These are the Resolutions passed at the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on May 17, 2008.
Primary Sponsor: Newbury Democratic Committee
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Pertaining to the Accountability of the Federal Governmet
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
The Accountability of the Federal Government
WHEREAS: Labels such as left and right, small or big government, red or blue states distract and divide American citizens from the role of effective, smart and good government.
WHEREAS: An effective, smart and good government upholds the rule of law, protects the innocent, punishes the guilty, keeps the peace and provides order and security with the most justice and least violence possible.
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring Anita Freedman
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
HONORING ANITA FREEDMAN
A Resolution related to the honoring of Anita Freedman by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, Anita Freedman, has served the New Hampshire Democratic Party for over 30 years; and
WHEREAS she has decided not to seek another term as the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s DNC National Committee woman after serving our state and protecting our First in the Nation Primary for over 20 years; and
WHEREAS Anita was the longest serving DNC member in New Hampshire history; and
WHEREAS in addition to her participation at the national level, Anita has also dedicated her life to New Hampshire Democrats, serving as chairwoman of both the Portsmouth Democrats and Rockingham County Democratic Committee; and
WHEREAS Anita has also been a presidential elector, and Co-Chaired both of former President Bill Clinton’s New Hampshire campaigns; and
WHEREAS Anita’s service as Commissioner of the Portsmouth Housing Authority and President of the National Council of Jewish Women illustrate her dedication to the betterment of her community;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention applaud, honor, and thank Anita Freedman for her years of service to the Democratic Party at the local, state and national levels.
Ray Buckley
Chair, New Hampshire Democratic Party
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring David L. Broderick
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
MEMORIALIZING DAVID L. BRODERICK
A Resolution related to the honoring of David L Broderick, offered by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, after struggling with lung cancer, David L. Broderick fell victim to the disease this past winter; and
WHEREAS, David touched the lives of so many individuals through his involvements in the Greater Manchester community, where he served as Chairman of the Manchester Transit Authority, and the New Hampshire Democratic Party, where he served as Hillsborough County Chair; and
WHEREAS, David won the respect and admiration of his colleagues in both the private and public sector, first as an attorney at Mallory and Sullivan, and later as an assistant U.S. Attorney; and
WHEREAS, David will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow Democrats, and colleagues;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention grant to David L. Broderick the highest praise and accolades for his dedicated service to his community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT expressions of heartfelt sympathy be extended to the members of his family.
Ray Buckley
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring The Democratic Campaigns for President of the United States
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
HONORING THE DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGNS FOR PRESIDENT
A Resolution related to the honoring the Democratic campaigns for President of the United States offered by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, the campaigns of Joe Biden for President, Chris Dodd for President, John Edwards for President, Hillary Clinton for President, Denis Kucinich for President, Barack Obama for America, and Bill Richardson for President helped create record turn-out and unprecedented involvement in the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary; and
WHEREAS this year’s Democratic Presidential campaigns should be lauded for their efforts to bring in new voters and help grow the New Hampshire Democratic Party; and
WHEREAS we thank them for their dedication to preserving New Hampshire’s first in the nation primary status; and
WHEREAS the results of this year’s Democratic Presidential Primary show the strength of New Hampshire Democrats and prove that New Hampshire’s role as the first in the nation primary should be preserved;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention applaud, honor, and thank the 2008 Democratic Presidential campaigns thanks for their participation in the primary process and their efforts to promote growth in the New Hampshire Democratic Party.
Ray Buckley
Chair, New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring Gaetan Digangi
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
HONORING GAETAN DIGANGI
A Resolution related to the honoring of Gaetan Digangi by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, Gaetan Digangi has fought tirelessly over the past eight years to preserve New Hampshire’s First in the Nation Primary status; and
WHEREAS he has earned great respect from his colleagues across the nation for his dedication to electing Democrats, especially here in New Hampshire; and
WHEREAS Gaetan has always been willing to go out of his way to support the New Hampshire Democratic Party and all of our candidates, from the bottom up; and
WHEREAS although Gaetan’s service as the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s DNC National Committeeman has been exemplary, we look forward to him helping us elect New Hampshire Democrats in the years to come;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention applauds, honor, and thanks Gaetan Digangi for his years of service to the Democratic Party at the local, state, and national levels.
Ray Buckley
Chair, New Hampshire Democratic Party
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution to eliminate the acheivement gap in students
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
A RESOLUTION to Eliminate the Achievement Gap in students by Adopting The Follow The Child Initiative.
