Maggie '08 - NH

Exeter News-Letter endorses Senator Maggie Hassan

The state Senate race for District 23 offers two very respected, very qualified candidates. Hassan is challenged by Marshall "Lee" Quandt of Exeter.

Hassan has a well-rounded resumé of success in the Senate. Along with Fuller Clark, she successfully supported efforts to reduce the state's carbon footprint through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and to fight Eastern equine encephalitis through creation of the arboviral illness task force.

Like Fuller Clark, Hassan also supported the unsuccessful effort of Gov. John Lynch to enact a constitutional amendment allowing for targeted state education aid to communities truly in need. Its defeat by the House of Representatives was unfortunate, but the Seacoast benefited from Hassan's involvement in and support of this effort. And we believe Hassan will again take up a fight that ends with a targeted aid approach that is above the fray of community lawsuits and which mercifully moves the state past its decades-long battle to modernize its school funding system.

Hassan's other Senate initiatives involve improving affordable access to health care and other related issues to improving the lives of the state's children.

Quandt is among precious few politicians who can truly say they do not constantly toe the party line. Quandt understands you can't solve a problem with myopic partisanship. He walks in lockstep with few legislative peers overall, and our political system thrives when that is the case. Quandt also has an impressive resumé for his tenure in the House. In his past term, he showed how he truly is a voice of the people, particularly those in his House District 13, with his dogged calls for the state to properly treat former State Liquor Commission inspector Tim Copeland, who was injured in the line of duty.

There are differences in the conduct of one's responsibilities in the respective legislative bodies, but this helps guide our endorsement. We believe Hassan's experience and direct success as a senator best qualifies her to serve in that seat. Hassan has done an outstanding job in raising the profile of the Senate 23 seat in her four years in office. State senators must take a broader approach to legislative efforts, and we believe Hassan has properly balanced the need to directly serve her district constituents while serving the state's population overall.

Foster's endorses Senator Maggie Hassan

Via fosters.com

"Maggie" Hassan is one of the bright stars in the Senate. She served two terms and people who have tracked her performance will be quick to support her bid for re-election. We count ourselves among that number.

Hassan has worked hard, not just on behalf of the people of District 23, but people throughout the state. In her capacity of vice chair of the Senate's Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee, she has worked in support of a job-training fund and giving businesses in the "North Country" a tax credit — relief for a region pinched long before most of us were thinking of the economy.

Closer to home she has worked tirelessly toward finding a way to protect the Great Bay Estuary.

Hassan has established herself as a leader in the Senate — someone who makes things happen; someone who has earned the respect of colleagues in both parties; and someone who is willing to do heavy lifting in the legislative environment.

In addition to her position on the committee on energy, environment and economic development, Hassan chairs the senate's Capital Budget Committee and the Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. She is also a member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Community colleges and technical and vocational schools have occupied a prominent place on Maggie Hassan's radar screen.

It is an understatement to simply say Maggie Hassan has earned re-election.

MORE THAN 300 GRANITE STATERS CONTRIBUTED TO SEN. MAGGIE HASSAN’S REELECTION CAMPAIGN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 13, 2008

Contact: Maggie Leuzarder (603) 580-9262

MORE THAN 300 GRANITE STATERS CONTRIBUTED TO SEN. MAGGIE HASSAN’S REELECTION CAMPAIGN

EXETER – District 23 State Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) announced today that more than 300 Granite Staters donated to her campaign this election cycle, demonstrating an overwhelming amount of support for her reelection so she can continue her hard work in Concord on behalf of her constituents and the people of New Hampshire.

“I am truly humbled by the tremendous support I’ve received from constituents and Granite Staters alike for my reelection campaign,” said Hassan. “They know that I want to continue fighting for the issues that matter most to my constituents like strengthening the economy, making health care more affordable, ensuring our children receive a quality education, and protecting our state’s natural resources. Going forward, I will continue to talk about the issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The campaign highlighted several key numbers demonstrating the breadth of Hassan’s grassroots support:

· $113,632 in receipts this election cycle.

· 77 percent of donations are from New Hampshire.

· More than half of the in-state donations are from the district.

· Contributions received from residents in all ten towns in her district.

· 72 percent of contributions are $100 or less.

· The average donation to Hassan’s campaign is $212.

Hassan is running for reelection in District 23. District 23 includes East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, Newmarket, Newton, Seabrook, South Hampton, and Stratham.

