Mass. gambling push may force N.H.'s hand

Robert Cook reports in Foster's that backers of expanded gambling in New Hampshire are trying to beat Massachusetts to the table.

That argument has been part of the gambling debate in Concord for years, but Massachusetts hasn't previously been quite so close to rolling the dice.

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Revere, in October named Massachusetts State Rep. Brian Dempsey, D-Haverhill, the point person for developing a casino bill.

The legislation, which Bay State lawmakers could vote on as early as January, could allow slot machines at Boston-area race tracks, including Suffolk Downs, Wonderland Greyhound Park, Raynham Park and Plainridge Racecourse. Suffolk Downs also has publicly expressed an interest in getting a full casino license.

Chaos for Clunkers

Foster's Robert Cook reports on impact that the choatic Cash for Clunkers program has had on at one local dealership:

Hurlbert said he came to the 33-year-old family-owned dealership on Friday morning and told his sales managers they were no longer participating in the federal government program, which was suspended on Thursday after the initial $1 billion in funding was exhausted by consumers nationwide who rushed to take advantage of it.

"Right now, I don't trust the government," Hurlbert said. "I don't think you're going to find any dealership in New Hampshire that has received the cash from the government."

Hurlbert said he initially decided Monday to participate in the federal program that pays consumers up to $4,500 for their used cars if they qualify to purchase a new, fuel efficient vehicle. As the money for the program was exhausted this week, Hurlbert and several other automobile dealers realized they could not make any cash for clunkers deals because they were unsure if they would ever receive any money from the government. (more)

Fosters- State GOP seeks answers in rail contract probe

Robert Cook reports in Foster's on the Governor's initial reaction to the ongoing investigation into a lease deal agreed to by State House insiders, and his involvement in it:

In a prepared statement issued Monday by Colin Manning, the governor's spokesman, Manning said Rep. Doug Scamman, R-Stratham, called Lynch with concerns regarding potential delays in the awarding of the contract.

"Governor Lynch was not personally familiar with the details and told Representative Scamman he would look into the issue further. Governor's Office staff were aware of questions regarding the contract and had urged the Department of Transportation to continue working closely with the Department of Justice to ensure the issue was handled appropriately," Manning said. (more)

Health Care Protesters in Dover

Foster's Robert Cook reports on a health care protest outside Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter's office in Dover:

Robert Gates of Rochester held a sign that read, "Smaller government by we the people." He and his wife, Doris, said they have become disillusioned with Congress, Democrats Shea-Porter and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Sen. Judd Gregg.

Gates said Congress and the Obama administration have acted irresponsibly with the $787 billion federal economic stimulus funds. (more)

Cook speaks to other protesters, and counter-protesters, and updates the status of the ObamaCare bill in Congress.

Public employees ready to sue state over pensions

Robert Cook reports in Foster's on the latest lawsuit facing the state budget:

According to the New Hampshire Local Government Center in Concord, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, the New Hampshire Association of Counties and the New Hampshire School Boards Association believe the state is in violation of Part 1, Article 28-a of the State Constitution, which was adopted by the voters in 1984.

Here is the complete text of Article 28-A

Mandated Programs. The state shall not mandate or assign any new, expanded or modified programs or responsibilities to any political subdivision in such a way as to necessitate additional local expenditures by the political subdivision unless such programs or responsibilities are fully funded by the state or unless such programs or responsibilities are approved for funding by a vote of the local legislative body of the political subdivision.

The key questtion is whether the state's decision to pay a smaller share of local pension benefits is really just a mandate for cities and towns to pay a higher share.

Cities, towns unable to charge higher DMV registration fees

Foster's reporter Robert Cook finds that the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles wasn't ready for the fee increases imposed on drivers in the New Hampshire budget:

Dover Deputy City Clerk Susan Mistretta said she could not charge anyone the additional fees that went into effect on Wednesday because the state agency's computer system had not been updated to reflect the changes approved by state lawmakers.

She said she asked the state agency on Tuesday what the city should do and no one at the state agency could tell her.

Mistretta said the city can only charge a resident the current motor vehicle registration fee until DMV officials are able to resolve the situation on their end. So instead of paying the newly enacted $73.20 for a vehicle weighing 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, Mistretta said city residents will be charged the former fee of $43.20.

Dover was only one of several Seacoast municipalities in that situation Wednesday.

It's almost as if lawmakers rushed a budget into law without proper deliberation. Maybe they should have slowed down and done it right.

If you're keeping track at home. Two Superior Court judges have issued injunctions against the state to prevent it from spending a total of $119 million in disputed funds belonging to hospitals and nursing homes, the state's tracks don't have the authority to collect the new tax on gamgling winnings, and now the DMV didn't update its computers to allow towns to collect higher registratin fees. This budget is falling apart faster than the third Matrix movie.