Dear Cheshire County Democrat,

I am running for re-election as the Chair of the Cheshire County Democrats, and I am asking for your vote. I am being contested by Jim Tetreault from Winchester. The caucus is on 4/1, Tuesday at 6:30 PM, by Zoom only, but you must register to receive the link from NHDP (they also need to verify you are registered as a Democrat). Every registered Democrat in the county can vote.

I am seeking re-election because the work of building from the ground up is not done in Cheshire County. Now more than ever, we need to continue our outreach, protest the unfair and unethical policies of the current administration, recruit volunteers and candidates who will help us win in 2026 and beyond.

Accomplishments

Four years ago, I ran for the first time with the goal of empowering the grassroots volunteers in Cheshire County and initiating and revitalizing town committees to help our candidates in state elections. With your support, I have been able to establish new or re-activate defunct committees in 8 towns across the county, Walpole being the most recent this past Friday.

I am thankful for the extraordinary partnership with the Democratic Candidates and Democrat Town Chairs in Cheshire County. With our collective hard work, we minimized the damage of the red wave that occurred in the 2024 election. We were able to train and retain a 30+ volunteer canvassing team that focused on challenging districts, working in parallel with the Organize NH team. Steve Marchand’s analysis showed our effort helped us perform above average in those districts, helping us win those seats.

I have worked hard to bring Democrats together in Cheshire County over the last 4 years. Together, we are determined to navigate this challenging time, organizing from the grassroots upward. In that spirit, we had a summit with town chairs and all candidates in the county at the end of February, and generated ideas that we plan to execute in the coming days. I would like to have the county committee continue with the partnerships with the town committees, empowering and helping the local effort in every possible way.

Political Philosophy

In short, I believe in working with the true spirit of democracy, expanding the party, and bringing people of diverse opinions and backgrounds united with the purpose of the common good. In my 4 years as the County Chair, I have succeeded in making positive changes with the support of Democrats across the county. I will take the same spirit of inclusivity and motivated outreach to the rules committee. I seek your support and vote in this endeavor.

Democratic Party Roles

• Chair, Cheshire County Democrats (2021 - present):
  • Established new or activated defunct committees in 8 towns across the county.
  • Introduced the annual volunteer appreciation BBQ, inviting all county volunteers helping Democrats.
  • Expanded outreach efforts by initiating listening sessions with traditionally distant demographic groups for Democrats, such as farmers.
  • Trained 60+ volunteers with the principles of Dirt Road Revival, resulting in a 30+ dedicated team of volunteers who participated in targeted canvassing and GOTV efforts.
  • Popularized the Common Good Principles as the guiding principle among candidates and Democrats.
• Vice Chair, Cheshire County Democrats (2016 - 2019): Served as the grassroots/progressive liaison across the county to build connections among Democrats.
• Fundraiser - Obama Campaign, Dayton, OHIO (2012)
• Door-to-door canvasser (2008 - present)
• NH AAPI Caucus member

Endorsements from Elected Democrats and Grassroots:

Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky (2017-2020, 2nd Dist.): "Mohammad Saleh is my choice for the Chair's position in Cheshire County Democrats Committee because he is a committed, levelheaded leader who thinks about messaging and how to help his candidates achieve success."

Hon. Joe Schapiro (Rep. 2019-2024, CH16): "I wholeheartedly endorse Mohammad Saleh in his run for his re-election to the Chair's position in Cheshire County Democrats Committee. During his three years as vice chair of the Cheshire County Democratic Committee he was a persistent voice for increased transparency, new ideas, and expanded membership. Since being elected Chair four years ago he has successfully expanded the mission and voice of the Committee among local Democrats. Mohammad is a scientist, a humanitarian, and a tireless worker devoted to the expansion of Democratic ideals."

Allen Davis (Dublin Activist, Town Chair): "I am honored to endorse Mohammad Saleh for the re-election to the Chair's position in Cheshire County Democrats Committee. Mohammad has been an exceptional Chair of the Cheshire County Democratic Party. His achievements include: recruiting excellent candidates for State Representative, creating numerous new and active Town Committees, supporting Town Chairs with solid ideas to expand the reach and size of their committees, and being available at all hours, by phone, email, or text, to answer questions and solve problems. Mohammad worked with me to revive the dormant Dublin Democratic Town Committee in January 2023. Today, Dublin has about 15-20 people that come to our monthly meetings and our work helped Dick Ames get re-elected in the state house."

