The future of our state depends on every student having access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code. Unfortunately, our system creates school funding disparities that have led to major differences in education quality across the state, particularly in the North Country.

New Hampshire has the smallest percentage of total public school district revenue sourced from the State government of any state. We rely on local property taxes to fund schools and that creates significant disparities between communities based on taxable property values. The North Country, characterized by its rural landscape and small towns, is particularly vulnerable to this inequity. 

Our communities often have lower property values due to less economic development, leading to less revenue for schools. This creates a cycle where the lack of funding limits educational opportunities, which in turn hampers economic development, further depressing property values. The result is a significant disparity in educational opportunities between students in the North Country and those in other parts of the state.

Schools in the North Country often lack the financial means to offer the same level of resources, such as advanced courses, extracurricular activities, and modern facilities that are available in wealthier districts. This not only affects the quality of education that students receive but also their ability to compete for college admissions and jobs. The gap in funding also means that North Country schools struggle to attract and retain qualified teachers, as they cannot offer competitive salaries compared to other districts.

Well-funded schools provide students with the tools they need to succeed, fostering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled workers. When schools lack adequate funding, students miss out on opportunities that could help them reach their full potential, which, in turn, stifles the economic and social development of the entire community.

The introduction of public charter schools and Education Freedom Account (EFA) vouchers further exacerbates this unfairness. Most charter schools are located far south of us and that’s a function of the lower population in our area. This program did not go through the legislative process but was added as a rider to the budget by the Governor and Commissioner of Education. These vouchers divert public funds away from already underfunded public schools to private education options, leaving public schools with fewer resources to meet the needs of the remaining students. When students leave public schools for private or alternative education using vouchers, the public schools lose funding while still facing the same fixed costs, such as building maintenance, staff salaries, and unfunded mandates. This means they have less money to spend on the remaining students.

Proponents of Education Freedom Account vouchers argue that it provides more options for students for whom public education doesn’t work, however nearly all the students taking advantage of vouchers have never been to a public school. 

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of accountability.  Since our tax money is sent to a company in New York to oversee voucher payments, the position of the Commissioner of Education is that it is not subject to our state audit. That same company keeps 10% of your tax dollars for their work. Right now, there is a concern that many of the original applications for the EFA vouchers were completed without using required documentation to approve the applications. Without a complete audit we don’t know if our tax dollars are being used in a legal way. Much work needs to be done before we can adequately answer that question. Meanwhile we continue to fund this program.

The education funding system in New Hampshire is deeply unfair to communities in the North Country, and the introduction of Education Freedom Account vouchers only worsened this inequity. The reliance on local property taxes combined with the diversion of public funds through Education Freedom Account vouchers creates a situation where our communities, despite taxing themselves at higher rates, are unable to provide our children with the same quality of education as in other parts of the state. This not only limits the potential of students in the North Country but also perpetuates economic disparities within the state.

By reforming school funding and rolling back the poorly conceived voucher system, we can ensure that all students in New Hampshire, regardless of where they live, have access to a high-quality education.

Protecting reproductive rights in New Hampshire is essential, not only for the well-being of women and their families but also for upholding the state’s long-standing tradition of valuing individual rights and responsibilities. Our state has always prioritized personal freedom. Granite staters value the ability for individuals to make their own choices. 

New Hampshire is the only state in New England that has not legally codified access to abortion care, leaving women vulnerable to political whims that could restrict their access to essential medical services. While some argue that the current law, which limits abortions to 24 weeks except in extreme cases, is acceptable.  It is not.  Recent attempts to pass six-week and even 15-day abortion bans demonstrate that the law is far from settled. These extreme bills have not become law, but neither have measures to protect the right to abortion up to 24 weeks or to safeguard bodily autonomy.

