“This Budget serves the needs of our people” –
Actual straight-faced statement made by a NH Republican leader on the floor of the House - June 22, 2011. NOTE: his people must certainly not be the working families of New Hampshire.
Yesterday [6/22/’11] the NH House met and passed a two year state budget that will be devastating to working families, and local municipalities. The 3:1 GOP legislature continued its slash and burn strategy of dismantling government – especially services to the most needy. They justify their actions as having a mandate to walk away from people. Surprisingly, they were not all united - at least one radical extremist wanted more cuts to State Government and publically stated as much on the House floor! Now for anyone who has followed this blog over the legislative session and ever thought I was exaggerating – please don’t take my word for it - I urge you to review this budget for yourself.
A Budget We Can Live With – NOT!
The House & Senate conferees who met to cut the final deal, crafted this budget behind closed doors, and in small backroom meetings away from the public. The only thing that was public was when votes were taken – and then with minimal explanation. Needless to say – this was not New Hampshire’s finest hour.
During yesterday’s legislative session – numerous democrat representatives rose to speak about the service cuts to New Hampshire’s neediest and the potential downshift that will occur to local government which will result in increased property taxes, but to no avail.
It was as if two thirds of those present were just not listening. One Republican leader actually said something like ‘live with the problems – they’ll go away’! He went on how the budget was complicated and complex and in the most condescending manner implied it was too much for us mere citizens to understand! Seriously, the oozing self-righteousness would have made Marie Antoinette blush.
This self appointed “friend of the people” continued by wrapping himself up in the NH Republican Party Platform and actually said “the Budget is a good deal” comparing it to buying a new car with a couple of dings! Once home – we’ll get used to it, or maybe what he really meant was don’t worry people will forget – and all will be OK!
I especially loved his dismissive comment justifying the 115 million dollar tax on NH’s major hospitals. According to him, it’s because hospitals don’t contribute to the Business Enterprise Tax or the Business Profits Tax! Forget that this tax will merely be passed on to the consumer via increased insurance fees… or that hospitals do things like save lives!
Ayuh – another radical republican leader actually said this is “A BUDGET WE CAN BE PROUD OF!” Thankfully, the democrats pointed out that the Budget (HB1) and its trailer (HB2) will have a devastating effect on children and families and that it doesn’t create any new jobs but down shifts costs and responsibility to local governments. Unfortunately, there will not be a formal written record of what transpired, as they then voted 173 to 167 to NOT have the proceeding/debate on the budget printed in the official House Journal. Yeah – so much for an open and visible government!
In addition to passing the budget – they also chose to over-ride several of the Governor’s vetoes, as well as to defer to the federal government regarding setting the minimum wage.
Yes – these phony patriots who have the whole session complained, attacked and insulted the federal government in the name of states’ rights chose to defer to the federal government and foreswear the opportunity for NH autonomy. OH – their argument for doing this was – some other states do it too! Has the word hypocrite started to come to mind?
They also chose to deal with a few retirement issues – one in particular (SB-33) dealt with retired state employees and was passed 278 to 99. What was personally upsetting was the glee in the voice of the representative who informed the House that those retirees now under the age of 65 may not only pay more, but if they’re slow in paying for their health insurance they will have their health benefits terminated. Many of my friends in state government are asking “when did public sector workers become the enemy?”
Parental Notification
Among the Governor’s vetoes that were over-ridden was HB 329 dealing with parental notification. All the governor was asking were safeguards that it be constitutional, not criminalize physicians and address the issue of rape & incest. Interestingly, the opposition said that was taken care of; hence no need to address his concerns. Did I forget to mention – they’re all constitutional scholars!
They chose to make grandstand speeches paraphrasing the story of King Solomon in the Bible who ordered the baby cut in half to identify the real mother. Interestingly – the majority voted to have this speech included into the permanent House Record!
Now I must share that I normally side with parents, as I believe the family is the basic building block of society. However, this one female representative rose in support of the governor’s veto and shared 3 scenarios/case studies (w/out violating confidentiality) regarding how this bill would have an adverse affect on young girls and how this legislation does not apply to the vast majority of parents. My basic read was: this bill gives a get out of jail free card to snakes and the worst kind of bad parents, so I voted to sustain the veto. Needless to say – there wasn’t a rush to have her testimony included into the permanent record. However at the end of the day, a saner republican head rose & prevailed to include all the testimony on parental notification.
Now I could go on but hopefully I have provided a glimpse of what happened. Sadly, the session may not yet be over – as we still await to be called back to deal with the governor’s vetoes of the anti-worker bill called “Right to Work” and the dismantling of the NH Rail Authority which if left alone had the potential to provide real jobs and revitalize the downtowns of Concord, Manchester, and Nashua.
So stay tuned!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
You Don't Scare Me!
You Don’t Scare Me – I’m Sticking with the Union!
At first glance, it would appear that events have been unusually quiet around the statehouse for the past couple of weeks. While legislative sessions continue to happen – the real action seems to be focused on the union busting legislation called Right to Work (RTW). Consequently, intense political maneuvering and activity is happening below the surface and if the stories are accurate – a great deal of arm twisting and intimidation on a level never seen in NH has permeated the legislature.
This has been compounded by the Majority’s loss last week in a special election that has only enhanced the intensity. Add that the Finance Committees are frantically trying to spin the public perception that they are softening the blow to human services and the budget’s impact on downshifting costs to cities and towns has resulted in some very trying days. Consequently, the effort to override the governor’s veto on the right-to-work legislation has added to the polarization of the New Hampshire House.
This week all attention is over the Speakers insistence of having the House override the Governor’s veto of HB 474 (RTW). To be successful, the radical republicans will need to muster 2/3rd of the members present to override, hence the arm twisting and urging dissenting members to take a walk and not vote. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a situation where rumors and half-truths rule the day. What will happen is anyone’s guess and it certainly gives credence to the old saying “those who say –don’t know; and those who know – don’t say!
Among the stories being circulated is that the more fervent radical republicans are threatening to have any member evicted from their caucus if they don’t support and vote the republican leadership position. It would seem that the party of Lincoln, T. Roosevelt and Eisenhower has no tolerance for individual opinion and principle. What is especially sad is they frame the RTW argument with contradictions and use words like personal liberty and freedom, but to their members the hidden message is –do what you are told or else! Of course the bill’s title – Right to Work – fits nicely with this double speak as it really means workers have the right to work for less money.
Interestingly, the Democrats appear to be solidly in support of sustaining the Governor’s veto and defending the rights of working people to organize. While there has not been much contact between House Dems and the governor’s office – we all seem to be on the same page.
The Governor did provide all House members a written rationale for his veto of Right-to-Work and I was quite impressed by his argument. Unfortunately, much of the discussion regarding RTW has dissolved into rhetoric and posturing by both sides. Therefore, it was refreshing to read that the Governor chose to provide extremely sound and substantive reasons why this is bad for New Hampshire.
He started with the baseline position that “States should not interfere with the rights of businesses and their employees to freely negotiate contracts,” and how he saw no compelling public interest that would mandate the intervention by government on this matter. Governor Lynch’s statement continued on how there is no evidence that RTW would “offer any benefit to NH’s economy or workers.” He reminded us that NH has a successful economic strategy and how we are among the “strongest and fastest growing economies in the nation.” Also, how New Hampshire’s employment rate and wages are higher than any existing right-to-work state. My read is do we really want to pass legislation that permits a lower standard and quality of life for NH citizens!
