Dear Friend, 

Last week was a busy one that started with the rare occurrence of a solar eclipse! It was wonderful visiting with everyone at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord for the eclipse watch party, and I hope you had the chance to experience this amazing natural phenomenon as well! 

At the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center for the solar eclipse watch party! 

On Tuesday morning at Dartmouth College’s Organic Farm and then again on Thursday afternoon at La Cite Ecologique Eco-Village in Colebrook, I joined local farmers, foresters, conservationists and other environmental advocates to discuss the 2018 Farm Bill and hear their thoughts about this critical legislation. The Farm Bill, which is reauthorized every five years by Congress, covers issues such as agriculture, nutrition, conservation, forestry, and rural development. Local agriculture plays an important role in our state's identity and economy, and we must ensure this comprehensive bill will help support new and beginning farmers. I’m looking forward to sharing what I heard at both of these sessions with my colleagues in Washington. 
 

Discussing the 2018 Farm Bill with farmers, foresters, conservationists & others at Dartmouth’s Organic Farm. 

On Tuesday afternoon in Claremont and Thursday morning at Coos County Family Health Services in Berlin, I sat down with healthcare providers, educators, survivors, law enforcement and others to discuss what we can do to prevent sexual violence. In our conversations, we focused on local efforts, services, and challenges surrounding sexual violence in New Hampshire’s rural communities. Sexual violence is not only a moral issue to me; it’s deeply personal. We need to end this all too persistent problem, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear the ideas, perspectives and experiences of the incredible advocates who joined me for these discussions. It is my hope that these conversations will let other survivors of sexual violence know that they are not alone. 

In Berlin discussing efforts to combat sexual violence with advocates, healthcare providers, educators and law enforcement.

I also hosted a roundtable discussion with the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) on Wednesday to talk about issues faced by women-owned small businesses in the North Country, including access to capital, workforce training, and transportation. These hardworking business owners shared with me their thoughts on the Women’s Small Business Ownership Act, legislation I support that would improve access to lending and increase business counseling and training services for women entrepreneurs through the Small Business Administration. WREN is doing incredible work to support Granite State female entrepreneurs and small businesses that are creating jobs and growing our economy. 

With WREN discussing the critical role women entrepreneurs play in the North Country economy and throughout New Hampshire.

Later on Wednesday, I held a town hall forum at Berlin City Hall to discuss my current efforts in Washington and hear directly from local residents about the issues that impact them in the North Country. I’m committed to supporting our local economy, tourism, and veterans, and I will take the ideas I heard with me to Washington as I continue working across party lines to improve the lives of all people in New Hampshire’s second district.

Great to be in Berlin for a town hall meeting to hear from residents about issues important to them.

As always, I encourage you to make your voice heard by writing or calling my office. I appreciate the thousands of people who have taken the time to contact me to share their thoughts and ideas. Your input helps me best advocate for the issues that matter to hardworking Granite State families, and I always welcome your suggestions and questions. 

Sincerely,