Moreover, while it is true that less than 1% of abortions occur after 24 weeks, those that do are overwhelmingly due to severe medical complications in wanted pregnancies. The current law’s vague language and provisions that impose criminal and civil penalties on doctors performing abortions after 24 weeks create a climate of uncertainty and fear. This legal ambiguity makes physicians and other essential healthcare providers hesitant to practice in New Hampshire, fearing potential repercussions for providing, or even recommending, comprehensive reproductive care. This reluctance harms not only women seeking abortions but also the broader healthcare system in the state. When top medical professionals avoid New Hampshire, the quality of healthcare for everyone suffers.

To ensure that New Hampshire remains a state where individual rights are respected, we must take decisive action to protect reproductive rights. This means not only codifying access to abortion care, but also guaranteeing that women have access to the full range of reproductive services. Preventative screenings, birth control, miscarriage management and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are essential components of reproductive healthcare. Women and their families must have unimpeded access to these services. By protecting these rights, we affirm that individuals—not the government—are best equipped to make personal medical decisions.

Denying access to reproductive healthcare leads to higher healthcare costs, poorer health outcomes, and increased economic strain on families. Additionally, limiting access to services like IVF hinders the ability of couples to start families, which can have long-term demographic and economic effects on our state. By safeguarding reproductive rights, we both uphold individual freedoms, and promote the health and prosperity of our communities.

Protecting reproductive rights in New Hampshire is about more than just ensuring access to abortion care; it is about preserving our state’s commitment to individual rights and prioritizing the health and well-being of New Hampshire’s women and families. By safeguarding and improving access to reproductive healthcare, we ensure that women in New Hampshire have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. By trusting women’s healthcare providers to provide high quality modern care, we will also retain and attract physicians, and strengthen the overall healthcare system in New Hampshire. Reproductive rights are a cornerstone of personal freedom.  As your senator, I will fight to ensure that New Hampshire takes a strong stand in protecting these rights to ensure the health and well-being of all our residents.

Housing is the most pressing issue facing New Hampshire today. In a recent Granite State Poll, five times more respondents named housing as the top issue than named the second-place issue (which was education). Housing is too expensive, there isn’t enough of it, and action from Concord has been insufficient. 

The housing crisis in the North Country is driven by a lack of adequate housing stock across all income levels. For low- and middle-income families, finding affordable housing has become increasingly difficult, driving up prices and forcing many to leave in search of more affordable living. This outmigration weakens our local workforce and undermines the economic vitality of our communities.  With the exhausting of emergency COVID funds, the state will need to replace this vital funding source that has been used to support the state’s recent attempts to address the supply of housing stock.

Homelessness, often associated with urban areas, is a growing problem in our rural communities as well. Expanding affordable housing and providing support services are essential steps toward helping families achieve long-term stability and reducing homelessness in the North Country.

Additionally, the housing shortage hampers our ability to attract and retain essential professionals, such as physicians. Healthcare is vital in rural areas like ours, yet recruiting and retaining medical professionals is challenging due to the lack of suitable housing. This shortage affects the quality of healthcare available to our residents and hinders economic development efforts, as robust healthcare services are key to attracting new businesses and residents.

We must incentivize developers to build the types of housing our communities need, including affordable rental units, starter homes for new families, and housing appropriate for empty nesters who wish to downsize.

At the same time, we must address the growing issue of housing being bought up for use as short-term rentals, which reduces the availability of long-term housing for residents and causes other community problems.

I will support a wide range of creative funding solutions, from public-private partnerships to shared equity homeownership models, as well as continuing to update zoning regulations. Current zoning laws often restrict the types of housing that can be built, limiting the availability of affordable options. By modernizing these regulations to allow for more diverse housing types, including multi-family units and accessory dwelling units, we can make it easier to develop the necessary housing.

Additionally, innovative approaches like repurposing vacant buildings, incentivizing modular or prefabricated housing, and streamlining permitting processes will further help address the housing crisis.

By embracing a wide range of creative, often market-driven, solutions, we can build a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable North Country. Providing adequate housing for all residents is essential for our region’s growth and well-being. It is time to take decisive action to ensure that everyone in the North Country has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate housing.