The governor was a successful corporate CEO before being elected – so I was especially interested to learn how “in his many years in the private sector turning around companies, as well as governor” – he has “never seen the RTW law serve as a valuable economic development tool.” Also, how in the past seven years as governor – not one business leader interested in locating here has ever asked him if New Hampshire has a right-to-work law!
Governor Lynch further stated that “no New Hampshire business leaders” has ever told him that the “lack of a so called RTW law prevented them from expanding or hiring new workers here in New Hampshire.” He then went on to share with us that no NH worker has ever told him they could not get a job because we do not have a so called right-to-work law.
The Governor’s written no nonsense statement ended with how the debate for RTW appears “to be largely driven by national outside interest groups and is not a result of problems faced by New Hampshire businesses or workers.” Governor Lynch concluded by stating that “there is no justification in this case for state government to interfere with the right of private businesses to freely negotiate and enter into contracts with their employees,” thus his reason for vetoing HB 474.
So there you have it – I intend to support the rights of business and workers and to sustain the Governor’s veto. To quote the old labor song: “No – you don’t scare me; I’m sticking with the Union!”
At first glance, it would appear that events have been unusually quiet around the statehouse for the past couple of weeks. While legislative sessions continue to happen – the real action seems to be focused on the union busting legislation called Right to Work (RTW). Consequently, intense political maneuvering and activity is happening below the surface and if the stories are accurate – a great deal of arm twisting and intimidation on a level never seen in NH has permeated the legislature.
This has been compounded by the Majority’s loss last week in a special election that has only enhanced the intensity. Add that the Finance Committees are frantically trying to spin the public perception that they are softening the blow to human services and the budget’s impact on downshifting costs to cities and towns has resulted in some very trying days. Consequently, the effort to override the governor’s veto on the right-to-work legislation has added to the polarization of the New Hampshire House.
This week all attention is over the Speakers insistence of having the House override the Governor’s veto of HB 474 (RTW). To be successful, the radical republicans will need to muster 2/3rd of the members present to override, hence the arm twisting and urging dissenting members to take a walk and not vote. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a situation where rumors and half-truths rule the day. What will happen is anyone’s guess and it certainly gives credence to the old saying “those who say –don’t know; and those who know – don’t say!
Among the stories being circulated is that the more fervent radical republicans are threatening to have any member evicted from their caucus if they don’t support and vote the republican leadership position. It would seem that the party of Lincoln, T. Roosevelt and Eisenhower has no tolerance for individual opinion and principle. What is especially sad is they frame the RTW argument with contradictions and use words like personal liberty and freedom, but to their members the hidden message is –do what you are told or else! Of course the bill’s title – Right to Work – fits nicely with this double speak as it really means workers have the right to work for less money.
Interestingly, the Democrats appear to be solidly in support of sustaining the Governor’s veto and defending the rights of working people to organize. While there has not been much contact between House Dems and the governor’s office – we all seem to be on the same page.
The Governor did provide all House members a written rationale for his veto of Right-to-Work and I was quite impressed by his argument. Unfortunately, much of the discussion regarding RTW has dissolved into rhetoric and posturing by both sides. Therefore, it was refreshing to read that the Governor chose to provide extremely sound and substantive reasons why this is bad for New Hampshire.
He started with the baseline position that “States should not interfere with the rights of businesses and their employees to freely negotiate contracts,” and how he saw no compelling public interest that would mandate the intervention by government on this matter. Governor Lynch’s statement continued on how there is no evidence that RTW would “offer any benefit to NH’s economy or workers.” He reminded us that NH has a successful economic strategy and how we are among the “strongest and fastest growing economies in the nation.” Also, how New Hampshire’s employment rate and wages are higher than any existing right-to-work state. My read is do we really want to pass legislation that permits a lower standard and quality of life for NH citizens!
The governor was a successful corporate CEO before being elected – so I was especially interested to learn how “in his many years in the private sector turning around companies, as well as governor” – he has “never seen the RTW law serve as a valuable economic development tool.” Also, how in the past seven years as governor – not one business leader interested in locating here has ever asked him if New Hampshire has a right-to-work law!
Governor Lynch further stated that “no New Hampshire business leaders” has ever told him that the “lack of a so called RTW law prevented them from expanding or hiring new workers here in New Hampshire.” He then went on to share with us that no NH worker has ever told him they could not get a job because we do not have a so called right-to-work law.
The Governor’s written no nonsense statement ended with how the debate for RTW appears “to be largely driven by national outside interest groups and is not a result of problems faced by New Hampshire businesses or workers.” Governor Lynch concluded by stating that “there is no justification in this case for state government to interfere with the right of private businesses to freely negotiate and enter into contracts with their employees,” thus his reason for vetoing HB 474.
So there you have it – I intend to support the rights of business and workers and to sustain the Governor’s veto. To quote the old labor song: “No – you don’t scare me; I’m sticking with the Union!”
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Gimmicks – Games & Down Shifting
Legislative Update – April 27, 2011 Session Day
Greetings from the NH House of Representatives and another week of gimmicks, games and cost shifting down to New Hampshire’s Cities & Towns!
Based on the House Calendar – many were expecting a short day last Wednesday – but that was not to be! I’ve been observing, for four months, these radical libertarians masking as mainstream Republicans, and I suspect the rumors about mainstream dissatisfaction could have some legs. Although I have no proof –I sense many traditional republicans are getting frustrated – their party, their agenda and their honor are being hijacked. Note: in the new political order – traditional conservative types are now moderates and moderates are called RINO’s. My read is old-school Main Street republican reps are quickly tiring of these radical libertarian/free staters and their blatant disregard for process. Hopefully they are realizing their extremist colleagues’ real agenda is to dismantle government, but more importantly will they stand up to the extremists and say no!
Last Wednesday – I listened to hours of debate and heard anger, frustration and disbelief in the voices of several old line republicans. They especially appeared to be upset over – the gamesmanship with the senate – the insinuation that town clerks (the glue of local government) are out of date luddites and just feeding at the public trough! OH, and let us not forget those outrageous arguments against requiring fire sprinklers because “it is about personal liberties” and how “we need protection from the tyranny of the state!”
Yes –fire sprinklers are no longer a public safety issue – but an act of tyranny! Hopefully, this will all translate into reasonable members of the NH House recognizing that what is happening is not focused on doing the people’s business.
LIVE FREE OR DIE – JOHN STARK DAY
Appropriately – among the first pieces of business, on Wednesday, was establishing April 27th as John Stark Day. All agree John Stark was a bona-fide American hero and certainly merits recognition – first as a member of the famed Rogers Rangers during the French & Indian War and later as a major general and NH hero of the American Revolution. Known as the “Hero of Bennington,” General Stark also fought at the Battles of Bunker Hill, Princeton, and Trenton. Sadly, I suspect those accomplishments do not matter to the present group of extremist radicals. They see John Stark as the author who penned, as an old man, the words “Live Free or Die” in a letter. Of course – this is probably all they care to know about this real patriot!
