During the previous House Session, HB 360 was introduced by Free Stater/Liberty Alliance member Rep. Kristin Noble. It was co-sponsored by six fellow group members. It ended up being retained in the Education Policy and Administration Committee but has now resurfaced in an amended form. The original bill would “bar school nurses and doctors from performing surgeries, diagnostic procedures or prescribe pharmaceutical drugs in schools.” As amended the words “diagnostic procedures” have been removed.

Noble has claimed this is a preventative bill, as this happens in school-based clinics all over the country! Finding that hard to believe, the search was on to find what schools allow this. 

Spoiler alert: I couldn’t find any . . .

Let’s be clear, school nurses and physicians DO NOT perform surgeries or prescribe pharmaceutical drugs in schools. Nurses are responsible for health support and dispensing medication. Physicians provide medical care OUTSIDE the schools in a clinical setting. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, some kids have acute and chronic health conditions which require medication to be given during the school day. Therefore, school medication administration protocols were developed to help prevent medication errors. More than 25% of students manage chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, requiring the presence of a school nurse. ensures these children can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. School nurses play an important role in supporting the health, safety and wellness of students nationwide.

Some examples of school nurse responsibility:

• Assessing the severity of illness or injury in students.
• Giving medications to students provided and approved by parents and healthcare providers.
• Caring for students with chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, asthma, allergies/anaphylaxis, and others.
• Making sure all students are up to date on vaccinations/immunizations.
• Directing the provision of health services within the school.
• Screening for vision, hearing and other potential health issues.
• Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
• Connecting students and families to relevant health resources.
• Providing mental health support to students in need.
• Collecting health data in school for local, state, and national officials.
• Promotion of overall school community health through education and wellness initiatives.

Nowhere in there is mention of being able to “perform surgeries” or “dispense drugs.” While Rep. Noble acknowledges this is “preventative” legislation, it’s really a “solution” in search of a non-existent problem.

By the way, here’s another one Rep. Noble would like to see happen, repealing the reading recovery training program. This training is for educators in order to better help their students learn. You can find more here on the Literacy Council of North America. 

“Behind every successful student, there’s a school nurse who helped them during tough times.”

The Republican-led federal government shutdown is now into its 33rd day, the second longest in American history. Public assistance programs such as Women, Infants & Children (WIC), Head Start, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program LIHEAP and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are all feeling the brunt of this, especially those who can least afford to.

Focusing on the SNAP program, there are more than 72,000 New Hampshire men, women and children who receive food assistance,  but saw their benefits come to a screeching halt the other day. (It should be noted, on that same day the current “president” held a Great Gatsby Halloween Gala at Mar-A-Lago in Florida.)

But, I digress . . .

Twenty-two states, three governors and the District of Columbia filled a lawsuit against the Trump regime over its decision to stop federal food assistance during the Republican-led shutdown. New Hampshire is shamefully nowhere to be found in that filing. The same state who, while voting on the budget this past April, the majority party voted on an amendment to not expand free and reduced price school lunch funding by aligning Medicaid enrollment with eligibility for school meals, beginning in the 2027-28 school year. They absolutely REFUSE to feed low-income children! 

So, it is up to the people of NH stepping up in many ways to provide emergency food. There are mobile food pantries throughout the state during the months of Nov. and Dec. Your local food pantry  doesn’t require SNAP participation to receive food assistance.

