Latest news with #Sununu
Boston Globe
a day ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
N.H. tourism office deletes post, webpage of Pride-related events after Republican complaint
Advertisement Maidment tagged Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up 'It's the low level bureaucrats that are drowning us,' he Update - it's been deleted. — Chris Maidment (@ChrisMaidmentNH) Along with the social media post, the VisitNH Advertisement Caswell and a division spokesperson did not directly answer questions from the Globe about who decided to delete the Pride-related content, why they made that decision, and what policies govern their editorial decision-making regarding which events to feature. 'We regularly promote events throughout New Hampshire, and the webpage you mentioned is active,' division spokesperson Kris Neilsen said in an email Sunday, after the webpage was restored. It's not entirely clear why the complaint yielded such a prompt response, since VisitNH had made similar social media posts for Pride events in Caswell was first appointed in 2017 by Republican Governor Christopher T. Sununu. He was reappointed by Sununu in 2021 to a second four-year term. That term will expire Some other Sununu appointees have already been shown the exit on Ayotte's watch. The governor announced that Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut The deletion of this Pride-themed content also comes at a crucial stage in the budget process, as state lawmakers finalize their spending plan for the next two fiscal years. Although the House and Senate have Advertisement That ideological lens has been applied to individual line items. In advocating deep cuts in funding to the University System of New Hampshire, some have argued the reductions are appropriate to curb left-leaning ' At least one lawmaker drew a direct connection between the budgeting process and the Pride-themed post from VisitNH. 'This is why we tried to strip away their funding,' Republican Representative James Spillane of Deerfield wrote Spillane called on Ayotte to 'get the department under control' or face legislative intervention. The New Hampshire House and Senate are likely to form a committee of conference this week to reconcile the differences between their versions of the budget, with a June 26 deadline to act on the committee's compromise. Steven Porter can be reached at
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ex-GOP Governor Makes Bold Accusation Against AOC, Ilhan Omar Over Gaza
Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu boldly argued Monday during a panel discussion on CNN's 'NewsNight' that Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) are 'antisemitic' for joining college protests against Israel's war in Gaza. The Republican lobbed the accusation after fellow political commentator Maria Cardona argued President Donald Trump is to blame for the recent antisemitic attacks across the U.S., as a result of his support for white supremacist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. 'That is absolutely nuts. You guys are barely scratching the surface here,' Sununu replied on Monday. 'This isn't just about; we need more Democrats to condemn what's happening,' he continued. 'How about let's get Democrats not joining in on it? How about AOC and Representative Omar don't join those college campuses?' Ocasio-Cortez and Omar have criticized Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza to varying degrees: both have called it a 'genocide,' while Omar physically joined Columbia University's demonstration last year and saw her own daughter arrested for participating. Sununu argued that the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. 'starts on the college campuses' and 'empowers people to go beyond' words. The panel had been discussing Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, where a man yelling 'Free Palestine' injured eight people. 'I want to be a little bit more specific about what we're talking about here,' said host Abby Phillip. 'I definitely think, to the congressman's point, there are specific things that are being said on these campuses that are antisemitic,' she added. 'But the idea that AOC and … Omar are engaging in those activities, I'm not sure that there's a lot of evidence of that.' Sununu said, 'They showed up on those campuses. They spoke at the campuses!' Phillip replied, 'But here's what I'm saying — do you understand what I'm saying? If they show up on college campuses to protest the situation in Gaza, is that, are you saying, automatically the same thing as uttering antisemitic words and using antisemitic language?' To which Sununu had a very plain response. 'Yes, they're antisemitic,' he said. 'Make no mistake about it, this is all based on antisemitism.' Phillip: But the idea that AOC and Rep. Omar are engaging in those They showed up on those campuses Phillip: If they show up on college campuses to protest, you know, what the situation in gaza is that are you saying automatically the same thing as uttering… — Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2025 When asked what specific evidence he might have that the congresswomen are antisemitic, beyond merely attending demonstrations or criticizing the Israeli government's relentless bombardment of Gaza, Sununu baselessly replied: 'Supporting terrorists?' The former lawmaker's argument has since been shredded on social media, as neither Omar nor Ocasio-Cortez has ever endorsed terrorists. Both have criticized Israel's military campaign, but also publicly denounced Hamas, as well as Sunday's attack in Boulder. Phillip said regarding Omar and Ocasio-Cortez, 'There's a difference between protesting and saying and doing antisemitic things.' State Department Memo Found No Evidence Tying Tufts Student To Antisemitism Or Terrorism: Report The GOP Says It's Fighting Antisemitism In Colleges. Some Students Call BS. In Political Switchup, Biden State Dept. Spokesman Says Israel's Committing War Crimes
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ex-GOP Governor Makes Bold Accusation Against AOC, Ilhan Omar Over Gaza
Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu boldly argued Monday during a panel discussion on CNN's 'NewsNight' that Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) are 'antisemitic' for joining college protests against Israel's war in Gaza. The Republican lobbed the accusation after fellow political commentator Maria Cardona argued President Donald Trump is to blame for the recent antisemitic attacks across the U.S., as a result of his support for white supremacist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. 'That is absolutely nuts. You guys are barely scratching the surface here,' Sununu replied on Monday. 'This isn't just about; we need more Democrats to condemn what's happening,' he continued. 'How about let's get Democrats not joining in on it? How about AOC and Representative Omar don't join those college campuses?' Ocasio-Cortez and Omar have criticized Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza to varying degrees: both have called it a 'genocide,' while Omar physically joined Columbia University's demonstration last year and saw her own daughter arrested for participating. Sununu argued that the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. 'starts on the college campuses' and 'empowers people to go beyond' words. The panel had been discussing Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, where a man yelling 'Free Palestine' injured eight people. 'I want to be a little bit more specific about what we're talking about here,' said host Abby Phillip. 'I definitely think, to the congressman's point, there are specific things that are being said on these campuses that are antisemitic,' she added. 'But the idea that AOC and … Omar are engaging in those activities, I'm not sure that there's a lot of evidence of that.' Sununu said, 'They showed up on those campuses. They spoke at the campuses!' Phillip replied, 'But here's what I'm saying — do you understand what I'm saying? If they show up on college campuses to protest the situation in Gaza, is that, are you saying, automatically the same thing as uttering antisemitic words and using antisemitic language?' To which Sununu had a very plain response. 'Yes, they're antisemitic,' he said. 'Make no mistake about it, this is all based on antisemitism.' Phillip: But the idea that AOC and Rep. Omar are engaging in those They showed up on those campuses Phillip: If they show up on college campuses to protest, you know, what the situation in gaza is that are you saying automatically the same thing as uttering… — Acyn (@Acyn) June 3, 2025 When asked what specific evidence he might have that the congresswomen are antisemitic, beyond merely attending demonstrations or criticizing the Israeli government's relentless bombardment of Gaza, Sununu baselessly replied: 'Supporting terrorists?' The former lawmaker's argument has since been shredded on social media, as neither Omar nor Ocasio-Cortez has ever endorsed terrorists. Both have criticized Israel's military campaign, but also publicly denounced Hamas, as well as Sunday's attack in Boulder. Phillip said regarding Omar and Ocasio-Cortez, 'There's a difference between protesting and saying and doing antisemitic things.' State Department Memo Found No Evidence Tying Tufts Student To Antisemitism Or Terrorism: Report The GOP Says It's Fighting Antisemitism In Colleges. Some Students Call BS. In Political Switchup, Biden State Dept. Spokesman Says Israel's Committing War Crimes
The Hill
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Sununu says Trump administration has ‘ about six weeks' on China tariff deal to give market, small businesses confidence
Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said Sunday that the Trump administration has 'about six weeks' when it comes to a China tariff deal to give the market and small businesses 'confidence.' 'It sounds like they made some headway yesterday, but they got about six weeks to really give the market and some of these small businesses confidence that it's not going to drag them down,' Sununu told CNN's Dana Bash on 'State of the Union' of President Trump's China tariff. During the first few months of his second term, Trump's tariff policy has strained relationships with trading partners like China, Canada and the European Union and rattled global markets. Trump's China tariffs have also increased fears that a U.S. recession could be coming On Friday, the president signaled he was willing to significantly bring down American tariffs on Chinese imports. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that an 80 percent tariff for China appeared to be the correct number, significantly lowering the import tax on Chinese goods from 145 percent. '80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B,' Trump said in his Friday post, referencing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Trump also suggested Saturday a 'total reset' in U.S.-China trade relations amid talks over tariffs in Switzerland between the two countries. 'A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner. We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!' the president said in a post on his Truth Social platform. In his CNN appearance Friday, Sununu said that a recently announced trade deal between the U.K. and the U.S. 'definitely sets the groundwork for some of the future agreements' for the Trump administration on trade. The Hill has reached out to the White House, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's office and the Treasury Department for comment
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NH Senate rejects bills targeting vaccines, but passes bill on local health measures
