Right-to-work bill killed by Republican-controlled New Hampshire House
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The legislation, which would have outlawed collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union, was backed by Americans for Prosperity, a deep-pocketed conservative political advocacy group with ties to the billionaire Koch brothers.
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In response to Thursday's vote, Greg Moore, the regional director for AFP in New Hampshire, released a statement saying the group will deploy its resources and activists to '
This isn't the first time such legislation has met its demise in the New Hampshire House, but proponents were more optimistic about their chances this year after Republicans strengthened their trifecta last fall, with larger legislative majorities.
But 25 Republicans joined a unified Democratic bloc in the House to reject HB 238 with a 200-180 vote — and it seems some of them did so at least partly because they support President Trump and his agenda.
Republican Representative Stephen Pearson of Derry told colleagues the AFP is '
'It is a failed concept of a bygone era pushed by an organization whose influence and relevance is rapidly disappearing,' Pearson said. 'It is time for New Hampshire to look forward, solve actual problems the voters care about, and end this pointless attack on working families.'
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Had this bill passed, it would have been warmly received by Republican Governor Kelly A. Ayotte, who favors right-to-work legislation. Regardless of this bill's fate, Ayotte told The Boston Globe in an interview Thursday she believes the state is well-positioned for business.
'I'm still very bullish for New Hampshire's opportunity for employment here,' she said.
This story first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you'd like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday,
Steven Porter can be reached at
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