The late Congressman John Lewis was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. in the early 1960’s when the movement for civil rights was beginning. He became a Freedom Rider, spoke at the March on Washington in 1963 and led the demonstration that later became known as "Bloody Sunday." In 1986 he took his fight for civil and human rights to Washington, DC and was elected to Congress, representing the people of Georgia. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and was one of the most respected members of Congress.

On Thursday, July 17th we will gather together throughout New Hampshire (and the nation) to honor the memory of the man who called for “good trouble.” Here is a list of statewide events, all of which promote non-violence:

Concord, NH
2:00 — 6:00 PM
New Hampshire State House

Conway, NH
4:00 — 6:00 PM 
This event’s address is private. Click here for more info.

Dover, NH
3:00 — 4:00 PM
Dover’s “Good Troubles Lives On” protest. Click here for more info.

Franconia, NH
4:00— 5:30 PM 
Sidewalks outside of the Franconia Post Office.

Jaffrey, NH
3:00-5:00 PM
Jaffrey Rite Aid corner. Click here for more info.
14 Peterborough St. (corner of Peterborough St. and Turnpike Rd.)
Collecting canned goods for the food pantry. Bring a lawn chair if needed. Water will be available.

Keene, NH
5:00-7:00 PM
Central Square
A community art project followed by a 1-hour rally celebrating John Lewis’ legacy of civil rights, social justice, and nonviolent activism.
Pizza and drinks will be available at 6 PM.
Hosted by “Keene Rally Coalition”

Nashua, NH
5:00 — 8:00 PM 
Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Orford, NH
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Samuel Morey Memorial Bridge
Bridge St.

Peterborough, NH
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Routes 202 and 101 intersection, near 100 Grove Street.
Hosted by “We the People”

Plymouth, NH
6:00 – 8:00 PM
This event’s address is private. Click here for more info.

Portsmouth, NH
5:00 PM — 7:00 PM 
Market Square

Upper Valley, NH/VT
4:30 PM — 6:30 PM 
Veteran’s Park, Bridge St. & Maple St.
White River Jct, VT
Hartford, VT 

Wolfeboro, NH
12:00 PM — 2:00 PM 
Pickering Corner, 151 S. Main St.
Hosted by “Wolfeboro Area Peaceful Protest”

“We have been too quiet for too long. There comes a time when you have to say something. You have to make a little noise. You have to move your feet. This is the time.”

“If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.”

                                John Lewis

When did warnings about climate change and extreme weather begin to surface? You might be surprised to learn that answer, (a short, but enlightening read, by the way.)

Throughout the decades and now even more so into this century, we’ve seen and have sometimes felt the effects of extreme weather. Texas immediately comes to mind. Last year there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters in the United States totaling at least $1 billion in damages. In 2023, there were 28 extreme weather events. These disasters resulted in at least 568 direct or indirect deaths, which is the eighth-highest for these billion-dollar disasters over the last 45 years (1980-2024). The cost was roughly $182.7 billion.

Despite this staggering cost to human life and expense, there are still those who are deep into denial of what is happening all around us. Take for instance a sampling of the bills that came before the House addressing these issues.

HB 106 would have set up a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage in New Hampshire and how best to recoup those costs. Fun fact: since 2011, NH has seen higher than average events of extreme weather, resulting in the need for federal help. This was a bill sponsored by Democrats and had support from 164 on-line registrants with six opposing it. Some comments:
“Over a number of years our NH farmers have been experiencing very difficult growing conditions due to droughts, floods and weather changes which effect crop pests, and plant and livestock management. They need the state's help to understand how climate change is affecting their crops, their livelihoods, and all of NH residents who rely on NH farmers' efforts.” 
“The damages from fossil fuel caused climate change are enormous and affect virtually every aspect of our lives. The fossil fuel industry knew about the dangers and took extensive actions to hide them from all of us. They should be held responsible and pay the costs.”
“Climate damage is a major issue that we must all be prepared for across the Granite State. Establishing a committee to determine financial costs and how to combat these challenges will only allow for a more seamless transition into an ever-changing world.”

Naturally, this is something the majority party did not want to see happen, despite voter support, so the bill failed, 207-149.

