Issues

North Country Economy and Job Creation
The North Country has lost 1,600 jobs in the last three years and our families make 30% less than families in the rest of the state. With the loss of so many good jobs in the paper industry, it is critical the North Country Senator make job creation and the economy the highest priority. Building a healthy economy for our families and businesses will provide opportunities for our young people to stay or return to the region.

By working with Governor Lynch, I
- Co-sponsored the Coos County tax credit bill to attract new create new jobs and expand exisiting North Country businesses
- Repealed the law that allowed health insurance companies to charge higher premiums to North Country small businesses
- Decreased small business health insurance premiums through HealthFirst
- Protected our flagship state park from becoming privatized and commercialized
- Supported an increase to the state minimum wage
- Was appointed by Governor Lynch to the Technology Advisory Board (TAB) where we developed a state-wide action plan to expand access to broadband
Success rural economic development builds on the assets of the region and requires a comprehensive approach bringing together leaders from economic development, health care, education, the tourism industry and the environmental community. The Coos Economic Action Plan (EAP) was recently developed using this model and contains action steps in the area of energy, forestry, the creative economy, health care, and tourism. The economy of the region will improve with a focus on expanding high-speed broadband, harnassing our renewable resources to produce energy, providing education and training for the workforce, and marketing of the region's economic sectors.
Fuel Assistance and Energy Efficiency
High fuel costs are causing concern among North Country residents about how they will ensure they can keep their families warm this winter. Governor Lynch has called on state officials, as well as the business community, churches and civic organizations, to work together to help those in need through this winter.

A team of volunteers, directed by the Office of Energy and Planning, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, will be mobilizing a volunteer effort to help vulnerable citizens prepare for the winter and to ensure that everyone has a safe and warm place to go.

Information on where to get help, how to reduce your energy needs and how to help others in need by donating your time, goods and services, or funds can be found at the Stay Warm NH website at www.staywarmnh.org

Information on the NH Fuel Assistance Program

For Coos, Carroll and Grafton County Residents:
Tri-County Community Action

Coos County Residents:
Berlin 752-3248
Colebrook 237-8168
Lancaster 788-4477

Carroll County Residents:
Tamworth 323-7400 or 1-888-842-3835

Grafton County Residents:
Littleton 444-6653
Plymouth 536-8222
Woodsville 747-3013
Lebanon 443-6100
Health Care in Rural New Hampshire
My record shows that I have worked hard to ensure residents have access to health care services and affordable health care coverage.

I have worked with Governor John Lynch to
- repeal SB 110, the law that had doubled and tripled health insurance premiums for small businesses
- sponsored HealthFirst, an initiative to develop an affordable wellness plan for small employees, which is estimated to reduce premium costs by 15%
- expanded NH Healthy Kids to insure more of NH's Children
I also
- wrote a successful bill that established the State Office of Rural Health and develops a plan to recruit health professionals to rural areas
- wrote a successful bill to assist our community health centers find affordable capitol financing
- wrote successful legislation that expanded health coverage to allow young adults to stay on their parent's insurance plan through the age of 25
- sponsored legislation that will allow divorced spouses to maintain their health insurance for three years
- Chair the Health Care Coverage Expansion Task Force in the legislature