Alstead: Fall Mt. Food Shelf at 122 Route 12A
Bedford: Bedford Community Food Pantry at 4 Church Rd.
Berlin: Feeding Hope Food Pantry at 219 Willow St.
Canaan: Friends Feeding Friends at 9 On the Common (behind              Canaan Hardware)
Charlestown: Charlestown Food Shelf at 29 Summer St.
Chesterfield: Joan's Food Pantry at 532 Route 63
Claremont: Claremont Soup Kitchen at 53 Central St.
Colebrook: Colebrook Food Pantry at 16 Hill Ave.
Concord: St. Paul's Church Food Pantry at 21 Centre St.
Enfield: Friends Feeding Friends at 19 Main St.
Franconia: Community Church of Christ at 92 Church St.
Franklin: Twin Rivers Food Pantry at 2 Central Sq.
Goffstown: Goffstown Food Pantry at 7 N. Mast St. 
Henniker: Henniker Food Pantry at 21 Western Ave.
Hillsborough: Hillsboro Food Pantry at 7 Church St. 
Keene: The Community Kitchen at 37 Mechanic St.
          St. Vincent DePaul Society, 173 Main St. (St. Bernard Church)
          Salvation Army at 15 Roxbury Place
Laconia: Christ Life Center Food Pantry at 175 Mechanic St.
Langdon: Fall Mt. Food shelf at 122 Route 12A
Lebanon: Listen Comm. Services at 60 Hanover St.
Littleton: Littleton Food Pantry at 70 Redington St.
Lincoln/Woodstock: Food Pantry at 194 Pollard Rd.
Loudon: Loudon Food Pantry at 30 Chichester, Rd. Unit D
Manchester: NH Food Bank at 700 E. Industrial Park Dr.
                   Shiloh Food Ministry at 461 Straw Rd.
                   Families in Transition at 176 Lake Ave.  
Marlborough: Federated Church at 16 Pleasant St.
Meredith: Food Pantry at 147 Main St.
Moultonborough: Lakes Region Food Pantry, 977 Whittier Hwy.
Portsmouth: Gather at 124 Heritage Ave. Unit 3
Richmond: Town Hall at 105 Old Homestead Hwy.
Rindge: Rindge Food Pantry at 1102 Route 119
Troy: The Helping Hand Center at 1 Depot St.
Wakefield: Wakefield Food Pantry at 1500 Wakefield Rd.
Weare: Weare Food Pantry at 33 N. Stark Hwy.
West Swanzey: W. Swanzey Community Church, 7 Homestead Ave.
Whitefield: Friends-N-Neighbors Food Pantry, 4 Main St.
Winchester: United Church of Winchester at 99 Main St.
Wolfeboro: LIFE Ministries Food Pantry at 264 S. Main St.
Woodsville: Good Shepard Food Pantry at 65 S. Court St.

I’m sure I’ve missed many more in the state, but this is a good start of where to go as many of these places serve more than one town. Perhaps you know someone or a family who could use some assistance, share this list. If not, food and monetary donations would be gratefully accepted. You might even want to donate the gift of your time!

“We are humanity ambassadors.”
                       Seth Andrews

 

At noon on Saturday, November 1 in Central Square, the Keene Rally Coalition will be hosting a rally to call for the restoration of SNAP benefits. Please join us, bring signs and costumes, and bring your people.

Read more about the suspension of SNAP benefits here.

As part of this event, we be collecting food and financial donations for Keene Mutual Aid. Since the pandemic in 2020, Keene Mutual Aid has been distributing food and hygiene supplies to unhoused and low-income people through the Free Store they operate on Saturdays in Railroad Square. 

The Free Store is already facing a steep increase in demand due to deteriorating economic conditions, and, with SNAP benefits expiring on Saturday, is sure to see even greater need. If you are able to contribute financially to their efforts, here is the donation page.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), still known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal government program providing assistance for those of low to no incomes to purchase groceries. The program helps them maintain adequate nutrition and health. It is a federal aid program through the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) with benefits distributed by certain departments of US states, for example, the Division of Social Services and the Dept. of Health & Human Services, etc.

Begun in 1939, the program allowed people on relief to buy orange stamps equal to their regular expense for food. For every $1 worth of orange stamps bought, 50 cents worth of blue stamps were received. Orange stamps could be used to buy any food. Blue stamps were only for food determined by the Dept. to be surplus.

Pres. Lyndon Johnson asked Congress to pass legislation making the program permanent, leading to the Food Stamp Act of 1964. For 86 years, since 1939, America has helped to feed its most vulnerable citizens. 

Now, that program is being held hostage by a majority political party who will not pass overall funding. Senate Democrats have demanded the Republicans first reverse their cuts to the Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare) and Medicaid. Republicans have argued that health care can be debated after the shutdown is over. I think we all know the majority party is not known for their honesty, integrity or ethics.

