REPUBLICANS IN GROSS OVERREACH INTO NH CLASSROOMS, AIM TO CENSOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, the House Education Committee heard HB 1255, relative to teachers’ loyalty. Following the hearing, Deputy Ranking Democrat on the House Education Committee Rep. David Luneau (D-Hopkinton) released the following statement:

“This bill is incredibly vague and seeks to intimidate New Hampshire’s schoolteachers into censoring conversations on the history of racism in the world and our country. In fact, a dedicated history teacher explained how her students are taught to reference sources far more robust than anything that has been offered by the bill’s sponsors today. To propose state laws questioning the loyalty of teachers is incredibly disrespectful, especially considering the incredible work New Hampshire teachers have done to continue educating our children during the past two years of a pandemic.

In 2021, Governor Sununu and Republicans passed legislation prohibiting discussions of racism and sexism, not just in schools but for organizations across New Hampshire. The Republican Party has made it abundantly clear that they are committed to silencing Granite State teachers and students, a gross overreach into the walls of our classrooms. This draconian censorship is not what New Hampshire needs and must be stopped. Luckily, Granite Staters resoundingly agree with only 26 people supporting this bill and over 2,231 citizens opposing.”

HOUSE REPUBLICANS FAIL TO FIX SUNUNU ABORTION BAN

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee heard and voted on HB 1609, a bill to add exceptions for rape and incest to Gov. Sununu’s abortion ban. The bill was amended by Republicans on party lines to remove the important exceptions for rape and incest. Ranking Democrat on the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, Rep. Lucy Weber (D-Walpole) released the following statement:

“Granite Staters have been outraged by Gov. Sununu’s abortion ban and invasive ultrasound mandate since it was passed into law last June. Given the chance to rectify aspects of Sununu’s draconian law, House Republicans still refused to do the right thing today. Providing no exemptions for victims of rape and incest to seek life-saving abortion care, and even worse, forcing victims to be re-traumatized by invasive and unnecessary procedures is nothing but cruel legislating. House Democrats are committed to repealing Gov. Sununu’s restriction on healthcare freedom in its entirety.”

LOCAL FOOD FOR NH SCHOOLS BILL WOULD STRENGTHEN FOOD SYSTEM AND BETTER NOURISH CHILDREN

Today, after introducing The New Hampshire Farm to School Reimbursement Policy Bill (HB 1657) to the House Education Committee-- a bill that will increase healthy local food options available to New Hampshire school children, build supply chain resiliency, and support the New Hampshire economy by increasing the amount of food New Hampshire schools purchase from local farms-- Rep. Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter), prime sponsor of HB 1657, releases the following statement:

“With this policy, we can improve the health and well-being of our children and the resiliency of our local food system. The Department of Education’s Office of Nutrition Programs and Services would provide a monetary incentive to schools who choose to direct more of their ‘per meal’ USDA cash reimbursement funds toward purchases from New Hampshire and New England farmers. The state would encourage this channeling of federal funds into the local economy by awarding schools $1 for every $3 spent on food from New Hampshire and $1 for every $6 spent on food from the New England region. The goal is for our local schools to be purchasing at least 10 % of their food from local farms.”

Rep. Megan Murray (D-Amherst), co-sponsor of HB 1657, adds:

“Though the bill does not place educational requirements in statute, the passage of HB 1657 would allow New Hampshire school communities the opportunity to integrate learning that provides real-world scenarios to meet educational goals and standards of learners today. Farming touches all sorts of topics like climate resiliency, aquaculture, agriculture, hydroponics, composting, and so many other state-of-the-art growing practices that require a high degree of science education behind them - a natural connection to learning communities while simultaneously supporting locally sourced, nutrient dense foods locally and regionally is exactly the type of connection N.H. learners need.”