Economy

An Update On New Hampshire's Economy

Laura Knoy — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:18 +0000

As the national economic mood picks up will New Hampshire join the party? U.S. unemployment is tracking downward, the stock market is going up, and housing trends look strong in many parts of the country. Meanwhile, here in the Granite State, the recovery’s been steady but lackluster. We’ll look at where the economic promise and perils may be found, moving forward.

Guests:

The Land Grabbers

Virginia Prescott — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:40:10 +0000

Large-scale acquisition in developing countries to secure food, natural resources and even altruistic motives is nothing new, but it’s grown exponentially in recent years. Recent estimates of how much land has been snapped up run from 120 to 560 million acres.

Boston's Fed President Sees Job Growth Ahead, But Plenty Of Economic Obstacles Too

Brady Carlson — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:41:16 +0000

Today four heads of Federal Reserve Banks gave public speeches about the economy – one of them was the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Eric Rosengren.

In his speech at St. Anselm College, Rosengren said the Fed’s policies had boosted the economy, and he said he expected more slow job growth over the next few years.

Eric Rosengren talks with All Things Considered host Brady Carlson about the state of the US economy and our place in it.

Drifting Toward 'Downshifting'

Laura Knoy — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

A new report from the NH Center for Public Policy Studies shows that one of the biggest challenges facing cities and towns in the Granite State is reductions in state aid, while the demand for public services remains high. This is even more amplified during our town meeting season as residents sort out what they can truly afford. But some lawmakers argue that local control means local responsibility for funding these services. We'll explore the arguments around this debate.

Guests

Unemployment In N.H. Ticks Up To 5.8%

Todd Bookman — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:50:23 +0000

The unemployment rate in New Hampshire rose a tenth of a point to 5.8% in January. More than 43,000 Granite Staters remain out of work.

But Annette Nielsen, an economist with NH Employment Security, says the trend for the state is heading in the right direction.

Nielsen: “The economy is growing...we are adding jobs, so people are not discouraged. They are actually encouraged by that activity so that they are joining in bigger numbers, and attempting to find employment.”

New Hampshire's Frustration Over Sequestration

Laura Knoy — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

More than a year ago, Congress and the President agreed to these spending cuts, said to be so unpleasant they’d force leaders to craft a better deficit reduction plan. Now, with the cuts set to begin, some predict a major hit to our economy but others believe that fear is exaggerated. We’ll get the latest and reaction in the Granite State.

Guests:

To Raise Or Not To Raise The Minimum Wage

Laura Knoy — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

President Obama has called for an increase in the federal minimum wage, and several New Hampshire Lawmakers have proposed raising it in the state as well. Supporters say this could help lift many out of poverty. But opponents warn it could lead to a loss of jobs.

New Hampshire's Minimum Wage Debate

Laura Knoy — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:39:39 +0000

To raise or not to raise the minimum wage? President Obama has called for an increase in the federal minimum wage, and several New Hampshire Lawmakers have proposed raising it in the state as well. Supporters say this could help lift many out of poverty. But opponents warn it could lead to a loss of jobs.

Crunching The Numbers To Governor Hassan's Budget Address

Laura Knoy — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, Governor Maggie Hassan presented her priorities for state spending. It was a long list that included more funding for mental health, higher education, state troopers and a new women’s prison. On the funding side – Hassan proposed a higher tobacco tax and Casino Gambling. But not everyone agrees that the numbers add up. We’ll look at the details and where the budget battles go from here.

Guests

Map: Where N.H.'s Gun Manufacturers Are (And Aren't)

Amanda Loder — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:15:57 +0000

Recently, NHPR examined the impact of the firearms industry on the state's economy. Especially now, with gun sales at historic highs, this subset of New Hampshire's manufacturing industry is benefiting. Looking at federal firearms manufacturing licenses, we've pinpointed where the state's firearms manufacturers are located.

N.H. Benefits From Firearms Boom

Amanda Loder — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:20:00 +0000

As federal lawmakers grapple with tighter gun control laws, business is good for the firearms industry.Across the country, gun dealers can’t keep them on the shelves, and manufacturers can’t keep up with demand. But how do these trends affect New Hampshire's economy?

Author Molly Michelmore and her new book "Tax and Spend"

Laura Knoy — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Author Molly Michelmore explores what she calls the fundamental paradox of American Politics: We’re hostile toward taxes, but we also demand the privileges government offers from social security to local police protection. Michelmore examines the history of this conundrum and finds these attitudes consistent from FDR’s New Deal to the Reagan Revolution.

Guest

The Economic Forecast for New Hampshire and New England

Laura Knoy — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

A recent report predicts slow growth in the new year for New Hampshire and New England. And, while the Granite State still ranks well on such measures as taxes and personal income, there are some longer-term challenges that may threaten the so-called New Hampshire Advantage. We’ll get the economic outlook for our state and our region.

Issue of the Week: The Economy

Keith Shields and Laura Knoy — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Our issue of the week series concludes with economic policy. No matter who wins office both nationally and in New Hampshire, they’ll face enormous budget challenges from the so-called “fiscal cliff” in Washington to tax and spending decisions in the Granite State. And these actions will affect the broader economy. We’ll look at the candidates’ positions.

Guests

Infographic! Are Granite Staters Better Off Now Than Four Years Ago?

Emily Corwin — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 02:33:53 +0000

Are you better off now than you were four years ago? StateImpact New Hampshire looks at key economic indicators to understand how Granite Staters are doing. And it's not the same for everyone. If you're a business consultant, construction worker, nurse or public servant -- come see how you fit into the puzzle, and share your thoughts -- at StateImpact New Hampshire.