The State House Skinny: January 2026
Welcome back to the State House Skinny, friends!
If you’re new here — welcome! You’re one of a TON of new subscribers this year. That’s a flat-out brag, but we at Stay Work Play are genuinely so pumped that word has gotten out about this newsletter. We aim for this to be your go-to source on what is happening in Concord, in a way that is accessible, down to earth, and informative.
Before jumping in, we want to start with an acknowledgment: there’s…a lot happening in the world right now, and much of it feels heavy, uncertain, and difficult to process. We’re feeling it too, and it would be strange to jump into state policy without naming the broader moment we’re all living in.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that’s exactly why local and state policy both matter so much. When the bigger picture feels chaotic, your state is one of the most real, most immediate places change can happen, and where your voice can actually go further than you think.
That’s why we do this. The choices being made in Concord affect everything from housing and childcare to higher education and workforce development, and ultimately, your ability to build a life here as a young person.
Staying informed doesn’t mean you have to take action on everything, but it does give you a clearer sense of what’s happening around you. That clarity can be grounding, and it helps you decide where you want to focus your time, energy, and attention.
Our goal is simple: give you the information you need, in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can stay connected and make informed choices.
And wait, one last thing! You’ve been promised a TLDR version of State House happenings and you will get that; this initial kickoff Skinny just goes more into detail to give you the lay of the land so you’re off to a solid understanding. 👌
With that in mind, let’s get to it:
Data. And you.
At the center of our advocacy this session is new data from our recent Quality of Life Survey — the most comprehensive look at how young people actually experience living, working, and building a future in New Hampshire.
Here’s what we know:
Young people want to stay here. “Stayers” are up!
The love for New Hampshire — its access to nature, safety, and sense of community — is real.
And yet, perceptions of housing, childcare, and quality of career opportunities have worsened, creating a widening gap between aspiration and the reality of being able to achieve your goals here in the 603.
We didn’t stop at survey data this year. We just wrapped our Policy & Pints series — bringing these findings on the road and pairing them with the lived experiences of young people across regions. What you shared mattered. A lot.
There is a real generational divide in our legislature with the average age of our lawmakers clocking around 66 years old. We are so thankful for the folks that invest their time and energy into running for office and representing their constituents at the state level. But when it comes to the reality of living, working, and enjoying NH as a young person …sometimes the facts are hard to believe. That reality can be hard to empathize with. That’s where your stories come in.
Our play is not to shame, scold, or fuel polarizing narratives. It’s to build intergenerational empathy — bringing lawmakers, employers, and state leaders into the reality of living, working, dating, parenting, and trying to “make it” in the 603 today.
Because at the end of the day, our mission is simple (and not small):
Create a New Hampshire that works for young people — one we’re proud of, one that reflects our values, and one that puts progress at the center of our culture.
Still with me? GOOD!
To say the session started fast would be an understatement. We were out the gate and action packed from the jump.
The House is meeting at Granite Place this year — complete with a roaring thermostat, questionably flattering lighting, ample parking, a new café, and honestly? Pretty solid vibes.
We’re all in a new space and in the halls, lobbies, and parking lots — our law makers are genuinely accessible. Also shout out to GP staff who are greeting, directing, and making the new space welcoming.
The Senate is still meeting at the State House, which means advocates like me are bouncing back and forth daily, sometimes wishing we could be in two places at once. No biggie. Virtual sign-ins, written testimony, and coalition coordination go a long way.
Huge shoutout to our Advocacy Committee and the NH Housing Supply Coalition for keeping me informed, grounded, and sane as dockets shift and hearings pile up.
Which brings me to…
Did you guess over 110? Because you’d be right. 😅
So here’s what we’re focused on (short version cuz TLDR is real). Rather than overwhelm you, I’m sticking to our core priority areas and a few examples of where we’re showing up early:
Our focus: Defending progress + pushing for a statewide solution
Our Quality of Life data tells a clear story:
Young people idealize rural New Hampshire living
The share of “stayers” has increased
And yet, perceptions of housing are worse than ever
The ability to access stable, attainable housing — housing that builds wealth, provides safety, and supports you through life changes — is foundational to staying here. We need more housing options, in more communities, across the state.
‼️ One of the most concerning developments so far is HB 1196, which would repeal the state’s Housing Champion Program. The House Housing Committee voted 10–8 in January to advance repeal, putting a program designed to help all municipalities participate in housing solutions at risk.
The Housing Champion Program has delivered real results. More than 25 communities have earned designation and used the incentives to update zoning, modernize infrastructure, and unlock housing production. In Concord alone, infrastructure funding supported more than 1,200 housing units, including affordable homes.
