Lots happening today in Concord. About 5 thousand people turned out to register their disgust with the NH General Court and the extreme laws that are being foisted on the state. While 5k at a protest isn't large by Wisconsin standards, this has been estimated to be the largest protest gathering ever in the state of New Hampshire.
Here's the damage so far:
House votes 213-132 to pass HCR 6, a resolution requiring Congress to reaffirm its adherence to the U.S. Constitution on treaties.
House votes 251 to 108 to pass HB 519 repealing RGGI.
House votes 256-117 for CACR6, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring a three-fifths vote in both chambers of the legislature to impose new or increased taxes or license fees.
Senate passes bill to overhaul public pension system in a party line vote.
The proposed cuts by the NH House target workers and jeopardize New Hampshire's safety net. An amendment has been added to the state budget bill that will strip more than 70,000 middle class workers and taxpayers of collective bargaining rights. This and other anti-worker legislation is in addition to the core budget bill that already underfunds essential services for New Hampshire's middle class and most vulnerable citizens. The disabled, people who experience mental health issues, children and the homeless face severe cuts; public safety, an adequate education, efficient public services and other areas also are in jeopardy.
Here's a sense of the scene in Concord:
Photo: J_Kuzma
Photos: Megan Stelzer
Live stream:
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Asked what he thought while watching house gallery being cleared of protesters, Republican House Spkr O'Brien said "I think thugs will not rule New Hampshire, that's what I think."
New Hampshire doesn't count public servants as 'thugs'. We've all said it before, 2012 cannot come soon enough! The citizens of NH aren't going to allow this foolishness to stand for long.