AGP Executive Report

Statehouse Watch: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 608, expanding NH Child Care Scholarship access so retired grandparents/kinship caregivers can use the program without the usual work requirement, while still meeting income eligibility. Local Government & Land Use: Nottingham’s planning board is set for a special meeting after a proposed data center sparked a backlash and a petition that reportedly topped 25,000 signatures; the developer withdrew the application just before the last meeting. Elections & Public Opinion: A new Granite State Poll finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters expect AI to have a negative impact overall, even as some use it more at home and work. Courts & Regulation: Gordon-Darby Holdings is pressing a lawsuit tied to New Hampshire’s vehicle emissions testing contract, arguing the state must keep the program under the Clean Air Act—an argument the company’s case has struggled to support. Nonprofit Governance: InDepthNH.org is recruiting for key roles, including a deputy managing editor and a development director, as it grows its nonprofit watchdog operation. Community & Services: C&J Bus Lines is adding late-night departures between Seacoast NH and Boston starting June 25, plus a 24-hour Portsmouth parking shuttle.

Childcare policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 608, letting retired grandparents access the NH Child Care Scholarship Program by removing the work requirement for kinship caregivers at federal retirement age, while keeping income eligibility rules. Statehouse wrap-up: The NH House finished its last full voting session by moving key compromise bills from the Senate, signaling the endgame of the 2026 legislative push. AI politics: A new Granite State Poll finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters expect AI to hurt the U.S. economy overall, even as use continues. Local governance & planning: Nottingham’s planning board is holding a special meeting after backlash to a proposed data center, with residents citing water quality, electricity costs, and noise. Courts & environment: Gordon-Darby Holdings is pressing a lawsuit over New Hampshire’s emissions testing contract, arguing federal Clean Air Act obligations require the state to maintain the program. Transportation: C&J Bus Lines expands late-night service between Seacoast NH and Boston starting June 25, adding more frequent departures and a 24-hour Portsmouth parking shuttle. Veterans history: Rediscovered D-Day letters from a Wolfeboro soldier detail his final days in Cornwall before Normandy. Energy costs: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest premium prices in multiple counties, including Cheshire at $4.99 and Grafton at $4.69 for the week ending May 30.

U.S. Senate politics (NH): Democrat Karishma Manzur filed to run for New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate seat, framing her bid as an anti-corruption alternative and attacking opponents over immigration and due process. Statehouse (NH): A House-Senate deal would require every NH city and town to consider property-tax caps tied to school and district administrative costs, a move that could reshape local budgeting. Elections & voting rights (NH): An editorial argues NH’s anti-voting law was a solution in search of a problem after a federal judge blocked parts of the state’s documentary proof of citizenship approach. Public safety (NH): The Justice Department indicted five men in a fentanyl and meth trafficking operation allegedly targeting Manchester and Seabrook. Courts (NH): Jury selection is set for January in the Anthony Summers triple motorcycle homicide case, with multiple felony charges including negligent homicide and drunk-driving enhancements. Federal pocketbook (NH): A new report warns Social Security could be cut by about $500 per month by 2032, with New Hampshire among the states projected to see larger reductions.

Social Security Crunch: A new analysis warns the retirement trust fund could run out by 2032, triggering automatic benefit cuts averaging about $500 a month, with Alabama projected to be hit hardest. U.S. Senate Watch (NH): Former Sen. Scott Brown filed to run for the U.S. Senate again in New Hampshire, arguing polls don’t match what he’s seeing on the ground as he takes on John Sununu. Statehouse Education & Taxes: Lawmakers reached agreement on a plan requiring every NH city and town to consider capping local property taxes tied to school and district admin costs; separately, open enrollment remains in play after negotiators advanced a version that Gov. Kelly Ayotte says she won’t sign as-is. Gubernatorial Race: Gov. Ayotte filed for reelection and attacked challenger Cinde Warmington as an “opioid lobbyist” tied to Purdue Pharma, while Warmington says Ayotte’s approval ratings are historically low. Local Housing: Lawrence city commissioners will consider selling a downtown parking lot for an affordable senior housing project. Voting Rights: An editorial argues NH’s struck-down voting law was a solution looking for a problem. Community & STEM: Unitil awarded six New England STEM scholarships, and NHPR’s By Degrees Climate Summit highlighted PFAS and community resilience.

