LIBERTY: 1. the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
2. the power or scope to act as one pleases.

With town meetings and local elections on the horizon, there have been some school districts who have shown a “thumbs down” to putting spending caps on public school spending during their respective town’s public sessions. 

The Republican majority, who wants control of public school spending, has introduced HB 675. Sponsored by Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) members, Rep. Joe Sweeney, R-Salem and Rep. Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, (who is also a Free Stater), this bill “changes the formula for determining statewide adequacy aid, ties education funding increases to the Consumer Price Index, requires municipalities to remit excess education tax revenue back to the state, establishes a tax cap for local school districts, and increases the total revenue raised under the statewide education property tax.” (emphasis added)
The bill also raises per student spending from $4,100 to $7,356, which would come from property taxes. 

Where is the state’s share of funding in all of this?

Fellow Liberty Alliance member Rep. Keith Erf, R-Weare, put forth an amendment proposal eliminating increased aid from the state while retaining the spending cap. Voters could override that cap, but would need a two-thirds vote to do so, and for some towns, practically impossible to do. In Oct., a new law went into effect giving towns the choice to cap how much districts spend for each student, as opposed to voting on the district budget as a whole. Voters have mostly rejected that choice, choosing to leave budget writing to local officials. Voters have also stated the solution should be more state support.

Erf has removed his proposal. 

In Epsom, the school district increased a $25,000 per student spending cap proposed by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Dan McGuire. The district raised the cap to $100,000 knowing it will be voted down at town meeting. Naturally, McGuire supports HB 675, stating, “We need some controls on spending and this would give us that.”

Osborne, the other sponsor of the bill had this to say, “Perhaps, if [local voters] are unwilling to cap themselves, the state will step in and cap local taxes for them.”

Let’s say that again, “. . .the state will step in and cap local taxes for them.” 

What happened to local control? What happened to: 1. the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
Sounds like the “Liberty” loving Republicans in the House, who carelessly throw that word around, are looking to take “Liberty” away from those who don’t agree with them. Hence: 2. the power or scope to act as one pleases.

This is NOT a “police state,” Jason. Nor do we, the people, want it to become one!

And there’s some doozies!

On Mon. March 3rd, there is a public hearing for the Education Policy and Administration Committee at 3:30. This is for HB 555 sponsored by Rep. Ellen Read D-Newmarket. This bill is intended to “expand holocaust and genocide study requirements for an adequate public education to include at least 5 hours of discussion on different genocides and the United Nations.”

Most people have no idea of the crimes against humanity that were committed even in this country against Native Americans, Japanese Americans and Black Americans. History books need to factually cover that. If you agree and would like to let the committee know, click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

Fill in your Personal Information

· Select the relevant date and committee for the hearing by clicking on it in the Meeting Schedule Calendar (make sure you are on the right week!). [Select Bill # and select the date].

· In the drop box below "Select the Committee," select Education Policy and Administration committee.

· In the drop box below "Choose the Bill," select the correct time and bill number.

· Select the appropriate option for the "I am" drop box (likely "Member of the Public").

· Fill in the content box under "I'm Representing" with the business, organization, or group you are representing. If you are representing yourself only, write "myself."

· Under the “Indicate Your Position on this Bill,” check the circle stating your position on the bill. “I Oppose this Bill” or “I Support this Bill”

· After filling in all the correct drop boxes, click “Submit.”

· After clicking submit, you will be brought to the next page, where you will fill in the content boxes with your first and last name, as well as your town, state, and email address.

· Press “Continue.”

· If you wish to speak during the hearing to present your testimony, you will need to attend in person at the State House, but you upload your testimony if you cannot attend.

· If you wish to submit testimony, email the committee and upload the testimony file from your computer.

This next one is being heard by the same committee but on Wed. March 5th at 9:30. HB 360 sponsored by Moms for Liberty, Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. Kristin Noble R-Bedford. The other six sponsors are members of two of the same extremist groups also. This is a bill meant to “prohibit public schools from performing diagnostic tests or surgical procedures, or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs.”

