The New Hampshire Legislative team of the New England Police Benevolent Association has been diligently working with legislators over these last several months concerning many proposed Bills that directly or indirectly affect our members. With the addition of our new (and not so new) State locals, including but not limited to NH DOC Corrections Officers, Probation and Parole Officers and Chiefs and the NH Liquor Enforcement Investigators, as well as new municipal locals such as the Derry and Exeter Police Patrol Unions, New Hampshire NEPBA has increased visibility and exposure on the political scene.

With the addition of the added locals comes added attention to legislation. This year we in NH Law Enforcement have dodged some bullets concerning our continued fight to maintain our retirement benefits, and ended this session unscathed. During the final hours of the Budget Bill, Rep. Neal Kurk (R-Weare) tried unsuccessfully to raise our retirement contribution rates from 9.3% to 11%. Our friends in the legislature made sure that effort failed.

We continue to endorse our friends in Concord to include Senators Lou D’Alessandro (D-Manchester), Michael Downing (R-Salem), and Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester).

Recently I had coffee with Governor John Lynch who stated he has heard nothing but good thing associated with the NEPBA NH contingency concerning our growth and professionalism. He listened to the many concerns we have over current legislation and ideas for future legislation. Governor Lynch stated that although the State is embroiled in a difficult financial crisis where many tough decisions must be made, he continues to support NH Law Enforcement, wholeheartedly. He continues to have an open door policy.

As stated we worked hard this year to protect the benefits and rights of our members. This Legislative term is winding down, as this time the NH Legislature is entering their summer break. 

It is the intention of the NEPBA to continue to enhance the Legislative services by the onset of next year’s legislative session. The implementation of the NH Legislative Committee will be in place. This committee will consist of one member from each NH Local who wishes to get involved with the political process.  I urge all Presidents to submit to me a name of a member who has the ability and desire to participate on this committee.

Should you have questions on a specific Bill(s) or if you have ideas for future legislation, please do not hesitate to shoot me an email with the Bill number, proposed legislative language and contact information and I will get back to you. At any time please feel free to log on to the State web site and search legislation using the general court’s web dashboard.

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/

Respectfully submitted,

 

Stephen J. Arnold, Sr., Legislative and Organizing Director