I have been a NH citizen for 37 years. An important part of my decision to live here has been the natural beauty of our state. Protection of our environment directly impacts our health, our economy, and the world we pass on to our children.
I am committed to initiatives that:
Support sound environmental policy
Preserve our land and natural heritage
Protect our State Parks
I congratulate Governor Lynch and our Legislators who successfully:
Joined a regional effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions to reduce carbon pollution (RGGI)
Funded Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP)
Passed the Renewable Energy Act
Banned the burning of toxic construction and demolition debris
In addition, I continue to support Commuter Rail for Nashua. This will be an asset to the environment, the economy, and the quality of life in Southern NH.
Sponsored expansion of Health First, a lower cost health care plan for small businesses
Sponsored legislation to create purchasing alliances for small businesses
Supported a process to reduce the overall cost of health care for NH citizens and business owners
Secured family coverage for young people under the age of 26
Funded a plan to provide health insurance to an additional 10,000 NH children
Sponsored legislation to increase access to hospice and end of life coverage for all NH citizens
Sponsored legislation for preventive dental care for young children
Supported legislation protecting our children from lead poisoning
Integral to quality health care for our citizens, particularly our elders, is Developing a Strong Workforce for the Future. An important component of this is supporting initiatives to create and assure Affordable Housing. I have supported legislation to prevent costly mandates that drive up housing costs.
As a health care professional for 40 years, I have a strong commitment to increasing access to affordable health care for all NH citizens.
Continue initiatives that promote health and wellness, and focus on prevention
During the worst economic crisis since the great depression, I have worked with our Legislature to create a budget that has balanced the needs of our communities with fiscal responsibility. I supported repeal of the LLC tax, and fought against implementing a capital gains tax. I will continue to make sure our families, children, and small businesses are not forgotten as we continue to maintain a balanced budget and implement sound fiscal policy.
As a State Senator, I have worked closely with the business community and sponsored legislation to continue to prevent layoffs, get families back to work and provide job training and incentives for new economic opportunities.
Education is the most important investment we can make as a society. Our Legislature has made important advances through:
Defining an adequate education
Including kindergarten as a part of every child’s education
Developing a plan to fund an adequate education
Developing a dropout prevention program, which has resulted in a 30% decrease in the dropout rate!