Tag Archives: Politics

5-13-13 AFT-NH Legislative Update From Pres. Laura Hainey

  By New Hampshire Labor News | May 13, 2013 - 8:58 am | , ,
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aft sqaure

UPCOMING FULL HOUSE VOTES May 22nd

The House Labor Committee recommended defeating SB 100: AN ACT authorizing electronic payment of payroll. This bill will affect all public employees in New Hampshire. This bill will do the following:

  • Delete the requirement that an employer who pays wages by electronic fund transfer offer employees the option of being paid by check.
  • Permits an employer to pay wages with a payroll card after offering employees the option of being paid by direct deposit.

AFT-NH is opposed to this bill and supports the Committee recommendation to defeat this bill.  We understand that many employees do receive their paycheck by direct deposit but there are many who prefer the paper check and they should still have this option. It might be different if they were proposing the cost savings be shared with the employee.

UPCOMING FULL SENATE VOTES—DATE NOT YET SET

The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee recommended passage of HB 124 as amended: relative to the determination of gainful occupation for a group II member receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance from the retirement system.

This bill:
I. Reinserts a provision which removes the application of the gainful occupation reductions to retirement allowances of group II accidental disability beneficiaries who have years of service plus years of accidental disability retirement which total at least 20 and who have attained the age of 45.
II. Allows the director of homeland security and emergency management in the department of safety the option to rejoin the retirement system as a member and to continue group II retirement status based on prior service and group II membership, and allows the assistant director of homeland security and emergency management to continue group II retirement status based on prior service and group II membership.
III. Provides for the appointment of the director of the division of homeland security and emergency management for terms of 3 years.
AFT-NH supports the recommendation of passage.

AFT-NH BILL TRACKER UPDATE

Click here to review AFT-NH bill tracker and see where each bill is and where AFT-NH stands on each bill.

STATE BUDGET

The Senate held a public hearings on HB 1: making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the State for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, and on HB 2: relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures Thursday. Many who testified ask that they fund programs that are very much needed like the CHINs program, community health center, personal care attendant, community based program for adduction, and preventative care programs.

In the end Chairman Morse stated “in so many words” that the Senate budget will look a lot different and be a lot leaner than the House’s proposed budget. To review all the documents that have been discussed click here.

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org.

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH


MONDAY, MAY 13

STATEWIDE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 193-C:7), Room 103, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 103, LOB
9:00 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION ON PENDING LEGISLATION
10:00 a.m. Presentation: New Hampshire Public Charter School Association
Presentation: Department of Education

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on retained HB 435-FN, relative to funding for chartered public school pupils, HB 243, relative to the board of trustees of a chartered public school, HB 424-FN, relative to review of chartered public school applications by the state Board of Education.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 97, relative to high school equivalency and relative to illiteracy.
10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 82, establishing a commission to identify strategies needed for developing and implementing a competency-based public education system.
11:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on. SB 27-FN, relative to monitoring by the Department of Education of programs for children with disabilities.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

FINANCE, Room 103, SH
SENATE FINANCE BRIEFINGS
10:00 a.m. Department of Education

TUESDAY, MAY 21

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on SB 27-FN, relative to monitoring by the Department of Education of programs for children with disabilities, SB 48, relative to school performance and accountability.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on retained HB 494, relative to the administration of glucagon injections for pupils.

MONDAY, JUNE 3

TASK FORCE ON WORK AND FAMILY (RSA 276-B:1), Room 207, LOB
1:15 p.m. Regular meeting.

5-6-13 AFT-NH Legislative Update From President Laura Hainey

  By New Hampshire Labor News | May 6, 2013 - 2:12 pm | , , , ,
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aft sqaure

DISAPPOINTING VOTE BY THE FULL SENATE THIS PAST THURSDAY

The full Senate voted on HB 142: relative to teacher evaluation systems. Senator Kelly brought forward an amendment to reinsert the following language:  Nothing in this subparagraph shall supersede collective bargaining rights under RSA 273-A. However this failed on a 12 to 12 vote and the following passed:
1 New Paragraph; School Boards; Duty to Provide Education. Amend RSA 189:1-a by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:

III. School boards shall adopt a teacher performance evaluation policy, with the involvement of teachers and principals, for use in the school district. A school board may consider any resources it deems reasonable and appropriate, including any resources that may be provided by the state department of education. In this paragraph, “teacher” shall have the same meaning as in RSA 189:14-a, V.
AFT-NH is opposed to this bill as amended. It does include the involvement of teachers but it left out “Nothing in this paragraph shall supersede collective bargaining rights under RSA 273-A”.  We will ask that the House Education committee not agree with this amendment and the amended bill with then either be defeated or go to a committee of conference.

