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Saggy Opposes Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

March 20, 2008

The bill, HB 628, creates a new prescription drug discount plan that cut prices for low-income families that have no health insurance, and directs state agencies to negotiate lower prices and higher rebates in exchange for bulk purchases of prescription drugs.

"The state should be getting the best possible prices from health insurance companies for prescription drugs," he said. "I supported this bill because it’s the right thing to do for seniors and for the poor."

The bill, which passed 257-95 in the House on March 6, could also save the state money on bulk prescription drug purchases, said Tahir.

The prescription plan is open to any uninsured person or family with annual income up to 350 percent of federal poverty level, up to about $65,000 for a family of four.

Saggy Champions Bill to Close Loophole in Workers' Compensation Insurance Law Compliance

March 19, 2007
Saggy recently reported to the House on a House Bill 471-FN-A, which is on the consent calendar and is headed for approval in late March after passing the Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Committee with a 14-3 vote and an "Ought to Pass" recommendation. Saggy reports:

"This bill is the result of the work of a committee created by HB 157, Chapter 132, 2005, to study procurement methods for public works projects by state and local government agencies. Among other things, the study revealed problems in determining if contractors on state projects are in compliance with workers’ compensation laws. The bill closes a loophole in the existing law that has allowed construction workers to avoid carrying workers’ compensation insurance. The law will continue to provide for up to three executive officers in a corporation to be excluded from compulsory coverage requirements provided they are not actively engaged in on-site work on any construction site in the state of New Hampshire. Any contractor or subcontractor performing work on state transportation or other major construction projects must provide to the commissioners of transportation, administrative services, and labor verification that they are in compliance with all workers’ compensation laws. A civil penalty of up to $2,500 shall be assessed by the Commissioner of Labor to any contractor, subcontractor, or independent contractor who falsifies information or fails to comply with this law. The employer shall be assessed a civil penalty of $100 per employee per day of non-compliance. Fines will be placed in a workers’ compensation fraud fund dedicated to investigation and compliance activities pertaining to labor and insurance law."

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Saggy Brings Turkeys to Prayer Hall Food Pantry
In what is becoming an annual tradition, State Rep. Saggy Tahir (R -Manchester)  donated turkeys to the Prayer Hall Hooksett food bank Saturday, Nov. 20, just days before Thanksgiving. The turkeys will be part of full meals served to 400 residents in Manchester, Hooksett and Auburn.

Saggy, a member of the Prayer Hall's board of directors, purchased 100 of the birds from the Hooksett Hannaford, which sold them at cost to him for the charity. He said the 1,500 pound donation represents his duty as an American to help others in time of need. "I believe it is the right thing to do," he said.

The food bank serves 5,000 meals a month to residents of Hooksett, Manchester and Auburn.

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Bradley Event Wins Over Pakistani-American Voters, Says Saggy
State Rep. Saggy Tahir spoke at a fundraiser in Londonderry for Congressman Jeb Bradley Sunday, Sept. 19, sponsored by the Pakistani American Friends of Jeb Bradley. The barbecue event was held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Salman Malik.

Bradley defended the actions of our President InIraq and Afghanistan and pledged to support our troops in any way, shape or form across the world.

Saggy welcomed the first-ever fundraising from this group for any elected federal office. About 85 people attended which included prominent business owners, doctors, engineers and other professionals. Saggy was extremely happy to learn that most of the questions asked by the attendees were answered by Congressman to their satisfaction. Most of them pledged to vote for Jeb Bradley. Previously, they were expected to vote for Democratic candidate.

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Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004
Saggy Wins Republican Primary
Saggy Tahir won the Dist. 9 primary Sept. 14, and will now advance to the Nov. 2 general election.

Saggy won 279 votes in the election, the highest vote-getter on the GOP ballot for the district, which consists of Manchester's Ward 2.

Despite the fact that he had no primary competition in the primary (three Republicans were vying for three slots on the November ballot) he said he campaigned hard, and will continue to campaign vigorously as the general election approaches.

"I am taking nothing for granted in the general election, and will work hard for every single vote," he said. "I look forward to sharing my record and my views with the voters of District 9."

In 2002, Saggy won re-election in a newly-created four-ward district, which included Ward 2 and three west-side wards that leaned Democrat. Still, he placed just a few votes under a strong second-place finisher in the general election and was the highest vote-getter in Ward 2. 

A court decision earlier this year returned Ward 2 to its previous status as its own district with three state representatives.