This has resulted in over 700,000 federal employees suspended from their jobs, with nearly the same number of workers now working without pay. Employees crucial to public safety, such as air traffic controllers, border patrol, law enforcement and military personnel, are required to work anyway. 

The SNAP program is one such program that will negatively affect about 42 million people, men, women, children, disabled and veterans, should it be halted on Sat. Nov. 1st. The National WIC Association (Women, Infants & Children), a nonprofit organization that advocates for The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for recipients, recently stated millions of families could lose their benefits come Nov. 1 without additional funding for the program. This program helps pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding moms. 

According to NH Hunger Solutions:

• SNAP benefits are guaranteed. When the government finally reopens, Nov. benefits will be issued retroactively.
• The SNAP program will continue. Applications will be processed and benefits issued retroactively to the application once the shutdown finally ends. Continue to apply.
• Once the shutdown ends, SNAP EBT cards will work for both current and new funds to purchase food.

This link is to New Hampshire’s Food Access Network:
FOOD ACCESS | New Hampshire Food Access Map

Spoiler alert! The opening page says this version of the map is out of date. Not to worry, click on the tab that says “About this map.” It will take you where you need to go. 

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 

                                        Matthew 25:40

Hard labor refers to physically demanding work often imposed as 
punishment, mostly in penal systems and military settings.

In the New Hampshire Constitution, under the Bill of Rights is Article 33: No Magistrate, or Court of Law, shall demand excessive bail or sureties, impose excessive fines, or inflict cruel or unusual punishments. June 2, 1784

In the United States Constitution, under the Bill of Rights, the Eighth Amendment reads: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. December 19, 1791

This past January, SB 15 was passed in the State Senate and then went to the House of Representatives. Put forth by six Republican Senators and five Republican Reps., the proposed legislation was to “establish a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.” After spending time in the House Criminal Justice and Safety Committee, the bill went nowhere but was retained in the committee. 

Until now.

On Oct. 15, eight Reps., seven of whom are either Free Staters and/or Liberty Alliance members, added a “non-germane” amendment to this bill. Non-germane is something irrelevant, or in this case, has nothing to do with the bill. The amendment is to change the original title of the bill to read: “AN ACT relative to incorporating hard labor as a sentencing option for certain offenses; establishing medical exemptions and penalties for abuse thereof; providing alternative punitive measures for legitimate medical exemptions; and establishing a sentencing appeals panel for prosecution appeals related to hard labor sentences.” (emphasis added)

Yeah, you read that right! They want to bring back hard labor.
Fun fact: NH has the second lowest violent crime rate in the region and second lowest violent crime rate in the country.

“(a) As used in this paragraph, “hard labor” means the mandatory performance of physically intensive manual labor tasks assigned by the commissioner of corrections, designed to serve as punishment, deterrence, and, where appropriate, rehabilitation for convicted offenders.”

“Refusal to participate without valid exemption may result in disciplinary measures, including loss of good time credits under RSA 651-A:22 or extended confinement.”

The entire amendment can be read here.

Who are the seven proponents of hard labor as punishment?
Terry Roy – Deerfield
Jennifer Rhodes – Winchester
Bob Lynn – Windham (voter suppression bills)
Ricky Devoid – Boscawen
Dennis Mannion – Salem
Kathleen Paquette – Manchester
Matt Sabourin dit Choinière – Seabrook

You can contact any one of these representatives by clicking here, scrolling down to “who’s my legislator” and clicking on the name. 

So, other than free (forced?) labor for the state, why is the majority party looking to continue in its backward march? 

Yesterday’s nationwide protests drew millions of peaceful activists dressed as frogs, dinosaurs, clowns and even one gigantic inflatable penis. Plenty of signs abound and general camaraderie among American citizens who see our rights threatened and have decided not to stay silent! 

WMUR covered the many events happening here in New Hampshire but was a little conservative on the number of attendees throughout the state. No matter . . .

