LEGISLATIVE REFORM
Designing a Citizen Legislature for the 21st Century
New Hampshire working families are under-represented in our state legislature
New Hampshire’s working families are underrepresented in our state legislature. To build a resilient future—where people can live, work, and raise families—we need a legislature that reflects the full diversity of our state.
Our current system relies on dedicated volunteers who serve, often at personal expense, and become self-taught experts in the people’s business. But as New Hampshire’s economy grows and our connections to the wider world deepen, the demands of public service have outpaced this outdated model.
It’s time to heed the calls—on both sides of the aisle—for meaningful reform.
Quick Facts
Key Problems
Issues of Accessibility
Chaotic and Inconsistent Scheduling
Lack of a Remote Participation Option
Legislators and staff do not have access to child care, eliminating the option of serving for many young parents.
Legislator pay is inconsistent with the amount of time legislators dedicate to serving
Issues of Efficiency and Efficacy
Large numbers of bills, with many bills overlapping in content
Insufficient and underpaid support staff
Lack of consistent Senate and House Rules
Lack of ethics guidelines
Limited training for new members
The Pathway to a 21st-Century Legislature
Without changing the underlying values of the legislature, the State House can become more representative of the people it serves.
We believe that with some key reforms, serving in the State House can become a much more real possibility for many people resulting in a Legislature that looks like the people they represent. We hope to educate the public, build a coalition, and create change.
Why are these issues connected?
An effective and representative state legislature will serve our state well, and help to shepherd New Hampshire through challenges in coming decades.
In order to achieve our aspirational goal of a truly representative democracy, we need to reform how the state house works.
Many of the inefficiencies that come from the large size, number of bills, and complexity of the process can be helped by creating clearer rules and more accountability.
These reforms will not only make the legislative process more effective but also allow for more diversity in our state legislature including younger people and working professionals.
Serving today’s New Hampshire requires a legislature that’s built for today—not the past.
What can you do?
Come to one of our Legislative Reform Education events to learn more about some of the problems facing the State House or host a gathering to help educate your friends and neighbors on the issues!