Whereas, the Black Caucus recognizes that there is an achievement gap in minority students; and
Whereas, teachers and administrators recognize that there is an achievement gap in students throughout NH and our county; and
Whereas, the Black Caucus is concerned not only for minority students but all students; and
Whereas, in 2001 the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted on a bipartisan basis, with a purpose of increasing academic achievement in language arts, mathematics, and science to students who are not presently achieving at proficiency levels; and
Whereas, a well-designed growth model, with multiple forms of assessment, is a more complete measure of student success than the status model of No Child Left Behind for identifying schools in need of improvement; and
Whereas, a truly effective public education must document the physical, personal, social, and academic growth of each child; and
Whereas, the New Hampshire Department of Education has developed an assessment framework known as the Follow The Child initiative, which builds on the intended spirit of No Child Left Behind by encouraging all schools and districts to provide a personalized education for each student that goes beyond merely recording academic achievement; and
Whereas, the Follow The Child initiative also encourages all schools and districts to use a well-designed growth model and multiple forms of assessment to measure each student’s progress in the areas of academic achievement, physical, personal, and social development; and
Whereas the New Hampshire Democratic party urges the congress to rewrite and re-enact the No Child Left Behind Act with provisions to allow each state department of education the flexibility to monitor, supervise, and evaluate each school’s effectiveness in documenting the physical, personal, social, and academic growth of each child; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the New Hampshire Democratic Party;
That the New Hampshire Democratic party applauds the department of education’s efforts to encourage each school to document a personalized education for each student as part of its Follow The Child initiative; and
That the New Hampshire Democratic party urges the department to utilize the Follow The Child initiative as a focus of a statewide accountability system; and
That the Secretary of the NH Democratic Party send copies of this resolution to the Chairman of the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of the Department of Education, in recognition of the Democratic party’s support for a locally developed initiative that preserves the State of New Hampshire’s rigorous intent to provide a quality education for each child.
Primary Sponsor: Alexander Lee
Co-sponsors: None
Topic: International relations
Date Submitted: April 29, 2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile þ E-mail
Talk to Those Who Will Listen
A Resolution related to foreign policy, offered by Alexander Lee, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
Whereas, governments, in their proper role, should seek peace for all people everywhere,
Whereas, the spread of violence around the world has been exacerbated by an unforgiving United States foreign policy that refuses to permit negotiations between warring parties willing to negotiate,
Therefore, candidates for federal office and holders of federal office ought to espouse a foreign policy which promotes lasting, meaningful peace agreements,
Therefore, efforts to negotiate for peaceful resolution of conflict instead of resorting to violence, ought to be honored by the United States,
Therefore, the United States ought not to boycott and punish political factions or governments that refuse to accept United States mandates.
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring Rep. George Brown
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
MEMORIALIZING REP. GEORGE BROWN
A Resolution related to the honoring of Rep. George Brown, offered by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, we mourn the death of our Representative George Brown, who passed away earlier this year; and
WHEREAS, George dedicated his life to bettering his community, as he served on the Rochester School Board, planning commission, City Council, President of the Rochester Little League and finally in the New Hampshire House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, George proudly served Rochester in the General Court for five terms, earning a reputation as a hard worker, and a likeable, nice, and friendly man; and
WHEREAS, George also served as Rochester City Democratic Chair for a number of years;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention grant to Rep. George Brown the highest praise and accolades for his dedicated service to his community, state, country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT expressions of heartfelt sympathy be extended to the members of his family.