What got my attention was what the House majority leader was quoted as saying, “Perhaps instead of protesting kings or purple unicorns, they might think about protesting something that is actually a problem here in America such as criminal migrants or leftist assassins." I guess when you have nothing left to bloviate about the usual “bogeymen” are a safe go-to topic. It’s a shame he didn’t use any examples to prove his unfounded point.

While I didn’t see any purple unicorns, I’ll bet there was one somewhere in America brandishing a “America has no king” sign.

In the meantime . . .

Not everyone gets the Union Leader newspaper, but this past weekend a full-page ad had a very important message:

Leftist assassins or violence?

Nope! Just Democrats working together to make a better New Hampshire! It’s a big tent. Feel free to come in.

Rep. Joe Alexander, R-Goffstown has filed his Legislative Service Requests (LSR’s) for the 2026 House Session. Coming under the heading of “the cruelty is the point” he would like to add more grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. He also wants to “prohibit the rental of residential property to individuals unlawfully present in the United States.” I’m sure he means New Hampshire where about 0.7% of the population is undocumented. Doesn’t sound like the state is exactly overrun and where does he think he has the right to tell property owners what to do with their own property or who to rent to? What happened to “personal choice?”

Sounds like a dictionary might take care of his other proposed legislation, “relative to the definition of intimate partner.” Why can’t the majority party stay out of people’s bedrooms? And finally, “enabling certain disabled persons to hunt from a motor vehicle.” What could possibly go wrong?

The NH Controlled Drug Act (RSA 318-B) regulates the use, distribution and prescription of controlled substances, to prevent misuse and ensure public safety. It defines many terms related to drug use and abuse, scheduling of drugs and defines legal responsibilities of healthcare providers and law enforcement in regards to controlled substances. Rochester Rep. Aidan Ankarberg would like to see this repealed. He’s also seeking “parent-taught driver education as an alternative to traditional driver education programs.” What could possibly go wrong?

Why is Milton’s Rep. Glenn Bailey sticking his nose in California’s business by bringing this forth, “affirming the state of California's request to divide into 2 states.”?

Rep. Ross Berry, Weare, apparently thinks beating a dead horse is fun with his voting eligibility legislative request. “Providing that only legal resident US citizens who are at least 18 years of age or older who reside in the place they claim as domicile shall be eligible voters.” 

NH’s refugee resettlement program is run by the state Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and funded by the federal government. DHHS also works in partnership with nonprofit organizations such as the International Institute of New England. Concord, Manchester and Nashua have all participated in this program. Another Weare Rep., Travis Corcoran would like to see this program repealed and prohibit spending state funds on refugee resettlement. What could possibly go wrong. . . for those fellow human beings seeking asylum?

Hoo-boy! More parental rights proposed legislation that most of us parents thought we already had! This piece of vagueness is brought to you by Milton Mill’s Rep. Michael Granger, “providing that parents and guardians have a right to direct the education of their children.” And what is a “permanent vehicle registration”? Sounds like more chipping away at revenue, which means property owners are left holding the bag again. 

What could possibly go wrong by continuing to vote in the Free Stater extremists? 

If you are a delegate to the New Hampshire State Democratic Party convention on October 18th, you should have received an email explaining the steps to vote on proposed amendments to the state party’s constitution. If you did not receive the email, please let me know so I can help get that rectified by NHDP.  

Our Ask: 

We are reaching out to express my strong support for the proposed amendments, which is shared by the majority of the other county chairs as well as the members of the Hillsborough County Executive Committee. We ask you to please vote YES on the amendments. 

If you have questions, please watch the presentation from the amendment's authors before voting. View ALL the arguments, and make up your own mind.

2025 NHDP Rules Amendments Webinar (YouTube Video)

The panelists in the webinar are the proponents of the amendments that are on the ballot. Tim Smith, a former Rules Committee member, is one of them, and he kindly offered to post the recording on his YouTube channel.  The panelists' contact information is shared at the end of the video.

We have also included information on the individual amendments below. 