Two things, why does the bill only mention “public schools?” 
And, is this a problem that is constantly going on in the public schools? Would the removal of a splinter be considered a “surgical procedure?” And no matter what Trump says, no kid is having gender reassignment surgery done in school! What nonsense!

On March 5, the Education and Policy Administration Committee will be deciding whether to recommend this bill to the full House. You can write to express your opposition to the Chairman - Glenn.Cordelli@gc.nh.gov, or the Vice-Chairman at Kristin.Noble@gc.nh.gov.

Please oppose this bill that does nothing but attack public schools/teachers needlessly again! Thank you.

During the summer of 1899, in Derry, New Hampshire, a man named William Hobdy opened a business called Star Cleaning & Repairing Co.

According to historical records, William Hobdy was born in Virginia in 1862, eventually relocating to Lawrence, Mass., where he grew up and worked in a cotton mill. After moving to and establishing his business in NH, Hobdy, who was also a skilled piano player, shared that gift of music at private gatherings and special occasions. 

What is known about him:
-To supplement his income while living in Derry, he would shine shoes, clean basements, chimneys and houses, bury dogs and occasionally take on the role of umpire for local games.
-He would host ice cream gardens for summer visitors at his own home.
-In Nov. 1902, he held the first-ever ragtime ball in the area.
-Between 1900 and 1915, he held summer concerts at West Windham and Adams Memorial Hall and was often requested by summer guests to musically entertain.

Hobdy, who was the first known Black business owner in Derry,  passed away in 1918, leaving behind his wife, Maud who was Black and their (informally) adopted daughter, Rose, who was White.

In 2023, The Black Heritage Trail of NH, Derry Public Library and other supporters honored the life of William Hobdy by unveiling a new marker on the Derry Rail Trail to honor Hobdy’s life and his contributions to the town of Derry while living and working there.

Frank Edleblut has been New Hampshire’s Commissioner of Education since former Gov. Chris Sununu appointed him in Feb. 2017. He is one of the longest serving commissioners in the country, coming into that position with a career background having had nothing to do with education. His appointment ends on March 23rd and we need to encourage Gov. Ayotte NOT to reappoint him!

The bad thing for NH is that this current governor is also a fan of school vouchers and has the support of the state’s extremist groups. On Feb. 15th, the House Finance Committee met with the governor putting in an appearance about the budget. Rep. Kate Murray D-New Castle asked how the governor would "reconcile your desire for belt tightening and being fiscally responsible while responsibly shepherding the people's money with the expansion of a program (school vouchers) that to my mind has no guardrails, unlike similar programs in this State. Has always come in over budget and doesn't have an accountability mechanism. This is taxpayer money we are talking about..."

The governor doubled down on her position concerning vouchers.

But getting back to trying to persuade her and the five members of the Executive Council not to re-appoint Edleblut . . .

There are a few ways to make your voice and concerns heard:

-Email:  KELLY.A.AYOTTE@GOVERNOR.NH.GOV
Council: Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov, John.A.Stephen@nh.gov, Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov, karen.liothill@nh.gov, David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

-Call:  (603) 271-2121

-Fill in THIS FORM, or

-Send snail mail:

Governor Kelly Ayotte

Office of the Governor

State House

107 North Main Street

Concord, NH 03301

Some talking point ideas:
-We need someone whose commitment to supporting and strengthening public schools is clearly evident.

-We need someone who is not perceived as working to undermine our public schools.

-We need a person who is not divisive or polarizing, which is not working out for NH.

-We need a commissioner who doesn’t think providing just math, science, social studies and language arts equals an adequate education 

These are just a few ideas, but put it in your own words so it doesn't sound like cookie cutter messaging. Or perhaps you have different thoughts and ideas. Whatever you can do to support our public schools and teachers, in turn supports the students.

Edelblut's term expires March 23. Thank you for taking the time to partake in democracy.

