Concord is quiet these days. The House and the Senate are not in session. The big question is how much more revenue than predicted is the state going to get and what to do with it?

The amount most talked about is around $100 million. Almost $19 million has already been allocated for the opioid crisis; some will undoubtedly go to Health and Human Services. I would like to see some sent back to our towns for education costs and some set aside in the rainy day fund.

Talking about the opioid crisis, I have met quite a few grandmothers and grandfathers who suddenly have found themselves in charge of their teenage or even younger grandchildren. The daughter or the son is in rehab, or maybe not quite there yet, or sometimes in jail. These grandmothers and grandfathers deserve our help. David Karrick and I are here to assist anyone in this situation. There are state and federal programs available, as well as food stamps.

It is precisely for situations like this that we have a safety net. But it is also the role of the community to be supportive and help in any way we can.

Some have said to me that they will not get food stamps, first because they like to see themselves as independent and not beholden to the state, but also because there is a perceived stigma attached to receiving food stamps. I urge anyone in these circumstances to avail themselves of these programs, with the children in mind. I want to reiterate, though, that David and I are here to help if we can.

Congratulations to Nicole Donovan from Andover, who made the UNH dean’s list with highest honors. Congratulations as well to Madalyn Pfeifer, also from Andover, who garnered high honors, and to Jesse Austin of Danbury with highest honors.

The Salisbury Historical Society has an afternoon of chamber music planned for Sunday, September 11, at 3 PM at the Old Baptist Meeting House in Salisbury Heights.

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