AFT-NH thanks Senator Kelly for putting forth the amendment with the collective bargaining language and also all the senators that voted in support of the amendment.

Once again, HB 187: relative to deliberative sessions in towns that have adopted official ballot voting, was special ordered to next session. This is the second time this has happened, and no date has been posted for when they will be meeting in full session.

This bill was submitted by retired AFT-NH member Marjorie Porter. This bill provides that the dollar amount agreed to in a collective bargaining agreement between a public employer and an employee organization shall not be modified by the legislative body of the public employer and that amount is what the voters should vote on.

AFT-NH supports this bill; we believe that what is negotiated in good faith should go before the voters for a vote and not be sidelined by a few. We hope that the Senate will pass it as well.

POSITIVE SENATE VOTES

The full senate did vote in favor of passage on HB 178: relative to public employer collective bargaining agreements. This will have the NH Public Labor Relations Board:

  • Post online training for collective bargaining and,
  • Maintain a record how political subdivisions vote on collective bargaining agreements and provide the legislature with an annual report.

AFT-NH supported  passage of this bill.

FULL HOUSE VOTE ON MAY 8TH

The full House will be voting on SB 166, relative to critical incident stress management and crisis intervention services, with a committee recommendation of ‘Ought To Pass.’ This bill establishes that information divulged during critical incident stress management and crisis intervention services is confidential, with limited exceptions specified in the bill. AFT-NH supports the passage of this bill. We feel it is important that we do something for our first responders to support and help them thought difficulty times.

ONGOING COMMITTEE WORK

The House Labor committee is still working on SB 100: AN ACT authorizing electronic payment of payroll. This bill will affect all public employees in New Hampshire. This bill will do the following:

  • Delete the requirement that an employer who pays wages by electronic fund transfer offer employees the option of being paid by check.
  • Permits an employer to pay wages with a payroll card after offering employees the option of being paid by direct deposit.

AFT-NH is opposed to this bill.  We understand that many employees do receive their paycheck by direct deposit but there are many who prefer the paper check and they should still have this option. It might be different if they were proposing the cost savings be shared with the employee.

SB 82: This bill establishes a commission for the purpose of identifying strategies for developing and implementing a competency-based public education. AFT-NH is staying neutral on this bill. We understand that moving to a competency-based system will take much time and consideration when developing this system. AFT-NH hopes that the final report will include recommendations for adequate time and staff development for the educators charged with implementing this new system.

If you are currently moving forward in implementing a competency-based system and you have concerns, suggestions and recommendations please send them to LHainey@aft-nh.org. This way we can makes sure they are passed along.

BUDGET HEARINGS

The Senate will be holding public hearings on HB 1: making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015, and on HB 2: relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

This is a good time to attend and express your support or concerns with the proposed budget. The Senate is working from the House’s budget and they will be making changes as they move through the process. To review all the documents that have been discussed click here.

These hearing are being held in Representatives’ Hall on May 9th at 3:00 p.m. − 5:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. − 8:00 p.m. If you are not able to make the hearing you can listen to it at: mms://gencourt.state.nh.us/wmtencoder/housemedia.wmv

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH

TUESDAY, MAY 7

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB
10:30 a.m. Continued executive session on SB 100, authorizing electronic payment of payroll,

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 100, SH
9:00 a.m. Hearing on proposed non-germane amendment #2013-1356s to HB 124-FN, relative to the determination of gainful occupation for a group II member receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance from the retirement system.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 48, relative to school performance and accountability.

10:00 a.m. Executive session on
SB 82, establishing a commission to identify strategies needed for developing and implementing a competency-based public education system,

FINANCE, Representatives’ Hall, SH
3:00 p.m. − 5:00 p.m. HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2015.
HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
6:00 p.m. − 8:00 p.m. HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
Please note: The above Finance hearing will be streamed live via the internet at the following web address: mms://gencourt.state.nh.us/wmtencoder/housemedia.wmv

MONDAY, MAY 13

STATEWIDE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 193-C:7), Room 103, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on retained HB 494, relative to the administration of glucagon injections for pupils.

THURSDAY, MAY 23

STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, Room 203, LOB
9:00 a.m. Full committee discussion with the Congressional Delegation.

Money, Politics and Overturning Citizens United

  By Matt Murray | April 26, 2013 - 8:59 am | , ,
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UNH Poll supporting overturning citizens united

For as long as I can remember, the amount of money involved in politics has been an issue.  Even before the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United, there was ‘soft money’ for campaigns from the political parties.

