BUDGET AMENDMENT WOULD GUT VITAL HEALTHCARE AND CLOSE FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, in House Finance Division III, an amendment to HB 2 was introduced by Rep. Layon (R- Derry) which would dramatically decrease funding to family planning clinics providing cancer screenings, STI and STD screenings, and birth control to families across the state. Following the introduction, committee member Representative Katherine Rogers (D-Concord) released the following statement:

“The amendment introduced in House Finance today to gut funding to family planning clinics would strip vital healthcare from thousands of Granite Staters and force the closure of facilities across the state. As NH DHHS has explained, funding for the vast majority of care, including preventative cancer and STI and STD screenings, are affected by this bill and would have grave consequences on the healthcare of the populations these clinics service. During the past year in a global pandemic with unprecedented need for access to healthcare, many of these clinics have stepped up to provide critical telehealth services especially to rural western parts of the state. Recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19 is essential for our healthcare system and this amendment is the opposite of the help they need to survive. Such a major policy change warrants a public hearing where the detrimental impact can be explained and Granite Staters can have a voice.”

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HOUSE REPUBLICANS VOTE TO REMOVE MENSTURAL PRODUCTS FROM SCHOOL BATHROOMS

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, Republicans on the House Education committee voted to support HB 276 which would repeal a provision passed by Democrats last term to provide menstrual products in school bathrooms. House Education committee member, Rep. Sue Mullen (D- Bedford) released the following statement:

“The vote to remove menstrual products from school bathrooms is nothing more than a continued attack on indigent people with fewer resources. Providing menstrual products in school bathrooms is vitally important for children who need them throughout the school day. Lack of access to menstrual products negatively impacts a student’s self-esteem, self-identity, and attendance. Though one Republican member of the committee asserted that schools were also not required to provide toilet paper in the bathroom, another hygienic necessity, the need for menstrual products is not optional and it is the responsibility of government to ensure schools provide the necessary assistance for all students to succeed.”

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HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, the House Finance Committee is hearing testimony from people all over New Hampshire on the proposed state budget. Rep. Mary Jane Wallner (D-Concord) released the following statement:

“Today the House Finance committee will hear Granite Staters explain how the state budget impacts their daily lives. From the roads we all drive on, quality of our schools, mental health services, child protection, and support for our small businesses, the state budget impacts us all. Two years ago, House Democrats fought for and delivered a record increase in direct support to communities statewide. We made historic investments in public education and mental health services, funding critical areas while also relieving the burden on property taxpayers. Unfortunately, Governor Sununu’s proposed budget underfunds important programs and the House GOP has shown no desire to continue the support to communities prioritized by Democrats last term. Bottom line – the Governor’s budget will increase property taxes.”

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