Distant Dome

Garry Rayno

Garry Rayno’s Distant Dome runs exclusively on Manchester Ink Link and InDepthNH.org, where Rayno will explore a broader perspective on State House – and state – happenings. Over his three-decade career Rayno has closely covered the NH State House for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Foster’s Daily Democrat, and his coverage spanned the news spectrum, from local planning, school and select boards, to national issues such as electric industry deregulation and Presidential primaries. He is former editor of The Hillsboro Messenger and Assistant Editor of The Argus-Champion. Rayno graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in English Literature and lives with his wife Carolyn in New London.

Co-production between InDepthNH and Manchester In Link

Distant Dome

Tinkering With Bipartisan Family Medical Leave Bill Turns Into Partisan Fight

“How much tinkering is too much?” is a good questions to ask after a bill’s policy is approved by the House and then goes through the House Finance Committee meat grinder.

Business & Economy

Lawmakers Take Up 4 Right-To-Know Bills In Sunshine Week

As Sunshine Week dawns to shed light on the darkness shrouding the inner workings of government at all levels, the forecast is a little murky in the State House this week.

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NH Lawmakers Take Up Burgess BioPower, Transgender Rights, Child Marriage And More This Week

CONCORD — Crunch time is coming for lawmakers in Concord as crossover approaches and the House and Senate have to send the other body its bills.

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NH Boasts ‘No New Taxes,’ But Watch Out For Property Tax Whoppers This Session

So when you hear state office holders touting the no new or increased taxes mantra, know that sound bite does not include your property taxes. Garry Rayno explains why.

Distant Dome

Medicaid Expansion in NH – Will They or Won’t They?

The debate begins Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in Representatives Hall before the Senate Finance Committee. The last reauthorization three years ago drew a full house of supporters ranging from people in substance abuse treatment to hospital CEOs.

Business & Economy

Whew, What a Roller Coaster Week For Northern Pass

The likelihood of Hydro-Quebec electricity flowing into New England is greater than the likelihood that Northern Pass is built in its current configuration.

Elections and Tax Cuts Have Consequences in NH, But So Do Tuition Hikes

Today the state’s two business taxes — business profits and business enterprise — are the single largest source of revenue for state government, accounting for about one-quarter of all general and education fund dollars.

Distant Dome

2017 Won’t Soon Be Forgotten in Concord Or D.C.

As 2017 draws mercifully to a close, it was a year to remember. From the Presidential inauguration of businessman Donald Trump to the three baby bears that terrorized a Hanover neighborhood, 2017 had something for everyone and many things to rile people’s darker emotions.

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NH’s Third Rail: Who Will Feel the Toll Hike Shock?

Under the plan presented by the Department of Transportation, tolls at the Hooksett and Bedford booths would increase 50 cents to $1.50, and the Hampton toll booths would go from $2.00 to $2.50. The ramp or exit tolls would increase 25 cents to $1, which the EZ Pass discount would remain the same.

As Northern Pass Drags On, What’s the Legislature To do?

The most obvious difference is the project is so much bigger than anything the Site Evaluation Committee has dealt with since the Seabrook nuclear power plant.