Gubernatorial Race Kicks Off: Gov. Kelly Ayotte filed for re-election, warning New Hampshire could “become Massachusetts,” while Democrat Cinde Warmington filed her challenge and hit Ayotte on property taxes, electricity prices, housing, and data centers. State Budget & Taxes: The Legislature passed a deal lifting the Business Enterprise Tax filing threshold to $400,000 and boosting Medicaid provider rates for nursing homes, while a separate school open enrollment push died in the Senate. Local Control on Guns: Lawmakers killed HB 609 after AG John Formella warned it could create unintended consequences and public-safety risks. Healthcare Oversight: At the Governor and Council, Ayotte and Exec. Councilor Joe Kenney pressed for continued oversight of North Country Healthcare and the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Working Forest sale. Immigration & World Cup: New England immigrant groups issued a travel advisory warning of possible entry denials, detention, and rights violations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tech & Public Opinion: A UNH poll found most Granite Staters view AI negatively long-term and oppose new AI data center construction. Campaign Trail: Rahm Emanuel visited New Hampshire, saying he’s “thinking about” a 2028 run, and NH’s 2nd District GOP hopeful Lily Tang Williams filed for Congress.

NH Tax Policy: The NH House and Senate agreed on a bill that would require every city and town to put property-tax caps for school and district administrative spending up for voter consideration, with caps tied to inflation in November and 2028—critics warn it could squeeze school budgets. Local Land-Use: Nottingham residents packed a planning board meeting to oppose data centers; after backlash, the board is moving toward a 12-month moratorium while drafting zoning changes. Public Health: State and local guidance highlights tick prevention and yard maintenance as Lyme risk rises this season. Cybersecurity: Eversource says phishing/social engineering exposed personal data for 3,049 customers across CT, MA, and NH, though service wasn’t affected. Courts & Rights: A federal judge’s earlier strike of NH’s proof-of-citizenship voting law remains a major election-law development. Community & Housing: Rochester approved $400,000 to help close a funding gap for an 80-unit affordable housing project by Catholic Charities. Crime: Maine announced an arrest in the 1993 murder of a Kittery woman; the suspect is from Portsmouth, NH. National Politics: Social Security faces potential across-the-board benefit cuts averaging about $500 a month by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act.

U.S. Senate filing & NH politics: Scott Brown officially filed for the U.S. Senate race, calling himself a “scrapper” and positioning as the “independent” alternative to John Sununu’s Trump-aligned backing. Congressional races: In NH-01, three Republicans filed on the first day—Melissa Bailey, Brian Cole, and Anthony DiLorenzo—each pitching affordability, energy/jobs, and border security while largely avoiding direct Trump-labeling. State government & guns: NH Attorney General John Formella urged lawmakers to reject HB 609, warning it raises legal and constitutional problems and could harm public safety and gun-owner rights. Education policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte said the final open enrollment compromise needs more work and is not ready for passage, citing concerns about funding and student placement. Federal policy impact: A new fiscal analysis warns Social Security could trigger an automatic 24% benefit cut if trust funds run out by 2032, with New Hampshire retirees facing about a $553 monthly hit. Military & local: A large NH National Guard training exercise will take over former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone for six days starting Sunday. Healthcare transparency: CMS data showed Saint Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center earned a top five-star rating in Strafford County Q1 2026, while Hillsboro House Nursing Home ownership and fines were detailed for Q1 2026.

Gun Policy Fight: NH Attorney General John Formella urged lawmakers to reject House Bill 609, warning it raises “dire” public-safety and constitutional concerns by limiting what towns and agencies can do on guns and other weapons. Social Security Shockwave: A new analysis says Social Security could trigger an automatic 24% benefit cut in 2032, averaging about $500 less per month for retirees, with New Hampshire among the hardest-hit states. State House Wrap-Up: After a late spring conference sprint, negotiators cleared dozens of bills for final votes, including a deal that would raise the threshold for New Hampshire’s business enterprise tax and a measure that would increase out-of-state park fees starting July 2027. Election Integrity Online: A fake Trump endorsement circulating in New Hampshire is a reminder to verify political posts before sharing. Local Government & Environment: NH Fish and Game canceled June 3 and June 10 public hearings tied to Fis 400 rulemaking and fee adjustments, saying it will pause those topics and return later. Immigration Pressure on NH Higher Ed: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen pressed DHS over delays that could jeopardize up to 2,000 international graduate students at New England College tied to a new doctoral program.