Work Experience/Affiliations

• Electro-optical Engineer (20+ Years): Education and professional experience
• Project Home New Hampshire (2019 - present): Founding Board Member, 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
• Keene Human Rights Committee (2018 - present): Formerly MLK and Jonathan Daniel Committee
• Monadnock Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging Coalition (2021 - present): Steering Committee Member
• Monadnock Interfaith Project (2023 - present): Representing Muslim Community in Local Interfaith Dialog

Profile & Biography / Writing / Event Host / Award

• Keene Sentinel (Profile & Biography): Keene's Mohammad Saleh gives back by getting involved
• Granite Post (Profile): America gives hope to the whole world
• Keene Sentinel (Event Host): Keene celebrates ICE release
• Ledger Transcript (My Writing): On the Spirit of Sacrifice for Social Change
• WMUR (Event Host): Faith in Humanity - Thanksgiving Event Promotes Coexistence
• Micah Award: Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP) Micah Award - Exemplifying Personal Sacrifice

The caucus will be conducted online via a Zoom meeting, moderated by the state party. To receive the Zoom link for the meeting, please use this link to sign up. If you have more than one person in your household, each person must register separately (NHDP needs to validate that the individual is a Democrat) and login from different computers (or phone) so that vote count can happen properly.

Thank you for your support!

— Mohammad

On April 5, 2025, people across New Hampshire will take part in protests as part of the Hands Off! National Day of Action, a nationwide movement to stand against those who seek to undermine democracy, our future, and our rights.

These events are coordinated through a national collation of organizations, including Third Act, Indivisible, MoveOn, 50501 and other groups, this day of action calls on people across the country to take to the streets with a clear message of opposition to the Trump/Musk Administration: Hands off!

Locations and details of protests in New Hampshire:

• Colebrook: Colebrook Library, 149 Main Street, 10 AM to 12 PM
• Concord: In front of the State House from 12 PM to 5 PM. Parking is recommended in municipal garages.
• Conway: Four Corners - the intersection of NH Routes 16 and 113 - from 12 PM to 2 PM
• Dover: In front of Tucker's from 2 PM to 3 PM.
• Enfield: U.S. 4 & Main Street from 10 AM to 11 AM.
• Hanover: (Hanover Seniors Fight Back) The Greens Condominiums, 53 Lyme Rd, next to Hanover Terrace Rehabilitation from 9 AM to 12 PM
• Hanover: Hanover Town Hall from 2 PM to 4 PM.
• Keene: Central Square from 12 PM to 2 PM. Smaller protests are also held every Saturday.
• Littleton, Noon to 3 pm, 134 Main Street, Littleton Post Office
• Nashua: At the five-way intersection at the top of Main Street from 12 PM to 2 PM.
• New London: On the Town Green from 1 PM to 3 PM.
• Peterborough:  At 101 and 202 from 1 to 2:30 Please park at community center or Public Parking in Peterborough before you try the Rite Aid lot (please park much further down rather than RITE AID parking spaces).
• Plaistow, 1 to 2 PM, 145 Main St.
• Portsmouth Tesla Takedown: On the public sidewalk at 2454 Lafayette Road from 10 AM to 1 PM. Parking is advised on Constitution Avenue, not the private lot.
• Portsmouth, Noon to 2 PM, Market Square.
• Wolfeboro: Pickering Corner - 136 S Main Street from 12 PM to 2 PM.

More information on each of these events can be found via the Mobilize.US website.

These protests are an opportunity to come together, share your voice, and demonstrate the power of collective action. Whether you're a seasoned activist or new to the scene, your presence matters. Come out on April 5 and be a part of the movement.

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.

That’s right! They’re at it again. Last week it was a slap in the face for protections for transgender people. This time the extremists are targeting the rights of immigrants to hold a driver’s license here in New Hampshire. Naturally, this mean-spirited bill is sponsored by Liberty Alliance members in both the House and the Senate.

HB452-FN is an act “relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire.”

Should this bill pass, it would deny people without green cards, known as “permanent resident status,” the right to apply for or to renew a driver’s license. Currently, anyone with employment authorization and a Social Security number can apply for a license. This allows for asylum seekers, here legally, to drive and work during the waiting period for their asylum hearings and an eventual green card. These waiting periods can sometimes go on for years and many of these folks would be in danger of losing the right to drive.  

For example, a wonderful man named Luis has been here in NH with his wife and 3 children since before COVID. Luis drives from Keene to Peterborough every day working in a factory that makes fire hoses. He is greatly valued by his employer. If Luis is unable to renew his license, he’ll have to make the devastating choice of driving illegally to work in Peterborough, or stop working altogether.

