Tag Archives: Granite State Progress

Granite State Moms Tell Senator Ayotte “No Mother Should Have to Bury Her Child”

  By Granite State Progress | May 10, 2013 - 8:02 pm | ,
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Mothers Day Cards

Mothers Day Cards Just Days Before Some Families Face First Mother’s Day Without Child Due to Gun Violence, Mothers and Concerned Family Members Deliver Cards to Senator Kelly Ayotte Calling on Her to Support Life-Saving Background Checks

 NASHUA, NH – New Hampshire mothers, children and others publicly delivered Mother’s Day cards to Senator Kelly Ayotte’s Nashua office today, calling on the Senator to support life-saving background checks. The event was created by local gun violence prevention advocates who wanted to do something in solidarity for families who would be spending their first Mother’s Day without a child or family member due to gun violence.

Last month Senator Ayotte voted against bipartisan legislation proposed by NRA A-rated Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey that would have closed the loopholes that make it easy for criminals and dangerous people to get guns. Over 89 percent of Senator Ayotte’s constituents support background checks.

Reading a statement on behalf of New Hampshire mothers and allies, Nona Storer of Nashua said:

“Senator Ayotte, no mother should have to bury her child. This Mother’s Day, our hearts go out to all the mothers whose children were murdered with guns. The moms of Columbine. Virginia Tech. Tucson. Aurora. Newtown. And the mothers of the 33 people who are murdered with guns every day in this country. Now is the time for Congress to stand with moms across the country instead of with the NRA. Please support background checks for all gun sales.”

Storer and others then delivered more than 250 Mother’s Day cards signed by constituents from across the state, each bearing a similar message to the Senator. Several local community members also delivered their own, handmade cards urging Senator Ayotte to take action to reduce gun violence.

To mark Mother’s Day, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has also released a video message by Roxanna Green, whose nine year-old daughter Christina-Taylor Green was killed in the 2011 Tucson mass shooting.

NH Progressive Summit: “Restoring Balance and Common Sense”

  By Granite State Progress | April 25, 2013 - 11:37 am | , , ,
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NH Progressives Summit 2013

NH Progressives Summit 2013Granite State Progress and NH Citizens Alliance for Action will be co-hosting the 2013 NH Progressive Summit – an annual venue for new and existing activists to come together and collectively learn, train and mobilize for the many issues and electoral challenges we face. After outstanding support for last year’s summit, an even larger turn-out is anticipated this year. Last year’s theme was, “Fighting Back, Moving Forward.” This year’s theme is “Restoring Balance & Common Sense.”

This will be a full, exciting and inspiring program. Breakfast & lunch will be provided, as well as a social hour in the evening. The lunch panel debate will be on expanded gambling. We have made so much progress in the Granite State and we must continue to move forward together.

The Summit will be held at New England College in Henniker on May 4th. Tickets are $25 with pre-registration required. For more information, or to register please visit www.nhprogressivesummit.org.

Save The Date For The NH Progressive Summit

  By Granite State Progress | April 15, 2013 - 2:33 pm | ,
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NH Progressives Summit 2013

Please Save the Date for the 2013 NH Progressive Summit, Saturday, May 4th at New England College in Henniker, NH!

NH Progressives Summit 2013Once again, Granite State Progress and the NH Citizens Alliance for Action will co-host the NH Progressive Summit, along with sponsoring organizations such as New England College’s Department of Sociology and Social Work and the State Employees Association, SEIU Local 1984. This annual event provides space for new and existing activists to come together and hear from inspiring keynote speakers, as we collectively learn, train, and mobilize for the many issue and electoral challenges and opportunities we face together.

Last year’s NH Progressive Summit theme was “Fighting Back, Moving Forward.” This year, the theme is “Restoring Balance and Common Sense.” Whether it’s undoing the damage caused by last year’s Tea Party legislature, challenging corporate political corruption of our legislative and electoral process, or continuing to fight for key progressive values at the state and federal level – we need to restore balance and common sense in our country.

The 2013 NH Progressive Summit will be a jam-packed, action-oriented, day-long event, with workshops and fabulous speakers – you won’t want to miss it!

More information will be available shortly. In the meantime, you can click here to submit a workshop proposal or volunteer to help behind-the-scenes at the Summit. See you there!