However, the landmark decision in Citizens United didn’t just change the rules of the game – it fundamentally changed the game.

Citizens United gave individuals the ability to donate unlimited amounts of money to political campaigns.  The ruling also gave corporations the same rights as people, therefor allowing corporations to donate unlimited funds.  The worst part of the Citizens United ruling is how it allowed donors to remain essentially anonymous.  Billionaires like the Koch Brothers and Sheldon Adelson could literally donate a billion dollars without anyone knowing.  This would be true if they did not tell everyone they did it.

We all agree that money is power in politics.  In political campaigns, money is everything – that is why the day after each election, they start begging for money for the next election. Money allows you to buy airtime on TV and radio.  Money allows candidates to send out post cards to every person in their district (my friends at the USPS thank you for that, by the way).  Without money, candidates cannot even get their names out there to the people. Money is everything in a campaign.

Once again, we are at the point where we need to reform our political contribution system.  The money in politics is giving more weight to the corporations and lobbying groups than the actual people that candidates are elected to represent.  Take the recent Senate vote on common sense gun reforms and universal background checks.  Many of the Senators who opposed background checks are also in tight with the NRA, who is a massive lobbying group for the gun manufacturers.  Even though between 80-90% of Americans believe that we should have universal background checks on all gun sales, 46 US Senators voted it down.  Why? Because they do not want to lose the financial backing, or face the wrath of the uber-rich NRA.

We must fix this system, or our democracy will completely fall apart.  This is why New Hampshire Legislators have introduced HCR2. HCR2 is a resolution urging US Congress to amend the US Constitution to overturn Citizens United.  Simple, right?

In a recent UNH poll, 72% of Granite Staters believed this we should overturn Citizens United.  This is 72% of all Granite Staters – Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike.

“These numbers make it clear that the political will exists to reclaim democracy from corporate and special interest spending – in New Hampshire and around the country,” said Marge Baker, executive vice president of People For the American Way. “Voters across the state are speaking out to insist that our democracy is truly of, by and for the people.”

UNH Poll supporting overturning citizens united

So why haven’t you heard about this resolution? Because it has no chance of even being debated in the NH Senate right now.  Recently Senate President Peter Bragdon changed the rules of the Senate to say that a ‘super majority’ would be required before the Senate would even consider House resolutions.  If this sounds vaguely familiar and highly dysfunctional, think: US Senate Filibuster on a smaller scale. This change means that the NH Senate is not even going to discuss the resolution.

“New Hampshire voters, like most Americans, are fed up with the Citizens United anything-goes approach to money in politics. Six in 10 New Hampshire Republicans, nearly three out of four independents, and nearly eight in 10 Democrats support a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. That’s why 10 Republican Representatives joined Democrats in passing HCR2 at the state House last month, and why the state Senate should now also heed the will of the voters,” said Peter Schurman, campaign director at Free Speech For People.

These Senators are elected to represent us. When the people overwhelmingly agree that this needs to change, something should change.  The Senate should stop hiding behind this arbitrary parliamentary rule.  Bring the resolution to the floor and let’s discuss it.

Jonah Minkoff-Zern, senior organizer of Democracy Is For People at Public Citizen sums it up perfectly:

“The only question is: Are the politicians ready to follow the will of the people, rather than the giant campaign spenders?”

 

United Farm Workers Endorse Immigration Reform Plans

  By New Hampshire Labor News | April 13, 2013 - 11:30 am | , ,
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Immigration rally Nashua 4-6-13 (credit Arnie Alpert)

United Farm Workers endorse bipartisan immigration reform plan with critical protections for U.S. agricultural workers

Arturo Rodriguez, president of the UFW, issued the following statement after reaching a deal with major grower associations and a bipartisan group of Senators on proposed immigration reform legislation: 

Keene, CA – In the same week that hundreds of farmworkers came to Washington, DC to push for immigration reform, the United Farm Workers and farm worker groups from across the country celebrate a historic compromise with the nation’s largest grower associations to provide a special route to legal status for the nation’s farm workers.  This compromise was brokered by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT).   The proposal will be included as part of the comprehensive bill which will now include both a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants and a separate process towards legalization and citizenship for farm workers.  The UFW has been working towards this goal for over a decade with partners in the faith, labor and non-profit communities.

“The UFW is very pleased. Under the proposed new immigration process, farm workers would be able to work in the fields without fear of getting deported immediately and will be able to reunite with their families in a relatively short period of time. The bill would give professional farm workers presently in the U.S., who have been contributing to our country, temporary legal status and the right to earn a green card in the future by continuing to work in agriculture,” said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez.

