New Hampshire’s Liquor Commission keeps a close eye on the 6,100 liquor license and permit holders in the state, but at least one lawmaker thinks someone should be keeping a closer eye on the commission.
Rep. Rip Holden (R-Goffstown) sponsored three bills this term to do just that. They didn’t make it far, but a fourth bill, sponsored by Sen. Lou D’Allesandro (D-Manchester) is close to becoming law.
“There’s no immediate checks and balance, and there is no balance, to my knowledge, from any branch, in the commission itself,” Holden says.
April 26th, 2010 | Posted in agencies & departments,By the Issues,Commerce,Food & Drink,Government,liquor,liquor | Read More »
The House will revisit holding the status quo on education funding—and may revisit the entire education funding formula, while it’s at it. Also, new proposals would consolidate some programs and authorities under the DHHS Commissioner. Would legislative oversight of the department still mean anything? …
April 19th, 2010 | Posted in By the Issues,Education,funding,Government,state budget | Read More »
Facing a $210-220 million budget shortfall, Gov. John Lynch has released a three-part plan to cut spending, restructure debt and increase revenue for New Hampshire. He’ll present ideas requiring immediate action to the House and Senate Finance Committees on April 15. Further action will be left to the entire Legislature.
Lynch cited the recession—lower tax revenues and increased demand for services—and the Supreme Court ruling that JUA funds are off-limits as part of the problem. He did not question how realistic the monetary projections had been on which the budget was founded.
April 12th, 2010 | Posted in By the Issues,Government,Money,state budget,taxes | Read More »
A new approach to parole is making headway in the N.H. Legislature.
If Senate Bill 500 passes, supporters say, less jail time and more community supervision could save the state money and help reduce recidivism at the same time. The Parole Board, however, fears for public safety if their authority is usurped.
The bill has passed the Senate and is expected to get a vote in the House sometime this month.
April 5th, 2010 | Posted in By the Issues,Justice,parole,prisons & jails,recidivism | Read More »
