Extension staff members are sharing their expertise on three different legislative committees.

Extension Specialist Mike Sciabarrasi sits on the newly-formed commission to study and make recommendations on the expansion of the NH Agricultural Innovation Program (HB207). The commission will review and make recommendations concerning the restructuring of the program, based on Massachusetts and Maine farm viability programs, opportunities to coordinate with existing farm viability programs in neighboring states, and the feasibility of forming public/private partnerships for administration and financial and technical support. The commission's report to the legislature is due Nov. 1, 2008.

Extension Educator Tom Buob serves on the commission to study methods and costs of sewage, sludge and septage disposal (HB 699). The group will look at costs involved with the disposal of sewage, sludge and septage, the economic feasibility of alternatives to current disposal methods and the public health effects of current and alternative disposal methods. An interim report is due by Nov. 1, 2007.

Malcolm Smith, Extension Specialist, Family Education and Policy, is a member of the task force on work and family (HB 306). The task force will identify groups interested in resolving specific work-family issues and devise ways to bring them together. The task force also will consider changes to current state law that would allow for greater flexibility on the part of businesses to accommodate the changing needs of employees and their families. An interim report is due by Nov. 1, 2007.