Rick Green
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The Keene Sentinel
Articles by Rick Green
Your guide to the Sept. 8 primary election
By By Rick Green The state primary election is coming up Sept. 8. In addition to primaries for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House, here are the contested Democratic and Republican primary races local voters will see on their ballots. Rick Green can be reached at 603-352-1234, extension 1435, or rgreen@keenesentinel.com.
After universal education freedom accounts, Republicans push additional school choice legislation
Last June, New Hampshire school choice advocates notched a long-sought victory: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a bill to remove income limits on education freedom accounts. The EFA program itself was a touchstone school choice accomplishment when it launched in 2021. For five years, New Hampshire families have had the ability to leave or never attend their district public school and apply state funds to private schools and homeschool expenses. This story originally appeared in the N.H. Bulletin.
Monadnock Region towns test road salt alternatives
The town of Harrisville recently posted an advisory on Facebook that motorists may start seeing squiggly lines of liquid along roadways. “Due to a severe shortage of road salt this season, the highway crew is turning to a new road treatment protocol, using a liquid melting solution,” the post said. “This new method of de-icing uses a version of liquid magnesium chloride.
Swanzey selectboard set to expand
SWNAZEY — The town's selectboard will expand from three to five members after Tuesday’s election. The expansion was on a town warrant article residents approved last year. Bill Hutwelker, the chairman of the selectboard, is the only member up for election this year. James Tempesta’s term expires next year and Mark LaBelle’s term ends in 2028. Hutwelker is on the ballot with Bruce Tatro, James Ward and Michael York. The top two vote-getters will receive a three-year term on the selectboard.
Republican-backed bill would legalize brass knuckles
During debate in the N.H. House on Thursday, Rep. Jennifer Rhodes of Winchester conjured up the image of her jogging while wearing brass knuckles. “Somebody decides that they are going to come up behind me, grab my arm and swing me around,” the Republican lawmaker posited. “Yes, these brass knuckles are going to hurt their eye socket, and it may make them need surgery.
Voters to consider veteran property tax credit increase
A number of area towns will vote on warrant articles next week to increase property tax breaks for veterans. On May 14, N.H. Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 99, which included a tax credit of $701 to $5,000 for people with a service-connected permanent and total disability, if adopted by a city or town. Dublin, Chesterfield, Acworth, Troy, Marlow, Richmond and Rindge all have warrant articles involving this tax credit.
NH House committee votes down pair of abortion measures
Reproductive rights advocates have won a pair of victories in the N.H. House Judiciary Committee on abortion-related measures. The panel voted 13-4 on Wednesday against House Bill 1590, which would tighten the state’s restriction on abortion by prohibiting the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Legislation that went into effect in 2022 now prohibits most abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy in New Hampshire.
House panel votes against Liot Hill impeachment resolution
An attempt to impeach N.H. Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill over emails pertaining to new voter ID requirements appears to have died before it ever really got started. State Rep. Joe Sweeney, R-Salem, said Friday he recommended the House Judiciary Committee vote down his own resolution calling for the House to investigate whether there are grounds to impeach Liot Hill, a Lebanon Democrat, whose district takes in much of the Monadnock Region.
Bill would offer legal protection to pregnancy centers
Pregnancy resource centers, which do not offer abortions, would be shielded from some government regulation under a bill heard in the N.H. House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Advocates for the centers, which are typically supported by churches and private donations, say they provide important and free services for women and families and should not be disrupted by government intervention.
New Hampshire loses another round in car inspection lawsuit
New Hampshire has lost another round in a federal lawsuit seeking to force the state to preserve its mandatory vehicle inspection program. U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty in Concord on Wednesday denied the state’s request that she stay, or suspend, pending appeal her Jan. 27 preliminary injunction, which ordered the state to keep the inspection program going.
Dylan Germana announces new focus
Keene Board of Education member Dylan Germana, who resigned from the N.H. House last month, said Wednesday he has now quit his management job at Jersey Mike’s Subs so that he can better focus on public service. He stepped down as a legislator representing Keene’s Ward 1 on Jan. 30, the day after the N.H. Attorney General’s Office said in a letter that a preliminary investigation found that he might be residing not in Keene, but in Dover.
Republican leader floats all-charter school system
N.H. House Republican Leader Jason Osborne aired an idea Tuesday for tackling two of the state’s largest problems — high property taxes and a lack of affordable housing. Both could be addressed by transitioning all public schools to public charter schools, Osborne, of Auburn, told the House Education Policy and Administration Committee.