Yesterday was “Session Day” at the State House. What that entails is proposed legislation is brought before the House of Representatives to be voted on or to be “killed” outright (inexpedient to legislate, ITL). Some bills, after passage, go on to either other committees for more work or to the Senate for them to work on, possibly amend. If that happens, the amended bills come back to the House for another vote. Should the Senate pass a bill without making any changes, the bill goes straight to the Governor. 

We had 32 bills to vote on yesterday, one being HB 682 sponsored by Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. Michael Harrington R-Strafford. The purpose of this bill is to:
I. Remove the office of offshore wind industry development from the office of energy innovation.

II. Repeal the offshore wind industry workforce training center committee and the offshore and port development commission.

III. Move the grid modernization advisory council and the hydrogen advisory council to the office of energy innovation.

Well, there goes more jobs in the renewables field and clean energy planning. Also, now electricity costs may rise due to possible increase in dependence. Republicans: 204 – Democrats: 163

This is my absolute all-time favorite of the day! HB 368 is a bill sponsored by Rep. Peter Schmidt D-Dover, that was meant to prohibit smoking and e-cigarettes in motor vehicles when a passenger is under 16 years old. Here were the stated pro’s and the con’s:
Pro’s: young children are still developing, deserve a safe and healthy environment even from second-hand smoke. That exposure can cause life-long respiratory damage and other health issues. 
Con’s: this is an infringement on the rights of drivers and/or other smoking adults in the vehicle. They don’t want to see government being able to tell people what they can and cannot do in their own vehicles. 

The bill was “killed” by Republicans: 213 – Democrats: 157

Of course, if you are a female of child bearing age, that thought process goes right out the window! They are happy to have the government crawling all over YOUR rights and womb, telling YOU what you can and cannot do! But once that fetus is born, all bets are off. You and your kid are on your own. Need a good paying job? What? $7.25 an hour isn’t enough? Need affordable housing? Not on a $7.25 an hour income. These lawmakers won’t even pass a bill to allow free or reduced school lunches for low-income families.

Yesterday, NH Life Sciences was presenting a brief program in the cafeteria during the lunch hour. Included was a free lunch. You see where this is going, the lines were out BOTH cafeteria doors with representatives waiting to get their free lunch. I wonder how many of these hypocrits have voted time and time again to deny the same thing to children of low-income households?

Now I’ll end with a “win some.” HB 75 is a proposal to legalize cannabis for people 21 and older. Shockingly it is sponsored by Liberty Alliance and YAL member Rep. Kevin Verville R-Deerfield. The pro’s were that this is accessible in all other states surrounding NH, so let’s partake of that lost revenue. It would also allow for anyone convicted of or serving time for any cannabis-related offense to have their conviction or sentence annulled when the law goes into effect. Con’s: none other than “do the bill right” by voting against it. 

The bill passed with 190 votes against Inexpedient to Legislate (killing the bill), with 167 votes in favor of killing the bill. The governor has said she will veto any such legislation, but we take our “wins” where we can!

What’s next? Your local library issuing a subpoena to people who are late in returning a book? 

Anyway, Liberty Alliance member Rep. Bob Lynn R-Windham, (he of the many voter suppression bills) is now looking to give New Hampshire’s Dept. of Education the power to issue subpoenas. HB 520 is a bill meant to “authorize hearing officers of the department of education to issue subpoenas.” 

“XIII.  The commissioner or the commissioner’s designee is authorized to seek subpoenas for persons, and for books, papers, documents and other items for the purpose of carrying out investigations pursuant to the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators, as established by RSA 21-N:9, II(cc)(1).

(a)  In seeking a subpoena, the department shall present the reasons for seeking such subpoena to a hearings officer, who shall issue the subpoena if the hearings officer finds that:

(1)  The subpoena is sought in good faith for the purpose of investigating a violation or possible violation of the educator code of conduct by a certified educator; and

(2)  The information sought by the subpoena appears reasonably likely to be material and relevant to the investigation.”

