The Exchange

Since the Claremont decision of the mid 90s, New Hampshire has debated the locus of authority and responsibility in funding our K-12 public schools. Over 80 proposed amendments have seen their way to a vote in state legislative chambers over the past several years. Last year marked the first time any such amendment passed the house and the senate passed a version of its own. The two chambers failed to reconcile their differences, however, and the issue was tabled.

June’s longer days also signal the end of the legislative session, but critical votes remain before the summer break.   The House and Senate have been trying to work out their differences on some difficult policy issues and on top of that, the House had a sudden change in its leadership team, with the resignation of Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt.  We'll get the latest on what's going on at the Statehouse as lawmakers wrap up their final month of law making.  

Guests

Next week on the Exchange, we begin with a statehouse update, as lawmakers come down to the wire in their final month of work.  Then we look at why some experts are souring on sugar. New research shows it could be even worse for you than we thought, including contributing to memory loss and addictive qualities.  We return to a long debate in New Hampshire – over the state’s role in funding our public schools. Finally, this economic downturn has been nicknamed the 'man-cession' due to the number of middle-aged men left unemployed from it, but now some are suggesting that we're entering a 'ma

A recent article in the Atlantic magazine caused a firestorm of debate over the social network’s ability to connect humankind, suggesting that it is contributing to loneliness of epic proportions. But not everyone “likes” this theory; some argue that Facebook with its almost one billion users is connecting us in new and powerful ways, even spurring for social change. 

Guests

With looming debate over the  federal debt and deficits, a recent government report warns the U.S. could fall over a “fiscal cliff", and quite possibly slip back into recession.  On top of that, job growth has been uninspiring and across the pond, European economies remain shaky.  We’ll look at these new fiscal rumblings…and how we may feel them in New Hampshire.

Guests

New Hampshire is one of just eighteen states where the government controls the sale of alcohol; an arrangement from the Prohibition era.  Now, several of these states are re-assessing this set-up, wondering whether it’s outdated.  But others have argued for sticking with the control system, saying it’s better for public safety and for state finances.

During this country's early years, military service was considered the price of citizenship in a free society. Over time, veterans gained in prestige, especially after World War II. Our wars since – some unpopular -- have brought about new attitudes. In his new book, Those Who Have Borne the Battle: A History of America's Wars and Those Who Fought Them, former Dartmouth College President James Wright describes the complicated relationship between this country and its military. 

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We conclude our series on New Hampshire’s Immigration Story.  Over the past year, we’ve examined our immigrant past -- from that first encounter between Native Americans and Europeans to how newcomers shape our communities today… their contributions, their struggles, and the conflicts that come up.  We’ll look at what we’ve learned…and how our immigration story is still being written.

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