Another two days at the State House this past week was spent futilely trying to preserve such concepts as local control or fight the permitting of issuing subpoenas by the Dept. of Education. That bill passed, by the way, 193-155. And now on to a few others. . .
HB 549 was meant to prohibit the use of “education freedom account” funds, better known as school vouchers, at religious schools or for religious education or training. The bill would also repeal provisions relating to independence of and legal proceedings concerning school voucher providers. This legislation was introduced by Democrat Reps. Timothy Horrigan and Allan Howland of Durham and Suzanne Vail, Nashua. Lest we forget, “no money raised by taxation shall ever be granted or applied for the use of the schools of institutions of any religious sect or denomination” according to the NH Constitution. On Wed., Liberty Alliance member Rep. Rick Ladd, R-Haverhill, made the motion to “Indefinitely Postpone” this bill. Naturally the motion passed, 186-156, which means the bill won’t be seen again until maybe next year. In the meantime, taxpayers keep paying for a program that is in direct violation of the NH Constitution.
HB 361 seeks to do away with mandatory mask policies in schools. Brought forth by 11 Republicans, some with ties to Young Americans for Liberty (YAL), this bill will “prohibit school boards and other public education agencies from adopting, enforcing, or implementing a policy that requires students or members of the public to wear a facial covering.” The bill passed, 203-164. Another example of chipping away at local control while taking a step closer to becoming a “police state.”
HB 487 was legislation sponsored by Rep. Erica de Vries, D-Hampton, and would give “advance notice of work schedules for workers, particularly those with either child care or caregiving responsibilities, is critically important to managing child care and caregiving schedules and to minimizing working family costs, including mandatory child care cancellation costs as well as medical and in-home appointment costs. The general court further finds that such notice enhances the ability of employees to pick up shifts or other work when they are not scheduled in order to maximize the value of their time.” Who wouldn’t want to know what their work schedule was a little in advance so as to plan accordingly? Not a big ask. The majority party voted 196-155 against, thus killing the bill. So much for helping the average worker. . .
HB 324 was a great way to end a long day, NOT! This legislation is meant to “prohibit obscene or harmful sexual materials in schools.” Proposed by a dozen members of the above mentioned extremist groups, this was just another effort at banning books, this time in school libraries. While it’s already illegal to give this type of material to minors, schools currently have steps in place to address complaints. Also, the majority party screams all the time about “parental rights” but this bill oversteps their rights to decide as to what their own child can or cannot read. Also included in the bill, is a section for anyone who claims to be “aggrieved,” which opens the door for potential abuse.
189:81 Enforcement and Penalties. II.Any petitioner, if successful, shall be awarded special or general damages of not less than $1,000 for each violation, and costs and reasonable legal fees. Such damages, costs, and fees shall be in addition to equitable relief awarded.
Online opposition to the bill was 1,355 with only 47 people supporting it. Liberty Alliance member Rep. Glenn Cordelli, R-Tuftonboro, got up to speak in support of the bill. He mentioned we should be concentrating on academics and knowledge instead of sexualizing children. But wait! Isn’t this the same group who wanted to cut required educational programs at public schools such as music, art, computer science and other subjects just barely a month ago? Luckily, HB 283 didn’t pass. But HB 324 did pass. 183-148, despite the opposition by more than a thousand people.
Cordelli spoke and was interrupted a few times. He knew the passages he was reading from were inappropriate and bothersome for some of the members in the House. At the end of a very long day, we were a captive audience subjected to “erotic bedtime stories” told by a horny, old pervert who gleefully continued despite the sounds of disgust emanating throughout the hallowed chamber of Representatives Hall.
And the Speaker allowed it.