State House
Senate panel discusses voting rights for prisoners, campaign finance, absentee voting
On Monday, advocates and lawmakers debated proposals on voting rights for prisoners, reporting contributions to political committees, and procedures around absentee ballots during a hearing before the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee. House Bill 555 wouldn’t expand voting rights, but it would make it clear that people in penal institutions can vote by […]
Unemployment in a pandemic is stressful – even before the overpayment notices
The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security recently announced it was dropping its effort to collect $25 million in unemployment “overpayments” from 8,000 people who did not, upon review, qualify for benefits. But those overpayment notices, which are stressful and take months to reverse, have also been going to people who not only did qualify […]
House Democrats want funding for remote access to hearings included in budget
This story was updated on May 10, 2021 at 5 p.m. to correct the legislative expenses related to COVID-19. In a press conference Friday, House Democrats called on Speaker Sherman Packard to include funding for ongoing remote access to legislative hearings in the next state budget. Their federal lawsuit seeking a court order requiring remote […]
Lawmakers vote to lift State House mask mandate
Top New Hampshire lawmakers voted to remove the State House mask mandate Friday, in a move described as timely by Republican leaders but opposed by Democrats. In an 8-4 vote Friday morning, the Joint Legislative Facilities Committee opted to remove a mask mandate that had been in effect since last year. All four Democrats – […]
State offering property-tax relief for some homeowners
The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration is offering property-tax relief for qualifying low- and moderate-income homeowners. Single people who earn less than $20,000 are eligible to apply. A couple filing jointly can earn up to $40,000 and still qualify for the tax-relief program. Homestead owners who pay state education property tax are also eligible. […]
Senator says arguments against law requiring rear-facing car seats for kids under 2 ‘not based in fact’
New Hampshire senators are divided over whether to require rear-facing car seats for children under 2 years old. While some are pushing for a study on the issue before making the requirement law, others say national data on the topic has already clearly proven it to be a necessary, life-saving measure for babies and young […]
Commentary: Pass the For the People Act to fight voter suppression, root out corruption
The late congressman John Lewis once said: “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy.” I couldn’t agree more. I’ve said before that voting is not just a right but it is our civic duty, and voting should be conducted safely, fairly, and […]
Senate Commerce signs off on bill to regulate food delivery apps
Lawmakers in the New Hampshire Senate are moving to regulate the way third-party food delivery apps work with local restaurants, citing complaints that the apps have listed some restaurants without their knowledge. In a vote Tuesday morning, members of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee recommended, 5-0, to require that food delivery apps enter […]
Advocates seek increase in funding for independent-living program
More than 400 seniors and people with disabilities are able to live independently rather than in a nursing home thanks to a Medicaid program that brings assistance for basic needs to them. But the state so underfunds the program that the care falls far short of what is needed, advocates and clients of the program […]
Executive Council approves Goldner for utilities commission
Daniel Goldner will join the Public Utilities Commission as its newest commissioner after a 4-1 Executive Council vote Wednesday confirming his nomination. Councilor Cinde Warmington opposed the nomination, citing Goldner’s lack of relevant experience and knowledge. Goldner has worked at Texas Instruments, a company that makes semiconductors, for the past 33 years. “When I questioned […]
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 […]