What Does “Legislative Reform” Really Mean?
When we talk about “legislative reform,” we’re talking about making it easier for people to participate, and making it possible for more diverse voices to step up and serve. Because when the process is more accessible, our democracy becomes more representative, and our government more responsive to the people it’s meant to serve.
It’s a fact that too many people feel shut out of the decisions being made at the State House. Legislative reform is about changing that by fixing the systems and structures that make it hard for everyday people to engage, run, and lead. It’s about creating a government that works for all of us, not just the few who can afford to navigate its complexity.
Today’s legislature doesn’t reflect the full diversity of New Hampshire, especially younger people, working families, and traditionally underrepresented communities. Reform means breaking down barriers that keep people from running, serving, or even engaging in the process. Here are three ideas worth exploring to help build a legislature that better represents everyone:
Fair Compensation and Professional Support
Legislators are paid just $200 every two years. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone without significant personal wealth or job flexibility to serve. A fair wage and access to professional staff would make it feasible for more people to participate, and help legislators make better, more informed decisions.Public Participation that Works
Midday hearings, short notice, and inaccessible formats make it hard for people to show up and be heard. Many working people, caregivers, and those without flexible schedules find it difficult to attend or meaningfully participate. Improvements to accessibility could include better advance notice of hearings and votes, expanded use of remote participation options like video conferencing, and more accessible formats for testimony and feedback.Time and Workload Reform
The current schedule demands a serious time commitment with little predictability, limiting who can serve and how effectively the legislature functions. A streamlined calendar, better management of bills, and support for pre-session work could help create a more efficient, accessible process.
Legislative reform isn’t about partisanship — it’s about making sure our democracy works the way it’s supposed to: by and for the people. At The Forward Foundation, we believe reform starts with awareness, builds through conversation, and becomes real through collective action.
If you’d like to bring a conversation about legislative reform and how we can build a truly representative democracy to your neighborhood, sign up to host a Connect + Conquer Community Meetup! We’ll help you with all aspects of building and hosting the meetup, you just have to invite your friends and community!
