Priorities.

Here are the facts:

The majority of Granite Staters support a woman's right to choose.
Abortions are extremely safe and 93% of all abortions happen in the first trimester.
On very rare occasions, a woman and her doctor may deem an abortion to be a medical necessity after 24 months of pregnancy.

Here is my position:

Everyone should have access to necessary medical care. Abortion should be safe and legal for all women.
Everyone should have the right to make decisions about their own health, and when/if to have a family. Politicians have no place in such personal matters.

Here are the facts:

Our NH Constitution states that the state has an obligation to fund an adequate public education for all NH children.
Granite Staters depend on the state to help provide good, quality schools to educate their children.
The issue of funding education in NH has been tied up in the court system for many years. The state currently provides $4400/child per year for education. A NH State judge has determined that a conservative estimate for an adequate education would cost $7356/child per year.

Here is my position:

Our children deserve quality public education that gives them an equal opportunity to lead successful lives.
The State should provide this adequate funding and NOT downshift the financial burden and responsibility to our cities and towns through increased property taxes. NH residents need relief from burdensome property taxes.

Here are the facts:

Some people say that we can't afford to raise the minimum wage.
Although this may affect smaller companies more than larger corporations, businesses are generally making record profits, and most can afford to pay a living wage.
When low wage earners get a raise, they spend and invest it back into the community, providing a powerful economic boost.

Here is my position:

I was born into a working-class family. My father was a Union member who worked his way into the middle class. I know from experience how a living wage can provide stability and security for a family. I want that same stability and security for all NH families.
During my early career I was a childcare worker and home health aide. So I know first-hand what it's like to manage a household on a minimum wage salary.

Here are the facts:

Guns are the leading method of suicide in NH.
Courts are about the only places in NH where you can't bring a gun.
The easy availability of guns to so many people makes the chance of gun violence far more likely. Many now consider gun violence to be an urgent public health issue.

Here is my position:

We should have a 3-day waiting period between when someone purchases a firearm and takes possession of it.
There should be a background check done for anyone purchasing a firearm and permits for conceal carry.
We should expect gun-free schools, playgrounds, college campuses, polling locations, legislatures, and hospitals.

Here are the facts:

Last year NH funded $15 million to invest in childcare services. Now, one year later, childcare providers have yet to see the funding that is tied up in bureaucracy and red tape. The State government must be held accountable and release already allocated funding.
Childcare is a vital industry. in our state, contributing to the financial wellbeing of our working families. But it is too costly for many.
A measure that recently passed by the legislature provides free tuition to the children of childcare workers, enabling them to return to work. This should increase the number of active childcare workers, and, in turr: increase the number of slots available for children.

Here is my position:

Access to reliable childcare is in the best interests of our state. It improves the quality of our lives, both at home and on the job. It allows working parents the ability to stay in the labor force while encouraging the healthy development of our children.
Childcare is fundamental to each and every initiative aimed at improving and sustaining our economic growth. It's a small investment now with farreaching dividends.