Stateline Headlines

Voter ID talks break down at State House, no compromise expected on changes to 2012 law

House, Senate budget negotiators dig in heels over Medicaid expansion

State to receive No Child Left Behind waiver

Judge says N.H.’s new education tax credit violates state Constitution

Voter restrictions: Who will govern us?

Final Float-In For Memorial Bridge Scheduled for This Morning

A Medicaid reduction? That is not likely

State told it can opt out of Medicaid expansion at any time

Capital budget negotiators narrow disagreement

Committee of Conference Watch: work starting today on state budget

PSNH seeks rate decrease, more customer migration

State should share mental health records, cautiously

House, Senate will negotiate details of medical marijuana bill

Governor to get bill to study changes to way Northern Pass, wind farms are sited

Veterans waiting for benefits in Manchester assured things will change

N.H. Senate Republicans reject federal grant for Obamacare consumer outreach

N.H. health overhaul committee at a stalemate

House Democrats look to higher revenue estimates just days before state budget negotiations begin

Gun homicides: NH over New York City any day

House Democrats, Senate Republicans far apart – for now – on voter ID reforms

State regulators predict bleak future for PSNH ratepayers

More than 230 years later, Portsmouth slaves granted freedom

Hassan, N.H. officials think it's time to include mental health records in gun background checks

As legislative year winds down, more than budget still in play at State House

Graduation uniforms: Let members of the military show their pride at graduation

Senate approves $125 million capital budget spending plan

N.H. Senate kills health overhaul bill

N.H. Senate resurrects four bills killed or stalled by the House

GOP-led Senate passes budget, heads to showdown with Hassan and House

Joseph W. McQuaid: Poor, stupid Granite Staters

Drastic state personnel cuts are unwise, unnecessary

Expert to advise lawmakers on 38 Studios debt has ties to companies involved in deal

House, Senate don’t agree on voting bills

No permits filed with state for Wild Meadows wind project

N.H. House approves health overhaul grant

Some N.H. bars could get later last call as House sends bill to Hassan

Expanding Medicaid: A lose-lose proposition

State won’t intervene; New Ipswich wind farm scrapped

Antrim wind project: Developer offers to eliminate 1 turbine

Hassan calls on Senate to pass Medicaid expansion

State revenues dip in May, but N.H. collections still $27.9m above plan for year

Hassan to nominate ex-House minority leader Jim Craig as N.H. labor commissioner

Budget hearings: Where are the people?

Expanding Medicaid: good for economy, good for the uninsured

Power line study buoys Northern Pass foes

Seeking savings, N.H. Senate budget writers look to cut state personnel costs – again

Top Democrats say it’s possible Hassan could expand Medicaid without Legislature’s okay

School contracts: Progress, perhaps?

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

State Higher Ed Funding Support Continues Decline

Per-student funding has declined in 48 states over the past five years, with New Hampshire and Florida reducing support the most.

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2013

CONCORD, New Hampshire --Feb. 14-- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Maggie Hassan's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Gas Tax Loses Favor as Governors Look for New Transportation Money

In the search for more transportation money, governors and state lawmakers are largely avoiding one of the most obvious and straightforward funding sources: state gasoline taxes.

Issue to Watch: Collective Bargaining

While this year’s legislative battles in the states over collective bargaining rights are likely to be more restrained than previous years, the legislation put forward would still have a significant impact on employer-labor relationships, if passed.

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

Labor won big contests in Indiana, California and New Hampshire, while results were mixed in Michigan.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

Tax Pledge Permeates New Hampshire Politics

New Hampshire has no income tax or sales tax. The candidates for governor want to keep it that way. But despite that, the debate over taxes never really goes away.

Out-Of-State Students May Vote in New Hampshire, Judge Rules

Out of state students in New Hampshire will be able to vote in November, a state judge ruled Monday, reversing the legislature’s attempt to say otherwise.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

In New Hampshire, a Primary Full of Unfamiliarity

John Lynch, New Hampshire’s popular moderate Democratic governor, is not seeking reelection this year, creating a window of opportunity for Republicans wishing to take back the office.

Safety Net Hospitals Imperiled by High Court Ruling

Hospitals that serve the poor thought they would be helped by the Affordable Care Act. Now it looks as if they will be hurt by it.

In New Hampshire, No Veto on Cap-and-Trade Compromise

Under a new law, New Hampshire will leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but only if other states do first. Governor John Lynch, a champion of New England’s cap-and-trade pact, tentatively supported a policy viewed as a compromise.

New Hampshire Lawmakers Compromise on Cap-and-Trade

New Hampshire lawmakers this week passed legislation calling for the state to exit New England’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but only if two other states drop out first.