Frank Guinta Front Group Makes Young Tracker Ask Stupid Questions at Manchester Forum

  By Granite State Progress | April 2, 2013 - 4:28 pm | ,
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Photo by Mary Schwalm / Associated Press

Unable to rely on Guinta’s own failed record to draw positive contrast at a forum featuring U.S. Representative Carol Shea-Porter, conservative front group instead tries for ‘gotcha’ moments on lame, non-Congressional topics

CONCORD, NH – Former Congressman Frank Guinta’s failed record is so bad that a new conservative “advocacy” front group run by his former campaign manager couldn’t even use it to draw contrast at a Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid forum featuring Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter in Manchester yesterday afternoon.

“A forum is a perfect place to talk about an alternative policy vision, but Frank Guinta’s record is so weak that his cronies couldn’t even bring up one positive, contrasting idea,” said Zandra Rice Hawkins, executive director of Granite State Progress. “While in Congress, Frank Guinta supported Paul Ryan’s plan to end Medicare as we know it by turning it into a voucher system. His full embrace of Ryan’s failed ideas around privatization led voters to kick him out in November.”

Instead of addressing any one of the pressing federal issues that U.S. Rep. Shea-Porter is voting on, a tracker from Citizens for a Stronger New Hampshire – the conservative election front group run by former Guinta campaign manager Mike Biundo – instead pressured the Congresswoman for her stance on a state income tax and road tolls. The first has no substantive policy debate in the state right now; the second is a state-level legislative issue that the Congresswoman has no vote on.

“Front groups like Citizens for a Stronger New Hampshire should be seen for what they are, lightly veiled political attacks for the 2014 election,” Rice Hawkins said. “It is a shame that groups like this hide behind non-profit status to do their dirty work.”

The incident happened at a Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid forum on Monday, April 1, 2013 at the William B. Cashin Senior Center in Manchester. The public event was attended by more than 70 Granite Staters and featured conversation with both Congresswoman Shea-Porter and seniors who use the critical programs. Statements made by the Congresswoman during the event are available by request.

 

Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Press releases and other information available online at www.GraniteStateProgress.org.

Two of NH State Reps Make ‘MARCH BADNESS’ Tournament

  By Granite State Progress | April 1, 2013 - 7:06 pm | , ,
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Warden Trombley

No Joke: NH State Reps Mark Warden & Stella Tremblay Qualify As #2 Seed in National ‘March Badness’ Tournament

Warden TrombleyProgressNow Selection Committee Gives High Ranking to Granite State Progress Nominees for 2013 March Badness & Not-So-Sweet 16 Radical Right-Wingers Bracket

CONCORD, NH – NH State Representatives Mark Warden (R-Goffstown) and Stella Tremblay (R-Auburn) have been jointly selected as the #2 seed in a national NCAA tournament-themed contest to determine who is the most “outrageous, radical, out of touch right-winger” of the past year. The contest, available at MarchBadness.org, is sponsored by Granite State Progress’ national partner, Progress Now, a network of 21 state-based progressive groups specializing in research, communications, rapid response and online organizing.

Over the weekend and until midnight today, members of the sister organizations and the public can vote on whether to send New Hampshire’s Warden and Tremblay to the “Crazy 8” or to select North Carolina State Representative Tim Moffitt (#15). The #1 seed is Minnesota’s Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS YEAR’S FULL BRACKET

“We’re confident that the extreme and outrageous behavior of State Representatives Stella Tremblay and Mark Warden will stand out among the competition,” said Zandra Rice Hawkins, executive director of Granite State Progress. “These two already have a habit of being in the national spotlight and embarrassing our state. New Hampshire voters sent a strong message in November that it was time to restore balance and common sense, but folks like Tremblay and Warden just can’t help themselves. While the tournament pokes fun, the potential damage that these extreme personalities can do is real.”

Granite State Progress’ tournament entry form included video of Rep. Tremblay discussing the “original thirteenth amendment” in which she asserts President Woodrow Wilson “went through all the education material” about the country’s “true history” and “wiped” it out; and video of Rep. Warden saying that “a lot of people like being in abusive relationships”.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS YEAR’S BRACKET OR VOTE

Play-Offs Schedule:

Not-So-Sweet 16: Friday, March 29-Monday, April 1

Crazy 8: Tuesday, April 2-Thursday, April 4

Infamous 4 – Friday, April 5-Sunday, April 7

Championship – Monday, April 8

Champion crowned Tuesday, April 9

Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Press releases and other information available online at www.GraniteStateProgress.org.

