Sylvia Larsen for NH Senate

Press Releases

  • SENATE COMMITTEE HEARS PLAN TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND SAVE MONEY

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Tuesday, February 16, 2010
    Contact: Senator Sylvia Larsen
    (603) 271-2111

    CONCORD – The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony today on a bill expected to improve public safety and save money by lowering recidivism.

    Senate Bill 500 grew out of recommendations endorsed by the Justice Reinvestment Leadership Team, a special committee that includes the state Attorney General, Chief Justice, leading lawmakers and corrections officials.

    “The research reinforces what we know to be true: that solutions to the criminal justice problems we face cannot be addressed inside the walls of our jails and prisons alone, but instead need resources directed to our communities, with appropriate supports and supervision,” Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord), a member of the group and the bill’s lead sponsor, testified today.

    The legislation implements a set of recommendations that grew out of a special review of data from the state’s prisons and jails. The review was conducted by researchers from the Council of State Governments Justice Center, who worked closely with the Justice Reinvestment Leadership Team. Funding for the three-year study, which will include a review of the efficacy of any changes, came from the Pew Center on the States and the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance with support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

    “The Justice Center has presented us with a balanced package that seeks to increase public safety by reducing the number of people who fail to complete the conditions of probation or parole and return to our prisons,” testified Senator Robert Letourneau (R-Derry), another member of the Justice Reinvestment Leadership Team.

    Among other things, the data showed that the 31 percent increase in the state prison population in the past 10 years was driven primarily by probationers and parolees who were incarcerated after failing to meet the terms of their release and not because of any increase in crime.

    The legislation calls for redirecting a portion of the funds currently spent for incarceration to improve supervision in the community as well as provide more community-based treatment for substance abuse and mental health. Plans also call for varied sanctions to respond quickly and firmly to parolees or probationers who violate any of the terms of their release. The legislation also would ensure that anyone leaving prison would be subject to at least nine months of post-release supervision.

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  • SENATE PRESIDENT FACILITATING JOBS DISCUSSIONS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Friday, February 12, 2010
    Contact: Senate President Sylvia Larsen
    (603) 271-2111

    CONCORD – Senate President Sylvia Larsen said she is encouraged by a series of informal meetings she held earlier this week to explore ways to add jobs and help the unemployed in New Hampshire.

    Larsen (D-Concord) invited representatives from the state Division of Parks, the Department of Employment Security, AmeriCorps, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the Workforce Opportunity Council and the Student Conservation Association on Tuesday to explore ways to create jobs and improve the state parks as outlined in a the newly developed 10-year parks plan.

    Among other things, she asked those in attendance to investigate what federal or other resources may be available to hire people to upgrade state parks. She also asked Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon to explore whether the state could allow unemployed construction workers to continue to receive unemployment benefits while volunteering for parks projects and training younger workers.

    “Obviously paying jobs are our first choice and we’re looking at what funds might be available from federal programs. But we may also be able to offer continued unemployment benefits to workers in the construction trades who are willing to use their skills to make our state parks a better place and train younger people,” Larsen said.

    Larsen also met Tuesday with the director of the Human Resources State Council of New Hampshire to explore ways that the state’s human resources professionals can work with the state Department of Employment Security to help unemployed workers get information and advice about potential job openings, training, resume building and job hunting skills.

    She noted that some of the state’s human resources professionals already were volunteering their services in this area.

    “These meetings were really brainstorming sessions. Our goal is to create links between our state agencies and the people in our community with special skills and talents to spark those synergies that can lead to new jobs and improve the prospects for people who are unemployed. I want to continue to bring people together to explore every avenue for job creation and economic growth,” Larsen said.

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  • SENATE PROPOSAL INTENDED TO FAST TRACK NEW JOBS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Thursday, February 11, 2010
    Contact: Senator Sylvia Larsen
    (603) 271-2111

    CONCORD – In an effort to create new jobs as quickly as possible, Senate President Sylvia Larsen today presented a proposal that would allow Public Service of New Hampshire and other utilities to fast track their renewable energy projects.

    Larsen presented an amendment this morning to a bill currently before the Senate’s Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee.

    The amendment to Senate Bill 334 would allow any electric utility owing payment to the state’s renewable energy fund to retain a portion of those funds if it can show the money would be used to create jobs through an immediate investment in renewable energy.

    “This provides an important opportunity to move quickly to create jobs while building on our commitment to renewable energy,” Larsen said. “This isn’t about favorable treatment for utilities; it’s about favorable treatment for our work force.”

    PSNH officials say they have several projects ready to go – including a plan to install solar panels at municipal landfills. Officials say they could move more quickly if they don’t have to make payment to the state and apply to get the money back for these projects. The bill’s amendment would allow for that but would still require any renewable energy projects to qualify under the terms of the existing law.

