The harmonies echoed through the second floor of the state house.
“We’re gonna pass health care for all,” they sang. “Down by the Senate side.”
A group of faith leaders and interested residents have been singing outside legislative sessions and public hearings all year, urging lawmakers to reauthorize New Hampshire’s Medicaid expansion program.
Their hopes were granted Thursday, when the Republican-led Senate passed a bill extending the program by two years. It now heads to Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan, who says she will sign it.
The group – New Hampshire Voices of Faith – has become a regular feature at the State House. The organization formed in 2011, after the Republican-led Legislature approved deep budget cuts. On Thursday, members held signs that proclaimed “health care is a human right” as the state’s 24 senators walked in the chamber.
“We try to bring a voice of compassion and a faith perspective to these halls of power,” said Mary Westfall, a pastor at the Community Church of Durham. “This is a very difficult job and sometimes they feel unsupporterd doing what they believe to be the right thing.”
Barabara Carbonneau, a 79-year-old from Goffstown, comes to hearings at the State House when she can.
“I believe in justice for all and health care for all,” she said. “It shouldn’t be a matter of dollars here dollars there.”
Lawmakers seem to appreciate it.
“I think the singing is wonderful, it lifts everyone’s spirits,” said Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, a Manchester Democrat.
Rep. Joe Lachance, a Manchester Republican and prime sponsor of the Medicaid expansion, said the group helps show Senators people believe in the program. “It sends a good message that the community wants this,” he said.