Merrimack County District 10 (3 seats) represents Concord (Ward 5) and Hopkinton.
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What specific policy do you see as most vital? I believe the most vital issue is the deficit that we are in due to the shutdown of our state, With that being said it will come with a housing crisis, overdose in deaths and more psychiatric issues and even suicides. It’ll push NH to the brink of desperation. With this will come from the other side to push and raise taxes.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? The best way right now is to take a look at the spending. Where is the money going to and is it being spent correctly. This will be the best way without raising taxes right now.
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What specific policy do you see as most vital? The New Hampshire advantage has come under attack like never before. We saw a slew of legislation from the last session that not only would have imposed an income tax, but would have violated our right to due process, our Second Amendment rights, and legislation that would have hampered our tourist industry. I will work to ensure that our state remains one of limited government, and will see that all legislation passes constitutional muster. The legislature also needs to eliminate all policies that have contributed to the high electric rates our citizens face.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? All government agencies must tighten their belts. Due to the government imposed shutdown of many businesses due to Covid-19, many citizens either lost their jobs or had their work schedules cut back. New Hampshire citizens are hurting right now. This is not the time for government to impose more taxes, fees and burdensome regulations. If elected, I will work to see that government gets out of the way so that our economy can thrive again.
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What specific policy do you see as most vital? School Funding: I introduced HB551 in the last session creating an independent school funding commission. It has been doing its work for the past seven months. Its recommendations will lay the foundation for the next legislative session. It should provide a new approach to more equitable school funding and property tax relief.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? We will need to prioritize budget expenditures focused on meeting NH citizens’ needs. Ensure that revenues are reflective of the needs of the public.
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What specific policy do you see as most vital? The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives, our economy and affected the health of many of our citizens. We will need policy changes in many areas: health care, housing, education, elections, safety, the environment, economics, and care for our elderly and our children. It’s difficult to say what is most vital, but in the past few years I have worked on Paid Family and Medical leave legislation. Most recently, I have sponsored HB712 which would have provided paid family leave for N.H. workers. HB712 was recently vetoed by the Governor. Currently two-thirds of working people in New Hampshire lack access to paid leave to care for a new baby, a sick family member, or to tend to their own illness. Access to paid family and medical leave will help working people manage their caregiving responsibilities while maintaining financial security. The benefits of a Paid Family and Medical Leave Program are many. Research shows that child health outcomes have improved when new parents can take the time necessary to establish a strong bond with a new baby. A California study found that the implementation of a Paid Leave Program accounted for an 11% decline in elderly nursing home usage. This could have very important implications for New Hampshire whose nursing home costs are high and whose population is aging
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? I have served on the House Finance Committee for several legislative terms; two terms as Chair of the Committee. During my service on the Finance Committee, I have learned that New Hampshire has a very carefully crafted and modest state budget. The state has seen its revenues decrease dramatically in the past several months due to the pandemic. Some estimate the revenue decline could be as much as $400 million this biennium. As we move to close the gap, all options must be on the table. We must work closely with our Federal Delegation to advocate for federal aid to help us close our budget gap. Federal assistance to states will keep states from having to make potentially drastic budget reductions. We must closely evaluate spending to determine if there are areas of underspending that will produce budget lapses. Revenue rates and policy will also need to be reviewed for the potential of additional revenue. But unlike what happened in 2010 when the budget was so drastically reduced that most vital services provided by state government were left in shambles, I will work to assure programs fundamental to our citizens and communities remain funded.
■John French, a Republican, and David Luneau, a Democrat incumbent, did not return a questionnaire.