Joe Hannon

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?

"The supreme court has not ruled on exactly when 'viability' occurs and a real conversation, based on the scientific facts, needs to occur before legislating a potentially arbitrary age. It should be allowed when the life and health of the mother is at risk."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?

When asked about banning abortion after 20 weeks gestation on our 2018 survey, Hannon wrote, "The supreme court has not ruled on exactly when 'viability' occurs and a real conversation, based on the scientific facts, needs to occur before legislating a potentially arbitrary age. It should be allowed when the life and health of the mother is at risk."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?

"I am undecided on this issue."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH limit terms for elected officials?

"I support term limits for New Hampshire elected officials."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?

"Illicit drugs are cheaper, deadlier, and easier to acquire than ever. We can't even keep them out of our prisons. There are more people in the criminal justice system on drug-related charges than ever before; most of them live with mental health and substance use disorders. An unprecedented 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year. It is often stated there are three legs to the stool when addressing problematic substance use: Prevention, Treatment, and Law Enforcement. As most of our resources are continually tethered to Law Enforcement, the balanced stool has yet to be built. Officials are quick to claim that 'we can't arrest our way out of a public health crisis'. Now we must put those words to work. We must make NH's policies and practices meet people who struggle 'where they are at.' We must make evidence-based treatments easier to access than illicit drugs. We must finally invest wholeheartedly in addiction prevention systems and programs that use tools of engagement, rather than of fear, to keep our youth healthy. Let's keep people out of needless incarceration, and let's break the addiction cycle by increasing access to vital elements of recovery: Safe housing, gainful employment, and social recovery supports. New Hampshire can save money, lives, and heartache by fitting our approach to real needs in real time. I've seen firsthand the effect that such a shift has with real, local people in need. Recovery is not elusive; we need only to lead with compassion and evidence.

"(additional comments): I'm a person who has been in long term recovery for over 27 years, and I dedicate much of my time working with multiple state and non profit groups to lessen the harms of substance use to the children and adults in New Hampshire. It can best be addressed by primarily treating it as a public health issue. Allowing evidenced based strategies that reduce the harms associated with substance use and by removing barriers allowing people to get help. Encouraging health plans to educate providers on best practices for treating pain and providing non opioid alternatives when appropriate. Opioids certainly have a role in pain management and we shouldn't be making it harder for some people to get the medicines they need. However, the United States has about 5% of the world's population and we consumes around 80% of the world's opioids. The most cost effective use of our resources should be directed more towards prevention and treatment. Law enforcement has a roll, but we have more people in prison than ever before. We have been fighting this from the supply side for years and we need to focus more on the demand. People need to be engaged at not only the state but also the local level to build an ecosystem providing solutions. Working across multiple sectors is needed. Referral programs from law enforcement can direct people to local agencies and non profits who are willing to help. Drug courts are also a tool to lower re-arrest rates/ recidivism and get people treatment. Successful participants in the Strafford County drug court are much less likely to reoffend (crime goes down) and more likely to be a healthier member of our community. Providing training for first responders and people who use drugs helps lower death rates and can be a tool to connecting people to recovery supports. Increasing awareness of state laws that encourage intervention. Passing ordinances that allow for safe disposal of unused drugs and paraphernalia. The costs of this problem to the New Hampshire economy are well over 2 billion dollars a year (healthcare, lost wages, lost productivity, less tax revenue, costs for child and family services, enforcement, incarceration, increased welfare costs, and most importantly the loss of life and misery). We can save money and lives by helping to prevent diseases like HIV and hepatitis through harm reduction practices. Healthcare costs can be saved, productivity will go up and crimes can be decreased. It is not simply a matter of spending more money; it is a matter of implementing proven, cost effective policies and practices that work."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Was NH right to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving?

"The ban should be rescinded. Distracted driving was already illegal. If someone causes an accident while using a phone, it should be used as prima fascia evidence of distracted driving."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"I oppose New Hampshire adding an income tax on earned income."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"I oppose New Hampshire adding a broad-based sales tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH authorize one or more casinos?

"Treat it like any other business. If the reliability of the tax revenue is an issue, to not put it in the general fund. It could be used for the rainy day fund, only."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?

"The adoption of any testing criteria should be decided upon by local school boards."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH decriminalize small amounts of marijuana?

"The possession of small quantities of marijuana should not be a crime."

Voting Record, 2015

Voted in favor of 2015 House Bill 572. When residential land is taken through eminent domain for a gas pipeline, HB 572 allows the resident to require the pipeline company to purchase all of the land, not just a part.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?

"The disclosure laws should remain as they are now."

Voting Record, 2015

Voted to allow qualifying patients and caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home (HB 593)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire extend the renewable portfolio standard past 2025, requiring public utilities to obtain more than 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources?