    Larsen introduced the amendment this morning but encouraged the committee to continue a hearing on the proposal to March 4 so all interested parties would have an opportunity to weigh in.

    “I look forward to a full debate on the concepts contained in this amendment and I encourage any of our energy producers to come forward with complimentary proposals toward the same end,” she said. “In this economy, getting people back to work has to be our number one priority.”

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  • SENATE PRESIDENT SENDS LETTER TO AG ABOUT FAILED INVESTMENT FIRM

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Wednesday, February 10, 2010
    Contact: Senate President Sylvia Larsen
    (603) 271-2111

    CONCORD – Senate President Sylvia Larsen mailed a letter today to the state Attorney General urging his prompt investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by the Financial Resources Mortgage Co. and asking for his input on what laws need to be strengthened to prevent such problems in the future.

    “Given the devastating financial effect that these failed investments have had on many of our constituents, we wanted to offer our encouragement toward your prompt and thorough review of these charges,” the letter reads.

    It goes on to explain that the Senate will reluctantly defer a legislative inquiry because of the confidentiality constraints imposed by the ongoing criminal investigation. “Nevertheless, we are receiving numerous and justifiable pleas from constituent investors for some legislative scrutiny into this financial debacle,” the letter continues.

    “Given that it is our charge as legislators to make sure our laws adequately protect the citizens of our state, we would ask that as the investigation concludes, you plan to advise us as to whether you believe that New Hampshire laws need to be strengthened to ensure greater consumer protection and to prevent similar wrongdoing in the future,” the letter concludes.

    The Lakes region-based Financial Resources Mortgage Co. and its principal Scott Farah are accused of operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded hundreds of investors.

    Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton) was among the lawmakers pushing for a full and complete investigation into the matter.

    “Many of my constituents have lost money they were investing for their retirement. They deserve to know what went wrong and to be assured that state law does everything it can to protect them in the future. We are monitoring this situation closely but we do not want to compromise the integrity of the Attorney General’s investigation,” she said.

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  • LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND SAVE MONEY ENDORSED

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Monday, February 8, 2010
    Contact: Senator Sylvia Larsen
    (603) 271-2111

    CONCORD – The Justice Reinvestment Leadership Team, a special committee that includes the state Attorney General, Chief Justice, leading lawmakers and corrections officials, gave their unanimous endorsement today to draft legislation that’s expected to improve public safety and save money by lowering recidivism.

    “This draft legislation sets us on the path to improving our corrections system and putting a stop to the revolving prison door. We can improve public safety by doing a better job of treating substance abuse and mental health issues in our communities. At the same time we want to be sure that parolees and probationers get adequate supervision and face swift and certain consequences if they don’t adhere to the terms of their release,” said Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord), a member of the group and the bill’s lead sponsor.

    The legislation, which has broad bipartisan support, implements a set of recommendations that grew out of a special review of data from the state’s prisons and jails. The grant-funded effort was conducted by researchers from the Council of State Governments Justice Center, who worked closely with the Justice Reinvestment Leadership Team. Funding for the three-year study, which will include a review of the efficacy of any changes, came from the Pew Center on the States and the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance with support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

    Among other things, the data showed that the 31 percent increase in the state prison population in the past 10 years was driven primarily by probationers and parolees who were incarcerated after failing to meet the terms of their release and not because of any increase in crime.

    The legislation calls for redirecting a portion of the funds currently spent for incarceration to improve supervision in the community as well as provide more community-based treatment for substance abuse and mental health. Plans also call for varied sanctions to respond quickly and firmly to parolees or probationers who violate any of the terms of their release.

    The legislation also would ensure that anyone leaving prison would be subject to at least nine months of post-release supervision.

    “These are smart policies that are good for our communities and good for our taxpayers. Working together, we can save resources and improve how we supervise people on probation and parole,” said Senator Robert Letourneau (R-Derry), another member of the Justice Reinvestment Leadership Team.

    The legislation will be given a public hearing on February 16 at 2 p.m. before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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  • SENATE APPROVES ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Wednesday, January 13, 2010
    Contact: Senator Maggie Hassan
    (603) 271-2111

    CONCORD – The Senate voted unanimously today to approve legislation to help to the growing number of unemployed and low-income families struggling to pay their electric bills this winter.

    “At a time when our constituents are trying to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, we should be doing all we can to help them. Any delay in meeting the needs of these families only increases the pressure on our welfare departments at the community level,” said Senator Martha Fuller Clark, (D-Portsmouth).

