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.
