Town of Strafford Democratic Committee
We are a local grassroots organization in Strafford, NH, working to elect Democrats at all levels of government. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Hill Library. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 1, at 7 p.m., for a showing of the film Dark Money. See you there for this important movie about how big money is affecting our elections. There will not be a business meeting that night.
We are a local grassroots organization in Strafford, NH, working to elect Democrats at all levels of government. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Hill Library. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 1, at 7 p.m., for a showing of the film Dark Money. See you there for this important movie about how big money is affecting our elections. There will not be a business meeting that night.
Movie Night: Dark Money
Join us for a free showing of the political thriller DARK MONEY at the Hill Library on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. Yes, we will have popcorn! This acclaimed film examines one of the greatest present threats to American democracy: the influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected officials.
The film takes viewers to Montana—a front line in the fight to preserve fair elections nationwide—to follow an intrepid local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the US Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.
Through this gripping story, DARK MONEY uncovers the shocking and vital truth of how American elections are bought and sold. This Sundance award-winning documentary is directed/produced by Kimberly Reed (PRODIGAL SONS) and produced by Katy Chevigny (E-TEAM).
Vogue Magazine calls this film "Required viewing for every American citizen."
The film takes viewers to Montana—a front line in the fight to preserve fair elections nationwide—to follow an intrepid local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the US Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.
Through this gripping story, DARK MONEY uncovers the shocking and vital truth of how American elections are bought and sold. This Sundance award-winning documentary is directed/produced by Kimberly Reed (PRODIGAL SONS) and produced by Katy Chevigny (E-TEAM).
Vogue Magazine calls this film "Required viewing for every American citizen."
Local reps for several Presidential campaigns at our August meeting. From left, Brady (for Joe Biden), Shoshana (Pete Buttigieg), Bob Perry (our chair), Michael (Cory Booker), Katherine (John Delaney), and Amanda (intern for Elizabeth Warren). These enthusiastic young people are passionate about their candidates!
Another Successful Blueberry Festival!
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This year's Blueberry Festival took place on a quintessential summer day, blue skies, fresh blueberries, and every imaginable blueberry dessert to judge and lots of goodies to buy. Thank you to the committee members who baked, picked blueberries, sold tickets, posted signs, and so much more! We appreciate everyone who entered the bake-off and attended the event to judge these masterpieces, as well as our local vendors.
Bake-off winners: Joann Joffres won first place with her light-as-a-cloud blueberry banana pavlova. Addison took top honors in the children's category with her amazing blueberry squares. Christine Bane's glazed blueberry yoghurt bundt cake earned second place in the adult bake-off. Third place was a tie, with honors shared by Regina Flynn for her blueberry bars and Carol Heald's blueberry tart. Congratulations to all! Lost keys: A set of car keys (+ fob & Planet Fitness tag) was misplaced at the event. If found, please call 603-269-4651. Thanks to our event sponsors! Special thanks to Adam and Josh Black for their wonderful music, to Berrybogg Farm for their generous donation of blueberries, and to prize sponsor Kriya Touch Massage & Bodywork. |
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Want to help? Make a secure donation to support the committee here.
Chairman's Corner
On August 9, Governor Sununu vetoed six bills, including three gun safety bills, making it clear that he is out of step with the majority of NH citizens who are tired of the gun violence plaguing our nation. The gun bills he vetoed would have required background checks for commercial fire arms sales (HB 109), a waiting period between the purchase and delivery of a firearm (HB 514), and banning firearms on school property (HB 564).
Two other bills were vetoed pertained to funding for job training programs (SB 2) and raising the minimum wage. The NH minimum wage is only $7.25 per hour. If not vetoed, this bill would have raised the minimum wage to $10 per hour on January 1, 2020, and to $12 per hour in January of 2022. Due to legislation enacted in 2011, by a veto-proof Republican majority, the state no longer has its own, separate wage standard; rather, New Hampshire’s minimum wage is now determined by federal law. According to a 2014 article from the NH Fiscal Policy Institute, NH has not raised the minimum wage since 2008. A living wage in NH (the ability to afford rent, food, utilities) is $20 an hour. In contrast, Maine's minimum wage is $11 and Vermont's is $10.78.
Sununu also used his veto power to veto HB 706, which would have created an independent redistricting commission. Due to a recent US Supreme Court Decision not to hear a state's redistricting case the court stated that state law is the way forward to fix gerrymandering. HB 706 would have allowed NH to move forward and have more fair elections. Read the statement by Open Democracy Action to learn more about this important bill.
Chairman Bob Perry highlights the important progress derailed by the Governor's veto of the budget bill.
On May 30, NH became the 21st state to eliminate capital punishment. Bob provides analysis for understanding this historic event, made possible by Democrats.
Visit the Chairman's Corner for more insights from Bob on legislation and issues affecting our community.
Two other bills were vetoed pertained to funding for job training programs (SB 2) and raising the minimum wage. The NH minimum wage is only $7.25 per hour. If not vetoed, this bill would have raised the minimum wage to $10 per hour on January 1, 2020, and to $12 per hour in January of 2022. Due to legislation enacted in 2011, by a veto-proof Republican majority, the state no longer has its own, separate wage standard; rather, New Hampshire’s minimum wage is now determined by federal law. According to a 2014 article from the NH Fiscal Policy Institute, NH has not raised the minimum wage since 2008. A living wage in NH (the ability to afford rent, food, utilities) is $20 an hour. In contrast, Maine's minimum wage is $11 and Vermont's is $10.78.
Sununu also used his veto power to veto HB 706, which would have created an independent redistricting commission. Due to a recent US Supreme Court Decision not to hear a state's redistricting case the court stated that state law is the way forward to fix gerrymandering. HB 706 would have allowed NH to move forward and have more fair elections. Read the statement by Open Democracy Action to learn more about this important bill.
Chairman Bob Perry highlights the important progress derailed by the Governor's veto of the budget bill.
On May 30, NH became the 21st state to eliminate capital punishment. Bob provides analysis for understanding this historic event, made possible by Democrats.
Visit the Chairman's Corner for more insights from Bob on legislation and issues affecting our community.
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Your Vote Counted!
Your Democratic vote in the historic midterm election made a difference! The Democratic majority in the US House, including our Congressman Chris Pappas, is working to keep Social Security from being privatized and help hold the line against a current law requiring deep cuts to Medicare programs. Democratic majorities in the New Hampshire House, State Senate, and Executive Council are providing an important check and balance, including protecting access to Medicaid and creating jobs. Thanks to everyone who helped during this critical election cycle. Now on to 2020! |
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Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. |
