NH Politics

‘Countless’ complaints pour in against bike registration bill; sponsor says it was meant to promote ‘fair funding’

read more…: ‘Countless’ complaints pour in against bike registration bill; sponsor says it was meant to promote ‘fair funding’

After receiving complaints from what he described as “countless” complaints and a “social media explosion” in response to the bill, the prime sponsor, Representative Thomas Walsh, said that the language of the bill did not accurately depict what he intended it to. 

The Soapbox: NH voters – help reduce polarization by supporting these bills

read more…: The Soapbox: NH voters – help reduce polarization by supporting these bills

If there’s one thing most people will agree on it is that we are a polarized country. And the same  is true for NH. For those who still believe there is hope (and I am one of those), there are some  bills coming up in the legislature designed to diminish polarization and enfranchise voters – particularly Undeclared voters (about 40%, at this time). The bills are about replacing a two-party  ballot system and moving to a single ballot (for the primary election).  

The Soapbox: Support NH HB 1831 to correct ‘deeply inequitable’ policy targeting Manchester schools

read more…: The Soapbox: Support NH HB 1831 to correct ‘deeply inequitable’ policy targeting Manchester schools

Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest school district and serves many of the State’s most disadvantaged, and most vulnerable children. HB 1831 removes the cap on the State’s education aid – a cap that applies ONLY to Manchester. Under current law, this cap will strip at least $10 million annually in anticipated and fully warranted funding from our district beginning next year.

Dems call out GOP lawmakers after leaked group chat suggesting ‘segregated schools’

read more…: Dems call out GOP lawmakers after leaked group chat suggesting ‘segregated schools’

A story published by Granite Post about a leaked group chat among leaders of the NH House Education Policy and Administration Committee has prompted NH Democrats to call for the resignation of a Bedford state lawmaker – who chairs the committee – and a fellow Republican for comments made about “segregated schools.”

Letters: ‘Our town should stand on the right side of history’ – Merrimack State Reps speak in opposition to ‘human warehouses’

read more…: Letters: ‘Our town should stand on the right side of history’ – Merrimack State Reps speak in opposition to ‘human warehouses’

Building a detention facility in Merrimack would make our town complicit in cruelty and human rights abuses. These facilities operate by warehousing human beings, often for months or years, under harsh conditions that dehumanize and traumatize adults and children alike. Detention has been shown to cause lasting psychological harm, particularly to asylum seekers and survivors of violence. No community that values dignity, fairness, and the rule of law should accept this.

As Pappas announces run for Senate, Hampton resident Beriont steps up to fill the seat

read more…: As Pappas announces run for Senate, Hampton resident Beriont steps up to fill the seat

After the last election, in 2024, I was on the other side of the classroom, and I wanted my students to understand that we can make the laws we live by, choose the injustices that we fight, and the rights that we have. These are all things that are the result of choices made by people. I think that our government would be a lot better if those choices going forward were made by people more like me.

The Soapbox: New Hampshire thrives when workers stand together — not alone

read more…: The Soapbox: New Hampshire thrives when workers stand together — not alone

Rep. Brian Labrie argues that the so-called “Public Employee Choice Act” is about freedom. But true workplace freedom has never meant forcing workers to negotiate alone against the power and resources of the state. In New Hampshire — a place where the middle class was built through solidarity, fairness, and collective voice — this proposal would undermine the very system that has delivered stability and economic mobility for tens of thousands of families.

Big housing wins in New Hampshire will take money, panelists say

read more…: Big housing wins in New Hampshire will take money, panelists say

The biggest reaction of the day was sustained applause after Somersworth Mayor Matt Gerding said, “I was very disappointed the state of New Hampshire cut funding for housing programs in the budget. It’s critical to what we’re doing, and I was shocked the state did it in the middle of a housing crisis.

The Soapbox: In midst of housing crisis, GOP proposed cuts to vital funding is alarming

read more…: The Soapbox: In midst of housing crisis, GOP proposed cuts to vital funding is alarming

The federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has helped our city tackle this crisis head-on. Its funds have been used to develop 161 affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income families, while also allowing the city to serve over 20,000 Granite Staters. Federal programs like this one can go a long way in helping meet our community’s needs.    

Unfortunately, Republicans have very different plans for the program. The GOP-controlled Senate is gearing up to slash CDBG funding by $200 million. Trump has even gone a step further by proposing its complete elimination.

The Soapbox: ‘Joe Levasseur embodies everything wrong with Manchester politics’

read more…: The Soapbox: ‘Joe Levasseur embodies everything wrong with Manchester politics’

Joe Kelly Levasseur embodies everything wrong with Manchester politics: a parasitic presence draining taxpayer dollars and bullying anyone standing in his way. As his house of cards collapses, he attempts to gaslight our city into believing his resignation as chairman of the board of mayor and aldermen represented some noble stand.

Ending just cause protections from eviction puts already vulnerable populations at far greater risk

read more…: Ending just cause protections from eviction puts already vulnerable populations at far greater risk

Housing has already become unaffordable, and now thousands are left hanging by a thread,  unsure if they will have a place to call home tomorrow. These struggles cut across party, race, faith, and income, because the hardships of life spare no one. Humanity is shared, and so should be the responsibility to protect it.

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