New Hampshire

After a year of ‘teeny tiny steps,’ advocates aim for bigger child care fixes • New Hampshire Bulletin

Published

5 months ago

June 11, 2024

After a year of ‘teeny tiny steps,’ advocates aim for bigger child care fixes • New Hampshire Bulletin

Two years ago, the House speaker appointed a special committee to solve or at least mitigate the child care crisis in New Hampshire. There’s disagreement among lawmakers and child care advocates about its success.

Committee members have sent a few bills to the governor seeking to tweak staffing ratios to allow workers to take additional children. Others would ease zoning requirements for in-home providers and allow a child to remain in child care for more than 13 hours a day in some situations. One would provide supplemental scholarship funding for children experiencing developmental delays.

“Teeny tiny steps” was how Rep. Mary Jane Wallner, a Concord Democrat on the committee, described the legislative efforts. Some of those steps concern her, she said. Wallner, who ran a day care for many years, worries expanding ratios are a step backward if they mean each child will get less care.

That’s not to say there hasn’t been significant attention or other investments in addressing the child care crisis since the pandemic put the shortage of affordable quality care on lawmakers’ radar.

The state has invested nearly $160 million in pandemic assistance, most of it federal dollars, to keep child care providers afloat. Last year, in what advocates called one of the Legislature’s biggest investments, the Senate put $15 million in the budget to vastly increase income thresholds for the state’s child care scholarship to make more families eligible. This year, lawmakers supported a bill that would spend $1 million to increase child care workers’ eligibility for the same scholarship.

Meanwhile, as advocates and lawmakers await the governor’s action on pending bills, they are looking ahead to the fall elections and next year’s budget process with hopes of achieving much more next year.

Here’s what to know about the child care landscape in New Hampshire.

A single female earning the median income with no state assistance would have paid 61 percent of her earnings on child care for an infant and 4-year-old during 2018-2022, according to a study from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. (Screenshot)

Child care remains incredibly expensive and hard to find.

Last year, the average annual cost of center-based child care for an infant and 4-year-old was $31,868, a 12.5 percent increase from the prior year, according to New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute’s recent report, The Fragile Economics of the Child Care Sector.

For married couples earning the median income, $145,289, that would have reflected 20 percent of their annual household income, the report said. Using the same census data, the institute determined that would have equaled 41 percent of annual income for a single man and 61 percent for a single woman.

That’s far above the 7 percent of annual income the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deems affordable.

Add the state’s high housing costs, and many young Granite State families may effectively have to choose between buying a home or having a child, the NHFPI report said.

Meanwhile, the pre-pandemic shortage of child care slots continues.

The analysis found that between 2018 and 2022, New Hampshire saw an average annual shortage of about 8,400 slots.

Ratio changes are controversial.

Ross Berry of Weare, a Republican who until recently served in the House and chaired that chamber’s Special Committee on Childcare, believed tweaking ratios would have an immediate and significant effect.

Lawmakers passed two bills doing that.

One would allow in-home providers to care for four children in addition to their own kids; the current limit is three. The other would slightly increase the number of infants and toddlers allowed in a child care classroom based on staffing.

Berry, who runs a child care center in Epsom with his wife, describes it as a math solution.

“If there are 330 licensed providers (in the state) and we can now take two kids in a demographic that need it most, we just created 660 new slots throughout the state without spending a single dollar in taxpayer money,” he said. “We’d see immediate results.”

Annie Hopkins and her son, Alex, of Portsmouth, attended the state’s first Chamber of Mothers meeting in May. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Berry acknowledged the results would likely be more modest because not all child care centers would have the space or staff to qualify. And based on the feedback lawmakers got, many providers wouldn’t participate.

Michele Merritt, president of the advocacy group New Futures, was among those who urged the committee to defeat the bill, saying providers opposed it.

“The opinion of these individuals could not have been more clear – addressing staffing ratios is not the solution,” she wrote. “It would burden already burnt-out staff, create unsafe environments for children, and is simply irresponsible.”

Rebecca Woitkowski, the child and family policy director for the organization, said last week child care advocates will be watching to see how the bill is implemented if the governor signs it. Like Wallner, Woitkowski sees both bills as small changes that won’t solve the child care crisis.

“I don’t think there will be a ton of centers that get a waiver (to expand class size),” she said. “We have to do a lot more in the state overall to strengthen our child care system.”

More people are eligible for more generous assistance.

The most significant child care legislation came last year, not this year, said Jackie Cowell, executive director of the advocacy group Early Learning NH.

Lawmakers included $15 million in the budget to significantly expand the state’s child care scholarship program. Cowell called it transformational. She’s worried, however, that many parents who earned too much to qualify in prior years don’t know they might be eligible now.

Until the eligibility changes took effect in January, a family of three could earn no more than $65,000 a year to be eligible. That limit now is $89,100. And families who receive a child care scholarship will pay no more than 7 percent of their gross income on child care.

“People, honestly, before the change, could easily spend 20 to 30 percent of their gross income on child care,” Cowell said. “Sometimes more than half of take-home pay was for child care.”