HB 306 was a Democrat sponsored bill aimed at forming a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms on NH's citizens, businesses, institutions, and environment. This would have helped the state to prepare for economic impacts from regional and global energy markets. Used globally, carbon pricing cuts emissions and holds polluters accountable for any environmental damages. This bill was not going to bring about carbon pricing in NH, just form a study group. HB 306 had support from 144 on-line registrants with five opposing it. Some comments:
“NH should not wait to be told that we need to do this - we should be leading the charge!”
“I am a community activist who cares deeply about promoting legislation designed to support the preservation and protection of New Hampshire's water systems and landscapes any way possible. This legislation is positive and constructive.”
“Most economists and even energy producers agree that we need a carbon tax to address the externalities (like the CA wildfires) if we are to get through this transition alive. Let's put the politics aside and figure this out so that it works for the people.” 

And there is the problem for the majority party, something positive and constructive that would work for the people. 

Rep. Jason Osborne, Free Stater from Auburn, made the motion to “table” the bill, which passed by voice vote. “Tabling” a bill is a non-debatable motion setting it aside until later. And once again, the wishes of the people were “tabled” by the majority party.

HB 599 was a Democrat sponsored bill to begin a committee to look at weatherization initiatives for homes in NH. Promoting weatherization helps to lower energy costs; proper insulation reduces drafts, air leaks and moisture build-up, making for a healthier household; benefits the environment, home owners and NH’s economy. 

A motion was made by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Michael Vose to table the bill. The motion passed, 198-148. Again, something positive that would work for the people is exactly what the majority party does not want!

Here’s the height of hypocrisy: HCR 2 was a resolution declaring the development of advanced nuclear energy technology to be in the best interest of NH and the United States. Sponsored by a dozen Liberty Alliance members, the resolution passed 258-83.

Immediately following was another resolution HCR 4. This one was meant to reject all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of NH and Gulf of Maine. You can guess who sponsored this. Not only did this resolution disregard the fact that NH has no jurisdiction over federal waters, it ignored the success of such projects in other countries. The resolution passed, 195-149.

They continue to not serve the interests, needs and well-being of the public!

Free Staters, Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty members stand for the opposite of those words; “free,” “liberty.” One only has to know the way they vote to realize this. The state’s website also has an on-line registration page where you can write your support or opposition for any particular bill. It made no difference to the majority party how the people of New Hampshire felt, the leadership made sure his caucus voted the way he wanted. One area would be the many voting bills that came before us this past session. 

HB 365, a Republican sponsored bill (by Liberty Alliance members) that was looking for proof of American citizenship for indigent voters. The on-line registration for this bill was 472 in opposition of it while 57 supported it. A few comments: “Currently, in many NH communities, the Supervisors of the Checklist will visit nursing homes and other elder care facilities, enabling residents to easily complete absentee ballots. This is a safe, efficient, and easy way for our communities' seniors to vote. Do not make it harder for our senior population to participate in voting!”
 “I already can't get a 'Real ID' because my birth certificate and married name don't match. There is insufficient evidence of voter fraud to warrant extra expenditure here when cuts are being proposed to services and education.”
“I oppose HB 365 and would welcome the repeal of HB 1569.”
“This is voter suppression.” It sure is. 

Rep. Ross Berry, one of the sponsors actually made the claim that this bill “will make it easier for people to vote.” Despite large public opposition, this is legislation the majority wanted, so it passed, 200-169. It has since been retained in committee. 

HB 344 was a bi-partisan bill allowing election officials to process the outer envelope of absentee ballots up to one week before an election. This gave election moderators time to contact voters if there were any outer envelope concerns, which could then be corrected. Clerks and moderators were in strong support as were on-line registrants, 472 in support of, 64 opposing the bill. A few comments: 

“This is the simplest way to give our clerks relief from all the constraints you put on their voluntary service to our communities and the election process.”

“This bill would allow public pre-processing sessions for absentee ballots in which absentee ballot outer envelopes are opened by moderators or their designee within a week before the election. That will provide greater transparency than the current process of opening them on election day, and make it possible for voters to cure their ballots if a signature or other required step is missing.”

