TRANSPORTATION PLAN SIGNED INTO LAW
Omnibus transportation bill HB 1128, which includes updates to New Hampshire’s 10-year Transportation Improvement Plan, was signed into law. This bill contains a number of transportation initiatives that are important to the people of New Hampshire, highlighted by the Transportation Improvement Plan which is critical to the long-term planning of New Hampshire’s roadways and transportation infrastructure. Upkeep of roads and bridges is one of the core functions that people expect out of state government. It is important to note that many legislators tried to block this plan from even reaching the governor’s desk, which would have increased costs and delayed important projects like removal of the Merrimack tollbooth.
POSITIVE STEP TAKEN WITH PASSAGE OF ‘BAN THE BOX’ LEGISLATION
House Bill 253, relative to criminal background checks in the employee application process, was signed into law. While House Bill 253 as amended and signed into law ads a few new protections for employees. Discriminating against an applicant for employment because they have a criminal record is wrong and not how our criminal justice system is supposed to work. This practice perpetuates cycles of recidivism and unemployment among people who were formerly incarcerated.
LEGISLATION TO IDENTIFY SAFETY AND PPE NEEDS FOR NH LONGTERM CARE SIGNED INTO LAW
Governor Sununu signed HB 578, legislation that will create a committee to study the safety of residents and employees in long-term care facilities, clarifies cost-controls and allows for Medicaid reimbursement for the cost of training nursing assistants. COVID-19 has made everyone in New Hampshire acutely aware of the issues facing our aging population and has tragically taken the lives of too many. In addition to identifying PPE shortages and safety measures, this legislation will take into account the risk of suicide by healthcare workers in the state, a threat that is only increased during the horrifying reality of working on the frontlines of a global pandemic with limited resources. It is imperative that we protect aging Granite Staters as well as their healthcare providers and staff