There were only a handful of bills not on the consent calendar – normally this would mean a short day – but not with this crowd. Nay – Nay, we started at 10 and went to the end of the day, debating only a handful of bills. Among the controversial issues were the following:
PAY DAY LOAN SHARKS! or Owe My Soul to the Company Store!
Last session the legislature did away with predatory loans and limited their interest rate to 38% - conventional thinking was/is that these loan programs take advantage of the most needy and desperate. It was pointed out (interestingly by common sense republicans) that this legislation provides for high interest rates (300-400%) and is a lending model that preys on people who can’t pay.
As the debate continued – the old country song (Owe My Soul to the Company Store) kept playing in my head. It’s about poor people who are given credit at the company store but never make enough money to pay off the debt, so consequently they just get deeper in debt.
Representative after representative rose to oppose the bill stating – that it was Usury – that 3 of the World’s religions condemned the practice – that it was bad policy – that 27 states ban predatory loans – that no New England State has this type of legislation – and that it was simply legalized Loan Sharking!
This went on for hours – however, in the end, all it took was the GOP Majority Leader to rise and say “it is an option for consumers and it may bring back jobs!” The bill passed 180 (Aye) to 171(Nay).
THE FOX IN CHARGE OF THE HEN HOUSE:
The Extremist Republicans also passed SB 156 which now allows car dealers to charge you (no limit set) for handling the motor vehicle registration on cars, as opposed to going to your Town Clerk’s office.
Now why would they want to take Town Clerks out to of the loop? Well – they have no confidence in town clerks – according to these radical republicans everyone knows town clerks are part of local government! It didn’t matter that the law clearly states that town/city clerks are responsible for collecting the Town portion and while questions weren’t answered as to who will determine residency or how much the car dealer can charge for this service – the decision was to pass this bill (176 – 166). AS one Free State Rep stated on the floor “We were sent here to lighten regulations”. Starting to see a theme!
SIDE BAR - Let’s Get Tough & Teach the Senate:
An interesting side bar is the realization, by the radical republicans, that the Senate may be a voice of moderation and are designating the more extreme house bills as DOA (Dead on Arrival).
So to counter any possible acts of maturity – these reps decided that the House should attach amendments to senate bills regardless if they are germane to the bill under consideration. Which is what they tried to do to this bill (SB 156) dealing with auto dealers.
Surprisingly, two seasoned republicans who’ve played ball until now rose in disgust. One called it a “silly parliamentary procedure” and reminded the group that they were attempting to put a transportation amendment on a commerce bill. This rep was followed by another old timer who, noticeably frustrated – spoke about process and that they were being asked to participate in a political game. He further said how the amendment was about bi-annual automobile inspections, which is part of a bill presently sitting in the senate.
Of course – an extremist then rose in full attack mode and took umbrage and was upset over being “lectured on process.” Fortunately, after a long back and forth the – the attempt to add the amendment was defeated 102 (Aye) to 242 (Nay). For once common sense prevailed.
SPRINKLERS ARE TYRANNY & LOCAL CONTROL BE DAMNED!
Yes, as stated above, the NH House voted 223 – 91 to deny cities & towns the authority to decide if they want to have fire sprinklers as part of their life safety codes. A republican who’s a professional building inspector rose to say how this bill is an attack on local control and how fire sprinklers save lives. He proceeded to state how locals create their own rules (based on municipal needs) and how this will result in an increase in property taxes. Also how the argument that sprinklers are expensive is oversimplified and incorrect.
He further said how the message of this bill says the legislature has no confidence in local government. A democrat rose and said how if we pass the amendment – as of July 1 no town can vote to determine if they want sprinklers – how is this support for local control – historically a standard NH philosophical belief?
However radical extremists’ rose and stated that it was somehow a “choice” issue and that “local government can’t tell us what to do!” Among these absurd rants was how fire sprinklers are about personal liberties and “we need protection from the TYRANNY of the STATE.” Yes – sprinklers are somehow now the symbol of tyranny.
GAS TAX GIMMICK
First the Republicans take 90 million dollars out of the Highway Fund for the next biennium which was designated to pay for bridge repairs & highway maintenance statewide, but now they want to eliminate, for two months, the NH gas tax by .05 cents which will mean an additional cut of 7 million dollars that will not go to pave roads, or repair bridges. Don’t forget that 12% of this fund goes to Cities & Towns for their local road/bridge maintenance. This reduction alone will mean an additional loss of $840,000 dollars to local communities.
Note: NH is rated the 11th worst state for bridges of the 50 States; we are now on a 28 year paving cycle; and the Interstate 93 improvements presently underway are not fully funded.
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that this will translate into gas prices being lowered for consumers, and not just translate into higher profits for the oil companies. FYI – currently Oil Companies make a 400 million dollar profit every day!
Well – let it not be said that these extremist republicans don’t love a good gimmick when they see one. The chair of Finance (the same guy who screamed at witnesses to “shut-up & get out” of his committee), attempted to calm everyone with the comment “doom & gloom tales never come true – we cut the budget & nothing happened!”
Forget that it is bad for Cities & Towns; bad for the Highway Fund; bad for State Highways; and bad for Taxpayers. SB 78 passed 201 – 98.
So until next time – Happy Driving!
Greetings from the NH House of Representatives and another week of gimmicks, games and cost shifting down to New Hampshire’s Cities & Towns!
Based on the House Calendar – many were expecting a short day last Wednesday – but that was not to be! I’ve been observing, for four months, these radical libertarians masking as mainstream Republicans, and I suspect the rumors about mainstream dissatisfaction could have some legs. Although I have no proof –I sense many traditional republicans are getting frustrated – their party, their agenda and their honor are being hijacked. Note: in the new political order – traditional conservative types are now moderates and moderates are called RINO’s. My read is old-school Main Street republican reps are quickly tiring of these radical libertarian/free staters and their blatant disregard for process. Hopefully they are realizing their extremist colleagues’ real agenda is to dismantle government, but more importantly will they stand up to the extremists and say no!
Last Wednesday – I listened to hours of debate and heard anger, frustration and disbelief in the voices of several old line republicans. They especially appeared to be upset over – the gamesmanship with the senate – the insinuation that town clerks (the glue of local government) are out of date luddites and just feeding at the public trough! OH, and let us not forget those outrageous arguments against requiring fire sprinklers because “it is about personal liberties” and how “we need protection from the tyranny of the state!”
Yes –fire sprinklers are no longer a public safety issue – but an act of tyranny! Hopefully, this will all translate into reasonable members of the NH House recognizing that what is happening is not focused on doing the people’s business.
LIVE FREE OR DIE – JOHN STARK DAY
Appropriately – among the first pieces of business, on Wednesday, was establishing April 27th as John Stark Day. All agree John Stark was a bona-fide American hero and certainly merits recognition – first as a member of the famed Rogers Rangers during the French & Indian War and later as a major general and NH hero of the American Revolution. Known as the “Hero of Bennington,” General Stark also fought at the Battles of Bunker Hill, Princeton, and Trenton. Sadly, I suspect those accomplishments do not matter to the present group of extremist radicals. They see John Stark as the author who penned, as an old man, the words “Live Free or Die” in a letter. Of course – this is probably all they care to know about this real patriot!