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Senator Maggie Hassan to Receive Leadership Award

Eliza Hobson

One Sky Community Services

October 16, 2008

Portsmouth, NH — State Senator Maggie Wood Hassan (D - District 23) will be the recipient this month of a newly-established Leadership Award from the Seacoast region’s Area Agency, One Sky Community Services. A passionate advocate for disability rights in New Hampshire, Senator Hassan is a practicing attorney from Exeter and Senate President Pro Tem of the NH Senate. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of One Sky on October 23, Senator Hassan will be honored at a banquet at the Portsmouth Country Club in Greenland, NH.

Senator Hassan served on One Sky’s Board of Directors from 1992-94, and has served on the Board of the Disabilities Rights Center. She has degrees from Brown University and Northeastern University’s School of Law. Legislative successes she has championed include:

· providing full funding for the developmental disabilities wait list;

· bringing NH special education laws into compliance with federal standards;

· ensuring that insurance companies cover health care needs of infants and

children with special medical or developmental concerns;

· expanding access to Medicaid for employed adults with disabilities;

· requiring NH employers to provide reasonable accommodations for

employees with disabilities;

· ensuring that persons caring for relatives with disabilities can be eligible for unemployment benefits even when

work availability is limited by care-giving responsibilities.

Senator Hassan’s priorities in the Senate include affordable workforce housing, environmental protection and the development of a ‘green’ economy.

GOV. LYNCH AND SEN. MAGGIE HASSAN TOUR SEABROOK COMPANY BENEFITING FROM JOB TRAINING GRANT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Contact: Maggie Leuzarder (603) 580-9262

GOV. LYNCH AND STATE SEN. MAGGIE HASSAN TOUR SEABROOK COMPANY

Visit with Workers Benefiting from Job Training Grant

SEABROOK – Yesterday Gov. John Lynch and District 23 State Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) toured Teledyne D.G. O’Brien, Inc., a company in Seabrook that received a grant from the state’s Job Training Fund earlier this year. Gov. Lynch and Sen. Hassan met with employees at Teledyne D.G. O’Brien, which currently has 20 workers in training for knowledge based product design.

“Teledyne D.G. O’Brien has made amazing technological advances in subsea military applications for submarines and for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to help better protect our servicemen and women. I have great admiration for the work they do,” said Hassan. “Ensuring that workers at companies like Teledyne have the skills they need to succeed will be essential to making New Hampshire a leader in technological innovation and a competitor in the growing economy.”

Teledyne D.G. O’Brien manufactures high reliability systems for subsea military and offshore oil and gas applications. Their systems on submarines like the USS New Hampshire protect sailors from hostile environments and help them carry out missions safely.

It is estimated that more than 1,900 workers have received training since the fund was reestablished in 2007. More than 35 workers are undergoing training at companies in Sen. Hassan’s district such as Teledyne D.G. O’Brien in Seabrook, Russound/FMP in Newmarket, and Northeast Lantern in Exeter.

Gov. Lynch and Sen. Hassan worked to re-establish the Job Training Fund to ensure more workers have the skills they need to compete for the high paying jobs of the future and that New Hampshire companies remain competitive in the global economy. Hassan sponsored additional legislation that will provide a boost to New Hampshire’s economy such as raising the minimum wage for the first time in ten years, establishing research and development tax credits to help attract new businesses and higher paying jobs to New Hampshire, and expanding unemployment benefits for adult part-time workers.

Hassan is running for reelection in Senate District 23. Senate District 23 includes the towns of East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, Newmarket, Newton, Seabrook, South Hampton, and Stratham.

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SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES STATE SENATOR MAGGIE HASSAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 6, 2008

Contact: Maggie Leuzarder (603) 580-9262

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SIERRA CLUB ENDORSES STATE SENATOR MAGGIE HASSAN

Recognizes Her Excellent Environmental Voting Record

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CONCORD – The Sierra Club endorsed Senate District 23 State Senator Maggie Hassan (D- Exeter) yesterday in recognition of her efforts to preserve our state’s natural beauty and promote greater investment in alternative energy and conservation.

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“I am honored to accept the Sierra Club’s endorsement,” said Hassan, Vice Chairwoman of the Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Committee.&#160; “Protecting the environment has always been one of my top priorities because I believe that by improving the quality of our environment we are improving our quality of life here in New Hampshire. I am pleased to share with the Sierra Club a commitment to clean air, continued investment in alternative energy, and the&#160;promotion of our green economy to create the new, high-paying jobs of the future."

