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Senators urged to prioritize health care, public education in state budget
This story was updated May 5, 2021 at 8 a.m. Developmental disability advocates, school representatives, health care leaders, and residents took to a public microphone Tuesday to argue for specific priorities in the New Hampshire budget, in a marathon hearing that highlighted broad concerns with the state’s funding models. During a nine-hour virtual listening session […]
With budget deadlines looming, local leaders seek clarity on American Rescue Plan money
Cities and towns throughout the state are trying to figure out exactly how they can spend money they will receive through the American Rescue Plan that sent $350 billion in emergency relief to state and local governments. The answer to that question has been slow to come, with the mounting pressure of spending and budgeting […]
Environmental groups oppose ‘divisive concepts’ bill
Twelve environmental groups have written a letter to Gov. Chris Sununu opposing a controversial proposal to prohibit “divisive concepts” from being taught in New Hampshire schools. House Bill 544 – which has been included in the state budget – would also restrict state contracts, grants, and training programs. Leaders from environmental organizations say the proposal […]
How national goals for reducing emissions could affect New Hampshire
Last week, President Joe Biden announced a national target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. By 2050, the goal is to reach net zero. Emissions in New Hampshire have fallen significantly in recent years. The most recent data points to a 37% reduction in emissions since 2005, with some […]
Officials say Coakley Landfill Group failed to comply with PFAS cleanup
This article was updated April 28, 3:29 p.m. to include comments from Eric Spear. The Coakley Landfill Group has failed to comply with the state-mandated cleanup of Berry’s Brook in Greenland, according to state and local elected representatives. House Democratic Leader Renny Cushing of Hampton and Greenland Select Board Chair Steven Smith have both asked […]
Senate considers bill banning discussions on ‘low carbon fuel standards programs’
A proposal before the Senate would prohibit state employees from speaking or gathering information about “low carbon fuel standards programs.” A hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee on Monday focused on the Transportation and Climate Initiative, but concerns have been raised that the language in the bill could be interpreted more broadly […]
Lawmakers debate proposal to change funding for energy-efficiency programs
A proposal to change the funding mechanism for energy-efficiency programs was hotly contested in testimony before lawmakers on Monday. Some who spoke before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee blamed House Bill 351 for the ongoing delay of the 2021-2023 energy-efficiency plan. There has been no decision from the Public Utilities Commission on a […]
State prepares for federal funding to boost broadband access
Kara Toms had never worried about having high-speed internet in her Meriden home, but when the pandemic hit, her teenage children suddenly depended on the connection to attend their high school classes. At one point both Toms and her husband were working remotely – she’s a mental health counselor and he’s an engineer – but […]
Half a million dollars coming to state to support homeless students
On Monday, New Hampshire will receive the first installment of American Rescue Plan money that has been earmarked for homeless students. New Hampshire will receive nearly $2.3 million in total. The state will receive an initial distribution of $573,993, and the remainder will be delivered as soon as June. The money will be used to […]
Senate approves environmental protection for coastal marshlands
In a unanimous vote, the Senate passed a proposal on Thursday to protect fragile marshlands in the state’s coastal region. House Bill 184 would prevent people from taking jet skis within 300 feet of the Rye estuary and the New Castle back channel, areas that are environmentally sensitive. Jet skis have been banned from the […]
Secretary of State hosts controversial briefing on federal legislation to expand voting access
This story was updated April 21, 2021 at 9 p.m. The Secretary of State’s Office held a briefing on Wednesday for state election officials about the impact federal legislation would have on elections in New Hampshire. The briefing, which was led by Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan, came after Secretary Bill Gardner’s controversial testimony […]
Proposal would provide protections to sex workers reporting sexual assault
This story was updated on April 21 at 5:12 p.m. to correct the spelling of Pamela Keilig’s name. A proposal before the Senate Judiciary Committee aims to provide protections to sex workers who report a sexual assault. Opponents of the measure said it would grant sex workers immunity from all crimes, a claim the bill’s […]