There were only a handful of bills not on the consent calendar – normally this would mean a short day – but not with this crowd. Nay – Nay, we started at 10 and went to the end of the day, debating only a handful of bills. Among the controversial issues were the following:
PAY DAY LOAN SHARKS! or Owe My Soul to the Company Store!
Last session the legislature did away with predatory loans and limited their interest rate to 38% - conventional thinking was/is that these loan programs take advantage of the most needy and desperate. It was pointed out (interestingly by common sense republicans) that this legislation provides for high interest rates (300-400%) and is a lending model that preys on people who can’t pay.
As the debate continued – the old country song (Owe My Soul to the Company Store) kept playing in my head. It’s about poor people who are given credit at the company store but never make enough money to pay off the debt, so consequently they just get deeper in debt.
Representative after representative rose to oppose the bill stating – that it was Usury – that 3 of the World’s religions condemned the practice – that it was bad policy – that 27 states ban predatory loans – that no New England State has this type of legislation – and that it was simply legalized Loan Sharking!
This went on for hours – however, in the end, all it took was the GOP Majority Leader to rise and say “it is an option for consumers and it may bring back jobs!” The bill passed 180 (Aye) to 171(Nay).
THE FOX IN CHARGE OF THE HEN HOUSE:
The Extremist Republicans also passed SB 156 which now allows car dealers to charge you (no limit set) for handling the motor vehicle registration on cars, as opposed to going to your Town Clerk’s office.
Now why would they want to take Town Clerks out to of the loop? Well – they have no confidence in town clerks – according to these radical republicans everyone knows town clerks are part of local government! It didn’t matter that the law clearly states that town/city clerks are responsible for collecting the Town portion and while questions weren’t answered as to who will determine residency or how much the car dealer can charge for this service – the decision was to pass this bill (176 – 166). AS one Free State Rep stated on the floor “We were sent here to lighten regulations”. Starting to see a theme!
SIDE BAR - Let’s Get Tough & Teach the Senate:
An interesting side bar is the realization, by the radical republicans, that the Senate may be a voice of moderation and are designating the more extreme house bills as DOA (Dead on Arrival).
So to counter any possible acts of maturity – these reps decided that the House should attach amendments to senate bills regardless if they are germane to the bill under consideration. Which is what they tried to do to this bill (SB 156) dealing with auto dealers.
Surprisingly, two seasoned republicans who’ve played ball until now rose in disgust. One called it a “silly parliamentary procedure” and reminded the group that they were attempting to put a transportation amendment on a commerce bill. This rep was followed by another old timer who, noticeably frustrated – spoke about process and that they were being asked to participate in a political game. He further said how the amendment was about bi-annual automobile inspections, which is part of a bill presently sitting in the senate.
Of course – an extremist then rose in full attack mode and took umbrage and was upset over being “lectured on process.” Fortunately, after a long back and forth the – the attempt to add the amendment was defeated 102 (Aye) to 242 (Nay). For once common sense prevailed.
SPRINKLERS ARE TYRANNY & LOCAL CONTROL BE DAMNED!
Yes, as stated above, the NH House voted 223 – 91 to deny cities & towns the authority to decide if they want to have fire sprinklers as part of their life safety codes. A republican who’s a professional building inspector rose to say how this bill is an attack on local control and how fire sprinklers save lives. He proceeded to state how locals create their own rules (based on municipal needs) and how this will result in an increase in property taxes. Also how the argument that sprinklers are expensive is oversimplified and incorrect.
He further said how the message of this bill says the legislature has no confidence in local government. A democrat rose and said how if we pass the amendment – as of July 1 no town can vote to determine if they want sprinklers – how is this support for local control – historically a standard NH philosophical belief?
However radical extremists’ rose and stated that it was somehow a “choice” issue and that “local government can’t tell us what to do!” Among these absurd rants was how fire sprinklers are about personal liberties and “we need protection from the TYRANNY of the STATE.” Yes – sprinklers are somehow now the symbol of tyranny.
GAS TAX GIMMICK
First the Republicans take 90 million dollars out of the Highway Fund for the next biennium which was designated to pay for bridge repairs & highway maintenance statewide, but now they want to eliminate, for two months, the NH gas tax by .05 cents which will mean an additional cut of 7 million dollars that will not go to pave roads, or repair bridges. Don’t forget that 12% of this fund goes to Cities & Towns for their local road/bridge maintenance. This reduction alone will mean an additional loss of $840,000 dollars to local communities.
Note: NH is rated the 11th worst state for bridges of the 50 States; we are now on a 28 year paving cycle; and the Interstate 93 improvements presently underway are not fully funded.
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that this will translate into gas prices being lowered for consumers, and not just translate into higher profits for the oil companies. FYI – currently Oil Companies make a 400 million dollar profit every day!
Well – let it not be said that these extremist republicans don’t love a good gimmick when they see one. The chair of Finance (the same guy who screamed at witnesses to “shut-up & get out” of his committee), attempted to calm everyone with the comment “doom & gloom tales never come true – we cut the budget & nothing happened!”
Forget that it is bad for Cities & Towns; bad for the Highway Fund; bad for State Highways; and bad for Taxpayers. SB 78 passed 201 – 98.
So until next time – Happy Driving!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Be Silent & There Was Silence!
Well to paraphrase Garrison Keillor regarding Lake Wobegon – “it has been slow this week down to the State Capital.”
After a thug fest of pushing through an irresponsible reckless budget followed by name calling to the RC Bishop and threats to the church’s nonprofit status – the Speakah issued an email edict to all republican reps and told them to be silent and there was silence! E-mails by reps immediately ceased and inflammatory ranting by tea baggers has been tepid. All appears quiet in Concord.
Perhaps it was planned to lessen the intensity and slow things down, but after a two week hiatus – the lower house of the NH General Court was called back to Concord. This past Wednesday, Representatives were serenaded by bag pipers (Tartan Day) and except for resignations by a couple of non-apologetic republican members, the only political act to speak of was a clever game of word smithing where we learned a fee is not a fee – it is now a tuition!
A FEE BY ANY OTHER NAME…
SB 66 which had been on the consent calendar having passed easily in committee was pulled and amended on the floor. Reason – it called for a fee (Tea Bag talk: fee = tax). The present gang of radical extremists in control apparently refuses to vote for anything that has a fee or tax attached – so the amendment changed the word fee to tuition and then all was right and the bill passed by a voice vote. But don’t be tricked – a fee by any other name is still a fee!
This is just one clearer example of this crowd’s understanding – or perhaps lack of understanding on how New Hampshire has been operating for over a hundred years. NH’s entire revenue system is for the most part based on the Property Tax, a couple of Business Taxes and a ton of fees to pay for designated programs. The System has been in place for a long time and was crafted by past republican controlled frugal Yankee Legislatures.
Among the best examples of this is the Highway Betterment Fund which has now been cut $45 million ($90m for the biennium) by the GOP Radical Extremists. Last session the House increased the fee for vehicle registrations to specifically fund bridge repairs and pave highways (including city & town roads. However – now thanks to the GOP Radical Extremists we will be on a 28 year road paving cycle! Yeah – once a road is paved – it won’t be paved again for 28 years – a giant step backwards! These funds used to go to cities & towns – so now when your local taxes go up because there will be no state assistance to fill potholes – thank a republican rep. Note: no democrat voted for this budget!
