The House voted 290 to 46 and the Senate unanimously, in favor of establishing a task force to come up with a plan to address our opioid crisis . The task force would report to the House, Senate and Governor by January 6 and file legislation by January 12. Governor Hassan would have preferred an immediate $11 million bill but Republicans thought it more prudent to wait and see how much revenue was available and discuss aspects of the proposal at some length.

In the Governor’s bill, some of the money would have been sent to counties to establish drug courts. Drug courts have been shown to dramatically cut recidivism. They seek to rehabilitate rather than only punish. Certainly, Merrimack County could use the extra help to set up such a court.

In other news:

The Fiscal Committee voted on a party line to increase state employees health care premiums by a steep 17.5% for all retirees, as well as previous increases in prescription costs.

HB617, police cameras, survived as an amended bill in committee and will be voted on in 2016. The same with HB672, establishing a state bank, amended as an interim study bill.

The House will be back in session in January with a big fight expected on Medicare expansion.

The Danbury Broadband Committee had a very good meeting with Ms. Scarponi of Fairpoint and hopefully more locations will be served , with higher Gbps, under an FCC broadband expansion program. Parts of Salisbury may also be eligible. I will keep on top of it.

Also, winter fuel assistance is available . Call 934-3444 in Franklin.

The flocks of wild turkeys seem to have doubled in size since last fall.

I wish everyone Happy Holidays.

I am always available at 735 5440 or at marioratzki@nullgmail.com