The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures students with a disability are provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) meant for their specific needs. Before IDEA was enacted, from 1975-1990 it was known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA). Congress reauthorized EHA at the end of 1990, changing the title to IDEA, with the goal of providing children with disabilities the same opportunity for education as students who do not have a disability.

IDEA is comprised of four parts: 
~Part A covers the general requirements of the law; 
~Part B covers education assistance for all children with disabilities; 
~Part C covers infants and toddlers with disabilities; 
~Part D consists of national support programs operated at the federal level. Each part of the law has stayed pretty much the same since enactment in 1975.

But IDEA expanded on the EHA, by promoting research and technology development, transitioning programs for graduated high school students and programs educating children in their neighborhood schools, rather than separate schools. IDEA supports early intervention services for infants, toddlers and their families, and gives competitive discretionary grants. 

By 2003, only 25% of deaf or blind children were educated at state institutions. As of 2006, more than 6 million children nationwide received special education services through IDEA.

Now, under the Trump regime, any and all positive gains are on shaky ground. The worry now is the possibility of removing the Office of Special Education from the US Dept. of Education and putting it into the US Dept. of Health & Human Services (can you imagine!). Also reducing federal fundings and placing tighter restrictions on federal funds. 

In New Hampshire we have two Liberty Alliance members who both scored an "A-" rating for their votes this past Session, now presenting “study” legislation. Rep. Bryan Morse of Franklin is sponsoring HB 1221 which would direct the education commission to “study costs of special education to consider establishing centralized locations throughout the state for certain special education-related services.” He’s hoping to reduce the costs for services to districts. Here’s a couple of thoughts . . .how about if the state pays its mandated share for public education for a start and y’all stop repealing sources of revenue? 

Rep. Greg Hill of Northfield is sponsoring HB 1099, to establish a “committee to study private businesses providing special and behavioral education services to school age children, and whether local school districts are receiving adequate reimbursement for special and behavioral education services that are provided.” This one bears watching, too.

In 1975 Pres. Gerald Ford signed the EHA (now IDEA) into law, when just 20% of children with disabilities were in public schools, the rest were either institutionalized in places like the Laconia State School, or lived at home with no opportunities for education. The law assured disabled children the right to a proper and free public education which helped to improve their lives. 

Parents in NH are involved in and part of the team in programs created for their child. 

Do we want the above-mentioned bills to begin the slide back to the days of state institutions? 

New Hampshire businesses are quite varied throughout the state. We have the neighborhood mom & pop types to big corporations. Some of these corporations include Planet Fitness,Sig Sauer, C & S Wholesale Grocers, BAE Systems to name but a few. HB 155 is a bill aimed at REDUCING the amount of taxes paid by these large corporations. Which means, if passed, the state’s revenue will DECREASE annually by $26 million. When the wealthy pay less, guess who pays more? 

Here's how it will come into play . . .

• Reduces the Business Enterprise Tax from 0.55% to 0.50%
• Reduces state revenue by roughly $26 million per year beginning in 2027
• Cities and towns will be forced to pay higher property taxes
• It will be harder to fund new housing, road maintenance and keep communities safe
• Benefits the wealthiest corporations 

Fun facts: Approximately 1% of NH businesses pay the lion’s share of that tax and for the last 10 years, NH legislators consistently cut business taxes resulting in a revenue loss between $795 million and $1.17 billion.

That is revenue that could have gone for mental health services, more affordable housing and child care rather than benefitting big, wealthy corporations, some of which have headquarters in other states. These cuts were never meant to help small businesses, they were meant to benefit the wealthy and those who are well connected. When NH loses revenue, cities and towns get less support for schools, roads, and services. And we all know what that means, property taxes go up! 

Fun fact: NH has the third-highest property taxes in the nation.

What HB 155 doesn’t do is invest in our communities, lower prices, or create jobs. Instead, it shifts millions away from local services and gives it to the corporate CEOs. Services that could benefit families already struggling from rising costs.

Should HB 155 pass, cities and towns will face larger class sizes, delayed road repairs, higher tuition, higher health care costs, child care centers closing, reduced mental health services and increased property taxes. Instead, big corporations receive a tax cut they didn’t even ask for. 