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Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Contact: Saghir "Saggy Tahir 623-9669
Saggy Files for Another Term as State Representative
State Rep. Saggy Tahir (R - Manchester) filed today to seek a third two-year term as a state representative.

He is running in the new District 9, which consists of Manchester’s Ward 2, in which he has served as a state representative since his election in 2000. Currently, he serves Wards 2, 3, 10 and 11 in District 50, which was redistricted by the legislature earlier this year.

Thursday, April 15, 2004
Statement
Saggy Condemns Hiring of Manchester Lobbyist to Lobby State Lawmakers
State Rep. Saggy Tahir has condemned the hiring of a paid lobbyist to represent the city of Manchester, a move promoted by Mayor Bob Baines. 

Aldermen voted Tuesday, April 6, 8-5 to hire the firm Sheehan, Phinney Capitol Group - at a cost of $1,000 per month this year and $15,000 next year - to "lobby" state lawmakers.

Saggy said the city's lawmakers won't deal with the new lobbyist because they were the ones elected to represent the city's best interests.

"Manchester residents are already well-represented in Concord by 35 state representatives and three state senators," he said. "A lobbyist is a waste of the taxpayer's money because they are more than able to represent the city's interest in Concord. We will not deal with a lobbyist because he doesn't know the issues related to Manchester more than we do."

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004
Saggy Responds to Union Leader Editorial on Voucher Vote
To the editor: Regarding your Sunday editorial singling me out for voting against a bill that would have created a school voucher program, I’m not against vouchers in principle, but against this particular bill.

HB 1353 left serious questions unanswered that make it a flawed bill. Seventy Republicans, including many party leaders, did not support it.

• There was nothing in the bill about special education. There is a concern that the public schools would be left with all special needs students, while private schools would only take "gravy." The burden should be shared equally between the public and private schools.

• In the bill, the income level of parents who qualify for vouchers can go up to 400% of the poverty level. I do not consider someone who makes up to $73,000 to be "poor."

• Finally, I believe this bill would have been found unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court, since it gives public money to religious schools. Article 83 of the state constitution, says "no money raised by taxation shall ever be granted or applied for the use of schools of religious institutions." That’s pretty clear.

State Rep. Saggy Tahir
1315 Old Mammoth Rd. Manchester
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Monday, Jan. 5, 2004
Saggy Supports Benson Drug Benefit Effort
State Rep. Saggy Tahir (R - Manchester) released the following statement to local media regarding Gov. Benson's proposed prescription drug benefit:

"We all know that U.S. senators, congressmen and the president enjoy the best healthcare in the world. Do we ever think for a moment who made it possible? We owe older Americans a lot, and it’s our seniors who worked hard to give us the most powerful country in the world.

To see them choose between heating and eating and prescription drugs - just to be alive - is disgusting, disappointing and must change. If we do not take care of them, who else will?

That’s why I support and encourage Governor Benson’s plan to allow residents to buy their prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies at much lower prices.

We all know that drug makers need to get back the costs of research in the price of drugs, but we shouldn’t have to pay more than the rest of the world for life-saving drugs just to fill the pockets of greedy drug company executives. As a businessman, the governor knows that prices don’t fluctuate from country to country as much as the drug companies say they do.

His re-importation solution will even save the taxpayers money by providing lower drug prices to the state prison system.

If it requires changing some state and national laws to make it happen, that is worth it if those laws are preventing seniors and the poor from getting the prescriptions they need.
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Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003
Saggy Donates to Santa Fund
State Rep. Saggy Tahir has donated $200 to the Union Leader Santa Fund today.

The fund raises toys and money for the Salvation Army and gives food, clothing and gifts to needy families during the holiday season so that they can put their resources toward paying bills for basic needs.

"I urge everyone to donate to this and other charity organizations during this seaons of giving," he said.
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Friday, Dec. 12, 2003
Saggy Supports Food Bank Effort with 150 Turkeys
Getting into the holiday spirit, State Rep. Saggy Tahir (R -Manchester) donated and delivered 150 turkeys to the Hooksett Food Bank on Saturday, Nov. 22, just before Thanksgiving.

Saggy said the donation represent his duty as an American to help others in time of need."It's not only the American thing to do, it's the right thing to do," he said.

