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NH House Okays Budget That Targets Collective Bargaining Rights

CONCORD, NH (CBS) - The House of Representatives in New Hampshire voted Thursday for a budget that would cut 1500 state positions, and eliminate millions of dollars in funding for programs and services for those in need.

WBZ-TV Political Analyst Jon Keller reports on why collective bargaining may not be safe even in Massachusetts

More than one thousand firefighters, police officers, teachers, clergy members, social service workers, and families took to the street to protect the cuts, and ask the Senate for a more moderate approach.

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports from Concord

Kim Casey of East Kingston said, "There are consequences to their actions. There are situations where people could literally lose their lives."

Republican Deputy Majority Leader Shawn Jasper said, "We're sending the message to the res of the country the taxpayers, its time for them to get control of the budget; it can't be up to a few."

House Speaker William O'Brien called it a historic achievement. When asked about the protesters outside, he said, "Those are the loud voices and the voices that speak to the media, the voices that speak to me are taxpayers that I met last fall that said it's too much we can't do any more."

The House budget also included an amendment that would essentially eliminate collective bargaining. There is no support for this in the Senate, among both Republicans and Democrats.

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