VOICING CONCERN

This season of policymaker transition is a time of both hope and deep concern for those of us who care about the common good and a fair and inclusive New Hampshire (and nation) in which no one goes hungry or un-housed; all workers earn enough to survive and thrive; our air, water and health are protected; and the lives of all individuals — no matter what one’s race, ethnicity, color, age, gender identity or expression, ability or status may be — are valued and cherished.

In more “normal” times, we would be out in full force and large numbers during these transition moments — physically present, visible and vocal — as we advocate for the core values and public policies that lift up human decency and build healthy, safe, vibrant and economically equitable communities.

But these are not “normal” times. Our neighbors are sick, hospitalized and dying because of a fast-spreading, easily transmitted virus that will not take a break for political transitions.

Because we care deeply about the health and safety of others, we are choosing not to organize massive inperson gatherings at the Statehouse or in any UNH parking lot filled with legislators at this time. We take this approach not because of ideology but rather out of a basic desire to protect our loved ones, our colleagues and all others in the community, even those we do not know.

These are not normal times. A newly sworn-in House speaker died of Covid-19, and the speaker pro-tem and other unnamed legislators have been infected with the coronavirus after multiple meetings and gatherings where, despite repeated warnings from medical experts, large numbers of willfully defiant legislators went maskless. Not only is this tragic, but this disturbing display of callous disregard for the health and safety of others among far too many New Hampshire legislators also strikes a deeply troubling tone for the 2021-22 legislative session.

In this not-normal time, we implore legislative leaders to draw upon their own sense of civic responsibility to conduct the upcoming legislative session with the combination of safety and citizen accessibility fully in mind, no matter what accommodations or calendar adjustments might be required.

We wish to remind our elected officials at all levels that we join the majority of our New Hampshire neighbors in desiring access to safe and decent jobs paying living wages; a clean environment and resilient climate; freedom from discrimination, oppression and violence; and adequate shelter, healthy food and all the other necessities for living safely and securely in New Hampshire. We also join the majority in understanding that access to healthcare is absolutely essential both in and beyond this dangerous time of Covid-19.

You may not see us filling the hallways and hearing rooms of the Statehouse or in mass gatherings at other locations where elected officials are gathered. But this does not mean that our voices are not present. The policies and values we mention here are the will of most people in the state, and we remain united in standing together for these values and “for the common benefit, protection, and security of the whole community,” as is stated in Article 10 of the New Hampshire Constitution.

We also implore our elected officials to remain mindful generally of our collective interdependence. We are in this together. And we who care deeply about our responsibility to one another and to our common humanity will persist.

This statement was submitted jointly by 16 NH organizations, including the American Friends Service Committee-NH Program, Granite State Progress, Manchester NAACP, the NH Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, NH House Progressive Caucus and NH Veterans for Peace.