TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Office of Congresswoman Kuster
DATE: 07/19/2013
RE: Fostering Innovation In Our Economy, Standing Up for Our Seniors, and More

This week, Congresswoman Kuster underscored the critical role innovation plays in creating jobs and strengthening New Hampshire’s economy and middle class. During a “Congress at Your Company” visit to Airmar Technology Corporation, Kuster called on Congress to expand and make permanent the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit, which will expire at the end of the year if Congress fails to renew it. Kuster emphasized the importance of giving companies like Airmar certainty that the tax credit will be extended so that they can grow, create jobs, and plan critical investments in R&D. Expanding and making permanent the federal R&D tax credit is a key provision of the “Make It In America” plan that’s focused on creating the best conditions for businesses to innovate and create jobs here in New Hampshire and across the country.

Kuster also focused on the negative impacts that the mindless, across-the-board sequester cuts are having on programs that New Hampshire seniors count on. During a visit to the Windham Senior Center, Kuster emphasized that because Congress failed to compromise on a balanced, responsible plan to reduce the deficit, programs like Meals on Wheels that help feed hungry New Hampshire seniors are paying the price. She reiterated her call on both parties to work together on a more sensible plan to cut spending that protects seniors and middle class families in New Hampshire.

For more on these updates and others, please continue reading below.

“Congresswoman highlighting tax credit in NH stop”
U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster of New Hampshire is highlighting her support for making a federal research and development tax credit permanent with a stop at Airmar Technology Corp. in Milford. Kuster, who’s stopping at Airmar on Monday, says the company is an example of how the tax credit has spurred innovation and added jobs to the New Hampshire economy. Airmar produces ultrasonic sensor technology for industrial and marine applications. More recently, the company has expanded into designing and manufacturing weather stations. Kuster says Airmar has relied on the tax credit over the past two years to support its research and development. (Associated Press, 07/14/2013)

“Research, development tax credits vital to NH businesses, Rep. Kuster says”
Companies that make products in New Hampshire and export them for sale overseas are exactly what the United States needs more of, and research and development tax credits can give businesses an opportunity to make that happen, Rep. Annie Kuster, D-NH, said during a tour of Airmar Technologies on Monday. The family-run business, started 30 years ago by Stephen Boucher, manufactures high-tech products, including the portable Airmar Weather Station used in the fishing and agriculture industries, and other ultrasonic sensors that do everything from detecting lightning to finding fish. Boucher, CEO of the company, said that some of the projects, including a cooperative effort between Airmar and students at Plymouth State University to create a lightning detector, wouldn’t happen without the research and development tax credit that takes out some of the financial bite of creating new technology. (Union Leader, 07/16/2013)

“Kuster visits Milford business”
U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster visited Airmar Techology Corporation in Milford Monday and learned how the family-owned company makes ultrasonic transducers for fish finding and other devices. Here she is with President and CEO Stephen Boucher who showed her the WeatherStation, which can be used in a wide variety of commercial and recreation situations. Kuster wants to expand and make permanent the federal research and development tax credit, and Boucher told her the tax credit means more jobs for his company. (Nashua Telegraph, 07/16/2013)

“Kuster fighting to keep tax credit for Milford company”
Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) stopped by a Milford technology business on Monday as part of her efforts to maintain local economic growth. Kuster focused on the role of federal tax credits for local businesses during her visit to Airmar Technology Corporation in Milford. The company currently receives about $200,000 a year in federal research and development (R&D) tax credits, but this will expire at the end of the year. Airmar develops ultrasonic transducers and sensing technology used on anything from boats to John Deere tractors. The Congresswoman said that she is fighting to keep this tax credit as part of her “Make It In America” plan. It emphasizes four key priority areas: adopting and pursuing a national manufacturing strategy, promoting the export of U.S. goods, encouraging businesses to bring jobs and innovation back to the U.S., and training and securing a 21st century workforce. (Milford Patch, 07/15/2013)

“Kuster talks cut to Meals on Wheels in Windham”
Rockingham County's Meals on Wheels program is grappling with federal budget cuts of $81,000. Rockingham County Nutrition Executive Director said she and her staff provide hot meals to a dozen different communities in the county most days. "We've already laid off one person; now we're lost as to what we'll do next," she said Tuesday, motioning to the roomful of seniors gathered for lunch at the Windham Senior Center. "It's a very, very bad situation." Congresswoman Annie Kuster toured the center Tuesday morning, chatting with Windham Meals on Wheels program coordinator Barbara Coish and the dozen or so seniors gathered inside for a friendly game of cards or a hot, midday meal. Kuster said she's calling on Congress to replace recent, across-the-board sequestration cuts with a more balanced plan. She has cosponsored bipartisan legislation such as the Government Waste Reduction Act, which she said would help reduce the deficit while protecting seniors and middle class families. (Union Leader, 07/17/2013)