• This is a Slate Vote: The amendments must be voted on as a group. We are not offered the opportunity to pick and choose to vote yes on some and no on others. As a package, these amendments will Strengthen Our Party. Please vote YES to pass all amendments.
• Approved by the Rules Committee: These amendments were vetted, voted on, and approved to be added to the ballot by the Rules Committee. Not all the submitted amendments made it to this stage.
• Expanding Our Voice: Several of the amendments will expand the State Committee, giving a voice to many who are closest to the voters and directly involved in our work - Democratic State Representatives and Town Chairs. Increasing representation on the State Committee will make the process more democratic. Currently, a large percentage of State Committee members are appointed.
• The Importance of Gaining Ground and Connecting With Voters: Democrats in NH have been losing ground - we have lost majorities in state government and we’ve seen a significant decline in registered Democrats in New Hampshire. Let’s add the voices of those who connect daily with voters in their community - Democratic State Representatives and Town Chairs!

Voting Process: 

The process for voting for amendments/resolutions is laid out in the email you should have received. Here’s a recap on the 3 ways you can submit your vote:

• Online Voting will be open until 2PM on October 18th. This is the quickest process. Voting prior to election day ensures your vote will be counted should you experience last-minute scheduling issues or cannot attend the Convention in person.
• By Mail, to be received at the NHDP office by October 17th.
• In Person at the Convention, to be completed by 2PM on October 18th. The Convention schedule will be wrapped up by 12:30PM to allow people to attend No Kings rallies that afternoon.

The Amendments & Why You Should Vote Yes:

1. All Democratic State Representatives become members of the State Committee.

• Voting YES for this amendment would provide Democratic State Representatives with a voice in our party’s direction and future.
• State Representatives, elected by their constituents, have unique insights on the voters and issues of their communities that are hard to replicate. They know the political pulse of their districts.
• Expanding the state committee to include these voices strengthens the party and recognizes the commitment, perseverance, insights, and impact of our elected Democratic State Representatives.
• A State Rep could opt out of the role on the State Committee, if they choose to do so.

2. All local (town) chairs become members of the State Committee.

• Voting YES for this amendment would provide Democratic Town Chairs with a voice in our party’s direction and future.
• Town Chairs are hard-working volunteers and have strong insights into the characteristics and voter concerns unique to their community. In addition to running the town committee, they help recruit and train candidates, run campaign efforts, and organize volunteers.
• At a time when the Democratic party is consistently struggling to win local and statewide elections, empowering Town Chairs with membership on the State Committee will increase the Party’s focus on local needs and challenges, and garner the necessary resources and support needed to elect Democrats to state office.
• Expanding the state committee to include these voices strengthens the party and recognizes the hard work, insights, and impact of our Town Chairs, who are elected in their communities.
• Being a member of the State Committee could encourage more interest in and give voice to the Town Chair position, which could benefit rural and red areas, and the party as a whole with more complete committee coverage across the state.
• Listening to and involving the Town Chairs in the State Committee acknowledges the responsibilities that Town Chairs have and the collaboration necessary to achieve our shared goals.
• A Town Chair could opt out of the role on the State Committee, if they choose to do so.

3. Clarification of Regional Committee formation and management.

• Regional Committees offer a proven, workable solution for more rural areas where communities are small and it can be challenging to form town committees.
• This amendment clarifies and strengthens the policies for the formation of Regional Committees, which will help Democrats reach every corner of the state.

4. NHDP Legal Counsel changed to a non-voting member of the Rules Committee. Rules Committee expanded from 6 elected members to 7.

• This amendment changes the role of the Legal Council to a non-voting member of the Rules Committee.
• Currently, NHDP’s legal counsel is appointed to the Rules Committee by the state party Chair.
• With the passage of this amendment, a 7th member would be added that would be voted on by the State Committee members, consistent with the six other Rules Committee members.
• This amendment would align the election of all 7 voting members in a democratic fashion, while maintaining the expertise provided by the inclusion of legal counsel as a resource in the discussions and procedures of the Rules Committee.

