Arnie and Maggie of the NH American Friends’ Service Committee open the hour reviewing the State of the State message, attended among others by Voices of Faith and by state employees still waiting for a contract. They address the Governor’s tone vs. his prior and future actions. New Hampshire has low unemployment, but for some, overemployment. We have a lack of affordable housing, a divide between the very wealthy and the just getting by, or not.
There was a hearing on HB 1493, which asks the State to pay attention to the ramifications of deportation on families. We hear from Andres Mata, whose father was taken from the family.
We hear from Abby Manukin who is one of many intent upon shutting down the coal-fired Merrimack Station in Bow.
Olivia Zink joins the conversation to remind us of the efforts of Granny D, the importance of fair re-districting, the financing of elections. Olivia and Arnie and Maggie review the recent New Hampshire primary election and it’s implications; election law and vehicle registration; impacts on both the elderly and students. HB 1700 which would allow asylum seekers to legally have drivers’ licenses, yet not lead to fraudulent voting as some fear.
Following Open Democracy, we hear from the NH Fiscal Policy Institute in the person of Executive Director AnnMarie French. NHFPI focuses on revenue and the economy. While they are a research agency, their research is publicly accessible and helps drive others’ advocacy. Their upcoming annual conference this week treats Housing, Health, and Education. Income inequality in New Hampshire is increasing at a higher rate than in many other states. There is also a discrepancy, for many reasons, between conditions in the southern tier of New Hampshire, and the North Country.
