NH Leaders Focus on Community and Kids -

Over 60 partners gathered at the legislative Office Building on January 10 to announce the release of the 2008 Priorities for Children, a child-centered plan of action for New Hampshire's policymakers and communities. The Priorities reflect the consensus of nearly 100 NH CAN partners and advisors, and include policy recommendations to ensure that our children, communities, and state have the opportunity to thrive.

“Tuesday’s incredible voter turnout was a clear signal that New Hampshire citizens value our community, and are committed to participating in dialogue about the future of our children, families, and communities. The Priorities for New Hampshire’s Children are a roadmap for that effort,” said Destie Hohman Sprague, coordinator of the NH CAN.

Deputy Speaker of the House Linda Foster agreed: “NH CAN brings together so many advocates able to join together to speak with one strong voice…and translate these words into actions that support and strengthen our communities. The Priorities outline realistic, achievable solutions for our state.” State Senate President Sylvia Larsen spoke as well.

NH CAN partners collaborate for months to determine the annual Priorities, and the 2008 plan calls for changes to strengthen our state and give our children and communities the opportunity to thrive. Proposals for 2008 include: raising healthy children by promoting physical activity and healthy eating and regulating flavored alcoholic beverages marketed to teens; supporting working families through consumer protection and housing assistance; protecting vulnerable youth through foster care transition, foster home smoking regulation, and restoring the juvenile age to 18; and ensuring quality public education with a credible, sustainable cost of adequacy.

Executive Vice President of Sovereign Bank, Len Wilson, noted that the business community can support NH children, families, and the 2008 Priorities, by continuing to invest time and resources into our communities. “Investing in education,” he said, “is one of the most important things we can do as a society.”

Photography by Karen Cusano