“Farm workers are the backbone of our agriculture industry here in the United States and a speedier process toward proper documentation provides an incentive for those farm workers who are currently working in agriculture to continue working in agriculture,” Rodriguez added.

Farm workers will have the option to apply for paperwork to legalize their status in the U.S. either through the regular process for non-agricultural workers, or through the special process created for those working in the agriculture industry.

Rodriguez concluded: “Farm workers are one step closer to winning legal status and the much-earned recognition for their contributions to the United States. We believe this compromise could be a vehicle for improving the working conditions and job opportunities for farm workers. We deeply appreciate the work of Senators Feinstein, Rubio, Bennet, and Hatch on this proposal and we look forward to continuing to work with them, the President and our other allies in the Congress to pass immigration reform this year. In the end, with a lot of hard work, we will win. Si se puede!”

 

Kuster Urges President Obama to Establish Manufacturing Innovation Institute in New Hampshire

  By New Hampshire Labor News | March 14, 2013 - 3:15 pm | , ,
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President Obama at factory (WH Photo Pete Souza)

President Obama at factory (WH Photo Pete Souza)

President Obama at factory (WH Photo Pete Souza)

Says skilled workforce, strong manufacturing focus make Granite State optimal location for new institute

WASHINGTON, D.C. – To help nurture innovation and spur advances in high-tech manufacturing in the Granite State, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today urged President Obama to establish a Manufacturing Innovation Institute in New Hampshire. In his State of the Union Address in February, the President called on Congress to create a network of 15 high-tech manufacturing institutes that will help drive innovation, create jobs, and ensure that the next generation of innovative breakthroughs happens in states like New Hampshire.

In a letter to President Obama, Kuster described New Hampshire as an optimal location for an innovation institute.

“As your Administration continues its efforts to train American workers, make our country more competitive, and help create jobs, I request that you include New Hampshire in the recently proposed National Network for Manufacturing Innovation,” Kuster wrote. “With our skilled workforce, first class universities and community colleges, successful public-private partnerships, and high-tech businesses, the Granite State is already at the forefront of the American manufacturing renaissance and is uniquely qualified to host a regional hub of manufacturing excellence.”

Kuster also highlighted successful partnerships between private industry and educational institutions in the Granite State that are already helping match workers with the skills they need to get well-paying jobs.

“To close the ‘skills gap’ that is preventing workers from filling technical jobs, Granite State businesses are working with the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Keene State College, the Advanced Machine Tool Center at Nashua Community College, and innovative initiatives across our state,” Kuster wrote. “With these resources and others, New Hampshire is well positioned to capitalize on federal investments in advanced manufacturing infrastructure.”

The proposed Manufacturing Innovation Institutes would help convene businesses, universities and community colleges, and government to drive manufacturing innovation, spur economic growth, and create jobs across the country. Last year, the Obama Administration launched a manufacturing institute in Youngstown, Ohio as part of a $45 million pilot program led by the Department of Defense.

 

The full text of the letter is below:

The Honorable Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear President Obama: 

As your Administration continues its efforts to train American workers, make our country more competitive, and help create jobs, I request that you include New Hampshire in the recently proposed National Network for Manufacturing Innovation.  With our skilled workforce, first class universities and community colleges, successful public-private partnerships, and high-tech businesses, the Granite State is already at the forefront of the American manufacturing renaissance and is uniquely qualified to host a regional hub of manufacturing excellence.

I share your view that, while the private sector is the engine of job creation in our economy, it is the responsibility of government to foster the conditions businesses need to expand, hire, and succeed in today’s increasingly global economy.  That is why I launched my ongoing “Congress at Your Company” series to listen to businesses leaders and workers across New Hampshire and discuss ways the federal government can better support economic growth.

On factory floors big and small, I have heard firsthand the challenges American manufacturers face in recruiting the skilled workers needed to compete in in the 21st century economy.  To close the “skills gap” that is preventing workers from filling technical jobs, Granite State businesses are working with the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Keene State College, the Advanced Machine Tool Center at Nashua Community College, and innovative initiatives across our state.  With these resources and others, New Hampshire is well positioned to capitalize on federal investments in advanced manufacturing infrastructure.

From harnessing woody biomass for renewable power, to supplying our military with state-of-the-art electronics, to developing the cutting edge in medical research, New Hampshire employers and educators are at the forefront of the innovative work that will maintain our country’s status as a magnet for investment and job creation.  To maximize the impact of these ongoing efforts, I request that your Administration invest in a New Hampshire Manufacturing Innovation Institute and help ensure that the world’s great innovations continue to be developed here in the United States.  Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Outrageous; Congress Leaves Town While Budget Cuts Are Loom Over Americans

  By Matt Murray | February 15, 2013 - 2:00 pm | ,
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House Speaker John Boehner

Absolutely Outrageous!