It goes on. This is how a police state begins. Education Commissioner Frank Edleblut, who has been diligently working to dismantle our public school system, does not need tools to run witch hunts. The American Federation of Teachers-NH strongly oppose this bill, we should, too. 

This bill will be heard on Wed., Feb. 19 at 9:45 am before the House Judiciary Committee. Please oppose this bill.

To submit your position, click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

· Fill in your Personal Information

· Select the correct date and committee for the hearing by clicking on it in the Meeting Schedule Calendar (make sure you are on the right week!). [Select Bill # and select the date].

· In the drop box below "Select the Committee," select committee.

· In the drop box below "Choose the Bill," select the correct time and bill number.

· Select the correct option for the "I am" drop box (likely "Member of the Public").

· Fill in the content box under "I'm Representing" with the business, organization, or group you are representing. If you are representing yourself only, write "myself."

· Under the “Indicate Your Position on this Bill,” check the circle stating your position on the bill. “I Oppose this Bill” or “I Support this Bill”

· After filling in all the appropriate drop boxes, click “Submit.”

· After clicking submit, you will be brought to the next page, where you fill in the content boxes with your first and last name, your town, state, and email address.

 Press “Continue.”

· If you wish to speak during the hearing to present your testimony, you need to attend in person at the State House, but you upload your testimony if you cannot attend.

Let’s do this for the school teachers out there who do not need any more land mines placed in their path! Your activism helps!

In March of last year, I wrote an article about the federal monies coming into New Hampshire through the Infrastructure, Investments and Jobs Act, passed into law by Pres. Biden. Money to be allocated for bridge and road repairs, cleaning up “brownfields,” modernizing airport infrastructure and (among other things) building a statewide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. 

That’s almost $18 million in federal money the state is to receive for EV charging stations, with another $14 million over the next few years. The Federal Highway Administration has now put a stop to spending federal money on EV charging stations. The Trump “administration” decided to review the program and on Jan. 20, halted billions in funding for the nationwide construction of EV charging stations, already allocated to states through Pres. Biden’s programs. Trump has referred to EV charging station construction as “an incredible waste of taxpayer dollars.”

In the meantime, NH’s $2.8 million National Vehicle Infrastructure Grant program Phase 1 has been put on hold. This had been planned since 2022 and was to begin this summer, after Governor and Executive Council approval. The state was expecting to receive $17.2 million over five years to build more EV charging stations, according to US Dept. of Transportation reports.

Last month, NH was awarded a federal $15 million Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant. That too, is on hold as we wait for word or guidance from the federal government. According to federal and state data, NH has the fourth-lowest ratio of public EV charging stations to registered electric vehicles in the nation. 
As an example, here’s a few New England states: 

Ct. – 1,233 charging stations            3,546 charging ports
Mass. – 3,549 charging stations       8,573 charging ports
Me. – 525 charging stations              1,211 charging ports
even little Rhody has more - 338 stations and 794 ports

NH? – 281 charging stations             717 charging ports

These charging stations are essential in supporting EV owners and the transition to clean energy.

Congressional representatives, businesses and tourist officials all across NH viewed this as a way to attract more tourists and folks looking to relocate to our state, thereby increasing the state’s economy. Not to mention all the jobs that would’ve been generated. 

New Hampshire initially applied for the CFI Grant awards in 2023, becoming one of seven states who received their first CFI grant disbursement in January. The grant money was to be used to boost public EV charging station infrastructure throughout the state. The state’s goal was to improve availability to EV charging stations across nine regions and installing 199 more charging ports.

All the good work Pres. Biden did for the country as a whole, is now placed on “hold” by a convicted felon. Elections DO have consequences, some of which are not so good.

But here’s a good note to end on . . .

Earlier in the week, I wrote about some crazy education bills that were in legislative committee hearings. One bill included HB 415, the one about removing requirements for schools to provide menstrual products in restrooms. I can’t help but ask again, who DOES that to young girls? 

