Carson, Bradley concerned with increased property taxes from COLA

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Concord, NH – Today the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee recommended HB 616-FN, relative to a cost of living adjustment for retirees in the state retirement system, ought to pass. Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry), Chairman of the committee, and Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) issued the following statements:

“I appreciate and respect all the work our state retirees have done through their many years of service to the state which is why I have sponsored responsible COLAs in the past,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry), Chairman of the Executive Departments and Administration Committee. “However, this COLA is an irresponsible use of taxpayer funds and creates an extreme burden on local communities who will be forced to raise property taxes to pay for it. There are better ways to fund COLAs that work for everyone and I will prepare such an amendment when the Senate meets next week.”

“This legislation flies in the face of all the work that has been done to reform the state’s pension system,” said Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro). “Starting in 2011, the state began making tough decisions to ensure that the pension obligations we made would be there in the future for our state retirees. It is unfortunate that the hard work and sacrifices made over the last decade will be upended in one legislative session with legislators unwilling to stand up for taxpayers.”

“Our Democratic colleagues ran last year on lowering property taxes, but their vote today proves they actually will increase property taxes,” Bradley added.

Carson, French oppose changing current common-sense firearm laws

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Concord, NH – Today the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee held public hearings for HB 109-FN, requiring background checks for commercial firearms sales, HB 514-FN, imposing a waiting period between the purchase and delivery of a firearm and HB 564, relative to possession of firearms on school property. Following the committee hearings Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) and Senator Harold French (R-Franklin) issued the following statements:

“The three pieces of legislation that we heard today will be ineffective in stopping gun violence and will have adverse effects in our communities,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry). “While there are technical problems that would require a background check to be performed every time a firearm changes hands even among family and friends, there are many other issues that make these pieces of legislation harmful to law abiding citizens. Fighting the mental health crisis in the state would be a much more effective way to prevent violent crime and the tragic act of suicide in New Hampshire.”

“The New Hampshire legislature should do everything we can to prevent gun violence in the state,” said Senator Harold French (R-Franklin). “Unfortunately, the proposals we heard today in committee are the wrong answer to a tragic problem. Every year New Hampshire is consistently listed as one of the safest states in the nation and changing our gun laws, even though good intentioned, will not make us any safer. This is a solution in search of a problem and will only make it more difficult for law abiding Granite Staters to protect their families.”

Bradley, Carson pleased with senate support for child welfare services

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Concord, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB 14-FN, a bill relative to child welfare. Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) and Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) issued the following statement:

“This is a critical piece of legislation that builds upon the work of the last legislature and Governor Sununu to improve services at the Division of Children, Youth and Families,” said Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro. “We know that mobile crisis units are the most effective way to help a child in need before they require hospitalization. When a child is dealing with a mental health crisis, it is imperative that they receive quick and effective care and this legislation will make that happen.”

“I am pleased that the Senate has continued to prioritize keeping children safe in New Hampshire,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry). “This legislation will help the children receive the psychiatric treatment they need with community-based care, keeping them close to their family and friends. I am grateful for Governor Sununu’s leadership on this issue and will continue to make child welfare a priority in New Hampshire.”

Carson disappointed in senate support for criminal record annulments

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Concord, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB 311-FN, a bill relative to annulment of criminal records. Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) issued the following statement:

“I am disappointed this legislation was passed today and am concerned with the consequences that may result from its’ passage,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry). “It does not matter if we are talking about driving under the influence or domestic violence, these are serious charges that should not be dealt with such leniency. Unfortunately, the Senate has given up our opportunity to make improvements to the bill by waiving it from a Finance Committee hearing and instead sending it straight to the House.”

Carson pleased with DOT response to exit 4 issues

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Concord, NH – In response to resident complaints, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation increased lighting and signage in the construction area off exit 4 on I-93 in Londonderry. Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) issued the following statement:

“I want to thank the Department of Transportation for their quick response to a hazardous situation at exit 4 on I-93,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry). “I received multiple complaints from residents who had issues following the traffic pattern at night due to low lights and a lack of directional signs in the construction zone. I commend DOT for making this correction and hope we can continue to make New Hampshire as safe a place to operate a vehicle as possible.”