The Manchester Free Press

Sunday • November 24 • 2024

Vol.XVI • No.XLVII

Manchester, N.H.

Responding to Bongino’s Secession Reservations

The Liberty Block - Sat, 2023-03-04 08:37 +0000

For at least the past few months, Dan Bongino has been flirting with the idea of a state seceding from the union and governing itself as an independent nation. Bongino is among the most popular conservative talk show hosts, and he is the only conservative podcast that I listen to daily.

The post Responding to Bongino’s Secession Reservations appeared first on The Liberty Block.

Bill Hearings for Week of March 06, 2023

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Fri, 2023-03-03 15:21 +0000
  • These are the most liberty-critical hearings for the week
  • Click on the bill number to read the bill.
  • Click on the committee name to email the committee your thoughts.

Of the 22 hearings in the House, we are recommending support of 2 and opposition of 4 with 2 being of interest.
Of the 8 hearings in the Senate, we are recommending support of 0 and opposition of 0 with 1 being of interest.

Position Bill Title Committee Day Time Room State Analysis
Oppose HB249 non-germane amendment #2023-0697h to HB 249 relative to establishing
regulatory standards for the pet insurance industry
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Tue 3/7 9:45 AM LOB Room 210-211 The amendment establishes regulatory standards for the sale of pet insurance, allows the restaurant owner to bring their companion dog to the restaurant premises, and removes the option for restaurants to allow patrons to bring dogs to outdoor dining areas.
Oppose HB402 relative to prohibiting false statements against candidates. Election Law Tue 3/7 10:30 AM LOB Room 306-308 This bill prohibits the publication of false statements by any candidate, political committee, or political party regarding another candidate’s positions on issues.
Oppose HB463 relative to the establishment of an election information portal. Election Law Tue 3/7 11:00 AM LOB Room 306-308 This bill authorizes the secretary of state to develop an election information portal.
Support HB496 relative to the delivery of ballots to nursing homes and elder care facilities. Election Law Tue 3/7 1:30 PM LOB Room 306-308 This bill establishes a new procedure for delivering absentee ballots to voters in nursing homes and elder care facilities.
Of Interest SB270 relative to appropriations to the department of transportation. Finance Tue 3/7 1:00 PM SH Room 103 This bill appropriates $20,000,000 to the department of transportation for municipal bridges, and $20,000,000 to the department of transportation for additional “Apportionment A” distributions.
Of Interest HB609 relative to energy facility siting. Science, Technology and Energy Tue 3/7 9:00 AM LOB Room 302-304 This bill establishes the regulation of energy facility siting within the public utilities commission and establishes new procedures to replace the site evaluation committee.
Oppose HB142 relative to the operation of the Burgess Biopower plant. Science, Technology and Energy Tue 3/7 10:30 AM LOB Room 302-304 This bill allows the public utilities commission to amend its orders as necessary to protect the continued operation of the Burgess Biopower plant.
Support HB127 relative to the declaration of a state of emergency. Executive Departments and Administration Wed 3/8 10:30 AM LOB Room 306-308 This bill revises the authority of the governor and general court to declare, renew, or terminate a state of emergency.
Of Interest HB533 Public Hearing on amendment #2023-0705h to HB 533-FN, relative to public school human
rights complaints
Judiciary Wed 3/8 9:00 AM LOB Room 206-208 The amendment gives the commissioner of education the authority to issue subpoenas related to violations of the code of ethics and code of conduct for licensed or certified personnel.

The post Bill Hearings for Week of March 06, 2023 appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

NH House To Consider Resolution Condemning Violence Against Peaceful Separationists

The Liberty Block - Mon, 2023-02-27 23:25 +0000

A House Concurrent Resolution proposed in New Hampshire would express the sentiment that the legislature condemns the use of violence against any group of people who support peaceful separation and self-governance. 

The post NH House To Consider Resolution Condemning Violence Against Peaceful Separationists appeared first on The Liberty Block.