Childcare is essential. It allows parents to work, supports a child's early development, and strengthens our communities. But here in the North Country, our childcare system is struggling. There aren’t enough childcare centers, and many families can't afford the ones that exist. Meanwhile, early childhood educators are underpaid, leading to staff shortages.

I believe every family deserves access to high-quality childcare. This isn’t just a convenience—it's crucial for our economy. That’s why I’m committed to supporting policies that will improve our childcare system, boost our local economy, and enhance the quality of life in the North Country.

One of the first steps we can take is to increase the number of family childcare centers. These centers, whether in homes or commercial spaces, offer flexible and often more affordable options for parents. We can encourage more people to open these centers by offering low-interest loans and making it easier to navigate the licensing process. This will ensure that even the most rural areas have access to quality childcare.

We also need to raise wages for early childhood educators. Right now, many of these workers don’t earn enough to support themselves or their families, leading to high turnover and staff shortages. By paying them better, we can attract and keep the skilled professionals needed to provide top-notch care. Research shows that the quality of childcare is directly tied to the quality of its caregivers, so this investment is essential.

Childcare costs in New Hampshire are among the highest in the country, which puts a strain on many parents. We should expand subsidies for low- and middle-income families and consider a sliding scale fee structure based on income, so more families can access the care they need.

Most states have already recognized the importance of childcare by implementing universal pre-kindergarten programs. These programs give children a strong start in learning, reduce achievement gaps, and support working parents. Unfortunately, New Hampshire is one of only six states without universal pre-K. It’s time to change that. We need to roll out universal pre-K in a way that supports existing childcare centers, especially those that provide care for infants and toddlers. This move would benefit children and offer a significant return on investment for the state, as early childhood education leads to better long-term outcomes in education, employment, and health.

To improve childcare in the North Country, we need a comprehensive approach: increasing family childcare centers, raising wages for educators, making care more affordable, and establishing universal pre-K. These steps will ensure that childcare centers thrive, families and communities grow stronger, and parents aren’t forced to choose between working and caring for their children. Investing in childcare is investing in the future of New Hampshire, and it’s a future that benefits all Granite Staters.

Timber, Agriculture, and Local Food Systems

The forest products industry is New Hampshire's oldest land-based industry, with roots stretching back to 1634. Although it no longer dominates the economy as it once did, it remains a vital contributor, generating $1.4 billion annually—and $2.4 billion when accounting for its ripple effects across other sectors. Beyond its economic impact, the industry is deeply ingrained in the culture of the North Country, where timber tax revenue plays a crucial role in supporting many communities. We need to protect this vital industry.

Agriculture has also been a longstanding pillar of the North Country’s economy, and there is significant potential for growth by supporting small farms and innovative food producers. A standout example is the North Country Growers Greenhouse Facility in Berlin. This facility uses advanced hydroponic greenhouse technology to produce fresh, local produce year-round. It exemplifies how leveraging technology and creativity can create jobs, bolster the local economy, and enhance food security in the region.

Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

Outdoor recreation contributed $3.3 billion to New Hampshire’s economy in 2022, representing over 3% of the state's GDP. It supports more than 31,000 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in wages. Much of this economic activity is concentrated in the North Country, which boasts some of New England’s most stunning natural landscapes, including the White Mountains and numerous lakes and rivers.

However, these figures only begin to capture the full impact of the North Country’s outdoor resources. Beyond direct economic contributions, the North Country serves as a powerful catalyst for the entire state. Surveys show that many businesses and individuals choose to relocate to southern New Hampshire specifically to enjoy easy access to the recreational opportunities in the North Country. In this way, the North Country acts as a vital engine that drives people and economic activity to the state.

To sustain and grow this economic engine, we must support the New Hampshire Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development (ORID) within the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA). This means investing in infrastructure, marketing, and sustainable development practices that attract year-round visitors while preserving the environment. Our state parks, including Franconia Notch State Park, need the resources they deserve to maintain and enhance their offerings. Ensuring access to hiking, skiing, motorized recreation, hunting, fishing, and camping opportunities is essential for driving tourism and creating jobs in hospitality, guiding services, and retail.