If HB 230 becomes law, it would be up to city councils, select boards, and other governing bodies to pass public health measures. (Photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin) The New Hampshire Senate shut down a pair of bills Thursday that would restrict the state's ability to mandate vaccines for children, but passed legislation that would take away local health officials' authority to enact public health measures. House Bill 230 is a Republican-backed bill that, if enacted, will revoke the authority of town and city health officers to enact public health measures, a power they currently have under state law. If HB 230 becomes law, it would be up to city councils, select boards, and other governing bodies to pass such health measures. The Senate approved the bill in a voice vote Thursday, and it is now headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte's desk. The House approved the bill in early March. Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, a Portsmouth Democrat, was the only person to speak on the Senate floor about the bill. She argued it would hurt towns' and cities' ability to react quickly to local incidents. As examples, she listed the need to spray for mosquitos or address a rodent infestation, 'things that a health officer just needs to do as a normal course of business.' She noted that in 'the vast majority of these situations' recommendations made by a health officer already need to be approved by a local board of health in a public meeting. During a hearing for the bill last month, the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee — which ultimately voted, 3-2, to recommend this bill for approval — heard from Wayne Whitford, with the New Hampshire Health Officers Association, who said that health officers in the state oppose this bill. He argued that the current procedures have been in place for 40 years and are well understood. Margaret Byrnes of the New Hampshire Municipal Association also opposed the bill at the hearing. The bill is a response to public health measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as masking requirements and social distancing meant to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, the bill's sponsors say it goes beyond the pandemic and is aimed at preventing future public health measures. One constituent, Julie Smith of Nashua, at the March hearing said she supported the bill in hopes that it would end 'mask madness,' referring to masking requirements municipalities put in place during the pandemic. She hopes this bill can 'quash out future opportunities' for such requirements. Those measures became controversial, mostly among conservatives who argued they were government overreach. The Legislature tried to enact very similar legislation, Senate Bill 63, last session, but then-Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed the bill. Sununu said the bill's wording was confusing and argued it would create uncertainty during emergencies like a pandemic. Ayotte replaced Sununu in the corner office in January. House Bill 679 would have forbidden the state from requiring that children receive vaccines that haven't been shown in clinical trials to prevent transmission of a disease. The Senate rejected this bill as part of the consent agenda. The bill originated in the House, where it was approved by a 204-165 vote. There, it was supported almost entirely by Republicans. Only one House Democrat, Rep. Jonah Wheeler of Peterborough, voted in favor of it. Bill opponents — including members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and House Democrats — argued that the purpose of vaccines isn't necessarily to directly prevent transmission of the illness but rather to reduce the severity of the illness and help reduce transmission through herd immunity. They also feared it would limit the availability of vaccines in the state. House Republicans backing this bill included Manchester Republican Rep. Matt Drew, who said on the House floor last month that the bill 'is not about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,' but rather it 'is about whether the state should mandate — force — children to get certain vaccines.' The Senate rejected that argument. House Bill 357 received more consideration from the Senate, but was ultimately rejected as well. The bill would have taken away the authority of the state's Health and Human Services commissioner to choose which vaccines New Hampshire children must receive. Under HB 357, the state Legislature would decide which vaccines are required for children. The immediate result of this bill being enacted would have been varicella, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines no longer being mandatory for children starting July 2026. Diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, rubeola, and tetanus vaccines would've remained mandatory as they're required by state statute, not a rule created by the commissioner. For vaccines to be added to that list under this bill, the Legislature would have had to approve legislation to that effect. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee previously voted unanimously, 5-0, to recommend the entire Senate reject this bill, and on Thursday the Senate heeded that advice and killed it through a voice vote. The Senate's vote goes against the wishes of Republicans in the House, which voted 195-174 to pass it. Wheeler was again the only Democrat to vote in favor. Prior to Thursday's vote, Sen. Keith Murphy, a Manchester Republican in favor of the bill, argued it was not 'about the efficiency of vaccines.' 'It's a bill about who gets to make the decision,' Murphy continued. 'You may hear the commissioner has not abused the authority and has rarely used it. And that may well be true, but departments change and commissioners and cultures over time. And the wrong person could well begin enforcing those vaccinations in the future.' Sen. Kevin Avard, a Nashua Republican, said that despite being 'one of the most vocal critics of vaccine mandates in the Senate,' he doesn't support this bill because the process the Health and Human Services commissioner follows is already working well and gives the Legislature an oversight authority to monitor any decisions made by the commissioner. He noted that the commissioner has not exercised the power to mandate a new vaccine in the past 20 years. And he's confident that if they were to do so, the Legislature's oversight committees would examine that closely. 'HB 357 would in fact short-circuit the rules process that has been working really well and which maintains legislative authority,' Avard said.
