsehoods. I know this crowd would like to go back to a “past time” – thankfully returning to the Middle Ages and the Black Death was seen as too drastic.
DON’T BOGART THAT MED JOINT – MY FRIEND:
Another surprise was the overwhelming support (221-96) received relative to passing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. So far it appears that marijuana and ethanol are the only issues NH can get bi-partisan agreement!
NH DEFENSE FORCE – ON HOLD (FOR NOW):
In a 175 to 137 vote the House tabled a bill establishing a state defense force. This would be a “militia” force in addition, but separate, to the NH National Guard. I guess it could be called into action to invade Canada, in light of their decision several weeks ago to condemn the Quebeckers over salmon fishing licenses. YES – 137 reps actually voted for this - maybe they saw it as a jobs bill.
SORRY CHARLIE!
The House decided to table (Committee recommendation was to pass) a piece of legislation that would have ordered our federal senators to vote against the Law of the Sea Convention – Sorry - no reprieve for Charlie the Tuna
DON’T WANT TO PAY – DON’T WORRY:
Reduce the interest rate on late and delinquent property tax payments and other unpaid taxes. Sounds great – right! If someone doesn’t pay their property tax bill when due - they now won’t have to pay a penalty. Of course each unpaid property tax bill means that the other conscientious taxpayers in the town will now have to dig deeper into their pockets to make up the difference because towns will have cash flow problems which will result in their having to borrow more to operate. But don’t worry – be happy – it sounds good. Why let reality enter into the scheme of things.
Now – I could go on (there really is more) – however it is too painful to continue – so I hope you will understand.
R. Gagnon, Representative
NH House – Sullivan District IV