With the entire economy hanging in the balance from yet another manufactured crisis from Washington, Congress goes on vacation.  This is just hours after Senate Democrats introduced a bill that would be 50-50 spending cuts and revenue increases.  $60 Billion dollars in new revenue would be gained just by closing tax loopholes.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., slammed for GOP leadership for putting the House in recess for a week before voting on the plan.

“We don’t think there’s any time to waste,” she said yesterday. “Every minute counts, and it’s really hard to explain to the American people [that] tomorrow we’ll be leaving for more than a week when a deadline is looming. Sequester is out of the question.”

Millions of jobs hang in the balance as the dreaded sequestration cuts are set to take effect on March 1st.   An Air Traffic Controller from New Hampshire fears that sequestration would mean 14-30 days off.

“The (FAA) administrator said furloughs would be applied to all employees, a minimum of one per pay period and not to exceed two through the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30. By my calculation, that is 14 or 15 pay periods for a potential of being furloughed 14-30 days.”

In a recent press release from the Association of Government Employees explained how these budget cuts would effect seniors and have a direct impact on their Social Security.

“If sequestration is allowed to go into effect”, said AFGE Council President Witold Skwiercznski, “applicants and beneficiaries will have more difficulty getting answers to their questions and confidence in the Social Security system’s ability to function effectively will erode.  Lawmakers need to wake up and know that further cuts at SSA cannot be sustained”.

SSA expects to lose an additional 2,000 employees in FY 2013, which means the agency will lose a total of more than 9,000 federal and state employees from FY 2011 through FY 2013.  SSA will have approximately the same number of employees in FY 2013 as it did in FY 2007, even though workloads have increased dramatically with retirement and survivor claims up 30 percent, and disability claims up 25 percent.

President Obama issued a warning of what these cuts would mean for working families in his weekly address.

“If the sequester is allowed to go forward, thousands of Americans who work in fields like national security, education or clean energy are likely to be laid off.  Firefighters and food inspectors could also find themselves out of work – leaving our communities vulnerable.  Programs like Head Start would be cut, and lifesaving research into diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s could be scaled back.  Small businesses could be prevented from getting the resources and support they need to keep their doors open.  People with disabilities who are waiting for their benefits could be forced to wait even longer.  All our economic progress could be put at risk.”
(see all the areas that would be effected by sequestration cuts in the White House fact sheet)

In an obvious statement of disgust, Rep Annie Kuster sent out this tweet.

If sequestration is so damaging then why is Congress not spending every second to stop it? Why would they go into a recess with less than 15 days to resolve their differences.

Legislative Update from Laura Hainey, President AFT-NH 2-3-12

  By New Hampshire Labor News | February 3, 2013 - 7:23 pm | ,
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aft sqaure

AFT-NH Legislative update
February 3, 2013

We are now into February and the 2013 legislative session is well underway. In the halls of the Statehouse, there seems to be a more positive mood.  When I talk to legislators they seem more responsive on our issues.  They want to know the facts, become educated and informed, and eager to hear from constituencies such as AFT-NH.  Don’t get me wrong– there are still legislators that want to come after everything we value and hold dear to our hearts.   Legislators like former Speaker O’Brien, are again sponsoring the “Right to Work” for less bill.  We all remember what happened to this bill last session—it was defeated and many of the supporters of the bill were not reelected.  But these legislators never stop and never give up, so we must continue fighting to protect and preserve that which we cherish.  It can be our own security and dignity at work, or more broadly, it can be even be the idea of public education as a steppingstone for progress in our society.  No matter-we must remain vigilant as the legislative session moves forward.

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at lhainey@aft-nh.org or call 603-661-7293.

In Solidarity,
Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President
HERE IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR UP AT THE STATE HOUSE AND WHAT WE KNOW!

HB 142: relative to teacher evaluation systems. As the bill reads it would give the school board in your district the responsibility for the development, adoption, implementation, and monitoring of a teacher evaluation system. It goes on to say they MAY consult with school administrators and teachers. AFT-NH spoke in opposition to this bill. As we have said many times the best evaluation system is when each district works with all stakeholders as they develop, implement and modify an evaluation system which will meet the needs of the children of the community and is fair to our teachers. When something is imposed it is usually not well-received.

