For the past six years, it has been my distinct honor to serve as a member of New Hampshire’s Executive Council. During that time, I represented nineteen communities and was truly proud to work to make a difference for my district by putting people before politics. As I transition into a new position representing the 1stDistrict in Congress beginning January 3rd, I have been taking some time to reflect on my work as a councilor and how it might prepare me for what lies ahead.

The Executive Council embodies the best of our citizen-led government by providing checks and balance within state government, oversight of the various state agencies, and transparency for the citizens of New Hampshire. Our chief duties include voting on most state contracts; leading the state’s 10 year transportation planning process; considering pardon requests; and confirming (or rejecting) nominees to hundreds of key posts from our courts to departments, boards, and commissions.

In many ways, the power and impact of the Council is rooted in the ability of councilors to ask good questions — of nominees for key positions, of the Governor, or of department heads. Through this process, you often find nominees and contracts can withstand thoughtful inquiries and focused scrutiny. Sometimes, you come across individuals who are unprepared or contracts that are not a good use of taxpayer funds. This careful oversight creates more efficient and effective state government — Washington sure could use a healthy dose of such scrutiny and sunlight.

Through the literally hundreds of thousands of pages on our agendas over the past six years, there have been many highlights including instances where my one vote swung a decision in an important direction:

Medicaid Expansion — In 2014, a 3–2 vote of the Council began the implementation of the bipartisan compromise plan to expand the state’s Medicaid program as part of the Affordable Care Act. The program, funded by more than 90% federal funds, now covers more than 53,000 Granite Staters. It has improved health outcomes, lessened the strain of uncompensated care on our health care system, and expanded services to those suffering from substance use disorder.

Family Planning Program — On two occasions — in 2011 and 2015 — the Council rejected critical funding for Planned Parenthood as part of the state’s family planning program which. jeopardized cancer screenings, annual exams, and wellness visits for thousands of Granite Staters. This action thrust the Council into a charged political space where it didn’t belong, but by fighting back we were able to restore funding in subsequent years.

Opioid Epidemic — The Council worked closely with Governor Hassan and Governor Sununu to approve important grants and expand the availability for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. It is clear that as our crisis of addiction and mental health evolves over time, we need partners at the federal level who will fight for resources to invest in New Hampshire strategies that are working.

Transportation Infrastructure — The Council puts a great deal of effort in identifying transportation priorities and approving contracts that move those projects forward. The last six years have seen a flurry of construction work including the I-93 expansion, the 101 widening in Bedford, two new bridges in Portsmouth, and the Spaulding turnpike expansion. We have also brought about an increase in paving, bridge and culvert repairs, and safety upgrades that help address our state’s needs. More needs to be done including investing in alternative modes of transportation. Commuter rail from Manchester to Boston is an economic game-changer, yet we failed to move it forward over the past four years. I hope to work with state officials to bring this and other critical priorities to fruition.

Renewable Energy — The Council approved a number of renewable energy grants for important projects across the state, but I regret we couldn’t muster the political will to get others done. From hydro to solar to biomass projects, these grants made the difference in bringing about renewable energy projects. What’s clear is that Granite State households, communities, and businesses want to be a part of the change we need to make to reduce our carbon footprint and confront climate change. We need bold federal strategies that are going to complement these efforts and move us forward.

Those are just a handful of the issues that have landed on the Council table where the agenda is always expansive in its breadth. Just as I remember some of the bigger battles, I think of many other moments that don’t make headlines: getting out and seeing the impact of a program like Meals on Wheels; taking our meetings on the road to locations such as the Food Bank and Castle in the Clouds; and having a steady stream of fourth graders livening up the Council chambers.

I’ll cherish the time I spent working collegially with two governors and eight different councilors. Truthfully, the best lessons I learned about being a councilor and public service more generally were from Ray Burton, and they will stay with me as I move on. He once told me that the best councilors are the ones who spend the least time at the State House and the most time out in their districts. I think that advice is sage for members of Congress as well.

That should give you a sense that the most meaningful work of a councilor — and the most memorable for me — is the constituent service. Helping someone in need navigate state bureaucracy or get a problem addressed is an essential part of the job. I have received countless calls and emails from folks seeking assistance. People have reached out when their house was in foreclosure, when a family member struggled with addiction, or when they had trouble with their benefits. In my new capacity, I am eager to build a strong constituent service operation in our district offices that will be responsive to those who need us.

