The Bulletin week in review

Good morning, New Hampshire. As we take our first steps into August, here’s a look back at the past week of Bulletin coverage and commentary. Thank you for reading, and enjoy the rest of the weekend. — Dana

By Ethan DeWitt

New state laws seek to accelerate an approach to housing growth that polls suggest is broadly popular: using existing downtown infrastructure to build new apartments. “I really see these two bills as a win for the clearly stated goals of trying to get more housing options where there’s existing jobs, existing infrastructure, and existing buildings,” said Nick Taylor, director of Housing Action New Hampshire. But the New Hampshire Municipal Association, which represents cities and towns, is concerned that the changes will be confusing for local governments.

By Molly Rains

For Rep. Keith Ammon, a New Boston Republican and the prime sponsor of House Bill 639, regulating cryptocurrency is a matter of getting the state out of the way. The goal, he said in a phone interview Monday, is “to protect from too much regulation.” Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 639 — deemed the “Blockchain Basic Laws” by Ammon and six Republican co-sponsors — earlier this month. The move brought New Hampshire a step closer to the other states moving to legislate the fast-evolving technology within their borders.

By Maya Mitchell

Granite State employers say housing, childcare, and the cost of living are the biggest problems affecting their workers, and each issue challenges their ability to recruit and retain young employees. In an economy where employment and childcare go hand in hand, and in a state where the government continues to look to the private sector for solutions, some employers have gone the extra mile to help their staffs.