Parents must submit an application through the state’s general assistance portal, NH Easy, though it is difficult to find information about the program on the site. Parents can also complete a paper application or apply at their local Department of Health and Human Services office.

Tara Ryan, of Durham, founded the state’s first chapter of Chamber of Mothers in May hoping to increase support for families and children. (Annmarie Timmins | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Advocates want child care on the ballot.

Until her friends began having children, Tara Ryan, of Durham, thought all parents got three months of paid parental leave because it’s common in the technology field she and her husband were working in.

Now a mother herself, Ryan has discovered how untrue that is – and how hard it is to find affordable child care. She launched the state’s first chapter of Chamber of Mothers in Portsmouth last month determined to change that. Ryan’s message was written on their T-shirt: “Vote like a mother.”

The group is still determining whether it will take up paid family leave, affordable child care, or material health supports first. The goal is to make parents and children a key part of the narrative and legislative agenda.

“We are just moms. We don’t have the political connections,” Ryan said. “My story is not the only one to tell. There are so many stories.”

Her effort won’t be the only one.

Save the Children Action Network, based in Washington, D.C., recently hosted forums with the four gubernatorial candidates focused on the child care crisis. New Futures and Early Learning NH plan to continue their advocacy, too. Wallner hopes to continue her work on the House Special Committee on Childcare, too.

“I was happy to see this year that we were able to demystify that access to child care is not just a mothers’ issue,” said Woitkowski, of New Futures. “That it’s something the state should invest in because it’s a common good and it’s important for child health and development, and really important to the economy of the state.”

Cowell, of Early Learning NH, intends to make that a statewide conversation.

“One of the priorities for the future is to really work together with the Legislature, business community, policy makers, moms and dads … to find another funding source or sources to really raise the compensation for the child care field,” she said. “It can’t just be on the back of the families that need them.”

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New Hampshire

Notable New Hampshire Deaths: Seventh-Generation Apple Grower; Former Somersworth City Councilor

Published

6 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Press Room

Notable New Hampshire Deaths: Seventh-Generation Apple Grower; Former Somersworth City Councilor

InDepthNH.org scans the websites of New Hampshire funeral homes each week and selects at random some of our friends, relatives and neighbors to feature in this column. The people listed here passed away during the previous weeks and have some public or charitable connection to their community. InDepthNH.org is now offering obituaries through the Legacy.com service. We view this as part of our public service mission. Click here or on the Obituaries tab at the top of our home page to learn more. And if you know of someone from New Hampshire who should be featured in this column, please send your suggestions to NancyWestNews@gmail.com.

Brenda Rose (Hartley) Baer, 98, of Laconia, died Nov. 4, 2024. She and her husband Bob worked in the 1950s to build the Belknap Recreation Area and the Gypsy Tour (now Motorcycle Week) in Laconia. She was a former Laconia city councilor for 12 years, retiring at age 91. Frequent letters to the editor to the local newspaper resulted in a newspaper column with Dorothy Duffy called “Sensible Seniors,” which was published in the Daily Sun and the Citizen for two years. (Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services)

David A. Forest, 82, of Contoocook, died Nov. 4, 2024. He was associate professor emeritus at the University of New Hampshire and served in the engineering technology program at the Manchester campus and at the Durham campus for a total of 35 years. He worked for Sanders/BAE. (Waters Funeral Home)

Nancy Preston Johnson, 92, of Hanover, died Nov. 2, 2024. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta board of directors for the Dartmouth College chapter and was involved with YMCA Camp Coniston in Croydon for 60 years. She and her daughter Catherine founded Wheelock Travel, Inc. She was the wife of N.H. Supreme Court Justice William R. Johnson, who died in 2009. In 1971, they founded the Friends of Dartmouth Basketball, the first of the now 34 Friends groups of Dartmouth Athletics. (Rand-Wilson Funeral Home)

Lawrence Logemann, 79, of Twin Mountain, died Nov. 1, 2024. He worked at various radio stations throughout the country and was employed at CBN Network for 15 years. He owned and operated Twin Mountain Country Store in Twin Mountain for 11 years. He then opened an online woodworking business and worked for Camp Kabeyun in Alton for 17 years teaching woodworking. (Baker-Gagne Funeral Homes)

Timothy Taber Louis, 82, of Portsmouth, and formerly of Raymond, died Oct. 29, 2024. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he worked at the Ashworth-by-the-Sea Hotel in Hampton Beach for 40 years as a front desk agent, supervisor, and ultimately, assistant general manager. A 40-year resident of Raymond, he was president of the historical society, served six years on the school board, was a charter member of the Raymond Area Rotary Club and served a term as president. He also served on the budget committee and the historic development commission, He was school district moderator for many years. (Brewitt Funeral Home)

Andrew “Andy” C. Mack, 89, of Londonderry, died Nov. 2, 2024. A U.S Army veteran, he was the seventh generation of his family to work the apple orchards that are closely identified with Londonderry. He spent most of his life working on the family farm. He sold the development rights to the town in the 1990s and later sold the business to Kyle Christensen, who maintains the farming tradition today. He was a trustee of Pinkerton Academy in Derry and served as Londonderry town and school moderator. He was a vice president at Derry Bank and Trust and was a member of the Derry Rotary Club. He worked with town and local groups to provide space for future Londonderry municipal expansion, transferring land for Moose Hill School, the Londonderry Historical Society, and Orchard Christian Fellowship. (Peabody Funeral Homes)

