Amendment is yet another attempt to whitewash American history and limit important conversations on systemic racism and sexism
CONCORD, NH – Today Republican Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley and the Senate Finance Committee voted on party lines to include the latest version of the White Supremacy Protection Act (also known as HB 544) into the state budget. The language seeks to prevent conversations about systemic racism and sexism, creating more barriers to building a strong, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. House Republicans previously told the Senate the policy had to be included for the budget to pass. This is the fourth attempt to add the concept to a bill this session (HB 544, House budget amendment, SB 147 amendment withdrawn, Senate budget amendment).
Statements from members of the coalition in opposition to any version of HB 544:
Clifton West Jr, Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Seacoast: “Black Lives Matter Seacoast is vehemently against any version of this bill. The public made it clear during the state budget hearings that this policy has no place in our state budget. BIPOC communities in New Hampshire have faced racist attacks on all fronts and have had their history largely ignored by most entities until recently, when New Hampshire was forced to reckon with its racist history and ongoing systemic racism along with the rest of this country. Amendments like this one will prevent valuable, necessary conversations between different communities, and this silencing will, inevitably, lead to violence against BIPOC communities.”
Michelle Veasey, Executive Director, New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility: “NHBSR and the over 250 workplace signatories of our original Letter of Opposition to HB 544 and its amendment to the budget, continue to stand in opposition to limits by our government, at any level, to explore, understand and develop the thought processes to address systemic racism and sexism. It is important that we do the difficult work, beginning in our schools, of addressing thinking that limits our ability to create inclusive environments. This language, wherever it resides, tarnishes our state’s reputation and our ability to remain competitive in the attraction and retention of the best workforce talent.”
Rev. Jason Wells, NH Council of Churches: “These so-called divisive concepts provisions will have a chilling effect on the humbling, honest conversations the God expects of us. Many of our churches are already having the needed conversations on racism, sexism, genocide and other difficult topics. Last year we supported a bill requiring Holocaust and Genocide Education in our public schools. Churches continue to participate in this work so that all understand the cost of silent complicity with atrocities at home and around the world. The vague language around ‘divisive concepts’ inserted into bills jeopardizes this important work.”
Megan Tuttle, President, NEA New Hampshire: “Sen. Bradley’s divisive concepts amendment is yet another attempt to whitewash American history by intimidating school teachers into avoiding important conversations about race and mischaracterizing history lessons and current event discussions on racism and sexism as some plot to undermine America. The past and the present are interconnected. It’s impossible to teach America’s history without discussing injustice, especially when present-day events mirror historical lessons. The vagueness of this amendment makes it very unclear how it will impact history lessons in New Hampshire. What is very clear, however, are the sanctions for educators who violate it – disciplinary sanction by the state board of education. Such harsh action being applied to a vaguely written statute could result in an overwhelming backlog of disciplinary hearings at the state department of education, as New Hampshire educators persevere in their commitment to prepare our students to succeed in the world. To advance real solutions, we need to address real problems. As teachers, we have opportunities to constructively address the issues of race and gender equity. These opportunities need to be seized and managed. Not muzzled and criminalized.”
Grace Kindeke, Program Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC): “It is an embarrassing waste of time and taxpayer resources that our lawmakers continue their attempts to censor the mere mention of systemic racism and sexism when we are confronted daily with the extrajudicial murders of Black and Brown people and the devastating effects of the COVID pandemic on Black and Brown communities. While many New Hampshire communities get on with the business of working to end the systemic subordination of our communities and build a more inclusive Granite State, lawmakers continue their campaign to censor and obfuscate these truths. Public discourse and decision making is strengthened by critical analysis that challenges us to recognize and repair the barriers embedded in the policies and practices of the institutions that impact our communities. To reduce systemic racism and systemic sexism solely to the individual and interpersonal is a tactic meant to distort and deny the very real disparities experienced by people of color, disabled people, women and gender non-conforming folks. Systemic racism and sexism are divisive because of the harm they cause, not because they are uncomfortable to talk about. Our willingness to examine and discuss our history and institutional responsibilities enables us to fully realize the promises of a true multicultural and multiracial democracy. We are a state willing to have the hard conversations in order to ensure that every person regardless of race or gender has the resources they need to flourish and thrive.”