When asked a similar question on our 2018 survey Hannon wrote, "People have a hard enough time with our high energy costs, without mandating potentially more expensive options. I'm a strong supporter of renewable energy if it can help lower the costs to ratepayers."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?

"Charter schools should be given the same opportunities that other public schools have."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH increase law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses?

"Illicit drugs are cheaper, deadlier, and easier to acquire than ever. We can't even keep them out of our prisons. There are more people in the criminal justice system on drug-related charges than ever before; most of them live with mental health and substance use disorders. An unprecedented 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year. It is often stated there are three legs to the stool when addressing problematic substance use: Prevention, Treatment, and Law Enforcement. As most of our resources are continually tethered to Law Enforcement, the balanced stool has yet to be built. Officials are quick to claim that 'we can't arrest our way out of a public health crisis'. Now we must put those words to work. We must make NH's policies and practices meet people who struggle 'where they are at.' We must make evidence-based treatments easier to access than illicit drugs. We must finally invest wholeheartedly in addiction prevention systems and programs that use tools of engagement, rather than of fear, to keep our youth healthy. Let's keep people out of needless incarceration, and let's break the addiction cycle by increasing access to vital elements of recovery: Safe housing, gainful employment, and social recovery supports. New Hampshire can save money, lives, and heartache by fitting our approach to real needs in real time. I've seen firsthand the effect that such a shift has with real, local people in need. Recovery is not elusive; we need only to lead with compassion and evidence.

"(additional comments): I'm a person who has been in long term recovery for over 27 years, and I dedicate much of my time working with multiple state and non profit groups to lessen the harms of substance use to the children and adults in New Hampshire. It can best be addressed by primarily treating it as a public health issue. Allowing evidenced based strategies that reduce the harms associated with substance use and by removing barriers allowing people to get help. Encouraging health plans to educate providers on best practices for treating pain and providing non opioid alternatives when appropriate. Opioids certainly have a role in pain management and we shouldn't be making it harder for some people to get the medicines they need. However, the United States has about 5% of the world's population and we consumes around 80% of the world's opioids. The most cost effective use of our resources should be directed more towards prevention and treatment. Law enforcement has a roll, but we have more people in prison than ever before. We have been fighting this from the supply side for years and we need to focus more on the demand. People need to be engaged at not only the state but also the local level to build an ecosystem providing solutions. Working across multiple sectors is needed. Referral programs from law enforcement can direct people to local agencies and non profits who are willing to help. Drug courts are also a tool to lower re-arrest rates/ recidivism and get people treatment. Successful participants in the Strafford County drug court are much less likely to reoffend (crime goes down) and more likely to be a healthier member of our community. Providing training for first responders and people who use drugs helps lower death rates and can be a tool to connecting people to recovery supports. Increasing awareness of state laws that encourage intervention. Passing ordinances that allow for safe disposal of unused drugs and paraphernalia. The costs of this problem to the New Hampshire economy are well over 2 billion dollars a year (healthcare, lost wages, lost productivity, less tax revenue, costs for child and family services, enforcement, incarceration, increased welfare costs, and most importantly the loss of life and misery). We can save money and lives by helping to prevent diseases like HIV and hepatitis through harm reduction practices. Healthcare costs can be saved, productivity will go up and crimes can be decreased. It is not simply a matter of spending more money; it is a matter of implementing proven, cost effective policies and practices that work."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

"I support adults making their own choices so long as they do not harm others. People who drive under the influence or provide it to children should be punished. I recently served as one of the commission members of the NH Commission to Study the Legalization of and Taxation of Marijuana. We examined all of the others states that have legalized adult use. While the commission report did not take a stand for or against. We made recommendations for the best way to allow adult use, if it should become law. I'm a person who has been in long term recovery for over 27 years, and I dedicate much of my time working to lessen the harms of substance use to the children and adults in New Hampshire. I have no desire to use marijuana if it becomes unprohibited. Our current laws have left the cannabis market largely in the hands of criminals, who often do not care if they sell to children. The biggest gateway to the use of other drugs is the criminal element which sells between $100 to $200 million worth of it each year in NH. The best way to protect children is to take the market away from criminals who sell to them, and to use any state revenue from its sale to help fund education, prevention and treatment. We are currently surrounded by 3 states and Canada, who have all repealed prohibition. Like the prohibition of alcohol, the prohibition of cannabis has been a failure which has caused more illegal activity and violence. While the use of cannabis can cause problems for a small percentage of the people who use it, it will be more beneficial for the citizens of NH to offer a safer legal option to the thriving black market and tragic harms caused by our current policies."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Was New Hampshire right to continue expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance?

