WHO KNEW!
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a tongue in cheek piece about unwanted advice and suggested the GOP nominate Senator Santorum for president. My contention was since he’s extremely conservative and has views similar to those presently controlling the Republican Party; his selection would end in defeat and break the stranglehold cultural conservatives now have on the Grand Old Party of Lincoln. Who knew that the senator would proceed to next win big in Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi! However, before I begin to proclaim myself as the ultimate in political punditry – perhaps I should step back, take a deep breath, and focus on matters closer to home. While it certainly is spellbinding to watch this national attack on women (contraceptives), minorities (election laws) and government in general – there are plenty of local attacks on hospitals, women, education, public safety, the judiciary and working families by NH extremists to keep me occupied. Yes – I’m talking about another big week in the NH Legislature!
HOSPITALS
The week started with a repeal of the certificate of need law which many feel is part of a strategy to bring to NH a For-Profit Specialty Hospital that will only make it harder for NH Hospitals like the Elliot, CMC, and Hitchcock to operate. Sadly, my understanding was that it had been defeated, however the amendment to keep the certificate of need was defeated and on voice vote the Certificate of Need was eliminated
WOMEN:
Not to be upstaged by their colleagues on the national stage – New Hampshire’s culture warriors conducted their own assault on women. I tweeted during the (3/14) session the following “today's #nhhouse session was straight out of a Doonesbury cartoon - minus the humor!” I don’t get it - the use of contraceptives is a successful tool against unwanted pregnancies and abortion, so do we really want to re-fight the culture wars of the 1970’s?
ANTI-JUDICIARY:
I believe there’s never been a NH House more distrusting of the court system than this crowd presently in power. On a weekly basis, the implication is that judges & the courts are out to “get us”! Last week was no different – these extremists failed in an attempt to amend the Constitution for the legislature to have oversight over all court rules. Apparently, they were absent when the concept of separation of powers was discussed in school!
However, not to be disheartened – they next attempted a constitutional amendment that would repeal the Chief Justice’s ability to make rules governing the administration of the courts. While both of these constitutional amendments received a majority of NH representatives in support, they didn’t get the super majority needed for passage, so NH’s Constitution survives for another day!
WORKERS & MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES:
Workers and families took it on the chin last week with the passage of the right to work for less bill. The House also passed a bill prohibiting public employees from participating in collective bargaining. Thankfully, the legislation to impact lunch breaks was defeated, but workforce housing took a serious hit with the passage of HB-1282 (156/133) that allows communities to opt out of the program. Many confuse workforce housing with subsidize housing, but the two are completely different. Workforce Housing permits affordable housing to be built for young families to live in the communities they work thus fostering towns with a diversity of income levels.
SOMETHING POSITIVE:
On the positive side was the yearly St. Patrick’s Day luncheon & fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHAD). This yearly event, sponsored by the Demers Group, raises money and attention about the needs of children and the excellent work provided by the medical staff at CHAD. It’s an occasion where the House and Senate, as well as the Governor come together for a common good. A young 11 year old girl named Josee who described herself as “being a CHAD kid all her life” stole everyone’s heart away with a rendition of “Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” Unlike past years where the event took on more of a roast – this year the jokes were provided by a NH comedian Juston McKinney who recently performed at the Claremont Opera House. Mr. McKinney is a funny fellow and provided an opportunity for us to laugh at ourselves and for a brief moment – everyone actually got along! Something else positive last week was the passage of the 10 year Transportation Plan – which will improve NH’s bridges and highways.
Something that became very clear this week was although there’s a majority of self-righteous extremists who regularly attempt to overturn 20 - 0 committee recommendations on the House floor – the problem is also a lack of skill and pushback by leadership. Many committee chairs are either not articulate, knowledgeable or forceful enough to explain their position. For example: there was a piece of legislation regarding Manchester and the Elliot Hospital. The City feels the hospital should be taxed while the hospital says it’s a non-profit which resulted in a disjointed debate where everyone became lost. Up rose the chairperson of Municipal Government – an experienced GOP representative known for being substantive and one not to suffer fools lightly. She explained the history of the problem – cited the mistakes made by all entities involved – cleared away the half truths and confusion and won the debate 243-65. It just goes to show what a grown-up and leadership can do!
