Policy Research Shop Testimony: April 30, 2009

Two Policy Research Shop Groups Testify in Concord

The Policy Research Shop was a busy place during the last week in April. Two groups of PRS students traveled to Concord to testify before the Executive Departments and Administration Committee in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, chaired by Rep. Anne-Marie Irwin. The theme for the committee hearing was the financial well-being of New Hampshirites at all stages of life. The committee hearing began with opening remarks from Rep. Laurie Harding, sponsor of the PRS research, followed by testimony from the New Hampshire Women's Policy Institute; NHWPI staff presented data on the financial fate of elderly women in New Hampshire.

The first PRS group followed NHWPI. PRS students Kelsey Clark, Tyler Ford, and Jessica Guthrie presented their findings on “New Hampshire Retirement Savings.” The students highlighted some of the key findings in their report, including models of voluntary retirement savings plans being considered or implemented by other states.The second PRS group presented its analysis of “Personal Financial Literacy in New Hampshire.” PRS students Kristen Liu, Michael Fields, and Derek Summerville analyzed financial literacy training options for adults and also assessed financial literacy programs offered in high schools across the country and in New Hampshire. Both PRS groups received pointed questions from the audience of more than two dozen legislators that included not only committee members but also the chairs of the Ways and Means, Local and Regulated Revenues, Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs, and Finance committees. The State Treasurer and Deputy State Treasurer were also in attendance. Following the committee hearing, the students visited with New Hampshire Speaker of the House of Representatives Terrie Norelli and toured the House and Senate chambers.