Maggie Fogarty, Program Director, American Friends Services Committee (AFSC): “What senators needed to do was remove the harmful proposal in its entirety; there was no good reason to attempt to preserve any part of it. The amended language maintains the intention of the original proposal: to mute the conversations and the learning that are essential to building a just society where all people are treated with dignity and respect. This proposal will make our communities weaker, not stronger. How can we move forward in love and justice if we compromise on the basic principle that the truth must be told?”
NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council: “The maxim of ‘Live Free or Die’ is integral to the Granite State’s values, yet this bill would limit freedom of speech under the First Amendment by restricting our ability to discuss the discrimination and inequalities that are entrenched in our society. We strongly urge elected officials to oppose the inclusion of this language in the state budget so we can work towards a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are each a reality for all individuals. This cannot happen if we ignore systemic inequalities, if we prevent civic discourse, if we create a culture where educational institutions are no longer places where we can learn and discuss about our nation’s unvarnished past and present so we can work towards a better future.”
Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director of the League of Conservation Voters: “The League of Conservation Voters firmly opposes any attempt to divide Americans by ignoring our shared history. We need an honest discussion about structural racism, historic wrongs, and ensuring a better future for all. Any HB 544 language currently included in the state budget must be removed by the State Senate and simply cannot be tolerated.”
Cora Quisumbing-King and Sumathi Madhure, Co-Chairs of the NH AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Democrats: “The NH AAPI Democrats strongly oppose any version of HB 544, which would restrict education on measures to end racism and sexism endured by Granite Staters. The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has been largely untaught in school classrooms. This lack of education has created systemic barriers to the cultural acceptance of our communities. Our communities will undoubtedly be harmed by this dangerous and unpopular language.”
Sarah Jane Knoy, Executive Director, Granite State Organizing Project: “As a faith based organization, our members have been particularly sickened to see the words of Rev. Martin Luther King used to support this appalling proposal. Let us be very clear: the inequitable outcomes experienced by people of color in New Hampshire are the result of structural racism that is baked into our institutions. As people of faith and goodwill, we must be willing to talk about the past and to learn from our history. I am further shocked by the undemocratic shenanigans certain members of the Legislature are engaging in in order to silence these important conversations.”
James Duffy, Monadnock Interfaith Project: “Proposing to suppress certain facts of our collective histories, because those facts are seen by the proponents of this bill to be ‘divisive concepts,’ that may be painful to certain people, chills not only the spine, but the heart of our democracy. Instead of limiting discussion, let’s commit to deep reflection, hard conversations, and changing practices and policies in all our institutions to move beyond racism and sexism. Together we as a society can grow with trust, faith, compassion, and love.”
Asma Elhuni, Movement Politics Director, Rights and Democracy NH (RAD): The “Divisive Concepts” amendment is a real threat to Granite Staters and our democracy. The sponsors of this bill have publicly denied systemic racism, despite facts such as that in New Hampshire women make 74 cents to every dollar a man makes, and the Black community is 1.7 percent of the NH population but make up 7% of those in prison and jail. Make no mistake, the real reason bills like this have been introduced in state houses all over the country is there is an orchestrated attempt by far right political think tanks, bankrolled by ultra wealthy elites, to stop the momentum of progress towards racial and gender justice. These attempts to pit us against each other is an effort to distract us so they can continue to hoard massive amounts of resources. We recognize that we can not honor the human rights of everyone, if we can not address the racist and sexist practices that disproportionately affect our communities and ultimately hurt all of us. Granite Staters have said they want to have these hard conversations so our communities and our country can heal and we can truly have a multiracial democracy, where Black, Brown, and White people can thrive.”