This terrible bill hurts not only hardworking immigrants who have followed all the rules, but the businesses who depend on them! And there are businesses who are happy to give legal immigrants an opportunity to work, supporting themselves and their families. This proposed legislation makes it impossible for many immigrant folks to work here and drive here legally, enabling them to live here and pay taxes. There are a few exceptions and that would be for people living here “on a temporary basis” who have student or special work visas.  Asylum seekers are specifically targeted by HB 452. 

While there is no hearing scheduled yet for this bill, which is still in the Senate Transportation Committee, you can take action and Email Entire Committee. Let them know of your opposition to this discriminatory and mean-spirited bill which targets legal asylum seekers. Also contact Gov. Ayotte by clicking here or call (603) 271-2121.

Project Home is a wonderful organization that helps place families, couples or even a single asylum seeker in host homes around the Monadnock Region. I, myself, have assisted (whenever I could) in driving when needed. Like other organizations, donations are always needed and welcomed. If you can, please click here to donate online or find where to send a check. 

 

“I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong.”     George Washington

 

“Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.”            John F. Kennedy

We would do well to remember the words of these two great presidents as we continue in our defense of democracy for ourselves and others who come here seeking it!

Thursday, March, 20th, was a rough day for a lot of us. However, it began like many other Thursday’s... early. A caucus with colleagues about upcoming bills we would be voting on later in the day, with questions asked about some bills and then answered. One in particular was HB 148, a bill that would allow “classification of individuals based on their biological sex in bathroom facilities and locker rooms, sporting competitions, and detention facilities.” More on that later...

Before heading to Representatives Hall, the Democrat caucus walked as a group outside to the front of the State House where we greeted dozens of people in opposition to this proposed legislation. Many were holding signs, chanting and thanking us as we walked through the crowd, making our way to the entrance into the State House. It was a profound moment, one that brought tears to a lot of us as we walked inside. 

Now, back to the bill which was sponsored by 14 Republicans, most with ties to the extremist groups Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL). This bill is meant to roll back the protections for transgender people that were enacted in 2018 by RSA 354-A, “Law Against Discrimination.” This bill prohibits them from competitions and/or facilities that don’t line up with their biological birth gender. It also allows for discrimination and abuse to a very small percentage of people in NH. Fun fact: In 2024, Gov. Sununu vetoed legislation that was similar to this one.

When HB 148 came up for a vote later in the day, speaking in opposition of it for the minority party was a first term representative named Alice Wade from Dover. Her speech was eloquent and from her heart. She spoke of a conversation she had at the end of election day on Nov. 5th outside her polling place with a Republican man. They were both greeting voters and holding signs. Rep. Wade introduced herself and they chatted awhile before the man expressed that he hadn’t been participating in politics as he had lost a child the previous summer and didn’t have the energy for it. They continued to chat when the man asked Rep. Wade if she was transgender, to which she answered in the affirmative. The man then proceeded to tell her how he had lost his child, a transgender man, to suicide. He told her while he didn’t understand what it meant to be transgender, he was proud of and loved his child deeply. He regretted not understanding his son more.

Rep. Wade kept her speech in the direction of the Republican majority as she explained how overwhelming it is for trans people to go through life knowing there are those who are hostile to their very existence and that transitioning six years ago is what helped to save her life. She implored that side of the hall to not vote in favor of passing the bill noting that there were more than 50 people who came and gave in person testimony opposing the bill, where there were only about ten people who showed up in support. There were 2,910 people who went on line opposing this bill, with only 206 on line who supported it. It was a challenge to keep our tears in check. To see and hear the entire 5 minute speech by Rep. Wade, click here and scroll to the 5:18:20 mark. 

Her heartfelt words of hope, understanding and inclusivity fell on deaf ears and hard hearts. The bill passed 201-166.

Stay the course, Rep. Wade, as we continue to shine the light on those whose hate-filled bigotry is spurred by their fear of you.

We are now entering a phase called “crossover” at the State House. This means all the bills that pass the House will now crossover to the Senate and all the bills that pass the Senate will now crossover to the House. 

The budget will not only determine how much State money our public schools receive, but other bills have been placed into it. This past week House Republicans on Finance Division II added both HB 675 and HB 115 to the budget. HB 115 will expand the school voucher program. This program is a giveaway to the wealthy who already send their kids to a private school at the expense of New Hampshire’s property taxpayers. This budget proposal includes money for vouchers, but doesn’t keep up with current needs to reimburse local school districts for special education while cutting crucial agencies that protect children like the Office of the Child Advocate. It also institutes an income tax by requiring families pay up to 5% for their Medicaid coverage.