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Hassan led the way in passing legislation to promote clean air&#160;by&#160;banning the burning of construction and&#160;demolition debris and by prohibiting&#160;the disposal of mercury in our landfills.&#160; She also worked with Governor Lynch to pass the Regional Green House Gas Initiative and the Renewable Energy Act; two initiatives that will help increase investment in alternative energy and conservation while bringing new jobs to our state.

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Hassan also co-sponsored legislation to improve our state parks system and supported fully funding the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program to protect New Hampshire’s open spaces.

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In addition to serving as Vice Chairwoman of the Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee, Hassan chaired the Great Bay Estuary Commission and, at the request of Governor Lynch, chaired a task force that developed a mosquito control policy for all state-owned and managed lands.

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The Sierra Club based their endorsements upon responses to an in-depth questionnaire, voting records, and history of environmental involvement.&#160; Hassan was one of 14 State Senators to be endorsed.

Senate District 23 includes the towns of East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, Newmarket, Newton, Seabrook, South Hampton and Stratham.

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Senator Hassan at the NH AFL-CIO Legislative Conference

New Hampshire State Senator Maggie Hassan spoke to union members at the New Hampshire AFL-CIO Legislative Conference about this country's need to support the candidates who will be credible champions for change.

Senator Hassan began her speech by saying: "We have been led by a president and a party that decided to use their eight years in power as a time to see how much they could get. The same people that sold us George Bush twice are selling John McCain and Sarah Palin."

Senator Hassan says: When you are out there talking to your friends, you ask them what it is that John McCain and Sarah Palin are going to change that will make a difference in their lives. They are with George Bush on the economy; they actually want to tax health care benefits. They are with Bush on the war and they are with Bush on the environment – every item down the list."

Senator Hassan asks: "If John McCain is with Bush on all of these issues then what else is left to change? There isn't anything else left to change."

Senator Hassan adds that: "If there is one thing you need to tell you friends, tell them that it isn't Barack Obama that wants to tax the middle class. He is going to lower taxes on the middle class and his plan is very clear about that."

SENATOR MAGGIE HASSAN ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2008

Contact: Senator Maggie Hassan

SENATOR MAGGIE HASSAN ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID

Exeter – New Hampshire Senate President Pro Tem Maggie Hassan announced today that she will seek her third term in the New Hampshire State Senate.

“I am so fortunate to have had the honor of serving the people of District 23 in the State Senate. We made great progress this legislative session, especially in the areas of education, economic development, energy conservation, and access to affordable heath care and housing. I am particularly proud to have had a role in passing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or “RGGI”, so that New Hampshire will join with nine other states to begin a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change. I am also pleased that we were able to pass the Health First legislation which will reduce insurance costs for small businesses.” Citing additional legislative accomplishments, Hassan noted her work to modernize the state’s unemployment compensation system and her efforts to secure funding for the Seacoast Charter School.

“There is obviously still work to do; I am running for re-election so that I can continue to work with Governor Lynch and my legislative colleagues to serve the citizens in District 23. I will continue to focus on improving access to quality, affordable health care, improving the state’s infrastructure, encouraging economic development, and protecting our environment. We also need to make sure that our government is as cost effective as possible. At the end of the day, all of New Hampshire’s citizens should be able to participate in a vibrant economy and enjoy our state’s special quality of life.”

Hassan serves as chair of the Capital Budget Committee and chair of the Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, vice-chair of the Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee. She has also chaired the Great Bay Estuary Commission and, at the request of Governor Lynch, chaired a task force that developed a mosquito control policy for all state owned and managed lands.

Senate District 23 includes the towns of East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, Newmarket, Newton, Seabrook, South Hampton and Stratham.

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SENATORS CELEBRATE SIGNING OF CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Contact: Senator Martha Fuller Clark (603) 271-6933

SENATORS CELEBRATE SIGNING OF CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE

CONCORD - Senators celebrated today on the Statehouse lawn as Governor John Lynch signed into law a bill allowing New Hampshire to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

"In addition to curbing emissions, one of the significant components of the law is the creation of a substantial fund dedicated to helping businesses and homeowners reduce their energy use," said Senator Martha Fuller Clark, (D-Portsmouth), one of the law's sponsors. "The energy we don't use is money we don't spend. That's why it's so important to emphasize conservation."