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Executive Director, Granite State Progress: “This push from national far right actors seeks to silence conversations about systemic racism and sexism, creating more barriers to a strong, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. Sen. Bradley’s amendment is a sad endorsement of far-right conspiracy theories. This is an effort to legislate a problem that does not exist but that has become the boogeyman of far-right actors set on disrupting any substantive progress on racial justice. Governor Chris Sununu is complicit for staying silent here while his colleagues try to block the racial justice conversations our country so desperately needs to have.”
David Holt, Organizer, Occupy NH Seacoast: “As a lifetime Granite Stater, and an activist and organizer, I am affronted and ashamed that New Hampshire legislators are using their positions in government to promote racism and hatred. I have been an organizer with Occupy NH Seacoast for over a decade fighting for the social and economic equality which this language endangers. We can not overcome the challenges of racism and other forms of discrimination when we cannot openly and honestly speak about them.”
Sherry Frost and Robin Vogt, Co-Chairs of the New Hampshire Progressive Coalition: “The Executive Board of the NH Progressive Coalition, on which sits three educators licensed by the State of New Hampshire, strongly objects to the insertion of “divisive concepts” language into any bill. Not only does this move constitute an unethical end-run around the regular legislative process, the language itself seeks to stifle the free speech of teachers and the educational opportunities of all learners. Legislators have no business telling professional educators how to frame their lessons; in fact, it should be in the State’s interest to protect the teaching of true history and the ability of students and teachers to speak freely about complex and nuanced subjects. We reject in its entirety the language and intent of the ‘divisive concepts’ bill in any form it takes and in any bill into which the NHGOP tries to sneak it.”
Meghan Daigneau, member of Rights and Democracy (RAD) NH “To deny systemic racism and sexism is to deny history itself. Any version of HB 544 alienates women and people of color in New Hampshire. As a proud, lifelong Laconian, I know that this is not the New Hampshire way.”
The language is heavily opposed across the state by a broad coalition of doctors, business and industry, faith leaders, college professors, elected officials, and racial justice advocates.
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Posted: June 16, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH, Granite Staters, Handmaid Coalition Denounce Sununu’s Outrageous Abortion Ban in “Our Bodies, Our Access” Demonstration at State House
Governor Chris Sununu will be first governor in New Hampshire history to ban abortions
Pictured: State Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, SD 21 and currently 28 weeks pregnant
CONCORD, NH – The Reproductive Freedom Fund of New Hampshire, Granite State Progress, Kent Street Coalition, the NH Handmaid Coalition, and other supporters of reproductive rights hosted a “Our Bodies, Our Access: Stop Sununu’s Abortion Ban” demonstration and press conference to denounce Governor Chris Sununu’s outrageous and cruel abortion ban in the state budget.
The event included a procession of Handmaids outside the State House and speeches before advocates visited Governor Sununu’s office to deliver a letter calling on him to listen to his constituents and meet with reproductive rights advocates before he signs the abortion ban in the budget into law. Photos and video are available for media, courtesy of Granite State Progress.
Speakers and advocates released the following statements:
Senator Rebecca Perkins-Kwoka, District 21: “At 28 and a half weeks pregnant, am I not the same mother I was four weeks ago? Five weeks ago? What has changed at 24 weeks that no longer makes me the same caring mother? Do you honestly believe that I would not do what is best at each moment for the life I am growing, that I am responsible for? It is a most sacred duty and one, I would beg of you, not to ever dare to think we – as complex, highly intelligent and capable mothers, women, and pregnant people – would ever dismiss. This bill is about respect. For the women who bear the important responsibility of carrying our society’s children, and their right to personal, physical autonomy. I hope I am so lucky to not today, not in four weeks, and not ever, find out that something is wrong with my baby. It would simply break my heart. But if I ever do, the best person to make any incredibly thoughtful and complex decisions about what to do for that baby – inside or outside of my womb – is me, with my wife. We have the ability to consult with our trusted medical providers. We don’t need any help from anyone here.”
