If the past 20 months have taught us anything, it’s that challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic are only overcome through a collective effort. These days, public trust is under siege by those who are focused more on politics than people. That’s why I want to cut through the noise and focus on our successes for a moment. We need to do this sometimes so we can restore the belief that better days are ahead.
Over the past few months Governor Sununu and the Executive Council have taken extraordinary steps in several areas including:
- COVID-19 response and access to vaccines & care for our most vulnerable citizens;
- Strengthened the transparency and integrity of how our tax dollars are being applied;
- Increased the access of housing support for our veterans and seniors;
- Implemented efficiencies in support of mental health treatment and behavior health education;
- Improved access to clean water for residents throughout the state;
- Completion of hearings for significant improvements to the state’s transportation infrastructure;
- Continued disbursements of federal relief funds to constituents;
As the Executive Counselor for District 3, I am honored by the trust of those who have lent me the awesome responsibility of representing their interests and defending New Hampshire values. It’s not always easy, but I’m proud of what’s been accomplished.
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Honorable Janet Stevens
Executive Councilor District Three
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There has been an abundance of grant funding available to New Hampshire – more than $5.8 billion dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds have been apportioned to New Hampshire since the State of Emergency began — including $1.1 billion dollars in COVID-19 relief funds disbursed through the Governor’s Office for Economic Relief and Recovery.
I wanted to share services and resources available for residents, municipalities, non-government organizations, healthcare and businesses as well as provide an update on recent approvals I supported for the betterment of all Hampshire Residents
COVID RESPONSE
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COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are readily available at retail pharmacies throughout the State Locations for COVID-19 vaccines in New Hampshire
- Homebound individuals who are unable or have difficulty leaving their home or who have been advised by a medical provider that their health/illness could worsen by leaving their home can access vaccine/boosters in their homes
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Call – Call the Homebound Call Center at (603) 338-9292 – Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Visit the website – Fill out the online form at www.onsitenh.com/vaccine
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Email – Email [email protected]
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Families can access COVID-19 vaccines for their children at CVS, WALGREENS, RITE AID, OSCO, HANNAFORD, WALMART, SAMS CLUB pharmacies throughout the state NH COVID-19 Vaccine Sites for Children
- Call 2.1.1 or visit nh.gov/covid19 with any questions.
Listed are several COVID-19 response contracts approved by the Executive Council
$22,495,752 for distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines and staff to support 400 providers;
$4,686,000 in funding for COVID 19 vaccine and booster delivery system through health centers, community clinics, voluntary school-based programs. My recommendation to supplant current ARP funds vs for CDC funds implemented by DHHS #7C;
$14,870,900 for state wide mobile COVID-19 vaccination and booster services #22 #24;
$,8,822,660 to expand COVID-19 testing at 4 locations #27B;
$3,545,667 for COVID-19 detection and prevention #27D;
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TAKING CARE OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS — HOUSING SUPPORT FOR ALL RESIDENTS
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionally affected New Hampshire’s senior citizens. With higher risk of serious illness and complications, our senior citizens have had to isolate themselves, whether willingly or due to restrictions, to stay safe, which elevates loneliness, depression and access to external supports. Sustaining senior support services has been a priority for me throughout the pandemic —
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$6,960,025 to assist New Hampshire senior citizens remain independent in their own homes while providing necessary support services, socialization opportunities, meals, transportation etc.– to break extended social isolation exacerbated by COVID-19. #22 Senior Centers
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$4,000,000 to support Senior Centers with necessary costs associated with COVID-19 mitigation and to continue providing much needed services Senior Centers
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$34,448,993 for Fuel Assistance to assist our eligible senior citizens and other qualified residents stay in their homes – safely and comfortably this winter #56
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$35,498,757 for Children and Families in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Prgoram. #51
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$250,000,000 for Emergency Rental Assistance and Homeowners Assistance is available for rent, utilities and mortgage payment, home insurance, taxes NH Housing Finance Authority
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NH FOOD BANK
More has been asked of New Hampshire food pantries, soup kitchens, municipal programs during COVID-19 to relieve hunger and food insecurity in New Hampshire. The NH Food Bank and their 77 partner agencies have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic for those in need.
$3,200,000 for New Hampshire Food Bank and partner agencies throughout New Hampshire – bringing total funds allocated to addressing food insecurity to $8,200,000 #64
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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH — SCHOOL CLOSURES AND ISOLATION HAVE EXACERBATED MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
$15,100,000 was recently approved to address the increased demand for adolescent behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder treatment through the purchase of Hampstead Hospital #7B, increased funding for youth residential treatment and transitional living facilities #62 and for additional support services for substance use disorder treatment. #30
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DRINKING WATER
New Hampshire’s water infrastructure system is essential to public health. With the prevalence of aging infrastructures state-wide, as well as deferred maintenance issues, meeting the demands of our growing state is essential. Supply chain disruption have also resulted in higher prices for chemicals and filtration systems – which are often passed onto consumers. These two contracts are addressing these concerns.
More than $3.6 million dollars is available to assist low-income households in paying water and wastewater bills. These funds are managed through the state-wide network of Community Action Plans. #53 #52
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INFRASTRUCTURE – GOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON INTRAMODAL TRANSPORTATION.
As an Executive Councilor, I serve on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Intramodal Transportation (GACIT), which is responsible for oversight of New Hampshire’s Ten-Year Plan for Transportation (TYP). The Ten-Year Plan allows New Hampshire to participate in federally funded transportation improvement programs while identifying and prioritizing projects funded by the state.
Over the past four months, I have met with hundreds of constituents in District Three through hearings held in Epping, Kingston, Derry, Hampton, Salem, as well as a statewide virtual hearing.
The Budget for years 2023–2032 is estimated at $4.4 billion dollars. With the recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, New Hampshire will be apportioned an additional $1.5 billion dollars. Budget forecasters factored $1.2 billion into the current budget – which leaves $302 million for funding additional bridges, EV charging, public transportation and airport improvements. Salem TV.
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Paid for by Friends of Janet Stevens
Robert Stevens, Treasurer
PO Box 687, Rye, NH 03870
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