The Economic Development Committee addresses issues relating to the New Hampshire economy and state economic development policy. The Fiscal Policy Committee examines issues around state government spending and taxation. The committees meet concurrently on the second Friday of each month at the BIA office in Concord. Meetings begin at 8:00 AM and are open to BIA members.
Meeting Schedule 2020 November 13th December 11th
Chair (Fiscal Policy): Steve Lawlor, Nathan Wechsler
BIA staff contact: David Juvet, Senior Vice President, 224.5388 x115
Meeting Agenda Friday, April 9, 2021 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (Via ZOOM) Business & Industry Association 122 N. Main Street, Concord - 3rd floor
Fiscal Policy Co-Chair: Steve Lawlor - Nathan Wechsler Economic Development Co-Chair: Brien Murphy – Boyce Highlands
AGENDA (to come) 1. Introductions
2. SB 130 - Education Freedom Accounts The issue of school "vouchers" (i.e. taxpayer education funds that follow students who attend private and/or religious schools) has been around for years. Up to now, BIA has been neutral on this issue because it has not been raised by our members as a pressing concern. This issue was raised at a recent BIA Executive Committee meeting and staff committed to reviewing the matter among appropriate policy committees and returning with a recommendation. This year's voucher effort is SB 130. Prime sponsor for the legislation, Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Senate District 3), will speak to the merits of the legislation and Senator Jay Kahn (D-Senate District 10) will present an opposing viewpoint.
3. 544 - Propagation of "Divisive Concepts" Scott Merrill, editor for the NH Bar News, will be our guest presenter on one of this session's most controversial bills, HB 544, relative to the propagation of "divisive concepts." Like SB 130, this legislation is not one in which BIA has had any involvement, but the issue was raised at a recent BIA Executive Committee meeting and staff committed to reviewing the matter among appropriate policy committees and returning with a recommendation.
Attorney Merrill will outline what the bill seeks to accomplish as well as outline potential problems and unforeseen consequences.