The food bank serves 5,000 meals a month to residents of Hooksett, Manchester and Auburn. Saggy serves on the group's board of directors.
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Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003
Ward 2 Polling Location Changes
Residents in northeastern Manchester who live in Ward 2 and want to continue to support Saggy in future elections will have to go to a new polling location to vote. In a postcard mailing to all registered voters in the ward, the City Clerk's office has announced that starting with the Sept. 16, 2003 city-wide primary election, Ward 2 voters should now vote at Hillside Junior High School, located at 112 Reservoir Avenue.

Saggy has traditionally found his greatest support in Ward 2, which served as its own House district before redistricting in 2002. Today, while Saggy is finding more and more support in Wards 3, 10 and 11, on Manchester's west side, he wants to keep voters in Ward 2 who have come to know him over the years for his sense of duty, integrity and service.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Contact: Lt. Col. William Paige, Chaplain of the NH National Guard, (603) 225-1368
Saggy Donates to Chaplain Relief Fund

CONCORD - Representative Saggy A. Tahir, (District 50) (center) donates $1,000 to the Chaplain’s Emergency Relief Fund recently.

Accepting the donation for the Fund is Maj. Gen. John Blair, Adjutant General for the State of New Hampshire (left). Looking on is the Chaplain of the New Hampshire National Guard, Lt. Col. William Paige. The Chaplain’s Emergency Relief Fund was created to provide quick, temporary financial help for military members and their families, facing financial need. It is managed by volunteer trustees, all New Hampshire Army or Air National Guard Chaplains.

All of those giving their time for the Fund are volunteers. Expenses are minimal: stationary, stamps, annual filing fees. To date 99.5% of all monies received have gone directly for emergency assistance.

The purpose of the Fund is to assist military personnel with emergency needs to include rent, mortgage, home heating fuel, utilities: secondarily with car loans, insurance, medical bills, telephone bills etc.

The Fund is a private, not for profit, fund. It is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as Tax-Exempt under 501c3 with ID# 02-04445602. The Fund is operated independently of the New Hampshire National Guard.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 7, 2003
Contact: Saggy Tahir, 623-9669 or 623-3240

Saggy Keeps Perfect Attendance Record in the House
Since the Jan. 5, 2003 opening of the Legislature, State Rep. Saggy Tahir (R - Manchester) has had a perfect attendance record.

For some legislators, such a record may be a rarity. But for Saggy - who ran for re-election last year on the slogan "A Record of Duty, Integrity and Service in the House," the accomplishment is just a normal extension of his dedication to the office.

But the modest Manchester legislator explains his record more simply. "I'm a workaholic," he said.
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In The News:
The Union Leader: State House Dome ColumnMarch 30, 2003
NH & THE WORLD: A resolution that the House quietly passed last month was mentioned at a White House briefing about a week ago. The resolution called for renewed diplomacy in India and Pakistan to settle the dispute over Kashmir that has festered since the 1940s.

A reporter for an Indian newspaper asked White House spokesman Ari Fleischer on March 21 whether President Bush has discussed the resolution with Pakistani or Indian leaders. Fleischer didn't have much of an answer. He said he couldn't speak to something that came through the New Hampshire Legislature.

A group of six New Hampshire legislators traveled to Pakistani-controlled section of Kashmir during the last week in February and came away convinced that India needs to do more to settle the problem. "Every day they are killing women and children in Kashmir," said Rep. Bob Giuda, who went on the trip headed by Rep. Saggy Tahir of Manchester, who traces his roots to Pakistan.

India's General Counsel Promatesh Rath said last week the first step toward a diplomatic solution would be for Pakistan to put an end to cross-border terror strikes. It's been a hotbed of terror activity, he said, and the al-Qaida group is still believed to freely cross its borders with Afghanistan.  "Our view has been that Pakistan and India don't need mediation," Rath said. "We've always said we are willing talk about any issue, but cross-border terrorism must stop first."

Tahir said a third party has to step in. The situation has dragged on too long for the warring neighbors to settle on their own. "Those two countries hate each other," he said.
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In The News:
Nashua Telegraph/Associated Press by Roshan MughalWednesday, Feb. 26, 2003
Contact: Saggy Tahir, 623-9669 or 623-3240
NH LAWMAKERS VISIT DISPUTED KASHMIR REGION
Muzaffarabad, Pakistan – Six New Hampshire lawmakers began an unofficial two-day visit to the Pakistani side of disputed Kashmir on Tuesday as Pakistani and Indian forces traded artillery fire elsewhere in the region, leaving three civilians dead.

The visitors were briefed by Pakistani military officials about the tense Himalayan region just as Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, speaking at an international conference, said relations with India over Kashmir could not get any worse.