Reverend Allison Palm of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua: “Unitarian Universalists have long been in support of access to safe and legal abortion because we believe deeply in the right of conscience and the inherent worth and dignity of every person. I do not believe that it is the purpose or place of our state government to ban safe medical procedures. The only people who have the right to decide what is best for a woman during a pregnancy are the woman herself, with her doctor – including women faced with tragic fetal diagnoses later in pregnancy.”
Dr. Nick Perencevich, retired surgeon: “As a physician training in the 1970’s I saw first-hand the importance of access to safe, legal abortion care. When I started my residency in general surgery in Boston, I found out right away on the first day, as a surprise, that we were admitting and caring daily for women who had illegal abortions. These women were really sick, suffering from complications from bleeding and infections and sometimes both. I would say at least three or four times a month we were doing an emergency hysterectomy in this situation, on these young women. And at least one or two of them died every month. No abortions, elective or emergency, were ever done across the street, at the Boston Hospital For Women, because of the laws at the time. What the majority party in the legislature is now proposing is taking us back to 1972. Criminalization does not stop abortions. History in my mind will repeat itself and the carnage of young women will happen again. Abortions go away with good family planning, not with restrictive legislation that penalizes the doctor and the patient. This legislation unjustly and unethically interferes with the medical profession’s job of ensuring the health and well-being of all their patients.”
Rep. Amanda Toll, Cheshire 16: “Having an abortion literally saved my life. I know firsthand that no one, especially politicians in Concord, should interfere with this intensely personal decision between a pregnant person and their doctor. But that’s exactly what Governor Sununu is trying to do, by potentially criminally charging doctors for taking care of their patients; by forcing pregnant people to have medically unnecessary ultrasounds; by denying pregnant people, even those who have survived rape and incest, the fundamental right to make their own choices. Everyone is entitled to full bodily autonomy. Everyone should have control over the reproductive decisions that impact their lives. Abortion is healthcare, and as far as I’m concerned, healthcare is a basic human right.”
Josie Pinto, Founder and Director of the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH: “Within Repro Fund’s first month of launching, we got a call from a patient who was quoted $8,800 for a procedure at 24 weeks. Abortions later in pregnancy are not only extremely rare, they are difficult to obtain and there are already so many barriers facing families, including financial barriers. This law would exist as one more barrier – and it simply does not need to exist. Let these decisions be between a doctor and a patient, let them be rooted in what is best for that individual. I beg you all – hold Governor Sununu accountable and demand he veto the budget.”
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Director of Granite State Progress: “The abortion ban has extremely limited exceptions for maternal health and no exceptions for fetal health, rape, or incest. It threatens providers with up to seven years in prison, making it the only medical procedure in New Hampshire law subject to felony charges and imprisonment for health care professionals. It also adds a new restriction on all abortions by mandating medically unnecessary ultrasounds for every procedure, no matter the expert opinion or recommendation of medical providers. Sununu’s abortion ban is more extreme than other similar, and also devastating, attacks on reproductive rights in other states, and is part of a larger effort to undermine reproductive rights and bodily autonomy in New Hampshire, a pro-choice state. For decades, New Hampshire has proudly supported reproductive rights and the right to an abortion, on both sides of the aisle. Governor Chris Sununu needs to decide if he wants to continue the Granite State’s legacy of protecting an individual’s privacy and freedom in their own medical decision making, or if he will become the first Governor in the history of New Hampshire to pass an abortion ban.”
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Posted: June 9, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Granite State Progress Congratulates Rep-Elect Muriel Hall and Celebrates Strong Ballot Box Rejection of Hatred and Division
Voters send strong message in election where language of HB 544 played prominent role on campaign trail
BOW, NH – Tonight Muriel Hall (D-Bow) won a decisive 16-point victory in the special election for New Hampshire House Merrimack District 23. Statement from Granite State Progress Executive Director Zandra Rice Hawkins:
“We congratulate Rep-Elect Muriel Hall, an educator, union member, and strong champion for public schools, for her decisive victory in the special election. We also thank voters for making it clear that Granite Staters are strong and brave enough to have courageous conversations around racial justice and other pressing issues facing our state and nation. Republican candidate Chris Lins doubled down on State House attempts to whitewash American history and limit important conversations on systemic racism and sexism. Voters decisively rejected this rhetoric of fear and hate, reaffirming that a majority of Granite Staters are committed to building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable New Hampshire. Complicit Chris Sununu and his Republican colleagues should take note that Granite State voters see through these blatant and extreme attempts to suppress honest conversations and reject it soundly at the ballot box.”
