February 28, 2021 - Bow, NH
NH House Session Over two days this week, the NH House met in session for the first time since early January. The first day, in particular, was ugly, ill-tempered, and ultimately chaotic, one of the worst days in the NH House in recent memory. Keep in mind that the day began with over thirty Democratic members unable to attend due to health concerns related to the COVID pandemic. Republican leadership continues to refuse to even consider any means of remote access to accommodate these representatives, even voting down a rules change to allow for remote access (Republicans have rejected rules permitting remote access at least twice already, then claim the lack of a rule permitting remote access prevents implementation of a remote accommodation). At the same time, however, Speaker Packard (R-Londonderry) continues to bend over backwards to accommodate the 60 or 70 Republicans who refuse to wear masks or take even the slightest precautions in the midst of this pandemic. These “unmasked” Republican members sat on one side of the Bedford Sportsplex, but while they were urged to wear masks when leaving their area, they were not required to do so. Their lack of collegiality, civility, and respect for the welfare of others set the tone for the Republican majority’s behavior the entire day.
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