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, is a market-based, cap-and-trade program that involves nine other states and is expected to reduce carbon pollution, improve energy efficiency and ultimately save ratepayers money. The legislation also is expected to create jobs and stimulate the growth of renewable energy in New Hampshire.

RGGI will require electric utilities to buy a carbon allowance for each ton of carbon they emit. Participating in a regional auction of those allowances, New Hampshire is expected to raise millions of dollars for a fund to help businesses and homeowners reduce energy use -- both heat and electricity -- through conservation and improved efficiency. Participation also will reduce the need for expensive upgrades to the state's old fossil fuel-based power plants.

Senator Bob Odell (R-Lempster), a co-sponsor, thanked the governor and Senator Fuller Clark for including Republicans the process. "They reached out and made this bipartisan," he said.

"Here was a chance to step forward with nine other states and really put down a marker - that we're in the game to fight global warming," Odell said.

Other Senate co-sponsors were Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter), Senator Peter Bragdon (R-Milford), and Senator Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord).

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COMMITTEE REACHES COMPROMISE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Contact: Senator Betsi DeVries (603) 271-2104

COMMITTEE REACHES COMPROMISE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

CONCORD - A committee of House and Senate members reached a tentative agreement today on legislation designed to help certain agencies that provide affordable housing in New Hampshire.

The legislation would require assessors to consider the actual income potential -- not market value -- for affordable housing developed using federal tax credits. The legislation would help organizations such as Families in Transition that provide subsidized housing for clients in Manchester and Concord in properties developed using federal tax credits.

"This is a small step to help the non-profits and the developers that want to address a critical need for affordable workforce housing in this state. We're not giving them a tax break; they still have to pay their fair share. But this way the property tax bill is connected to the actual income generated by a property and not a hypothetical market value," said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter).

All the properties involved in the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program have a deed restriction that ensures rents remain permanently affordable.

"The Low Income Housing Tax Credit program is our most successful funding partnership in the state and it is essential that we keep private dollars flowing into the development of affordable workforce housing. With the passage of this bill, we will have a stable, fair valuation process and assure continued investor interest in building these properties," said Senator Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) who sponsored the legislation.

The legislation was originally contained in Senate Bill 199, but was later added to House Bill 1442. The conference committee today agreed to the affordable housing provisions as part of HB1442. The committee also added language calling on the Commissioner in the Department of Revenue Administration to collect information on the number of properties involved with the federal tax credit program and their assessed values and to report that information annually.

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SENATE REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Contact: Senator Martha Fuller Clark (603) 271-6933

SENATE REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE

CONCORD - The Senate reaffirmed its support today for legislation allowing New Hampshire to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, is a market-based program that involves nine other states and is expected to reduce carbon pollution, improve energy efficiency and ultimately save ratepayers money. House Bill 1434 passed 16-8 today after returning from the Senate Finance Committee with a recommendation of ought-to-pass. The Senate will now seek the concurrence of the House.

"New Hampshire will be better off economically if we participate in RGGI," said Senator Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth). "As the rest of the region begins to implement RGGI, electricity costs will increase. If New Hampshire participates, this additional cost can be offset by the sale of RGGI allowances allocated to New Hampshire and their reinvestment in energy efficiency and conservation measures."

RGGI would require electric utilities to buy a carbon allowance for each ton of carbon they emit. Participating in a regional auction of those allowances, New Hampshire would raise millions of dollars for a fund to help businesses and homeowners reduce energy use -- both heat and electricity -- through conservation and improved efficiency. Participation also would reduce the need for expensive upgrades to the state's old fossil fuel-based power plants.

To address concerns from the business community, the Senate approved a $6 limit on what the carbon allowances can sell for in their first year and would require that anything over that cap be rebated to ratepayers. The limit would rise slowly over a period of years. The House bill calls for a $12 cap to start.

The legislation also adds another layer of protection by authorizing the state Public Utility Commission to rebate money from the fund if it's not used for conservation or efficiency.

"There are protections for consumers," said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter). "If the money isn't used for energy efficiency, it will be rebated to ratepayers."

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SENATE SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Contact: Senator Kathleen Sgambati (603) 271-3074

SENATE SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

CONCORD - The Senate voted 21-3 today in support of a new health insurance program for small businesses called New Hampshire Health First. The legislation now heads to the House.