DON’T LET THE TRUTH GET IN THE WAY OF A GOOD STORY
I am now convinced that the more things change – the more they stay the same, and that this crowd will continue to follow their less than factual play book.
Last election – the republicans did an effective job of linking NH Government with their counterparts on the federal level in Washington DC. Consequently, people believed that NH spending was out of control and like “Heney Penny” was told that the financial sky was falling! Regardless of the fact that there was a global recession going on, and that all the national experts said how NH was being better managed than most other states and countries.
So now – following the same game plan of why let truth get in the way of a good story – they have linked spending & the deficit in Washington with spending in NH. Yes today’s mantra is “we have a spending problem!” So what if the elderly, mentally ill, children, poor, public employees and cities & towns get caught in the crossfire. Meanwhile they’ll just cut revenue streams – oops sorry – too bad! Social Darwinism rears its ugly head and Ayn Rand is now the tea baggers political patron saint!
The chant is “it’s not a revenue problem, it’s a spending problem!” This of course is just sophistry. Even one of my local papers (Eagle Times 4/16/11) stated in an editorial that “while catchy” such language is “hogwash.” The editorial went on to say that no one has the intestinal fortitude (their term was guts) to seriously look at both spending and revenue. NO – we’d rather play word games with tuition vs. fees and walk away from anything resembling being responsible!
STATES RIGHTS & THE CIVIL WAR!
I would like to end on a positive note – at least partially positive.
At the end of Wednesday’s session – Representative Campbell, (d) Nashua rose and addressed the House under Personal Consent. He pointed out how the Civil War started 150 years ago this week (April 12) and how New Hampshire has a long tradition of standing tall for justice.
He further brought our attention to the portrait of U.S. Senator John Parker Hale that is displayed in Reps Hall. Apparently Hale, a Republican, was the 1st senator elected as an abolitionist and was a key person in freeing the nation from slavery. Rep Campbell continued by providing an overview of how Hale’s family has served NH up to the present era and how former Republican Representative Jack Chandler was a direct descendant.
My own knowledge of Senator Hale is that he was raised and influenced by an uncle – John Parker – who had the distinction of being appointed by President Washington as the first United States Marshal for New Hampshire. Furthermore, how as a patriot, John Parker was the first person to read the Declaration of Independence aloud to the citizens of NH in 1776.
Some might find it odd that a Democrat Campbell would inform the 3:1 republican House about this early Republican – however, let us not forget that these radical extremists are not your father’s brand of republican either. In light of all this talk about nullification and States Rights – some wonder, especially in light of their vehemence against the federal government, if they would have voted to support the Union in ‘61!
After a thug fest of pushing through an irresponsible reckless budget followed by name calling to the RC Bishop and threats to the church’s nonprofit status – the Speakah issued an email edict to all republican reps and told them to be silent and there was silence! E-mails by reps immediately ceased and inflammatory ranting by tea baggers has been tepid. All appears quiet in Concord.
Perhaps it was planned to lessen the intensity and slow things down, but after a two week hiatus – the lower house of the NH General Court was called back to Concord. This past Wednesday, Representatives were serenaded by bag pipers (Tartan Day) and except for resignations by a couple of non-apologetic republican members, the only political act to speak of was a clever game of word smithing where we learned a fee is not a fee – it is now a tuition!
A FEE BY ANY OTHER NAME…
SB 66 which had been on the consent calendar having passed easily in committee was pulled and amended on the floor. Reason – it called for a fee (Tea Bag talk: fee = tax). The present gang of radical extremists in control apparently refuses to vote for anything that has a fee or tax attached – so the amendment changed the word fee to tuition and then all was right and the bill passed by a voice vote. But don’t be tricked – a fee by any other name is still a fee!
This is just one clearer example of this crowd’s understanding – or perhaps lack of understanding on how New Hampshire has been operating for over a hundred years. NH’s entire revenue system is for the most part based on the Property Tax, a couple of Business Taxes and a ton of fees to pay for designated programs. The System has been in place for a long time and was crafted by past republican controlled frugal Yankee Legislatures.
Among the best examples of this is the Highway Betterment Fund which has now been cut $45 million ($90m for the biennium) by the GOP Radical Extremists. Last session the House increased the fee for vehicle registrations to specifically fund bridge repairs and pave highways (including city & town roads. However – now thanks to the GOP Radical Extremists we will be on a 28 year road paving cycle! Yeah – once a road is paved – it won’t be paved again for 28 years – a giant step backwards! These funds used to go to cities & towns – so now when your local taxes go up because there will be no state assistance to fill potholes – thank a republican rep. Note: no democrat voted for this budget!
DON’T LET THE TRUTH GET IN THE WAY OF A GOOD STORY
I am now convinced that the more things change – the more they stay the same, and that this crowd will continue to follow their less than factual play book.
Last election – the republicans did an effective job of linking NH Government with their counterparts on the federal level in Washington DC. Consequently, people believed that NH spending was out of control and like “Heney Penny” was told that the financial sky was falling! Regardless of the fact that there was a global recession going on, and that all the national experts said how NH was being better managed than most other states and countries.
So now – following the same game plan of why let truth get in the way of a good story – they have linked spending & the deficit in Washington with spending in NH. Yes today’s mantra is “we have a spending problem!” So what if the elderly, mentally ill, children, poor, public employees and cities & towns get caught in the crossfire. Meanwhile they’ll just cut revenue streams – oops sorry – too bad! Social Darwinism rears its ugly head and Ayn Rand is now the tea baggers political patron saint!
The chant is “it’s not a revenue problem, it’s a spending problem!” This of course is just sophistry. Even one of my local papers (Eagle Times 4/16/11) stated in an editorial that “while catchy” such language is “hogwash.” The editorial went on to say that no one has the intestinal fortitude (their term was guts) to seriously look at both spending and revenue. NO – we’d rather play word games with tuition vs. fees and walk away from anything resembling being responsible!
STATES RIGHTS & THE CIVIL WAR!
I would like to end on a positive note – at least partially positive.
At the end of Wednesday’s session – Representative Campbell, (d) Nashua rose and addressed the House under Personal Consent. He pointed out how the Civil War started 150 years ago this week (April 12) and how New Hampshire has a long tradition of standing tall for justice.
He further brought our attention to the portrait of U.S. Senator John Parker Hale that is displayed in Reps Hall. Apparently Hale, a Republican, was the 1st senator elected as an abolitionist and was a key person in freeing the nation from slavery. Rep Campbell continued by providing an overview of how Hale’s family has served NH up to the present era and how former Republican Representative Jack Chandler was a direct descendant.
My own knowledge of Senator Hale is that he was raised and influenced by an uncle – John Parker – who had the distinction of being appointed by President Washington as the first United States Marshal for New Hampshire. Furthermore, how as a patriot, John Parker was the first person to read the Declaration of Independence aloud to the citizens of NH in 1776.
Some might find it odd that a Democrat Campbell would inform the 3:1 republican House about this early Republican – however, let us not forget that these radical extremists are not your father’s brand of republican either. In light of all this talk about nullification and States Rights – some wonder, especially in light of their vehemence against the federal government, if they would have voted to support the Union in ‘61!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
House Budget Cuts Will Affect All of NH
The following Op-Ed piece is by Representative David Campbell. A resident of Nashua - he is originally from neighboring Newport NH.
