2012 NH Gubernatorial Election: Maggie Hassan on the issues

ECONOMY/JOBS:

Creating jobs and growing the economy is Maggie’s number one priority. She will improve the economy by attracting new and innovative businesses to our private sector while working with state employees to innovate in the public sector. As Governor, Maggie’s policies will be directed to make New Hampshire’s workforce the best in the country by aligning our education system with the needs of 21st century businesses. In the Senate, she worked with Governor Lynch to pass “New Hampshire Working,” a pioneering program that allows businesses to retain their skilled workforce while also providing relief to workers during hard times.

EDUCATION:

Maggie will work to make New Hampshire’s workforce the best in the country by aligning our education system with the needs of 21st century businesses through coordination with universities, community colleges, vocational and technology colleges and the K-12 system.

HEALTH CARE:

Maggie firmly believes that we must make reducing health care costs and expanding health insurance coverage a priority here in New Hampshire.

As a State Senator, Maggie worked hard to make quality, affordable health care a reality for every Granite Stater. In the legislature, Maggie:

• Wrote a bill to bring transparency and fairness to health care costs across the state, which passed the Senate 24-0 and was signed into law by Governor Lynch in 2010

• Partnered with Republicans and business leaders to replace a failed law that let insurance companies discriminate against sick workers and drove up health insurance costs for businesses across New Hampshire

• Helped pass a law to enable children to remain on their parent’s health insurance until the age of 26

• Sponsored Connor’s Law, which requires insurances companies to cover treatment for autism

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

Maggie is a longtime champion of environmental protection and clean energy investments that have created jobs and reduced energy costs for families and businesses. New Hampshire’s natural resources are among our most valuable state assets, and it is critical to maintain a healthy environment going forward. The science behind climate change is incontrovertible, and Maggie believes New Hampshire must continue to be at the forefront of energy efficiency and alternative energy initiatives.

CIVIL RIGHTS/MARRIAGE EQUALITY:

Maggie believes in the rights of all citizens to participate fully in the civic and economic life of our communities. The Concord Monitor reported “Hassan helped gay marriage pass the Senate by crafting an amendment that won over hesitant senators. Former state representative Jim Splaine, who sponsored the legislation, said Hassan was able to find a consensus among Democratic senators that the existing civil union law was not sufficient.”