"This plan makes coverage affordable, not by diluting benefits, but by addressing the underlying drivers of health care spending," said Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton), who sponsored Senate Bill 540 at the urging of Governor John Lynch.

The legislation would require major insurance carriers in the state to offer a standard wellness plan for small businesses with up to 50 employees. Premium costs would be controlled by focusing on prevention, managing chronic conditions and promoting best practices. Similar legislation in Rhode Island produced a savings of more than 15 percent for small businesses compared to other forms of coverage available in the market.

"We have heard repeatedly, especially from the small business community, about the need for this kind of help," said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter), a co-sponsor. "We are putting pressure on carriers to do cost containment and we're asking consumers to do the same by providing incentives for them to take better care of their health."

Senate Bill 540 calls for the state Department of Insurance to set up an advisory committee to develop the specifics of the plan. The target premium price would be 10 percent of the prior year's median wage, currently about $262 per month.

Safeguards protect insurance companies from having to absorb a loss if the premium price is not adequate to cover their costs. The advisory committee would rework the plan if no insurance carriers can meet the target price. In addition, the legislation calls for plan requirements to be reviewed and revised every three years.

"We have an opportunity to develop a product that helps our small business owners who've been struggling with sharply rising insurance costs for years now. If this allows more of them to keep their employees covered, we all benefit," said Senator David Gottesman, (D-Nashua) chairman of the Commerce Committee, which recommended passage of the bill.

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SENATE DEFEATS PARENTAL NOTIFICATION PROPOSAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Contact: Senator Kathy Sgambati (603) 271-3074

SENATE DEFEATS PARENTAL NOTIFICATION PROPOSAL

CONCORD - The Senate voted 15-9 to defeat a parental notification proposal that would have required that parents be notified if their minor daughter seeks an abortion unless she gets permission from a judge.

The proposal was identical to the parental notification requirements in Senate Bill 302 but was offered as an amendment to Senate Bill 527. It differed only slightly from the parental notification law that was found unconstitutional and repealed last session but added an exception to the notification requirements if a delay would lead to irreversible damage to a girl's major bodily functions.

"Parental notification requirements even with judicial bypass can lead to delays that cause true harm to our young people's physical health," said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter). "We all hope we have a relationship with our children so they will come to us in moments of crisis but we have a higher obligation to protect the health and safety of all children."

Hassan did support Senate Bill 527 without the amendment. That bill requires that a trained counselor provide information and support to pregnant teens under age 17. Where appropriate, counselors would encourage teens to involve their parents or other family.

"This bill is not about limiting choice or placing obstacles in the path of young women. It does not require parental notification. It mirrors what's already being done in most of our state's doctor offices and clinics. It's about making sure an adult is involved in protecting the health and safety of our adolescents," said Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton), who sponsored the bill.

The legislation had the support of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, the largest reproductive health care organization in New Hampshire.

Senate Bill 527 failed by a vote of 10-14 but a second motion sent it to interim study today.

"I believe this is a new and different approach to protecting our youth," Sgambati said. "And I believe that the health and well being of our young people is worth a continuing conversation," Sgambati said.

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SENATE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS PASSAGE OF ADULT INVOLVEMENT BILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 10, 2008

Contact: Senator Kathy Sgambati (603) 271-3074

SENATE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS PASSAGE OF ADULT INVOLVEMENT BILL

CONCORD - The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted 4-1 today to send a bill to the full Senate that would ensure that young teenagers facing an unexpected pregnancy get information and support from a trained counselor.

Senate Bill 527 would require clinics and doctors to provide information and counseling for pregnant teens under age 17 as they grapple with the decisions that follow from an unintended pregnancy. Where appropriate, counselors would encourage teens to speak to their parents or other family.

"This legislation is not about limiting choice or placing obstacles in the path of young women. It does not require parental notification. It mirrors best practices in most of our state's doctor offices and clinics. It's about making sure an adult is involved in protecting the health and safety of our adolescents," said Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton), who sponsored the bill.

The legislation has the support of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, the largest reproductive health care organization in New Hampshire. It is co-sponsored by senators Bob Odell, Maggie Hassan, Jacalyn Cilley, Deborah Reynolds, Joseph Foster, and Betsi DeVries.