House Budget Cuts Will Affect All of NH
By Rep. David B. Campbell (D-Nashua)
I was born and raised in Newport, New Hampshire a half-century ago and since college have lived in Nashua. Throughout my lifetime, New Hampshire has been, for the most part, a Republican state and our state budgets (except for the last two) have been adopted by Republican legislatures. New Hampshire Republicans created the structure that is currently our state government, which has historically been conservative and frugal.
In the four years that the Democrats were in the majority, we did not add any new social programs, or change the structure that was largely dismantled by the recent House budget, but we, like the Republican legislatures before us, did fund these programs at respectable levels. Over the decades, it was these successive Republican legislatures that put a social safety-net in place, maybe not as tight a safety-net as some Democrats wanted; but over the years, Republicans have tried to take care of New Hampshire’s neediest citizens.
The recently adopted House budget drastically reduces funding and totally eliminates gigantic portions of that safety-net. I submit that this budget breaks the long-standing social contract between our state government and its people. It breaks faith, not only with the people directly affected by these cuts, but with the rest of the citizens of our state as well. Remember, the social safety net not only holds the needy up, but it also keeps them from dropping through that net and crashing in our society, landing in our towns and on our streets.
This budget didn’t just reduce funding levels; it eliminated or drastically cuts-back programs for thousands of children in need, thousands of domestic violence victims, and thousands with mental illness or who are developmentally disabled. It devastates programs for child care, Head Start, nursing home and Alzheimer care, vocational and post-secondary education and job training for the unemployed.
This is the ultimate DOWNSHIFT to local communities and property taxpayers. What is going to be the societal impact in our cities and towns with these programs eliminated or financially crippled? Add to this the volatile and dangerous combination of newly passed legislation that lowers the high school dropout age, allows individuals from age 18 to conceal handguns without permits, while simultaneously cutting the number of State Police officers.
This budget will put tremendous new and costly pressure on our local police forces, welfare departments, school systems, charities, churches and our communities and citizenry as a whole. Make no mistake: we will all see the impact of this budget very close to home. This budget reshapes our New Hampshire’s government, into a state that shows little or no compassion for its neediest citizens, while failing to protect the rest of those in our state from the resulting social ills. And finally, this House approved budget has vilified our public employees, including teachers, police and firefighters; and pits public workers against the very government that employs them. This is not the New Hampshire that I was born and raised in.
We the people of New Hampshire must ask ourselves: is this the kind of state government we want? Is this the kind of society that we want to live in? At the recent State House rally, the voices of thousands of people, who were directly affected by this budget, went unheeded. It will take a louder voice from the New Hampshire’s residents who are indirectly, but still dramatically and personally affected by this budget, to make a real difference.
House Budget Cuts Will Affect All of NH
By Rep. David B. Campbell (D-Nashua)
I was born and raised in Newport, New Hampshire a half-century ago and since college have lived in Nashua. Throughout my lifetime, New Hampshire has been, for the most part, a Republican state and our state budgets (except for the last two) have been adopted by Republican legislatures. New Hampshire Republicans created the structure that is currently our state government, which has historically been conservative and frugal.
In the four years that the Democrats were in the majority, we did not add any new social programs, or change the structure that was largely dismantled by the recent House budget, but we, like the Republican legislatures before us, did fund these programs at respectable levels. Over the decades, it was these successive Republican legislatures that put a social safety-net in place, maybe not as tight a safety-net as some Democrats wanted; but over the years, Republicans have tried to take care of New Hampshire’s neediest citizens.
The recently adopted House budget drastically reduces funding and totally eliminates gigantic portions of that safety-net. I submit that this budget breaks the long-standing social contract between our state government and its people. It breaks faith, not only with the people directly affected by these cuts, but with the rest of the citizens of our state as well. Remember, the social safety net not only holds the needy up, but it also keeps them from dropping through that net and crashing in our society, landing in our towns and on our streets.
This budget didn’t just reduce funding levels; it eliminated or drastically cuts-back programs for thousands of children in need, thousands of domestic violence victims, and thousands with mental illness or who are developmentally disabled. It devastates programs for child care, Head Start, nursing home and Alzheimer care, vocational and post-secondary education and job training for the unemployed.
This is the ultimate DOWNSHIFT to local communities and property taxpayers. What is going to be the societal impact in our cities and towns with these programs eliminated or financially crippled? Add to this the volatile and dangerous combination of newly passed legislation that lowers the high school dropout age, allows individuals from age 18 to conceal handguns without permits, while simultaneously cutting the number of State Police officers.
This budget will put tremendous new and costly pressure on our local police forces, welfare departments, school systems, charities, churches and our communities and citizenry as a whole. Make no mistake: we will all see the impact of this budget very close to home. This budget reshapes our New Hampshire’s government, into a state that shows little or no compassion for its neediest citizens, while failing to protect the rest of those in our state from the resulting social ills. And finally, this House approved budget has vilified our public employees, including teachers, police and firefighters; and pits public workers against the very government that employs them. This is not the New Hampshire that I was born and raised in.
We the people of New Hampshire must ask ourselves: is this the kind of state government we want? Is this the kind of society that we want to live in? At the recent State House rally, the voices of thousands of people, who were directly affected by this budget, went unheeded. It will take a louder voice from the New Hampshire’s residents who are indirectly, but still dramatically and personally affected by this budget, to make a real difference.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
STAND UP & BE ABUSED
Sunday morning –
April 3, 2011
At the end of Mass this morning – the priest at my church - rose and addressed the congregation to voice his outrage and shock about the recent verbal attack on the Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester by a member of the NH General Court. The priest’s basic points were how could someone who claims to be a catholic be so rude and show such disrespect for the Office. He ended by asking us to pray for the General Court and this representative.
While I certainly agree that such behavior & comments are disrespectful – why should we expect anything else from a group of individuals who see nothing wrong in calling Firemen thugs (Yeah? The people who rush into burning homes & save lives) – Republicans who disagree with them are shunned & called RINO’s – and the term democrat is interchangeable with socialist & communist. However, among the most shocking is – the 80+ year old couple who care for their 60+ year old developmentally delayed child being treated as if they are somehow trying to scam the system! Their only crimes being fear and worry over who will care for their child after they are gone and asking for some help now to supplement the care they give 24/7. Now, I could go on and cite more examples of insults – but that isn’t necessary. The message seems to be – not only are we going to deny you help – but we see nothing wrong with insult and abuse should you disagree!
A week or so back I wrote about “Who are these People” and how the NH House of Representatives is controlled by a group intent on dismantling government and how they seem to consist of Home Grown Libertarians; Social Conservatives; and Free Staters. I went on to write that what I find especially troublesome is their – intolerance! Many appear to be affluent and seem to not have any knowledge about the needs of average NH families. Consequently, since they see the best defense as a good offense – it is only logical that they revert to branding people who are affected or disagree. They are convinced they know what’s best!