Madeleine T. Marchewka, 99, died Nov. 1, 2024. She was a hairdresser in Lebanon and worked for the American University Field Staff in Hanover. She became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Lebanon and was Lebanon Citizen of the Year in 2008. She published her memoir, “Welfare as We Knew It,” in 2002 and another book, “Yes Sister, No Sister,” in 2006, about her years in a Canadian convent. (Ricker Funeral Home)

Phyllis A. “Pam” Muzeroll, 69, of Claremont, died Nov. 1, 2024. She worked as a journalist, writer, and photographer. She was published nationally and internationally. With her mother, she wrote “The Squirrel’s Goblet.” She founded the e-Ticker News of Claremont in 2009, the first electronic newspaper to cover the region. She closed the operation 13 years later. She was the Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year in 2014. She served on the board of trustees for the Claremont Historical Society. (Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home)

Eric F. Parthum, D.M.D., 84, of Windham, died Nov. 1, 2024. A U.S. Navy veteran, he was a dentist with a practice in Methuen, Mass. He was a member of the Berkley retirement board of directors and past president of the Lawrence High School Alumni Association. (Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home)

Jennifer Gemma Soldati, 77, of Somersworth, died Oct. 29, 2024. She served as a state representative from 1989 to 1994 and was House Minority Whip. She was executive director of the Somersworth Chamber of Commerce from 2006 to 2015 and a Somersworth City Councilor from 2012 to 2016. She was the sister of former Strafford County Attorney and Somersworth Mayor Lincoln Soldati, who died in 2022. She was an artist and professional potter who taught art at various institutions. (Direct Cremation of the Seacoast)

WORDS OF WISDOM: “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” – John Lewis, congressman and civil rights advocate, Feb. 21, 1940, to July 17, 2020

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New Hampshire

New Hampshire Lottery Lucky For Life, Pick 3 Day results for Nov. 7, 2024

Published

14 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Press Room

The New Hampshire Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 7 drawing

05-10-30-37-40, Lucky Ball: 05

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Nov. 7 drawing

Day: 1-2-3

Evening: 3-3-3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Nov. 7 drawing

Day: 8-7-3-1

Evening: 1-0-4-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Gimme 5 numbers from Nov. 7 drawing

02-14-22-23-37

Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the New Hampshire Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. daily.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Megabucks Plus: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Hampshire managing editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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New Hampshire

New Hampshire Passes Texas on Tax Competitiveness – NH Journal

Published

21 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Press Room

New Hampshire Passes Texas on Tax Competitiveness – NH Journal

(This article first appeared at JBartlett.org)

New Hampshire this year slipped ahead of Texas to claim the No. 6 spot on a national index of state tax competitiveness published by the Tax Foundation.

Formerly the Business Tax Climate Index, the newly redesigned 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index combines the Tax Foundation’s indexes for corporate, individual income, sales, property and unemployment insurance taxes.

New Hampshire ranked No. 1 on sales taxes, 12 on individual income taxes, 27 on unemployment insurance taxes, 32 on corporate taxes and 39 on property taxes.

That was good enough to place New Hampshire sixth overall, behind perennial top-five states Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Florida, and Montana.

Texas, previously in the sixth spot, fell to seventh, with New Hampshire edging up one spot by a fraction of a point.

(The foundation applied its new methodology to previous studies going back to 2020 so states could compare their progress.)

Texas ranked No. 1 on individual income taxes, but was in the bottom half on all other taxes. New Hampshire’s only personal income tax—the Interest & Dividends Tax—is scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

Wyoming and South Dakota, the top two states for years, tied as usual for No. 1 on both corporate and individual income taxes.

Florida (with which New Hampshire competes for residents, workers and retirees) also tied for No. 1 in individual income taxes. It ranked No. 10 in unemployment insurance taxes, 14 in sales taxes, 16 in corporate taxes, and 21 in property taxes.

The Tax Foundation praised New Hampshire lawmakers for voting in 2023 to let businesses fully deduct interest expenses in the year incurred, rather than over time.

“This change, following on the heels of rate reductions to New Hampshire’s two business taxes, helped New Hampshire’s corporate component ranking improve by eight places, from 40th to 32nd,” the report noted.

New Hampshire was dinged for high property and corporate taxes.

The report noted that the Interest & Dividends Tax rate change from 4 percent to 3 percent did not alter this year’s ranking because the state was already so competitive. But eliminating the tax is seen as a positive step.

“New Hampshire will officially join the ranks of the individual income tax-free states once its low-rate interest and dividends (I&D) tax is eliminated in January 2025, further solidifying its competitive standing overall,” according to the report.

To improve New Hampshire’s tax competitiveness, the Tax Foundation recommends “eliminating the I&D tax…adopting permanent full expensing” and improving the state’s treatment of net operating loss carry forward,” all things legislators have tried to address in recent years.

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