The committee members were not unanimous in their support for the legislation but agreed the bill deserved to advance to the Senate floor for a full discussion.

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SENATE EXPANDS UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR PART-TIMERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Contact: Senator Maggie Hassan (603) 271-4153

SENATE EXPANDS UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR PART-TIMERS

CONCORD - The Senate voted today in favor of an update to the rules for unemployment compensation to take into account the growth in part-time workers. Senate Bill 502 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee.

The bill expands on existing rules that allow part-time workers with family care-taking responsibilities to qualify for benefits when they're laid off. Currently, most part-time workers cannot qualify for unemployment benefits unless they say they are looking for a full-time job.

"This bill is long overdue and reflects the modern economy in which many families rely on part-time jobs - sometime multiple part-time jobs - to support their households," said Senator Maggie Hassan, (D-Exeter) prime sponsor of Senate Bill 502.

The bill allows anyone working 20 hours a week who is laid off and is seeking another part-time job to be eligible for benefits. Employers already pay into the unemployment compensation system regardless of whether their workers are full-time or part-time.

Department of Employment Security Commissioner Richard Brothers supports the legislation. He said part-time workers typically find jobs twice as fast as those seeking full-time work. The legislation is not expected to have a significant impact on the unemployment trust fund.

New Hampshire will join 23 other states in providing some benefits to part-time workers who are laid off. The number of part-time jobs has been growing as employers seek to lower costs and develop a more flexible workforce. Workers over age 65 are three times more likely to have a part-time job than other working adults and 72 percent of part-time workers are women.

"It's time to recognize the importance of part-time workers to our employers and our economy," Hassan said.

The changes come at a time when the federal government is considering financial incentives for states that modernize their unemployment compensation rules in this and other ways. If this legislation is signed into law, New Hampshire will be positioned to benefit from any incentive payments approved by Congress and the President.

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SENATE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON ADULT INVOLVEMENT BILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Contact: Senator Kathy Sgambati (603) 271-3074

SENATE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON ADULT INVOLVEMENT BILL

CONCORD - Legislation to ensure that young teenagers facing an unexpected pregnancy get information and support from an adult is not a political maneuver - it's an attempt to protect adolescent health.

So testified supporters of Senate Bill 527 speaking before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. Senate Bill 527 would require clinics and doctors to provide information and counseling for pregnant teens under age 17 as they grapple with the decisions that follow from an unintended pregnancy. Where appropriate, counselors would encourage teens to speak to their parents or other family.

"It's not a compromise; it's not a political solution. It's an insurance policy for young people," said Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton) who proposed the legislation.

"This counseling is already made available to teens at clinics all over the state. But I believe there is value in taking our best practices and making them state policy. The state has always protected children and set standards for their care. This is no different," she said.

"It protects our most vulnerable teens," testified Ann Larney of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, which supports the legislation. While most teens are able to talk about an unplanned pregnancy with their parents, Planned Parenthood has counseled many others who have compelling reasons not to involve their parents, she said.

The legislation has divided members of the pro-choice community and even health care providers. Two doctors testified today - one in support and one in opposition.

Good information about available choices is vital if patients are to feel good about the decisions they make whether that's in reproductive health or other medical procedures, said Dr. Patrick Olson, who supports the bill. Olson is an orthopedic surgery resident at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center who's involved with Dartmouth's Center for Informed Decision Making.

"Adults always seem to focus on their own needs, then on those of young people. This is an opportunity to put the needs of our young people first," said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter), a co-sponsor.

"I think this is the best policy for our state, its teens and its parents," said Senator Joe Foster (D-Nashua), father to three girls and another co-sponsor.

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SENATE PASSES AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEGISLATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Contact: Senator Betsi DeVries (603) 271-2104

SENATE PASSES AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEGISLATION

CONCORD - The Senate passed legislation today designed to help certain agencies that provide affordable housing in New Hampshire.

The goal of Senate Bill 199 sponsored by Senator Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) is to assist certain agencies and developers who provide rent-restricted housing to New Hampshire workers and families but who must pay property taxes based on the market value, which assumes the property brings in market-value rents.

The legislation would require assessors to look at the actual income potential for certain affordable rental properties instead of the higher market rate.

"It is in the best interest of New Hampshire to encourage private investment in solving the affordable housing issues. If we're going to succeed in expanding our stock of affordable housing, it has to be a public-private partnership," DeVries said.