Anyway, due to online activism 1,702 people opposed this bill with only 23 supporting it! (Who ARE these mean people?) The House Education Policy and Administration Committee ended up voting unanimously against it! A good win for activism! 

So, let’s continue to take a few moments when the opportunity arises and express YOUR opinion!

I realize many of today’s parents have different ideas and feelings about vaccinating their children. So, if you are against childhood vaccinations, this may not be the article for you.

That said, there are some bills lurking on the horizon that are meant to destroy childhood vaccination requirements. As of this writing there are 89.2% kindergarteners up to date on all required vaccinations, according to the state’s health department. To prevent outbreaks of highly infectious diseases, that number should be about 95%.

The state purchases vaccines for children through the NH Vaccine Association, then provides them to doctors free of charge. This is done through federal funds and payments from insurers, estimated to annually be about $24 million. Doctors are then able to vaccinate pediatric patients for free. That’s what the Association does, collect money and fund children’s vaccinations.

Proposed legislation HB 524, is looking to repeal that. The sponsor is Liberty Alliance member Rep. Michael Granger R-Milton and his bill is to repeal the NH Vaccine Association. He claims it will save taxpayers money. Speaking in favor of the bill was anti-vaccine activist, Laura Condon, NH’s director of advocacy for The National Vaccine Information Center, a nonprofit advocacy organization that believes vaccines cause autism.

There is much push back on this from the medical community, the worry being more obstacles for vaccines resulting in health risks for children. According to the state’s health department, costs would rise if the program were repealed. Additionally, the state would have to spend an estimated extra $100,000 a year to purchase vaccines for disaster relief efforts and any outbreaks. 

The state would still be able to purchase vaccines for uninsured children and those covered by Medicaid using federal funds. However, children covered by private insurance are out of luck.

This flies in the face of the governor’s recent budget speech about “belt-tightening.”

Another bill is HB 664, sponsored by Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. Yuri Polozov R-Hooksett. “This bill provides that childhood immunization requirements shall not require a vaccine that has not been tested with an inert placebo in clinical trials.” 
Huh?

HB 679 “provides that no childhood immunization requirement shall require a vaccine that has not been shown in clinical trials to prevent transmission of any disease.” Most vaccines do not prevent transmission, they do however, help to lessen symptoms and in some cases prevent death. This bill is coming from Liberty Alliance and YAL member Rep. Kelley Potenza R-Rochester. 

These bills are still in the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee. If you want to register your opposition or support, the Chairman is Liberty Alliance member Rep. Wayne MacDonald R-Londonderry. elephantsmarching@msn.com
The vice-chair is Rep. Lisa Mazur R-Weare. Lisa.Mazur@gc.nh.gov

This is one way to be an activist and express your opinion!

This time it’s college students the Republican Party is targeting. Let’s do all we can to thwart that. Here’s the “Call to Action” details, the following three bills are in public hearings on Tues. Feb. 11th. The Committee is House Election Law. 

HB 289 sponsored by Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. Robert Wherry R-Hudson, would prevent voters from claiming their domicile in New Hampshire if they are a dependent of someone who resides in another state and limit student voting in NH to only those who meet the new domicile definition and have residency as defined by the university system of NH. 

Why this is important:

• Domicile means where you live and engage in civic life. This bill adds another unrelated qualification based on where other family members live, not the voter themselves.
• A voter who is qualified and lives in NH has the right to vote here. Adding more requirements related to residency as defined by the university system would take away the right to vote for qualified NH voters. 
• There is no method for identifying if a person is a dependent of someone else for tax purposes when they register to vote, and the bill is unclear about who may fall under this category.

Click here to oppose this bill! (This is done the same way as you have been, supporting or opposing previous bills.) 

HB 684 sponsored by Liberty Alliance and YAL member Rep. Kelley Potenza R-Rochester, would narrow the number of acceptable forms of identity for voters, removing student IDs.