7 Reasons We Should Continue Wearing Masks

The Liberty Block - Mon, 2023-02-27 20:08 +0000

Three years into the worst pandemic in human history, many people are becoming understandably complacent. Despite masks being perfectly effective at preventing the spread of coronavirus, people have been wearing them less than ever before since 2019. If protecting yourself and everyone around you isn’t enough of a reason to put on a mask, here are some more reasons why you should get in the habit of wearing at least a cloth mask. 

The post 7 Reasons We Should Continue Wearing Masks appeared first on The Liberty Block.

Bill Hearings for Week of February 27, 2023

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Sun, 2023-02-26 19:14 +0000
  • These are the most liberty-critical hearings for the week
  • Click on the bill number to read the bill.
  • Click on the committee name to email the committee your thoughts.

Of the 12 hearings in the House, we are recommending support of 2 and opposition of 0 with 1 being of interest.
Of the 0 hearings in the Senate, we are recommending support of 0 and opposition of 0 with 0 being of interest.

Position Bill Title Committee Day Time Room State Analysis
Support HB363 relative to deadlines for candidates filing by nomination papers for state general elections. Election Law Tue 2/28 11:00 AM LOB Room 306-308 This bill changes the deadlines for candidates filing by nomination papers for state general elections.
Of Interest HB387 permitting election ballots to be viewed pursuant to a right to know request. Election Law Tue 2/28 1:30 PM LOB Room 306-308 This bill permits election ballots to be viewed pursuant to a right to know request.
Support HB136 relative to the department of health and human services collaborating and holding a roll call vote on final proposal of rules with the advisory council prior to departmental rulemaking. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Wed 3/1 9:30 AM LOB Room 210-211 This bill requires the department of health and human services seek authorization from the advisory council for the department of health and human services prior to adopting departmental rules.

The post Bill Hearings for Week of February 27, 2023 appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

New Hampshire Woman Publishes Collection of Corona-Fascism Poems

The Liberty Block - Sun, 2023-02-26 07:10 +0000

A local woman has published a book consisting of a few dozen of her written works over the past few years. Throughout the scamdemic, Cheryl Rounds has been spreading joy and hope with her smile, her memes, letters, and poems. For the first time, her work is available on Amazon and in person for readers in New Hampshire. The books will be offered in person for the first time at Liberty Forum, an annual pro-freedom conference held in Manchester on March 4th and 5th.

The post New Hampshire Woman Publishes Collection of Corona-Fascism Poems appeared first on The Liberty Block.

Bad Democrat Bill Seeks to Tie Landlords’ Hands

The Liberty Block - Sun, 2023-02-26 01:02 +0000

Proposed by Cam Kenney [D] and co-sponsored by 11 other Democratic Representatives, House Bill 469 aims to prohibit landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants on the basis that they are a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (low income housing/Section 8). There is a multitude of reasons why this bill is ridiculous, ranging from impracticality to subversion of the free market. 

The post Bad Democrat Bill Seeks to Tie Landlords’ Hands appeared first on The Liberty Block.

Big Damn Heroes party

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Sat, 2023-02-25 21:43 +0000

The New Hampshire Liberty Alliance and Porcupine Outdoor Recreation Club have a notion to show you a good time on the evening of March 2!

The event starts with a tailgate party outside of Chunky’s in Manchester at 5:00pm, followed by a Firefly/Serenity costume contest inside the theater at 6:30pm and a screening of Serenity at 7:00pm.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://porcupineoutdoorrecreationclub.wildapricot.org/event-5110001 and support the Civic Action Fund, so get yours before they’re gone and start preparing now to show us what Big Damn Heroes you are!

在那里!

