Democratic Party Candidate for Governor, State Senator Dan Feltes says, “Let’s Use this moment to Make Real, Substantive Change, … and That Includes the Governor Calling for the Resignation of Republican Aldermen Who Have Made Really Horrifying Comments about the Protestors in Manchester.”
In an interview with WKXL’s Chris Ryan, State Senator Dan Feltes discusses racism in New Hampshire and America, and measures needed by the state in dealing with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan Feltes has been a member of the New Hampshire Senate from the 15th district since 2014. Senator Feltes serves as chair of the Senate Ways & Means committee, and as vice chair of the Finance, Energy & Natural Resources, and Rules & Enrolled Bills committees. He has served as the Senate Majority Leader since 2018 and is the youngest Senate Majority leader in the state’s history. Senator Feltes faces Andru Volinsky, the Executive Councilor of District 2 of New Hampshire in the Democratic Party Primary on September 8, 2020. The winner of the primary would then square off against incumbent Governor Chris Sununu on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Senator Feltes believes that the movement which has developed since the death of George Floyd presents an opportunity for change. The Senator is in favor of criminal justice reform measures, especially when the reforms address problems which disproportionately affect communities of color, such as bail reform. He also favors updated modern training and standards for the police and taking pressure off the police by improving mental health and behavioral health services in our communities. Senator Feltes is critical of Governor Sununu’s vetoing of programs for addiction treatment and for homelessness and housing.
Senator Feltes condemns and calls for the resignation of the Manchester City aldermen who are accused of making racist comments about the protest marchers in the Queen City. The Senator also disputes challenges made by his Democratic Gubernatorial opponent, Andru Volinsky, that Feltes has not embraced the Black Lives Matter agenda.
The Senate Majority Leader outlines a variety of steps being taken by the legislature to address the following aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) a comprehensive election law package, which will make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote without endangering their health; 2) hearings about workers rights and unemployment insurance; 3) discussion of an amendment to stabilize the housing market and to address the problems of homelessness and affordable housing, and hearings about what comes after the moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures run out; 4) an amendment to deal with long term care and nursing homes, providing resources for testing and protective equipment and videoconferencing with residents and family members; and 5) finding a way to provide working class families some financial help with child care costs.
In the conclusion of the interview, State Senator Feltes describes the ways that Governor Sununu’s policies during the Coronavirus pandemic have not benefitted the small businesses and working families of New Hampshire.
