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Sponsor's Insight
Action in Concord continues to center around the state budget, with the State Senate taking public testimony from those concerned about cuts made in the House and urging restoration of funds in various areas. Presentations were made by representatives of public higher education, urging that scholarship and funding be restored since the Community College System of New Hampshire and the University System of New Hampshire provide much training to the work force needed by business and increasing that cost undoubtedly will shift costs to individuals, businesses or deprive New Hampshire young people of the opportunity for an affordable higher education. Also, advocates for participants in human service programs urge the restoration of funds for community mental health and other programs. Representatives of business decried the cut of funds for uncompensated care at hospitals and other health care, noting that such action undoubtedly will shift the cost of care to those who can pay, largely businesses paying insurance premiums for health insurance and driving up the cost of doing business.
While waiting for the Senate to act on the budget, however, a number of other interesting events occurred in Concord over the last week. Among them are:
House action cutting the gas tax - At the urging of Speaker William O'Brien, the New Hampshire House declared a "gas tax holiday" and passed a temporary reduction in the state gas tax of ten cents per gallon for a short period of time. The Senate seems more skeptical of this action and critics, including Governor John Lynch, predict that all it will do is enrich oil companies. Basic economics seems to be lost on those against raising the gas tax or those who favor this reduction. With automobiles thirty to fifty percent more efficient than they were in prior years, individuals are paying far less gas tax than they did while driving less efficient vehicles, and therefore there is less money available to pay for roads, bridges and their repair and maintenance, although the same number of miles of use are affecting our roads.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the House's version of repeal of the state cap and trade program known as RGGI. A Senate amendment is under consideration that would repeal participation in RGGI only if another significant state withdraws from the ten state compact. This is a fundamental difference of opinion between the House and the Senate. Governor Lynch supports continuing the RGGI initiative and business groups seem split on the subject.
The Senate has held hearings on house bills to prohibit any public funds being spent on New Hampshire Public Broadcasting, and on repeal of the state Ballot Law Commission. While minor bills compared to such things as the budget, these bills have raised eyebrows and questions in Concord and it will be interesting to see if the Senate goes along with the House action in both cases.
District 17 Senator David Boutin of Hooksett, one of the senators representing Greater Manchester, is recovering from injuries sustained in a car / pedestrian accident suffered as he was leaving a fundraiser for fellow Senator Lou D'Allesandro. Everyone wishes Boutin well and he has expressed thanks that the injuries were not worse.
And the beat continues...
Brad Cook
Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group
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