Background: Republican candidate Chris Lins ran digital ads promoting his support for HB 544, a version of which has now been placed in the state budget. The language is heavily opposed across the state by a broad coalition of doctors, business and industry, faith leaders, educators, elected officials, and racial justice advocates.
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Last Updated: June 9, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Broad Coalition Condemns White Supremacy Protection Act In State Budget
Amendment is yet another attempt to whitewash American history and limit important conversations on systemic racism and sexism
CONCORD, NH – Today Republican Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley and the Senate Finance Committee voted on party lines to include the latest version of the White Supremacy Protection Act (also known as HB 544) into the state budget. The language seeks to prevent conversations about systemic racism and sexism, creating more barriers to building a strong, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. House Republicans previously told the Senate the policy had to be included for the budget to pass. This is the fourth attempt to add the concept to a bill this session (HB 544, House budget amendment, SB 147 amendment withdrawn, Senate budget amendment).
Statements from members of the coalition in opposition to any version of HB 544:
Clifton West Jr, Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Seacoast: “Black Lives Matter Seacoast is vehemently against any version of this bill. The public made it clear during the state budget hearings that this policy has no place in our state budget. BIPOC communities in New Hampshire have faced racist attacks on all fronts and have had their history largely ignored by most entities until recently, when New Hampshire was forced to reckon with its racist history and ongoing systemic racism along with the rest of this country. Amendments like this one will prevent valuable, necessary conversations between different communities, and this silencing will, inevitably, lead to violence against BIPOC communities.”
Michelle Veasey, Executive Director, New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility: “NHBSR and the over 250 workplace signatories of our original Letter of Opposition to HB 544 and its amendment to the budget, continue to stand in opposition to limits by our government, at any level, to explore, understand and develop the thought processes to address systemic racism and sexism. It is important that we do the difficult work, beginning in our schools, of addressing thinking that limits our ability to create inclusive environments. This language, wherever it resides, tarnishes our state’s reputation and our ability to remain competitive in the attraction and retention of the best workforce talent.”
Rev. Jason Wells, NH Council of Churches: “These so-called divisive concepts provisions will have a chilling effect on the humbling, honest conversations the God expects of us. Many of our churches are already having the needed conversations on racism, sexism, genocide and other difficult topics. Last year we supported a bill requiring Holocaust and Genocide Education in our public schools. Churches continue to participate in this work so that all understand the cost of silent complicity with atrocities at home and around the world. The vague language around ‘divisive concepts’ inserted into bills jeopardizes this important work.”
Megan Tuttle, President, NEA New Hampshire: “Sen. Bradley’s divisive concepts amendment is yet another attempt to whitewash American history by intimidating school teachers into avoiding important conversations about race and mischaracterizing history lessons and current event discussions on racism and sexism as some plot to undermine America. The past and the present are interconnected. It’s impossible to teach America’s history without discussing injustice, especially when present-day events mirror historical lessons. The vagueness of this amendment makes it very unclear how it will impact history lessons in New Hampshire. What is very clear, however, are the sanctions for educators who violate it – disciplinary sanction by the state board of education. Such harsh action being applied to a vaguely written statute could result in an overwhelming backlog of disciplinary hearings at the state department of education, as New Hampshire educators persevere in their commitment to prepare our students to succeed in the world. To advance real solutions, we need to address real problems. As teachers, we have opportunities to constructively address the issues of race and gender equity. These opportunities need to be seized and managed. Not muzzled and criminalized.”
