July 10, 2026 New England News Round Up
Statehouse in session, Right to Repair, and more!
New Hampshire
Senate GOP Releases 2026 Agenda, Disses ‘Idiotic’ Dem Claims of Local Revenue Cuts: The Senate GOP has released its 2026 agenda, asserting that their policies have elevated New Hampshire’s profile and set the state on a strong path, while dismissing Democratic claims of local revenue cuts as misguided. Link: https://nhjournal.com/senate-gop-releases-2026-agenda-disses-idiotic-dem-claims-of-local-revenue-cuts/. Source: NH Journal.
‘Business as usual’: NH officials urge child care providers to remain calm amid funding threats: New Hampshire officials are encouraging child care providers to stay composed despite potential funding cuts amid ongoing concerns about the stability of child care financing in the state. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/01/08/business-as-usual-nh-officials-urge-child-care-providers-to-remain-calm-amid-funding-threats/. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin.
Ayotte and state officials say NH’s federal child care funding is secure: State officials assure that despite the Trump administration’s move to freeze federal child care payments in some states, New Hampshire’s funding remains secure with no indication of risk. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-01-08/childcare-child-care-nh-federal-funding-trump-dhhs-hhs. Source: NHPR.
Maine
Maine Democrats and Republicans clash over 2026 agenda: Maine’s legislative session begins with Democrats focusing on reducing everyday costs for families, while Republicans push for accountability in a suspected child welfare scandal. Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/08/politics/state-politics/maine-democrats-republicans-legislative-priorities-second-session-132nd/. Source: Bangor Daily News.
Sweatpants in Court: Lewiston Councilor Faces Stolen Gun Charges as Calls for His Resignation Grow: A Lewiston City Councilor appeared in court facing charges related to a stolen firearm shortly after being sworn in, prompting increasing demands for his resignation. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/01/sweatpants-in-court-lewiston-councilor-faces-stolen-gun-charges-as-calls-for-his-resignation-grow/. Source: The Maine Wire.
Gov. Janet Mills vetoes changes to Maine’s right to repair law: Governor Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would alter the state’s right to repair law, while allowing dozens of other bills to become law without her signature. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/07/gov-janet-mills-vetoes-changes-to-maines-right-to-repair-law/. Source: Portland Press Herald.
Vermont
School districts would face spending caps under bill by Vermont Senate’s leader: A new bill introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth would impose spending caps on school districts in fiscal year 2027 to address rising education costs. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/08/school-districts-would-face-spending-caps-under-bill-by-vermont-senates-leader/. Source: VTDigger.
Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak pitches drug discount program to lawmakers: Treasurer Mike Pieciak proposed a program allowing states to negotiate collective discounts on prescription drugs to lower costs for Vermont residents. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-01-08/vermont-treasurer-mike-pieciak-pitches-drug-discount-program. Source: Vermont Public.
Lawmakers Plan to Tackle Education Reform, Health Care: Vermont lawmakers are prioritizing efforts to curb rising property taxes and health care costs that are straining household budgets across the state. Link: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/politics/lawmakers-plan-to-tackle-education-reform-health-care/. Source: Seven Days.
