AFPNH - Contact Your Legislators and Governor Lynch on These Important Issues

Granite State Gatherings February 14 –BARC GOP Monthly Meeting at JJ Goodwin’s Restaurant in Center Barnstead at 6:30PM. Click here for more information. February 14 - Southern NH 9.12 Project Meeting at Windham Senior Center at 7PM. Click here for more information. February 14 – Corey Lewandowski at the Bedford GOP Monthly Meeting at the Bedford Public Library at 7:30PM. Click here for more information. February 15 – Manchester GOP Meeting at NHIOP at St. Anselm’s College at 6PM. Click here for more information. February 15 – Kevin Smith at Sandown GOP Meeting at Town Hall at 7PM. Click here for more information. February 15 - Farmington Democratic Party Congressional Candidates’ Forum at Farmington Town Hall at 7PM. February 16 – Concord GOP Meeting at Home Town Pizza at 7PM. Click here for more information. February 18 – Goffstown-Weare GOP Meeting at Goffstown Parks and Recreation Building at 9AM. Click here for more information. February 18 – Ovide Lamontagne at Sullivan GOP Meeting at 12 Main Street in Newport at 9AM. Click here for more information.

There are several issues and action items for your attention this week. First, tomorrow the House will vote on HB 1560 which would return money and authority for healthcare back to the states where both can be better managed by establishing a Health Care Compact. Tomorrow’s vote will be significant to the fate of this bill so I encourage you to sign the petition below showing your support of the Health Care Compact legislation.  Please CLICK HERE to sign the petition and feel free to forward the link along to your friends and family. Second, tomorrow the Senate is expected to vote on SB 227 which would change the status of the members of the board of tax and land appeals so that members ARE NOT full-time employees but would receive per diem and mileage reimbursement for attending to board duties. I testified in support of this legislation at a recent hearing. You can CLICK HERE to listen to my testimony which begins at about the 37:18 mark and concludes at 46:45. Third, there are two bills in Committees this week to watch as well. Today, I testified before the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee on behalf of HB 1490 which would remove New Hampshire from the cap-and-trade scheme known as RGGI. AFP-NH is proud to work in support of this bill which will allow rate payers to keep more of their money. On Thursday, there will be a Senate Finance Committee hearing on SB 150 at 1PM. This bill, if amended, will allow small business owners to purchase the same health insurance policy as larger companies at the same rate. I encourage all small business owners to contact the Senate Finance Committee and voice your support for the passage of this legislation by calling 271-4980. You can also obtain contact information for all the Committee members by CLICKING HERE. Finally, as you may know, HB 648, the bill prohibiting public utilities from using eminent domain to take private property for transmission lines has been sent to Governor Lynch for consideration. I encourage you to contact Governor Lynch and urge him to sign this bill protecting the private property rights of NH landowners! Please contact Governor Lynch via phone at 271-2121 or use THIS LINK to email him today. Sincerely, Corey R. Lewandowski State Director Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire P.S. Thank you for your ongoing vigilance on these important issues. If you would like to donate to our efforts, please CLICK HERE.

AFPNH - The Fight for Economic Prosperity Continues in Concord

Granite State Gatherings February 8 – Smart Girl Politics Meet-Up at the Draft in Concord at 6PM. February 8 – Kevin Smith at Belknap County GOP Meeting at Shang Hai Restaurant in Laconia at 6:30PM. Click here for more information. February 9 – Kevin Smith at NRCC Monthly Meeting at Crowne Plaza in Nashua at 6:30PM. Click here for more information. February 11 – Rye Republican Town Committee Meeting at Rye Public Library at 9AM. Click here for more information. February 11 – PBVRC Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at Plymouth Elks Lodge in Holderness at 5:30PM. Click here for more information. February 12 – Senator Jeanie Forrester and Candidates for National Committeewoman Juliana Bergeron and Pam Tucker Grafton County GOP Meeting at Ashland Legion Hall at 2PM. Click here for more information. February 13 – Corey Lewandowski at the Rochester 9.12 Group Meeting at Salmon Falls Church of Christ in East Rochester at 6:30PM. Click here for more information. February 14 – Southern NH 9.12 Project Meeting at Windham Senior Center at 7PM. Click here for more information. February 14 – Corey Lewandowski at the Bedford GOP Monthly Meeting at the Bedford Public Library at 7:30PM. Click here for more information. February 15 – Farmington Democratic Party Congressional Candidates’ Forum at Farmington Town Hall at 7PM. Click here for more information.