SB 37: relative to management rights under collective bargaining. This bill would eliminate your ability to bargain over wages, standards for evaluation, selection, layoff and retention, discipline, assignment and transfer and “other traditionally accepted management rights”. In essence, this ends collective bargaining for public employees. AFT-NH sent in written testimony in opposition of this bill.
[On a positive note, I received a call from Senator Bragdon and he informed that that this bill will be moving forward with the recommendation of INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE (defeated). The full Senate will be voting on this in the coming weeks.]

Thank you to all that sent in letters to the committee asking that this bill be defeated.

HB 187: relative to deliberative sessions in towns that have adopted official ballot voting. This bill was summited by retired AFT-NH member Marjorie Porter. This bill provides that the dollar amount agreed to in a collective bargaining agreement between a public employer and an employee organization shall not be modified by the legislative body of the public employer and that amount is what the voters should vote on.

AFT-NH supports this bill; we believe that what is negotiated in good faith should go before the voters for a vote and not be sidelined by a few.

And of course HB 323 the Right to Work for less bill. Once again hundreds came out in opposition to this bill. AFT-NH sent in written testimony in opposition of this bill. We know that:

  • “RTW—for less” states have lower wages; lower wages means consumers with less money to spend and a hit on the economy.
  • NH’s Economy is better than Right to Work States:
  • Production workers in NH average $22.65/hr. In RTW states, they average $20.01/hr.
  • Full-time women workers in NH average $17.44/hr. In RTW states, they average $15.40/hr.
  • In NH, the poverty rate is 7.8%. In RTW states, it’s 14.5%.

As of today we have sent over 4000 letters to the Labor Committee members. Thank you to all who took action. It is not too late to send a letter asking that they defeat HB 323.  To send a letter:  click here!

And lastly, HB 381 relative to citizen complaints against a police officer is back again this year. AFT-NH spoke in opposition to this bill. AFT-NH believes this is an unnecessary interference with the management function of cities and towns. There is already a process in place for complaints to be handled. This bill would give a tool to those who want retribution against police officers who have faithfully performed their duties.

Under no circumstances should delicate personnel matters be disclosed in this fashion. There are either personnel rules, collective bargaining requirements or statutory procedures that outline how police personnel issues are handled. It is most essential that these issues are handled through the chain of command.

UPCOMING HEARINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
Note the ones in red are priority bills for AFT-NH

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Senate HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 103, LOB

10:30 a.m. SB 97, relative to high school equivalency and relative to illiteracy.

11:00 a.m. SB 82, establishing a commission to identify strategies needed for developing and implementing a competency-based public education system.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206, LOB

1:00 p.m. Executive session on
CACR 3, relating to parental rights. Providing that parents have the natural right to control the health, education, and welfare of their children,

HB 418, establishing a committee to study a program to address children in need.

3:00 p.m. Or immediately following the public hearing, subcommittee work session on HB 433, relative to procedures for juvenile delinquency petitions filed by a school district or school official and establishing a committee to study the children in need of services (CHINS) program.

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 322-FN-L, requiring proficiency on the statewide assessment for advancement to grades 4 and 8.

10:45 a.m. HB 324-FN-L, relative to the school district budget for kindergarten.

11:15 a.m. HB 344-FN-L, relative to aid to school districts for the cost of special education.

1:15 p.m. HB 435-FN, relative to funding for chartered public school pupils.

2:00 p.m. Executive session on
HB 213, requiring college courses completed by a high school student to be counted in the student’s grade point average,
HB 214, relative to the eligibility of high school students enrolled in college courses to participate in high school extracurricular activities,
HB 269-L, authorizing a city or town to conduct a special meeting necessitated by changes in adequate education funding,
HB 303, establishing a committee to study the teaching of a second language beginning in kindergarten.
2:30 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 300, requiring postsecondary education institutions to compile and submit reports on remedial education courses.

ELECTION LAW, Room 308, LOB

11:00 a.m. HB 250-FN-A, relative to campaign contributions and expenditures.

3:00 p.m. HB 406, relative to the availability of contribution information in lobbyist statements on the Internet.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

11:00 a.m. HB 266, repealing certain agency rulemaking exemptions from the administrative procedures act.

1:30 p.m. HB 445-FN-L, allowing public employers in the state to buy into the state health insurance plan.

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB

1:00 p.m. Work session on HB 341-FN, relative to the cost of fiscal analysis of legislation relating to the retirement system.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 104, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 178-FN-L, relative to binding arbitration in public labor relations disputes.

