State House Watch: January 19, 2024

“In lament, our task is never to convince someone of the brokenness of this world; it is to convince them of the world’s worth in the first place. True lament is not born from that trite sentiment that the world is bad but rather from a deep conviction that it is worthy of goodness.” — Cole Arthur Riley

January 19, 2024

Warm greetings, State House Watchers!

We begin with the sad news that Dr. Harriet Ward passed away earlier this week. We are indebted to her for her creativity, her leadership within the NH Conference United Church of Christ (and nationally), and her spirited labor for racial justice. She made a generous offering of her gift of quilting, and leaves a meaningful and beautiful legacy.

It was inspiring to connect with so many of you at various celebrations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day last week. Check out some nice coverage on WMUR of the MLK Coalition’s event in Manchester.

As you surely know, the NH Primary is on Tuesday, January 23. We appreciate all who plan to work the polls, hold signs, bring new voters with you, and bird dog the candidates over the next four days. Thanks to NH Public Radio for this handy resource for voter engagement, and the NH Secretary of State’s office who worked with community leaders to create this video guide for New Americans.

Remind your friends and colleagues to subscribe today to receive State House Watch news every week!

ACTION ALERTS

Heads up, dear readers: Some committees don’t seem to be paying attention to the online portal, so in addition to signing in on key bills, it’s also good to also contact the Senate and House committees directly.

Support Immigrant Communities
OPPOSE SB 358, which purports to invalidate driver licenses that are legally authorized in other states. This anti-immigrant bill has a public hearing in Senate Judiciary, Room 100 of the State House on Tuesday, January 23 at 1:30 PM. Please contact the committee, and sign in to oppose and share testimony.

SUPPORT HB 1054-A, which would remove the phrase "non-lapsing" from the funding for the Northern Border Alliance program. This positive bill has a public hearing in House Ways and Means, Room 202-204, LOB on Wednesday, January 31 at 10:30 AM. Please contact the committee, and sign in to support and share testimony.

SUPPORT SB 501, which codifies the current DMV practice of issuing driver licenses to refugees, asylees, certain visa holders and immigrants with EAD/SSNs. This positive bill has a public hearing in Senate Judiciary, Room 100 of the State House, on Wednesday, January 24 at 1:15 PM. Please contact the committee, and sign in to support and share testimony.

Here's our spreadsheet of immigration-related bills to help us all keep track and show up when needed for immigrant rights in the 2024 state legislative session.

Protect Public Education
OPPOSE HB 1652-FN, relative to establishing a local education freedom account program. This bill would allow for districts to approve a local voucher program for their students, which will be extremely costly to the local taxpayer and further erode local school district funding with no accountability for the quality of educational programming. The bill has a public hearing in the House Education Committee at 10:15 AM on Monday, January 22. Please contact the committee, and sign in to oppose and offer testimony.

OPPOSE HB 1691, relative to the definition of an adequate public education. This bill changes the existing definition of adequacy to minimize the requirements of arts, world languages, health and wellness, and physical education. This is an attempt to unbundle what schools offer to students as part of an adequate education, as well as determine what subjects are worthy of state adequacy funding. The bill has a public hearing at 11:15 AM on Monday, January 22. Please contact the committee, and sign in to oppose and offer testimony.

SUPPORT HB 1212-FN-L, relative to eligibility for free school meals. This bill increases the eligibility for free school meals to household incomes up to 350 percent of federal poverty guidelines, and provides funding from the education trust fund for the additional costs. This bill has already had its public hearing so there’s no opportunity to sign in, but the House Education Committee will meet in Executive Session to vote on Wednesday, January 24. Please contact the committee and urge them to recommend “ought to pass.”

There are hundreds of bills this session that would impact public education. We urge you to bookmark the Action Alert page at NEA-NH and follow their guidance each week. We also recommend this resource hosted by the NH School Funding Fairness Project. For good analysis of the education funding bills, please check out Andru Volinsky’s blog.

Protect LGBTQ+ Rights
Heads up from 603 Equality: OPPOSE HB 396, a bill that would re-legalize discrimination against transgender people in New Hampshire. “Although passed by the House on January 4, this terrible bill is now up for a revote on Thursday, February 1. We have a chance to defeat it this time around. It is critically important that everyone contact their state Representatives – Democrat, Independent, and Republican alike – and urge them to take the necessary steps to defeat the bill. First, vote YES on the Motion to Reconsider. In order for another vote to take place on the legislation itself, a majority must agree to re-vote. Second, vote NO on the Motion of OTP-A (Ought to Pass as amended) to oppose the bill. A majority must oppose the OTP motion so that the bill can be defeated. Third, vote YES on the Motion of ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate). This will defeat the bill entirely.”

