CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – The House of Representatives voted 201-134 today to pass SB 12, which establishes the New Hampshire college graduate retention incentive partnership program.Representative Manny Espitia (D-Nashua), a member of the House Labor Committee, released the following statement:
“Senate Bill 12 will help to address our workforce shortage here in New Hampshire. Currently 60 percent of New Hampshire high school students leave the state after graduation due to the lack of incentives to stay. New Hampshire high school students who stay in state for college are 70 percent more likely to stay in after graduation.”
“Senate Bill 12 creates incentive for young people to stay in New Hampshire by establishing a simple opt-in agreement with employers who agree to provide New Hampshire college graduates with at least $1,000 dollars to them or their loan lender for the first four years of employment. Supported by the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, the NH Business and Industry Association and Stay, Work, Play New Hampshire, this is free advertising for businesses and an important incentive for young people to stay in New Hampshire.”