Governor Hassan has declared it Correctional Officers and Employees Appreciation Week.
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Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown has called for U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki to resign.
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Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown has called for U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki to resign.
Recent reports of delayed medical care that led to 40 patient deaths cannot be accepted with a business-as-usual attitude. While I respect his service to our country, there needs to be accountability in government. For that reason, Secretary Shinseki should step down immediately. President Obama needs to install new leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs that will finally address persistent reports of gross mismanagement and restore confidence in an agency that has failed in its basic mission.
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Scott Brown also met with a Veterans of Foreign Wars group in Milford to hear their concerns about Veterans Health Service:
Scott Brown also met with a Veterans of Foreign Wars group in Milford to hear their concerns about Veterans Health Service:
Our veterans and their families have served our nation with honor and made incredible sacrifices to protect our homeland. I remain committed to holding Washington accountable, reducing the VA backlog and focusing on commonsense solutions to provide our war heroes with the health care access they need and deserve.
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Governor Hassan issued the following statement in response to State Senator Bragdon's decision not to seek re-election:
Governor Hassan issued the following statement in response to State Senator Bragdon's decision not to seek re-election:
As both a State Senator and State Representative, Peter Bragdon has been a dedicated advocate for his constituents. It has been an honor to serve with him and to work together on numerous bipartisan efforts to strengthen the well-being of Granite Staters, and I thank him for his service to the people of New Hampshire.
State Senate President Chuck Morse had the following comment:
Earlier today, Senator Bragdon shared with me his intention to resign his Senate seat upon the conclusion of the current legislative session in order to more fully focus his attention on his responsibilities as the Executive Director of HealthTrust.
On behalf of the Senate, I want to express my sincere thanks to Senator Bragdon for his service to the state and to this institution. His principled and balanced leadership as Senate President for more than three years was exemplary, and I have appreciated his friendship, guidance, and support throughout out time together in the Senate and most particularly during the recent months.
State Senator Bradley also commented:
Senator Bragdon’s leadership of the Senate following the 2010 elections was instrumental in passing a budget that closed an $800 million deficit, enacting overdue retirement reform to protect our pension system, and a passing host of other measures that have helped the New Hampshire economy grow. Throughout his time in the Senate, Peter has effectively and faithfully served his constituents, right up to his recent efforts to bring long-sought toll relief to the residents of Merrimack.
It has been an honor to service with Senator Bragdon throughout my time in the Senate and I join with Senator Morse and my Senate colleagues in wishing him continued success in his role with HealthTrust.
State Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley responded:
For over 20 years, Peter Bragdon served the people of his community, district, and state with honor and a tireless work ethic. Senator Bragdon sacrificed much in the name of public service and I wish him success and all the best in the next chapter of his life.
Republican State Committee Chairman Jennifer Horn wished Bragdon well:
Peter Bragdon served with distinction and honor as the President of the New Hampshire Senate, and his principled voice in Concord will be missed. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to his future contributions to his community and to our state.
John DiStaso at NH Journal has more details on Bragdon's decision and potential candidates for his senate seat.