Come Talk With Congresswoman Shea-Porter in Manchester About Social Security, Medicare and More

  By Granite State Progress | March 29, 2013 - 3:45 pm | ,
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labor-union-7

Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid Forum with Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter Scheduled for Monday, April 1st in Manchester

Manchester, N.H.— Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter will participate in a Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid Forum on Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Cashin Senior Center in Manchester. The forum will include conversation with Congresswoman Shea-Porter and feature seniors who use these critical programs. The event is sponsored by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the New Hampshire Citizens Alliance for Action and the Granite State Organizing Project. It is free and open to the public.

WHO: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Granite State seniors

WHAT: Forum on Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid

WHERE: William B. Cashin Senior Center, 151 Douglass Street, Manchester

WHEN: Monday, April 1 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm

WHY: Today we are faced with one of most serious assaults on Medicare and Social Security since the program began. Together Granite Staters can ensure these programs are around today and for future generations. During the forum members of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare will present the Congresswoman with over 400 petition signatures calling on her to protect benefits Granite Staters have worked for, paid for and earned; the petition also calls on Congress to oppose privatization and other proposals that threaten retirement and health security.

Community members will share their stories about how Social Security and Medicare have affected their families and their communities and call on Congresswoman Carol Shea Porter to continue to stand with seniors. Granite State Organizing Project President, Brian Mitchell stated, “Don’t be fooled by those who want you to believe social security is broken; social security does not add a penny to the debt and can be there for our children and our grandchildren.”

Granite State Progress Fires Back At Koch Funded Josiah Bartlett Foundation And Grant Bosse

  By Granite State Progress | March 23, 2013 - 8:34 am | ,
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Koch Brothers

The Scoop on Koch Funding of The Josiah Bartlett Center, Despite Denials by Charlie Arlinghaus & Grant Bosse

Dueling op-eds in the Concord Monitor expose the Josiah Bartlett Center for defending Koch web of influence, even as they receive funding from Koch family fortune

Concord, NH – In his Sunday column in the Concord Monitor last week, the Josiah Bartlett Center’s Grant Bosse attempted to discredit Granite State Progress and its work to expose corporate influence in the Granite State. That attempt instead landed Bosse and Josiah Bartlett Center President Charlie Arlinghaus in a public lie over whether they receive Koch funding.

In his column, “Obsession with the Koch brothers clouds the left,” Bosse ridicules Granite State Progress and others for concern over the vast influence of Charles and David Koch, owners of Koch Industries. Bosse also downplays the Koch-funded American Legislative Exchange Council, which allows corporations to vote on bills then introduced in state houses across the country. ALEC model legislation specifically seeks to benefit corporate bottom lines – generally at the expense of everyday Granite Staters.

Comparing concerns over such influence to conspiracy theories, Bosse writes:

“Of course, I could be so wrapped up the Kochs’ web that I don’t even know it. I asked Charlie Arlinghaus, president of the Josiah Bartlett Center – where I worked for the past four years and where I’m currently helping research New Hampshire budget issues – if he was part of the vast, secret Koch Empire. “They don’t give us money, but I wish they would,” Arlinghaus responded.” (Grant Bosse: Obsession with the Koch brothers clouds the left, March 17, 2013)

In an op-ed in the Monitor today, however, Granite State Progress exposes that the Bartlett Center does, indeed, receive Koch funding for the policies they promote:

“In the March 17 Sunday Monitor, the Josiah Bartlett Center’s own Grant Bosse derided Granite State Progress for being concerned about ALEC. A little background: When Granite State Progress first started talking about the Koch brothers and ALEC, we expected to get push back from Koch’s lead group, AFP. Instead, we were surprised to see the Josiah Bartlett Center rush to their defense. It didn’t take long to figure out why: The Josiah Bartlett Center is part of the conservative State Policy Network, which is funded by Charles and David Koch via the “Donor’s Capital Fund.” Financial filings show that the Bartlett Center also received direct funding from a Koch-run foundation – despite President Charlie Arlinghaus and Bosse’s assertions that it did not.” (My Turn: In fact, ALEC’s influence isn’t benign, March 22, 2013)

The Josiah Bartlett Center routinely weighs in on legislation with ties to the Koch brothers, both in policy discussions and in the media. Bartlett Center staff does not register as lobbyists and sometimes even goes so far as to represent themselves as journalists while publicly testifying at the State House.

Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Press releases and other information available online at www.GraniteStateProgress.org.

State Senator Pushes Bill That Could Cost You To Collect Your Salary

  By Granite State Progress | March 21, 2013 - 11:06 am | , ,
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NH House

Prime Sponsor of SB 100 – Sen. Bradley – Doesn’t Know Difference Between Payroll Cards and Direct Deposit

Bradley Confuses Forms of Payment in Committee and on the Senate Floor Despite Being Previously Corrected; SB 100 Seeks to Abolish Paper Paychecks

Concord, NH – The prime sponsor of SB 100 – Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) doesn’t know the difference between payroll cards and direct deposit. Alternatively, it’s possible he just doesn’t care.

SB 100 seeks to abolish paper paychecks in New Hampshire, pushing employees over to direct deposit or payroll cards. Payroll cards act as a form of debit cards, often carrying a brand such as Visa or Mastercard, and are used as such – right down to the fees for withdrawals, payments and balance checks. SB 100 would allow an employee to withdraw their full salary once per pay period, but multiple withdrawals would cost an employee out of pocket to collect their salary. An amendment to SB 100 provided by a DC lobbyist from the American Payroll Association additionally removes the requirement that employers show employees a list of fees associated with the cards, and that they no longer need to collect a signed form demonstrating that this step had been taken.

In testimony opposing SB 100, the Department of Labor spoke about fees associated with payroll cards that may come at a cost to employees. It is important to note that not all cards are the same and that each card has its own rules. Examples of payroll withdrawal caps and fees can be found here and here.

Introducing the bill in Senate Commerce, Senator Bradley told fellow lawmakers that the State of New Hampshire requires state employees to use payroll cards as part of their contract; an assertion which helped secure a 5-0 committee vote.

That is simply not true. There is no such requirement in the contract – a fact which an official from the State Employees Association told Bradley the next day. In that conversation, Bradley assured the staffer he knew the difference and that the confusion had been cleared up in committee.

On the Senate floor last week, however, Sen. Bradley told fellow lawmakers the same thing regarding payroll cards – this time saying a SEA official had told him about it.

Senator Bradley’s False & Misleading Information on Senate Floor

“Now, I would just say that one of the provisions of the latest contract with the State Employees Association insisted on this provision. And it’s been implemented and accepted from what one of the representatives of the SEA has told us quite well.”

 NH Senate Session, March 14, 2013 AM at Audio Mark 1:26:16

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/Media/Session_Media.aspx

The statement was quickly corrected by Senator Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) who had a copy of the state contract with her.

“Senator Bradley either doesn’t understand how his legislation would actually work, or he just doesn’t care. In any case, the Senate should absolutely not move forward with this bill under these conditions,” said Zandra Rice Hawkins, executive director of Granite State Progress. “Payroll cards can be a viable alternative for both employees and employers if everyone understands the fees associated with them and there are significant consumer protections in place to assist the less financially savvy. Senator Bradley’s aim, however, is to eliminate paper paycheck options and force employees without bank accounts to move to payroll cards. No one should have to pay to collect their salary or be concerned about their payroll card expiring.”

“Moreover, SB 100 removes all requirements that employees be informed of these potential fees. That alone should raise red flags about why this legislation is wrong for workers in New Hampshire.”

A Consumer’s Union analysis of the pros and cons of payroll cards can be found here: http://defendyourdollars.org/pdf/Payroll_Issue_Paper_2011.pdf.

 

Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Press releases and other information available online at www.GraniteStateProgress.org.

Why Labor Should Be Pushing Harder For Medicaid Expansion

  By Matt Murray | February 1, 2013 - 9:39 am | ,
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Medicaide Eligible

Workers in America are continuing to see this corporate race to the bottom.   Lower wages, and benefit reductions around every corner.  How long has it been since an employee was given healthcare options for a part time job?  Now even full time employment does not guarantee a living wage or any healthcare options.

Over the last four years labor unions have been working with President Obama to pass and institute the Affordable Care Act.  Part of the Affordable Care Act is an expansion of the Medicaid program.

Medicaid is a healthcare program that has one simple purpose. Providing healthcare options to low income, and needy families.  Yet here in New Hampshire some legislators are against the expansion of this program.