📣 Repealing this program doesn’t save communities money — it removes a critical state–local partnership at a moment when New Hampshire urgently needs more workforce and affordable housing.
Manufactured housing is a real, viable, and frankly underrated option for New Hampshire and for young people. It’s often:
More cost-effective
Environmentally responsible
Accessible
And yes… 🎀 cute 🎀
Expanding manufactured housing opportunities also supports older Granite Staters who want to downsize into safe, single-story homes — freeing up housing stock, creating market movement, and making room for the next generation. Now that’s a win-win.
👉 If you want to go deeper on this topic, join Stay Work Play virtually on February 12 at noon for our next Advocacy Network meeting, featuring Abby Bronson, Policy & Advocacy Director at NH Community Loan Fund, for a practical conversation on manufactured housing as part of the statewide solution and ways to support the effort through the legislative session.
Let’s be blunt: childcare is a major risk to NH’s future.
The average cost of childcare for one child in NH is over $27,000 per year — more than in-state tuition at UNH (‼️)
85% of young people in our survey say childcare is worse in NH than elsewhere.
Of respondents who want to raise a family, 47% feel constrained from doing so here.
📣 This isn’t just a family issue — it’s a workforce issue, a business issue, and an economic growth issue.
If you can’t find childcare, you won’t move your family here. Businesses know this and are stepping up with stipends, flexibility, and benefits — but we need durable, statewide solutions.
That’s why we’re doubling down on childcare policy this session and beyond. We’re also thrilled to share that we’ve brought Courtney on full-time (say hi to Courtney at our next event, or on our socials!) where she’ll be focusing much of her efforts on progress in the early childhood education space alongside coalition partners working to support families and the talented childcare workforce behind the workforce.
✅ Legislation we’ve already supported this session includes:
SB 614 – establishing pooled risk management programs for child care centers and foster family homes
SB 483 – supporting DHHS funding for childcare recruitment and benefit grants
✏️ On the docket: HB 1433 — Child Care Tax Credit for Businesses (Hearing 2/2)
What is it:
HB 1433 creates a child care tax credit that incentivizes businesses to invest in new or expanded child care seats, either directly or in partnership with a provider.
How it works (snapshot):
Businesses can claim a 50% tax credit on qualifying child care investments
Applies to capital costs and early operating expenses
Can be used against Business Profits Tax, Business Enterprise Tax, or both
Credits can be carried forward up to four years
📣 One more time, louder for the people in the back: this is a workforce issue, not just a family issue. Businesses already feel the impact through recruitment challenges, unfilled jobs, and failed relocations.
Why we support it:
HB 1433 meets businesses where they are. A tax credit is a tool employers understand: one that unlocks private investment, supports local partnerships, and helps stabilize the childcare system in a way that benefits families, employers, and the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.
👉 Stay Work Play NH supports HB 1433 as a practical, solutions-based step toward strengthening the workforce behind the workforce.
Want to stay plugged into childcare policy, narratives, and opportunities to engage? Look for our new Childcare Corner in the SWP newsletter and soon on our website — or reach out to Courtney directly!
New Hampshire has the oldest workforce in the country — with 28% age 55 or older. No shade (seriously). But it tells us something important: we must invest in the next generation of talent now.
That starts with higher education and career pathways.
Enter: NH GRIP (HB 1701) — a proposal to reestablish a state-led college graduate retention incentive partnership, supporting graduates who stay, work, and build careers in New Hampshire.
We were proud to support this bill alongside NH College & University Council and BIA NH, making the case that policies like this send a simple but powerful message: you are valued here.
Instead of educating students and exporting them to other markets, why not create a clear on-ramp to opportunity right here at home? 🤯
Will it stick? TBD.
Is it worth pursuing? Absolutely.
Progress happens one bite at a time. And we’re here for the meal, baby. 🍴
👉 [Committee coverage here — and no, you cannot call me Connie]
Partners matter
Showing up (even when it’s messy) matters
Your story matters most of all
Which is why I hope you’ll join us at our biggest advocacy moment of the session:
2026 Stay Work Play Legislative Reception
📍 The Hotel Concord
🗓 February 12 | 4:30–7:30 PM
🎤 Presented by Eversource
This is your chance to show up, share your experience, connect with lawmakers across party lines, and help shape what comes next. We’ll also share a brief, accessible snapshot of top findings from the Quality of Life Survey.
Free to attend. Great food. Big 603 energy.
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.
Liking the Skinny? 📢 Spread the Word!
Forward this to a friend, share on socials, or just casually drop some NH policy knowledge at your next happy hour.
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.
Catch me in Concord on 2/12! ✌️
