Legislative Calendar

The Legislature is considering dozens of bills that could affect SEA members.

Hearings are being held on bills that would affect health insurance, reduce retirement benefits, change state procurement laws... and more.

Please make sure your voice is heard on the legislation you care about.

You can testify at public hearings.
You can write, call or email the members of the Committees that are considering the bills. Contact information for House Committee members is available here; for Senate Committee members here.
You can contact your own legislators. Their contact information is available here.

» Read the UPDATED CALENDAR here

2010 Legislation "Watch List"

Thousands of bills are filed by NH legislators each year. The Political Education Committee has flagged several hundred proposals as legislation to "watch" during the 2010 session because the bills could affect SEA members.

» Click here for the Watch List

SEA Political Update

News and information about happenings at the State House and in Washington that will affect SEA members.

Andy Stern: Don't Tax State Worker Plans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v02VVDvQMrs&feature=player_embedded

Posted By: Brian Hawkins on 12/28/2009 11:09:00 AM

2009 LSR "Watch" List

The SEA's Political Education Committee is keeping a close eye on legislators' requests for assistance drafting bills. These "Legislative Service Requests" (or "LSRs") are one way of finding out about legislation before it is filed.

The current LSR "Watch List" is available here.

Posted By: Liz Iacobucci on 10/27/2009 2:29:00 PM

Lynch on the State's Balance Sheet

State's cash crunch isn't as bad as feared

By TOM FAHEY
State House Bureau Chief

Concord – New Hampshire ended the last fiscal year with a surprisingly healthy cash reserve, a report released yesterday shows.

The unaudited numbers in the annual financial statement show the state's Rainy Day Fund balance at $76.1 million on June 30, when the books closed on fiscal year 2009. That's $56 million more in reserves than lawmakers expected three months ago.

A year ago, the Rainy Day Fund balance was $89 million. The state had to withdraw $13 million from it to balance 2009 books, well below the $69 million budget experts expected to need. Private auditors will release a final report on state finances later this year.

Gov. John Lynch said he will continue to keep a tight rein on spending. A budget report expected today for September will show a shortfall during what was an important month for tax receipts, he said.

Link & comments: http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=State's+cash+crunch+isn't+as+bad+as+feared&articleId=7820da80-04ec-4d94-abe3-2c127d9646a5

Posted By: Brian Hawkins on 10/2/2009 10:52:00 AM

Legislative Update

Budget Review

SEA staff have compiled a summary of provisions included in the FY10-11 Budget. You read the summary here.

If you have questions about any of the provisions, please contact SEA Governmental Relations Coordinator Brian Hawkins at 271-3411 x120.

Health Insurance for Under Age 26

SB115 expands the state’s Healthy Kids program, allowing the corporation to sell insurance to individuals who

are under 26 years of age
cannot be included in their family’s insurance plan and
have incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.

Governor Lynch signed the bill into law today. It may be a few months before the new coverage can be implemented. If you are interested in this coverage, please check the Healthy Kids website for updates at http://www.nhhealthykids.com/ .

Group II Accidental Disability Retirements

Earlier this week, Governor Lynch signed HB420, which changes state law regarding Group II accidental disability retirements. The new law removes the application of the gainful occupation reductions, for beneficiaries who are at least 45 years old and who have years of service plus years of accidental disability retirement which total at least 20. The text of the bill is available here.

Other New Laws

SEA staff are tracking legislation that may be of interest to SEA members. You can read their spreadsheet of new laws here.

If you have questions about any of the new laws, please contact SEA Governmental Relations Coordinator Brian Hawkins at 271-3411 x120.

Posted By: Brian Hawkins on 7/27/2009 11:46:00 AM

Under 26 Healthy Kids Signed into Law

Members who have children who cannot be included in your family's insurance plan and are under the age of 26 and whose incomes are at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level will be able to purchase health insurance through the Healthy Kids Program. Governor Lynch signs this legislation today.

Read SB 115

Call 271-3411 x120 if you have any questions.

Posted By: Brian Hawkins on 7/16/2009 11:11:00 AM