The crew of Serenity

The post Big Damn Heroes party appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

60 State Reps vote to Send Tough Questions to IRS

Free Keene - Fri, 2023-02-24 20:44 +0000

Despite spending a dozen years in federal prison for helping tax freedom advocates Ed and Elaine Brown in 2006, Jason Gerhard is still taking on the evil IRS. Now a NH state representative, Gerhard filed a House Resolution, HR 16 that -if passed- would officially ask the IRS three tough questions:

  1. Where is the word “income” defined in the Internal Revenue Code?
  2. Where in the Internal Revenue Code is it written that the average American, who does not exercise a federal privilege but simply trades their time for money, is liable to pay the federal income tax?
  3. Why have numerous Internal Revenue Service publications, directors, and members of the United States Congress, among others, stated that the income tax is “voluntary”?

Unfortunately, the state house voted 283-60 – full roll call here – to kill the resolution. Thanks though to the sixty reps who voted for it, including Keene’s Jodi Newell. Here’s the full video from the house floor discussion and vote:

70 NH State Reps Voted to End the ENTIRE War on Drugs!

Free Keene - Thu, 2023-02-23 21:15 +0000

Nearly 20% of those voting on HB581 yesterday in the full New Hampshire house session, voted for ending the insane war on drugs ENTIRELY! The bill came out of nowhere, filed by rep Matt Santonastaso with little fanfare or press attention, despite the epic attack on the War on Drugs it represents. The public hearing came-and-went with little support, or opposition.

Yesterday, at the full house session, the bill came up for a vote and reps Santonastaso and Jonah Wheeler made excellent speeches in favor of ending the failed war on drugs, while Terry Roy who positions himself as a incremental drug reformer used fearmongering language to scare the reps into voting to continue the destruction of our neighbors’ lives. They then voted 286-70 to kill the bill.

Here’s a link to the full roll call showing exactly how all the representatives voted. Kudos to the brave 35 Republicans and 35 Democrats who did the right thing. Sadly many “A+” rated “liberty reps” voted to continue the drug war. What were they thinking? Anyone with a “Yes” vote on the roll call voted to kill the bill, so feel free to reach out to them and ask why. You can watch the full hearing here:

NH Dems Propose Taking Responsibilities Away From Adolescents

The Liberty Block - Thu, 2023-02-23 17:16 +0000

At its core, the debate reflects two divergent ideologies. Authoritarians believe that the government must control everything people do, especially when those people are below 18. Voluntaryists believe that people should run their own lives and that parents and adolescents can jointly determine how to navigate life’s choices.

The post NH Dems Propose Taking Responsibilities Away From Adolescents appeared first on The Liberty Block.

House Gold Standard – February 22, 2023

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Mon, 2023-02-20 23:40 +0000

(white) goldstandard-02-22-23-H.pdf
(gold) goldstandard-02-22-23-H-y.pdf

The post House Gold Standard – February 22, 2023 appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

Senate Gold Standard – February 23, 2023

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Mon, 2023-02-20 23:40 +0000

(white) goldstandard-02-23-23-S.pdf
(gold) goldstandard-02-23-23-S-y.pdf

The post Senate Gold Standard – February 23, 2023 appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

Republican bill would restore due process for arrested persons

The Liberty Block - Mon, 2023-02-20 04:44 +0000

Five Republicans have proposed legislation that would fix a common but little-known issue in the criminal justice system. As we all learned in grade school, we are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law after a fair trial. We are legally innocent until we are convicted unanimously by 12 of our peers. And being innocent means that we cannot be punished in any way by the government.

The post Republican bill would restore due process for arrested persons appeared first on The Liberty Block.

NBC Docu-Series Tells Story of Free State Project and New Hampshire

The Liberty Block - Sun, 2023-02-19 21:21 +0000

The duo also interviewed opponents of the Free State Project. The authoritarian interviewees in the series are likely to make the argument for a larger and stronger government, less personal liberties, higher taxes, more government control over education, more government spending, & more policing and surveillance. 

The post NBC Docu-Series Tells Story of Free State Project and New Hampshire appeared first on The Liberty Block.

Liberty Dinner 2023 early bird tickets on sale now!

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Sun, 2023-02-19 21:06 +0000

The New Hampshire Liberty Alliance cordially invites you to its 2023 Liberty Dinner on Saturday July 22nd, with tickets at last year’s prices for a limited time!