Bill would make NH abortion law more restrictive
New Hampshire’s restriction on abortion, now set at 24 weeks of pregnancy, would change to 20 weeks under a bill scheduled for a public hearing Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. Backers of Republican-sponsored House Bill 1590 say it would clear up a discrepancy in state law. Legislation that went into effect in 2022 prohibits most abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy in New Hampshire.
At a glance: Bill Boudreau
Age: 45 Hometown: Belchertown, Mass.; now lives in Jaffrey and is a longtime resident of the Monadnock Region Family: Wife, Jennifer; daughter Reagan, 14, and son Ryan, 12 Occupation: Lieutenant in charge of the Keene office of the N.H. Fish and Game Department with responsibilities for District 4, which takes in Southwestern New Hampshire. Also leads Fish and Game's dive team.
From animal rescues to ATV enforcement, Boudreau is game
Bill Boudreau came to a realization before getting his bachelor’s in business management from Western New England University in Massachusetts. “I kind of realized basically my senior year that I didn’t really want to be sitting in an office all day or sitting in a cubicle,” Boudreau, 45, of Jaffrey, said. Lt. Bill Boudreau speaks with ice fishermen on Feb. 11 at Silver Lake in Harrisville. “Every season’s different,” Boudreau said of his work with N.H. Fish and Game.
Republican lawmakers pass bill to restrict some school instruction
Two years ago, a federal judge struck down as unconstitutionally vague and a violation of the First Amendment a New Hampshire law restricting public school instruction about discrimination. But that didn’t stop the N.H. House on Thursday from passing another bill in that same vein, with all Democrats in opposition and all but four Republicans in favor.
State lawmakers reject bills to reinstate death penalty
Without debate, the N.H. House on Thursday rejected three bills that would reinstate the death penalty. All three were on a section of the House agenda known as the consent calendar, which contains a series of bills representatives decide on with a single voice vote. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire praised the House action.
Judge weighs NH vehicle inspection arguments
Although New Hampshire has suspended its mandatory vehicle inspection program, the Kentucky-based company that ran the program is continuing its legal fight to keep it going. Gordon-Darby’s lawyers filed documents Tuesday saying the Granite State is now violating a federal court order, as well as the Clean Air Act. On Jan. 27, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty in Concord granted the company’s request for a preliminary injunction prohibiting the state from ending the program.
Three local communities affected by proposed repeal of housing program
The N.H. House’s vote last week to repeal the state’s Housing Champions program disappointed local officials who feel the initiative is a good way of tackling the Granite State’s lack of affordable housing. In a partisan vote on Thursday, the House favored repealing the program, 185-166. Most Republicans favored repeal, and most Democrats were against. The program designates communities taking steps to boost residential development and offers grants to help in that goal.
NH Panel rejects bill to change tax distribution
A kind of Robin Hood bill that would take from property-rich communities and give to property-poor ones was soundly voted down in the N.H. House Ways and Means Committee on Monday. House Bill 1474, which now goes to the full House, would change the way the state’s rooms and meals tax is distributed. Currently, 30 percent of that tax, or about $140 million per year, is distributed to towns and cities based on their population. More populous communities get more; smaller towns get less.
AG continues looking into former Keene rep's residency
The N.H. Attorney General’s Office continued this week to examine an allegation that former state Rep. Dylan Germana misrepresented his place of residence, which he denies. The office said Thursday only that this remained “an open matter,” on which it had not made any final determination. The first-term legislator represented Keene’s Ward 1 before he stepped down last week. Legislators are required under the N.H. Constitution to live in the district they represent.
Vote-counting proposals, $2.25M budget on Alstead warrant
ALSTEAD — Residents will meet Saturday to discuss and potentially amend articles in the town warrant ahead of a March vote. The annual deliberative session, slated for 10 a.m. at the Alstead Town Hall at 9 Main St., will include articles related to the town’s operating budget and other proposals that will affect property tax rates for the following year. The town’s proposed operating budget is $2.25 million, up about $90,000, or 4 percent, from the $2.16 million voters approved last year.
Here's what Ayotte spoke about in her State of the State Address
Gov. Kelly Ayotte pronounced New Hampshire “strong” in her State of the State Address on Thursday, but also said property taxes are too high, there’s not enough affordable child care and electric bills are too expensive. Speaking to a joint session of the N.H. Senate and House, the first-term Republican governor gushed about the Granite State.
Fines risked after state rejects car inspection contract
Risking significant fines, the N.H. Executive Council on Wednesday rejected a request to extend a contract with a company that administers the state’s vehicle inspection program. N.H. Attorney General John Formella said the state could open itself to potential penalties of up to $55,000 per day under the federal Clean Air Act for failing to extend the agreement with Gordon-Darby Holdings Inc., of Kentucky.