Permanent Ceasefire Now!

We’re grateful to the team at NH Peace Action for their message in the Union Leader this week (Killing people is a problem, not a solution), urging us to contact our Members of Congress who “continue to offer unqualified support and funding for Israel’s government while its military collectively punishes civilians, bombs schools and hospitals, forcefully relocates citizens and deprives the people of Gaza of food, water, health care, fuel, etc.”

Sen. Maggie Hassan: (202)224-3324 / (603)622-2204
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen: (202)224-2841 / (603)647-7500
Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01): (202)225-5456 / (603)285-4300
Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02): (202)225-5206 / (603)226-1002

To connect with local actions for a just peace in Israel and Palestine, sign up for news alerts from NH Peace Action and join weekly vigils at the offices of our Members of Congress in Dover, Concord and Nashua.

We also suggest you check out the “Write-In Ceasefire” campaign which was launched in recent days. Read about it here in The Nation, the Boston Globe, and InDepthNH.

Immigration News

Despite strong resistance from some Republicans, Congressional leaders in the House and Senate reached a deal this week on a temporary spending package to fund the government into early March, thankfully without including the horrifying wish list of increased border militarization proposals. The measure now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed. Read more about the ins and outs of continuing resolutions here.

From NPR: “The new spending measure maintains a two-tier structure where some agencies would run out of money on March 1 and others would remain funded through March 8. The measure is the latest in a series of short-term measures meant to buy lawmakers time to do the more arduous work of drafting and advancing the full suite of 12 annual government spending bills, which have so far been waylaid in large part because of internal disagreements among the wafer-thin House Republican majority.”

Now is a good time to contact our Members of Congress to urge them to invest in humane policies, not militarization of borders, detention, and deportation.

In response to the toxic political rhetoric from both major political parties that has been intensified by the presidential primary election campaigns, we wrote an op-ed which appeared in yesterday's Union Leader: Immigrants are human beings, not political punchlines.

Join AFSC for a series of monthly webinars to learn about the U.S. migration system, and how we can protect migrant rights in these times. We will share AFSC's perspective on migration issues, developed from longstanding partnerships with immigrant communities. We'll also provide positive messaging you can use in talking about these issues and offer more opportunities for you to take action. Together, we'll explore how the systems work and ideas for visionary change. We hope to see you at the first webinar on Tuesday, January 23 at 7 PM: Protecting Migrant Rights in an Election Year.

To stay up to date and plugged into ways we can act to protect and uplift migrant communities, please join the monthly NH Immigrant Rights Network. Our next meeting is Tuesday, February 20, 9 AM to 10:30 AM on zoom. Email us at afscnh@afsc.org for the zoom link.

Beyond the Dome

Arnie Alpert shared an update about the lawsuit challenging the removal of the historical marker for Elizabeth Gurley Flynn: The matter gets a hearing in Merrimack County Superior Court on Wednesday, January 24 starting at 9 AM, when the judge will consider the State’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. From Arnie, “Andy Volinsky will be representing Mary Lee and me, arguing that we have legal standing. If the judge rules in our favor, the case will proceed. You’re invited! The judge will certainly notice if we fill the room with supporters.

The courthouse is conveniently located at 5 Court Street in Concord, adjacent to the site of the marker and a stone’s throw from the location of the apartment where Annie Gurley and Thomas Flynn were living when Elizabeth was born. The Court has set aside only 30 minutes for the hearing, so you won’t want to be late. If you plan to attend, keep in mind that you will need to find parking and go through a metal detector to get into the building.” In next week’s newsletter, we’ll let you know what happens.

The Fund for Youth Organizing in New Hampshire will distribute $74,000 this winter (2023-2024) to youth organizing initiatives in New Hampshire. We are prioritizing emerging youth organizing groups and collaborative projects that strengthen the field of youth organizing.

Please fill out this form to request funding for your own project or to recommend projects to the disbursement committee for funding. The Fund was established in 2023 by four anchor organizations (Black Lives Matter NH, Change for Concord, NH Youth Movement, and Young Organizers United) and is managed by Resource Organizing Project. Initial deadline is January 26.