Moreover, by promoting sustainable tourism that prioritizes conservation, we can preserve the region’s natural beauty for future generations, ensuring that the North Country remains a vibrant and essential part of New Hampshire’s economy and quality of life.

Renewable Energy and Green Jobs

The shift toward renewable energy offers significant opportunities for economic diversification in the North Country. With its abundant natural resources, the region is well-positioned to harness wind, solar, and biomass energy. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure not only creates green jobs but also reduces energy costs for residents and businesses. By incentivizing the development of clean energy projects and training a workforce to support these industries, the North Country can become a leader in the green economy while contributing to statewide efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Remote Work, Technology, and Innovation

We should not underestimate the appeal of the North Country's quality of life and its unique, authentic communities. Historically, information workers needed to live in densely populated areas near major technology hubs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the viability of remote work across various industries. This shift presents a significant opportunity for the North Country, as remote workers can bring their jobs—and the income that comes with them—into the region, thereby boosting the local economy.

Crucial to enabling remote work is the availability of high-speed internet. Recent investments are beginning to extend high-speed internet access to the North Country, but we must ensure that this connectivity reaches every corner of the region. Universal access to reliable internet will not only support remote work but also attract tech startups and foster digital literacy, drawing new businesses and talent to the area.

Incorporating technology and innovation into the North Country’s economy is essential for its future vitality. Supporting tech startups, promoting digital skills, and integrating technology into traditional industries like agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing can significantly enhance productivity and open new avenues for growth. By embracing these changes, the North Country can create a dynamic, resilient economy that leverages both its natural beauty and technological advancements.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship

Small businesses are the backbone of the North Country’s economy. Supporting entrepreneurship through grants, low-interest loans, and business incubators can help locals start and grow businesses that meet the region’s unique needs. It’s essential to maintain our business-friendly environment that encourages innovation, reduces red tape, and provides access to the resources entrepreneurs need to succeed. This could include mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to capital for startups and expanding businesses. Small businesses not only create jobs but also ensure that economic growth remains localized and benefits the entire community.

Workforce Training

Workforce training is vital to the economic resilience and growth of New Hampshire's North Country. Strengthening and expanding key partnerships is essential. High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers, White Mountain Community College, the University System of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (NH BEA), and local businesses each play a critical role in this effort.

I am committed to enhancing these partnerships to better identify workforce needs, create targeted training programs, and guide students seamlessly into the workforce. These initiatives are crucial for equipping our workforce to meet future industry demands and for building a dynamic, resilient economy in the North Country.

NHDOT estimates that it will cost around $9 million to rebuild the roads damaged by the storm. State and town road crews have done an amazing job getting most roads into passable condition. But, despite these heroic efforts by road workers, Route 135 between Lancaster and Dalton remains closed and Route 3 narrows to a single lane (August 2024). And this is the damage from just one storm. Exactly one year to the day earlier, a similar storm caused damage and flooding throughout Northern New England, most notably in various towns across Vermont.

For decades, scientists have predicted that the warming atmosphere, holding more moisture and energy, would lead to more frequent extreme weather events that would cause devastating flooding in rural America. And now it is happening. The strong storm that statistically used to occur approximately once a century is now occurring far more frequently.

This means that we need to think strategically about our infrastructure. When a storm destroys a bridge, the new bridge we build must be strong enough to resist the more powerful storms that we know will be coming. The same is true for roads and river banks. There is obviously a cost associated with hardening our infrastructure, but that cost is far lower than the recurring cost of rebuilding after every storm.

Building climate resilience is how we live with the changing climate. But we also need to focus on the root causes by working toward decarbonizing our economy. New Hampshire must align our policies with our neighboring states and implement meaningful efforts to slow the change, and hopefully reverse it for future generations.