    Senate Bill 300 would temporarily boost funding for the state’s Electric Assistance Program by shifting a small portion of the funds currently directed to energy efficiency. Both of the programs are funded with a small surcharge on ratepayers’ electric bills and overseen by the state’s Public Utilities Commission. The change would not affect what anyone pays for electricity.

    Senator Jacalyn Cilley (D-Barrington) noted that during a typical winter’s week, Public Service of New Hampshire indicated that 1,760 households are informed their electricity would be shut off and 31 are disconnected.

    “The matter is urgent. Every week’s delay leaves more families and elderly people in turmoil trying to juggle needs for food, heat, medicine or electricity,” Cilley said.

    The proposal calls for redirecting about $5 million over the next 18 months to help 8,000 families on a waiting list who’ve qualified for aid through applications to their local community action agencies. According to the state Public Utilities Commission, the waiting list grew abruptly starting in April and many qualifying households have not been able to receive aid.

    “I am please with the unanimous support for this bipartisan bill to help low-income families during these difficult economic times,” said Senator Peter Bragdon (R-Milford), one of the bill’s sponsors.

    Senate Bill 300’s proposal to boost aid to the Electric Assistance Program would expire in 2011. The program currently provides assistance to more than 28,000 homes at a cost of about $15.7 million.

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  • SENATE COMMITTEE ENCOURAGED TO HELP FUND ELECTRIC AID

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Tuesday, January 5, 2010
    Contact: Senator Maggie Hassan
    (603) 271-2111

    CONCORD – Members of the Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee were encouraged today to support legislation to help the growing number of families struggling to pay their electric bills.

    The Senate is expected to consider a vote as early as tomorrow on legislation that would temporarily boost funding for the state’s Electric Assistance Program by redirecting a small portion of the funds currently directed to energy efficiency. Both of the programs involved are funded with a small surcharge on ratepayers’ electric bills and overseen by the state’s Public Utilities Commission.

    “A substantial waiting list has developed in the last six months as more people lost their jobs. They need our help,” said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) who spoke before the committee today. “By fast-tracking this bill, we hope to get the assistance to our constituents during the dark and cold winter months and we can do it without any increase in the bills paid by other ratepayers,” she said.

    The proposal calls for redirecting about $3.5 million this year to help roughly 8,000 families on a waiting list who’ve qualified for aid through applications to their local community action agencies. About half of the Electric Assistance Program money goes to people making 75 percent of the federal poverty level but families earning up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level can qualify for lower levels of aid.

    Hassan and other speakers noted that federal stimulus money is contributing about $23 million for weatherization efforts in New Hampshire – a more than 10-fold boost over what the state was spending previously. Additional funds for energy efficiency also are being raised through participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

    Senate Bill 300’s proposal to boost aid to the Electric Assistance Program would expire in 2011. The program currently provides assistance to more than 28,000 homes at a cost of about $15.7 million.

    “The plan to add money to electric assistance program is temporary. We fully recognize the long-range benefits of improving energy efficiency and our commitment to that goal is unchanged. But lawmakers need to be responsive to the needs of constituents in these hard times,” said Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord).

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  • Protecting Small Business

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Wednesday, December 5, 2007
    Contact: Senator Sylvia Larsen (603) 271-2111

    SPEAKER AND SENATE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN PLAN TO REPEAL PARTS OF WORKERS COMPENSATION BILL

    CONCORD - One of the first acts of the Legislature on January 2 will be to revisit a law that broadened workers compensation requirements in a way that had unintended effects on some small businesses.

    Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord) and House Speaker Terie Norelli (D-Portsmouth), together with Senator Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester), Senator Robert Clegg (R-Hudson) and Representative Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) announced today the Legislature will seek to repeal a provision of House Bill 471 that eliminated an exemption from workers compensation for officers and directors of a corporation.

    "We recognize the importance of small businesses here in New Hampshire and their value to our economy. While it's vital that workers get the protections they deserve, we must also consider the unintended impact these changes might have on small business and contractors," said Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord).

    Lawmakers last year were seeking to close a loophole that allowed employers to avoid paying into workers compensation for certain employees labeled officers or directors - denying them the right to collect benefits if injured on the job.

    "We acknowledge an underlying problem with misclassifying workers that needed and still needs to be addressed. But in passing HB471, we inadvertently captured contractors who are not part of the problem," House Speaker Terie Norelli said. House and Senate leaders say they will continue efforts in 2008 to address the issue.

    "I am pleased that the House and Senate leadership has listened to New Hampshire's small business concerns regarding House Bill 471 and are proposing a legislative remedy on Jan. 2. I look forward to working with all concerned to continue to make any changes necessary to help New Hampshire's business community," said Rep. Gene Chandler, House Republicans Policy Leader.