Last Week at the State House

On Thursday, the House Labor Committee heard testimony about a proposal to require NH businesses to utilize the federal E-Verify program which has been utilized to discriminate against immigrant workers. Chris Wellington (NH Immigrant Rights Network) and Gilles Bissonnette (ACLU-NH) offered compelling testimony against the measure, and advocates submitted this letter in opposition.

On Friday, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety heard testimony on HB 1039-FN, relative to alternative sentencing for primary caregivers to elders, children, and people with disabilities. Online, 82 people signed in to support and 3 people signed in to oppose. You can see sign ins and read submitted testimony here and watch the committee hearing here.

Coalition members will be working hard over the next couple weeks to address some concerns that were raised today, with hope that we can garner the needed support. Learn more about the positive impact that this bill could have from this fact sheet.

From Griseliz Glenn, NH community member: “Had this bill been in place during the hardest times in my life, I would’ve had better chances of regaining custody of my children. It’s too late for that, for me anyway, but it doesn't have to be too late for someone else experiencing a similar situation. This would help eliminate having to cause more trauma than necessary to the innocent parties involved…. I’ve endured many things in my life but none compared to the pain of losing three of my children at one time. I think it’s time we shift direction this year. We claim to provide rehabilitation in these correctional facilities, when we know it’s not true. When will you start listening to the ones who been through it, the ones who know first hand? Support this bill. Show the people what rehabilitation looks like, what restorative justice looks like, what alternative sentencing looks like. Rehabilitation not incarceration.”

From Ophelia Burnett, AFSC-NH Program Associate: “The primary caregiver bill is not a get out jail/prison free card. This legislation provides community-based alternatives to prison for parents and primary caregivers with nonviolent crimes and if the court determines they are not a threat or a danger to the community. With bills like [this one], these primary caregivers can stay with their children and families. Isn't that what we all want, to try and keep families together instead of tearing them apart? We see so often what that looks like and the long-term harm that it causes to families. There are 2,442 people currently incarcerated in the state of NH. Many of them are parents to young children. Having a child separated from their parent at an early age can negatively impact children well into adulthood.”

Here's some news coverage of last week’s committee hearings related to public education, reproductive rights, health care, other issues.

Key:
LOB – Legislative Office Building (33 N. State St. Concord)
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
OTP – “Ought to Pass,” the recommendation for approving a bill or an amendment
OTP/A – Ought to Pass with Amendment
ITL – “Inexpedient to Legislate,” the recommendation for defeating a bill or an amendment.
ITL” can also be used as a verb.
“Without Recommendation” - This indicates that the committee vote was a tie for both ITL and OTP.  During the House session, these bills will be considered first as Ought to Pass.
Re-refer – When a Senate committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The recommendation to re-refer must be approved in the full Senate. The committee will have until the end of the calendar year to meet about the bill and make a recommendation for further action.
VV – Voice vote. Votes are not counted.
RC – Roll call vote. Each legislator’s vote is recorded and attributed to them.
DV – Division vote. Votes are counted but not attributed to individual legislators.

Last Week in the House

The full House did not meet in session last week.

Last Week in the Senate

The full Senate met in session last week. Here are the outcomes of bills we’re tracking:

HB 261, authorizing residential tenants to terminate their lease in instances of domestic. Special ordered to next session.
SB 442-FN, relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts. OTP-A by RC, 13-11. Referred to Senate Finance.
HB 135-FN, (New Title) relative to requisites for a criminal search warrant. Special ordered to next session.

Next Week in the House

Legislative business will be curtailed on Tuesday, January 23, so that members may participate in Presidential Primary activities.

The full House will meet next on Thursday, February 1. The start time will be announced next week. There is also a planned session day on Thursday, February 8 and on Thursday, February 15. The House and Senate will assemble in Joint Convention on February 15 at 1 PM to hear Governor Sununu’s State of the State Address.

Next Week in House Committees

You can watch the House hearings here. You can sign in for House bills here. And you can contact House committees here. 

Monday, January 22  

EDUCATION, Room 205-207, LOB
10:15 AM HB 1652-FN, relative to establishing a local education freedom account program.
11:15 AM HB 1691, relative to the definition of an adequate public education.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 302-304, LOB
1:00 PM HB 1700-FN, prohibiting the intentional release of polluting emissions, including cloud seeding, weather modification, excessive electromagnetic radio frequency, and microwave radiation and making penalties for violation of such prohibition.
10:00 AM HB 1697-FN, suspending New Hampshire’s participation in emissions reduction credit programs for a period of 2 years.
2:30 PM HB 1472-FN, relative to rebates of energy efficiency funds for electric vehicles.

