NH State Representative Steven Smith

President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation ordering flags on all public buildings and grounds to half-staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day on Thursday, May 15, 2014, and Governor Hassan has directed that flags remain at half-staff in honor of fallen Brentwood Police Officer Steve Arkell through the day of his funeral.

Governor Hassan has also proclaimed May 15 through May 21, 2014, as Law Enforcement Memorial Week in the State of New Hampshire and directed flags to half-staff for the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony on Monday, May 19.

Governor Hassan Directs Flags to Half Staff in Honor of Fallen Brentwood Officer Steve Arkell

CONCORD – Governor Maggie Hassan today issued the following statement and directed flags to half-staff in honor of fallen Brentwood Officer Steve Arkell:

“The entire State of New Hampshire is in mourning over the tragic loss of Brentwood Officer Steve Arkell. Officer Arkell bravely answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice, a heroic demonstration of his commitment to the safety of his fellow citizens. Like so many of our first responders do on a daily basis, Officer Arkell courageously put his life on the line to protect others, and in doing so, was tragically taken far too soon.

“It is now the responsibility of all Granite Staters to honor Officer Arkell’s sacrifice by coming together and doing everything that we can to support those he has left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as everyone in Brentwood and the surrounding communities affected by this horrific tragedy.”

CACR 19 would ask voters if the NH Legislature should use your money for the reason that we gave when we took it from you.  The NH House does not want to pass this bill.  Here’s what they said:

The purpose for recommending Interim Study of CACR 19 is
to review the absolute prohibition of diverting dedicated funds and the effect upon the financial commitment
of the State of New Hampshire to programs and operations. Numerous financial problems were brought up
in committee discussions.

The first thing you need to know is that when a bill goes to Interim Study int he second year of a session, it is dead.

The second thing you need to know is that there is no “prohibition of diverting dedicated funds“.  It simply says that a 2/3 vote is required. What does that mean? It means that the two parties in the NH Legislature will finally be forced to work together. It means that they can’t invent a crisis, steal the money, and then blame the other side.  It means that bi-partisan government will finally work.

Steve