Tagged: Government

A nepotism inquiry by House Speaker Bill O’Brien has turned up little evidence of improper hiring in state government.

The probe comes in the wake of last month’s scandal at the Department of Employment Security. Two high ranking officials are accused of hiring their daughters, and then having them laid off by subordinates so that they could collect unemployment benefits.

Speaker O’Brien requested that all agency heads disclose any family members working within their respective departments.

Let’s say your teenager gets caught shoplifting. Or maybe your Uncle Morty dies and you’ve got to settle his estate.

Recently CNET reported that the FBI had been lobbying congress for a law that would require social networking companies and other web-based communication systems to make sure their systems are surveillance-compatible. FBI director Robert Mueller seemed to confirm that in an appearance last week before the senate judiciary committee.

The expansion of forensic databases by US federal agencies. DNA collection of convicted felons is a well- publicized procedure. Recently released documents reveal that the department of homeland security and other federal agencies will be required to collect DNA from any person over the age of fourteen who has been detained -- regardless of criminal activity -- and that plans to include children under 14 are being explored.  

Proposed legislation would create a new verification system in order to avoid fraud. Another bill would reduce the amount of time someone could receive assistance. But advocates for the poor say the State already does a good job of preventing fraud and these proposals would hurt people already in dire need. 

Guests:

Sarah Mattson: Policy Director for New Hampshire Legal Assistance

Produced by Jonathan Lynch

Ever get the feeling that someone is watching you? Well, you may want to get used to it. While the US government has been putting un-manned drones to heavy use in war zones in recent years, the flying robots will soon be soaring American skies.

We talk about the balance of power in New Hampshire government.  A number of bills have appeared in the state legislature that would seek to constrain the judiciary; from eliminating the state supreme court to avoiding constitutional review of laws. Today we investigate the friction between the legislative and judicial branches of our state government.

Guests:

David Campbell: Democratic State Representative from Nashua

Brandon Guida: Republican State Representative  from Chichester