Wednesday, January 24

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 202-204, LOB
10:00 AM HB 1137-FN, relative to trafficking offenses and special restitution for human trafficking victims.
11:00 AM HB 1214, relative to establishing a committee to study best practices for the development of a restorative justice model for misdemeanor-level behavior and hate crimes committed by juveniles under the age of eighteen.

EDUCATION, Room 205-207, LOB
9:15 AM Executive session on HB 1212-FN-L, relative to eligibility for free school meals.
1:45 PM HB 1161, relative to use of the public school infrastructure fund for energy efficient school buses.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306-308, LOB
11:15 AM HB 1466-FN, relative to providing disaster relief funding to municipalities after a natural disaster.
1:15 PM HB 1324-FN, relative to green burials and authorizing the natural organic reduction of human remains.

JUDICIARY, Room 206-208, LOB
9:45 AM HB 1651-FN, relative to combining the board of tax and land appeals and the housing appeals board.
10:30 AM HB 1602-FN, relative to the authority of the housing appeals board.
11:15 AM HB 1707-FN, relative to liability for the cost of PFAS blood testing.
1:00 PM HB 1710-FN, relative to civil actions regarding the prohibited use of synthetic media.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301-303, LOB
10:00 AM Executive session on HB 1544, relative to indemnification for municipalities adopting policies to address homelessness.
1:20 PM HB 1281, relative to zoning restrictions on residential rental property.
2:10 PM HB 1297-FN, relative to the authority of municipalities to enforce ordinances related to health and safety.

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB
3:00 PM HB 1510, establishing a commission to identify barriers to and solutions for electric vehicle sales and use.

Thursday, January 25 

COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302-304, LOB
2:45 PM HB 1635, relative to the definition of short-term rental.

EDUCATION, Room 205-207, LOB
10:00 AM HB 1639-FN-L, relative to children with disabilities placed at state facilities for adjudicated youth.
11:30 AM HB 1524, relative to authorizing parents of special education children to observe in the classroom setting.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 210-211, LOB
11:15 AM HB 1669-FN, relative to restricting data sharing through the state immunization registry.
2:00 PM HB 1213-FN, relative to immunization requirements for private schools and child care agencies.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB 
9:45 AM HB 1522-FN, relative to weekly benefit amounts for unemployment compensation.
11:15 AM HB 1597-FN, relative to the maximum weekly unemployment benefit amount.
1:00 PM HB 1375, relative to severance agreements requiring employees to broadly waive labor law rights.
2:00 PM HB 1519, relative to a minor’s available work hours.
3:00 PM HB 1648, relative to electronic payments to employees debit cards.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION, Room 203, LOB
1:00 PM HB 1363-FN, relative to allowing members of the general court to participate in the department of health and human services employee assistance program.
1:30 PM HB 1290, relative to protection of employment for members of the general court.
1:45 PM HB 1629-FN, relative to attorney general’s duties concerning legislators residing in different districts than they represent.
2:30 PM Continued public hearing on HB 1219, relative to creating a commission to study the feasibility and structure of a legislative office to provide longitudinal cost-benefit analysis of significant proposed legislation and of budgetary revenue estimates.

Friday, January 26 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 202-204, LOB
10:00 AM HB 1204, relative to government agent entries into secured premises.
11:00 AM HB 1539-FN, relative to annulling, resentencing, or discontinuing prosecution of certain cannabis offenses.
11:30 AM HB 1428-FN, relative to inmate illness or emergency.
12:00 PM HB 1270-FN, relative to protective custody statutes.

Next Week in the Senate

The full Senate will not meet in session next week.

Next Week in Senate Committees

You can watch the Senate hearings here. You can sign in for Senate bills here. And you can contact Senate committees. 

Tuesday, January 23 

EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB
9:00 AM SB 443-FN, relative to school building aid for eligible projects and the definition of school transportation vehicle. 
9:15 AM SB 525-FN, relative to administration of the education freedom accounts program. 
9:30 AM SB 521-FN, relative to the educational credentials for master teacher. 
9:45 AM SB 378, relative to the performance-based school accountability system task force.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, LOB
9:00 AM SB 384-FN-A, relative to a municipal loan and grant program for rental housing and making an appropriation therefor.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
9:45 AM SB 540, requiring the department of energy to investigate behind the meter and utility scale energy storage.