Ray Buckley
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Betty Hall
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Commencing Impeachment Procedures
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
PETITION TO COMMENCE IMPEACHMENT PROCEDURE IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS
A resolution related to impeachment, offered by Betty Hall, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, the New Hampshire State Democratic Party resolved unanimously in 2006 that the House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire has good cause for submitting charges to the U.S. House of Representatives as grounds for the impeachment of President George W. Bush; and,
WHEREAS, the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the people a right to petition the government for a redress of grievances; and,
WHEREAS, the New Hampshire State Constitution Article 4 provides for "Rights of Conscience"; and,
WHEREAS, members of the New Hampshire State Legislature and the United States Congress who are elected to public office take an oath to support the Constitution; and,
WHEREAS, the United States Constitution provides a system of checks and balances that is designed to prevent the abuse of power by government and to preserve the power and freedom of the people; and,
WHEREAS, there is evidence in the public record that suggests President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney may have abused their executive power by deliberately providing misleading information to Congress and the public about the threat from Iraq in order to induce Congress to approve the use of military force; and,
WHEREAS, there is evidence in the public record that President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney may have authorized and condoned the rendition of prisoners across national borders and the torture of those prisoners in violation of the "Federal Torture Act" Title 18 United States Code, Section 113C; and,
WHEREAS, there is evidence in the public record that President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney may have authorized allowed the politicization of the Department of Justice and improperly obstructed Congressional oversight investigations related to this action the politicization of the Department of Justice; and,
WHEREAS, on December 17th, 2005, President George W. Bush publicly admitted to ordering the National Security Agency to conduct electronic surveillance and information gathering on American citizens in a manner that may have violated the Constitution's 4th Amendment prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures; and,
WHEREAS, the Judiciary Committee of the United States House of Representatives has the power to investigate these, or any other charges of Executive misconduct, for which there is sufficient cause; and,
WHEREAS, the United States Congress has the sole power to determine guilt or innocence, and whether these crimes rise to the level of High Crimes and Misdemeanors, through the Constitutional process of impeachment and a subsequent trial; and,
WHEREAS, future Presidents will effectively inherit any expanded powers of the current Presidency unless those powers are removed by the process of impeachment before leaving office;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Hampshire State Democratic Party hereby requests that the United States House of Representatives investigate these charges, using the greater power that an impeachment investigation provides, and if their findings so warrant, proceed with the impeachment of President George Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Hampshire State Democratic Party hereby requests that the New Hampshire House exercise its right to petition the United States House of Representatives to urge commencement of impeachment investigations; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution with the original authorizing signature of the Secretary of State and of the New Hampshire State Democratic Party be sent to the Office of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and that copies of the signed resolution be sent to each member of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and to each member of the New Hampshire State Legislature.
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring James Jarvis
Date Submitted: 5/1/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
MEMORIALIZING JAMES JARVIS
A Resolution related to the honoring of James Jarvis, offered by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, we mourn the death of James Jarvis, who passed away August 14, 2007 after a valiant battle with lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, James began campaigning as a young child, banging drums in the street shouting “Vote Roosevelt, Vote Roosevelt” and continued to campaign for national, state and local candidates his entire life; and
WHEREAS, James served courageously in the US Army as a machine gunner in the Korean Conflict; and
WHEREAS, James worked for Joy Manufacturing in Claremont for 33 years and was a member of the AFL-CIO steelworkers union, serving as Union Steward and Time Study Man and being a champion for workers’ rights, civil liberties and environmental causes; and
WHEREAS, James was deeply involved in his community as a member of the Unity Volunteer Fire Department when it first started in 1950, as one of the founding members of the Unity Planning Board and as a member of the Sullivan County and Unity Democrats;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention grant to James Jarvis the highest praise and accolades for his dedicated service to his community, state, country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT expressions of heartfelt sympathy be extended to the members of his family.
Ray Buckley
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring Dr. John Hussey
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
MEMORIALIZING DR. JOHN HUSSEY
A Resolution related to the honoring of Dr. John Hussey, offered by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, we mourn the death of Dr. John Hussey, who passed away at the age of 65 after a long illness; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hussey served the Manchester community with distinction for years, as both a longtime Latin teacher at Manchester Central High School and as a sports reporter for the New Hampshire Union Leader; and
WHEREAS, in his over 31 year’s of teaching, Dr. Hussey became known as one of the most popular faculty members in the school district; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hussey also dedicated a significant portion of his life to electing Democrats to office, and volunteering for the Democratic Party;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention grant to Dr. John Hussey the highest praise and accolades for his dedicated service to his community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT expressions of heartfelt sympathy be extended to the members of his family.
Ray Buckley
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring Margo Ellis
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
MEMORIALIZING MARGO ELLIS
A Resolution honoring Margo Ellis offered by The New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, we mourn the loss of Margo Ellis, who passed away earlier this year after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease; and
WHEREAS, Margo was a leader in Madison, New Hampshire, serving as town chair for six years in the 1990’s at time when being a Democrat in Carroll County took “courage;” and
WHEREAS, throughout her tenure, Margo helped build the Democratic Party in the North Country by recruiting candidates for office, attending local meetings, encouraging new individuals to get involved in the process, and working hard for the Democratic candidates for office up and down the ticket;
WHEREAS, Margo was honored for her work in Carroll County back in 1997 by the Carroll County Democratic Committee;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention grant to Margo Ellis the highest praise and accolades for her dedicated service to the party and her community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT expressions of heartfelt sympathy be extended to the members of her family.