First, today the House and Senate will be voting on two separate pieces of legislation that will affect our state’s economic prosperity: The Senate will vote on CACR 6. Already passed by the House, CACR 6 would require a 3/5 majority vote to impose any new or increased taxes or license fees. Separately, the House will vote on HB 593 which will lower the tax burden on New Hampshire businesses and create jobs by permitting gambling in the Granite State. We will continue to provide you with updates on these and other pieces of legislation that impact New Hampshire taxpayers including SB 227, which would change the status of the members of the board of tax and land appeals so that members ARE NOT full-time employees but would receive per diem and mileage reimbursement for attending to board duties. I was pleased to be able to provide testimony last week in favor of this bill that will make board members more accountable to the people the board was designed to serve AND save New Hampshire taxpayers money. Currently each board member’s salary and benefits exceed $100,000! You can read more about my testimony on our website or the Nashua Telegraph. Please note in the Telegraph piece that the last quote attributed to me was actually written by Paul Franklin. Second, I hope you will join me at the Rochester 9.12 Group Meeting next Monday, February 13 or the Bedford GOP Meeting next Tuesday, February 14. I always appreciate the opportunity to engage in discussions with other conservative organizations from around the state and would be pleased to accept any other speaking invitations. Please reach out to Joy King with any such request. Finally, thank you for your continuing support of our efforts. Please remember to Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter. Sincerely, Corey R. Lewandowski State Director Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire P.S. Please consider making an online donation by clicking HERE.

AFPNH - One Legislative Victory Down, Many More to Go

Granite State Gatherings February 4 – Cheshire County GOP Committee Meeting at Walpole Town Hall at 8:30AM. Click here for more information. February 8 – Smart Girl Politics Meet-Up at the Draft in Concord at 6PM. February 8 – Kevin Smith at Belknap County GOP Meeting at Shang Hai Restaurant in Laconia at 6:30PM. Click here for more information. February 9 – Kevin Smith at NRCC Monthly Meeting at Crowne Plaza in Nashua at 6:30PM. Click here for more information. February 11 – Rye Republican Town Committee Meeting at Rye Public Library at 9AM. Click here for more information. February 11 – PBVRC Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at Plymouth Elks Lodge in Holderness at 5:30PM. Click here for more information. February 13 – Corey Lewandowski at the Rochester 9.12 Group Meeting at Salmon Falls Church of Christ in East Rochester at 6:30PM. Click here for more information.

First, THANK YOU to everyone who contacted their State Senators on HB 648. This bill relating to eminent domain petitions by public utilities passed the Senate last week by a vote of 23-1. This is a huge victory for private property owners in our state and is a real demonstration of our citizen legislature at work – an overwhelming number of you contacted your elected officials with your concerns and they voted to best represent the people that elected them. Thank you again to all of you for your efforts. Second, there are a couple pieces of legislation receiving hearings this week that we want to bring to your attention. This Thursday, there will be a hearing in the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee at 9AM in SH 100 on SB 227 which would alter the status of the members of the board of tax and land appeals so that members ARE NOT full-time employees but would receive per diem and mileage reimbursement for attending to board duties. AFP-NH supports this legislation that would shrink the size of government. I encourage you to attend this hearing if your schedule permits! Also on Thursday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee will vote on SB 293, which requires the department of revenue administration to give notice of an overpayment or underpayment of tax within 30 days, and notice of a final determination after a hearing within 60 days. AFP-NH supports this attempt to make the DRA more accountable to NH taxpayers! I encourage you to contact the Senators below and urge them to push for passage of this bill - Senator Jim Luther - 271-4151 - jim.luther@leg.state.nh.us Senator Bob Odell - 271-4063 - bob.odell@leg.state.nh.us Senator Jim Rausch - 271-3091 - jim.rausch@leg.state.nh.us Finally, I was pleased to recently provide testimony on two important pieces of legislation. I appeared before the House Constitutional Review and Statutory Recodification Committee to discuss the merits of returning more authority and money for healthcare to the states as the committee considered proposed Health Care Compact legislation, HB 1560. I testified before the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee in support of a HB 1487 which would require legislative approval for state participation in any low-carbon fuel standard program. As has been noted, a Low Carbon Fuel Standards program equates to a Liquid RGGI. AFP-NH believes that RGGI has failed in every metric and sees no need for the state to undertake a similar program with regard to fuel. You can read more about it HERE. As is clear from the victory on HB 648, your efforts are making a difference at the Statehouse! Please continue to stay informed on the issues of importance to you and we will continue to provide you with up-to-date information and action items as needed. Sincerely, Corey R. Lewandowski State Director Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire P.S. We appreciate your support of our efforts. You can make an online donation by clicking HERE.