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:30 PM SB 358-FN, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.

Wednesday, January 24

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH
9:45 AM SB 336-FN, relative to misrepresentation by public employees.
10:15 AM SB 439-FN, prohibiting discriminatory boycotts of Israel in state procurement and investments. 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 101, LOB
9:00 AM SB 350-FN, relative to gap health insurance coverage for prima facie presumptive conditions for emergency response/public safety workers.

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:00 PM SB 503, relative to requiring a criminal background check when applying for a fish and game guide license.
1:15 PM SB 501, relative to driver licenses for noncitizens residing in New Hampshire.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 100, SH
9:45 AM SB 434-FN, establishing the extended stay housing program and exempting participating businesses from the tax on meals and rooms.

Thursday, January 25

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:15 PM SB 362-FN, relative to body-worn cameras.
1:30 PM SB 360-FN, relative to extreme risk protection orders. 
1:45 PM SB 573-FN, relative to parental consent for medical care.

Upcoming Events & Actions

Black Lives Matter NH Excellence Awards Nominations are now open until February 1. We are looking for Black, Indigenous and People of Color nominees from all walks of life – artists, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, inventors, musicians, students, etc. – that have made contributions to benefit New Hampshire and the Seacoast areas of Maine and Massachusetts! Do you know a Black, Indigenous and Person of Color leader in the community who deserves recognition? Nominate them using the link!

Every Wednesday
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire now! Humanitarian access to Gaza! No tax dollars for war crimes! – Join us from 2 PM to 3 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action, AFSC & interfaith partners.
January 24: Senator Shaheen – Dover District Office, 340 Central Avenue, Dover, NH
January 31: Rep Pappas - Dover District Office, 660 Central Avenue Dover, NH

Every Thursday
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace in Palestine & Israel - 5:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC.
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon at City Hall Plaza, in front of the State House, Concord

Every Friday
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire – 12 noon. Hosted by AFSC. Join AFSC staff every Friday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact our elected officials and call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us.
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon, rotating between Congresswoman Kuster’s Nashua office, and Elbit Systems, Merrimack. Contact NH Peace Action for the schedule.

Saturday, January 20
#VoteTogetherNH Meetup – 6 PM to 12 AM. Hosted by AFSC-NH. Boards & Brews – 941 Elm Street, Manchester. Did you know that the primary election is coming up in just a few days on January 23? Learn more about voting and why the votes and voices of young people matter in NH!  Come hangout with us for a night of games, food & drinks. Meet other young people to connect, have some fun and get ready for the primary together! Free to join and play, food and drinks must be purchased separately.  See you there!

Monday, January 22
First Step Act Implementation and Beyond: A Conversation with Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters – 1 PM to 2 PM. Hosted by Council on Criminal Justice & Centering Justice. The federal First Step Act just turned five and has been celebrated as a major milestone in bipartisan criminal justice reform. Join CCJ’s Centering Justice initiative for a conversation with Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters to discuss the lessons the agency has learned as it has implemented the multi-faceted legislation.

Tuesday, January 23
Protecting Migrant Rights in an Election Year - 7 PM. Hosted by AFSC. As 2024 begins, we welcome a year that we hope will bring peace, light, and love to our communities. But as we enter the presidential election season, we also anticipate some unwelcome challenges. In past elections, we've seen political campaigns misrepresent issues related to migration—and even blame immigrants for a host of societal problems. Join us for a series of monthly webinars to learn about the U.S. migration system – and how we can protect migrant rights in these times. We will share AFSC's perspective on migration issues, developed from longstanding partnerships with immigrant communities. We'll also provide positive messaging you can use in talking about these issues and offer more opportunities for you to take action. Together, we'll explore how the systems work and ideas for visionary change.  

Wednesday, January 24
2024 Granny D Birthday & Legislative Luncheon - 12 PM. State House Cafeteria, Concord. Hosted by Open Democracy. Please join us for our Annual Granny D Birthday Celebration! We will celebrate Doris "Granny D" Haddock's  birthday this year with a Legislative Luncheon at the State House in the cafeteria dining room.  Come and learn about Campaign Finance Reform and Voter Owned Elections (and enjoy a delicious catered luncheon).