We will unveil this year’s Liberty Rating and award the Legislator of the Year and Activist of the Year. In addition to a buffet dinner and an evening with both old and new friends, there will be a silent auction of various items (liberty-themed and otherwise)—plus a special surprise!

Get your tickets at libertydinner.com!

The post Liberty Dinner 2023 early bird tickets on sale now! appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

New Hampshire’s Free State Project – How Freeing a Single State from “Government” Could Free Us All

The Liberty Block - Sat, 2023-02-18 23:39 +0000

People around the world are organizing various efforts to secure an area with political sovereignty to implement societies free from the control system of “government.” The largest and most exciting is the Free State Project in New Hampshire.

The post New Hampshire’s Free State Project – How Freeing a Single State from “Government” Could Free Us All appeared first on The Liberty Block.

Letters to the Judge -Time is running out!

Free Keene - Tue, 2023-02-14 20:01 +0000

We’re not happy about it, but the jury has spoken. I was found guilty of all eight non-violent, victimless charges I faced at trial in December. Though we are going to appeal all eight counts, I have to be sentenced before the appeal can be filed. The prosecution is asking for upwards of 20 years, however no charge has a minimum sentence, so in theory I could receive time served for the 69 days I’ve already done and then some amount of probation or home confinement in lieu of prison. It’s all up to the judge.

If I have had a positive effect on your life, perhaps you’d consider writing a letter to judge Laplante to explain why you think I should remain out of prison. What kind of benefit have I brought you and the community as a whole? Why does putting me behind bars cause more harm than leaving me out in productive society? These are some of the things you may want to focus on in your letter.

While you likely have strong feelings about the FBI, the prosecution, or the jury in this case, none of that will be relevant to the sentencing hearing, so leave out your opinions on the process, please. While I have my critiques of the prosecutors, I’ve said along the way that I was surprised at how fair Joseph Laplante was, so I’m optimistic. He’s been thoughtful, is capable of changing his mind, and played things fairly evenly during the process.

Please address your letter to “The Honorable Joseph Laplante” or “Judge Laplante”. You may want to talk a little about yourself and what you do for a living and what you have done, especially with regard to any military or government work.

You are welcome to send a draft to me via email at ian at freetalklive.com or if you are confident in what you’ve written, send a signed original via snail mail – include your contact info – to:
Ian Freeman
63 Emerald St. #610
Keene, NH 03431

Please don’t delay as we need these well in advance of the April 14th sentencing date. Thank you.

House Gold Standard – February 14, 2023

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Sun, 2023-02-12 18:22 +0000

(white) goldstandard-02-14-23-H.pdf
(gold) goldstandard-02-14-23-H-y.pdf

The post House Gold Standard – February 14, 2023 appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

Bill Hearings for Week of February 13, 2023

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Sun, 2023-02-12 17:24 +0000
  • These are the most liberty-critical hearings for the week
  • Click on the bill number to read the bill.
  • Click on the committee name to email the committee your thoughts.

Of the 55 hearings in the House, we are recommending support of 8 and opposition of 7 with 3 being of interest.
Of the 42 hearings in the Senate, we are recommending support of 3 and opposition of 3 with 1 being of interest.