College Sports Regulation: A bipartisan Senate bill aims to rein in the messy, post-NIL and post-2025 court changes to college athlete revenue-sharing, but experts doubt Congress can pass a full overhaul before year’s end. Iran Sanctions: Sen. Rubio told lawmakers Trump’s team isn’t offering Iran sanctions relief for reopening the Strait of Hormuz; any relief would be tied to Iran giving up its nuclear program. NH Federal Immigration Pressure: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen warned that a New Hampshire university could lose up to 2,000 international graduate students if DHS doesn’t approve a new doctoral program by July 1. Tick-Borne Health Push: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced new federal funding and research targeting Lyme disease and alpha-gal, with New Hampshire highlighted for high tick-borne rates. Local Government (NH): Portsmouth must pay $150,000 in back pay to fired officer Aaron Goodwin after the state Supreme Court found the city lacked proper supervision. Property Taxes: Lawmakers are advancing a compromise that would let voters cap school property-tax increases on local ballots in 2026 and 2028. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show Jaffrey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center earned a 1-star rating in Q1 2026, while Colonial Poplin Nursing Home in Fremont scored 5 stars.

Federal Courts & Voting Access: A federal judge struck down parts of New Hampshire’s “proof of citizenship” voting registration law, restoring an affidavit option under penalty of perjury and blocking the state’s documentary-only approach. Immigration Enforcement: DHS/ICE arrested a Vietnamese man in Manchester with prior convictions, underscoring continued federal enforcement activity in New Hampshire. Public Health—Lyme & PFAS: HHS rolled out a major Lyme disease and tick-borne illness push during a New Hampshire visit, while separate reporting highlights PFAS exposure concerns and new state settlement money tied to PFAS contamination. State Politics & Policy: The state’s new disposal surcharge generated $1.2M in Q1, with reimbursements for municipalities and future grant funding tied to organics reduction and recycling. Gun Policy Debate: A GOP push for “constitutional carry” drew fresh attention after a New Hampshire House Republican argued the Constitution should serve as the permit. Elections & Campaigns: Filing period is set to open for New Hampshire’s late-cycle primaries, with U.S. Senate and the First District among the races to watch. Local Governance: Portsmouth letters debate the city’s housing direction and affordability as growth accelerates. Crime & Courts: A former Tyngsborough day care employee was sentenced to 22 years in a child exploitation case tied to a former New Hampshire lawmaker.

Voter Access Fight: A federal judge struck down New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voting registration rules, ruling the state can’t require documentary proof and can’t eliminate sworn affidavits as a fallback—an issue Democrats are now defending while Republicans warn it could let people vote without verification. Youth Detention Oversight: After allegations of abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center, DHHS is pushing back hard on the claims, while lawmakers and advocates argue the state still hasn’t fixed the underlying problems. Campaign Fallout: Maine Gov. Janet Mills says she’s still on the ballot for the U.S. Senate primary despite suspending her campaign, as Democrats grapple with the widening Graham Platner sexting scandal. Local Politics & Community: Manchester Pride organizers raised a flag at City Hall to kick off Pride Month, with the parade and events set for late June. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The state’s gated Connecticut River bridges between Hinsdale and Brattleboro will stay closed to walkers and bikers for years, delaying a promised safe corridor. Environment: NH lakes and ponds are back on cyanobacteria alert as blooms are reported on multiple water bodies, with officials urging residents to check the state’s Healthy Swimming map.

Voter Access & Court Rulings: A federal judge struck down New Hampshire’s 2024 proof-of-citizenship voting law, and the state says it will bring back the “qualified voter affidavit” option for registration while still requiring ID for ballots. Election Administration: With the Sept. 8 primary approaching, NH voters have until June 2 to change party affiliation; after that, Democrats and Republicans are locked into their respective primaries, while undeclared voters can still choose. Public Safety & Traffic Law: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a distracted-driving bill that raises fines and adds license suspensions for repeat hand-held electronic device violations, with tougher penalties if a crash is involved, starting Jan. 1, 2027. Local Land Use: Hancock residents are alarmed by a proposed 150-foot communications tower near the village center, raising concerns about impacts on homes and views. Civic Trust: A new survey finds voter confidence in elections has dropped sharply, feeding the broader debate over election rules and transparency. National Politics With NH Stakes: Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner denies reporting that he sent sexually explicit texts to other women while married, as the scandal swirls around his campaign.

