NHLRA's Weblog

Small Group Health Insurance

Thirteen State Senators have signed on to legislation that would reform SB 110 small group health insurance enacted a few years ago.  The proposed legislation would prohibit insurers from rating based upon medical history and the geographic location of the group.  This group of thirteen Senators comprises a majority of the 24-member Senate, resulting in the high likelihood of passage in the Senate.  Stay tuned…..

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Unemployment Benefits for Part-Time Workers

This Wednesday, February 16, a subcommittee of the House Labor Committee will discuss HB 137, which would enable part-time workers to collect unemployment benefits.

Tax on Companies That Don't Provide Health Insurance

This Tuesday, February 15 the House Labor Committee will hear HB 633, which would tax employers who do not provide health insurance to their employees.  The tax would be at a rate of $.50 per hour for each full-time employee.   The proceeds would go to fund health insurance for those employees. 

New Wine Listing Rules

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission recently adopted a rule that has reduced the number of different brands of wines it sells at its liquor stores.  NHLRA would like to hear if this change has impacted any of our members.  Are you having any trouble getting the kinds of wines you need through the State Liquor Stores?

Governor Lynch Budget

Governor John Lynch is putting the final touches on his 2-year budget for fiscal years 2006-07.  He is scheduled to present it to the legislature on Tuesday, February 15.   

Tax on Take-out Food and Beverage

Several legislators have introduced HB 659, which would impose a 0.001105 percent tax upon the value of all take-out food and beverages sold in NH.  The proceeds would go to a state recycling program to provide technical services to municipalities.  While the amount of the tax is relatively small, NHLRA is concerned that it could be increased for other purposes in the future.  We will oppose the bill.

Minimum Wage Increase

Seven legislators have co-sponsored HB 665, which would increase the State’s minimum wage for hourly employees from $5.15 to $6.65, and increase the cash wage for tipped employees from $2.38 to $2.66.   No hearing has been scheduled yet.  NHLRA will lobby to freeze the tip wage at $2.38.