Ray Buckley
Primary Sponsor: Marcosa J Santiago MD
Co-sponsors: David Golden MD; Camilla Jones MD; Laurie McCray RN; John P Daley MD; Mark Patnaude; Kathleen M. Swartz; Douglas McVicar MD
Topic: The United States National Health Insurance Act - HR 676
Date Submitted: April 14, 2008
Submitted by: E-mail
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
A Resolution related to the Endorsement of the United States NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE ACT - HR 676, offered by Marcosa J Santiago MD, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, every person in the United States, has the right to and deserves equitable, affordable, quality health care, and
WHEREAS, the United States has an excellent infrastructure of hospitals, physicians, specialists, and modern medical equipment, and
WHEREAS, the US healthcare expenditure is more than twice as much per capita as Europe, Canada, and Japan, and
WHEREAS, despite above mentioned seeming best of all conditions, the World Health Organization (WHO), ranks the US healthcare system as 37th of 190 countries, and 72nd on the performance level of health care, and
WHEREAS, overall healthcare measures disparities exist along racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines, with many medically underserved areas and populations, and many health professional shortages in certain areas, and
WHEREAS, many families are unable to access healthcare because of the inability to afford the high cost of premiums, the high deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and
WHEREAS, millions with health insurance have coverage so inadequate, that a major illness would lead to financial ruin, and medical illness and bills cause about one-half of all personal bankruptcies, and
WHEREAS, the number of Americans without health insurance now exceeds 47 million, and
WHEREAS, the complex bureaucracy arising from our system of fragmented, for-profit, multi-payer system of health care financing consumes approximately thirty percent (30%) of United States health care spending, and
WHEREAS, managed care, consumer directed, and other market-based reforms have failed to contain health care costs, which now threaten the international competitiveness of US manufacturers, and
WHEREAS, each citizen’s “pursuit of happiness” depends upon maintaining health, and
WHEREAS, a healthy economy depends upon a healthy and productive citizenry, and
WHEREAS, the General Accounting Office concludes that if the US shifted to a single payer system of universal coverage, “the savings in administrative costs would be more than enough to offset the cost” of providing health care to everyone, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the New Hampshire Democratic Party supports the establishment of a universal single payer, national health care system in the US, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this system be publicly financed, but privately delivered; allow people to choose their own health care providers, and provide preventive health care, dental care, mental health care, long term care, chiropractic, hearing, vision, and affordable prescription drugs; and make health care available to everyone regardless of pre-existing conditions, status of employment, or income level, and
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the New Hampshire Democratic Party endorses, and respectfully urges the United States Congress to enact, the United States National Health Insurance Act (HR-676) sponsored by US Representative Conyers, and adopt its goal of universal single-payer health insurance.
Primary Sponsor: Andy Sylvia
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Related to the Implementation of Political Rhetoric
Date Submitted: 5/1/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
A Resolution related to the implementation of political rhetoric in our society, offered by Andrew Sylvia, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008
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Be it resolved, that decision makers and those who influence decision should be expected to submit a good faith effort in providing methods of implementation along with any political rhetoric they might provide, and that we as voters within our society should show respect to decision makers who do submit a good faith effort in regards to any political rhetoric they may provide.
Primary Sponsor: Jim Rafferty
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Pertaining to Superdelegates
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
THE SUPERDELEGATE PROCESS SHOULD BE REVIEWED TO ASSERTAIN IF THE PROCESS LIVES UP TO THE DEMOCRATIC IDEALS WE AS DEMOCRATS ALL BELIEVE IN
A Resolution related to superdelegates offered by [Jim Rafferty], for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, we believe in democracy and the concept of one person, one vote; and
WHEREAS, we believe that popular vote should be of top priority in the process of this Democratic Party selecting a candidate to be the leader of the free world and President of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, we believe the process for selection, the use and value of superdelegates be reviewed in detail by fair thinking members of this party;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention heartily endorses the creation of a study group to analyze and report back to this State democratic executive committee the proper use and value of superdelegates as an instrument in the selection of our democratic candidate for President of the United States of America.
