Year: 2024

NH vs. DNC

On Jan. 8, the New Hampshire Attorney General, John M. Formella, issued a cease-and-desist order to the Democratic National Committee’s Rules & Bylaws Committee for instructing the New Hampshire Democratic Party to inform the public that the Jan. 23 New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary election is “meaningless.” According to a press release, this statement has been declared false and misleading by the Attorney General, constituting a violation of RSA 659:40, III, against voter suppression. The Attorney General has ordered the cessation of any conduct that undermines the state election law, emphasizing the primary election’s legal significance and its role in the democratic process, despite the DNC’s stance on delegate allocation. The situation is under continued review by the Attorney General’s Office.

Paid leave

The New Hampshire Insurance Department, along with the Department of Employment Security and the Department of Administrative Services, is mobilizing community advocates to increase awareness of and participation in the state’s Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) program. According to a press release, despite a strong enrollment in its first year, there is a recognized need to further inform the public, particularly those who could benefit but remain uninformed or uncertain about how to enroll. The state agencies are urging advocacy organizations to help disseminate information and facilitate enrollment by appointing liaisons to work with the PFML team. The initiative focuses on the urgency of promoting the 2024 PFML open enrollment, which concludes on Jan. 29.

Mocktails

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC), in collaboration with Brown-Forman, has initiated the fourth annual New Hampshire Mocktail Month, with nearly 70 local restaurants participating. According to a press release, the event is part of the ongoing “Live Free & Host Responsibly” campaign, started in 2016, to encourage responsible alcohol service and consumption. This year’s mocktail month, which highlights several Brown-Forman brands, is designed to provide alcohol-free beverage options, enhancing a safe drinking environment for patrons. An online guide with mocktail recipes is available for those who prefer to create these drinks at home. The NHLC aims to leverage this initiative to foster responsible drinking habits and is encouraging social media engagement with the campaign. Visit liquorandwineoutlets.com/responsibility.

Cultural grants

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is offering Cultural Facilities grants to arts and cultural organizations for facility improvements to enhance their venues for cultural programming, according to a press release. With a focus on projects that promote accessibility and long-term venue enhancements, organizations can apply for grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for use between April 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025. Eligible applicants must be ADA-compliant, have a history of public arts programming, and hold a 501(c)(3) status, with the application deadline set for Feb. 9. Further details and application guidelines are available at nh.gov/nharts.

Keep the money here

A new economic study released by the New Hampshire Bankers Association has underscored the potential economic benefits of retaining taxpayer funds within the state, according to a press release. Conducted by Polecon Research, the study indicates that by investing public funds locally through the New Hampshire Public Deposit Investment Pool (NH PDIP), the state could experience a surge in economic growth, with an estimated increase of nearly $200 million in state GDP. Key findings suggest substantial boosts in available credit for small businesses, increased tax revenues, job growth and a significant rise in personal income for residents. Sen. Cindy Rosenwald has introduced the GLOW Act to capitalize on these findings, aiming to keep public funds invested within New Hampshire to maximize the economic impact. The study advocates for local investment as a strategic move to bolster the state’s economy and support community needs like affordable housing. The full report detailing these benefits is available on the NH Bankers website, nhbankers.com/PDIP, as they work with legislators to pass this initiative in the upcoming legislative session.

Dixville Notch is set to host the state’s only midnight vote for the 2024 first-in-the-nation presidential primary. Continuing a tradition that began in 1960, Dixville voters will cast their ballots at midnight as Jan. 22 turns into Jan. 23. This year, due to renovations at the Balsams’ Dix House, the vote will occur in the Living Room at the Tillotson House. The event will be overseen by Dixville Town Moderator Tom Tillotson, son of Neil Tillotson, who initiated this unique voting tradition. The Balsams’ principal owner, Les Otten, and the community’s voters will be present, along with a special appearance by Cory “C Pez” Pesaturo, a renowned accordion champion.

Ken Perkins, a retired United Airlines pilot, will present “Lindbergh’s Last Flight” at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire in Londonderry on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. The event will feature Perkins’ firsthand account of the 1974 flight that transported a seriously ill Charles Lindbergh to Hawaii shortly before the legendary aviator’s death. Part of the museum’s speaker series, the presentation will offer unique insights into this historic flight and Perkins’ experiences during the Golden Age of Aviation. Admission is $10, with free entry for museum members. Visit aviationmuseumofnh.org.

The Be BRAVE Gala, presented by Safe Haven Ballet, is set to take place at the Nashua Center for the Arts on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. This event, known for diverse artistic performances including ballet, contemporary dance, martial arts and music, aims to support survivors of sexual violence and trauma. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $30 for children and seniors. The Gala, which has been successful in raising funds for crisis centers in the past, will contribute a portion of its proceeds to HAVEN NH for building a larger shelter. Tickets can be purchased at NashuaCenterfortheArts.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774.