HOUSE DEMOCRATS PROTECT PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY

CONCORD, NH- Yesterday, the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee voted to block a Republican attempt to repeal the Prescription Drug Affordability Board established in 2020 to promote transparency in the drug industry. In response, Representative William Marsh (D-Brookfield), MD released the following statement:

“Affordable prescription drugs are a priority for Granite Staters and the House Democratic Caucus. Granite Staters should never have to choose between life-saving medication and putting food on the table. Thank you to all the public health advocates who turned out yesterday to help stop a radical Republican proposal to repeal the Prescription Drug Affordability Board.”

HOUSE REPUBLICANS ACCUSE GRANITE STATE FAMILIES OF ‘SERIAL PREGNANCIES’ TO SCAM MEDICAID BENEFITS

CONCORD, NH- Today, the House Health Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee voted along party lines to block HB 1578 and HB 1536, two bills that would expand pre- and post-natal Medicaid services to Granite State families and children.

Prime Sponsor of HB 1578, a bill to expand Medicaid benefits to lawfully residing pregnant people and their children in the Granite State, Rep. Joe Schapiro (D-Keene) released the following statement:

“HB 1578 would expand Medicaid benefits to lawfully residing pregnant people and children in the Granite State. Pre- and post-natal healthcare is an investment in our state’s future. We know that low-income pregnant people experience higher rates of chronic pregnancy conditions and that interruptions in medical care can tragically lead to higher maternal mortality rates. Young immigrant families in New Hampshire deserve equal access to affordable healthcare and to healthy pregnancy outcomes. Frankly, it is shameful that Republicans are refusing to provide this critical care.”

Prime Sponsor of HB 1536, a bill to expand postpartum Medicaid services to Granite Staters, Rep. Megan Murray (D-Amherst) added:

“The insinuation from New Hampshire Republicans that Granite Staters are having ‘serial pregnancies’ to take advantage of small expanded postpartum Medicaid services is disturbing and wildly offensive. Such an outlandish claim was completely unfounded with no testimony or evidence to support it. The ‘savings’ that a person might achieve by being able to receive Medicaid benefits just a few months longer is undoubtedly miniscule compared to the average cost of raising children in this country until age 18. It’s clear, House Republicans are simply unwilling to make a proactive investment in the future of Granite State families.”

NEW HAMPSHIRE REPUBLICANS ENGAGED IN MODERN-DAY BOOK BURNING CAMPAIGN

CONCORD, NH- Today, the House Education Committee heard testimony on HB 1576, repealing the law relative to certain discrimination in public workplaces and education. After the hearing, Prime Sponsor of the legislation Rep. Manny Espitia (D-Nashua) released the following statement:

“Granite State students and teachers deserve better than to have their free speech gagged by Republicans in the legislature. We cannot provide a distorted an incomplete picture of the past as we prepare our students for the future. Preventing topics like racism, sexism, and disability be discussed in New Hampshire schools is a modern-day book burning campaign. Prohibiting actual discussion of our history renders us all doomed to repeat it. Our society and the future of our state depends upon the education of our young people who we trust will become leaders across competitive industries, in government, and in our communities. HB 1576 must pass to repeal this dangerous restriction on free speech from New Hampshire law and I urge my colleagues to support it.”