The Exchange

 Independents are a the largest bloc of voters and they're growing. In her new book, journalist Linda Killian seeks to paint a portrait of this exceedingly important group in four swing states including New Hampshire. She talks about the frustrations these voters have with their elected officials, what they want to see from the political system, and what they can do to fix it.

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Today on the Exchange, we examine the controversy over education tax credits.  Under a proposal at the Statehouse, businesses could donate to private school scholarships,  and get a tax credit for doing so.  Supporters say it’s a way to help all students achieve, regardless of means, but opponents say it’s a back-door way to use public money for private-school vouchers.  We’ll look at this idea, and why it’s provoked so much debate.  

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Mary Stuart Gile -  Democratic State Representative from Concord 

Last year, the legislature adopted a parental notification law, over Governor Lynch’s veto.  Now, three House bills would further raise the threshold for abortion, including one that’s attracted the most attention:  requiring doctors give women detailed information about fetal development while considering abortion. 

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Next week on the Exchange, we begin with a look at the issue of abortion as several bills at the State House look to toughen the standards. Then we look at the controversy over education tax credits.  Under a proposal at the Statehouse, businesses could donate to private school scholarships,  and get a tax credit for doing so.   Later we talk to the author of a new book on the Independent voter who says despite the fact that they represent forty percent of the U. S. population, are largely ignored in political races.

Today we examine the U.N. doctrine known as “Responsibility to Protect”.  It’s the idea that the international community must not tolerate crimes against humanity and has recently been invoked in such cases as Libya but not YET with Syria. Meanwhile, critics fear Responsibility to Protect opens the door to foreign influence in domestic conflicts and diminishes sovereign power.  

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Crossover Day is the time when bills that have passed the New Hampshire House go to the State Senate and vice versa.  And this year, much of that legislation has sparked enormous debate…on issues from contraception to unionized labor to public education.  We’ll look at what important bills are changing hands, how well they may do in their other House of government, and, if they do pass, how they may stand up against the Governor’s veto pen. 

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It’s long been a controversial government power: The ability to take private property if it’s deemed for the “greater public good”.  But often, even the mere suggestion of its use provokes public outcry.  We’ll  look at this idea of eminent domain,  how it’s been applied by all levels of government, and how it’s come up recently here in New Hampshire.

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Dartmouth physician Ira Byock says even with incredible advances in medicine, far too many Americans suffer needlessly and die “badly”.  In a new book, Byock calls for a new approach toward the end of life; one focused on taking care of persons, not just “bodies”, and helping patients and their families reach decisions about dying.

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If you don't know the name, Dayton Duncan, you'll most likely be familiar with his work.  He's an award winning writer and filmmaker who has been Ken Burn's right hand man for decades. The two have collaborated on multi-hour films on topics that have ranged from Lewis and Clark to the Civil War to Baseball to our National Parks.  Their latest collaboration is on the Dustbowl that premeires in 2012. On Friday night, Dayton Duncan sat down with Laura Knoy before a live audience at the Colonial Theatre in Keene to talk about his work and his special collaborative process with Ken Burns.

Next week on the Exchange, we begin with a favorite from the Exchange archive vault as we rebroadcast our interview with writer and filmmaker, Dayton Duncan live at the Colonial Theater in Keene.  Then we talk to Dartmouth Professor, Ira Byock, who's new book looks at end of life care and why he says "far too many Americans suffer needlessly and die “badly”.   Then we examine the idea of eminent domain, recently its been used to block the Northern Pass project, we'll look at what eminent domain really means and where its limits lie. Finally, this week marks Crossover Day in the NH Statehous

The temperature isn't the only thing that seems to be rising lately in the Granite State, so are gas prices.  The cost of a gallon has gone up by about 20 cents in the last month and it shows no signs of slowing down.  Some are predicting that by the summer we may be paying upwards of 5 dollars for a gallon of gas.  Global energy markets blame harsh weather in Europe, tensions with Iran and a cutback in exports from such countries as Syria, Yemen and South Sudan.  Some suggest that higher gas prices may not only affect the average driver's wallet, but upcoming political races as well, as we

There’s an effort underway to make insurance more affordable in New Hampshire by allowing a range of plans – some with a maximum number of mandates and others with fewer mandated services.  Supporters say this gives consumers greater choice  -- they ask why a young unmarried male, for instance, pay for a plan that includes prenatal care. And, they say, it could help bring down cost, which has left too many people unable to afford any insurance at all.

Last week the New Hampshire House voted to allow employers to exclude contraceptive coverage from health insurance plans on the basis of religious objections – reversing a 12-year-old law requiring insurers that offer prescription coverage to include contraceptives.  Supporters say the bill protects religious freedom because it allows groups with religious objections to birth control to avoid providing this coverage to employees. Opponents say it interferes with the relationship between a woman and her doctor.

Huge Solar flares and 'coronal mass ejections" have the potential for major disruptions.  New extra-solar planets seem to be found every week. A new rover on Mars called 'Curiosity' seems to be peaking ours, while the New Horizon's spacecraft is heading to Pluto. We'll get the latest news that's going on from the skies with the Exchange's Space Guys. 

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