HB 675 is a bill sponsored by Liberty Alliance members, Reps. Joe Sweeney, R-Salem and Jason Osborne, R-Auburn. This is legislation that would impose a statewide school spending cap onto every local school district. Local voters are more than capable of making decisions on how to manage their local school district budgets and have done so right along. They know the needs best and are the ones who pay the property taxes. Recently, in many communities (almost 20), voters had a chance to adopt a local budget cap but turned it down. The extremist majority in Concord has made it clear they have contempt for local voters, especially those who vote at town meetings in support of their public schools. Both of these bills are in the budget.

HB 675 squeeked pass in the House by 5 votes which makes this vitally important to keep connecting with your state representatives over this very important issue. TAKE ACTION NOW TO STOP HB 675. Tell your Representative NO expanding vouchers.

SB 96 is a senate bill sponsored by 15 Republican extremists. It is similar to the recently passed “parental rights” bill HB 10. These bills coerce teachers into becoming spies, tracking and recording all things that happen in school in the event a parent has questions about their child. The teacher would then have to report to parents even if they don’t have all information. Teachers DO NOT need to be in the middle of a parent and student relationship. 

Let the Senate Education Committee know your position on SB 96.

Chairman Ruth Ward, R-Stoddard:  Ruth.Ward@gc.nh.gov
Vice Chairman Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester:  Victoria.Sullivan@gc.nh.gov
Daryl Abbas R-Salem:  Daryl.Abbas@gc.nh.gov
Suzanne Prentiss, R-West Lebanon:  Suzanne.Prentiss@gc.nh.gov
Debra Altschiller, R-Stratham: Debra.Altschiller@gc.nh.gov

Thank you for supporting democracy, public education, school teachers and students!

The Meals on Wheels program was started in 1954 by a social worker named Margaret Toy. Funded by the Henrietta Tower Wurts Foundation, the program was begun at the request of the Philadelphia Health & Welfare Council.

The non-profit Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA),  is the oldest and largest organization in the United States and is headquartered in Virginia. MOWAA represents the people who provide meal services to seniors in need, especially those at risk of or experiencing hunger. MOWAA works toward the economic, nutritional, physical and social betterment of vulnerable Americans by providing the tools and information needed to make a difference in their lives. In 2016, Meals on Wheels provided roughly 218 million meals to 2.5 million Americans, about 500,000 of them were veterans. The annual meal cost is $2,765 per recipient. 

At the end of Feb., I received an invite from Susan Ashworth, the Director of Community Relations for Meals on Wheels, to participate in the #SaveLunch Campaign, and assist in delivering meals in the Keene area. This campaign raises availability awareness of this program for those who may need it and to raise funds to continue with deliveries. As living expenses and the cost of food continue to rise, food insecurity among older folks is rising in our area also. 

The program has a considerable impact on the lives of older and disabled residents of our community. In a recent participant survey in Cheshire County, 60% said Meals on Wheels was their primary source of nutrition and 44% stated they didn’t have enough money for food. 

Meals on Wheels serves 330 people in Cheshire County every week day; last year over 98,000 meals were delivered to older adults and those with disabilities in their homes. In addition to nutrition, it serves as a daily check on people. The program has funding from different sources: federal funding from the Social Services Block grant (Title 20), which accounts for 37% of each meal served, the Older American's Act (Title 3), Medicaid, state and local funding, fundraising efforts, and participant donations. Each meal meets 1/3rd of the daily requirements for older adults, and includes an entrée, milk, bread, and dessert. Deliveries are five days a week and in very rural towns, such as Gilsum and Sullivan, deliveries are Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (HCS) has a contract with the State of NH Bureau of Aging and Adult Services to provide 90,100 Meals on Wheels in Cheshire County for the year. The balance of the meals served are Medicaid meals under the Choices for Independence program. The funding is a combination of Federal and state dollars. Locally, more than $200,000 needs to be raised annually to close the gap between the cost of the meal and the reimbursement rate from state and federal sources. The recent contract will run through June, 2027 and the reimbursement rate is not increasing, while the cost of food is. And now with the federal government slashing anything they deem costly or “unnecessary” the fate of a lot of these programs is anyone’s guess.

