The State House Skinny: April 2026
Hi friends —
The end of the legislative session is officially in sight, which means things are getting… weirdly efficient? Suspiciously collaborative? Slightly chaotic? All of the above.
Classic end-of-session behavior, come to find out!
This is the point in the year where bills either make it across the finish line, get dramatically reworked, or quietly disappear into the legislative abyss. Naturally, we’re watching all of it.
But what are the highlights? We actually have some very real momentum to celebrate, which we want to focus on in this edition! Particularly on childcare (!!!) and continued housing movement.
Let’s get into it.
We’ve said it and heard it all year: childcare is not a niche issue. It is workforce infrastructure and an essential ingredient to support the next generation of awesome Granite Staters.
And lawmakers are starting to hear, get involved, and push for progress!
Last week, both of Stay Work Play’s priority childcare bills were recommended to pass by their respective committees and placed on the consent calendar, which is a huge win and a major step forward.
Shout out to our partners who made this win possible! Special thanks to BIA’s Natch Greyes, New Futures, MomsRising, and more. It really does take a village and many perspectives to build the empathy and understanding needed to craft and support policy that pays it forward and challenges the status quo.
RECAP: What were those childcare wins?
HB 1195: One State, One Code
This bill helps streamline zoning rules for childcare providers across municipalities.
Translation?
It makes it easier for childcare centers and home-based providers to actually open and expand without getting buried in inconsistent local regulations, unnecessary delays, and bureaucratic hoops. I.e. some municipalities require a certain shape driveway for home care providers…I would prefer a spiral into a big ol’ heart. (It's Friday so Im allowed to get snarky).
Takeaway: More providers = more seats = more options for families.
A win. Swoosh. Buckets. Cheers.
HB 1433: Childcare Business Tax Credit
This bill incentivizes businesses to invest in childcare solutions by creating a tax credit that helps expand access to care.
This is exactly the kind of creative, shared-responsibility policy we need more of:
It helps employers attract talent and get involved in the policy agenda needed for them to thrive
Supports working families and emphasizes the narrative that NH employers are the real ones
Creates more childcare capacity statewide, which is TEA
And most importantly? It acknowledges that businesses have a real role to play in helping solve this crisis and that NH employers step up, lean in, and CARE.
BOOM. Anotha One!(DJ Khaled voice)
So, what happens next?
Assuming no major hiccups, they’ll move to the Governor’s desk, and Governor Ayotte has already expressed support for both.
We’re feeling optimistic and incredibly proud of the coalition work behind these efforts.
And if these pass it will be one of the clearest signs yet that New Hampshire is beginning to understand childcare for what it really is:
Economic infrastructure. Future-focused investments. Smart, tangible, bi-partisan WINS.
Continue this positive momentum with us on Monday, May 11th for…
With childcare gaining real momentum at the State House right now, this feels like the perfect time to zoom out and talk about the broader ecosystem that helps families actually thrive in New Hampshire.
Our next Advocacy Network conversation is happening on:
Monday, May 11 | 12:00–1:00 PM
On Zoom
And I’m genuinely PUMPED about this one. Enter, two QUEENS:
We’ll be joined by Nancy Glynn and MacKenzie Nicholson from MomsRising, a network of more than 10,000 Granite Staters advocating for moms, caregivers, and families across the state.
And when I say they’ve been moving the needle, that's a fact.
Since 2011, they’ve helped advance:
Historic childcare investments
Paid family leave
Expanded healthcare access
Maternal health progress
Protections for LGBTQ+ communities
Basically, they know how to turn advocacy into actual outcomes, and their approach within the legislature is one of staggering intelligence, open dialogue, a healthy dose of reality checks, and strong AF female power.
During this conversation, we’ll dig into:
Their work and impact across New Hampshire
What’s next for childcare and public education policy
How affordability pressures are impacting families
Real, tangible ways you can make your voice heard
At a time when childcare, healthcare, and family supports are directly shaping whether young people can stay and build their lives here, this conversation feels incredibly timely.
And if this legislative session has taught us anything, it’s this: policy moves faster when people show up consistently.
This event is free, virtual, and open to anyone who wants to better understand how advocacy creates change.
This session has reinforced something we’ve known for a long time:
Young people are not disengaged. They are deeply aware of the barriers in front of them and equally passionate about building solutions.
And when lawmakers listen? Good things can happen.
We still have a few weeks left, but this moment feels worth acknowledging.
Progress is possible. And it’s often built through many very unsexy committee hearings, spreadsheets, coalition calls, coffee runs, and touch points with lawmakers who would rather ghost you.
Moral of the story: keep going. Keep showing up. Keep believing and KNOWING that your experiences, perspectives, and passions matter in this state.
As always, thanks for being here.
Forward this to a friend who should be paying attention 👀
Stay Work Play has your back…
The State House Skinny exists to keep you in the loop in a way that’s digestible, hopefully even a bit fun. It’s also why we’ve championed a policy agenda since 2019 that’s rooted in the causes you care about, backed by real data from YOU, the young people of NH.
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The more young people stay informed, the more power we have to shape the future of the 603. Speaking of staying informed, check out what we’re up to at stayworkplay.org.