Education Funding Control Eludes N.H. Lawmakers

New Hampshire’s state Supreme Court has exercised oversight over education funding and standards through a series of rulings. An amendment that failed Wednesday would have given legislators final say.

A Labor Challenge to Republicans in Indiana

In some states, labor unions have decided the best way to regain influence may be to work on the Republican Party from within.

State Courts Replacing Paper with Electronic Record-Keeping

State courts have been slow to computerize, but they are gradually replacing stacks of paper with electronic documents.

AAA Criticizes Higher Fees for Out-of-State E-ZPass Drivers

The national drivers’ group wants tolling agencies to treat E-ZPass users the same, regardless of where they bought their transponders.

States Ease Financing for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Several states are experimenting with an “on-bill” loan financing program that aims to spur investment in energy efficiency for homes and businesses — even for owners who lack capital.

Same-Sex Marriage Remains Law in New Hampshire

TODAY'S TAKE: An effort to repeal a 2009 law legalizing gay marriage in New Hampshire failed on Wednesday (March 21), with state representatives defeating the measure in a lopsided vote.

Courts Block Efforts at Public Pension Change

Two judges have ruled that their states cannot make existing employees contribute more toward their retirement benefits.

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2012

CONCORD, New Hampshire - Jan. 31 - Following is the full text of New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch's (D) state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Senate President, Madam Chief Justice and members of the judiciary, honorable members of the Executive Council, House and Senate, and my fellow citizens of Ne

Legislators Attempt to Strip Courts of Power

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: In an effort to rein in "activist justices," legislators in New Hampshire and Tennessee are attempting to get rid of judical review of legislation.

New Hampshire Authorities Investigate 'Birther' Hearing

TODAY'S TAKE: New Hampshire law enforcement officials are investigating an elections hearing that reportedly became unruly after a group seeking to remove President Obama's name from the state's 2012 ballot was rebuffed.

A Backlash Against Rising State Fees

Want to renew your driver’s license, go to a state park, or sue someone in civil court? Chances are you’ll pay higher fees for those and other government services than you would have just a few years ago. Raising fees

GOP Set to Expand 'Castle Doctrine' in New Hampshire

TODAY'S TAKE: Angering law enforcement officials around the state, the Republican-held New Hampshire Senate voted to override a gubernatorial veto of legislation that would greatly expand residents' right to use deadly force in self-defense. The GOP House is set to follow.

Budget Cuts to Programs for Elderly May Cost Money Later

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Programs for the elderly are cut back in California and Illinois ... legislators quarrel with the governor over reductions to senior citizen care in New Jersey ... state monitoring of some elder facilities is eliminated in New Hampshire, and other social policy news.

New Hampshire House Votes to Quit RGGI

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: New Hampshire debates the future of the Northeast's emissions pact ... Western governors go to Congress to condemn federal wilderness policies ... Washington won't meet its greenhouse gas goal, and more energy and environment news.

State Officials Try to Redefine 'Adequate' Education

EDUCATION BEAT: Kansas and New Hampshire look for a new definition of "adequate" public education ... An Indiana Senate committee advances a bill limiting collective bargaining for teachers ... Nevada's governor proposes cuts to higher education and K-12 budgets, and other education news.

New Hampshire Inaugural Address 2011

CONCORD, New Hampshire - Jan. 6 - Following is the full text of New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch's (D) inaugural address (New Hampshire does not have a state of the state address in years in which a budget or inaugural speech is given): Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Madam Chief Justice - isn't it good to say Madam Chie

Georgia's Nathan Deal Hands Off Personal Finances

TRANSITION WATCH: Georgia's incoming governor creates a blind trust, Ohio's new governor tries to keep Race to the Top money and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

With Rick Scott as Governor, Merit Pay Plan for Florida Teachers May Pass

TRANSITION WATCH: Florida conservatives are eager to revisit merit pay, Arizona's Republican Senate President breaks with business groups on tax incentives and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Rick Snyder Picks a Democrat

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor-elect reaches across the aisle for a top appointment, Georgia's governor-elect picks a controversial chief of staff, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Few Incumbent Governors Likely to Fall

With high unemployment and pervasive bad news about state budgets, it seems incumbent governors would be in jeopardy of losing their jobs this year. But outside the Midwest, most sitting governors have the edge in their races Tuesday.

Education's Less-Than-Certain Windfall

There's $10 billion for schools in the state aid bill Congress passed last month. But some school systems have reason to wonder whether they are going to see the money.