The Bureau of Aging and Adult Services has indicated there are state funds for Meals on Wheels in the state budget, but there hasn’t been any definite confirmation. The state of NH can even see fit to feed low-income school children a lunch, it remains to be seen how the state feels about feeding its elderly citizens.

Earlier this month, I joined Todd in delivering meals to residents in Keene before he finished his route in Hinsdale. Todd delivers meals five days a week and is genuinely interested in the well-being of all the recipients. I especially appreciated his opening the car door for me at every stop!

If you would like to learn more about this valuable and longstanding program, click this link: Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services - HCS

If you would like to dedicate some time for deliveries: HCS Main (603) 352-2253
Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services is located at: 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH   

We are being asked to continue to defend voting rights. Whether it’s for ourselves or our family and friends, there are several bills that will be voted on in their respective committees before heading to the full House for a later vote. Here we go and thank you in advance for taking a few moments to oppose some awful legislation.

HB 418 is a terrible bill! It would require voters to be either absent from the town or city in which they are domiciled or disabled and unable to vote in person in order to be eligible for an absentee ballot. What they are removing from current law is the discriminatory “religious observance” eligibility for an absentee ballot. Who does that, you ask. The bill was sponsored by Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. John Sellers, R-Bristol and other Liberty Alliance members, that’s who. The House Election Law Committee will be in executive session on Tues., Mar. 18th and will be voting on this bill and a few others that day. Please take a moment to click on this link and Urge Legislators to OPPOSE HB217, HB686, and HB418.

SB 287 would require absentee ballot applicants to present a copy of their photo identification with their application. The Senate Election Law Committee will be in executive session on Tues., Mar. 18th and will be voting on this bill that day. Please take a moment to click on this link and Urge the Senate Election Law Committee to OPPOSE SB287.

HB 684 will prevent student identification cards to be used as a means to obtain a ballot. More targeted voter suppression from a Republican sponsored bill. In current law RSA 659:13, II(a), a student ID is acceptable if it comes from a NH college, university or career school. This bill aims to repeal that. Why? 
The House Election Law Committee will be in executive session on Tues., Mar. 18th and will be voting on this bill and another one that day. Please take a moment to click on this link and Urge legislators to OPPOSE HB618 and HB684.

Here's one we can all get behind. HB 385 reestablishes exceptions for the requirement to present identification to vote. Sponsored by Rep. Connie Lane, D-Concord, this bill seeks to undo voter suppression damage done during the last session by bringing back the affidavit system which has been proven to work efficiently. The House Election Law Committee will be in executive session on Tues., Mar. 18th and will be voting on this bill that day. Please take a moment to click on this link and Please urge your Representatives to SUPPORT HB 385.

"All tyrannies rule through fraud and force, but once the fraud is exposed they must rely exclusively on force." ~ George Orwell

Thursday’s votes in Representative’s Hall did not disappoint. They went pretty much the way we thought they would. Here are a few examples; 

HB 115 has to do with those school vouchers again! Sponsored by Liberty Alliance member, Rep. Valerie McDonnell R-Salem, this legislation “increases the income eligibility for the EFA program in fiscal year 2026 and removes the income eligibility criteria beginning in fiscal year 2027.” It will raise the income cap from the current 350% poverty level to 400% and then removes any cap the following year. Currently a family of four with an annual income of $112,000 is eligible for the vouchers. Once the cap is eliminated in 2027, this unaudited, unaccounted for program will cost more than $100 million annually. This increases property taxes. Let’s say this again. THIS INCREASES PROPERTY TAXES! 

Now let’s see what occurred at a public hearing the day before the full House voted on the bill; MOMENTS AGO: Republican Finance chairman chastises Granite Staters (who drove from across the state) for speaking up against the consistent underfunding... | By New Hampshire House Democratic Caucus | Facebook

Speaking in favor of the bill, Rep. McDonnell made the claim that the vouchers don’t raise property taxes and can be used in public schools. What? She also claimed that 84% of people want them. 

I’ll bet they do . . .if that number is even correct.

An amendment was brought forth to require yearly income recertification, placing the voucher program alongside requirements for other public assistance programs. Because this is what the school voucher program is, public assistance for those who don’t need it! The amendment failed 205-170. A second amendment was brought forth but that too, failed, 205-171. In the end, HB 115 passed, 198-180. 

Fun fact: Liberty Alliance member Rep. Glenn Cordelli’s district includes Ossipee, Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro. On Tues., March 11th, Wolfeboro held its annual town meeting. Included on its warrant was petitioned Article 37, “Reaffirming our New Hampshire Article 6 & 83 Rights,” prohibiting the collection and expending of town collected property tax funds to the state by way of the State Wide Education Property Taxes for the purpose of supporting school vouchers. It’s all in the article, which passed by a vote of 896-535. Wolfeboro decisively said “no” to school vouchers. 

