Senate Democrats Condemn Vote to Continue to Divert Public Money to Private and Religious Schools

By on April 25, 2013 in Press Release

CONCORD – Senator Molly Kelly and Senator Peggy Gilmour released the following comments on the Senate vote to table House Bill 370 which would repeal the private and religious school voucher program.

 ”This bill would repeal a private school voucher program that diverts public funds away from our public schools and directs private, non-profit corporations to allocate taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Kelly. ”This so-called “education tax credit” is in direct conflict with the NH Constitution by using public funds to pay for religious schools and limits state funds for public school districts, while downshifting the cost of reduced adequacy payments to local communities and property taxpayers.”

“The Voucher Program became law last year when the super-majority Republican Legislature overrode then-Governor Lynch’s veto of SB372. It was a misguided venture then and the same is true today,” said Senator Kelly. “I voted against this bill last year and I will be consistent and vote for the repeal this year. A bad policy is bad policy, no matter if it’s law or not.”

“I am vehemently opposed to the structure of the NH Education Tax Credit. It is terrible tax policy,” said Senator Gilmour. “The rules establish new definitions, organizational requirements, operational rules, and involve not one, but two state agencies. On the State’s website, the complex rules of the education tax credit take up 9 printed pages.  In contrast, the R&D tax credit that this body so proudly doubled a month ago takes less than a page.”

“Our tax laws must be simple and fair, we know our federal tax system today is a horrible and complex mess because Congress has allowed special interests of all stripes to install complicated rules that provide benefits in a manner that is hidden from public scrutiny and accountability,” said Senator Gilmour. “The program has no accountability of public money. It allows private, non-profit corporations to determine where public education dollars are spent. Even with pages of new complex rules it fails to set up an accountability structure. How can we in good conscience continue to allow such a program to be law?”

Proposed Change In Dental Care Workforce Losing Steam

By on March 29, 2013 in Press Clipping

On Thursday, the New Hampshire State Senate is scheduled to vote on a bill that’s getting a lot of attention in the dental community. The measure would expand the role of some hygienists. Advocates say this could help increase access in the state

Senator Peggy Gilmour is lead sponsor of this year’s bill.

“Everybody goes to the dentist. I said to my colleagues, the pressure on you not to support this bill can be powerful, because we are talking about people who literally have the power to pull your teeth out.”

http://www.nhpr.org/post/proposed-change-dental-care-workforce-losing-steam

Gilmour Sponsors Bill to Expand NH Oral Health Providers– NashuaPatch

By on February 22, 2013 in Press Clipping

On Tuesday, New Hampshire lawmakers considered a bill being sponsored by State Senator Peggy Gilmour along with a bipartisan list of co-sponsors designed to improve access to oral health care. Nearly twenty advocates, dental professionals, business and community leaders offered testimony at the Senate Health, Education and Human Services Committee’s hearing of SB 193, a bill to establish a dental hygienist practitioner.

– Nashua Patch

Statement by Democratic Senate and House Members of the Joint Health Care Reform Oversight Committee

By on February 11, 2013 in Press Release
CONCORD- Joint Health Care Reform Oversight Committee Senate member Peg Gilmour (D-Hollis) and House members Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) and Ed Butler (D-Hart’s Location) released the following statement today in response to Republican comments on first meeting.

“We agree with Governor Hassan that in order to improve the health of our citizens it is critical for New Hampshire to have significant input in the development of our health benefit marketplace. Leaving control of New Hampshire’s exchange solely in the hands of the Federal Government is not in the best interest of our citizens and businesses. New Hampshire State Agencies have made it clear that a partnership exchange will enable New Hampshire to maintain the most control possible while best serving individuals, families, and businesses.”

“Why is it that Senate and House Republicans seem to be interested in ensuring the State is forced into a Federal Government controlled exchange? First, Senate Republicans delayed their appointments to the Joint Health Care Reform Oversight Committee, now it seems they are playing games to further delay this process. We should be working to put partisan politics aside and move forward with a solution that works best for New Hampshire.”

Update from Senator Gilmour

By on December 13, 2012 in Update

Dear Friends,

The past few weeks have been as high-paced as ever as the newly elected legislators gear up for the 2012-2014 biennium.  But I wanted to take a moment to tell you about what’s been going on in Concord.

At Organization Day on December 5th, New Hampshire’s new State Senators and Representatives were sworn in by outgoing Governor Lynch – he will be dearly missed, but we are excited to welcome Governor-Elect Maggie Hassan to the corner office.

It’s been great catching up with familiar faces and everyone is eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work.  I pledge to help solve New Hampshire’s issues with a tone of civility, moderation, and bi-partisan discussion.  With tight margins of a slightly Democratic House (219-179) majority, a slightly Republican Senate (13-11) and a moderate Governor, we’ll be forced to talk about the real issues – and compromise – to get the best budget and policies for our families and communities.

I look forward to a productive session, and as always I welcome your comments, questions, and concerns on any and all issues.  I will do my best to keep my constituents up to date of goings-on in Concord as I do my best to represent all, and the values that keep this state great.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season,

Peggy