What NH Democrats would do if they win the State House majority in 2024

House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm of Manchester announced late last week the “Freedom & Affordability” agenda, outlining the New Hampshire House Democratic Caucus’s top priorities for the 2025-2026 legislative term. The agenda focuses on many key issues, ranging from codifying abortion rights, providing property tax relief, and protecting New Hampshire communities from harmful chemicals like PFAS.

Wilhelm described the agenda as a response to the concerns voiced by Granite Staters, highlighting the Democratic Party’s commitment to both defending personal liberties and reducing everyday financial burdens.

“Our Freedom & Affordability Agenda is designed to tackle the biggest challenges facing Granite Staters,” Wilhelm said. “From ensuring people have control over their own health care decisions to making life more affordable for working families, these initiatives reflect our priorities for the upcoming legislative term.”

Securing Abortion Rights Amid National Uncertainty

One of the agenda’s centerpieces is the codification of abortion rights in state law. New Hampshire currently stands as the only New England state without abortion protections on the books, a concern that has only grown since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Rep. Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter) is spearheading this effort, as she did in the previous legislative term. Her bill seeks to guarantee the right to abortion, ensuring that no future legislature or governor can easily erode reproductive freedoms.

“With abortion rights under attack across the country, it’s critical that we protect them here in New Hampshire,” Simpson said. “Patients and doctors should be able to make these decisions without interference.”

Alleviating Property Tax Burden for Granite Staters

Rep. Mike Edgar (D-Hampton) has filed a proposal aimed at addressing the growing property tax burden in New Hampshire. His legislation would require the state to cover 7.5% of retirement system costs for municipal employees—a responsibility that was stripped in 2011, leading to higher property taxes across the state.

“Property taxes are at an unsustainable level for too many Granite Staters,” Edgar said. “This bill will help to ease that burden by restoring part of the state’s contribution.”

Tackling Child Hunger Through Expanded School Lunch Programs

Democrats are also setting their sights on child hunger. A bill from Rep. Laura Telerski (D-Nashua) would automatically enroll students on Medicaid in free or reduced-price lunch programs, while also simplifying the application process for families not on Medicaid. This move would increase participation in these programs, which studies have shown help students learn better in the classroom.

“No child should ever go hungry in a New Hampshire school,” said Telerski. “By making it easier for students to access school meals, we’re helping families and giving students a better chance to succeed.”

Strengthening Environmental Protections Against Toxic Chemicals

On the environmental front, House Democrats are taking aim at PFAS, a class of hazardous chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. Rep. Alexis Simpson is introducing a bill that would strengthen regulations for managing landfill leachate to prevent these chemicals from contaminating local water supplies.

“Granite Staters have the right to clean air and water,” Simpson said. “We need to do more to protect our communities from toxic chemicals.”

Empowering Renters and Expanding Middle-Class Opportunities

In a move to support renters, Rep. Loren Selig (D-Durham) has introduced legislation allowing renters to opt-in to report on-time payments to credit agencies. This initiative could help renters build their credit scores, making it easier for them to secure loans and mortgages in the future. The bill is part of a broader effort to boost the financial stability of New Hampshire’s middle class.

“Allowing renters to build their credit by reporting on-time payments is a simple but effective way to help them access better financial opportunities,” Selig explained.

Closing Loopholes in Private School Vouchers

House Democrats are also targeting accountability in the state’s private school voucher program. A compliance review revealed that a significant number of approved applications lacked the required documentation, including residency and income verification. Rep. Linda Tanner (D-Georges Mills) has filed a bill to enforce annual verification measures, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not misused by families who don’t meet eligibility criteria.

“We owe it to the people of New Hampshire to ensure the private school voucher program is transparent and accountable,” Tanner said. “This is about protecting public funds and making sure they go to the right places.”

Repealing the ‘Divisive Concepts’ Law to Protect Public Education

Education remains a central issue for House Democrats, who are pushing to repeal the controversial “Divisive Concepts” law that limits discussions on certain topics in public schools. Rep. Peter Petrigno (D-Milford) argues that the law stifles teachers and suppresses honest historical education.

“Teachers should be free to teach, and students should be free to learn about the world as it truly is,” Petrigno said. “This law is an attempt to censor educators and prevent honest discussions in the classroom.”

Preventing Gun Violence Through Common-Sense Measures

In an effort to address gun violence, Rep. David Meuse (D-Portsmouth) has introduced a bill that would close a loophole allowing firearms to be purchased from private, unlicensed sellers without a background check. The legislation also includes a three-day waiting period for firearm purchases, a measure supported by research to reduce firearm-related suicides and violent crimes.

“This is about giving Granite Staters the freedom to live without the constant threat of gun violence,” Meuse said. “We can respect the Second Amendment while also taking steps to make our communities safer.”