Thursday, August 13, 2020 - 1:00 PM to 1:00 PM

**Watch the discussion here**

Hopkinton, NH - Yesterday, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a virtual roundtable with Mayors and City Managers to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing needs of New Hampshire communities. Kuster was joined by Berlin Mayor Paul Grenier, Keene Mayor George Hansel, Claremont Mayor Charlene Lovett, Lebanon Mayor Tim McNamara, Keene City Manager Elizabeth Dragon, Claremont City Manager Ed Morris, and Cheryl Lindner, Chief of Staff to Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess. The conversation highlighted the need for additional funding for New Hampshire municipalities, and comes nearly three months after the House passed the HEROES Act, which would provide an estimated $3.4 billion for New Hampshire communities.  

“I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with city leaders to discuss the challenges they are facing at this unprecedented time,” said Kuster. “Ensuring our cities can continue to deliver important services to residents and function effectively is key to our state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, I was proud to support the HEROES Act, comprehensive legislation that would provide billions in funding to local governments. I will continue working to ensure New Hampshire communities have the funding and resources they need to weather this crisis.” 

Kuster has been a vocal proponent of additional funding for state and local communities. In May, Kuster called on House leadership to include robust support for local governments in COVID-19 legislation and voted in support of the HEROES Act. The HEROES Act included multiple provisions proposed in her Roadmap to Recovery. Current COVID-19 relief funds, provided by the CARES Act, are not available to communities with populations under 500,000. 

Watch the discussion here

###