Economic Security: Minimum Wage

Update:  The New Hampshire House of Representatives approved HB 1403 by a vote of 173 to 118. The bill now moves to the Senate. 

Background:

Last raised in 2008, an increase in the state's minimum wage would benefit approximately 12% of NH's workforce and 21,000 children. HB 1403 would increase the state's minimum wage to $9.00 an hour. 

1. For more information, please contact Priority Leader Anne-Marie French (NHFPI) or NH CAN Coordinator John DeJoie or visit nhkidscount.org 

Safety and Well-Being: Juvenile Justice 

Update:  Both HB525 and HB1624 will be voted on by the full House on Wednesday, March 19

Background:

Since 1996, 17 year olds in New Hampshire have been treated as adults in the criminal justice system. A coalition of advocates, convened by NH CAN is working to "Raise the Age" of majority to 18 years of age. 

There are currently two bills which are proceeding through the legislature to accomplish this important policy initiative: HB525 (2013 - Rep. Bickford) and HB1624 (2014 - Rep. Walz). Both bills "Raise the Age", but HB1624 also attempts to modernize the juvenile justice system by updating competency determinations for juveniles, right to counsel and waiver of counsel, qualifications for juvenile defense attorneys and data collected by the NH Division of  Juvenile Justice (DJJS). 

While these bills are proceeding independently of one another, we expect that they will be merged at some point in the process.

1. For more information, please contact NH CAN Coordinator John DeJoie or visit nhkidscount.org