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring Frances Shaine
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
MEMORIALIZING FRANCES SHAINE
A Resolution related to the honoring of Frances Shaine by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, we mourn the death of Frances Shane, a lifelong New Hampshire Democrat and leader within her community; and
WHEREAS Frances was known for her dedication to the Democratic Party and our candidates, frequently throwing house parties, serving on steering committees, and housing innumerable campaign staffers at her home; and
WHEREAS Frances was even our Executive Council nominee in District 4 back in 1980; and
WHEREAS Frances was also heavily involved in New Hampshire state government, and in addition to her work as the State Director of Economic Planning, was also named to several state-wide panels by previous New Hampshire Governors; and
WHEREAS Frances interests went far beyond politics and government, as she was a highly regarded writer and editor for New Hampshire Profile Magazine; and
WHEREAS Frances served as the first female Vice-President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention grant to Frances Shaine the highest praise and accolades for her dedicated service to the party and her community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT expressions of heartfelt sympathy be extended to the members of her family.
Ray Buckley
Chair, New Hampshire Democratic Party
Primary Sponsor: New Hampshire Democratic Party
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Honoring Congressman Tom Lantos
Date Submitted: 4/30/2008
Submitted by: q Mail q Facsimile q E-mail
MEMORIALIZING CONGRESSMAN TOM LANTOS
A Resolution related to the honoring of Congressman Tom Lantos offered by the New Hampshire Democratic Party, for consideration by the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
WHEREAS, we mourn the death of Congressman Tom Lantos, who served our country with honor and dignity for over 14 terms; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Lantos was truly a great example of the American Dream, as he twice escaped from a Nazi-run forced labor camp in Hungary, only to become the first Holocaust survivor to win a seat in Congress; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Lantos was a leader and a friend to all of those around the world who fought for democracy, and against the suppression of human and civil rights; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Lantos became a leading voice in the United States Congress on foreign affairs, championing many causes and eventually serving as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his great work in public service, Congressman Lantos was also dedicated to electing Democrats around the country, and especially here in New Hampshire, as he provided many of our candidates with the resources they needed to run successful campaigns;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2008 New Hampshire Democratic State Convention grant to Congressman Tom Lantos the highest praise and accolades for his dedicated service to his country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT expressions of heartfelt sympathy be extended to the members of his family.
Ray Buckley
Primary Sponsor: Sara Dustin
Co-sponsors: N/A
Topic: A Resolution Pertaining to Housing
Date Submitted: 5/1/2008
Resolution
Whereas: The NH Democratic Party has wisely stated in its platform that “every person deserves safe, decent and affordable housing” and accurately noted that such housing is “essential to the growth of our economy and the strength of our families and communities,” and
Whereas: The NH Housing Authority reports that in the four Southern Counties of our state, where 72% of our poorest families live, the cost of a two bedroom apartment plus utilities in the bottom 20% of the private housing market falls between $850 and $900 a month, and
Whereas: The maximum TANF grant the state issues for the support of a single parent with two children is $675 per month, and
Whereas: In order to remain eligible for this grant, the parent must report daily at 8:30 am for a four to five hour stint at a work participation site, and in order to do this she must place her children in daycare, paying an average co-pay of $75.00/month, and maintain and fuel an automobile, and
Whereas: Until she is able to master the difficult task of supporting her children on a single income in today’s workplace and successfully leave TANF, the parent must, in order to maintain minimum family functioning, provide her children and herself with adequate food, household cleaning, dish washing and personal hygiene supplies, find quarters for the Laundromat, pay for a phone and essential over-the counter medications like baby aspirin, antiseptic and band aids, and sometimes buy diapers and infant formula, all on the grant issued by the state, and
Whereas: The daycare providers, remedial educators and emergency housing providers who work with TANF parents report serving clients who are unable to move into the work force effectively because the task becomes too difficult after they have lost their apartments and must live in camp grounds, shelters and their cars, and
Whereas: Homeless children are exposed to high levels of stress and poor nutrition, experience poorer physical and emotional health and are apt to fall back in school—with consequences that will follow them through their lifetime and lessen the contribution they are able to make to the life of the state,
Therefore, the NH Democratic Party resolves that no New Hampshire child, no matter their status, shall be homeless, and
Supports the finding of the state’s task force on the TANF grant that those TANF families solely dependent on the state grant for their survival be issued a supplemental housing voucher by the NH Division of Family Assistance in an amount sufficient to achieve this end.
379 Elm Street Manchester, NH 03101 • 603.836.0930 (phone)
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