“This is a worthy effort to keep voting accessible and streamline the counting process!”

“This bill makes sense as it encourages efficiency in processing absentee ballots.” And that’s the problem for the majority party, legislation that makes too much sense and benefits the people.

Despite large public support, the proposed legislation failed, 204-168.

HB 363 was sponsored by Democrat Representatives and Senators to enact redistricting criteria, thereby making that process transparent and fair. In 2021, there were 74 NH towns requesting fairer maps through resolutions they had passed. Naturally, they were ignored. This bill listed the criteria, adopted from 23 other states. On-line support for this bill was 447 with only seven people opposing it. A few comments:

“Get rid of gerrymandering! It's un-American, and anti-democratic!”

“Same testimony as for CACR 2: Your committee has the reputation for being the most partisan committee in the legislature (confirmed by my observations of many party-line votes over the years). I am an undeclared voter, a member of the majority party. Resolutions have been passed in town meetings, town and city councils across NH. MOST voters want this. Please represent us voters, not what your party leaders tell you to do.”
“Every single person in the United States knows that gerrymandering, or redistricting for political advantage, is unfair and hurts our representative democracy. I support this bill in order to be sure that New Hampshire is a true representative democracy, and that our elections aren't rigged in favor of either party. Republicans, you've been winning the gerrymandering race so far, but it could go the other way in the future. Think about that for a minute. Do the right thing, and work to stop redistricting along party lines.”

“Do the right thing?” Nope, the bill failed, 203-167. The majority party sure do like them some gerrymandering!

Here’s a doozy! HB 172 was meant to restrict undeclared voters from registering with a political party on a primary day in order to vote in a presidential or state primary election. Who comes up with that, you ask? The majority party who either doesn’t think or care that this proposed bill would negatively affect THEIR voters, too! A whopping 607 people registered their on-line opposition to this restrictive bill compared to only 30 who supported it. A few comments: 

“This is voter suppression. I oppose this bill. The Republicans in this state really don't believe in freedom and democracy, that much is clear. Residents struggle to find affordable housing, the state is in a huge financial deficit with a freeze on statewide government spending, but THIS is the priority here? I'd say do better, but I don't think the representatives who write these bills can. I think it's a race to the bottom at this point where they have no shame and don't care about their reputation.”

“Don't take away my 96 year-old Independent mother's right to vote in primaries. This is a solution seeking a problem that does not exist. Have respect for your elders and vote ITL on HB172.”

“I am an Undeclared voter by choice! This bill would prevent me from participating in primaries. I OBJECT! I want to have full information before I decide which ballot I will choose on election day -- and that may mean that I don't make up my mind until then. This bill would disenfranchise almost the majority of voters since there are more Undeclared registered voters than either Republicans or Democrats. This is an unnecessary and restrictive requirement and should be voted NO!”

 Apparently, the party who loudly promotes school choice and parental “rights” has a problem with this type of voting choice.

This voter suppression bill was “killed” (Inexpedient to Legislate) by a voice vote at the end of March.

Perhaps a reminder is needed for those elected officials who have forgotten that they are “public servants.” Their primary role is to serve the interests, needs and well-being of the public!

Last night on June 29th, the Hillsborough County Democrats hosted a webinar where former State Senator Jeanne Dietsch spoke about the Free Staters and Liberty Alliance members who have infiltrated New Hampshire’s government. In case you missed it, you can view the hourlong webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaIRw0e8z5U

There are currently 165 extremists in the House and eleven in the State Senate. Here is an updated list:

Senate:
Kevin Avard - Nashua
Sharon Carson - Londonderry
James Gray - Rochester
Daniel Innis - Bradford
Timothy Lang - Sanbornton
Mark McConkey - Freedom
Tim McGough - Merrimack
Keith Murphy, Victoria Sullivan - Manchester
Howard Pearl - Loudon
Ruth Ward – Stoddard