“I think when the situation is such that it can’t even get worse, anything that one does doesn’t matter, really,” Musharraf told a news conference at the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “We’re not talking, we’re not meeting,” he said of India.

The arrival of the delegates – five New Hampshire House of Representatives members and a state senator – came as Indian and Pakistani forces clashed in the latest of many shootouts along the Line of Control that divides the disputed province between the nuclear-armed rivals.

The New Hampshire lawmakers are in Kashmir as part of an effort to gain a better understanding of the region.

The delegation includes House Deputy Majority Leader Robert Giuda, R-Warren, and state Sen. Frank Sapareto, R-Derry. Joining them are Reps. Mike Balboni and Henry McElroy, both R-Nashua, Rep. Saggy Tahir, R-Manchester, and Rep. Kim Dionne, R-Antrim.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Feb. 21, 2003
Contact: Saggy Tahir, 623-9669 or 623-3240

DROPOUT RATE "STILL TOO HIGH," SAYS SAGGY;
CO-SPONSORS BILL TO PREVENT DROPOUTS AND PROMOTE RECOVERY
State Rep. "Saggy" Tahir (R - Manchester) is co-sponsoring a bill that would establish a dropout prevention and dropout recovery program in the department of education to provide a services to high school students.

House Bill 619 would offer job assistance, introduce students to how their learning is relevant to getting a job, and assist students in securing part-time work to accompany higher education. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House education committee on Monday, March 3, at 1:15 p.m. in room 207 in the Legislative Office Building in Concord.

In Manchester, during the 2001-2002 school year, 443 students dropped out of school. The city-wide dropout rate was 6.8 percent last year. Over 24 percent do not graduate over their four year high school education.

While dropout rates fell statewide in the past school year, the District 50 representative believes students dropping out of school still remains a serious problem.

"Nearly one in four students do not graduate from high school," he said. "In today's highly-competitive, high-tech economy, that is an unacceptable rate. We must do more to keep young adults in school. This bill will go a long way in helping students in danger of dropping out realize the importance of education. I am proud to support it."

The program would provide mentoring, tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to successful completion of high school, including dropout prevention strategies through an school-based mentor. Pre-employment and work maturity skill training, paid and unpaid work, work-based learning experiences, job shadowing, and school sponsored workplace mentoring would all be a part of the program's mission.

The goal of the program is to have an 85 percent graduation rate and to have 90 percent of the program's participants return to school the following year.

The program would be open to high schools with a dropout rate of 10 percent or more over 4 consecutive years, or which have a demonstrated need. The Department of Education estimates that 12 school districts would participate in the program in 2004 and 25 would adopt the program by 2005.

The legislation has gained wide support in both the House and the Senate.

It is being sponsored by Rep. William Leber (R - Andover) and, along with Rep. Saggy Tahir , is being co-sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Weyler (R - Kingston) , Rep. J. D. Colcord, (R - Warner) and Rep. Richard Kennedy (R - Hopkinton). In the Senate, the bill is being sponsored by Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D - Manchester), Sen. John Barnes (R - Raymond), Sen. John Gallus (R - Berlin), Sen. Jane O'Hearn (R - Nashua), and Sen. Bob Odell (R - Lempster).

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In The News:
India-West news report, by Michel Potts, India-West; Jan. 9, 2003
Contact: Saggy Tahir, 623-9669 or 623-3240

SAGGY VISITS PAKISTANI LINE OF CONTROL; BRINGS ISSUES OF DISPUTED REGION TO AMERICA'S ATTENTION
During a "fact-finding tour" to Pakistan Dec. 11-22, New Hampshire state representative Saghir Tahir (R-Manchester) and Robert Giuda (R-Warren) were apparently the first U.S. civilians in 12 years to be allowed by the Pakistani military to visit the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. They also spoke for 45 minutes with the chief of staff of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, and to other Pakistan government officials and opposition leaders. A meeting with Musharraf was cancelled when he was called to sign a water treaty.

Tahir, who was born near Delhi, but raised in Pakistan from the age of two, is the only Pakistani American currently serving in a state legislature. He won election in 2000 and was reelected in November. Tahir said he wants to be fair to both sides in the longstanding conflict over Kashmir. Consequently, he and Giuda Jan. 6 applied for visas to visit the Indian side of the Line of Control. "We have to do that, we must do that, to be fair and objective and honest, we have to go to the Indian side and hear what they are saying, because in the long run, we have to do what is good for the American people."

