NH State Representative Steven Smith

Here’s another example of common sense reform passed by the House this past session. When there is a chance that a student athlete has suffered a concussion, this new law requires that they be removed from play and can not play agan until a medical provider checks them out. No kid wants to be pulled from a game, but that’s why they have parents to look out for them. Holding a few fingers up and having them guess is not enough to avoid long term medical consequences. Our kids’ future and health is more important than that. This new law also builds n protection for school officials who follow the guidelines to protect their jobs and your tax dollars against frivolous lawsuits.

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/970527-196/new-law-requires-school-districts-to-be.html

Someone asked me what we’ve accomplished over the last two years.  The list is pretty extensive.  I’ll post about individual bills that are off the radar, but still significant.  In the meanwhile, here are some big picture highlights:

• Economy and Jobs: Our labor force is at its largest point ever with nearly 10,000 more people working today than at any time since the start of the recession in 2008. The legislature passed 80 bills reducing business and consumer regulatory burdens, creating a more business friendly atmosphere and helping businesses create jobs.
• State Budget: Passed a budget 11% smaller than the prior budget, reducing spending by over $1.2 billion and general fund spending by $536 million, or 18% without raising taxes or fees.
• Education Funding: Passed an education funding formula that maintains existing levels of aid to communities and allows additional targeted aid to needy cities and towns.
• High Taxes: Eliminated or repealed numerous taxes and fees that were increased or enacted by the previous Democratic majority.
• Quality of Education: Established an education credit to be used by students to defray the educational expenses of attending an independent school, increasing competition in education and allowing students to pursue educational opportunities that may have been otherwise unavailable

I’ll be at the Charlestown Selectboard meeting this week, and I’ll be in Lempster and Washington next week.  Click the “Events” tab in the black bar to see my schedule.  If you want me to come out and talk to you, give me a call.