NH GOP’s MAGA Playbook, the Veto Day Edition:

If you can’t win on the issues, cheat the voters and abuse the system. This time, the Republicans in Concord have scheduled Veto Day on short notice, at the end of summer, on a date when most legislators plan vacations because business in Concord is usually on hold.

Our friend, Rep. Lucy Weber (Cheshire 5: Alstead, Chesterfield, Dublin, Fitzwilliam, and Jaffrey), breaks it down for us:

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On August 3, at 3:12 pm, House members were notified for the very first time that our Veto Day will be held on Thursday, August 19. Not only is this very short notice, Veto Day has not been held in August for at least the last 20 years. Legislators are actively encouraged to stay away from the State House during July and August. In fact, in his Speaker’s Message in every single House calendar published since session ended in June the Speaker has included the following words: “In keeping with past practice to minimize travel costs, there will be no legislative activity or mileage reimbursement in July and August, unless special circumstances arise and pre-authorization is granted or if you are a member of a statutory committee that is statutorily required to meet during that period. Standing committees may take up interim study work in September/October.”

The combination of short notice and an unusual choice of August legislative activity means that legislators who necessarily balance our legislative work with all our other obligations–family, work, community, not to mention the upcoming elections, or the possibility of a snatched vacation–are going to have to make difficult choices. Vetoes are sustained or overridden by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting, NOT 2/3 of the current members of the House, so attendance matters.

“This scheduling also means that anyone with a position on any of the 30 bills vetoed by the Governor will have to get their skates on. Some of the vetoes we hope to sustain, such as the bills permitting individuals to be classified by biological sex (the so-called “bathroom bills”) and some we want to override (the astonishing veto of the state 10 year transportation plan, which was thoroughly criticized by Democrats and Republicans alike.) But there is a very short window to contact your legislators on many important issues, should you wish to do so. So much for summer break.”

What Can You Do?

• Call or email your Democratic State Senator (here) and Democratic State Representative(s) (here) – find their name by selecting “town/city” and then click on “roster” on left to get contact info. Ask them if they are able to attend Veto Day, citing one or more issues of special concern to you. If yes, thank them, and in any case, express sympathy for the burden this underhanded Republican move is placing on them.