Medicaide Eligible

Why would any legislator be against helping needy families?  As you can plainly see from this chart over 50% of all Medicaid money goes directly help children in low income families.   Most of these families would be living without any healthcare option at all if it were not for Medicaid.

You may be saying, well there are not that many people in New Hampshire who need this kind of assistance.  You would be completely wrong.  According to the data from the NH Citizens Alliance, over 130,000 people qualified for Medicaid in 2010. Remember 70,000 of those qualified people are children.

So how can we fix this? There are multiple answers.  First, we in the labor movement must continue to push our legislators for higher wages, especially a higher minimum wage.   Raising the minimum wage will left lift many of these families out of poverty and put them on a better path.

Second, we need to organize.  Unions have always fought for healthcare for their workers.  In many cases unions have given up pay raises to keep healthcare affordable.  We need all employers to see that providing their employees the option to have healthcare at a reasonable price is a benefit to everyone.

Third, we need to expand the Medicaid program until such a time when everyone has coverage either through their employer first then through Medicaid or Medicare if needed.

Until such time that every worker has the opportunity to have good reasonable healthcare options, I will continue to push for more Medicaid options here in New Hampshire.

Next week will be the first test for the expansion of Medicaid with the NH House hearing on expansion bills. Rep. Bill O’Brien’s bill, HB 271 (which wants to stop the expansion), will be debated in Reps Hall at 10 am on Feb  5th.  We need to make a strong showing and be there to push back for all the needy children who need medicaid. The NH Citizens Alliance is hosting a lobby day (more information here)  and I hope you will join us.

Protecting the little guy, isn’t that what labor has always been about?

Medicaid Expansion Lobby Day, Will You Be There???

  By New Hampshire Labor News | February 1, 2013 - 7:00 am | ,
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NH Citizens Alliance

Former Speaker Bill O’Brien is sponsoring a House Bill 271, which would keep NH from expanding Medicaid, and the hearing is on Tuesday. We need your help to attend and show your support for expansion.  They even moved the hearing to Representatives’ Hall, which is HUGE, so we need get a lot of people there to fill the room!

If you’re interested in attending or testifying, please contact me at jdubois@nhcitizensalliance.org or 603-724-4047.

What: Lobby Day to gather and prepare for the hearing on O’Brien’s bill. You will be able to register and grab some breakfast, then learn more about the expansion, practice your testimony, reach out to your State Senators, and even help make signs. Be sure to wear blue and grab a  “SUPPORT MEDICAID EXPANSION!” sticker!

Where: We’re meeting for Lobby Day on the 3rd floor of 4 Park Street in Concord, then we’ll be walking over to the hearing at Representatives’ Hall in the State House.

When: Lobby Day starts at 9am on Tuesday, February 5th, but if you can’t make it that early, you can head straight to the hearing, which starts at 10am.

Interested in testifying? If you’ve never testified before, no problem! We’re looking for grassroots activists to testify, especially those who might benefit from the expansion themselves, or who are involved in the medical or business community. No worries if you’re not an expert! We can help you. Attached are handouts with talking points about expansion, directions for how to testify, and a presentation about the expansion. You can come in to meet with me to talk over your testimony, or just send me a copy to look over and edit. Please let me know what help you need.

Spread the word! Please share this event with your friends and networks. You can forward this email or send invitations to your Facebook friends at https://www.facebook.com/events/107245266121532/.

Can’t make it? Send an email to the Health, Human Services, & Elderly Affairs Committee at HHSEA@leg.state.nh.us. Write a message using the attached talking points and tell them to find HB 271 “inexpedient to legislate”.

Background on expansion:

Medicaid expansion is an essential part of the Affordable Care Act’s plan to greatly reduce the uninsured population. It became optional for states after the Supreme Court ruling last June. Right now, Medicaid in NH covers very few able-bodied adults. The expansion would change this and extend coverage to anyone whose family income is less than 138% of the federal poverty level. This would include individuals making less than $15,415, couples or single parents making less than $20,880, and families of four making less than $31,809.

In addition, expansion will help reduce providers’ uncompensated care costs, which will in turn help stabilize costs for families and businesses that buy private insurance. It will be a great deal for New Hampshire since it will be mostly funded by the federal government. All those federal dollars coming into the state also mean a boost to our economy.

This event is being sponsored and organized by NH Voices forHealth, NH Citizens Alliance, Granite State Progress, and other allied groups.