Position Bill Title Committee Day Time Room State Analysis
Of Interest HB550 relative to chartered public school dissolution. Education Mon 2/13 9:45 AM LOB Room 205-207 This bill provides for the assets of a chartered public school to be distributed to the nearest public school district following dissolution of the chartered public school. The bill also establishes a committee to study the current charter public school dissolution process.
Of Interest HB371 establishing a commission to evaluate and recommend standards for public schools. Education Mon 2/13 11:30 AM LOB Room 205-207 This bill establishes a commission to evaluate and recommend standards for public schools. The bill also requires the state board of education to initiate rulemaking based on the commission’s recommendations.
Of Interest HB558 relative to electric microgrids and electric grid resiliency. Science, Technology and Energy Mon 2/13 9:00 AM LOB Room 304 This bill establishes the authority for and procedures for adoption of electric microgrids.
Support SB200 relative to optometrists. Commerce Tue 2/14 9:00 AM SH Room 100 This bill removes a variety of prohibitions on the types of care that optometrists may provide to patients.
Oppose SB145 relative to New Hampshire housing champion designation for municipalities and making appropriations therefor. Commerce Tue 2/14 9:30 AM SH Room 100 This bill establishes a New Hampshire housing champion designation program, including a housing production municipal grant program, and a housing infrastructure municipal grant and loan program. The bill also establishes positions within the department of business and economic affairs and makes appropriations for the programs.
Oppose SB202 relative to establishing a homeownership innovations fund in the New Hampshire housing finance authority. Commerce Tue 2/14 9:45 AM SH Room 100 This bill establishes a homeownership innovations fund within the New Hampshire housing finance authority and makes an appropriation thereto.
Oppose SB217 establishing a rural and underserved area educator incentive program for higher education and making an appropriation therefor. Education Tue 2/14 9:00 AM LOB Room 101 This bill establishes the rural and underserved area educator incentive program and makes an appropriation therefor.
Oppose SB218 establishing an early educator professional development grant. Education Tue 2/14 9:15 AM LOB Room 101 This bill establishes in the department of education an early educator professional development grant program to award school districts funds for their local professional development master plans.
Oppose SB219 relative to a salary floor for public school teachers. Education Tue 2/14 9:30 AM LOB Room 101 This bill prohibits public school teachers from receiving salaries below a salary floor if the corresponding school administrative unit or school district employs more than one assistant superintendent or employs one or more diversity professional.
Oppose SB255 relative to the expectation of privacy. Judiciary Tue 2/14 2:30 PM SH Room 100 This bill creates a new chapter detailing a consumer expectation of privacy.
Oppose HB513 relative to affordability and safety of clinician administered drugs. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Wed 2/15 2:00 PM LOB Room 302-304 This bill requires a health plan to utilize the lowest cost method of reimbursement for clinician administered drugs and requires a health maintenance organization to cover clinician-administered drugs if the drug cannot reasonably be self-administered and is typically administered by a health care professional. The bill also prohibits a health maintenance organization from requiring that a pharmacy dispense a medication to a patient with the expectation that the patient will transport it to a health care setting for administration by a health care professional.
Support SB162 relative to exemptions from rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Energy and Natural Resources Wed 2/15 1:45 PM SH Room 103 This bill makes the initial period for an exemption from the rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and animals annual with the recertification of a veterinarian.
Oppose SB212 relative to the regulation of massage, reflexology, structural integrator, and Asian bodywork therapy establishments. Executive Departments and Administration Wed 2/15 9:00 AM SH Room 103 This bill requires massage establishments to be licensed, regulated, and inspected by the office of professional licensure and certification. The bill also adds compensation to members of the advisory board of massage therapists.
Support HB559 establishing a state retirement plan group for new state employee members of the retirement system. Executive Departments and Administration Wed 2/15 2:00 PM LOB Room 306-308 This bill establishes a group III, defined contribution retirement state retirement plan for new state employee members of the retirement system, who begin service on or after July 1, 2024. All new employees of state employers on and after July 1, 2024 will be required to join the group III defined contribution plan as administered by the retirement system, and any other group I employees may join.
Support SB238 relative to the use of telemedicine to treat mental health conditions. Health and Human Services Wed 2/15 10:00 AM LOB Room 101 This bill permits doctors and APRNs to use telemedicine to prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions.
