The
American Legion in Epsom will be having their annual St. Patrick’s
Day dinner on March 19.
A Spaghetti Dinner in honor of
Officer Michael Briggs will be held on Tuesday, March 8th, from 5-7
PM in the Multi-Purpose room of the Epsom Central School. The cost
is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Please join us for
spaghetti, bread, salad, drink, and dessert. Last year was a
wonderful success and we look forward to your continued support. Any
questions please call Robin Donovan or Bobby Paine at 736- 9331.
Thank you.
The White Mountain Chapter of the Nam
Knights Motor Cycle Club presented the Veterans Outreach and Housing
Assistance programs with $400.00 in $20.00 gas cards at the
Manchester Veterans Hospital on Thursday February 24th 2011.
The gas cards will be distributed to help needy veterans get to and
from work and job interviews. The Nam Knights Motorcycle Club is
made up of Honorably Discharged Veterans and Law Enforcement
Officers. “The mission of the Nam Knights is to honor the memory of
American Veterans and Police Officers who have lost their lives in
the line of duty, to assist Veterans and Police Officers in their
time of need, and to promote community awareness through sponsorship
and participation in various community and fund-raising events.”
Letter
To my constituents in Allenstown, Epsom, & Pittsfield: Tuesday I
enjoyed my first – and likely only – experience standing at the
Speaker’s podium in Representatives’ Hall. HB446, eliminating
licensing requirements for a number of professions, including
massage therapists, recreational therapists, court reporters, and
guides, attracted a crowd of 250 or so people, mostly opposed to the
idea. We listened to them all afternoon; the bill will be retained
in committee, since any disposition will be controversial and
distract us from the budget.
Wednesday was a long House session,
starting with 47 bills at once. One was HB537, which plan to reduce
employee pensions had sparked a lot of calls and emails until people
realized it wasn’t going to happen. It was killed without comment.
HB631, repealing the requirement for public kindergarten, was killed
213-134 after a debate focused on whether or not it would actually
repeal the mandate for kindergarten.
HB231, which would charge
state retirees more for their medical insurance, was sent back to
committee. Several major amendments had been suggested, and the
committee wanted a chance to evaluate them in detail.
The most
important issue we voted on was HB519, which repealed the state’s
involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This program
required utilities to buy carbon allowances at auction, from charges
on all electricity users; the funds were then allocated to green
energy initiatives, energy efficiency programs, and, last year, a
transfer to the state general fund. After extensive debate, the bill
passed, 246-104, which should prevent a major increase in
electricity rates next year. Dan and I both voted for it; Jon
Richardson and Tony Soltani missed the session.
Anyone interested
in what is going on in the State House is invited to email or call
me. Anyone who wants more information than I can fit into a letter
should email me for my newsletter.
Representative Carol McGuire
[email protected]
782-4918
New
Exhibits At Epsom Public Library
The Epsom Public Library is
currently featuring the illustrated poetry of Mike Loso in its lobby
gallery. Both the poetry and the delicate pen and ink drawings
that illustrate it are based on observations of life in New
Hampshire, and evoke familiar places, times and situations.
In
counterpoint to the black and white art, and enhancing its visual
appeal, are small quilts and wall hangings by well known quilt
artist, June Pease.
Additionally, our display cases are currently
exhibiting Muriel Travato’s comprehensive and fascinating collection
of old post cards of Epsom.
Exhibits may be viewed during regular
library hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturday,
9 am to 1 pm. For more information, call 736-9920.
Letter
To my constituents, Last week we received the Governor’s budget.
The House is committed to balancing the budget without raising taxes
or fees. Our feeling is that the Governor got us partway to our goal
with his budget cuts, but we are still looking for $450M more (over
two years) for two main reasons. The Governor is about $300M too
optimistic in his revenue predictions. Also, he has shifted roughly
$150M of expenses onto local government that used to be picked up by
the state.
We in the House are not willing to do that
“downshifting” onto the local property taxpayer. We prefer
cutting state programs to make up the difference. Many House members
are former local officials and are very cognizant of the tight
budgets at the local level. The Senate, however, has indicated that
they are willing to go along with the Governor and “share the pain”
with the local budgets. I don’t know how this difference will
ultimately be resolved.
There are many difficult cuts coming in
the budget, and we are looking at all areas of state spending with
no sacred cows. One problem we constantly run into is the incredible
restrictions placed on us by the federal government, partly from
their laws, and partly from the strings attached to “their” money.
For example, a state program called “Catastrophic Aid” helps
local school boards pay for the education of severely disabled
children. The 131 most expensive Special Ed students in the state
cost $175,000 each to educate, or $23 million a year. But
we’re told by federal anti-discrimination law the $23 million must
be spent.
Please continue to share your ideas with us.
Yours,
Rep. Dan McGuire
[email protected] 782-4918
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