Grace Kindeke, Program Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC): “It is an embarrassing waste of time and taxpayer resources that our lawmakers continue their attempts to censor the mere mention of systemic racism and sexism when we are confronted daily with the extrajudicial murders of Black and Brown people and the devastating effects of the COVID pandemic on Black and Brown communities. While many New Hampshire communities get on with the business of working to end the systemic subordination of our communities and build a more inclusive Granite State, lawmakers continue their campaign to censor and obfuscate these truths. Public discourse and decision making is strengthened by critical analysis that challenges us to recognize and repair the barriers embedded in the policies and practices of the institutions that impact our communities. To reduce systemic racism and systemic sexism solely to the individual and interpersonal is a tactic meant to distort and deny the very real disparities experienced by people of color, disabled people, women and gender non-conforming folks. Systemic racism and sexism are divisive because of the harm they cause, not because they are uncomfortable to talk about. Our willingness to examine and discuss our history and institutional responsibilities enables us to fully realize the promises of a true multicultural and multiracial democracy. We are a state willing to have the hard conversations in order to ensure that every person regardless of race or gender has the resources they need to flourish and thrive.”
Maggie Fogarty, Program Director, American Friends Services Committee (AFSC): “What senators needed to do was remove the harmful proposal in its entirety; there was no good reason to attempt to preserve any part of it. The amended language maintains the intention of the original proposal: to mute the conversations and the learning that are essential to building a just society where all people are treated with dignity and respect. This proposal will make our communities weaker, not stronger. How can we move forward in love and justice if we compromise on the basic principle that the truth must be told?”
NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council: “The maxim of ‘Live Free or Die’ is integral to the Granite State’s values, yet this bill would limit freedom of speech under the First Amendment by restricting our ability to discuss the discrimination and inequalities that are entrenched in our society. We strongly urge elected officials to oppose the inclusion of this language in the state budget so we can work towards a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are each a reality for all individuals. This cannot happen if we ignore systemic inequalities, if we prevent civic discourse, if we create a culture where educational institutions are no longer places where we can learn and discuss about our nation’s unvarnished past and present so we can work towards a better future.”
Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director of the League of Conservation Voters: “The League of Conservation Voters firmly opposes any attempt to divide Americans by ignoring our shared history. We need an honest discussion about structural racism, historic wrongs, and ensuring a better future for all. Any HB 544 language currently included in the state budget must be removed by the State Senate and simply cannot be tolerated.”
Cora Quisumbing-King and Sumathi Madhure, Co-Chairs of the NH AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Democrats: “The NH AAPI Democrats strongly oppose any version of HB 544, which would restrict education on measures to end racism and sexism endured by Granite Staters. The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has been largely untaught in school classrooms. This lack of education has created systemic barriers to the cultural acceptance of our communities. Our communities will undoubtedly be harmed by this dangerous and unpopular language.”
Sarah Jane Knoy, Executive Director, Granite State Organizing Project: “As a faith based organization, our members have been particularly sickened to see the words of Rev. Martin Luther King used to support this appalling proposal. Let us be very clear: the inequitable outcomes experienced by people of color in New Hampshire are the result of structural racism that is baked into our institutions. As people of faith and goodwill, we must be willing to talk about the past and to learn from our history. I am further shocked by the undemocratic shenanigans certain members of the Legislature are engaging in in order to silence these important conversations.”
James Duffy, Monadnock Interfaith Project: “Proposing to suppress certain facts of our collective histories, because those facts are seen by the proponents of this bill to be ‘divisive concepts,’ that may be painful to certain people, chills not only the spine, but the heart of our democracy. Instead of limiting discussion, let’s commit to deep reflection, hard conversations, and changing practices and policies in all our institutions to move beyond racism and sexism. Together we as a society can grow with trust, faith, compassion, and love.”
