Our Congresswoman, Carol Shea-Porter, is sponsoring "Middle Class Forums"

[Bluebear]

Really, this is the first time that a politician representing my area has done anything so purely practical like this for the constituency.

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From my invitation:

"Carol invites you to attend one of the special forums for New Hampshire families that she will be hosting in coming weeks. She has invited speakers from state and federal organizations to offer advice on the issues that most affect middle-class families: how to save money, pay for college, reduce your energy bills, save gas, and many other practical tips.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): The Director of HUD in New Hampshire will discuss the programs available to homeowners and potential homeowners, in this time of turbulence in the home lending market.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of NH: The Director of Education for CCCS, a local non-profit agency assisting individuals with debt management, will discuss options to better manage your money, and programs they offer to help manage and reduce debt.

Service Link: Representatives from the local offices will give an introduction to Servicelink, a statewide network designed to help seniors and people with disabilities and their families connect with resources available to them in their own community.

NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF): The NHHEAF Network organizations have been a resource to New Hampshire students for many years. The Director of the Center for College Planning will discuss information on the college planning process and services they have to offer from start to finish.

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority: (Amtrak Downeaster): The Executive Director of the NNEPRA will discus the convenience and money saving advantages of mass transit via the Amtrak Downeaster.

Public Service of NH (PSNH): A representative from PSNH will discuss energy efficiency at home and in the workplace, and simple tips you can use to save on your electric bill.

NH Healthy Kids: A representative of New Hampshire Healthy Kids, a low-cost health insurance program for the children of lower and middle income families, will discuss how to find out if your family qualifies for the program.

The New Hampshire Banking Department: A representative will present information on outreach efforts to citizens who are having difficulties with their mortgages.

NH Employment Security: NHES refers to their agency as the “best kept secret in state government.” Their local office director will be discussing the many services their office provides, including how to find a first job, how to find a better job, options for changing careers and much more.

NH Housing Finance Authority: Andy Cadorette, Education Coordinator, will speak about the first-time home buyer program offering low down-payment options, grants, and below-market interest rates to low and moderate income individuals and families. Education programs and post-purchase counseling on predatory lending will also be discussed.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development: One of USDA’s Rural Development Specialists will discuss the programs Rural Development offers for home inspection, heating assistance, and emergency home repair."