New Hampshire is Latest to Weigh State Parks Sponsorship

TODAY'S TAKE: Eastern Mountain Sports, the outdoor clothing and apparel manufacturer, soon could be promoting New Hampshire state parks in its stores. New Hampshire is considering an agreement to do its own promoting in exchange, such as having all state park staff wear the company's logo on their uniforms. It's the latest example of a growing commercial state park footprint.

New Hampshire Promises to Fight New DNC Primary Schedule

TODAY'S TAKE: Over the weekend, the Democratic National Committee voted to follow Republicans' lead and approve a later primary schedule for the 2012 presidential election cycle. But the new plan poses a problem for at least one powerful elections official in New Hampshire.

The RGGI Raid: How Cap-and-Trade Revenues Went to Fix State Budgets

An innovative carbon-control regime in the Northeast states was intended to raise money for energy efficiency programs. Now, some of the cash-strapped states are using the money to plug their budget holes.

In New Hampshire, a Budget Gap That Never Goes Away

Fiscal experts say the current budget crisis is a good excuse for states to look at strengthening their tax structures. But most states are taking a pass. New Hampshire is a case study in how structural budget deficits form - and persist.

State Choking Laws Signal New Attention to Domestic Violence

Advocates against domestic violence have long warned that the act of choking - a common method of domestic assault - can be among the most reliable predictors that a deadly attack will occur in the future. Hoping to crack down on batterers and prevent murders, New Hampshire and Delaware recently joined other states by increasing penalties for choking. The laws are part of a broader effort in the states to reduce domestic violence.

In New Hampshire, a New Way on Retiree Health Costs

State and local governments across the country are wrestling with how to pay the medical bills of retired public-sector workers. New Hampshire is trying a model that won't solve the whole problem but almost certainly will help.

Study: Which States Lose Out to China?

TODAY'S TAKE: Since 2001, when China entered the World Trade Organization, at least 2.4 million American jobs have been lost as a result of increased U.S. trade with that country, according to a new study by the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank. The study finds that the states that have lost the most jobs to China - as a percentage of their overall employment - are New Hampshire, North Carolina, Massachusetts, California and Oregon.

Marijuana Bills Tempt Cash-Starved States

A history of marijuana laws This has been a bumper year for marijuana legislation, according to state policy observers. Crushing state budget deficits gave advocates in California, Washington, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and elsewhere an opening to pitch marijuana as a new source of tax revenue. At the same time, the Obama administration gave users and distributors some breathing room by signaling in October that it would scale back on prosecuting them as long as they comply with state law.

Weekly Wrap: Fed Report Doubts Energy States Will Recover First

Revenues down in gas-producing states; Obama snubs Las Vegas-again; and economist Mark Zandi predicts start of economic expansion.

Summary of the New Hampshire State of the State Address

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch (D) has asked lawmakers to change the state's unemployment benefits so they could pay for on-the-job training for new workers, give unemployment benefits to employees whose hours are reduced and help job applicants evaluate their skills.

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2010

CONCORD, N.H. - Jan. 21 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Lynch's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Madam Speaker, Madam President, Mr. Chief Justice, honorable members of the Governor's Council, the Judiciary, the House and Senate, and my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: Let me take a moment

Weekly Wrap: New Year Brings New Laws

New state laws that take effect across the country on New Year's Day range from affecting the way residents drive to whether they can marry or profit from snapping a celebrity's photograph. (See also:US: State lawmakers, lacking money, took up bad-behavior bans in '09 and US: New 2010 laws -- Cooking to texting)

Gay Marriage Legal in Six States

(Updated 4:40 p.m. EDT, June 4, 2009) With the exception of Rhode Island, same-sex marriage is now legal throughout New England, and neighboring New York could be next. On June 3, New Hampshire became the sixth state, including Iowa, to legalize gay nuptials. But despite these gains by the gay rights movement, the United States is still a nation divided over whether to redefine marriage. In this comprehensive backgrounder, Stateline.org maps the state of play in all 50 states, including charts, a historic timeline, and coverage of landmark court decisions, voter referendums, state legislation and federal and international laws.

New Hampshire Budget Address 2009

CONCORD, N.H. -- Feb. 12 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Lynch's (D) 2009 state of the state and budget Address: Madam Speaker, Madam Senate President, Mr. Chief Justice, members of the House, Senate, and my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: I come before you today as our nation faces its deepest

Economy Could Imperil State Readiness

Budget cuts could undermine the progress states have made to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent wildfires in California and outbreaks of Salmonella on tainted vegetables that sickened more than 1, 440 people in 43 states, says a new report released Dec. 9.

GOP Sticks With Prez Primary Rules

For all the complaining about the 2008 presidential primary season starting too early, the GOP has done little to change the 2012 contest schedule.