REPUBLICANS BLOCK BILL TO REIN IN RUNAWAY VOUCHER PROGRAM

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, the House of Representatives voted 182-171 to reject HB 1684, which would limit education freedom account funding to budgeted amounts. Representative David Luneau (D-Hopkinton), Deputy Ranking Democrat on the House Education Committee, released the following statement:

“When the school voucher program was first proposed last year, we warned that its projected cost of $129,000 was massively underrepresented by the Department of Education. In its first year the program is already 6,000% over budget and projected to cost taxpayers up to $70 million a year. Republicans claimed that the vouchers were needed for ‘school choice,’ yet over 80% of participants were already in private or home schooling. Taxpayers are now being forced to subsidize private education in addition to funding public schools.

New Hampshire Republicans are working to systematically dismantle public education and the voucher program is integral to their effort. On one hand, Republicans are micromanaging the curriculum and cutting the funding of public schools. On the other, they are offering taxpayer funded subsidies for private education which is conveniently exempt from the same roadblocks.

It is very concerning that Republicans voted to block this legislation to protect taxpayers from runaway spending in the voucher program. Granite Staters cannot afford to both subsidize private education and keep our public schools strong. Today’s vote by House Republicans harms public education and keeps taxpayers on the hook for their irresponsible spending.”

###

BILL TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS PASSES HOUSE, GOV. SUNUNU REMAINS ROADBLOCK STANDING IN WAY

CONCORD, NH- Today, the New Hampshire House voted 235-119 to pass HB 1598, a bill to legalize the possession and use of cannabis. Following the vote, House Democratic Leader, Rep. Renny Cushing (D-Hampton) released the following statement:

“We have been working for over half a century to reform our cannabis laws and as momentum has grown nationwide, Governor Sununu has been the roadblock standing in the way. Ironically, cannabis possession remains illegal in the ‘live free or die’ state, while every surrounding state has passed laws respecting the freedom of their citizens. I am thrilled by the House’s strong vote today and hope Governor Sununu begins to listen to Granite Staters as this bill moves along the legislative process.”

###

DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE SERIES OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS BILLS

CONCORD, NH- After hearing a series of Democratic-sponsored bills protecting abortion rights in New Hampshire (CACR 18, HB 1674, HB 1673), the prime sponsors of the legislation release the following statements.

Rep. Amanda Elizabeth Toll (D-Keene), Prime Sponsor of CACR 18:

“New Hampshire residents are overwhelmingly pro-reproductive freedom, and this constitutional amendment would solidify that the state cannot infringe upon this essential right. Regardless of future party control at the State House, we must ensure that personal rights remain consistent for Granite Staters. I cannot emphasize enough how important reproductive rights and freedom bills are for the future of our state.”

Rep. Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter), Prime Sponsor of HB 1674:

“For 49 years, abortion care has been safe and legal in this country. While race, income, geographic location, and other factors have always been impediments to access, the last decade has seen numerous states, including New Hampshire, enact roadblocks to intentionally restrict access whenever possible. The majority of my constituents, and the majority of Granite Staters, expect that women will continue to have the right to access safe, legal abortion.

“Putting the right to an abortion into statute ensures that health care providers can practice here without government interference. Granite Staters need and expect quality health care. It’s a disservice to all women and families if we are not able to continue to attract the most professional and dedicated doctors.”

Rep. Marjorie Smith (D-Durham), House Judiciary Ranking Member and Prime Sponsor of HB 1673:

“As lawmakers, we must ensure that every piece of legislation creates positive impacts to Granite Staters. Unfortunately, numerous restrictions were placed on reproductive rights last year. That is why the bills we heard today are so necessary. We heard testimony throughout the day on how the current restrictions are placing unnecessary burdens on both patients and healthcare providers. We heard how healthcare providers, not politicians, should make decisions on reproductive care. We heard how, if we do not pass these pieces of legislation, the fundamental rights of our fellow Granite Staters are infringed.

“The time is now to act to prevent further, unnecessary harm with reproductive rights in New Hampshire.”