NH State Representative Steven Smith

Here We Go Again

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Rep. Steven Smith

83940173_2504963702947041_276002681569411072_o Today, I filed for reelection. This time is different than others. While I am proud of my accomplishments like reforms to vehicle and traffic laws, streamlining processes for municipalities, advancing new technology in NH, and securing grants for the towns that I represent… there is one big undone task hanging out there. I was elected during a wave election largely the result of an uprising over the “donor town” system of funding education. In the decade that has passed since then, several of my towns continue to lose education money every year because of stabilization grant reductions. If you don’t know what that means, please read this – What is a stabilization grant?

I maintain that there are three distinct problems to solve:

Stabilization grant reductions
Overall level of funding
Funding source

The highest priority, and one that can be accomplished immediately is to stop the bleeding. It took years, but we got a new formula created that would accomplish just that, and restore all of the money our towns have lost. Then this Legislature decided not to act. They literally announced that the bipartisan bill (which I sponsored, along with Senator Hennessey) to enact the plan was “dead on arrival” before it even got to the Finance Committee.

I feel cheated, and I’m pretty cranked about it.

This will be my number one priority. The work has been done. The reports have been filed. There are those who want more studies, more commissions, more talk. I want our money back, and I want it now. The plan has been written. It just takes a Legislature willing to not tie it up in political spiderwebs. It takes a Legislature willing to deal in facts and not campaign strategy. It will take your involvement as well.

I have been a strong advocate for District 11 and I am asking you to support me again. I am asking for your vote to send me back to Concord to make sure they do not forget about you and your priorities.

Steve

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Update for June 9

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Rep. Steven Smith

When do we go back to normal?

This article gives 4 indicators that are tracked to determine risk, and explains them. Some people feel that the timelines are arbitrary. This article may help them understand that we have actual numbers to look at. ~ Steve

Keene Sentinel – What do the numbers say about COVID-19 in New Hampshire?

‘GOFERR’ Director details COVID-19 response

“The head of the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery discusses how the state is distributing federal funds.”

Link: https://www.wmur.com/article/closeup-goferr-director-details-covid-19-response/32792533

GOFERR Meeting of the Legislative Advisory Board

Friday, June 12th, 1:00 PM
Call-in: 800-356-8278
PIN: 389388

Anyone having difficulties connecting to the conference should call: 603-271-7840

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:2, this meeting is open to the public.

https://www.goferr.nh.gov/

0609summary

NH reports 26 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths

“State health officials on Sunday announced 26 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified, and three more people have died from the disease. That brings the total caseload to 5,043, and the death toll to 286.

The latest victims were all male residents of Hillsborough County, one under age 60 and two over.

Several new cases remain under investigation. Of those with complete information, six confirmed cases involve individuals under the age of 18. The rest are adults, with 58% being female and 42% being male.”

Click to access covid-19-update-06082020.pdf

Keene businesses participate in program to ensure safety for staff, customers

“In Keene, businesses opening under new guidelines are working together to make sure staff and customers are safe.

For business owner Ted McGreer, participating in the “Keene Safe” program is a no-brainer.

“I think it’s really important that we send a message to our customers or potential customers that our store and our staff take pride in following guidelines to keep them safe and keep our staff safe,” McGreer, owner of Ted’s Shoe & Sport, said.”

Link: https://www.wmur.com/article/keene-new-hampshire-businesses-participate-in-program-to-ensure-safety-for-staff-customers/32801151

24-hour event to raise money online for NH nonprofits

“An annual, 24-hour online giving event for nonprofits is coming up in New Hampshire.

NH Gives is taking place from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday. People can choose which nonprofits to support and take advantage of matching gifts to increase the impact of their contributions. They can log on to NHGives.org.

Every gift of up to $1,000 will be matched by New Hampshire Charitable Foundation funds for the first $250,000 given during the event.”

Link: https://apnews.com/c0f5424d4252b815bfa3fb318af9b0dc