Who did this? Who thought higher property taxes was just what the average, struggling NH family needed? Rep. Joe Sweeney, Rep. Jason Osborne, Rep. Joe Alexander, and Rep. Ross Berry all members of the extremist groups Liberty Alliance and/or Free Staters. This proposed bill is their latest effort in a long-term plan to shrink state revenue and place the costs onto the rest of us. Instead of investing in solutions, these extremist legislators repeatedly chose to defund the state with business tax cuts.

This combination, which can’t be stated enough, has created:

• Higher property taxes
• Underfunded schools
• An inability to address affordable housing
• Health and Child care underfunded
• Mental health and workforce shortages

Business tax cuts will only make it worse. So, what can you do? Send an email to your representative(s) letting them know of your concern and displeasure about this terrible bill. You can also email the sponsors letting them know of your concern and displeasure.

Joe.Alexander@gc.nh.gov
Ross.Berry@gc.nh.gov
Jason.Osborne@gc.nh.gov
Joe.Sweeney@gc.nh.com

We all have a voice. Let’s be heard!

The US Census Bureau conducts a census every ten years counting every resident in the United States which provides data about the nation’s people and economy. The most recent census was in 2020. The next one will take place in 2030.

We have recently seen mid-decade redistricting shenanigans going on in the country, specifically Texas and California. The states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri and New York are all in the “considering” stage. And now it appears New Hampshire has decided to join in the fun! While mid-decade redistricting is not illegal per the US Constitution or federal law, it is a state specific action. Some states ban the practice of mid-decade redistricting, other states permit it under certain conditions.

In NH it is legal to hold mid-decade redistricting, with that authority being held by the legislature. In 2022, the legislature and Gov. Sununu were unable to agree on a new district map. Enter the NH Supreme Court who put one in place and that’s what we have now and should have until the next redistricting in 2030. What’s notable is the current court implemented map has a difference of just one person between the two districts. 

HB 1300 is being proposed by Sen. Dan Innis-Bradford, a member of the extremist group Liberty Alliance, and Rep. Aidan Ankarberg-Rochester. Keeping in mind that the main reason of redistricting is to keep the population in each district as equal as possible, this proposal would raise that difference to 53 people. Additionally, this new proposal would put the state's three largest cities, Concord, Manchester and Nashua into one district, turning two currently competitive districts into one that would be safely blue and the other safely red. Where’s the competition and accountability in that?

If passed, this would allow politicians to choose their voters ahead of important elections, rather than VOTERS choosing their elected officials. Even Gov. Ayotte is not really on board with this idea.

This is where all of you come in. Send an email to your state representatives urging them NOT to pursue this form of gerrymandering. You can also contact the members of the Election Law Committee and tell them the same thing. Clicking on a committee name gives you their contact information.

The next Session begins just after the new year. There will be a lot more “calls to action” as we work together to preserve our democracy!

“Democracy requires constant vigilance to ensure that power does not become concentrated in the hands of a few.” 
James Madison

English immigrants had set sail in 1620 for an area near the Hudson River but arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts instead. There they depended on the goodwill and assistance of Native Americans, the Wampanoags and their Chief, Massasoit. The English immigrants were taught vital skills such as how to prepare for harsh weather conditions and cultivating the land. They learned how to grow corn, beans, squash; how to fish and hunt local wildlife. 

That first winter claimed the lives of almost half the number of original immigrants. In Nov. 1621, having already formed an alliance together, the English immigrants and the Wampanoag tribe held a three day feast in celebration of a successful harvest. 

It wasn’t until Pres. Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. His declaration was partly an effort to unite the country during a time of deep division (Civil War). He designated the last Thurs. of Nov. a day of Thanksgiving and praise, solidifying this day of thanks with a place in American tradition, promoting a nationwide sense of unity and gratitude.

Which brings us to modern day immigration.

Human Rights Day is annually observed on Dec. 10th., commemorating the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

International Migrants Day is annually observed on Dec. 18th, recognizing and celebrating the diversity of migrant communities worldwide. It highlights the importance of supporting the rights and dignity of all migrants and refugees, no matter their backgrounds or reasons for migration.

From Dec. 10th through Dec. 18th, in the spirit of that 1621 Thanksgiving, people across the country are coming together to demand dignity, safety, and freedom for all. There are organized rallies denouncing immigration raids, detention, and deportation, while affirming everyone’s right to safety, belonging, and justice.