Asma Elhuni, Movement Politics Director, Rights and Democracy NH (RAD): The “Divisive Concepts” amendment is a real threat to Granite Staters and our democracy. The sponsors of this bill have publicly denied systemic racism, despite facts such as that in New Hampshire women make 74 cents to every dollar a man makes, and the Black community is 1.7 percent of the NH population but make up 7% of those in prison and jail. Make no mistake, the real reason bills like this have been introduced in state houses all over the country is there is an orchestrated attempt by far right political think tanks, bankrolled by ultra wealthy elites, to stop the momentum of progress towards racial and gender justice. These attempts to pit us against each other is an effort to distract us so they can continue to hoard massive amounts of resources. We recognize that we can not honor the human rights of everyone, if we can not address the racist and sexist practices that disproportionately affect our communities and ultimately hurt all of us. Granite Staters have said they want to have these hard conversations so our communities and our country can heal and we can truly have a multiracial democracy, where Black, Brown, and White people can thrive.”
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Executive Director, Granite State Progress: “This push from national far right actors seeks to silence conversations about systemic racism and sexism, creating more barriers to a strong, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. Sen. Bradley’s amendment is a sad endorsement of far-right conspiracy theories. This is an effort to legislate a problem that does not exist but that has become the boogeyman of far-right actors set on disrupting any substantive progress on racial justice. Governor Chris Sununu is complicit for staying silent here while his colleagues try to block the racial justice conversations our country so desperately needs to have.”
David Holt, Organizer, Occupy NH Seacoast: “As a lifetime Granite Stater, and an activist and organizer, I am affronted and ashamed that New Hampshire legislators are using their positions in government to promote racism and hatred. I have been an organizer with Occupy NH Seacoast for over a decade fighting for the social and economic equality which this language endangers. We can not overcome the challenges of racism and other forms of discrimination when we cannot openly and honestly speak about them.”
Sherry Frost and Robin Vogt, Co-Chairs of the New Hampshire Progressive Coalition: “The Executive Board of the NH Progressive Coalition, on which sits three educators licensed by the State of New Hampshire, strongly objects to the insertion of “divisive concepts” language into any bill. Not only does this move constitute an unethical end-run around the regular legislative process, the language itself seeks to stifle the free speech of teachers and the educational opportunities of all learners. Legislators have no business telling professional educators how to frame their lessons; in fact, it should be in the State’s interest to protect the teaching of true history and the ability of students and teachers to speak freely about complex and nuanced subjects. We reject in its entirety the language and intent of the ‘divisive concepts’ bill in any form it takes and in any bill into which the NHGOP tries to sneak it.”
Meghan Daigneau, member of Rights and Democracy (RAD) NH “To deny systemic racism and sexism is to deny history itself. Any version of HB 544 alienates women and people of color in New Hampshire. As a proud, lifelong Laconian, I know that this is not the New Hampshire way.”
The language is heavily opposed across the state by a broad coalition of doctors, business and industry, faith leaders, college professors, elected officials, and racial justice advocates.
###
Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Posted: May 11, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Statement on NH Senate Public Hearing on Arizona-Styled “License to Discriminate” Bill
CONCORD, NH – Today, Tuesday, May 11th at approximately 3:00 PM, the NH Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a public hearing on HB 542, a so-called religious freedom bill that mirrors the controversial “license to discriminate” language from Arizona and elsewhere. HB 542 originally blocked the Governor from imposing a ban or limit on in-person gatherings at places of worship during public health or other states of emergency but was amended in the House to also include a provision giving businesses and employees a license to discriminate against others, particularly LGBT families.
Statement from Granite State Progress Executive Director Zandra Rice Hawkins: “HB 542 is a license to discriminate and has no place in New Hampshire. It would undermine New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and move our state backwards. New Hampshire has made so many strides over the last few years to create a more inclusive and welcoming state for all community members. Granite Staters are proud of the work that has been done and recognize we have more to do to achieve a strong, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. HB 542’s expansive and vague language risks undermining the bipartisan progress that has been made to date to protect Granite Staters from discrimination.”
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
NH People’s Budget Campaign Demands the Senate Deliver a Better Budget During Rally and Public Hearing Testimony
Last Updated: May 4, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Working together, advocates for economic, racial, disability, education, and housing justice uplift united vision for a strong, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire
CONCORD, NH – Today the Coalition for a New Hampshire People’s Budget demanded that the Senate deliver a better budget that invests in our people and our communities, with actions at the State House and strong public participation in the HB 1 and HB 2 Senate Finance committee hearings.
