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GULLA: Would 'Right to Work' Help New Hampshire? – NH Journal

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GULLA: Would 'Right to Work' Help New Hampshire? – NH Journal


The popular definition of insanity is often quoted as “doing something over and over again and expecting a different result.” While widely attributed to Albert Einstein, recognizing this truth doesn’t necessarily require genius. It appears this legislative session in the concept of Right-To-Work. It deprives workers of their freedom to join together and form unions if they choose. Proponents claim it protects workers from being forced to join a union, but federal law already does that.

It is making its 30th appearance at the State House, and this marks at least my ninth time testifying against it—an exercise that seems to perfectly fit the definition mentioned above.

I can’t help but wonder what continues to drive the reintroduction of this proposal. Over the years, testimony has repeatedly pointed to lobbyists (often not from the Granite State) advocating for it. The argument put forth is that businesses will flock to New Hampshire if this legislation is enacted. But is that really the case?

If I were a business owner considering relocation or establishment in a new location, my priorities would include ensuring the availability of a skilled workforce and confirming that the chosen state has the necessary infrastructure to support business needs, families, and overall prosperity. I would focus on affordable workforce housing, reasonable energy costs, robust apprentice programs, and well-established training schools.

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Unfortunately, New Hampshire currently ranks 45th in post-secondary education (according to U.S. News), holds the 4th position in the need for affordable housing (NH Business Review), and claims the 5th spot for the highest energy costs in the nation (according to the New Hampshire Department of Energy).

Would it not be more beneficial for Granite State citizens if our elected officials focused on finding solutions to support the construction of affordable worker housing in our towns and municipalities? Implementing a multi-pronged approach to address our high energy costs would also significantly contribute to attracting businesses and workers alike.

As the president of a small business here in New Hampshire, I can provide firsthand insight into how the high energy costs and the shortage of affordable housing have adversely affected how we conduct our business. I will also tell you that our staff is unionized. While it may pose challenges occasionally, I can attest that it constitutes a dedicated and highly motivated workforce, contributing to the overall improvement of our business.

I can also tell you that small business owners face the same challenges. This sentiment is echoed by both Republicans and Democrats, as I’ve heard firsthand at events like the NHGOP FITN Summit, where even Republican candidates for president fielded questions about the workforce. The bottom line is that we must prioritize our workforce and housing needs with intensity for years to come. While there’s no quick fix, this dedicated effort will create good jobs, expand our economy, and provide steadfast support for our workforce. By doing so, we set an example for the nation and redefine the New Hampshire way for the future, moving beyond the pitfalls of the past.

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Rich Gulla is the President of the State Employees’ Association.

He lives in Hillsborough, NH.



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New Hampshire

Tiger Woods arrested on suspicion of DUI, authorities say

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Tiger Woods arrested on suspicion of DUI, authorities say


JUPITER ISLAND — Tiger Woods showed signs of impairment Friday at the scene of a car crash in which he struck another vehicle and rolled his Land Rover, authorities said.

Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Woods was not injured.

The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. not far from where Woods lives on Jupiter Island.

Woods’ manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to a text message seeking information.

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This was at least the third time Woods has been involved in a car crash, most recently in February 2021 when his SUV ran off a coastal road in Los Angeles at a high rate of speed, leading to multiple leg and ankle injuries. Woods said later doctors considered amputation.

Woods has played 11 tournaments since that 2021 crash, not finishing closer than within 16 shots of the winner the four times he finished 72 holes.

He also was arrested on a DUI charge in 2017 when south Florida police found him asleep behind the wheel of his car that was parked awkwardly with damage to the driver’s side. Woods said he had taken a bad mix of painkillers. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Woods won his fifth Masters, and 15th major, in 2019. He has 82 wins on the PGA Tour, tied for the all-time record with Sam Snead.

Woods, 50, had been working his way back to golf from a seventh back surgery in September. He had not decided whether he could play in the Masters on April 9-12.

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His last official tournament was the British Open in 2024. Woods ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025 and that kept him off the course all season even before the back surgery. He managed to play in his indoor TGL golf league on Tuesday night.

He has kept deeply involved in PGA Tour affairs as chairman of the Future Competition Committee that is restructuring the model of the tour.

Woods also faced a soft deadline at the end of the month to decide whether to become U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland. Woods was offered the job for the last Ryder Cup and did not turn it down until June. The PGA of America wants a decision much sooner this time.

Copyright 2026 NPR

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New Hampshire

Hillary Clinton to return to New Hampshire | Fox News Video

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Hillary Clinton to return to New Hampshire | Fox News Video


Hillary Clinton is returning to New Hampshire next month to headline the state’s Democratic Party’s annual spring fundraising dinner. A progressive leader criticizes the party as ‘tone-deaf’ for inviting Clinton, stating she’s ‘yesterday’s news.’ Fox News contributor Joe Concha weighs in on Clinton’s perceived comeback tour and discusses President Trump’s recent remarks about John F. Kennedy Jr.’s political ambitions.



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New Hampshire

NH lawmakers approve bill that would make judges’ job evaluations public

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NH lawmakers approve bill that would make judges’ job evaluations public


A bill that would add elements to judicial performance evaluations for all state judges and make those evaluation reports public, cleared the New Hampshire House along party lines Thursday.

The bill’s backers, including Rep. Bob Lynn of Windham, former Chief Justice of New Hampshire Supreme Court, promoted the new requirements as a way to “invigorate” judicial performance, and said fully disclosing the reports is crucial.

“I have to emphasize this provision in the bill as well as the other provisions of the bill were adopted in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,” Lynn said

Under the bill, which was written with input from Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald, all judges – including part-time judges and retired judges who sometimes hear cases – would undergo evaluation at least every three years. Evaluations would include courtroom observations and analyses of how efficiently they process cases. Right now, judicial performance reviews remain confidential unless a judge receives two consecutive subpar evaluations.

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The proposal comes at a time of tension between the judicial branch and lawmakers, spurred by recent court rulings finding the state isn’t meeting school funding obligations, and by judicial branch spending and management practices.

Democrats who criticized the new judicial evaluation bill say it goes too far and that the legislature should resist the urge to meddle in court operations.

“Many of us have been frustrated by recent activities coming out of the judicial branch – this is probably a bipartisan sentiment,” said Rep. Mark Paige of Exeter. “But to the extent that this bill appeals as a means to scratch your judicial frustration itch, consider other available remedies.”

Democrats also argued that making judicial reviews public could pose safety risks in an era of increased political violence including against judges.

“Publication would do real harm, inviting harassment of judges as violent threats against U.S judges have surged 327 percent since last year,” said Rep. Catherine Rombeau of Bedford, citing research from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism.

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But Republicans disputed such arguments, and said public reviews are also one of the few tools lawmakers have to make sure judges are performing their duties effectively.

“Judges are appointed once and serve until the age of 70,” said Rep. Ken Weyler of Kingston.

“All employees, including judges, benefit from constructive evaluation.”





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