Bills to help higher education considered in NH Senate committee
Catherine Provencher, chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire, asked lawmakers Tuesday to support any bills that would reduce cuts made to public colleges and universities in the current state budget. Two measures to help the system were introduced Tuesday in the N.H. Senate Finance Committee. Senate Bill 407 would provide $300 yearly for each full-time student paying in-state tuition to a USNH institution, including Keene State College.
Keene lawmaker Dylan Germana resigns from NH House
Dylan Germana resigned as a state representative for Keene on Friday, the day after the state Attorney General’s Office said he may no longer reside in the city. Germana, 22, said in a written statement Monday that he still does live in Keene, where he grew up, but also is renting an apartment in Dover because of travel requirements for his job. The first-term representative said he resigned the post because it became too difficult to balance responsibilities of work with those of public service.
Confused customers flood mechanics over car inspection
The N.H. Attorney General’s Office said on Friday it planned to appeal a federal court order that blocked New Hampshire’s plans to end its mandatory vehicle inspection program on Saturday. Meantime, the state is extending the deadline for people to obtain a state inspection to April 10 for any vehicle with an inspection that expires prior to March.
Effort underway to counter judge's ruling on car inspections
Lawmakers were drafting legislation Thursday in an effort to counter a federal judge’s ruling that preserves New Hampshire's motor vehicle inspection program for the foreseeable future. The legislative proposal would reduce the fine for driving a car without a current inspection sticker to $1 and would prohibit police from pulling over a car for not having a sticker, Rep. Michael Granger, R-Milton, said.
Federal judge rules NH keeps car inspections
U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty has granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting the state of New Hampshire from ending its motor vehicle inspection program, which was set to be discontinued on Saturday. She ruled Tuesday on a lawsuit brought by Gordon-Darby Inc., the company that administers the inspection program, which checks for vehicle safety and proper operation of components to reduce vehicle emissions.
Vehicle inspections back on tap in NH Statehouse
Legislation the N.H. Senate Finance Committee endorsed unanimously on Tuesday aims to ensure that motorists maintain safe vehicles despite the scheduled end of the state’s motor vehicle inspection law on Saturday. House Bill 649 as amended defines defects that make a vehicle unsafe. It would empower law enforcement to conduct limited safety inspections and restrict the sale and registration of vehicles that don’t meet safety standards.
NH tax-cutting bill unlikely to grow job market, study says
A tax-cutting bill passed by the N.H. House would likely do little to stimulate job growth while slashing millions of dollars in funding the state uses to pay for public services, an analysis released Tuesday says. House Bill 155, which is still pending in the state Legislature, would lower the business enterprise tax rate from 0.55 percent to 0.50 percent. The N.H. Fiscal Policy Institute study said that if this legislation were now in effect, it would cut $26 million from state revenues yearly.
Measure intended to shed light on legislative process
N.H. Rep. Michael Harrington wants to bring greater transparency to the state Legislature but doubts many lawmakers support the kind of openness he favors. The Strafford Republican objects to the opaqueness surrounding the budget trailer bill, also known as House Bill 2, which is considered every two years.
NH bill would provide alternatives to fines for people who are unhoused
N.H. Rep. Jonah Wheeler discussed his own experience with being unhoused to explain why he supports a bill that would require municipalities to provide alternatives to fines for people who violate ordinances against sleeping outdoors or camping. The Peterborough Democrat told the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Wednesday that these people need acknowledgement and help, not a monetary penalty they likely would be unable to pay. “I was homeless when I was 6,” Wheeler said.
Red-flag law sought as way to prevent gun violence in NH Original
A double-homicide and suicide case involving Troy residents in 2024 was cited Tuesday by supporters of state legislation intended to temporarily take firearms from people judged by a court to pose an immediate and significant risk to themselves or others. NH state Sen.
Red-flag law sought as way to prevent gun violence in NH
A double-homicide and suicide case involving Troy residents in 2024 was cited Tuesday by supporters of state legislation intended to temporarily take firearms from people judged by a court to pose an immediate and significant risk to themselves or others. N.H. Sen.
Senate bill aims to expand free school meals in N.H.
School districts would be able to increase the eligibility standard for free meals under legislation from N.H. Sen. Donovan Fenton. The Keene Democrat said in an interview Tuesday that it is important that his Senate Bill 517 would allow districts to increase the standard to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Eligibility is now set at 130 percent of poverty for free meals, with reduced-price meals available to those earning up to 185 percent of the poverty level.