"The program does help some people in the short term. However, the costs to the state are going to grow and we will be left with a system we will not be able to afford. It is irresponsible to implement a program without planning for how it will be paid for when federal subsidies go away."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?

"I oppose Medicaid expansion."

Other, 2018

"The best way to raise wages is through a strong economy and low unemployment. Artificially raising the minimum wage can cause people to lose entry level jobs. Reduced hours, decreased benefits and loss of on the job training are other negative consequences of manipulating a free market. Predominantly, minority and youth unemployment are negatively affected most by these arbitrary wage laws."

Voting Record, 2015

Voted to consider prohibiting sending any state funds to any health care provider that performs abortions, regardless of whether public funds are utilized for that specific service (HB 677). The Department of Health and Human Services said the bill would prevent the Department from entering into ANY contract with organizations such as Planned Parenthood.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Do employees in NH need more legal protections in the workplace?

"Our employment laws are generally adequate as they are."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?

"I do not support becoming a sanctuary state, but I believe the responsibility of enforcing federal laws should be on the federal government."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH add restrictions on welfare recipients?

Regarding drug tests for welfare recipients: "I would support it only if it would help people get treatment and it would save money overall."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?

"I do not support subsidies for specific businesses and industries. I do support offering tax credits where some money may be used by non-profits to provide or supplement services for our citizens. People and businesses should have more of a say in how their money is spent. Businesses should also be allowed to use more of their own money for investment in their growth and well being. Keeping more of their money, to be used for increased employee wages, equipment or anything that helps them succeed will bring more prosperity and better paying jobs."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?

"I would consider supporting the Northern Pass Project with appropriate modifications to the plan."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Is police brutality an issue in NH?

"While it is certainly an issue, it is not widespread in New Hampshire. It can be addressed by increased training and the use of body cameras. Police should not be militarized."

Other, 2020

"I support the governor’s plan that would involve joining with other states to create a larger pool of employees and employers to voluntarily join more affordable and sustainable plans, without having to create an income tax. The N.H. Insurance Department and the N.H. Department of Employment Security supported such plans that were proposed by the governor, and so do I."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH continue to use property taxes instead of a new broad-based tax, such as an income tax?

"I am opposed to any new or increased taxes-we should just control our spending."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire continue to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which requires utilities to purchase allowances for every ton of carbon they emit?

"Passing the increased costs to our ratepayers is irresponsible. Setting practical, and achievable goals for emissions should be examined. Higher costs affect lower income families the most."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire maintain the renewable portfolio standard, which requires public utilities in New Hampshire to obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources (25% by 2025)?

"People have a hard enough time with our high energy costs, without mandating potentially more expensive options. I'm a strong supporter of renewable energy if it can help lower the costs to ratepayers."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?

"I oppose legislation that would mandate insurance in order to register a vehicle."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH require labels on some or all genetically modified foods?

"I oppose such legislation because this is a complex area and requires more study."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH pass right-to-work legislation?

"Right to Work legislation should be considered along with other changes to NH's employment laws."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?

"The state and local governments should reduce the over burdensome barriers to building affordable homes."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

State role in economic growth

"Job stimulation is best left to the private sector."

Other, 2018

"I do not oppose voluntary programs for people who chose to purchase insurance. I do oppose a mandatory deduction from people's paychecks against their will. A mandatory state program would be an income tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?

"I oppose New Hampshire continuing to administer statewide standards-based student assessments."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I oppose stricter gun control laws."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?

"I support the dollar following the student. That includes public schools keeping every dollar for each student they have. I also support the current law allowing some students to accept money donated from Education Tax Credits. Individual students from lower and middle income families should not be denied the options that the wealthy have, to meet the educational needs of their children. A district may lose the small share of state money for that student, but the district no longer has to educate that student if their parents chose a more fitting option for that student. What is best for the individual student should be the goal. Choices increase competition and will benefit all forms of education, while helping keep costs down."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?

"Voting should be easy and the requirements should be clearly defined. If a citizen declares New Hampshire their place of domicile they should be permitted to vote. People doing so should then expect to follow our state laws e.g. vehicle registration and not deprive their new state and town of the taxes they owe by registering their vehicles in another state past the time allowed by law. Students should be allowed to declare New Hampshire as their domicile if they believe they are going to stay in NH. Those same students should also be eligible for in state tuition after a period of residency. Student aid from a home state usually requires one to be a resident of that state, and there needs to be a way for New Hampshire lenders to check for students who claim residency here and go to school in another state and vote there. I am in favor of a stronger national voter registration database, to avoid potential voter fraud."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH restrict further wind power development?

"If businesses want to build them, they should be allowed without state interference."