House of Representatives:
Aldrich, Glen; Bean, Harry – Gilford
Alexander, Joe; Giasson, Henry; Mazur, Lisa; Reinfurt, Sherri; Seidel, Sheila – Goffstown
Ammon, Keith – New Boston
Aron, Michael & Judy – South Acworth
Aures, Cyril; Alyward, Deborah; Miles, Julie; Mooney, Maureen; Notter, Jeanine – Merrimack 
Avellani, Lino – Sanbornville
Bailey, Glenn; Burnham, Claudine; Granger, Michael – Milton
Ball, Lorie; Donnelly, Tanya, Doucette, Fred (seat is open as he now works for FEMA); Janigian, John; Mannion, Dennis; Sweeney, Joe; Vandecasteele, Susan – Salem
Barbour, Liz – Hollis
Barton, Joseph; Beaulier, Calvin; Berezhny, Lex; Bjelobrk, Marie Louise – Grafton
Belcher, Mike – Wakefield
Bennett, Cindy; Drago, Mike; Nadeau, Brian – Raymond
Bernardy, JD; McGrath, Linda – Hampton
Berry, Ross; Corcoran, Travis; Erf, Keith – Weare
Boehm, Ralph; Richard, Lascelles; Peeples, Raymond – Litchfield
Bogert, Steven; Minor, Sheri – Laconia
Boyd, Stephen; Polozov, Yury – Hooksett
Brown, Pam – Kingston
Brown, Richard – Carroll County
Bryer, Scott; Guzofski, James; Tudor, Paul – Northwood
Cambrils, Jose; Moffett, Michael; See, Alvin – Loudon
Colcombe, Riché – Hillsborough
Cole, Brian; Drew, Matt; Gagne, Larry; Kesselring, Steven; McLean, Mark; Morton, Jonathan; Paquette, Kathleen; Warden, Mark -Manchester
Comtois, Barbara – Center Barnstead
Cordelli, Glenn – Tuftonboro
Creighton, James – Antrim
Daniels, Gary; Sheehan, Vanessa – Milford
Davis, Arnold; Korzen, Lori – Berlin
DeLemus, Susan; Hall, Robley – Farmington
DeRoy, Susan – New Durham
DeSimone, Debra – Atkinson
DeVito, Sayra – Danville
Devoid, Ricky – Boscawen
Drye, Margaret – Plainfield
Dumont, Dillon; Kenny, Catherine; Prout, Andrew; Slottje, Jeremy; Ulery, Jordan; Wherry, Robert – Hudson
Edwards, Jess; Osborne, Jason – Auburn
Farrington, Samuel; Kaczynski, Tom; Walker, David – Rochester
Flanagan, Jack; Pauer, Diane (also AFP) – Brookline
Ford, Mary – Chester
Freeman, Lisa – Belknap District 8
Gorski, Ted – Hillsborough District 2
Gould, Linda; Labrie, Brian; Noble, Kristen; Schneller, John – Bedford
Grant, George – Sunapee
Griffin, Gerald – Mont Vernon
Harb, Robert – Plaistow
Harrington, Michael – Strafford
Harvey-Bolia, Juliet – Tilton
Hemingway, Wayne – Claremont
Hill, Gregory – Northfield
Hunt, John; Qualey, James – Rindge
Karasinski, Sly – Swanzey
Katsakiores, Phyllis; Layon, Erica; Love, David; Milz, David; Potucek, John; Prudhomme-O'Brien, Katherine – Derry
Kahn, Aboul; Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt – Seabrook
Kelley, Diane – Temple
King, Seth – Whitefield
Kofalt, Jim – Wilton
Kuttab, Katelyn; Lynn, Bob; McDonnell, Valerie; McMahon, Charles; Popovici-Muller, Daniel; Soti, Julius – Windham
Ladd, Rick – Haverhill
Litchfield, Melissa – Brentwood
Louis, Darrell – Littleton
MacDonald, Wayne; Perez, Kristine; Thomas, Doug -Londonderry
MacDonald, John; Peternel, Wolfeboro – Wolfeboro
Mannion, Tim & Tom; Tenczar, Jeffrey – Pelham
Mattson, Rita – Dublin
McFarlane, Donald – Orange
McGuire, Carol & Dan – Epsom
Mehegan, Peter; Seaworth, Brian – Pembroke
Melvin, Charles – Newton
Morse, Bryan; Thibault, James – Franklin
Nalevanko, Rich -Alstead
Ohm, Bill; Scully, Kevin – Nashua
Oulette, Mike – Colebrook
Pitaro, Matthew – Allenstown
Ploszaj, Tom (became an “I” after a very ugly Republican caucus) - Center Harbor
Post, Linda – Lyndeborough
Potenza, Kelley – Concord
Rhodes, Jennifer – Winchester
Rollins, Skip – Newport
Selby, Donald – Sandown
Sellars, John – Bristol
Sirois, Shane – New Ipswich
Smith, Jonathan – Ossipee
Smith, Steven; Spilsbury, Walter – Charlestown
Spillane, James; Roy, Terry; Verville, Kevin – Deerfield
Terry, Paul – Alton
Thackston, Dick – Troy
Toner, Travis – Belmont
Turcotte, Len – Barrington
Vose, Michael – Epping
Walsh, Lilli – Hampstead
Weyler, Ken – Kingston