5. NHDP officer elections to use ranked-choice voting.

• Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is an election system where voters rank candidates by order of preference rather than choosing just one.
• This type of election process promotes majority support: the winner is ultimately supported by a majority of voters, which can build party unity and discourage negative campaigning.
• To learn more about RCV in general and its benefits, please visit https://fairvote.org/our-reforms/ranked-choice-voting/.

6. Proxy voting prohibited for State Committee voting.

• What is Proxy Voting? Proxy voting is a process that allows an authorized representative, known as a proxy, to cast a ballot on behalf of an eligible voter. This is typically done when the voter cannot attend a meeting in person.
• Proxy voting has become antiquated as we now have an online voting process that has been working well and more efficiently for several years. Online voting is one of the 3 ways you can cast your vote for these amendments.

7. NH Democratic Presidential Electors made members of the State Committee.

• A Presidential Elector is an individual chosen by their state party to cast a vote for the President and Vice President of the United States through the Electoral College process. When American citizens vote for a presidential candidate, they are technically voting for that candidate's slate of pledged electors, not for the candidate directly.
• This amendment would give these electors a seat on the state committee for their term.

8. Responsibility for filling ballot vacancies removed from local committees

• This is a housekeeping issue to ensure the state party process aligns with state laws. 

State Convention on October 18th from 9AM-12:30PM

The State Convention is being held on Saturday, October 18th. 

It is a ticketed event, with a lower rate offered for Delegates. Tickets can be purchased here: 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/25-convention-tickets

Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. Would you please let me know if we can count on your support for the proposed amendments?

Thank you,

The Amendments are supported by the following Democratic County Committee Chairs.

Carroll County: David Paige 
Cheshire County: Mohammad Saleh 
Coos County: Henry Noel 
Grafton County: Ann Garland 
Hillsborough County: Katy Cutshall
Merimack County: Amy Metcalf
Rockingham County: Lisa DeMio 
Stafford County: Walter King

Here’s more doozies about what is headed for the upcoming 2026 New Hampshire Legislative Session:

The Republican majority sure do love themselves some “Off with their heads” capital punishment laws. The New Hampshire death penalty was abolished in 2019 for those convicted of capital murder, having been last used in 1939. However, it is still legal for crimes committed before May 30, 2019. Studies have shown that capital punishment is more costly to implement rather than a life imprisonment sentence, roughly $1.1 million versus $6-700,000 for life imprisonment. 

Reps. Doug Trottier, Belmont and Seth King, Whitefield, would like to see it brought back for capital murder. Liberty Alliance members Rep. Mike Belcher, Wakefield wants to reinstate the death penalty for certain offenses against minors under 13 years of age, while Rep. Jonathan Morton, Manchester is a little vague with his “relative to the offense of capital murder”. Salem’s Rep. Joe Sweeney, taking a moment from targeting immigrants and Executive Council members, thinks himself the champion of minors with this proposed legislation, “making all offenses against minors involving sexual penetration or contact felony-level offenses punishable by death.”

Liberty Alliance member Rep. James Spillane, Deerfield, wants to “repeal the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.” The State Senate found this proposed legislation to be “Inexpedient to Legislate” in 2025, so the bill was essentially killed. But it seems to be slithering its way back to the House in 2026. 

Liberty Alliance member Rep. Samuel Farrington, Rochester, takes issue with “restrictions on public colleges and universities regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus.” That’s all it says, but could it be he wants those restrictions removed? One can only imagine why . . .

Rep. Belcher would like to “exempt certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in NH from federal regulation.” Government. Always sticking its nose in . . .

One the one hand we see an overzealous abundance of loosening restrictions on all manner of weaponry. On the other hand the lust for punishment and death seems to supersede the compassion of possible rehabilitation.

Rep. Joe “if you are in NH illegally, you are NOT welcome in NH” Sweeney has set his sights on Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill. He wants the House of Representatives to investigate whether grounds exist to impeach her. 

Why, you wonder?

For the horrendous “crime” of reaching out to five individuals/organizations to assist a constituent who asked for her help concerning the latest voter suppression bill SB 287, that was recently signed into law. This bill makes it harder for those who vote absentee to continue to do so by now requiring an acceptable photo ID or appearing in person before a notary or clerk. Proof of her transparent “crime” can be viewed here.

