And then they proceed to vote how they and the majority party wants to, in order to get what they want, which is the worst possible legislation for the people of New Hampshire. Let’s explore how some recent bills fared in the House on June 5th:
SB 72 is meant to establish “parents rights” in education. Funny how most of us, now with grown children, apparently have no idea we didn’t have any rights back when our own kids were in school! Which is a bunch of hogwash!
“The general court finds and reaffirms that parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children and that in order to meaningfully and effectively exercise this right, no educational institution may withhold information about a child, the child’s health, the child’s school environment, or the child’s in-school behavior from the child’s parent or parents absent a compelling government interest.” Parents already know they have these rights concerning their kids (at least I knew it), this is just mandating now for school staff to spy and report back to parents. “Accordingly, the general court further finds that it is necessary to establish a consistent mechanism for parents to be notified of information relating to the health, well-being, and educational progress of their minor children while those children are in the custody and control of the public schools.” Funny how it’s always the public schools that are targeted. And let’s not forget the all important violations. “Any parent claiming violation of any provision of this chapter may bring an action for declaratory and/or injunctive relief and monetary damages against the school. If a parent prevails in any such court action, the court shall award to the parent his or her reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, including any such attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred in an appeal to the supreme court. If a parent does not prevail in any court action brought under this chapter, then the court shall award to the defendants reasonable attorney fees and court costs, including reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by appeals up to and including the supreme court.” Perhaps the most important part of this bill is that teens now need written permission from parents for access to birth control and prenatal care. The teenage pregnancy rate in NH has been pretty low, this will probably now change. Results of this? Less higher education for the young mom who will be stuck in low wage jobs, no free or reduced school lunches for the child (Republicans already got rid of that idea), housing? What housing?
In spite of on line opposition from 463 people with only 20 in support of, the House majority got the bill passed 214-167. Because this is what they want, who cares what the people want.
SB 54, a bipartisan bill that ended up getting “tabled.” This bill changes suspension periods under different circumstances originating from refusing testing consent to determine alcohol concentration. It also changes the penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. But before the bill got tabled, a voice vote was held on Amendment 2372h which added teaching mandatory “firearms safety” for K-12 public school kids (again with just the public schools?) The amendment failed and it should be noted that on line opposition to this was 1,292 versus only 15 in support of. What does teaching firearm safety have to do with aggravated driving while intoxicated? Nothing. The extremists in the House want what they want and will include amending bills they think have a great chance of passing!
SB 96, proposed by extremists in both the Senate and the House, is another attempt at putting teachers in the horrible position of having to report to a parents written request for information concerning their child, but disguised as just another “parental rights” bill. A floor amendment brought forth by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Glenn Cordelli allowed for information to be withheld if abuse, abandonment or neglect was reasonably thought to be the result. That passed with a voice vote. On line opposition to this bill was 611 to 215 in support of. Many who left on line testimony expressed concern for the safety of LGBTQ students. But the bill passed by 12 votes, 198-172. After all, this is what they want.
SB 100, in a nutshell, prohibits teaching discrimination. Anyone who claims to be upset could bring about an investigation and civil action against a school or the district. Rep. Peggy Balboni (D) spoke to the bill’s undermining of the integrity of the education system and that students get nothing while classroom discussion is suppressed. On line opposition was 462 to 14 who supported this bill. Samples of online testimony against: “who ever heard of prohibition of history. NH is going too far.”
“We should be able to handle difficult subjects in education. Coddling students with the idea of sugar-coating history does no one any favors.”
“HISTORY IS FACT. whether people like it or not. And how quickly we forget it. This bill is harmful and buckles to the divisive concepts law that is unconstitutional.”
“Don’t pass unconstitutional laws.”
SB 100 passed, 194-165. Voter opinion be damned.
SB 213 aims to make it harder for some folks to vote, specifically those who vote absentee. It changes the standard for absentee voting to "It is more likely than not" a voter will be absent. And also requires the presentation of proof of identity, citizenship, age, and domicile when applying for an absentee ballot. Should be a piece of cake for someone who is disabled, bedridden or needs to find a ride. On line opposition was 382 versus only 5 in support of. Samples of online testimony against: “A registered voter should NOT have to re-qualify for an absentee ballot.”
“Obstructionist. Make it voting easier not harder on NH citizens.”
“Come now. If I need to be out of town, as I often am for business, I should merely be able to provide y NH driver's lic. for proof. Again, you are making this more difficult for everyone. Vote NO Why are you all creating laws and raising taxes on EVERYONE. Including yourselves.”
NH voters recognize these bills for what they are, voter suppression! The bill passed, 189-148.
Perhaps the majority party in Concord needs to be reminded of what a “public servant” is, because their actions show they are clueless!
The one thing the government fears is the day we all stand together.