Know your representatives and how they are working to dismantle state and local government.

For more information from Granite State Matters: Granite State Matters News We Love NH. Let's Save It from Extremism.

 

As quickly as something positive was voted on in yesterday’s final Session, it was taken away by those who abhor government. Some examples:

SB 14 was a bill relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses; relative to establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distributing a controlled drug with death resulting; and relative to amending the penalties for possession and use of a quantity of psilocybin for persons 18 years of age or older. Rep. Jodie Newell’s D-Keene, speech was personal and moving as she spoke against the bill. Barely four minutes long it can be viewed here at the 33:49 mark. SB 14 was also opposed by the NH Chiefs of Police Association. 

A roll-call vote was taken and by just three votes 186N-183Y, the bill failed. Liberty Alliance member Rep. Melissa Litchfield R-Brentwood, called for a “motion to reconsider.” A roll-call vote was taken and lo and behold, 184 for and 182 against meant we would reconsider the bill, which then passed, 185Y-182N. The Senate later tabled it. Having the choice of helping someone who might desperately need it or choosing punishment, the party of cruelty chooses punishment every time.

HB 377 is another cruel jab at transgender people. While constantly touting their championing of “choice” for parents, that comes to a dead stop when it comes to a parent making medical choices for their own child! This bill addresses health care professionals administering hormone treatments and puberty blockers along with recognizing the second Thurs. in Oct. as children's environmental health day. (What one has to do with the other is anyone’s guess.) Rep. Alice Wade D-Dover, gave another emotional, eloquent speech about her own experiences with hormone therapy. Determined to insert themselves where they don’t belong, Republicans crafted this bill to weaken and undermine the rights of parents to choose their minor child’s medical treatment. The bill was amended to allow for those who had already begun treatment before Jan. 1, 2026, to continue in that treatment. Rep. Wade, “That is not parental rights. It's just discrimination, plain and simple.” The bill passed anyway, 202Y-161N. So much for parental “choice” when it comes to their minor child and the “privacy” of the doctor’s office. You can catch the roughly five minute floor speech here at the 4:32:52 mark.

SB 218 is more suppressive absentee ballot requirements. This bill claimed to make absentee voting more secure but what it actually does is make it harder for voters, especially those who are disabled or those who can’t or don’t drive. More than likely, it will end up in the ACLU-NH lawsuit against last year’s voter suppression bill HB 1569, which will cost millions of dollars for NH taxpayers. The bill passed on a voice vote. 

HB 506 is a mixed bag of one having nothing to do with the other. As in background checks during motions to return firearms and ammunition; invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants; and requiring schools to engage an owner's project manager for construction of school building aid projects at the time of application. Got that?
Anyway, it’s the second part of the bill that got the most attention as it targets immigrants again. Rep. David Meuse spoke passionately against this bill which you can see here at the 5:52:15 mark. The bill passed anyway, 197Y-159N. Cruelty lives on. 
Rep. Meuse ended his floor speech by saying, “If I know snatching liberty away from any of us opens the door to tyrants snatching it away from all of us, then I would press the red button to flush this anti-immigrant, anti-liberty and pro-cruelty legislation back down into the sewer with the state budget where it belongs.” 

And so ended Session shortly thereafter!