Here in Keene, there will be a peaceful rally on Sat. Dec. 13th from 12-1 on Central Square. On Thurs. Dec. 18th from 12-1 there will be a peaceful rally outside of Cheshire County Courthouse. There has been information recently publicized about the presence of ICE in our community. https://www.keenesentinel.com/news/local/troy-nh-police-making-immigration-arrests-under-agreement-with-feds/article_bb458eef-2c98-4c39-a68e-f39f1da85b14.html

Immigrants make our communities stronger, they should not have to live in a culture of fear. Stronger With Immigrants Week of Action | American Friends Service Committee

Friends of Democracy NH, and members of the New Hampshire Democrat House Caucus are organizing a Mitten, Hat, Glove, Scarf drive. Clean socks and coats will also be accepted. New or gently used items are greatly appreciated. 

We are asking that collections be completed by Mon., Dec. 15th. Contact your House Representative to coordinate pick-up or drop-off time(s). These donations will be taken to the State House on Dec. 17th as NH’s legislature will be in Session then for Veto Day. (For those who don’t know what this is about, just click on the link.) 

On that day, donations from around the state will be gathered, sorted and sent back to all 10 counties for use by our NH residents. Perhaps you are attending or hosting a holiday gathering in the next week or two. Ask attendees to bring a donation of their own. Maybe you can get a quick word out for donations to your place of worship or organizations you belong to. Remember to have all items ready for pick-up or drop-off by Dec. 15th.

Thank you in advance for taking a moment to help others around our state. And please share this information with friends and family.

Here we go! Gearing up for the 2026 House Session! Let’s get a jump on things by becoming aware of both the good and bad proposed legislation coming our way and what we can do about it.

The party “parental rights” and “school choice” have decided that THEY will decide for YOU what you can and cannot purchase with your EBT card/SNAP benefits. 

SB 615, proposed by Senator Victoria Sullivan, who scored an “A” on the Liberty Alliance 2025 ratings scorecard, and several other senators would like to be able to do just that. And just like registering to vote, you better have “proof of citizenship” when you apply to receive such benefits. 

While abuse, fraud and administrative errors do happen, most benefits are used legitimately. Also, law enforcement does find and recover considerable funds and catches many administrative problems. To let Sen. Sullivan know how you feel about this you can contact her here. Seriously? If a mom wants to treat either herself or her kid to a candy bar, why does she need government permission to do so?

The “Big, Bad Bill” will be causing roughly 46,000 people in New Hampshire to lose their health care coverage. Narrowing this down a bit, one of their never-ending goals is to “defund” Planned Parenthood by banning them from the Medicaid program. This is another attack on women’s rights and access to healthcare such as affordable birth control, wellness checkups and cancer screenings, in addition to reproductive choice. (There’s that “choice” word again.) What will Gov. Ayotte do to protect access to health care and Planned Parenthood health centers for the people of NH? Does she have a plan? You can contact the governor here with your concerns and questions.

Not content to legislate away all manner of revenue for the state, HB 155 is making a comeback for the next Session. This bill reduces the rate of the business enterprise tax by about $26 million for wealthy corporations in NH. What does the average NH citizen get? An increase in property taxes and rents; takes away more funding from public schools, housing, child and health care. Who is continuing to put the squeeze on NH families? Free Stater and Liberty Alliance members such as, Rep. Joe Sweeney –Salem, Rep. Joe Alexander –Goffstown, Rep. Ross Berry-Weare and Rep. Jason Osborne -Auburn. This is a bill that has been steadily giving, for the last ten years, a tax break for big corporations. The majority party is seeking to increase that giveaway yet again.

The mobilizing group Action Network is hosting a “Grassroots Mobilization Call” on Mon. Dec. 8th at 7:00. To learn more and sign up for this click here.

If it isn’t the House, it’s the Senate putting forth book banning bills. SB 33 proposes to do just that. Sign on to express your opposition to this bill and then contact your representatives and urge them to vote against this latest bad bill. 

Buckle in, folks! We’ve got a lot of activism work ahead of us.

The one thing the government fears is the day we stand together.

With the increase in grocery prices since the beginning of 2025 such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, cereal, bakery products, dairy, beverages, various fruits and vegetables and the recent government shutdown for over a month that affected people who receive SNAP benefits, some households may still find themselves needing a little extra food assistance this holiday season. 