That attitude was reinforced this weekend in reading the State Legislator email thread where numerous republican representatives came to the defense of their majority leader. One a vice chair of a committee actually stated “I am a Catholic and I stand with DJ. McCormack has always been a corrupt scumbag in my book!” He goes on to write “This is one of those instances where no apology is necessary in my opinion. Why should we kowtow to a corrupt hack of a Bishop??” One concurred with: “You speak from my heart the things I cannot say not being of that faith.” Another expressed shock that the Roman Catholic Church was against the Death Penalty – “I was personally insulted a while back when the Bishop issued a statement against the death penalty, making it sound like such punishment was against Catholic doctrine.”
Of course – then there is the republican rep who wants the Bishop to “apologize to his church and to those practicing catholics that he seems to denounce.”
Now in fairness – there was one republican rep who wrote and stated the comments were wrong and that “if you want respect give respect.”
However – a telling example of this group’s belief that government does not have any responsibility for the general welfare of its citizens was provided by a rep who wrote:”Government is force, not charity. Government should be limited to protecting the rights of all people to be treated equally under the law. All people, by the way, includes the rich, the middle class, those who are struggling and anyone else. Charity comes from the hearts of individual people acting on their own free will…” Forget that charitable organiztions in NH presently provide 500 million in charity statewide and would have to double that amount to fill the gap created by this budget.
So Government is force and has no business in providing a social service net: is this what we want for NH & is this what you really voted for last November?
April 3, 2011
At the end of Mass this morning – the priest at my church - rose and addressed the congregation to voice his outrage and shock about the recent verbal attack on the Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester by a member of the NH General Court. The priest’s basic points were how could someone who claims to be a catholic be so rude and show such disrespect for the Office. He ended by asking us to pray for the General Court and this representative.
While I certainly agree that such behavior & comments are disrespectful – why should we expect anything else from a group of individuals who see nothing wrong in calling Firemen thugs (Yeah? The people who rush into burning homes & save lives) – Republicans who disagree with them are shunned & called RINO’s – and the term democrat is interchangeable with socialist & communist. However, among the most shocking is – the 80+ year old couple who care for their 60+ year old developmentally delayed child being treated as if they are somehow trying to scam the system! Their only crimes being fear and worry over who will care for their child after they are gone and asking for some help now to supplement the care they give 24/7. Now, I could go on and cite more examples of insults – but that isn’t necessary. The message seems to be – not only are we going to deny you help – but we see nothing wrong with insult and abuse should you disagree!
A week or so back I wrote about “Who are these People” and how the NH House of Representatives is controlled by a group intent on dismantling government and how they seem to consist of Home Grown Libertarians; Social Conservatives; and Free Staters. I went on to write that what I find especially troublesome is their – intolerance! Many appear to be affluent and seem to not have any knowledge about the needs of average NH families. Consequently, since they see the best defense as a good offense – it is only logical that they revert to branding people who are affected or disagree. They are convinced they know what’s best!
That attitude was reinforced this weekend in reading the State Legislator email thread where numerous republican representatives came to the defense of their majority leader. One a vice chair of a committee actually stated “I am a Catholic and I stand with DJ. McCormack has always been a corrupt scumbag in my book!” He goes on to write “This is one of those instances where no apology is necessary in my opinion. Why should we kowtow to a corrupt hack of a Bishop??” One concurred with: “You speak from my heart the things I cannot say not being of that faith.” Another expressed shock that the Roman Catholic Church was against the Death Penalty – “I was personally insulted a while back when the Bishop issued a statement against the death penalty, making it sound like such punishment was against Catholic doctrine.”
Of course – then there is the republican rep who wants the Bishop to “apologize to his church and to those practicing catholics that he seems to denounce.”
Now in fairness – there was one republican rep who wrote and stated the comments were wrong and that “if you want respect give respect.”
However – a telling example of this group’s belief that government does not have any responsibility for the general welfare of its citizens was provided by a rep who wrote:”Government is force, not charity. Government should be limited to protecting the rights of all people to be treated equally under the law. All people, by the way, includes the rich, the middle class, those who are struggling and anyone else. Charity comes from the hearts of individual people acting on their own free will…” Forget that charitable organiztions in NH presently provide 500 million in charity statewide and would have to double that amount to fill the gap created by this budget.
So Government is force and has no business in providing a social service net: is this what we want for NH & is this what you really voted for last November?
Sunday, March 27, 2011
NH HOUSE BUDGET – A TAX ON YOU & ME!
Is New Hampshire walking away from its constitutional responsibility?
“When men enter into a state of society, they surrender up some of their natural rights to that society, in order to ensure the protection of others; and without such an equivalent, the surrender is void.
Article 3 NH Constitution (June 2, 1764)
The GOP has crafted a budget that is reckless and disgraceful for the state of NH. Basically their approach is that every city & town (individual ultimately) is on their own. Affected groups and citizens across the state are voicing their concern – but are being told by the Finance Chair to “shut up & get out”. Yes, this is how we speak to those keeping us safe and believe it is acceptable to place our most needy people at risk.
Here is an overview of how this budget affects services to NH‘s most needy and dramatically shift costs to the Cities and Towns.
CAN’T EVEN LOCK ‘EM UP & THROW AWAY THE KEY:
Closes the NH State Prison in Berlin;
Eliminates the Consumer Protection Bureau – the people who just successfully prosecuted NH biggest Ponzi Scheme last year;
Cuts support for Victims of Domestic Violence – thus overwhelm local law enforcement by cutting programs in half that help victims of domestic & sexual violence;
Cuts drug & alcohol treatment for about 25,000 people which will lead to higher crime rates and increased property taxes;
Repeals the category known as Children in Need of Services (CHINS) – thus l increase the burden and costs to schools & towns, as well as force many to be prosecuted as delinquent & incarcerated at costly youth facilities;
Reduces funds to repair Bridges and Unsafe Roads, which will increase local costs & put our infrastructure at risk.
KIDS – DISABLED – ELDERS – WORKING FAMILIES – NH joins the 3rd World:
Cuts services to people with developmental disabilities, services that help them live independently and stay out of more expensive nursing homes;
Cuts access to critical heath care services;
Eliminates preventative health care for children thus send health care costs for children skyrocketing & increase emergency room visits. NH Health care will now have to be rationed;
Hospitals will face a 115 million dollar tax increase which will raise costs for individuals and businesses and kill jobs in NH;
Eliminate treatment for 8,000 people who have the most serious mental illnesses – Now these individuals will be a danger to themselves and the community.
EDUCATION IS OVER RATED – YOU DON’T NEED IT:
Cuts Head Start;
Slashes dropout prevention & vocational technical programs [note: 20% of all NH wages come from smart manufacturing and high tech business (Center for Public Policy Studies) and that these programs are key for attracting & maintaining businesses];
Reduces special education programs to the lowest allowable legal level;
Eliminates funds for statewide special education programs;
Eliminates almost one million dollars in grants to schools & local community organizations through the State Arts Development which will impact 363,000 students;
Cuts almost in half funding for the Community College & University System – [UNH System 80 million ~ Community College System 10m];
House Republicans are stealing money from college students & their families to cover holes in this reckless and irresponsible budget. This is unprecedented – ever!
NH’s RACE TO THE BOTTOM:
This budget will kill thousands of NH jobs and attacks hard working NH people struggling to support their families. Thousands of jobs will be lost that will put NH’s economic recovery at risk and cause property taxes to rise to astronomical levels.