 

“We might have to put a leash on some of these local governments.”
Rep. Jason Osborne R-Auburn, House Majority Leader 
April 17, 2025

Is that right? Read that quote again and let it sink in.

On Sunday, June 29nd from 7-8pm, the Hillsborough County Democratic Committee will be hosting a webinar about the extremist groups who have infiltrated our local and state governments. The speaker will be former State Senator Jeanne Dietsch from Peterborough who has spent many years doing extensive research on the Free Staters and Liberty Alliance. 

Jeanne also writes for Granite State Matters, an on-line forum of current events in state government and what these groups are doing to destroy it. She is also the author of the booklet: “New Hampshire: Battleground in the Fight to Dismantle Democracy.”

Here’s an example of Republican “leadership”: HB 152 was a Democrat sponsored bill which would prohibit the sale and use of adhesive-based rodent traps. Information on the bill was sent to House members, regardless of party in the hopes of educating legislators, thereby gaining their support and vote. There were several Republican Representatives who supported the bill, but couldn't vote for it. Why? “Leadership” said no and they were afraid. One Rep has a farm/orchard and noted that the information persuaded that Rep to never use glue traps there again, but could not vote for the bill. This bill was indefinitely postponed at the end of March.

This is just one example and should not be happening! This is a group of extremists who think government should be run using  fear! How to identify anti-democracy elected officials:
 

• DEFUND, CLOSE, OR TOTALLY DEREGULATE what they’re elected to run. For instance, a zoning board candidate who wants all zoning regulations repealed.
• HARASS town, county or school staff. For instance, they may demand extra reviews, audits, copies, meetings, or paperwork.
• PROMOTE ANTI-SCIENTIFIC attitudes and policies, for instance, encouraging the legalization of inappropriate medications.
• HIDE FROM TAXPAYER SCRUTINY the use or outcomes from taxpayer spending, such as composite test results from educational voucher recipients by school.
• OBSTRUCT ELECTIONS & VOTING by requiring hand counts, unusual documentation, in-person voting, and so on.

If you are able to dedicate an hour of your time to learn more about who and what is causing these terrible bills to be passed, you can register here: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/804152/

The state’s budget for the next two years has been in the process of more changes than a star-studded Broadway play. The House and the Senate have been working to add safety measures for the state’s most vulnerable, subtract, taking away those safety measures for the state’s most vulnerable and cutting, cutting, cutting funding to groups and organizations whose very existence is to assist those in need of their services. Or just voting to do away with some of those organizations altogether. Let’s re-cap . . .

In 2011 a law was passed to improve the financial obligations of the state’s retirement system, affecting the pensions of roughly 1,500 firefighters and police officers. The current governor’s proposal for the next decade is to spend $27.5 million a year to benefit those who were affected. This funding was to come from legalizing video slot machines at the state’s charity casinos. During recent negotiations between House and Senate members an amendment was introduced with a cap of $120,000 per year. The majority party claimed their spending plan was practical due to current financial realities. The governor lamented, “The 11th-hour backroom deal fails to deliver on the promise that we made to all of New Hampshire.”

We’ll see. I can think of another promise the majority party failed to deliver on.

The re-worked budget restores the Office of Child Advocate, which had been eliminated by the Republican majority in the House. The Senate proposal funds the office at $1.6 million, while cutting staff. Hard to advocate for abused, vulnerable kids when understaffed . . .

The Dept. of Corrections was targeted earlier this year by the Republican House majority, but now the new proposal will restore more than 100 jobs. Unfortunately, that department now needs to find, somewhere, savings to the tune of $10 million. 

If you have or know someone with developmental disabilities, the heartless majority party could care less. On June 18th an amendment to the budget was proposed to cut $18.8 million to developmental disabilities services. Someone must have come to their senses(?), had a change of heart(?) or realized overnight how ugly of a look this is, as the funding was put back the next day. 

Naturally, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) continue to take hits from the majority party. The budget keeps provisions prohibiting DEI in all public schools and state-funded colleges and universities. 

