PSU Democrats host Peggo Hodes and AnnMarie Morse

On Weds., Oct. 20, Plymouth State University had the honor of hosting Mrs. Peggo Hodes and Mrs. AnnMarie Morse at an event held by the Plymouth State Democrats.

AnnMarie Morse, mother of Michelle Morse, was the galvanizing force behind the creation and acceptance of N.H. House Bill 37 and later House Resolution 2851, better known as Michelle's Law. The essence of Michelle's Law is that it allows students who have fallen seriously ill to take a medical leave of absence from school while remaining on their parents' health insurance policy (Source: www.michelleslaw.com).

When Michelle was diagnosed with colon cancer, she was a full-time undergraduate at PSU. Her doctors strongly recommended that she take time off from school. Michelle complied with her doctors' requests, unaware of the struggle which would result from her decision.

Much to AnnMarie's dismay, she was soon informed by her insurance company that Michelle's only option for insurance coverage was to remain a full-time student.

"The woman on the other end of the line was not very pleasant, and I argued with her about the policy. Finally she said, ‘If you don't like it, change the law!' So I did."

What was to ensue was a painstaking process for AnnMarie, but one whose effects would be greater and more impacting to millions of families than she could have ever imagined. "I started writing letters," she said. AnnMarie wrote to representatives, senators, Governor Lynch, and other government officials about her predicament and her want for change.

Eventually, her labors gained recognition. Mrs. Morse spoke to the New Hampshire legislature. "After only five minutes, I was hearing sighs and ‘ooh's' from the members of the House. They couldn't believe what they were hearing." House Bill 37 was passed unanimously in N.H. on July 22, 2006.

AnnMarie's next hurdle – to pass the bill in Washington D.C. – was a far more challenging and expensive one. After hearing about her efforts, congressman Paul Hodes stepped in. When asked to co-sponsor the bill, he not only accepted but managed to persuade 150 others to sign on as sponsors. 

With the help of Paul and other generous individuals, AnnMarie was successful in her endeavor to change an unjust law. On Oct. 9, 2008, Michelle's Law was signed by President Bush, thereby becoming a federal policy (Source: www.govtrack.us). AnnMarie is an example of how one person, with passion and perseverance, can change the law of the land. In light of the upcoming midterm elections, her story is an inspiration to all to be active participants in our government.

Following AnnMarie, Peggo Hodes, wife of New Hampshire senatorial candidate Paul Hodes, spoke to the group about her and her husband's most passionate issues. According to Peggo, Paul's first priority is to make the United States the leading nation in energy-renewable jobs. Paul and Peggo are both very concerned with our nation's lack of sustainable habits and are anxious to initiate change in every way possible. "We have to get a handle on this issue before it becomes a runaway train," Peggo said.

Paul and Peggo are also concerned with health care reform, and perceive it as an economic issue as well as a moral issue. "Without healthcare reform, this economy simply cannot sustain itself."

Finally, Peggo insisted on the need for education reform. "No more filling in bubbles on a standardized test," she said. "It's time to educate for creativity and innovation."

Both Peggo and AnnMarie emphasized the importance of voting in the Nov. 2 midterm elections. The races are bound to be tight, and a student body as large as PSU's is certain to have a considerable impact on the outcome. "It is a crapshoot," said Peggo, encouraging us all to rally our peers to the ballots on Tuesday. "You gotta drag everybody by hook or crook to vote!"