In honor of Memorial Day the LFDA acknowledges and honors all those who have given their lives in the service of their country and in the cause of freedom.

In the spirit of honoring those who have given so much, the New Hampshire Congressional delegation continues to lobby for a full-service VA hospital in the Granite State. 

CLICK HERE to read about the 2011 bipartisan resolution asking for a full-service VA hospital.

CLICK HERE to read a 2012 update on the resolution.

The nonpartisan Live Free or Die Alliance serves New Hampshire citizens by providing objective information, promoting the civil exchange of opinions, and connecting citizens with their elected officials.  Here's how you can help:
     •Show support for our mission - register for free! 
     •Participate in discussions in our forum
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According to a recent report from the Trust for America's Health, New Hampshire has some of the fewest injury prevention laws in the nation.  New Hampshire does not require adults to wear seatbelts, does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, does not have a prescription drug monitoring program, and does not have a concussion law.

As Republican State Sen. Robert E. Clegg Jr. once told the New York Times, "The citizens of New Hampshire don’t like to be told by anyone else what to do."

However, this year the New Hampshire Legislature voted to toughen injury prevention laws.  SB 286 would create a prescription drug monitoring program.  SB 402 would require schools to develop guidelines for dealing with concussions.  Both bills are waiting for Gov. Lynch's signature.

What do you think of the new concussion bill?  CLICK HERE to discuss the injury prevention law on Facebook.

CLICK HERE to read the Trust for America's Health report, or CLICK HERE to read coverage of the report from NHPR.

On June 6 the filing period for candidates for state office begins.  However, if the New Hampshire Supreme Court rules in favor of the plaintiffs in a redistricting lawsuit, the filing will need to be redone to reflect any redrawn districts.

On Tuesday the Court denied a request to suspend the candidate filing period until after the court's decision.

Five different lawsuits were filed against the New Hampshire House redistricting plan.  The plaintiffs assert that the plan violates a constitutional requirement that any town large enough receive its own unique Representative.

CLICK HERE to learn more about redistricting in New Hampshire.

CLICK HERE to read coverage from the Nashua Telegraph.

During a visit to Central High School on Tuesday, gubernatorial candidate Ovide Lamontagne suggested lowering the minimum wage for students in the summer.  He argued that lowering the wage would create more summer job opportunities for students and boost the economy.

Opponents argue that lowering the minimum wage would result in labor exploitation.  Opponents also counter that students who earn more spend more, thereby boosting the economy through demand.

Do you agree with Lamontagne's idea to lower the minimum wage for students in the summer?  CLICK HERE to answer the question on Facebook.

CLICK HERE to read coverage from the Union Leader.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Ovide Lamontagne's candidacy for governor.

As health care costs continue to rise, New Hampshire state and local governments are looking for ways to lower the bottom line.

Last week the state Senate passed HB 1642, a repeal of the Certificate of Need law, in an attempt to ease restrictions and encourage new medical facilities to locate in New Hampshire.  Supporters of the repeal hope that welcoming new medical facilities will increase competition and thereby reduce prices for medical procedures.  CLICK HERE to discuss HB 1642 on our Facebook page.

Meanwhile Manchester is encouraging city employees to shop around for medical procedures by using the COMPASS Smart Shopper program.  Under the COMPASS program a Manchester employee is reimbursed for a portion of the city's savings when the employee chooses a cheaper health care provider.  CLICK HERE to read related coverage from the Union Leader.

CLICK HERE to learn more about health care reform in New Hampshire.