Fenton's bill would expand eligibility for free school meals
School districts would be able to increase the eligibility standard for free meals under legislation from N.H. Sen. Donovan Fenton. The Keene Democrat said in an interview Tuesday that it is important that his Senate Bill 517 would allow districts to increase the standard to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Eligibility is now set at 130 percent of poverty for free meals, with reduced-price meals available to those earning up to 185 percent of the poverty level.
NH House bill would create perpetual tax cap referendum
Voters in every city, town, county and school district in New Hampshire would vote every two years on whether to cap property taxes under a bill set for consideration by a state House committee this week.
International ink company shedding jobs in Keene
Markem-Imaje, an international ink company, announced Friday that it is planning a streamlining program that will result in a reduction in jobs at its facility in Keene.
ACLU lawsuit seeks ICE training materials given to local police
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire filed a federal lawsuit Thursday seeking records on training that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement provided to police officers across the state.
ACLU lawsuit seeks ICE training materials given to local police
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire filed a federal lawsuit Thursday seeking records on training that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement provided to police officers across the state.
NH bill would increase cigarette tax by more than $1 a pack
Taxes on cigarettes would increase by $1.02 per pack under a N.H. House bill aimed at raising money to restore higher education budget cuts and repeal some Medicaid premiums. House Bill 1596, whose prime sponsor is Rep. Jerry Stringham, D-Lincoln, drew support from public health advocates and opposition from convenience store representatives in its first hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee on Monday.
NH bill to restrict use of bee-killing neonic insecticides
Measures to restrict neonicotinoid insecticides, which have been implicated as a threat to endangered species, pollinators and potentially to people, drew support at a N.H. House committee hearing on Tuesday. These substances, also known as neonics, could be sold only by licensed dealers for use by state-certified applicators under House Bill 1431, whose prime sponsor is N.H. Rep. John MacDonald, R-Wolfeboro.
NH House passes tax-cutting bill, but fails to approve school budget cap
N.H. House Republican leaders won one and lost one on Thursday, gaining initial passage of a bill to reduce the state’s business enterprise tax but failing to prevail on a measure to cap school district budget hikes. House Bill 675 would have limited such increases to the inflation rate and growth in attendance, unless two-thirds of residents voted otherwise. A district would have been able to exceed the cap for purchasing or building new facilities.
NH House passes pot legalization on first day of session
The N.H. House began its yearly session Wednesday, and one of its first votes showed strong bipartisan support for a measure to legalize marijuana for recreational use by adults. Representatives backed House Bill 186, 208-135. The next stop for Rep. Jared Sullivan’s legislation will be the House Finance Committee. There was no debate on the measure, which would allow adults to possess up to 2 ounces of the drug and allow its sale in stores licensed through a state commission that would be created.
Providers consider uses for NH rural health grant money
The federal government will give with one hand and take with another when it comes to New Hampshire’s rural health care system in 2026. The state has been awarded a $204 million federal grant to improve that system. However, federal spending on Medicaid, a lifeline for rural health care, is expected to decline by $2.3 billion in the state over the next decade under the “Big Beautiful Bill” President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, according to KFF, a national health policy nonprofit.
Pot on the agenda as NH Legislature returns to session
The N.H. Legislature begins its yearly session on Wednesday, with votes expected on a series of bills held over from last year, including one to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Lawmakers will also consider final passage for a bill that would penalize adults for transporting a minor for a surgical procedure, such as an abortion, without parental authorization. Rep.
Keene benefits from court ruling on Eversource taxes
A court ruling saved Keene from potentially having to return more than $2 million in property tax money to Eversource. Merrimack Superior Court Judge Daniel St. Hilaire ruled Dec. 17 on a consolidated lawsuit involving the utility’s request for refunds on taxes it paid over several years to a number of municipalities across the state. Eversource is the biggest property taxpayer in Keene, Dan Langille, the city assessor, said in a recent interview.
Douglas Co. buys former manufacturing plant in Keene
Douglas Co., a family-owned business that makes plush toys, has purchased a large building in Keene that will allow it to expand warehouse and shipping operations, President Scott Clarke said Wednesday. Earlier this month, the company purchased the former Smiths Medical plant at 10 Bowman Drive for $8.6 million, according to property records.
State's struggling rural hospitals get financial infusion from feds
New Hampshire’s struggling rural health care system has received a financial shot in the arm in the form of a $204 million federal grant for 2026. Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced the money from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Monday. This is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, and is the largest award among New England states.
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