When Giuda initially found out that Tahir visits Kashmir almost every year, he asked that the Pakistani American bring back some "beautiful shawls and sweaters." "I asked him if that was all he knew about Kashmir," said Tahir, "and he said, 'Yeah, what else?' I said, 'Do you know there are hundreds of millions of people in India and Pakistan and Kashmir suffering from the senselessness of both governments purchasing weapons for this and that?' and then he got interested to know more."

"It is in the best interest of the United States and its people to bring the Kashmir resolution to bear, because too many people in that continent are being deprived of food, clothing, health care and housing," Tahir said. "Peace has to prevail. After 55 years of conflict, enough is enough."
http://www.indiawest.com/cgi-bin/news/viewArchiveStory.cgi?article=1042159433

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002
Contact: Saggy Tahir, 623-9669 or 623-3240

SAGGY OPPOSES SCHOOL VOUCHER PLANS;
CALLS FOR BETTER PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Republican State Representative Saghir "Saggy" Tahir today voiced his opposition to a statewide school voucher program and called on parents to talk to teachers about other ways to make schools better.

The former Manchester GOP chairman said vouchers, which would allow parents to take funds from public schools to send their children to private schools, would hurt public schools and undermine teachers.

"It's not the best way to attack the problems in our schools," he said. "There are no set standards to hold the private schools accountable for students who do not achieve the desired goals. What is the guarantee that every student who goes to private school will get to the top? But, once these private schools start to get public funds, they will make a tremendous amount of money with nothing to show for it. In other words, what the private schools/businesses could not do for themselves via private efforts, they want the government to do for them."

Instead of a voucher program, Saggy proposes an education program calling for fully funding public schools, holding teachers accountable for performance and sponsoring vocational education in high schools. Paying teachers what they deserve is also an important step in achieving academic excellence, said Saggy.

The first-term legislator, seeking re-election in State House District 50 (Manchester Wards 2, 3, 10 and 11) hails the state's schools as the best in the nation, but says there's always room for improvement. But undercutting them with vouchers to go to private schools isn't the answer, said Saggy. The answer is open communication with teachers.

"Every profession has good, bad and ugly - doctors, lawyers, plumbers, accountants - and teachers," he said. "New Hampshire is fortunate to have the best school teachers in the country. We need to hold teachers accountable by working with them and talking to them."

He said the involvement of parents and local control of education are vital components of any approach to improving the quality of our schools.

Saggy, a resident of Manchester for 27 years, is no stranger to the city's schools.

The centrist Republican has put two students through Manchester schools and a third is currently in eighth grade. Tahir said he and his wife often helped their children with their homework over the kitchen table, and make a point to praise the teachers they have had over the years.

"All of my children have had wonderful teachers," he said. "We have always taught our children to respect their teachers."

In his first term as a state legislator, Tahir co-sponsored House Bill 1231, which called for creating a pre-engineering technology curriculum in all public high schools. The bill was signed into law in May by Gov. Jeanne Shaheen. It will offer vocational training to students who are not planning to go on to college.

Saggy faces 10 other Republicans and 11 Democrats in the newly-created House District 50 seat November 5.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002
Contact: Saggy Tahir, 623-9669 or 623-3240

SAGGY CALLS ON FELLOW CANDIDATES TO STOP POSTING POLITICAL SIGNS ON RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Republican state Rep. candidate Saghir "Saggy" Tahir says he wants to be "a lawmaker, not a law breaker," and is calling on fellow House District 50 candidates to follow his lead and refrain from posting political signs in rights-of-way or on other public properties.

He said the number of political signs being posted illegally prompted him to challenge other candidates to stop the practice.

"I work hard to get the permission of land owners before placing signs," he said. "I have respect for the law. I feel it's my obligation as a citizen. People who want to be lawmakers should not be lawbreakers."

In August, New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray reminded candidates and campaign volunteers that state law prohibits posting political signs in state highway rights-of-way. Signs are also prohibited on highway signs, bridges, delineator posts and utility poles.

But the warning hasn't stopped dozens of political signs from cropping up all around the city in medians and along highways, said Tahir, who was elected to his first term in the House in 2000, and faces 10 other Republicans and 11 Democrats in the newly-created House District 50 seat, which spans Manchester's wards 2, 3, 10 and 11.

Tahir also reports the theft of many of his campaign signs, also a violation of state law.
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