Any qualifying property would be required to have a deed restriction that ensures rents remain permanently affordable and would have to be financed through federal tax credits.

"This is a narrow group of properties," DeVries said. It would apply to about 14 properties in Manchester, including several run by Families in Transition, she said. Families in Transition provides transitional housing and support for homeless individuals and families in Manchester and Concord.

"Both businesses and families know how difficult it is to find decent and reasonably-priced housing," said Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord), who serves on the board for Families in Transition. "This bill makes sense to help meet that critical need."

Senate co-sponsors include Deborah Reynolds, Harold Janeway, Maggie Hassan, Martha Fuller Clark, Jacalyn Cilley and Peter Burling.

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SENATE PASSES WORKERS COMPENSATION FIX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Contact: Senator Maggie Hassan (603) 271-4153

SENATE PASSES WORKERS COMPENSATION FIX

CONCORD - The Senate voted 23-0 today to fix a workers' compensation law from last year to protect small contracting businesses from unintended consequences triggered by the original legislation.

"The bill was intended to crack down on construction contractors who have been abusing the workers' compensation system. It is now clear that the bill cast too wide a net and inadvertently imposed significant cost increases on legitimate small construction and construction-related businesses," said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) chairwoman of the Senate Municipal and Public Affairs Committee which recommended passage today of House Bill 692 containing the fix.

House Bill 471 passed last year with broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. It sought to address a problem with certain contractors who were gaining an unfair competitive advantage by requiring their workers to form their own corporations and claim themselves as officers to avoid paying workers' compensation. It was only after the law went into effect in September that lawmakers learned it was causing unexpected hardship for many small companies.

Leading lawmakers from both parties reached agreement last month on today's approach to fixing the problem and agreed to pass the measure at the first meeting of the 2008 session. House Bill 692 repeals one problematic section that eliminated an exemption from workers comp for up to three officers or directors of a corporation. It also addresses contract workers who do tasks such as snow plowing or grass cutting for the State and allows businesses that have already paid their workers compensation policy under the new rules to collect the maximum refund possible.

Senate Republicans today proposed an alternative amendment that would have repealed House Bill 471 in its entirety, but Democrats rejected that with a Senate vote of 13-10 along party lines.

"Our focus today is to expedite the repeal of the harmful part of this bill. A full repeal would allow contractor abuses of the workers' compensation system to continue. We can address any further concerns with a full hearing during the session," Hassan said.

The House was expected to pass the bill today so it can go to Governor John Lynch, who has agreed to sign it.

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Gov. Lynch Applauds Senate Vote To Restore Job Training Fund

February 15, 2007

Contact:

Communications Director

Office of the Governor

603-271-2121

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch applauded a state Senate vote today to restore the Job Training Fund. Senators voted 23-0 in favor of a bill (SB 97) dedicating up to $1 million a year from the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund toward job training. The legislation now heads to the House.

"Our workers - and the companies that employ them - must continually master new skills and new technologies to compete globally. We can help our businesses and their employees get the training they need by reestablishing the Job Training Fund. The Job Training Fund allows us to partner with companies to train New Hampshire workers for available jobs. I applaud the state Senate for taking an important step toward re-establishing the fund and I look forward to continuing the discussion on this important piece of legislation in the House," Gov. Lynch said.

Gov. Lynch called for the reinstatement of the Job Training Fund in his Inaugural Address.

Senate Bill 97 does not require any general fund dollars. Companies are required to provide an equal match for any grant they receive. The prime sponsor of the bill is Senator David Gottesman. Sens. Martha Fuller Clark, Maggie Hassan, Harold Janeway and Sylvia Larsen are also sponsoring the bill.

New Hampshire first established the Job Training Fund in 2001, and the first grants were approved in January 2002. In 19 months, 169 grants were awarded to more than 100 different companies and nearly 5,400 workers were trained.

Senate Bill 97 will restore funding to the Job Training program by removing a link to the amount of money in the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. Instead, the bill provides funding for job training from the administrative portion of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. It does not require any general fund dollars, nor does it affect the fund that pays for unemployment benefits for workers.

The Business and Industry Association, several labor unions, the Departments of Resources and Economic Development, Labor and Employment Security, the New Hampshire Community Technical College System and the Workforce Opportunity Council, all support this important piece of legislation.

Released by the Office of the Governor