Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Ruh-roh: NH House to vote on right-to-work today

The New Hampshire House is debating right-to-work to destroy unions even as we blog. Gov. John Lynch vetoed a right-to-work for less bill in May. House Speaker Bill O'Brien, a Caribbean island paradise dweller, has been trying to override that veto ever since.

Our sources tell us the vote today will be close. If it fails, there are two more scheduled opportunities left for the speaker to call the vote to sustain or override veto: December 14th  and before formally opening the new session on January 4. He can also call a special session.

Corporate-backed lobbyists have ramped up efforts to force this heinous bill through the Legislature. They're paying for patch-through calls, direct mail and radio advertising. They also held a rally and breakfast for legislators. You can bet our side is rallying -- and feeding lawmakers -- as well.

Here's what we know about the action on the floor of the New Hampshire House from the tweetosphere:
@NH AFLCIO: Rep Quant: in the last election, state employees endorsed Republicans! This isn't about party #rtw4less #NHHouse
@NHAFLCIO: Speaker threatens to clear the gallery if we don't maintain "composure". We've been warned, I guess? #RTWforless #NH
@NHAFLCIO: "there is no need to change the NH advantage when it is working" #stopRtW #standupNH
@NHRepRichardson: I don't think I've ever seen the #NHHouse anteroom so empty during what is guaranteed to be a long debate. Def listening to speeches closely
Stay tuned. We'll keep you posted.