And the best news of all? The Republicans beloved school voucher program, destined to obliterate the public school system, is saved! They will allow for the enrollment of 10,000 students as there is now no cap on their family income. Siblings of current voucher students will gain automatic enrollment, again, in spite of the 10,000 student limit. But the majority party seems to have thrown the state a bone. Their budget proposals keep the current education grants for school districts at $4,351 per pupil, throwing in additional funding for children who are eligible for free and reduced-cost meals and special education services. 

Such unheard of generosity brings tears . . .

Democrat Rep. Mary Jane Wallner's comment, "I won't be able to sign the committee of Conference report. The budget agreement contains many policies that I cannot support. For instance, charging premiums and copays to our poorest citizens for health care while expanding the Education Freedom accounts for high income families, significant changes to the staffing and authority of the Child Advocacy Office and removes protections from NH children and inadequate funds for our largest and most diverse school district. And the last minute, disappointing deal for our Group 2 employees are reasons why I cannot vote for the Committee of Conference report and I do ask to be removed."

And a statement from the governor, “If this budget were to come to me now, I couldn’t support it and would have to veto it.”

June 26th is going to be an interesting Session Day.

On Tues., June 24th, from 5:00-7:30 there will be a “Fight for our Future” rally in front of the State House, 107 North Main St. in Concord. This will be a rally expressing opposition to a budget that puts the interests of the state’s wealthiest above the needs of everyone else in New Hampshire.

Kent Street Coalition is an all volunteer group, championing progressive values in NH. Founded and formed after the Presidential election of 2016, they are committed to consistent, long-term, organized political action; engaging in politics as grassroots activists, vigilant in defending democracy; fighting together for the Promise of America: fairness, justice, equality, freedom, equity, and compassion. Here is their Mission statement.

The Republican-backed budget is cruel and mean-spirited, targeting the most vulnerable while catering to every callous, heartless and inhumane extreme policy whims of the Republican far-right (Free Staters, MAGA, Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty YAL members). 

This matters to all of us because too many NH citizens are unable to afford or access quality child care, education and other essential services. This budget needs to fund housing, lower property taxes and the cost of health care. Instead, it gives another handout to the ultra-wealthy. Additionally, the wealthiest families can now use YOUR tax dollars for private or religious schools, while they cut child protection and Medicaid. 

What you can do:
Show up with your signs, banners, energy and enthusiasm!
Bring family, friends and neighbors.
Get the word out by sharing this event with your social networks.
Sign our accountability banner.

There will be speakers, children's activities, music and a united presence, reminding our elected officials the people of NH are paying close attention. Let us all stand together for a budget that puts people before corporate interests and right-wing extremist politicians.

Let the Coalition know if you plan to attend, so they can plan for ice cream, signs and (very important) porta potties!  

https://forms.gle/tjyP4fYDsmTrwWhN7

Today was Flag Day, commemorating the date in 1777 the United States approved the design for our national flag. The Flag Resolution stated "That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." 

Today was also “No Kings” day with peaceful rallies held all across the country, denouncing the authoritarian currently occupying the People’s House. Throughout New Hampshire there were thirty or more such rallies scheduled and held during the day. Here in Keene, we had a very successful rally with roughly 2000 people attending, organized by the Keene Rally Coalition. There was a People’s March, music, raffles, writing postcards to elected officials, other postcards urging people to vote, food, a food drive for the Community Kitchen, sign painting, t-shirts, hula-hooping. 

People lined the road with their signs and the air was filled with the sounds of car horns blaring in return. While we had Peacekeepers on site, one could tell just from the positive atmosphere this was a peaceful protest. These were American citizens invoking their First Amendment right. 

Check out the pictures here.