Oppose SB237 relative to the child care scholarship program and making an appropriation therefor. Health and Human Services Wed 2/15 11:00 AM LOB Room 101 This bill modifies the child care scholarship program, establishes a child care workforce program and a regional fingerprinting support program, and makes appropriations for these programs, and for child caregiver supports, early childhood mental health support, and for early childhood education scholarships.
Support HB69 relative to direct payment and membership-based health care facilities. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Wed 2/15 10:00 AM LOB Room 201-203 This bill exempts facilities operating with membership-based or direct payment business models from the special health care licensing requirement that the facility adopt a policy to assure that it provides services to all persons who require the services of the facility regardless of the source of payment.
Oppose HB510 relative to removing the exemption for premium cigars from the tobacco tax. Ways and Means Wed 2/15 1:15 PM LOB Room 202-204 This bill removes the exemption for premium cigars from the tobacco tax.
Support HB553 relative to school district information on personnel salaries. Education Thu 2/16 9:00 AM LOB Room 205-207 This bill requires school boards to publish on each school or the school district website a complete list of all position names and their annual or hourly salary.
Support HB651 authorizing the department of education and local school districts to contract with transportation network companies to provide school transportation services. Education Thu 2/16 11:00 AM LOB Room 205-207 This bill allows the department of education to contract for buses to transport pupils with transportation network companies.
Oppose HB528 relative to school lunches and establishing the meals for students fund. Education Thu 2/16 11:30 AM LOB Room 205-207 This bill requires schools to make free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch available to children who meet federal eligibility guidelines and provides for reimbursement to schools for offering meals at no cost to eligible students. The requirement is repealed in 2025.
Of Interest SB241 relative to graduated public assistance programs. Health and Human Services Thu 2/16 9:00 AM LOB Room 101 This bill directs the department of health and human services, the housing finance authority, New Hampshire employment security, and the department of energy to study the creation, funding, and implementation of graduated public assistance programs to complement existing programs within the state.
Oppose SB234 directing the department of health and human services to develop a public awareness campaign on brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias and making an appropriation therefor. Health and Human Services Thu 2/16 10:00 AM LOB Room 101 This bill directs the department of health and human services to develop a public awareness campaign on brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias and makes an appropriation to the department for this purpose.
Oppose HB617 prohibiting, with limited exceptions, state agencies from requiring use of proprietary software in interactions with the public. Executive Departments and Administration Thu 2/16 1:00 PM LOB Room 306-308 This bill prohibits, with limited exception, state agencies from requiring use of proprietary software in interactions with the public.
Oppose HB359 relative to legal holidays. Executive Departments and Administration Thu 2/16 2:30 PM LOB Room 306-308 This bill clarifies the effect of designating a day a legal holiday and makes the days on which the state primary preceding a biennial election and the quadrennial presidential primary are held legal holidays.
Support HB406 relative to parental access to children’s medical records. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Thu 2/16 9:00 AM LOB Room 201-203 This bill expands parents access to their 13 to 18-year-old children’s medical records without their children providing a release to each medical provider.
Support HB557 relative to the department of health and human services’ rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Thu 2/16 11:15 AM LOB Room 201-203 This bill removes the rulemaking authority of the commissioner of health and human services on immunization requirements beyond those diseases identified in statute.
Support HB408 relative to foster children and vaccinations. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Thu 2/16 1:00 PM LOB Room 201-203 This bill requires that children living in a foster family home but who are not in foster care shall be subject to the same immunization requirements as any other child in the state.
Oppose HB342 relative to lead testing in children. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Thu 2/16 2:00 PM LOB Room 201-203 This bill establishes a blood lead level testing requirement for children entering day care and public schools.
Oppose HB425 repealing the statute relative to medical freedom in immunizations. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Thu 2/16 2:30 PM LOB Room 201-203 This bill repeals the statute pertaining to medical freedom in immunizations.
Support HB652 relative to nonpublic sessions under the right to know law. Judiciary Thu 2/16 3:00 PM SH Room Reps Hall This bill provides that, when a public body goes into nonpublic session to discuss matters likely to adversely affect an individual’s reputation, the person affected shall be given notice of the meeting and an opportunity to attend, be represented by counsel and speak on their own behalf.

The post Bill Hearings for Week of February 13, 2023 appeared first on NH Liberty Alliance.

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