Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  I spent last week visiting businesses and schools throughout the Second District. After recently unveiling my Women’s Economic Agenda in Nashua, I set off on a listening tour to hear directly from Granite Staters.

 During roundtable events in Amherst, Rindge, and Hanover last week, I discussed many critical issues facing New Hampshire women and families, including the wage gap between genders, the importance of a fair minimum wage, tax relief for working families, efforts to better support women entrepreneurs, the urgent need to invest in the education of our children from early-childhood through college, the need for women’s comprehensive reproductive health care, and the importance of job training and workforce development.

Talking with Incredible New Hampshire Women

I had the opportunity to meet with groups of women in Amherst on Tuesday, at Franklin Pierce University on Wednesday, and at the Tuck Business School in Hanover on Thursday. Each roundtable brought together a diverse group of female business leaders to discuss my Women’s Economic Agenda and to share their own personal experiences with some of the issues outlined in the agenda, including pay equity, family leave time, and access to capital.

It is astonishing that even in the 21^st Century, a New Hampshire woman continues to only make 77 cents to the dollar of her male counterpart.  During the fruitful discussions this week, we heard from inspiring New Hampshire women business leaders about how we can bridge the gender wage gap and address other issues I’ve outlined in my Women’s Economic Agenda. I sincerely thank all of the participants for sharing their heartfelt stories and ideas with me.

Discussing Retirement Security in Nashua

On Tuesday, I joined the Granite State Organizing Project and the NH Citizens Alliance for Action to discuss retirement security issues at the Nashua Adult Learning Center. I had a productive conversation with the participants about the importance of standing up for Social Security and Medicare, programs I have pledged always to protect while in office. I will continue to work every day on behalf of Granite State seniors and workers!

Fighting Against Drug Abuse in New Hampshire

On Wednesday, I joined 19 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging them to take immediate action to recognize Naloxone as a safe and effective over-the-counter (OTC) medication to reverse an opioid overdose. As heroin abuse in New Hampshire has reached epidemic levels, we must come together and do everything we can to reverse it. Too many New Hampshire families have been affected by the scourge of heroin abuse, and Naloxone could make a real difference for families with loved ones struggling with opioid addiction. Increasing access to this life-saving medication will have a major impact on the fight against drug abuse.

Visiting an Innovative Co-op in Hanover

On Thursday, I had a great time taking a tour and sampling some of the fresh, local foods at the Hanover Food Co-op.  The staff gave me a thorough tutorial on how they work with the local farmers who serve the co-op and the region, and we discussed ways I can best support sustainable food production on the federal level. Co-op General Manager Terry Appleby highlighted the work that regional co-ops are doing to foster the growth of local food sources. I am the first Representative from New Hampshire to serve on the House Agriculture Committee in 70 years and I look forward to continuing to advocate for our state’s local producers and cooperatives!

Helping Granite Staters

Earlier this year, I was contacted by a constituent named Judith Schiavone from Nashua who needed copies of employment documents in order to pursue benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  My staff worked with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service to expedite the process and obtain a copy of the necessary records for Judith.  If my office may ever be of assistance with a problem you are facing, please contact my staff at 603-226-1002 so we may help you resolve your problem or get you the information you need. 

Have an excellent week and thanks for everything you do to make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to live!