Staff | October 7, 2020
Ann McLane Kuster
Party: Democrat
Age: 63
Town of Residence: Hopkinton
Incumbent: United States Representative, 4 terms
What specific policy do you see as most vital? Having a strong and well coordinated response to the COVID-19 crisis is critical to ensuring that no Granite Staters are left behind as we recover from the pandemic. I’ve authored a “Roadmap to Recovery” which outlines steps to responsibly reopen our economy and address the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus.
My agenda includes clear steps for expanding testing, producing and distributing a safe and effective vaccine, as well as funding economic support for individuals and small businesses. We must also work to ensure that every family is able to access quality, affordable health care. I will continue to work with my colleagues to lower the costs of health insurance and cut the costs of prescription drugs. Last year, I was proud that the House of Representatives passed my bill to ensure protections for people with pre-existing conditions. I’ve helped to deliver more than $4 billion in funding to New Hampshire to help our hospitals, secure personal protective equipment, and support our economy through stimulus payments and small business support. As we move forward, I will continue to work with both Republicans and Democrats to advance robust support for our communities here in New Hampshire.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? In May, I was proud to support the HEROES Act which would have provided much needed support for towns and cities in New Hampshire. I’ve spoken with mayors and town managers across the state and it’s clear that action to address revenue shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary to avoid disruption to the services that we all rely on. I was pleased to advance funding that has supported the expansion of broadband internet and bolster our health care system but much more work remains. I will continue to push for relief for New Hampshire communities as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.