    "I am glad that we are able to work together to repeal the unintended consequences and negative cost factors caused by HB 471. This is good news for the vitally important business sector of New Hampshire," Senate Republican Leader Ted Gatsas said.

    House Bill 471 was the result of a bipartisan study committee of House and Senate members and was passed with strong bipartisan voice votes in both bodies.

    "The bill was intended to crack down on construction contractors who have been giving themselves an unfair competitive advantage over legitimate businesses by insisting that the workers they hire call themselves "independent contractors" and by insisting that these workers claim themselves as officers of a corporation so they can be excluded from workers' compensation," said Senator Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter), chairwoman of the Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, which is dealing with the repeal measure.

    House Bill 471 went into effect in September and only affected small businesses when they renewed their workers compensation coverage.

    The fix going before the House and Senate on January 2 will repeal Section 1 of HB471, clarify intent by adding language that excludes certain contract workers such as snow plowers and grass cutters and allow businesses that paid their workers compensation policy under the new rules to collect the maximum refund to which they're entitled.

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  • Supporting Kids' Health Care

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Thursday, September 20, 2007
    Contact: Senator Sylvia Larsen (603) 271-2111

    SENATE PRESIDENT AND GOVERNOR SHOW SUPPORT FOR KIDS' HEALTH CARE

    CONCORD - Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord) and Governor John Lynch joined parents and children at the Dame School today to support the school's efforts to enroll more eligible children in the state children's health insurance program known as Healthy Kids.

    "Reaching out to families is our most important job if we're going to have our children grow up healthy in this state. Outreach is critical and Healthy Kids has proven effective once kids are enrolled. We know a healthy child becomes a healthier adult," said Larsen, who served on the board for Healthy Kids for many years.

    The elementary school has joined with Concord Hospital and Healthy Kids in an outreach effort known as the 100 Percent Schools initiative, which seeks to identify uninsured children and help their parents enroll in the program.

    This is one of several initiatives intended to reduce the number of uninsured children in the state. The Governor and the Legislature set a goal of insuring 10,000 more children in New Hampshire. But new and restrictive limits on the program set by the Bush administration could jeopardize that effort.

    Lawmakers, including Lynch, are urging President Bush and congressional leaders to undo the new restrictions so states have the freedom to provide coverage for children according to the needs of their own communities.

    Senator Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton) led the fight this year to launch a new outreach effort that calls for trained volunteers to help parents complete the required paperwork to enroll their children in the program. That initiative is now underway.

    "Healthy Kids has been an essential program for families throughout the state. It certainly is one of the best designed, most cost-effective partnerships that I have been involved in during my 25 years in government," said Sgambati, who worked for many years for the state Department of Health and Humans Services, including a stint as acting commissioner.

    "Parents who have enrolled their children tell powerful stories of the benefit that the program has provided their children. Covering these children will pay long-term dividends in healthy children and in reduced health care costs to the state," she said.

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  • Elected Senate President in Unanimous Vote

    November 14, 2006

    Contact: Senator Sylvia Larsen
    (603) 271- 2111

    SENATE DEMOCRATS ELECT LEADERSHIP TEAM

    In a unanimous vote of the new majority caucus of Democratic State Senators today, Senator Sylvia Larsen of Concord was elected to the position of Senate President.

    Senator Larsen praised the talented team of re-elected and newly elected Democratic Senators and pledged to work hard to accomplish some of the most important issues facing the state, including a responsible state budget, access to health insurance for children and adults, improving quality of life issues, and defining and funding quality education for New Hampshire.

    The background and expertise of the Senate Democratic leadership team includes, 5 former House Representatives, 6 lawyers , a Masters level Educator, a Masters level Art Historian, two Senators with extensive financial planning and investment background, a former assistant commissioner of the Health & Human Services Department and a parent of a child with disabilities.

    At the caucus, the Senators hosted a brief meeting with Governor John Lynch and they pledged to continue their cooperative effort to accomplish bi-partisan goals in the best interests of New Hampshire citizens.

    In the vote today the following Senators were named to the positions below:

    SENATE PRESIDENT: Sylvia B. Larsen

    VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE: Lou D’Allesandro

    VICE PRESIDENT FOR POLICY: Iris Estabrook

    SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM: Maggie Hassan

    MAJORITY LEADER: Joseph Foster

    DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER: Peter Burling

    MAJORITY WHIP: Martha Fuller Clark

    DEPUTY DEMOCRATIC WHIP: David Gottesman

    The formal swearing in and election of Senators and officers for the 2007-2008 legislative session will take place on December 6, 2006 in the Senate Chamber.

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Paid for by Sylvia Larsen for NH Senate. Ned Helms, Fiscal Agent.