Dear Friend,
Like many of you, I have spent the past few months working remotely and staying home when I can to help slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s important that we all continue to practice physical distancing, wash our hands frequently, wear a mask while in public, and stay home if we are feeling sick. As we continue to navigate this “new normal” we are living in, I was excited to be able to safely spend a few days this week in the beautiful North Country to meet with Granite Staters and discuss the important issues affecting our communities. From our physically distanced meeting with community leaders and the New Hampshire Food Bank in Berlin, to our outdoor discussion with local health care providers and leaders in Colebrook – I’m grateful for the opportunity to “mask up” and meet folks in their communities for these important conversations.
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My heart is heavy and my thoughts are with Jacob Blake and his family as he remains in the ICU. As a nation, we must acknowledge that racism and police brutality are pervasive within our society and seek to end these injustices, even if we have not experienced this mistreatment ourselves. This week, teams and athletes in the NBA, MLB, WNBA, and more are standing up and demanding justice, and we should listen to and learn from them.
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Joining the NH Congressional Delegation and members of New Hampshire’s Postal Workers Association to condemn the Trump Administration’s sabotage of the USPS.
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I stand with the countless Granite Staters who depend on the Postal Service for life-saving medications, Social Security checks, ballots, and so much more. The Trump Administration’s sabotage of the United States Postal Service – a fundamental pillar of our democracy – endangers the health and well-being of Americans and puts our very democracy at risk. The USPS is a historically non-partisan, essential institution that provides crucial services to all Americans, and it has become all the more important in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. I voted this past weekend to defend the USPS and to provide critical funding to this important institution. These attacks must end, and Senate Republicans must bring the Delivering for America Act to a vote immediately.
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On Tuesday, I held two virtual discussions with leaders and providers in the substance misuse, mental health, and health care fields to receive updates on the impacts of COVID-19. The health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19 has created significant challenges for Granite State health care, mental health, and substance use treatment providers – at the same time, we are seeing increases in substance abuse and mental illness across New Hampshire. From the transition to tele-health care and cancellations of elective procedures, to a lack of personal protective equipment and increasing health needs of our communities – providers have overcome a multitude of obstacles due to COVID-19 in recent months. I was glad to hear from these hard-working Granite Staters, whose insights will continue to guide my work in Congress as we respond to this pandemic. I’m committed to ensuring that communities across New Hampshire can safely access the care and treatment they deserve.
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My virtual discussion w/mental health & substance use disorder providers. Watch here.
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On Wednesday, I toured the Affordable Housing, Education and Development (AHEAD) Bethlehem Workforce Housing project at Lloyd’s Hills – the future location of 28 new affordable housing units in the North Country. I am excited to see the progress AHEAD is making at this development to ensure all Granite Staters can afford a place to call home. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced my belief that the federal government must do more to support projects that expand the housing stock here in New Hampshire. I look forward to my continued work to expand access to affordable housing in the state.
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I visited White Mountains Community College (WMCC) yesterday and met with school leadership to receive updates on the college’s reopening plans and preparations as students return to classroom and online learning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For educational institutions like White Mountains Community College, the COVID-19 public health emergency has been uncharted territory with many complicated challenges to navigate. WMCC’s commitment to providing a safe environment for their students during this unprecedented time is evident, however, WMCC and other institutions still need additional support from Congress. While the relief funding Congress has provided to schools has been helpful, we must take further action. I look forward to taking the insights I heard today back with me to Washington as I continue my efforts to ensure schools and the academic sector have the necessary resources to get through this crisis.
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Today, I visited the Gorham Community Forest to view the forest’s recent expansion and meet with local elected officials and environmental advocates to discuss the importance of community forests to the North Country economy. The Gorham Community Forest is a beautiful space that provides economic and recreational value to the North Country and a measure of environmental protection to our world. I was proud to be involved in securing the necessary Forest Service funding to add these important lands to the Gorham region. This project will provide countless benefits for the North Country and New Hampshire in the years to come. I look forward to my continued work with the advocates and officials I met today to preserve and protect our environment.
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Visiting the Gorham Community Forest today
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I met with Berlin city officials and community leaders today to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on food security in the North Country. No family should have to worry about being able to put food on the table, especially during a pandemic. Sadly, this is the reality many Granite Staters face in the North Country and across our state. It was wonderful to hear from advocates today about what they are doing to combat the problem of hunger in this region. Their commitment to this important cause is a perfect example of what makes New Hampshire such a great place to live.
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On Wednesday, I met with local environmental leaders at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Crawford Notch Highland Center to discuss the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s (LWCF) key role in supporting the protection of the White Mountain National Forest and other public lands and waters. As we continue working to slow the spread of COVID-19, many of us are spending more time outside and rediscovering our love of the outdoors and the importance of community recreation areas. The White Mountains are a natural treasure that draw in over 6 million visitors each year, and I’m thrilled the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law to help safeguard and preserve this beautiful place.
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I also had the opportunity to visit Parker Mountain for a conversation about the trail system and the importance of outdoor recreation in the North Country — so much more than a beloved pastime, it is a lifeline for our Granite State economy, and I remain committed to securing the funding and resources that are needed to support this industry and help it thrive.
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Yesterday, I visited the Nansen Ski Club in Berlin and met with the Club’s leadership, community leaders, and members of the “Friends of the Nansen Ski Jump” to discuss the restoration project of the jump. The ski and outdoor recreation industry is a critical part of New Hampshire’s local economy and identity as a state. I was proud to support the Northern Border Regional Commission grant that made this restoration and redevelopment project possible, and I look forward to seeing the resumption of ski jumping at this historic site.
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I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Harold Janeway, a dear friend of mine and my family’s. Harold was a tremendous mentor to me and so many throughout the Granite State during his multiple years of service. His legacy will live on in the countless acres of land he helped preserve. My heart goes out to his wife Betsy, his loving family, and all those whose lives he touched. This week marked 100 days since we passed the HEROES Act in the House. This legislation puts money in the pockets of Americans to prevent the worst impacts of the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic on our children. It’s time for Senate Republicans to take up this important legislation.
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I want to send a special thank you to all of the amazing teachers (including Kate, who is in this photo) who are showing up at school and online to prepare for a successful school year in the midst of a pandemic. As a parent, I’m grateful for the educators, administrators and staff who are doing their best to focus on the well being of our youth and to provide support, compassion, and guidance as they navigate learning during COVID-19.
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COVID-19 testing is available at many locations throughout the Granite State - click here for a list of testing sites (and see map below).
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It is important to remember that even if you feel fine and aren’t showing any symptoms, you still could have COVID-19 and infect others, so it is critical to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the virus. In addition, keep a safe distance from others at public gatherings, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, and avoid crowds. Click here for information about how to properly use cloth face coverings to stop the spread of the coronavirus. As always, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services are the best resources to turn to during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider. If you live in NH and have questions about coronavirus, dial 211 or visit CDC.gov for more information. To stay updated throughout the week on my work in Congress and around the Granite State, as well as important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. Have a fun and safe weekend, and don’t forget to wear a mask when you are in public! Sincerely, Annie
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