And then they proceed to vote how they and the majority party wants to, in order to get what they want, which is the worst possible legislation for the people of New Hampshire. Let’s explore how some recent bills fared in the House on June 5th:

SB 72 is meant to establish “parents rights” in education. Funny how most of us, now with grown children, apparently have no idea we didn’t have any rights back when our own kids were in school! Which is a bunch of hogwash! 
“The general court finds and reaffirms that parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children and that in order to meaningfully and effectively exercise this right, no educational institution may withhold information about a child, the child’s health, the child’s school environment, or the child’s in-school behavior from the child’s parent or parents absent a compelling government interest.” Parents already know they have these rights concerning their kids (at least I knew it), this is just mandating now for school staff to spy and report back to parents. “Accordingly, the general court further finds that it is necessary to establish a consistent mechanism for parents to be notified of information relating to the health, well-being, and educational progress of their minor children while those children are in the custody and control of the public schools.” Funny how it’s always the public schools that are targeted. And let’s not forget the all important violations. “Any parent claiming violation of any provision of this chapter may bring an action for declaratory and/or injunctive relief and monetary damages against the school.  If a parent prevails in any such court action, the court shall award to the parent his or her reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, including any such attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred in an appeal to the supreme court.  If a parent does not prevail in any court action brought under this chapter, then the court shall award to the defendants reasonable attorney fees and court costs, including reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by appeals up to and including the supreme court.” Perhaps the most important part of this bill is that teens now need written permission from parents for access to birth control and prenatal care. The teenage pregnancy rate in NH has been pretty low, this will probably now change. Results of this? Less higher education for the young mom who will be stuck in low wage jobs, no free or reduced school lunches for the child (Republicans already got rid of that idea), housing? What housing? 

In spite of on line opposition from 463 people with only 20 in support of, the House majority got the bill passed 214-167. Because this is what they want, who cares what the people want.

SB 54, a bipartisan bill that ended up getting “tabled.” This bill changes suspension periods under different circumstances originating from refusing testing consent to determine alcohol concentration. It also changes the penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. But before the bill got tabled, a voice vote was held on Amendment 2372h which added teaching mandatory “firearms safety” for K-12 public school kids (again with just the public schools?) The amendment failed and it should be noted that on line opposition to this was 1,292 versus only 15 in support of. What does teaching firearm safety have to do with aggravated driving while intoxicated? Nothing. The extremists in the House want what they want and will include amending bills they think have a great chance of passing!

SB 96, proposed by extremists in both the Senate and the House, is another attempt at putting teachers in the horrible position of having to report to a parents written request for information concerning their child, but disguised as just another “parental rights” bill. A floor amendment brought forth by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Glenn Cordelli allowed for information to be withheld if abuse, abandonment or neglect was reasonably thought to be the result. That passed with a voice vote. On line opposition to this bill was 611 to 215 in support of. Many who left on line testimony expressed concern for the safety of LGBTQ students. But the bill passed by 12 votes, 198-172. After all, this is what they want. 

SB 100, in a nutshell, prohibits teaching discrimination. Anyone who claims to be upset could bring about an investigation and civil action against a school or the district. Rep. Peggy Balboni (D) spoke to the bill’s undermining of the integrity of the education system and that students get nothing while classroom discussion is suppressed. On line opposition was 462 to 14 who supported this bill. Samples of online testimony against: “who ever heard of prohibition of history. NH is going too far.” 
“We should be able to handle difficult subjects in education. Coddling students with the idea of sugar-coating history does no one any favors.” 
“HISTORY IS FACT. whether people like it or not. And how quickly we forget it. This bill is harmful and buckles to the divisive concepts law that is unconstitutional.”
“Don’t pass unconstitutional laws.”
SB 100 passed, 194-165. Voter opinion be damned.

SB 213 aims to make it harder for some folks to vote, specifically those who vote absentee. It changes the standard for absentee voting to "It is more likely than not" a voter will be absent. And also requires the presentation of proof of identity, citizenship, age, and domicile when applying for an absentee ballot. Should be a piece of cake for someone who is disabled, bedridden or needs to find a ride. On line opposition was 382 versus only 5 in support of. Samples of online testimony against: “A registered voter should NOT have to re-qualify for an absentee ballot.”
“Obstructionist. Make it voting easier not harder on NH citizens.”
“Come now. If I need to be out of town, as I often am for business, I should merely be able to provide y NH driver's lic. for proof. Again, you are making this more difficult for everyone. Vote NO Why are you all creating laws and raising taxes on EVERYONE. Including yourselves.”

NH voters recognize these bills for what they are, voter suppression! The bill passed, 189-148. 

Perhaps the majority party in Concord needs to be reminded of what a “public servant” is, because their actions show they are clueless!

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