Below is a transcript of remarks made by state Sen. Debra Altschiller (D-Stratham) at a Democratic caucus press conference on Wednesday, January 29, 2o25.
I’m Senator Debra Altschiller, and I’m happy to be here with you this morning.
Democrats stand for freedom: freedom over our own bodies, freedom to be who you are, freedom to vote in free and fair elections. And I’m proud to again bring legislation forward to ensure our reproductive freedoms aren’t rolled back any further while Republicans remain in power.
Reproductive healthcare is a human right and supported by an overwhelming majority of Granite Staters. We must fiercely protect the rights we have and be a firewall against the unrelenting attacks on our reproductive freedoms.
Free and fair elections are the hallmark of our democracy. Competitive, grassroots elections are one of the things that make New Hampshire special. Our caucus has legislation to implement no-excuse absentee voting. Putting up artificial barriers to accessing our constitutional right to vote is un-American.
We also have legislation to enter New Hampshire into the Election Registration Information Center, known as ERIC. It’s time to let go of Republicans’ performative patriotism that has them wrapping themselves in the flag, while simultaneously making it harder for Granite Staters to vote. Enough already! We are fighting to protect our voting rights.
And as Democrats, we will safeguard the communities that Republicans have targeted. Millions of dollars were spent here in New Hampshire to tell people during the (November) election that the biggest threat we have to face is five transgender little girls who want to continue to play sports with their friends.
It’s bigoted. It’s hateful propaganda, and Granite Staters are smarter than that.
Republicans don’t miss a chance to paint our immigrant communities as cesspools of violent criminals when we know our shrinking population is only made better by welcoming the immigrants of today.
Remember that unless you’re a member of a Native American tribe, every one of our ancestors were immigrants, too.
By marginalizing the most vulnerable in our state, Republicans want to distract us from the gross mismanagement of our fiscal health. They have been in charge for the past eight years, and they have patted themselves on the back every time they tell us they cut taxes.
In actuality, they’re just downshifting it, shifting the state’s financial responsibilities — downshifted onto our local property tax bills. When you look at how your property tax bill has ballooned, remember that this is a direct result of tax cuts for wealthy out-of-state corporations and Republican donors.
When they try to blame you and your town for out-of-control spending, feel free to hold up a mirror so they can take a good look at who pissed away all of our revenue sources.
We are a state that supports individuality and freedom from government interference. Live free or die!
Democrats always stand on the side of freedom.