Year: 2024

Pandemic Response

House Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) has announced the formation of the Special Committee on Covid Response Efficacy, a bipartisan group led by Rep. Barbara Comtois of Barnstead, tasked with evaluating New Hampshire’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a press release, the committee will conduct a science-based review, focusing on the administration of federal guidance, use of federal funds, and vaccination efforts under Emergency Use Authorization. This effort aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state’s pandemic response and its impact on citizens and to inform future public policy for emergency responses, reflecting the House’s balanced partisan composition as mandated by House Rule 29.

For the birds!

NH Audubon is calling for public participation in its annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey to be held on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, aiming to assess winter bird populations in New Hampshire. According to a press release, this call to action follows unusual observations last fall of fewer birds at feeders, a situation NH Audubon attributes to an abundance of natural food and mild weather. Residents can contribute by counting birds in their backyards and reporting their findings online or via a special form. The survey, critical for tracking long-term trends and potential declines in bird species, values reports of both high and low bird activity. Information and participation details are available at nhaudubon.org.

Licensing bills

Sen. Howard Pearl has introduced two bills, SB 318-FN and SB 486-FN, aimed at easing professional licensing burdens in an effort to attract more workers to the state. According to a press release, the proposed legislation would establish licensure compacts for social workers and physician assistants, allowing for reciprocity with other states and facilitating the process for professionals to move and work in New Hampshire. This move is intended to address worker shortages by removing unnecessary obstacles to employment, especially for military families relocating to the state. By streamlining the licensing process, Sen. Pearl aims to retain current workers and draw new ones to support and provide essential services to the residents of New Hampshire.

Transportation plan

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has presented its latest NH Transportation Improvement Plan, a biennial process aimed at assessing the state’s transportation needs and efficiently allocating available funding for maintenance and improvements, according to a press release. Following 24 public hearings held in collaboration with the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT), the draft Ten-Year Plan was formulated, incorporating public feedback. Notable features of the plan include funding for congestion mitigation projects, advancements in engineering for critical infrastructure, proactive management of specific corridors and support for community transportation initiatives, reflecting input from the public. Gov. Sununu has forwarded the plan to the Legislature for review and approval, with the final adoption expected in June 2024.

Ed accounts

Rep. Joe Sweeney, the House Majority Floor Leader, introduced House Bill 1561-FN to the House Education Committee, which focuses on expanding eligibility for the Education Freedom Accounts program in New Hampshire. In his statement, Rep. Sweeney emphasized the importance of providing a safe and successful educational experience for all students. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming speech challenges with the support of Salem public schools, he highlighted the inclusivity and personalized educational pathways that HB 1561 aims to offer. “By endorsing this bill, we reinforce our commitment to enriching our education system and investing in the diverse and promising futures of all Granite State students and families, making certain that no student is disadvantaged due to their specific circumstances,” he said in the statement.

Environmental ed

Rep. Joe Sweeney, the House Majority Floor Leader, introduced House Bill 1561-FN to the House Education Committee, which focuses on expanding eligibility for the Education Freedom Accounts program in New Hampshire. In his statement, Rep. Sweeney emphasized the importance of providing a safe and successful educational experience for all students. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming speech challenges with the support of Salem public schools, he highlighted the inclusivity and personalized educational pathways that HB 1561 aims to offer. “By endorsing this bill, we reinforce our commitment to enriching our education system and investing in the diverse and promising futures of all Granite State students and families, making certain that no student is disadvantaged due to their specific circumstances,” he said in the statement.

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced the opening of its annual Young Artist Competition, inviting high school musicians from New Hampshire and the Seacoast region of Maine and Massachusetts to participate. The competition winner will have the honor of performing a solo concerto, accompanied by the PSO, at the orchestra’s final 2024 season mainstage performance on June 12 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth. More information and application details can be found at portsmouthsymphony.org.

The Merrimack Valley Beekeepers Association (MVBA) announces the 2024 Bee School, a comprehensive beekeeping course suitable for all ages and experience levels. Led by experienced beekeepers, this program covers essential beekeeping topics through lectures, presentations, demonstrations and videos, according to a press release. Classes, which begin on Feb. 20, are held on Tuesday evenings, with some online and some in person at St. James United Methodist Church in Merrimack. The cost is a membership fee, which is $40 for individuals and $50 for families. Visit mvbee.org/bee-school.

The United Way of Greater Nashua is orchestrating the 2024 Shoebox Project for Seniors, an initiative designed to assemble and distribute gift kits to low-income isolated seniors in the community. According to a press release, these kits are curated to provide not only practical items such as toothpaste, soap and health products but also comforting items like hot chocolate, tea and puzzle books to spread cheer. With a goal to create 500 kits in collaboration with local senior services, United Way is inviting community members to contribute by purchasing items from a wishlist or making monetary donations by Feb. 1. Donations can be made online or sent to their office at 20 Broad St., Nashua.