There’s nothing like the Executive Council anyplace in America. I have great faith that the next Council will again rise to the challenge of its constitutional charge, focus on getting it right for the people of New Hampshire, and be a good steward of the institution. Its roots may be in the colonial era, but the Council remains as relevant as ever to the function and future of our state government. I am humbled to have been a part of it all, and I know these experiences will guide me as I assume a new role. I’m thrilled by the opportunity to bring some New Hampshire know-how to Congress, and I can’t wait to get started.

My story unfolded here in New Hampshire where I attended Manchester Central High School, graduating in 1998. It was at a time when the LGBTQ community had not yet gained mainstream acceptance in our state. I didn’t know any other student who was like me, and I lived in constant fear of how to come to terms with who I was and whether I would be accepted by those around me.

I entered college as a questioning kid and graduated four years later out and proud. I had finally met people who were just like me, and I found the confidence I needed to undertake the journey of coming out. My college experience allowed me to grow as a person, become my true self, and come into my own.

After college, I returned home to help run my family’s restaurant and got involved in the community that gave me so many opportunities in life. When I joined the state legislature 15 years ago, we were fighting hurtful anti-LGBTQ legislation. I gave my first floor speech — as a 23 year old amongst a sea of my elders — against a bill that prevented New Hampshire from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts. We lost badly, and it was hard to accept. But we had a strong sense that history and public opinion were on our side — not to mention common decency and the Constitution.

For the first time, I keenly understood the power of speaking out and that my personal story could have an impact — how speaking my truth could help to change the public discourse. I learned that with every story we tell, every experience we share, and every ally we gain, we forge a path for others who want to live a full life.

Coming out is a process that never ends. To be honest, I am still doing it today as I introduce myself to people across New Hampshire as I run for Congress. What is empowering and important about the process is that it’s not purely about the individual: it’s not a simple personal statement or an act of rebellion. It’s about our common humanity. It’s about acceptance and dignity. It’s about love and togetherness. It’s about making life better for others, today and well into the future. Coming out and telling our stories is a powerful way to change lives, and it’s the most effective way to change hearts, minds, and laws.

There’s an uneven march for progress underway that takes us two steps forward and one step back. Today, we see hate crimes on the rise. We see transgender service members told they are not welcome to serve their country by the commander-in-chief. We still see a lack of protections in federal law for the LGBTQ community when it comes to non-discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

So how do we continue to move forward at a frustrating, divisive time in our nation’s history? We move forward by creating safe environments and support systems so people can follow their true path. We move forward when we promote equality and lift each other up. We move forward when we respect the dignity of each and every individual regardless of who they are or who they love. And we move forward by coming out.

Harvey Milk once said, “I would like to see every gay doctor come out, every gay lawyer, every gay architect come out, stand up, and let the world know. That would do more to end prejudice overnight than anybody would imagine.”

I’m not a doctor or lawyer, but I am a proud LGBTQ small business owner and elected official here in New Hampshire. When you live openly as your true self, you are able to open doors of possibilities for you and everyone around you. And when you work to create a positive environment that respects everyone and brings people of diverse backgrounds together, we all win.

So to every person — no matter your orientation, profession, or where you call home — be proud of who you are and come out as your true self. Find your path — one created by living your life, loving fully, working hard, speaking out, and lifting up those around you. That is how we will continue to change this world for the better.

Dear Friends,

BIG NEWS:

On Wednesday, I was honored to get the endorsement of my friend Senator Maggie Hassan. While she was Governor, we worked together to help expand health coverage and deliver additional resources to invest in treatment and recovery, and I would be honored to join her as a member of the delegation to fight for New Hampshire values in Washington. If you weren’t able to join us, read more about the event here.

FROM THE TRAIL:

#PuppiesforPappas
Last week, we visited White Horse Addiction Center in Ossipee to discuss the struggles local recovery organizations are facing as they work in their communities to address the opioid crisis. We also went to a few Carroll County businesses including Lupine Pet (where I met Moby, pictured above) and Settlers Green before we stopped in at the Gibson Senior Center for some delicious chicken parm. In Wolfeboro, we stopped at PSI Molded Plastics to take a tour of their production facility and discuss the challenges facing American manufacturers. We ended the week with a house party in Hampton — thank you to Lenore and Gary Patton for hosting!

On Thursday night I had fun with my fellow Democratic candidates at the Strafford County Democrats forum in Rochester. The attendees came prepared with thoughtful questions, and we had some great conversations on diverse topics including the importance of making education and healthcare affordable for all Granite Staters; strategies on fighting the opioid crisis; and how our next member of Congress can make an impact to ensure New Hampshire remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

WHERE WE’RE HEADED:

We have another full week across the district on our 80 Ways in 80 Days tour. Highlights of the week ahead are below.

