NH State Representative Steven Smith

The House, Senate, and Governor Lynch have agreed on language for CACR12, the education funding amendment.  Here’s a Union Leader article with a good synopsis – http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120531/NEWS06/705319882

The thing that I want to convey to you is that your state government does not pass Constitutional Amendments.  You do.  When we vote for or against a CACR, we are voting for or against allowing the voters to vote on the issue.  Remember that when you see a Representative or Senator voting against a CACR.  There are some good reasons to vote against a CACR:

1. It is worded poorly and may confuse voters
2. It is deliberately worded to confuse voters
3. It conflicts with another CACR, where if both pass, would cause a Constitutional conflict
4. It is a measure that does not belong in the Constitution

Beyond that. I have a pretty high bar for voting to keep you from voting on something.  A lot of people from both parties have worked really hard on CACR 12.  Whether you agree with it or not, it is a well done amendment worthy of being presented to the voters.  Will CACR 12 solve all our education problems?  No.  Personally, I think that it is a big step in the right direction and will make things better.  I will be voting in favor of adding this to the ballot for you to consider in November.  I hope that you will vote for it.  Between now and then, feel free to ask questions and discuss the measure.  You have a little over 4 months to get the information that you’ll need to cast a well informed vote.

Steve

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day, our most solemn holiday.  Sadly, many people don’t know the significance of Memorial Day, or worse, do and don’t think about it.  This weekend I am free to barbecue.  I am free to travel, even outside the state and country.  I am free to have a yard sale.  I am free to enjoy myself on property that I own.  I am free to criticize the government.  I, a regular citizen with no privileged upbringing or family birthright, am free to be a part of the government.  I have all these freedoms because of the courage and sacrifice of American service people for over 2 and a quarter centuries.  I went to Arlington National Cemetery last year.  The shear scope of how many brave Americans are buried there is overwhelming.  As we enjoy our freedom this holiday weekend, we should remember the cost.  We have our freedom because of those who have served.  We continue to be free because of those who are serving.  We will be free in the years to come, because this very minute, there are brave young people volunteering to put on a uniform and defend our way of life.  If you run into a veteran this weekend, say “Thank You”.  It isn’t much, but there really are no adequate words for the gift that they give us… the gift of freedom.

While serving on the Labor, Industrial, and Rehabilitative Services Committee, I helped pass HB401, “An act relative to postsecondary training for workers with disabilities. “. This bill allows workers with disabilities to intern in jobs with willing businesses to see if they can do the work. This program costs zero taxpayer dollars and gives people a chance. The bill went into effect last year. Bill text – http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2011/HB0401.html