School voucher programs, such as New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts, ignite a contentious debate about public education’s purpose. Advocates argue for parental choice and competition, while critics highlight financial strains on public schools, growing inequality, and accountability issues. The underlying question remains: is education a private opportunity or a shared public good?
New Hampshire’s political processes operate largely out of public view, with decisions made through legislative committees, leadership meetings, and budget provisions that avoid scrutiny. Despite a strong Right-to-Know Law, access to information remains challenging. This environment fosters an “invisible” governance, affecting accountability and citizens’ understanding of their government.
New Hampshire’s 2024 legislation addresses artificial intelligence usage, establishing laws against fraudulent deepfakes, requiring disclosures for deceptive AI in political ads, and mandating transparency for state agencies’ AI use. These measures enhance protections against AI deception, emphasizing accountability and human oversight, while setting a precedent for future regulations.
New Hampshire’s lack of income and sales tax comes at a cost, reflected in high property taxes and unstable business tax revenues. A flat-rate income tax with substantial exemptions could alleviate property tax burdens, ensure adequate school funding, and stabilize state finances, while maintaining legal compliance and progressivity through credits.
New Hampshire faces a severe housing shortage, requiring about 23,670 units immediately and nearly 90,000 by 2040. A proposed State Housing Development Bank aims to provide low-cost financing for affordable housing projects, addressing capital gaps that hinder construction. This approach seeks to leverage successful models from neighboring states for effective solutions.
New Hampshire faces a severe homelessness crisis, with a 52% increase in the homeless population from 2022 to 2023. The current system’s “treatment first” approach creates barriers to housing access. Implementing a statewide Housing First policy is proposed to provide immediate, stable housing, improve outcomes, and reduce public costs by avoiding the cycle of homelessness.
This report proposes a baby-bonds/children’s savings account program for New Hampshire to address wealth inequality and provide every child with a financial head-start. It outlines objectives, program design, funding strategies, and potential impacts on children’s education and asset-building, aiming to stimulate economic growth and equity.
The policy playbook outlines a strategy for New Hampshire to adapt to a changing work landscape due to AI and automation. It proposes educational reforms, skills credits, and job creation initiatives aimed at fostering resilience, equity, and diverse employment options while ensuring that residents can thrive in the evolving economy.
New Hampshire’s workforce is largely unorganized, with only 9.2% union membership. Many workers, particularly in low-wage sectors like home care and retail, face stagnant wages, safety risks, and legal challenges. The lack of collective bargaining leaves them vulnerable to wage theft and misclassification, highlighting significant systemic issues affecting their livelihoods.
By Granite State Report New Hampshire’s 2025 session reshaped core parts of daily life: where and how we can build housing; how courts handle bail; how elections are run; how the state funds public schools; and how the state approaches addiction, fentanyl, and harm reduction. This report tracks the marquee…
The New Hampshire House of Representatives welcomes a generational shift with several notable freshmen, including 19-year-old James Thibault and Adam Presa, who are among the youngest state legislators. Their presence represents changing politics and youth engagement. Jodi Newell emphasizes impactful legislation in substance use and community issues, suggesting fresh voices can lead change.
New Hampshire faces a housing crisis that threatens its workforce and community stability. A proposal emphasizes the urgent need for increased housing supply, affordability, and expedited construction processes. Key strategies include creating a Housing Strike Team, implementing a Housing Infrastructure Fund, and streamlining permitting to create diverse housing options while maintaining local character.
By Granite State Report The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant sci-fi scenario: it’s here, and even in our beloved Granite State, the shifts are real, rapid, and rife with opportunity and complexity. In this deep dive, I chart where New Hampshire stands today in the AI…
Formerly incarcerated individuals encounter numerous barriers upon reentry into society, including obstacles related to employment, housing, and social stigma. The process is complex and multifaceted, often influenced by legal constraints and personal trauma. Successful reintegration requires supportive programs and community involvement to bridge the gap between hope and reality.
A Lost Generation: Why We Have No Economic Future There’s a quiet despair running through America’s young adults, and it isn’t melodrama—it’s math. The so-called “economic future” has been sold off, collateralized, and hollowed out, leaving behind a generation destined to work harder for less. Stagnant Wages, Exploding Costs For…
Union membership in the U.S. is declining, with only 10% of workers participating. Young workers face significant obstacles in unionization, leaving many, including domestic and gig workers, unprotected. The report highlights barriers to organizing and explores alternative protections, such as municipal wage standards and just-cause laws, for non-unionized workers.
The Granite State Futures report outlines key policy innovations for New Hampshire from 2025 to 2035, targeting critical issues like housing shortages, childcare affordability, energy costs, and public health. Recommendations include legalizing accessory dwelling units, reforming childcare subsidies, modernizing energy grids, improving broadband access, and enhancing harm reduction strategies amid rising opioid challenges.