Lawmaker s vulgar insult highlights tensions of remote N.H. State House
Technical changes brought on by the pandemic have added new tensions to the business of the N.H. Legislature. Courtesy
Published: 2/11/2021 4:56:12 PM
There was full remote attendance during the most recent meeting of the New Hampshire House Ways and Means Committee. But one lawmaker, Committee Chairman Norm Major explained, would not be allowed to vote during the hearing.
“Mary, you are as important to us as anyone else,” Major said. “But that’s what the rule is now.”
“Mary” is 94-year old Republican Rep. Mary Griffin. Under rules set by House Speaker Sherman Packard, to vote remotely – the norm now, with the Legislature’s virtual meeting schedule amid the pandemic lawmakers must be visible on screen. Because Griffin lacks a computer with a camera, she can’t vote on bills in committee unless she travels to the State House. The policy was roundly criticized by her committee-mates on bo