It is crunch time in the Legislature as all bills, including the budget, must be dealt with (except for retained bills) by June 30. There will probably be some long Session days this month.

On May 4, one of the bills brought before the House was SB79, relative to the participation of customer generators in net energy metering; it was voted on and passed, 194 to 179.  

I voted no on this bill, as it would increase costs to New Hampshire ratepayers for public or private entities. It would increase the net metering cap from the current one-megawatt limit up to five megawatts. We should be working to reduce energy costs and not passing subsidies on to regular ratepayers.

SB77, relative to changes in school placement for students, passed by a vote of 187 to 183. I voted yes on this bill, as this bill allows for a school board’s assignment of a student to an approved private school where there is demonstrated “manifest hardship.”

SB152, relative to New Hampshire workforce training programs, passed 250 to 123.  I voted no on this bill for a couple of reasons. 

The bill has two parts. One, it requires the Department of Education to establish a marine trades avenue at a regional technology center. The second part of the bill wishes to establish an offshore wind industry workforce training center committee in the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.  Though government job training programs may be effective, I could not support government’s picking and choosing job training programs only for specific industries.

If you are interested in the Constitution, look up John Locke (1632-1704), as he was one of the most influential political philosophers of the modern period. Locke’s theory was that all people were equal and independent, and everyone had a natural right to defend his life, health, liberty, or possessions.  

I have enjoyed a weekly one-hour class given by former Representative Dan Itse who is very knowledgeable in the Constitution and has been conducting the study of John Locke. Listening to someone speak about the Constitution or the study of someone like John Locke brings everything into perspective, and brings more meaning into the Constitution.

If I can be of help in any way: l.a.andrus21@nullgmail.com; 406 Raccoon Hill Rd, Salisbury, or 603 648-2510.  Respectfully,  Representative Louise Andrus