1:00 p.m. Executive session on

HB 187, relative to deliberative sessions in towns that have adopted official ballot voting,

HB 323-FN, establishing the Franklin Partin right-to-work act.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

2:15 p.m. HB 283, establishing a study committee to review the hearings officer’s report with regard to the New Hampshire Local Government Center and to study potential changes to RSA 5-B.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB

3:15 p.m. Executive session on
HB 318-FN, relative to collection of the education property tax and establishing a program to rebate certain excess property tax payments of eligible taxpayers,

HB 370-FN, repealing the education tax credit program.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013

Senate EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 100, SH

9:30 a.m. SB 132-FN, relative to part-time employment in the retirement system and establishing a committee to study police special details.

10 AM HOUSE IN SESSION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 384, requiring parental consent prior to a mental health examination in public schools.

10:30 a.m. HB 471, establishing a commission to study dual enrollment programs.

11:00 a.m. HB 424-FN, relative to review of chartered public school applications by the state board of education.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION, Room 104, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 410, relative to the definition of gift received by an elected official, public official, public employee, or legislative employee.

RULES COMMITTEE, Room 304, LOB

3:00 p.m. Regular meeting.

How About We Maybe Don’t Intentionally Cause a Recession by Breaching the Debt Ceiling?

  By New Hampshire Labor News | January 15, 2013 - 4:20 pm |
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US CONGRESS

Written by Seth D. Michaels on the Working America Main Street Blog

This is the first thing you need to know before you hear anything else about the debt ceiling: it has to go up and everyone knows it. Before you listen to any of the political rhetoric or watch any of the media coverage, commit that truth to mind and remember it.

Why does it have to go up? For two reasons.

1. The debt ceiling doesn’t authorize new spending. It covers spending that Congress has already appropriated. Congress sets revenue levels and spending levels, and the administration has to obey those levels—that’s how it’s laid out in the Constitution. The debt ceiling only refers to Congress allowing the administration to borrow in order to meet the spending levels Congress appropriated.
2. If you breach the debt ceiling, it’s really, really bad. The exact extent to which it’s really bad is somewhat unpredictable, because we’ve never breached it before, but it’s guaranteed to have a big negative effect on the economy.

In his press conference yesterday, President Obama said—correctly—that the debt ceiling has to be raised to cover spending Congress already passed. Contrary to what theWashington Post’s Aaron Blake says, that’s not exactly a “semantic” difference or a “trick”—that’s how things actually work.

Nevertheless, Republicans in Congress continue to claim that this is an “opportunity” for them to force through unpopular policy changes they couldn’t otherwise carry out. In their public rhetoric, they’re claiming that raising the debt ceiling is something that President Obama wants, rather than a basic requirement of governing that everybody needs to happen. Put simply, they are lying.

So what happens if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling? A few descriptions from folks who have looked at it closely:

• “Unprecedented legal and economic chaos.”
• “The greatest smash in world financial history.”
• “Havoc would ensue.”
• “The markets will go haywire.”
• “We’d default on 40 percent of our obligations, over and over again…It would be pandemonium.”

Breaching the debt ceiling is essentially the same as tearing up your credit card bill and refusing to pay after the bank tells you that you hit your limit. It’s a declaration that we’re not good for the promises we’ve made, and that we won’t actually carry out the laws we’ve passed. Investors have been happy to put their money into the U.S.—refusing to raise the debt ceiling would hurt our national credit-worthiness far more than any deficit ever could. It would have spiraling consequences for the economy and could actually increase the deficit.

Who actually gets the checks when the government spends? A third of what the government spends is Social Security and Medicare benefits. Another fifth is taken up by military spending, including pay for active duty soldiers. Smaller portions are made up by veterans’ benefits, unemployment compensation, and Medicaid. That doesn’t even get into things like food safety inspectors, federal highway maintenance, air traffic controllers and college grants and loans. That’s real money that matters to real people—people who have house payments, kids to feed, medical needs.

The biggest problem we have in the economy right now is weak purchasing power—not enough people are employed and wages aren’t growing fast enough. We’re still trying to recover from a recession that devastated Americans’ purchasing power. A hit to purchasing power on the scale of a debt-ceiling breach would pull us back into recession.

Some officials are claiming that the government could pick and choose which bills it pays, so there wouldn’t be any “default,” just a “partial shutdown” of some government services. At the moment, that’s not true at all; the administration has no legal or constitutional power to pick and choose what to implement among the many kinds of spending Congress has mandated.

Republicans in Congress who understand how things work know that we have to raise the debt ceiling, but they’re hoping you don’t. The more confusing the argument over the debt ceiling is, the better off they’ll be. In reality, though, they’re threatening to intentionally tank the economy—to put us back into recession—unless they get policy changes that they couldn’t get through the normal democratic process. The word for that is “extortion.”

