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New Hampshire Legislative Priorities 2011 Session

Coming soon

New Hampshire Legislative Priorities 2009-2010 Session 

NMSS 2008
“Governor of the Year”

Chapter staff and volunteers gathered to present Governor John Lynch with the National MS Society Governor of the Year Award for his efforts in the areas of health care and disability rights.

John Lynch, Governor of the Year
l-r, Gov. John Lynch; Michelle Dickson, Advocacy Manager; Bill Godfrey, NH MS advocate; Ken Jones, Member of the Board

Text of Resolution

State Funding

Funding Victory for the Catastrophic Illness Fund Program (CIP)

This year due to the downfall in the economy, Governor Lynch proposed eliminating funding for the Catastrophic Illness Fund program in the next two-year budget cycle. Our chapter partnered with the American Cancer Society when it became in jeopardy and provided testimony. The fund coordinated within the Department of Health and Human Services provides financial assistance up to a maximum of $2,500 to qualified low-income residents who incur out-of-pocket medical expenses. In 2005, the chapter added MS to the eligibility criteria of medical conditions. Last year, 58 individuals with MS accessed this fund.

  • Status: The legislature preserved full funding to the program and the budget was signed by the Governor. A great feat of advocacy in action indeed! Funding is now available so please take advantage of this assistance.
  • Joint-op-ed by the chapter and American Cancer Society
  • MS legislation in 2005
  • Catastrophic Illness Fund Program

Chapter Initiated Legislation in 2010

HB 1262

  • HB 1262 Bill Signing 2010Sponsored by Representative Carol Williams and Representative Bob L’Hereux
  • An Act relative to disabled parking signs is now law! The new law establishes a $250.00 fine for property owners failing to maintain proper accessible parking signage
  • Bill text

HB564-FN

  • This bill requires new construction to designate certain areas as van-accessible parking and ramp/lift-equipped van-only parking.
  • Sponsored by Rep Michael O’Brien
  • Status: Bill did not pass.
  • Bill text
  • Testimony

Other issues

Requiring Power Door Openers in the NH Building Code

  • Opening new doors a reality! A chapter-led effort proved successful in creating a change in the proposed 2009 state building code based on the consideration of adoption of the 2009 International building code. The amendment requires power door openers in most public buildings more than 1500 square feet for all newly constructed buildings or during certain building renovations that trigger the building code. Our partnership with key disability state and local entities was critical, as was support from Rep Williams, an architect who is serving on the NH Code Review. The 2009 revised state building code took effect April 1st, 2010.