Sunday, July 21, 2024 was the hottest day on record, according to a NASA analysis of global temperature data. The record held until Monday, July 22. Tuesday, July 23, was almost as hot as Monday, making it the second hottest day on record. Wednesday, July 24, tied with Sunday as third warmest (so far). A week later, on July 30, another “unprecedented” rainstorm caused flash flooding in our region. Most of the damage of that storm was to towns in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Records will continue to be broken. Storms will keep getting stronger. The cost of inaction is greater than the cost of action.

New Hampshire's current approach to waste management is outdated and inadequate to handle today’s environmental challenges such as PFAS contamination. We need to implement smart, common-sense laws that limit out-of-state trash, and reform the regulations of the Department of Environmental Services (DES). Rather than expanding landfill capacity, DES should focus on education and waste stream reduction activities.  Investment should go to diversion actions which include recycling, reuse, and composting.  This would create a solid waste policy that prioritizes sustainability, reduces reliance on landfills, and protects our communities from unnecessary environmental and health risks.

The proposed Dalton landfill highlights the urgent need for reform.  New Hampshire doesn’t need new landfill space for our own trash for decades to come, and this one would be filled with 49-60% out-of-state garbage. The Dalton site is environmentally hazardous due to its location in a porous gravel pit, making it highly susceptible to contamination from landfill leachate. Leachate is the polluted liquid that leaches out from waste and threatens groundwater and ecosystems. The proximity to the Ammonoosuc River and pristine Forest Lake State Park further underscores the inappropriateness of this site.

One of the most serious issues with landfill leachate is its volume. For every ton of trash, up to one ton of leachate is generated. This toxic liquid must be pumped out, and driven by tanker truck to water treatment plants in the southern part of the state. However, these plants cannot fully eliminate harmful substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are linked to serious health issues. After treatment, the partially purified leachate is released into the Merrimack River, a major drinking water source. The presence of untreated PFAS poses a direct threat to public health, as these chemicals accumulate in the environment and in human bodies over time. Approving the Dalton landfill would exacerbate this problem, increasing the volume of leachate and the amount of PFAS contamination in our drinking water.

Currently, approximately half of the trash entering New Hampshire’s landfills comes from out of state. We should focus on managing our own waste and limit the import of trash from neighboring states, as other New England states do.  Our current landfill capacity could be extended significantly if we reduce the intake of out-of-state garbage.

Reform at DES should include state of the art criteria for environmental protection in landfill permitting, a focus on reducing waste at its source, and a strong commitment to recycling, reusing, and composting initiatives. Composting, in particular, offers a promising solution. The EPA reports that food is the most common material in landfills, representing about a quarter of municipal solid waste. By expanding municipal composting programs to include green waste (yard trimmings) and other compostable materials beyond food, we could divert  60%-70% of solid waste, significantly reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. (https://compost.css.cornell.edu/MSWFactSheets/msw.fs1.html) 

Composting not only diverts organic waste from landfills, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and produces valuable compost that enhances soil health and supports local agriculture. A statewide focus on composting would lower waste disposal costs and help New Hampshire move toward a more circular economy, where waste is viewed as a resource, rather than a problem.

In addition to composting, New Hampshire should extend producer responsibility programs, which make manufacturers accountable for the cost of disposal of their products. 

The need for comprehensive waste policy reform in New Hampshire is clear. Preventing the Dalton landfill is just the first step.  Updating DES guidelines and modernizing our waste management practices are critical to ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all residents of New Hampshire. By focusing on waste reduction through diversion—recycling, reusing, and composting—we can protect our communities and environment for generations to come.

Legalization would not only create new economic opportunities but also help retain revenue currently flowing to neighboring states that have already legalized recreational marijuana. By keeping this revenue in New Hampshire, we can invest in our communities and enhance public services.

Moreover, a well-regulated legal market would ensure the safety of our communities by providing strict oversight, reducing the risks associated with the unregulated black market. By implementing a thoughtful, balanced approach to cannabis legalization, we can create a system that works for New Hampshire—one that supports our economy, protects our residents, and respects the needs of patients who rely on medicinal marijuana. It’s time to move forward and make cannabis legalization a reality in our state.

I will vote against a state income tax or a broad-based sales tax.