• Tonight we’re joining the Newington/Greenland Democrats for Mexican food and conversation at El Rodeo (2064 Woodbury Ave) in Newington, 7pm.
• Tuesday evening at 7pm, Barbara Carpenter is welcoming me to speak with the South Hampton Area Democrats at her home at 152 Drinkwater Road, Kensington.
• My friend Laura Hainey is hosting a house party in Rochester on Thursday at 6pm to talk about our campaign. Join us at 34 Park Street if you are able!
• On Saturday we’ll be stopping by the NHDP’s McIntyre-Shaheen Dinner before we head to Dover on Saturday night to help honor my good friend Senator David Waters at the Dover Democrats Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner (Hellenic Center, 219 Long Hill Road).
• Sunday morning we’ll be heading to Portsmouth at 11am for a house party hosted by Katie Kiernan Marble at 226 Marcy Street.
• We’ll end the weekend with the Carroll County Dems and Rep. Carol Shea-Porter for a Spring Gala and Silent Art Auction at the Thorn Hill & Spa in Jackson.

Thank you for your continued support!

Chris

Pappas and NH Recovery, Treatment, and Prevention Advocates Call on President Trump to Keep Promise to New Hampshire

Ahead of President Trump’s visit to New Hampshire this afternoon, Executive Councilor Chris Pappas calls on President Trump to keep the promise he made a year and a half ago to get those on the front lines of the opioid epidemic the resources they need. In his call for more resources, Pappas is joined by advocates from the treatment, recovery, and prevention communities of New Hampshire.

In October 2016, just before the presidential election, Trump said, “I’m now doubling-down on that promise that I made to the people of New Hampshire and can guarantee you we will not only stop the drugs from pouring in, but we will help all of those people so seriously addicted, we’ll get them assistance, we’ll make sure that they have the top treatment and get better. We’ve got to get them better.”

“It has been a year and a half since Donald Trump made a clear promise to the people of our state. As a lifelong Granite Stater and someone who cares deeply about my community, I know we are in dire need of the attention and assistance he pledged long ago. We deserve a commitment of real resources today that will support law enforcement and prevention, as well as our fragile network of treatment and recovery programs. The fact that we only have a bare bones framework — with no funding attached — is simply inadequate at this stage of the Trump Administration,” said Pappas.

“As a nurse practitioner, certified prevention specialist, and long-time facilitator of FASTER Parent Support Group, I have yet to see anything different coming from this administration than what we heard a year and a half ago,” added Susan McKeown. “We need to attack this epidemic with a multi-faceted approach that includes comprehensive plans on prevention for our children who are not yet involved in this #1 public health issue — not just lip service about public awareness. Trump made a promise to all of us in New Hampshire that resources were on the way. The time for talk is over. We need to know how this initiative will turn into real action that will result in programs getting the resources they need,” continued McKeown.

John Burns, Director of SOS Recovery Community Organization, added “We are operating prevention, treatment, and recovery supports on a shoestring budget here in NH. It is alarming that it has taken 15 months in office to roll out a plan that still does not detail any commitment to specific funding sources or amounts.”

“It is concerning that it has taken this long for the President to propose a plan painted with broad strokes rather than specifics,” said Laconia State Representative Phil Spagnuolo. “The plan fails to address key objectives, such as the need for greater funding and access to RCOs and more treatment beds in New Hampshire. We can’t afford to allow these critical details to be swept under the rug,” continued Spagnuolo. “There are thousands of us in recovery who are passionate about helping those still suffering. We need the President to listen to us and create policy that reduces stigma and empowers us to help ourselves.”

On the Executive Council, Pappas fought to implement Medicaid expansion, which continues to be New Hampshire’s best tool in fighting the opioid epidemic. He has repeatedly spoken out about how NH is short-changed by the current funding formula which prioritizes states with big populations instead of those that have the highest overdose death rates. Pappas is also a strong proponent for federal legislation, such as CARA 2.0, that directs long-term resources to fight the opioid epidemic.

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Here in New Hampshire, we need an energy policy that looks forward, not backwards. We need an energy policy that protects our environment and supports our local economy, rather than jeopardizing key industries and our safety. This administration’s reckless proposal to permit offshore drilling is not the answer and is a direct threat to the livelihood of communities along our coastline.

As a lifelong resident of New Hampshire, business owner, and strong supporter of protecting our environment, I stand vehemently opposed to any proposal that puts our natural resources, local economy, and communities at risk. New Hampshire’s coastline should never be for sale to the highest bidder from the oil and gas industry.