Why this is important:

Voters who are 18, US citizens, and live in NH have the right to vote here and are asked (as we all are) to prove their identity when they do so. By limiting the acceptable types of IDs, eligible voters will be turned away solely because they don’t have the “right” documents, even when they can prove who they are and that they are eligible. 

Click here to oppose this bill!

HB 323 sponsored by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Don McFarlane R-Orange, this bill is similar to HB 684 as it also would narrow the number of acceptable forms of identity for voters, removing student IDs and government IDs issued by states other than NH. 

Why this is important:

• Same as above, voters who are 18, US citizens, and live in NH have the right to vote here and are asked to prove their identity (as we all are) when they do so. By limiting the acceptable types of IDs, eligible voters will be turned away solely because they don’t have the “right” documents, even when they can prove who they are and that they are eligible. 

Click here to oppose this bill!

Thank you for being an active part of our democracy.

Here we go again! Public education is back in the cross-hairs! Did it ever really leave? Another “call to action”, there will be plenty of these coming up this session and we need EVERYONE’S voice! 

HB 283 is being heard Mon. Feb. 10th at 1:30 pm before the House Education Policy and Administration Committee. HB 283 is a re-hash of a bill that was defeated a few years ago but has been dusted off and taken out again. Now they want to cut required educational programs at public schools to the bare bones limiting them to the core subjects of English, history, math and science. Music, art, physical education, and other subjects are bound for the chopping block. Sadly, many districts struggle financially, this will be their reality as it further exacerbates the difference in quality of education by zip code problems that New Hampshire currently suffers from. All students deserve a quality, well-rounded education, not just some children. This bill attempts to remove the definition of an adequate education, allowing the state to further evade its responsibility to properly fund public schools. This bill is sponsored by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Dan McGuire R-Epsom. 

Here's a stupid one proposed by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Katy Peternel R-Wolfeboro that should be vehemently opposed. HB 415 would remove requirements for schools to provide menstrual products in restrooms. Would that be for public schools only? And who does that to young girls? This one is up for a hearing on Wed. Feb. 12th before the House Education Policy and Administration Committee. Please be sure to oppose this nonsense. 
Action Needed: Contact the House Education Policy and Administration Committee and register your opposition. Click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

SB 295 is a universal school voucher bill being heard in the Senate Education Finance Committee on Wed., Feb. 12th at 3:20 pm. Vouchers are an unaccountable, second education system that takes public money and gives it to private schools and companies, all while we continue to starve our local neighborhood public schools of desperately needed resources. (Refer to paragraph above.) Universal school vouchers would go to any family, even millionaires, and will likely cost an additional $100 million each year in State spending on unaccountable private education placements. Anti-public education extremist politicians are looking to give our tax dollars to the ultra-wealthy instead of supporting public schools. As they have been doing since Frank Edleblut was appointed Education Commissioner. This bill is sponsored by Free Stater Sen. Victoria Sullivan R-Manchester.
Action Needed: Help to protect public education. Click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A SENATE COMMITTEE HERE.

To submit your position to a House Committee, click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

· Fill in your Personal Information

· Select the correct date and committee for the hearing by clicking on it in the Meeting Schedule Calendar (make sure you are on the right week!). [Select Bill # and select date].

· In the dropbox below "Select the Committee," select committee.

· In the dropbox below "Choose the Bill," select the correct time and bill number.

· Select the correct option for the "I am" dropbox (likely "Member of the Public").

· Fill in the content box under "I'm Representing" with the business, organization, or group you are representing. If you are representing yourself, write "myself."

· Under the “Indicate Your Position on this Bill,” check the circle stating your position on the bill. “I Oppose this Bill” or “I Support this Bill”

· After filling in all appropriate dropboxes, click “Submit.”

After clicking submit, you will be brought to the next page, where you fill in the content boxes with your first and last name, your town, state, and email address.

· Press “Continue.”

· If you wish to speak during the hearing to present testimony, you need to attend in person at the State House, but you upload your testimony if you cannot attend.

Thank you for speaking up for those who are to young to do so right now.