The Coalition’s efforts center around 8 pillars of justice that must be addressed in the state budget: Education, Health Care, Disability Rights, Housing, Racial Justice (including removing the White Supremacy Protection Act), Fair Taxation, Public Services and Economic Justice, as well as transparency in the state budget process. The coalition delivered their demands to state leaders and organized widespread participation in the Senate public hearing.
Maggie Fogarty, Director, American Friends Service Committee: “We can invest in our critical public infrastructure and our families by fairly taxing the wealthy and corporations which operate in New Hampshire. Instead this budget includes devastating cuts that will further cause harm to the families and communities who can least afford it. We will continue to call for a People’s Budget that adequately meets our community’s needs.”
Asma Elhuni, Movement Politics Director, Rights and Democracy NH: “In this time when so many are divided, we are asking Granite Staters to join together to show we are greater than fear. In order for everyone in our state to have the freedom to succeed, we must be honest and have difficult conversations – the very kind that the language of HB 544 wants to prevent us from having. The truth is we cannot build a better future if we cannot talk about the problems. From birth to death, and everything in-between – nearly every aspect of life in America is impacted by systemic racism and oppression. To achieve a true multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive, we must be able to name the systemic ills that are taking a disproportionate toll on our communities.”
Mary Wilke of Kent Street Coalition: “The budget turns its back on the 90% of our students who attend public schools, and it worsens the inequities that make zip codes a determinant of educational opportunity in New Hampshire. It leaves school districts facing the loss, next year, of $90 million in state aid – much of which had been targeted specifically to our neediest communities. As if that weren’t enough, Republican leaders want to bury in the budget an unpopular and deeply flawed school voucher bill that would withdraw millions more in state support from public schools, sending the money instead to private and home schools that are not accountable to public taxpayers. In this budget, Republican “tax cutters” show their true colors; they are downshifting tens of millions of dollars in education costs to our already overburdened local property taxpayers, while leaving public school students with ever-diminishing opportunity. It’s time to stop passing the buck.”
Deborah Opramolla, Chair of the New Hampshire Poor People’s Campaign. “Disability Justice requires everyone to realize having a disability is a normal part of life. What it is not is being embarrassed or ashamed of family members that experience a disability. What is not normal is to become silent. The People’s Budget demands investment in services such as fully funding the wait list for Developmental Disability services. This must be an investment that not only takes individuals off the waitlist but provides them all the services an individual needs to be partake in the Beloved Community. Silencing our ability to have discussions on our culture and training of our workforce sends the message we are not welcomed in New Hampshire.”
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Executive Director of Granite State Progress: “Governor Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities in the State House continue to hold New Hampshire back, pursuing a reckless agenda that puts our families and communities at risk. The budget is filled with corporate tax give-aways and downshifting at the expense of a strong, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. Our country has a real opportunity right now to address systemic barriers that disproportionately harm black and brown people, low-income Granite Staters, and working families, but the state budget to date doubles down on the same failed policies that got us here in the first place – this time with an extra dose of racist, extremist behavior. We cannot afford the devastating “back of the budget” cuts to health and human services that will harm critical services and jeopardize federal funding, and it’s telling that Republican leaders are hiding extreme agenda items in the state budget since they know they cannot get them passed through the normal legislative process. We demand a budget that invests in our people, our communities, and our environment.”
The Coalition for a People’s Budget includes more than 20+ organizations and Granite Staters all across the state, including statewide organizations the NH Poor People’s Campaign, NH Voices of Faith, the American Friends Service Committee NH Program, Granite State Organizing Project, Rights & Democracy NH, Granite State Progress, 350nh.org, Kent Street Coalition, Unitarian Universalist Action NH, NH Council of Churches, NH Youth Movement, The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, Change for Concord, and NH Conference United Church of Christ Economic Justice Mission Group, among other organizations.
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
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