Thanksgiving baskets:

Black Lives Matter NH
~Sign-up required.  
~Pickup Nov. 22-24 at locations in Concord, Dover, Manchester and Portsmouth
~Sign up information: https://www.facebook.com/Blmnewhampshire/posts/pfbid037uvBdPnfCE2hq5a7JEEwKxt8qouierK9vq19E3rYcGFqiE42Qh5eTT74GhX2eXyVl

Merrimack 
~First come, first served. 
~Pickup on Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m.
~16 Baboosic Lake Rd., Merrimack
~Merrimack ID required
~More information:
 https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02cWAZ3ADrqDj6H6Mmbvxdn2D3CHUKcjYYXQg4ifhH4q3NRA2twtpUky5eX6jBtMzgl&id=100091860007182

Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter
~No sign-up needed.
~2 Quincy St., Nashua. 11:00-2:45

Meals served on Thanksgiving Day

Claremont:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 1:00-3:00
~Trinity Church, 120 Broad St.
~More Information: https://trinityclaremont.org/upcoming-events/

Colebrook:
~Colebrook Area Food Pantry
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 2:00
~Pick-up and Delivery Available
~https://www.facebook.com/events/1142090504279416

Derry:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 1:00-2:30 
~St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 27 Crystal Ave. 
~https://www.pinkertonacademy.org/uploads/files/st-thomas.pdf?v=1762267410067

Hampton:
~Thurs., Nov. 27 at noon
~Sit-down, take out or delivery available
~ Hampton United Methodist Church, 525 Lafayette Rd. (Rt.1)
~More information: https://hamptonnhumc.org/community-thanksgiving-dinner/

Keene:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 11:30-3:00
~Assembly of God Church, 121 Park Ave.

~100 Nights Shelter for take-out - 12:00-3:00 Delivery and pickup available.
~122 Water St.

Lebanon:
~Sunday, Nov. 23
~Sacred Heart Parish, 2 Hough St.
~More information: https://www.sacredheartlebanon.org/

Manchester:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 12:00-2:00 
~RSVP by Nov. 24
~Blessed Sacrament Parish, 14 Elm St. 
~More information: www.blessedsacramentnh.org

~Thurs., Nov. 27, 6:00 
~54 Newbury Rd.
~https://www.facebook.com/BethanyChapelNH/posts/pfbid02hyRN5uj9k5KzxGL7L3HuFZAzkgWDwijiUC5x5NX3fgnz8RquJrLhnKh7P7H2K8WGl

Nashua:
~Tues., Nov. 25,11:30-2:00 
~Harbor Care Health & Wellness Center, 45 High St. 
~More information: https://harborcarenh.org/thanksgivingdinner/

Plaistow:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 1:00
~Rock Church Plaistow, 90 Newton Rd. 
~https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48ADAF2DA1F9CE9-60493981-thanksgiving?fbclid=IwY2xjawODEvtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIb0RCcE9LbEFGU05hTjNZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkE1sv3XljTKsNbzib3xGOfzEkR-IY-KIxzsi_3-ajq8VTxJuV8aAII_aYvb_aem_oT2tITtEbxTS2ExeJpq8Ow&brid=xV5BwVtDb-1x3Cm8G5iyXg

Portsmouth:
~Sit-down meal on Thurs., Nov. 27, 12:00-3:00 
~Deliveries deadline on Tues., Nov. 25
~Jarvis Center, St. Nicholas Greek Church, 40 Andrew Jarvis Dr.
~https://portsmouthrotary.org/events/thanksgiving-dinner-2025/

American Legion/Veterans

~Post 32 in Exeter - Thanksgiving Dinner, Thurs., Nov. 27, 2:00
~Post 2 in Manchester  - Thanksgiving Breakfast, Thurs., Nov. 27, 7:30 am-10:00 am 
~Post 70 in Seabrook - Thanksgiving Meal, Sun., Nov. 23, 1:00-3:00 with deliveries available.

Salem: 
~The Homeland Heroes Foundation is sharing baskets on Tues., Nov. 25,10:00-3:00, 10 Delaware Dr. Suite 1
~Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/833392799058546/permalink/833392809058545

Perhaps you would like to donate:

New Hampshire Food Bank Virtual Drive
~The NH Food Bank has a dedicated website to donate funds online

Hannaford supermarkets 
~Hannaford has programs to donate $5 or $10 gift cards to provide meals to local pantries, and a program through the holiday season where they will donate $0.50 for buying certain products.
https://hannaford.com/pages/hannaford-helps-fight-hunger

Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are always in the forefront during the month of November and rightly so! But, we also remember and honor the achievements, contributions and culture of Native Americans. November became Native American Heritage History Month in August, 1990 during the presidency of George H.W. Bush. 

