I sponsored and co-sponsored a total of nine bills this session. Two of them were passed by both chambers onto the Governors desk. HB188, prime sponsored by Representative David Popovici-Mueller, is legislation which very simply repeals a statutory regulation on physical therapists in the state. The regulation said that a physical therapist must refer their patient to another specialist if after 25 days of treatment there is ‘no documented improvement’. This kept physical therapists from being able to fully treat their patients and was a simple fix that passed both bodies, and their respective committees unanimously. It awaits the signature of Governor Sununu. 

The other bill which I cosponsored was HB287. Prime sponsored by my colleague on the Criminal Justice and Public safety committee, Jodi Newell, this legislation removed fentanyl and xylazine test strips from the definition of drug paraphernalia. Representative Newell has a deeply personal connection to the opioid crisis, and the way the criminal justice system has been failing those under the spell of addiction. It is not one that I will relay here but she has spoken to it very powerfully in the committee, and she is another prime example of how you can kick-butt in the legislature. Even if you’re a full time, working single Mother. She brought this legislation before the committee and worked as hard as she could to garner a unanimous vote from the House committee, and the full House. Doing it again in the Senate with another unanimous Senate committee vote, and on the Senate floor. It proved that with hard work, respect, and the spirit of someone who knows the reality of the issue first hand; you can get good things done no matter the composition of the bodies. 

The House and Senate are both adjourned for the summer recess of July and August. No bills will be processed by the standing committees nor floor sessions of either chamber. There are study and statutory committees which do work over the summer months. I was assigned to serve on a study committee on the adult parole system, which was created by legislation proposed by Senator Becky Whitley and passed by both chambers, going into effect over the summer. Charged with writing a report by November. Our first meeting was on the 26th of this month.

It has been an honor serving in the legislature these last six months. The good, bad, and ugly was all an eye-opening experience like none other. None of the work we were able to accomplish, or damage we were able to prevent, came from someone doing it alone. It was the ideologically, economically, and personally diverse caucus of Representatives from Chesterfield to Rye. Peterborough to Berlin. Members from all across the State who ran for office to serve the State they call home. To represent the voice of those feeling the brunt of our rising property taxes, our failing education system needing support, the environmental effects of industry gone awry, and so much more. I ran for office under the vision of a legislature which supported its citizens over the business interests who have the money to glad-hand. 

While we haven’t achieved that vision in it’s entirety, I am more confident than ever that we can get it done. Stay involved, stay engaged, and don’t give up. It will get better. 

When I almost lost my seat on the Criminal Justice committee back in March there were many people behind the scenes both advocating that I stay, and that I go. One of the people who was staunchest for my removal was my superior at my job for Rights and Democracy. He was unsuccessful in removing me from committee as I wrote about back in March, but as a contracted employee he had no problem ending my contract at the end of it’s first cycle. When one is fired or has their contract left on the table, it is the cliche to say that it wasn’t actually supposed to happen. So I will not, I believe the facts speak for themselves. 

The work I did for Rights and Democracy, both on staff in the last year, on the board prior to that, and as a volunteer for years; is work that I am incredibly proud of. The support from all my team members and colleagues in my surprise exit from the organization has left me content with all that has occurred. 

This summer, I’ll be getting by with a mix of my savings and doing some odd jobs as I find them. I have applied for some other roles and we will see how that shakes out. Every working person knows those times where all that’s available is the hop between different gigs. It’s become so common place that economists have dubbed this economy the ‘gig economy’. Where people are transiently moving between gigs, rather than finding solid careers that provide stability. This isn’t because they want to be doing this, or have a lack of qualifications, this is because it is how the economy is structured. 

Enjoy your summer as much as you can. I shouldn't be broadcasting this but there is nothing like a New England summer. We are so blessed to live where we do. Don’t forget to appreciate it.