“Kuster: Congress can do better”
Congressman Annie McLane Kuster, D-N.H., stopped at the Windham Senior Center yesterday. She interrupted a game of Scat, but held all the cards. The Democrat from the 2nd District came calling to let the seniors know she disapproves of Washington’s politics that produced across-the-board budget cuts through the sequester. Especially troubling for Kuster is the impact on the Meals-on-Wheels program that provides meals to seniors. “I’m worried about the folks that are shut in and they are depending upon the meals that may be the only nutritious meal they get, and the only socialization,” Kuster said. “My mother used to say ‘pennywise and pound foolish.’ It doesn’t make any sense because if they can’t stay home independently, they’re going to end up in the nursing home and it’s going to cost the taxpayers a lot more.” (Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, 07/17/2013)

“Kuster visits Windham seniors to discuss Meals on Wheels Cut”
New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-02) says she is concerned about the seniors in the state, especially those stuck in their homes, not being able to get a decent meal. "We've got people who have worked hard (their) whole life. Everybody has. You've paid taxes. You've worked hard, and we shouldn't be living in a country where our seniors are going without food." Kuster spoke at the Windham Senior Center Tuesday during a brief appearance. But Kuster said that meal deliveries are dropping due to sequestration cuts to the Rockingham Nutrition and Meals on Wheels program. (Windham Patch, 07/17/2013)

“Members of Congress introduce bipartisan legislation as the ‘Problem Solvers’”
Today, more than 70 House and Senate members who have banded together to form a bipartisan coalition introduced a legislative program of nine bills designed to “make government more efficient, effective and less wasteful.” In the same branding vein of the Blue Dogs and the Young Guns, the group has named themselves the “Problem Solvers,” though they say they demand inclusiveness, not exclusiveness of people from all party affiliations. (Washington Post, 07/29/2013)

“Kuster, bipartisan coalition announce legislative package to make government more efficient”
At a press conference at the U.S. Capitol today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined a diverse coalition of nearly 80 Republicans, Democrats, and Independents from both the House and Senate to announce a new legislative package – Make Government Work! – that’s focused on cutting waste and making the federal government more efficient, effective, and accountable to the American people. The package of nine bills represents the first coordinated legislative effort from the No Labels Problem Solvers group, a coalition of Representatives from both parties who are committed to meeting regularly to build trust across the aisle, find common ground, and promote a new politics of problem solving in Washington. (07/18/2013)

“Editorial: Kuster’s photo is worth at least 1,000 words”
Most of the photographs used by politicians to promote themselves are tiresome in the extreme: the dark suit, the carefully coiffed hair, the frozen smile. In that context, the picture used these days by 2nd District Rep. Annie Kuster on her official Facebook page is all the more startling, refreshing and cool. Kuster’s photograph shows her with a swatch of silver-gray duct tape covering her mouth. On her left cheek, in black and red paint, is the symbol “NOH8.” With her right hand, she has two fingers (Peace? Victory?) pointed at her temple... The picture was part of a recent congressional photo shoot conducted by the NOH8 (No Hate) Campaign. (Concord Monitor, 07/15/2013)

Kuster, Shaheen announce grant to Southwest Community Services to fight veteran homelessness
A Keene-based nonprofit organization has received a federal grant to help keep veterans in their homes. U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and U.S. Rep. Ann M. Kuster, D-N.H., announced Thursday that Southwestern Community Services will be awarded a $263,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. The grant will be used to cover rent, utility payments and other living costs for more than 55 veterans and their families, according to a joint news release from Shaheen and Kuster. (Keene Sentinel, 07/14/2013)

Kuster announces $243,000 grant for Dartmouth child health and fitness study
College researchers on the Anytime Fitness project will receive a $243,000 grant for further research from the state, according to representatives from the office of Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H. The project conducts research in child health and fitness and uses television programs to promote healthy eating and exercise habits. Researchers are working with the Boston-based WGBH television company, to decide which programs successfully teach children about nutrition and fitness. The grant will be issued by the Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (The Dartmouth, 07/16/2013)

Kuster announces federal grant for Hinsdale housing park
A local cooperative housing park is one step closer to getting its water and sewer system upgraded after it learned it was receiving a $11,250 federal grant. The grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is part of the agency’s Pre-Development Planning Grant program, which awards predevelopment and planning funds to projects in rural communities. "Clean water is essential to every community," stated U.S. Rep. Ann Kuster, D-N.H., in a press release. "This funding will help residents of the park repair their water system and remain in their homes. I applaud the residents of Oak Hill Acres for their planning and foresight in seeking these funds." (Brattleboro Reformer, 7/17/2013)

###

Press Contact:
Rob Friedlander, (202) 225-5206