A Conversation with NH Governor Maggie Hassan

A Conversation with NH Governor Maggie Hassan
4:30 PM
Silsby 028

PP_S15_Governor_Hassan
NH Governor Maggie Hassan
Now in her second term, Governor Hassan is moving forward with implementing her "Innovate NH" jobs plan, seeking to build the best workforce in the country and strengthen the economy by freezing in-state tuition at public colleges and universities and restoring scholarship funding, doubling and making permanent the state's research and development tax credit, and providing businesses with technical assistance to help them create jobs. Governor Hassan also worked across party lines to enact a bipartisan plan that expands access to health coverage to as many as 50,000 hard-working Granite Staters, the most significant piece of health care legislation that the State of New Hampshire has seen in decades. Recognizing that a modern, safe transportation infrastructure is critical for New Hampshire's businesses and commuters, Governor Hassan signed a bipartisan transportation funding bill, a measure supported by the business community that invests in road and bridge projects across the state – including finishing the expansion of I-93. And the Governor has worked to maintain New Hampshire's high quality of life as one of the safest, healthiest and most livable states in the nation. Governor Hassan successfully worked to invest in a stronger mental health system, put more State Troopers on the road, restore the Children in Need of Services (CHINS) program, increase funds for services for people with acquired brain disorders and developmental disabilities, and restore funding for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).
Governor Hassan began her career in public service in 1999 when Governor Jeanne Shaheen asked her to serve on the Advisory Committee to the Adequacy in Education and Finance Commission. Her experience as a business attorney, along with her role as the parent of two children, one of whom experiences severe disabilities, enabled her to provide a unique perspective as the commission did its work. In 2004, Governor Hassan was first elected to the New Hampshire Senate, serving the people of the 23rd District, which included numerous Seacoast towns. During her six years in office, she was selected by her colleagues to serve as both President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the State Senate. As a leader in the Senate, she helped pass universal kindergarten so that every child has the same opportunity to succeed; helped lower the state's dropout rate by increasing the legal dropout age to 18 and establishing alternative education programs; worked to pass New Hampshire Working, a nationally recognized effort to help businesses and workers during the recession; sponsored the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to reduce long-term energy costs, curb pollution, and create jobs; and was instrumental in passing marriage equality in New Hampshire.