ASMR - SEPARATE BUT EQUAL IS NEVER EQUAL! EQUALITY RALLY TONIGHT, KEENE

LET'S SHOW NH THAT WE CARE ABOUT EQUALITY!   

 

JOIN THE RALLY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN KEENE ON TUESDAY!

THIS WILL BE THE ONLY EQUALITY RALLY HELD IN THE STATE.   

 

 Keene, NH - On January 10th, at 6pm, the evening of the Republican Presidential Primary, loving
and committed couples, faith leaders, families and straight allies will
gather on Central Square in Keene to stand up for all NH families, asking
the NH Legislature to vote no on HB437, the repeal of Marriage Equality, so that the rights and protections of marriage will remain in place for same-sex couples.

The Monadnock Live Free and Equal Coalition will host a rally focusing on
equality prior to the vote on HB 437, the bill that seeks to repeal the
popular Marriage Equality Law of 2009 and discriminate against current and
future gay and lesbian couples. The group is calling upon Republican and
Democratic Representatives to not pass a law that would allow for direct
discrimination based solely upon sexual orientation.

The bill is scheduled to be heard on either January 11 or January 18 by the
NH House of Representatives.  A majority of NH Republican leadership in the
House adamantly opposes equal rights for gay citizens.

Susan MacNeil, Executive Director of AIDS Services and Coalition organizer,
hopes for a large crowd.  “We have built a substantial base of supporters
over the last twelve months who believe that separate but equal is never
equal.  No doubt the evening will bring cold weather, but the fire for
equality always burns bright and demands action.  We expect to send a
message to NH legislators that we will not tolerate legislated
discrimination when it comes to equality for NH’s gay and lesbian citizens.”

Speakers, music and a candlelight vigil will be held from 6-8p in the
gazebo, downtown Keene.   Participants are asked to wear purple and bring
rainbow flags. Candles will be provided. Organizing partners include the
United Church of Christ (UCC), PFLAG, St. James Episcopal Church and AIDS
Services for the Monadnock Region.  The UCC will open its doors to
participants for restroom facilities and serve as a warming station, ringing
the church bell at the head of the Square as a call to action.

The Coalition is a participating partner with the statewide organization,
Standing Up for NH Families.  For more information about the rally, visit
Monadnock Live Free and Equal on Facebook, visit the website at  http://monadnocklivefreeandequal.wordpress.com/ or call AIDS Services at
357-6855.

NHDP - ICYMI: Warning: NH lawmakers at work

Concord, NH - Today, the editorial boards of two of New Hampshire's largest newspapers lampooned the Republican plan to place signs warning drivers that they are entering Massachusetts from New Hampshire. The frivolous HB1412 was sponsored by Republican leadership, including Committee Chairs in both the House and Senate.

Excerpts from both editorials are below.

Eagle Tribune: Editorial: Warning: NH lawmakers at work

[Link: http://www.eagletribune.com/opinion/x1253558481/Editorial-Warning-NH-lawmakers-at-work]

"But if the Granite State legislators are truly serious about warning New Hampshirites about the police state to the south, they should stand at the border on a really busy road, like I-93, waving signs at the thousands and thousands of commuters who bravely enter Massachusetts every morning of the week because that's where their jobs are.

"Then everyone could see for themselves what loons these lawmakers are."

Keene Sentinel: Context is everything in the plan to put signs at the state line

[Link: http://sentinelsource.com/opinion/editorial/context-is-everything-in-the-plan-to-put-signs-at/article_6971a75f-eab2-557b-ac73-73bc09e30a81.html]

"In the Republican-dominated Legislature in 2011, state lines have been a big thing. Early this year there was a bill to create a state militia to defend against invasions; there was another bill to drop the gas tax to bring in more out-of-state drivers; another bill reduced the cigarette tax to try (unsuccessfully, it turned out) to lure tobacco addicts across the border. There was also considerable Republican whining about out-of-state college students voting here. And there has always been a lot of back-handed Republican dismissal of "Taxachusetts."

"And so, when legislators go out of their way to not merely take note of a state line but to warn of its approach, the public is bound to go on the alert.

"And a good thing, too. Did you know, for example, that according to a couple of websites that list oddball laws, in Marlborough, Mass., it is illegal to purchase, possess, sell, carry or distribute a squirt gun? Consider yourself warned."