Hello Friends,

This week, President Biden delivered his second State of the Union address. During his speech, the President highlighted all that we accomplished in the past two years and laid a roadmap for our country going forward. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and I was happy to see President Biden stress this during his speech. 

As we look to the future, I will continue working across the aisle and with President Biden to deliver for New Hampshire and finish the job.

If you missed the President’s address, you can still watch it here: WH.gov/sotu

President Biden touted his achievements and stressed the work that remains.

In the first two years of his administration, President Biden has created more jobs than any other president on record – last month, the January 2023 jobs report showed the U.S. economy added over half a million jobs. And, while more work remains to lower costs, strengthen our economy, and expand our workforce, the President made clear that our best days lie ahead.

Together, we can lower costs, keep families safe, protect our personal freedoms, and build a brighter future for all.

President Biden addressed Congress and the American people Tuesday night.

President Biden also underscored how the legislation we passed during the first two years of his presidency is only the beginning. 

From lowering health care costs to building economic opportunity in our communities and bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., we have such a strong base to build from. And, we are beginning to see the impact this legislation will have on New Hampshire, with more positive progress coming each and every day.

I am proud to address mental health and substance use in New Hampshire and across the country.

The emotional and mental well-being of New Hampshire residents directly impacts the strength and resilience of our communities and economy. The COVID-19 pandemic pulled back the curtain on the need for expanded access to mental health support — whether for students returning to school or parents returning to the workforce.

I was thrilled to have Susan Stearns, Executive Director of NAMI NH, join me as my guest for the President’s State of the Union address and to highlight the critical importance of mental health for New Hampshire. 

Susan Stearns is an incredible advocate for expanding access to mental health resources and dispelling stigma – it was an honor to have her as my guest on Tuesday night. 

Susan Stearns has been a critical advocate for dispelling the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide.

During his speech, the President stressed the need to expand our workforce to address the growing mental health crisis affecting Granite Staters of all ages.

I want to applaud the President for his commitment to addressing mental health and tackling the opioid crisis. Together, we will work to end the stigma around mental health treatment and deliver better care for all.

New Hampshire is home to the most beautiful land in the country – I will continue working to protect it.

On Thursday, I reintroduced my bipartisan legislation to support local ski areas by cutting unnecessary red tape and keeping ski fees local. This legislation will help communities in New Hampshire and throughout the country enjoy the winter sports we know and love while preserving our national forests for generations to come. 

I’m thrilled to have the support of my colleagues John Curtis (R-UT), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) as we push to make this bill law. 

Graph courtesy of the New Hampshire Bulletin.

Are you or a loved one enrolled in Medicaid? Continuous enrollment from the COVID-19 pandemic is ending – you will need to re-enroll in order to keep your coverage. Keep an eye out for a yellow letter from the Department of Health and Human Services Public Information Office to ensure your coverage doesn’t lapse.

Learn more: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/financial-assistance-0/pandemic-related-benefits-changes

Learn more about how to get your tax refund faster in 2023 here. Graphic courtesy of the Washington Post.

Tax Season Is Here: The IRS announced they will begin accepting federal income tax returns. While you have until April 18th this year to file your return, the sooner you can get started, the better! 

The IRS recommends filing electronically and discourages filing a paper return. I’m hopeful that the investments we’ve made through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to bolster customer service resources for the IRS will result in a better experience for folks interacting with the IRS this year. 

To stay updated on my work in Congress and around the Granite State and for important information and resources, like my page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

I hope you have a safe and fun weekend!

Sincerely,

Annie