A true public servant is motivated by altruism, has a great sense of duty to the public, and is committed to integrity and transparency. Their decisions and actions are guided by the welfare of their constituents and community, often at the expense of personal gain or comfort. Thank you, Councilor Hill for exemplifying the true meaning of the words “public servant.”

The New Hampshire House will begin the 2026 Session on Jan. 7th. Proposed legislation will make their way onto the floor for debate and a vote. Depending on the nature of these proposed bills and the outcome of the vote, a lot of the bills coming from the majority party will hurt the majority of NH’s citizenry. Let’s explore some examples of what they have in mind for us:

Rep. Aidan Ankarberg I-Strafford District 7 is looking to repeal some taxes. Specifically, car registration, business profits and business enterprise taxes. That’s revenue for the state the majority party is hoping to get rid of. Where will that shortfall be made up from? Us! Property owners. An example, beginning in 2026, vehicle inspections will no longer be mandated. While I realize a lot of people are thrilled to have their unsafe cars and trucks on our roads in order to save money, that’s an annual, roughly, $6 million loss in revenue for our state. 

Rep. Matt Drew R-Manchester, wants to repeal the Housing Champion and Grant Program. In order to address the housing shortage issue in NH, this program was adopted in 2023, encouraging municipalities to develop pro-housing zoning and land use regulations. Apparently, Rep. Drew prefers the shortage of affordable housing rather than see towns become housing friendly.

Wanting to put the kibosh on anything that addresses clean and/or renewable energy Liberty Alliance member Rep. Len Turcotte R-Barrington, wants to repeal the solar energy systems tax exemption. Not to be out done, fellow extremist Rep. Jeanine Notter R-Merrimack, wants to repeal renewable energy fund compliance payments. In order to understand what this is, please go here as it really is a lot of information for this one small article. 

So much repealing!

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is also in their cross hairs. Liberty Alliance member Rep. Jim Kofalt R-Wilton, has come up with proposed legislation to determine “eligibility for public assistance, including the NH employment program, family assistance program, and SNAP.” NH already has the lowest participation in the following Federal Nutrition Programs:
-School meals (free and reduced price) ranked 47th in School   
-SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) ranked 39th
-SUN Meals (Summer Nutrition Program for kids) ranked 35th.

Rep. Mike Belcher R-Wakefield, is going after China. Maybe tariffs by the federal government weren’t enough, as he is proposing a ban on citizens of the People's Republic of China from attending state institutions of higher education. Additionally, he wants to ban school districts and personnel from teaching critical race theory and LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools as well as establishing a private right of action if his proposed ban is violated. (I wonder what he has in mind for violation punishments.)

Rep. Melissa Litchfield R-Brentwood, proposes to ban the use of personal identity ideology in public school instruction and policies. No word on what happens in the case of violations . . .

Rep. John Sellars R-Bristol, wants to bring this gem back, “requiring the viewing of certain videos demonstrating gestational development from embryo to fetus through birth by public school students and college or university students.” This past July, Gov. Ayotte vetoed HB 667 which was basically the same thing, forced video viewing. 
Sellars also wants to “restrict abortion providers from the definition of charitable organization for the purposes of games of chance.”

Huh??

Rep. Samuel Farrington R-Rochester, has three pieces of proposed legislation aimed at abortion and contraception services. Would those “contraception services” include vasectomies and condoms, I wonder . . .?

Rep. Jason Osborne R-Auburn, House majority leader who wants to put a leash on local governments, has proposed legislation going after free speech and another one to establish a commission to study transitioning all public schools to public charter schools. 
And there it is! What they have worked for all along, getting rid of public education! I wonder if Latitude Learning Resources is thought to be a “public charter school”?

“Widespread public access to knowledge, like public education, is one of the pillars of our democracy, a guarantee that we can maintain a well-informed citizenry.” Scott Turow, author

“In the U.S., we believe the best way to improve lives is to improve public education.” Bill Gates, businessman and philanthropist