Last November, three Executive Councilor members defunded a ten year old community sex education program. While councilors Joe Kenney (R), Ted Gatsas (R) and David Wheeler (R) had voted for the program in the past, they now cited the rights of parents for changing their votes in November. Both Kenney and Wheeler felt parents should be aware of what their children are sharing while participating in the program. But in the next head scratching moment, children need parental permission anyway to be in the program.
Wait! What?
The program focuses on children who are considered at-risk, such as those living in homeless shelters, in foster care or who have been victimized through human trafficking. This program is not through the schools but by community agencies, and offers instruction on abstinence, birth control, reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases. Decision-making and relationship skills are also offered in addition to subjects concerning gender identity.
The only two councilors who approved the $680,000 contract was Janet Stevens (R) and Cinde Warmington (D). Despite not being approved, our elected federal representatives managed to convince federal officials to bring back the funding, circumventing the Executive Council.
On Thursday, September 21, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D) announced funding will be provided to the Amoskeag Health in Manchester and the TLC Family Resource Center in Claremont through the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Those two cities have experienced the highest teen pregnancies in the state. Between those two centers, this funding will enable them to reach almost 300 students.
The council’s Republican members had also previously defunded family planning contracts with Equality Health Center, Lovering Health Center and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. Sen. Shaheen was instrumental in securing $500,000 to bring back Planned Parenthood’s services. Again, circumventing the Executive Council.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
But we can avoid a large amount of that by educating ourselves as to who candidates are and do they represent the best interests of ourselves, our families and our communities? Voting matters, not just at the federal level but statewide and equally important, locally! Tuesday, October 3rd is primary day for a lot of communities in New Hampshire. Take the time to vote so your voice can be heard, don’t throw it away.