2022 Legislative Update, Week of January 31st

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With the onslaught of negative bills, we are glad to share that this week there are some really good bills you can support to advance immigrant rights, healthcare access, fair wages, and racial justice.

  • There are three bills that would ensure immigrants are able to drive, get to work and take care of their families without being criminalized.
  • We believe that healthcare is a human right, and there are two bills this week that will expand Medicaid for postpartum care and dental coverage.
  • A Senate bill aimed at repealing the so-called “divisive concepts” law is up for a hearing this week.
  • Last, but not least, is a bill to raise our New Hampshire minimum wage. At the current poverty wage of $7.25, no one can afford to support themselves, let alone their families. Every other New England state has a higher minimum wage, and this is long overdue. Let’s do this!

You can find more information about all of these bills below, along with hearing dates, times and locations. Come out to testify if you can or register your support online if you cannot attend in person! See “Tips on Testifying” below.

See Rights & Democracy New Hampshire legislative priorities for 2022.

We also highly recommend checking out this AFSC State House Watch Radio interview from last week, with Asma and Christina Pretorius from Reaching Higher speaking on the dangers of some of the harmful education bills.

Know others who want these weekly updates? Invite them to sign up here.

Until next week, and in solidarity,

David Bates
Sebastian Fuentes
Asma Elhuni

Sign in to register your position on these RAD priority bills, and testify in writing and in person if you are able! See “Tips for Testifying” below. 

[highlight style=”gray”]HEALTHCARE ACCESS[/highlight]

Support HB 1536, expanding Medicaid coverage for new mothers so that it continues for the first twelve months after birth.

When: January 31st, 2pm
Where: Public Hearing in the House Health Committee LOB 210-211

Support SB 422, expanding Medicaid dental coverage for adults to cover preventive care and cleanings, rather than just emergency room tooth extractions.

When: February 2nd, 9am
Where: Public Hearing in the Senate Health Committee, LOB 101

[highlight style=”gray”]IMMIGRANT JUSTICE[/highlight]

Support HB 1666, relative to the application process for driver’s licenses and the privacy of motor vehicle records. Talking points here.

When: February 1st, 1pm
Where: House Transportation, Room 201-203

Support HB 1463, relative to drivers’ licenses issued in accordance with the Real ID Act of 2005. Talking points here.

When: February 1st, 10:50am
Where: House Transportation, Room 201-203

Support HB 1093, relative to the licensure of nonresident aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire. Talking points here.

When: February 1st, 2pm
Where: House Transportation, Room 201-203

[highlight style=”gray”]RACIAL JUSTICE[/highlight]

Support SB 298, repealing the law relative to certain discrimination in public workplaces and education.

When: February 1st, 1:20pm
Where: Senate JudiciaryRoom 100, SH

[highlight style=”gray”]FAIR WAGES[/highlight]

Support HB 1403, creating a commission to annually set the minimum wage based on the cost of living and inflation.

When: February 3rd, 3:15pm
Where: Public Hearing in the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, LOB 305-307

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SB 407, expanding Medicaid coverage for new mothers so that it continues for the first 12 months after birth, was recommended Ought to Pass by the Senate Health Committee.

SB  279, establishing a study committee on harm reduction and overdose prevention, was recommended Ought to Pass as Amended by the Senate Health Committee.

Both bills will receive votes on the Senate Floor on February 3rd.

Tuesday, February 1st, 1 – 1:45pm
Sick of Waiting: Barriers to Medicaid Keep Healthcare Out of Reach | RSVP

Tuesday, February 1st, 5pm – 7:30pm
Tuesday Phonebanks for Justice RSVP

Wednesday, February 2nd, 5 – 7:15pm
Climate Deep Canvass Phonebank | RSVP

Tips for Testifying

In person: Go early to the room assigned for the committee hearing early. There will be a form for you to sign your name and who you are representing. You may sign in as yourself if you are not representing an organization. The higher your name is on the list,  the earlier you get to speak. You will be called on when they open the hearing to the public.

Online: If you cannot attend a hearing in person, you can register your position online up to a week out. (Registration is cut off 30 minutes before a hearing.) After signing in support of a bill, the confirmation page will list the email address where you can submit written testimony. Email committee members to let them know why you support or oppose a bill.

Helpful Links

Senate

  • Register your position and/or submit testimony on a Senate bill here.
  • Find the Senate Calendar here (meeting links are in the Calendar Notice pdf).
  • Find your Senator here.

House

  • Register your position and/or submit testimony on a House bill here.
  • Find the House Calendar here.
  • Find your Representative(s) here.

Don’t know your district? Use this map.