My fellow restaurateur and local business owner Jay McSharry said it best, “We depend on our local seafood industry and are proud of our local boat-to-table atmosphere. Offshore drilling will threaten the Seacoast’s already fragile ecosystem and hurt the New England fishermen that supply my business. What’s more, turning the New England coast into an oil well will harm New Hampshire’s thriving tourism sector. Let’s reject this proposal to preserve the beauty of our coast and the health of our ocean.”

I agree with Jay. Our state depends on our pristine 18 miles of coastline to bring in tourists who will dine at establishments that serve our fresh seafood or take in the natural splendor of a day at the beach. The vitality and stability of our local economy would be irreversibly threatened by giant oil platforms along our coastline.

Furthermore, the detrimental environmental effects of offshore drilling are well known. The BP oil spill in 2010 was devastating to the economies and environmental health of the Gulf Coast states. The regulations that President Trump is attempting to roll back were put in place because of this catastrophe. It is our job to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself here in New Hampshire.

The Granite State does not need to take on the risk of a spill in order to reduce energy dependency and create jobs. By supporting clean energy solutions instead, we can lift up New Hampshire businesses, lower our energy bills, save taxpayer dollars, and attack climate change head on.

I believe in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and securing a clean energy future. In my role as Executive Councilor, I’ve supported grants for solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal projects around the state. Clean energy is creating 21st century jobs in our own backyard while safeguarding our environment. It’s a win-win.

For our economy, our environment, and our future, New Hampshire must reject offshore drilling. Let’s protect our Seacoast and create new jobs by expanding our energy sector in smarter, cleaner ways.

Manchester, NH — Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky, a national delegate for Bernie Sanders, endorsed Chris Pappas today in his bid for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.

“While there are a number of good candidates for Congress in the First District, I believe Chris Pappas will be the most effective in bringing people together in support of a progressive agenda,” said Volinsky.

“Whether on the Executive Council or as an attorney, I’ve spent my career fighting for others. I see that same fight in Chris. During our time on the Executive Council, I’ve seen him stand up for the values that we all share. He believes health care should be a right and not a privilege. He believes all our children deserve the chance to succeed by getting a quality, public education. He believes we need an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.

Chris is a leader with the values we need and the courage to stand up for what is right. He is running to build on the legacy of Carol Shea-Porter and will truly make a meaningful difference,” continued Volinsky.

“I am proud to have the support of my friend Andru Volinsky,” said Pappas. “Andru has been a progressive champion on the Council and throughout his career. Like never before, we are seeing people across our state and our country come together to fight back. I am proud to have the support of a true champion for Granite State families.”

In addition to Volinsky, Pappas has been endorsed by fellow Bernie Sanders Presidential Steering Committee member Dudley Dudley, who was the first woman elected to the Executive Council. Pappas has also been endorsed by IBEW Local 2320, IBEW Local 490, Granite State Teamsters, and grassroots activists from across New Hampshire’s 1st district.

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Friend,

The elections of 2018 are the most important of our lifetimes.

We must send leaders to Congress who have convictions and the courage to stand for them; leaders who will work to preserve and support what is good in our communities and who will leave no stone unturned to change what is not. We must send a Congressperson who will speak up, who will speak out, and who will be willing to rouse the rabble when circumstances call for doing so, particularly in these uniquely challenging times.

I have met many candidates on the campaign trail and many individuals who have served successfully in public office. I have often been struck by the realization that the qualities that make a good candidate are not necessarily the ones that make an effective office holder. In Chris Pappas, I see the qualities of both. He will be a strong, winning candidate AND a forceful, effective member of Congress.

No one has caused me to believe more strongly in the future of our political process and our country than Chris. That is why I invested in his campaign and became a grassroots donor. So, today I ask you to join me by contributing $5, $15, or $30 before the year ends.

Chris deserves our support. As an Executive Councilor, he has been a strong advocate for the rights of women. He has shown his commitment to public education by advocating for the best possible appointees to lead public education in New Hampshire. He has fought for investments for renewable energy projects across the state and, more importantly, he understands that climate change is real. It is in Chris’s nature to listen and be respectful of all people. Now more than ever, we need that in Washington.

Please become a grassroots donor to see that Chris has the resources that will carry him to Washington as our next member of Congress from NH’s first district. We can’t afford to lose this seat. New Hampshire deserves the best!

Sincerely,

Dudley Dudley
Former Executive Councilor

We have made too much progress on issues of equality to turn back. Let’s protect what’s best about our state, what I know from my own business, and what the law guarantees: in New Hampshire we’re all welcome.