Next up, a bill that would prohibit school districts from denying meals to students with unpaid meal balances failed on Thurs. Most of these kids are from low-income families. Sponsored by 9 Democrat Representatives and 3 Democrat Senators, HB 703 was meant to prevent kids who have unpaid meal balances from being shamed or embarrassed by denying them lunch. The added amendment made it a competitive grant program. With a vote of 202-173, schools can continue to deny lunch to kids who have a meal balance. They are out of the womb, after all . . .which means, you’re on your own.

Another bill sponsored by Democrats, HB 646  would require school districts to establish an online application for participation in the free and reduced price meal program. This was meant to make the application process easier for families so their kids receive free or reduced price meals in school. The added amendment made it a competitive grant program. Republicans killed the bill, 209-165. 

Clearly, Republicans have no intention of listening to the people of NH, whether it’s a collective opposition to school vouchers or major support to feed children from families who struggle with low-income. And they prove it time and again by thumbing their noses with their votes against how the majority of citizens wants us to vote. 

Marilla Marks Young was born on March 18, 1840, to Hannah Young, a Free Will Baptist and freethinker Jonathan Young, in New Durham, New Hampshire. Her father encouraged her to think independently and be curious, often taking her to courtrooms and town meetings. She attended Colby Academy in New London and eventually became the first female lawyer from NH, paving the way for women to be accepted into the NH bar.  

Since the age of sixteen, she had become a teacher in the towns of Dover and Lee. Refusing to read from the Bible during class, she preferred the literary works of Emerson. This brought the school committee who informed her she was required to read from the Bible in class. Ricker still refused and eventually left the teaching profession.

In 1863, Marilla Young married John Ricker, a man 33 years her senior, who passed away five years later. The inheritance left to the young widow made her financially independent. 

Ricker then turned to studying law in Washington, DC, from 1876 to 1880, returning to NH in the summer. When Ricker and 16 men took the Washington, DC bar exam in 1880, she achieved the highest score. In 1884, she was appointed as a commissioner and examiner in a chancery, the first woman to achieve such an appointment. It didn’t take her to long before gaining prominence as a competent and compassionate member of the profession. During her career as a lawyer, Ricker became a strong advocate of prisoners' rights, eventually receiving the nickname "the prisoner's friend". In 1879, she sought a hearing to protest the conditions in state prisons. 

After Ricker’s initial application to join the NH Bar was turned down, in 1890 it was granted on appeal to the NH Supreme Court. She was the first woman allowed to practice law in NH.

Going back to1869, a year after her husband's death, Ricker attended the first National Woman Suffrage Association convention, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. This began her activist work as a suffragette.

Strongly declaring her belief in the equality of all peoples, Ricker acted upon these beliefs by attempting to vote in 1870 in her hometown of Dover, NH. She was the first woman to do so and although her ballot wasn’t counted, continued to hand in a ballot for consecutive decades until the end of her life. 

In 1910, she attempted to become the first woman to run for governor in NH, knowing she’d be barred from doing so, not being recognized as a registered voter. “I’m running for governor in order to get people in the habit of thinking of women as governor… People have to think about a thing for several centuries before they can get acclimated to the idea. I want to start the ball a’rolling. There isn’t a ghost of a reason why a woman should not be governor or president if she wants to be and is capable of it.”

According to Ricker, if women “can be hanged under the laws, they should have a voice in making them.”  Although the Constitution only declared governors must be above age 30 and have lived in the state for at least 7 years, the attorney general ruled her candidacy illegal due to her gender. She continued to step aside for male counterparts, stating her goal was “to get the people of NH used to thinking about a woman for governor.”  

As an aside, it took 82 more years for a woman (Arnie Arnesen) to receive a major party nomination for governor, and 86 more years for a woman (Jeanne Shaheen) to be elected to the governorship.

During the 1910s, Ricker remained in NH concentrating on publishing articles and books clarifying her freethought beliefs. A lot of her writing centered on the dangerous influence of the church on society. "A steeple is no more to be excluded from taxation than a smoke stack.”

A portrait of Marilla Ricker now hangs in the State House. 

“Let come what will come, no man, be he priest, minister or judge, shall sit upon the throne of my mind, and decide for me what is right, true, or good.”

Marilla Ricker