Saturday, January 27
Manchester Housing Alliance 2024 Summit - 10 AM to 12:30 PM. Hosted by Manchester Housing Alliance. City Library, Winchell Room, 405 Pine St. Manchester. We are pleased to announce our first ever in person Manchester Housing Alliance summit. We will give a state of housing in Manchester and how we got here; identify new supporters of affordable housing; and figure out what specific issue we want to fight for this year. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Monday, January 29
Peace & Justice Conversations: Making a World Beyond War - 7 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action. In this webinar, World BEYOND War advisory board member Rivera Sun will offer stories and examples of how people used alternatives to war, including nonviolent campaigns, creative resistance, peacebuilding strategies, violence de-escalation teams, and mass movements. We will look at case studies from Liberia, Algeria, Colombia, United States, Canada, and beyond. Together, they reveal how a World BEYOND War is not only possible, it is already on its way.

Tuesday, January 30
Arts for Social Action: Artistic Responses to Gaza - 8 AM. Hosted by AFSC. Since October, we have witnessed a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza with unimaginable levels of human suffering, destruction, and displacement for the Palestinian people. Artistic responses from around the MENA region have emerged in response to the assault on Gaza, many of which seek to mobilize communities for social action. Presenters will discuss responses and new AFSC-commissioned research on “Arts, Cultural Organizing, and Social Change.” Presenters will include Saja Kilani, spoken word artist; Nasir Al Bashir, producer and songwriter; Zeyne, singer and songwriter; Jude Sajdi, Sama Consulting; Cathy Khattar, Arab Fund for Arts and Culture; and Khaled Elkhouz, Regional Director, Middle East (AFSC). In Arabic, with English interpretation available.

PPNHAF Virtual Monthly Meeting – 6 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by PPNE. Join us for our virtual Monthly Meeting where we'll discuss national news, #NHPolitics updates, deep canvassing, upcoming events, and ways to take action!

APARTHEID-FREE CITIES: Mobilize Municipalities to become Apartheid-Free in 2024 - 8 PM. Hosted by AFSC & Apartheid-Free Communities. Cities and towns across the globe are taking a clear stand for Palestinian lives and human rights. Join us to learn from activists who have led campaigns in Europe and the United States to get their cities to cut ties with Israeli apartheid. Be inspired by their successes, take notes from their challenges, and think about how you can mobilize residents of your municipality to pledge to be Apartheid-Free. This webinar will help you join the growing network of communities, organizations and cities working to end all support of Israeli-apartheid.

Wednesday, January 31
Raising Culturally Competent, Anti-Racist Kids – 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Zoom. Hosted by Portsmouth Public Library.  As parents and caregivers, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to foster the skills and compassion our children need to thrive in a diverse world. Many parents and caregivers are looking for ways to engage effectively around such topics as injustice, bias, prejudice, valuing difference, marginalization and more. While it may appear challenging, there are many wonderful ways to bring age-appropriate learning into the home and raise children who can be part of making this a more equitable, just world. In this three-part online program, we will establish a “safe/brave space” to: Identify what, where and how racism exists in our society; Consider our own “racial awareness journey” and how it informs our parenting; Explore best practices, provide resources and encourage “active, antiracist parenting.”

February - April 
Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks 2024: A New Deal for a Great Society - Hosted by the Black Heritage Trail NH in Portsmouth, Keene, Nashua. Registration is open for the 2024 annual Elinor William Hooker Tea Talks. This year's program will explore how two federal programs geared toward building a more just society -- Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" and Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" -- played out in New Hampshire. We will ask what impact these programs had on our state and what happens now when changing demographics meet programs designed during the New Deal and Great Society. February talks will be held in Portsmouth, the March talk in Keene, and the April talk in Nashua. 

Feb  4 - New Deal or Raw Deal: Why It Matters 
Feb 11 - Home Sick: Attaining the American Dream 
Feb 18 - A Question of Access and Quality: Health Care in NH 
Feb 25 - Close to the Edge: Policing and Criminal Justice in NH 
Mar 10 - Equity and Adequacy: Public Education in NH 
Apr 21 - Envisioning the Future

With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Grace Kindeke and Kathleen Wooten

AFSC’s New Hampshire “State House Watch" newsletter is published to bring you information about matters being discussed in Concord including housing, the death penalty, immigration, education, civil liberties, and labor rights. We also follow the state budget and tax system, voting rights, corrections policy, and more.

The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty and Grace Kindeke staff the New Hampshire Program which publishes this newsletter. Read our 2023 highlights here. Kathleen Wooten is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.

Your donations make our work possible. Click the DONATE NOW button on our web page to send a secure donation to support the work of the AFSC’s New Hampshire Program. Thank you!