Why I'm running for State Rep - part 1

I’m motivated to run for state rep based on what I have seen happening in Concord. Specifically, over the past few years I have  noticed an alarming trend of legislators NOT listening to input from their constituents.

Let me give you 3  examples.  

1. HB 1002 to repeal the solar energy systems tax exemption. https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB1002/id/3284500

   1. There were  5 comments in favor of repealing the solar energy tax  exemption and 209 comments opposed. Yet the Republican controlled Science, Technology and Energy committee  recommended that it “Ought to pass” or OTP. Which means that they voted to  increase taxes for people with solar panels. 

   2. Fortunately, This bill was tabled when it got further along in the legislative process 00 meaning it is NOT going to go any further in this legislative session. 

1. This past legislative session there was HB 1062 introduced - Authorizing the secretary of state to conduct random audits of the citizenship qualification of registered voters. https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB1062/id/3284485

   1. There were 10 comments in support of this bill and 1,011 in opposition. However, even though over a thousand people registered their opposition, the house  voted for it anyway and the gov signed it into law this past July 10.

   2. Even though  there is no credible evidence of non-citizens registering, according to the Center for election innovation and research https://electioninnovation.org/research/claims-noncitizen-registration-voting-analysis-tracker/

   3. Gov Ayotte signed the bill into law on July 10.

3. HB 1114 – Documentation and preservation of public comments – https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB1114/id/3286517

1. This is a New Hampshire bill aimed at increasing legislative transparency. It mandates that standing committees preserve written public comments and prepare clear reports outlining how those comments influenced their legislative recommendations. 

2. 501 people wrote or spoke in support of this bill. 

3. 1 person spoke against it. 

4. Yet, this bill did NOT become law. Which means that these numbers that I’ve been quoting you – they will not be preserved as part of the history of these bills.

   
   

I have these numbers thanks to a concerned citizen who is keeping track of the number of comments for and against bills. Because she is also concerned that our elected officials are not listening to their constituents. Thank you to Jean Slepian. 

Jean’s list has – 39 bills where there were lots of comments from the public for one outcome, but the legislators voted the other way. THIRTY NINE. 

Take a look for yourself:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yzligFtTewGB8ZWUBPw9j1Y6AlTDnoaqRKDS2yNqMhs/edit?usp=sharing