Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!

Keno Comes To N.H. Cities, N.H. Lawmakers Weigh Medicaid Expansion Fix

On this episode: The lottery game keno heads to individual cities for approval by voters. Supporters hope it will boost local economies, while critics worry about gambling. And later in the show, Senator Jeb Bradley updates us on efforts to improve Medicaid Expansion. 

Part 1: Keno Comes To N.H. Towns

Earlier this year the N.H. legislature voted to legalize the lottery game keno, and to use portions of its profits to help fund full-day kindergarten, but cities have the choice whether to allow keno within their borders. (Scroll down to see a map of keno's status in N.H. cities.) Some local leaders worry keno will encourage gambling, while others see the game as an economic boost for both education and the local businesses that will potentially carry the game. 

Check out "Keno Will Soon Be Legal In N.H., But What Does This Mean For Residents?" from NHPR's Morning Edition in June, 2017. 

GUESTS:

  • Charlie McIntyre: Director of the N.H. Lottery Commission since 2010.

McIntyre has traveled to cities across the state to explain the benefits of keno. Under new legislation, communities in New Hampshire are guaranteed funding for full-day kindergarten, even if they choose not to adopt keno. (Read NHPR reporter Paige Sutherland's coverage in "Keno May Have the Right Salesman for the Job in N.H.")

  • Chris Dwyer: City Councilor for Portsmouth. 

The Portsmouth City Council recently rejected a motion to put a question about whether or not to bring keno to the city on their November ballot. Check outcoverage from Seacoastonline.com

Map: What's the status of Keno in NH towns?

N.H. Legislature Task Force Evaluates Medicaid Expansion

Following a recent warning from the federal government about the use of hospital and insurer donations to help fund its Medicaid expansion program, New Hampshire has until 2018 to create a new plan in order to avoid losing federal funding. Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley has been heading up a task force to look at the current plan and come up for potential modifications to Medicaid expansion. 

Of note:

Guest:

  • Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley

Bradley is the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Energy Committee. Read more about the Medicaid task force, the Commission to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Future of the Premium Assistance Program.

Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.