Here in New Hampshire, many towns were built on village sites once inhabited by differing Native tribes; Concord, Dover, Franklin, Hampton, Hooksett, Laconia, Nashua, Manchester, Penacook Somersworth and Suncook as examples. While there are no recognized tribes in the state today, original tribes in NH included the Pennacook and Abenaki tribe. 

The Pennacook tribe survived by farming, hunting, fishing and were also know as “gatherers.” They lived in wigwams made from bark by the Merrimack River. The man’s role was to protect his family and would go to war if necessary to defend his family and their tribe.

Pennacook women were often out farming too, in addition to cooking and caring for the children. Pennacooks didn’t wear long headdresses, instead they wore feathered headbands. Warrior men often had mohawks which showed off their tribal status. 

The Abenaki Tribe is native to the Monadnock region and historically was two different groups. The Eastern Abenaki lived in Maine, and the Western group lived in NH. Most of their settlements were by river valleys, built near waterfalls and major rivers, travelling across the water in their self-made birchbark canoes. They too, were farmers, fishermen and hunters, with each man in the tribe inheriting hunting territories from his father. Like the Pennacook, the Abenaki lived in bark wigwams, lining them in the winter with animal skins, such as bear and deer, for extra warmth.  

During the early 1500s, European immigrants came to NH, some documenting the tribes way of life. By the 1600’s the state’s Native American population was beginning to decline, as more and more European immigrants descended upon the New World. 

Sadly, the Pennacook and Abenaki tribes, including their subgroups, began to see their populations decrease as they had no natural immunity against diseases brought into their settlements. Additionally, European immigrants were eventually beginning to claim the ancestral lands of the Abenaki, increasing tensions between them.

Many of these tribal descendants still live still live in Canada, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Today, it’s believed that roughly 3,200 Abenaki live in Vermont and NH.

Here are some places where you can learn more about NH’s Native American Heritage:
~Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner.
~The Abenaki Heritage Initiative at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.
~Indigenous Dover, NH. Map of historical markers and war memorials.

It’s up to us to continue to support and preserve Native American heritage.

New Hampshire holds the dubious “honor” of being the most difficult state to cast a ballot in. Even registering to vote now requires proof of citizenship and if you are a married woman you need your birth certificate and marriage certificate to register. Absentee voting requirements got stricter with the recent passage of SB 287. That will affect mostly disabled voters and those who are home bound.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 4th, about 100+ NH voters were unable to vote due to their lack of documentary proof of citizenship or other ID now required by HB 1569. MacKenzie Taylor, the Director of New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights (NHCVR) acknowledged that NH’s elections were already safe, secure and trusted before this unnecessary bill was allowed to become law. 

Fun fact #1: During the Nov. 2024 election, 832,549 NH voters cast a ballot. Twenty-seven used a (now repealed) affidavit ballot, with 3 voters mailing their required documents within the time frame to their city/town clerk. Out of 832,549 voters only 24 ballots were discarded. The system was not only working, it wasn’t even broken. 

Fun fact #2: Of the 832,549 voters, 99,524 of them used absentee ballots. After SB 287 passed, NHCVR began a campaign to urge Gov. Ayotte to veto the bill, which she did not. Click here to read some of the letters from NH voters to the governor. 

The majority party is not done with their cruel plans of voter suppression. This is what is in the works for the 2026 Session:
LSR 2026-2283: authorizing the secretary of state to conduct random audits of the citizenship qualification of registered voters. Sponsor: Bob Lynn (saw to it HB 1569 passed)

LSR 2026-2650: clarifying the definition of citizen of NH. Sponsor: Donald McFarlane (wouldn’t a dictionary help?)

LSR 2026-3230: defining citizenship for the purposes of voting. Sponsor: Robert Wherry (another dictionary here, please)

HB 317: preventing a supervisor of the checklist from verifying a person's identity without identification, even if they personally know that person.

HB 323: requiring the presentation of a government-issued photographic means of identification in order to vote.

Here’s where you come in. Let your representatives know you do not want any more voter suppression legislation to be passed in NH. Click here to do so. Thank you for defending our democracy.

The New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights is a coalition of state and national advocacy organizations, voters, attorneys and watchdog organizations working to ensure and preserve the right to vote for every eligible Granite Stater, and is a project of America Votes.

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.”