Implements a job killing collective bargaining agreement – worse than Wisconsin, which will lead to lower wages & higher unemployment. [Done at night – with no public hearing] this is an unprecedented attack on the people who protect you, teach your children & fix your roads;
Implements a 100 million dollar income tax on public employees & working families;
Eliminates 600 jobs at the Berlin State Prison;
Eliminates the Director of Economic Development for NH. Yeah! That will show business we’re serious about economic growth;
Cuts almost 1 million from the Innovative Research Center which has created public/private partnerships that spurs innovation & creates jobs;
Forces 4,000 community businesses to lay off workers;
Cuts 10 million dollars from childcare for low income parents forcing them to choose child care over jobs thus forcing them to rely on public assistance (which will be the cities & towns);
PROMISED TAX RELIEF “SMOKE & MIRRORS”:
Republicans lied to the people of NH when they said they would not downshift or raise taxes. This irresponsible, dangerous & reckless budget will increase property taxes to historic levels and at a time when so many middle class families can least afford to take the hit.
This GOP House Budget –
Shifts the cost of state government onto local communities in the form of public safety, education & health care;
Increases costs for students, families, & businesses;
Does not lower business or property taxes;
Implements a 100 million dollar income tax on public employees & working families;
Implements a 115 million dollar increase in business taxes on hospitals [guess where these costs will be passed onto – you & me];
Creates a 16 million dollar tax loophole by firing the state auditors [the guys who presently watch out for our interests]
In this week’s NH House Calendar – the minority blurb regarding the budget was they “cannot support HB1… because the level and breadth of the cuts will threaten essential programs and services necessary. If the Finance Committee had considered a responsible revenue estimate for the next two years, the minority believes that at least $200 million of the cuts could be restored. Further the minority believes that adjustments proposed to avoid paying hospitals over $116 million of disproportionate share support is essentially a new and inappropriate business tax. Finally … that the proposed increase in retirement contributions is essentially an income tax for almost all of our public employees”
Their recommendation was the budget should be declared inexpedient to legislate and killed. Let’s see what the 3:1 GOP NH House of Representatives – The People’s House – will do this week – stay tuned!
“When men enter into a state of society, they surrender up some of their natural rights to that society, in order to ensure the protection of others; and without such an equivalent, the surrender is void.
Article 3 NH Constitution (June 2, 1764)
The GOP has crafted a budget that is reckless and disgraceful for the state of NH. Basically their approach is that every city & town (individual ultimately) is on their own. Affected groups and citizens across the state are voicing their concern – but are being told by the Finance Chair to “shut up & get out”. Yes, this is how we speak to those keeping us safe and believe it is acceptable to place our most needy people at risk.
Here is an overview of how this budget affects services to NH‘s most needy and dramatically shift costs to the Cities and Towns.
CAN’T EVEN LOCK ‘EM UP & THROW AWAY THE KEY:
Closes the NH State Prison in Berlin;
Eliminates the Consumer Protection Bureau – the people who just successfully prosecuted NH biggest Ponzi Scheme last year;
Cuts support for Victims of Domestic Violence – thus overwhelm local law enforcement by cutting programs in half that help victims of domestic & sexual violence;
Cuts drug & alcohol treatment for about 25,000 people which will lead to higher crime rates and increased property taxes;
Repeals the category known as Children in Need of Services (CHINS) – thus l increase the burden and costs to schools & towns, as well as force many to be prosecuted as delinquent & incarcerated at costly youth facilities;
Reduces funds to repair Bridges and Unsafe Roads, which will increase local costs & put our infrastructure at risk.
KIDS – DISABLED – ELDERS – WORKING FAMILIES – NH joins the 3rd World:
Cuts services to people with developmental disabilities, services that help them live independently and stay out of more expensive nursing homes;
Cuts access to critical heath care services;
Eliminates preventative health care for children thus send health care costs for children skyrocketing & increase emergency room visits. NH Health care will now have to be rationed;
Hospitals will face a 115 million dollar tax increase which will raise costs for individuals and businesses and kill jobs in NH;
Eliminate treatment for 8,000 people who have the most serious mental illnesses – Now these individuals will be a danger to themselves and the community.
EDUCATION IS OVER RATED – YOU DON’T NEED IT:
Cuts Head Start;
Slashes dropout prevention & vocational technical programs [note: 20% of all NH wages come from smart manufacturing and high tech business (Center for Public Policy Studies) and that these programs are key for attracting & maintaining businesses];
Reduces special education programs to the lowest allowable legal level;
Eliminates funds for statewide special education programs;
Eliminates almost one million dollars in grants to schools & local community organizations through the State Arts Development which will impact 363,000 students;
Cuts almost in half funding for the Community College & University System – [UNH System 80 million ~ Community College System 10m];
House Republicans are stealing money from college students & their families to cover holes in this reckless and irresponsible budget. This is unprecedented – ever!
NH’s RACE TO THE BOTTOM:
This budget will kill thousands of NH jobs and attacks hard working NH people struggling to support their families. Thousands of jobs will be lost that will put NH’s economic recovery at risk and cause property taxes to rise to astronomical levels.
Implements a job killing collective bargaining agreement – worse than Wisconsin, which will lead to lower wages & higher unemployment. [Done at night – with no public hearing] this is an unprecedented attack on the people who protect you, teach your children & fix your roads;
Implements a 100 million dollar income tax on public employees & working families;
Eliminates 600 jobs at the Berlin State Prison;
Eliminates the Director of Economic Development for NH. Yeah! That will show business we’re serious about economic growth;
Cuts almost 1 million from the Innovative Research Center which has created public/private partnerships that spurs innovation & creates jobs;
Forces 4,000 community businesses to lay off workers;
Cuts 10 million dollars from childcare for low income parents forcing them to choose child care over jobs thus forcing them to rely on public assistance (which will be the cities & towns);
PROMISED TAX RELIEF “SMOKE & MIRRORS”:
Republicans lied to the people of NH when they said they would not downshift or raise taxes. This irresponsible, dangerous & reckless budget will increase property taxes to historic levels and at a time when so many middle class families can least afford to take the hit.
This GOP House Budget –
Shifts the cost of state government onto local communities in the form of public safety, education & health care;
Increases costs for students, families, & businesses;
Does not lower business or property taxes;
Implements a 100 million dollar income tax on public employees & working families;
Implements a 115 million dollar increase in business taxes on hospitals [guess where these costs will be passed onto – you & me];
Creates a 16 million dollar tax loophole by firing the state auditors [the guys who presently watch out for our interests]
In this week’s NH House Calendar – the minority blurb regarding the budget was they “cannot support HB1… because the level and breadth of the cuts will threaten essential programs and services necessary. If the Finance Committee had considered a responsible revenue estimate for the next two years, the minority believes that at least $200 million of the cuts could be restored. Further the minority believes that adjustments proposed to avoid paying hospitals over $116 million of disproportionate share support is essentially a new and inappropriate business tax. Finally … that the proposed increase in retirement contributions is essentially an income tax for almost all of our public employees”
Their recommendation was the budget should be declared inexpedient to legislate and killed. Let’s see what the 3:1 GOP NH House of Representatives – The People’s House – will do this week – stay tuned!
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