The NH Citizens Alliance For Action To Host Community Conversations Throughout The State

  By New Hampshire Labor News | November 16, 2012 - 6:20 am | , ,
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NH Citizens Alliance

The NH Citizens Alliance is hosting events across the state with members and activists to debrief the election’s results, make plans for the lame duck session in Congress, and strategize for 2013.

Can’t make it to this event? We have events on other nights in other cities as well. Check them out below.

Concord: Tuesday, 11/20 at our office at 4 Park Street, Suite 304. Email Gordon at gallen@nhcitizensalliance.org for more information and to RSVP or sign up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/116606795166148/.

Keene: Tuesday, 11/20 at 15 Eagle Square. Email Jamie at mandycapach@gmail.com for more information and to RSVP or sign up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/125003597657008/.

Manchester: Tuesday, 11/20 – YWCA NH, 72 Concord Street. Email Kary at kjencks@nhcitizensalliance.org for more information and to RSVP or sign up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/381204075298905/.

Nashua: Tuesday, 11/20 at 92 Main Street, Suite 103 (on the second floor). Email Jillian at jdubois@nhcitizensalliance.org for more information and to RSVP or sign up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/282903698478709/.

North Hampton: Wednesday, 11/ 28 at our temporary canvass office at 44 Lafayette Street, #6. Email Karen at kkelly@nhcitizensalliance.org for more information and to RSVP or sign up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/375446969206491/.

Peterborough: Monday, 11/19 at the Peterborough Town Library, 2 Concord Street. Email Natasha at perez_natasha@hotmail.com for more information and to RSVP or sign up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/338773506220345/.

Plymouth: Wednesday, 11/28 at the Pease Public Library. Email Olivia at ozink@nhcitizensalliance.org for more information and to RSVP or sign up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/299558923478958/.

Can’t get to any of the above locations, but still want to participate? Host a community conversation in your town! We will provide you with a facilitator’s guide and outline for the program as well as any materials you might need. To host your own community conversation, please email Sarah at swarner@nhcitizensalliance.org.

 

 

 

 

Beware of Lame Ducks

  By Matt Murray | November 9, 2012 - 6:00 am | , ,
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Lame Duck Session

Politico’s like myself toss around the term “lame duck session” like everyone know what that means.  Do you know what a ‘lame duck’ session means? Just in case you do not know let me explain it very quickly.  A ‘lame duck’ session is the time between an election and the when newly elected representatives are inaugurated and seated.

Lame duck sessions are some politicians last chance to get something done before they leave office.  This could also be the chance to change their opinion on a bill because they have already lost the election and they will not be held to that vote.

This is why we must be very cautious with this upcoming lame duck session.  There will no doubt be changes in the U.S. House and possibly in the U.S. Senate.  America is at a crossroads.  When our current Legislators go back to Congress they have a monumental task in front of them and that is the Budget Control Act of 2011.  Now it is commonly called Sequestration.  These force budget cuts could have huge impact on the national economy and will hit New Hampshire hard.

Senator Shaheen called for bipartisan support to fix the sequestration issue.

“It’s not a deficit reduction plan. We need to see some action in Congress, and we need to see it this year. When we get back, I hope people will be focused on this in a way that will help us make progress.”

Senator Ayotte agrees,

“From the Pentagon to New Hampshire’s defense suppliers, there is broad agreement that sequestration would be devastating to our military, our national security, and our economy.”

So while the Senate is working to find real bipartisan solutions the US House is stuck in gridlock.  Both Congressional Houses are blaming each other for locking up legislation.  Congressman Guinta stated in his ‘Frankly Speaking’ editorial (8-2-12)

“Instead of waiting until November, Congress needs to act now. Liberals, conservatives and independents alike agree these matters all carry profound consequences for our economy.”

Here is an idea, quit blaming each other and start blaming yourselves. There are more issues on the horizon than just the budget control act.  The livelihood of the US Postal Service is at risk as well. Yet we do not hear Congressman Guinta talking about the bill that has stalled in the House to correct their overfunding problem.

“Bipartisanship is alive and well in the Senate“, Shaheen said, “which managed to pass many significant pieces of legislation that have since languished in the House of Representatives, including reform of the U.S. Postal Service and an overhaul of the farm bill.”

We need Congressman Bass and Congressman Guinta to get back to the US House and help move some of this legislation.  We also need them to understand that there are also programs we need their help to protect from sequestration, like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.  Take three minutes to send a letter to your Congressman not to sacrifice these programs in the upcoming lame duck session.  Help to ensure these cuts will not effect the economic growth we have gained over the last three years.