Federal Courts & Voting Rights: A federal judge struck down key parts of New Hampshire’s 2024 “proof-of-citizenship” voter registration law, with Secretary of State David Scanlan calling it a blow to voter confidence even as the state reviews next steps. Statehouse Watch: NH lawmakers reached a committee-of-conference deal on a local property tax cap ballot question, including limits on school district tax increases and SAU administrative spending, setting up final votes before Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Public Health & Lyme: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Concord to promote a new federal Lyme/tick-borne illness push, including better diagnostics and prevention efforts—while a local op-ed criticized the approach to tick reservoirs. Maine Senate Fallout: Democrats’ bid to unseat Sen. Susan Collins is roiled by fresh scrutiny of Maine nominee Graham Platner, including reports of sexting and a wife’s public defense, prompting comments from Sen. Cory Booker. Local Safety: Police shot and injured a man in Milton, closing nearby schools as the AG investigates. Community & Civic Life: Secretary Scanlan recognized Girl Scouts across the state for civic engagement work. Other: NASA confirmed a meteor caused the loud “double boom” heard across New England, including southern NH.

Statehouse & Elections: New Hampshire lawmakers reached a committee-of-conference deal on a property tax cap that would let voters decide in 2026 and 2028, tying the cap to the prior year plus inflation and excluding bonded capital projects, with an added question on limiting SAU administrative office budgets to 6%—both requiring a three-fifths vote. Public Safety: Police shot and injured a man in Milton, prompting Milton Elementary and Nute Middle High to close Thursday while the AG’s office investigates. Federal Health: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a multimillion-dollar Lyme and tick-borne illness initiative in Concord, including a pilot program, expanded Alpha-gal work, innovation prizes, and help finding experienced clinicians. Local Land Use: A Nottingham data center proposal drew a fast backlash—after petitions and protests, the applicant withdrew the application “without prejudice,” signaling it could return. Politics Beyond NH: A federal judge froze Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund as Jan. 6 rioters and allies line up to seek payouts, even as legal challenges and backlash mount. Community & Civic Life: Secretary of State David Scanlan recognized Girl Scouts across the state for civics projects under the “50 Students 50 Stars” program. Science & Weather: NASA confirmed a meteor over Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire broke up around 40 miles up, with energy estimated at about 300 tons of TNT and loud booms reported across the region.

Federal Voting Rights: A federal judge struck down New Hampshire’s “proof-of-citizenship” voter registration rules, saying the state must make it easier to prove citizenship—setting up a fresh fight over how NH handles affidavits and registration. Lyme & Public Health: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced new federal initiatives in New Hampshire to cut Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, including a tick-control pilot and efforts to connect patients to specialized care. State Elections & Party Access: With NH’s Sept. 8 primary approaching, voters have until June 2 to change party affiliation for the September primary. Local Government & Economy: Laconia moved forward with a social district pilot, aiming to boost downtown business by letting patrons carry drinks outdoors. Data Centers: A Nottingham proposal sparked backlash and was withdrawn “without prejudice,” highlighting how local opposition can derail NH development plans. Public Safety: Derry police are investigating two unattended deaths found inside a home, with identities withheld pending autopsies. Politics on Social Media: State Rep. James Spillane posted rapid-fire tweets reacting to outside links, a power outage, and ongoing questions about committee process and data privacy.

Voter Access Fight: A federal judge struck down New Hampshire’s 2024 “proof of citizenship” voting law (HB 1569), saying it unconstitutionally removed the affidavit option and created an unjustifiable burden on eligible voters—an immediate win that could shape the September primary and fall elections. Supreme Court Pressure: The Trump administration is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a move voting-rights groups warn could disenfranchise Americans. Local School Safety: Manchester school officials are moving ahead with a grant-funded plan to add new security cameras at city schools, aiming to boost monitoring of high-traffic exterior areas. Gun Policy Push: House and Senate Republicans reached a deal on a bill further limiting how towns and agencies restrict guns and other weapons. Open Enrollment Compromise: After a broader open enrollment bill stalled, negotiators agreed on a narrower measure requiring districts to allow at least 10% of students to attend existing open enrollment schools. Lyme Disease Push: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Concord to announce new federal Lyme initiatives, including up to $2 million in research and awareness funding and a goal to cut cases by 25% by 2035. Economy & Housing: Laconia advanced a “social district” plan that could boost downtown business activity during the summer season. Childcare Relief: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 608, expanding childcare scholarship access for retired kinship caregivers.