Lorrie J. Carey

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?

"We have not fully funded public education in the State of NH and until the State honors its constitutional commitment to fully fund public education, which will reduce local property taxes, there should be no new State funded education programs. Fund obligations first - this includes fully funding public education, Special Education mandates and other educational mandates as dictated by the NH Department of Education. Do not make Administrative Rules, programs or laws without fully funding them with a specific revenue source."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?

"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?

"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"We need to explore this issue as well to make sure we are thorough and comprehensive in seeking alternatives to high property taxes. Small business owners already pay income taxes in the form of the Business Enterprise Tax, so we would be remiss to pretend we do not already have an income tax in NH."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"Each side of an issue must be explored for it's pros and cons in order to come to a valid decision. We know that people are being taxed out of their houses. There needs to be an alternative to high property taxes. All possible solutions should be considered."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"In lowering any tax, there is an impact on state revenues. The belief, in regards to lowering business taxes is that there is a positive trickle down effect. This is not necessarily true - the cigarette tax is an example of that. As a State, we have taxed rooms & meals at a higher rate, then lowered the rate out of concern for tourists. We need a clear policy and goal for taxation with projected impacts and returns."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?

"Undecided"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?

"We can be proactive or we can be reactive. I prefer to be proactive. The climate is changing and we can do our part to make a difference. Alternative energy sources help provide new industries and jobs in our state along with having a positive impact upon the climate."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support giving voters who register without ID on Election Day a ballot that only counts if they return identifying documents to the state before a deadline?

"Why would we want to deny anyone their constitutional right to vote? I could see where this might make the result of elections very long and drawn out waiting for documents and appeals of the process. What if the individual lacks 'identifying' documents either because they do not have them or have access to them or cannot afford to get them. Would we have the legal right to throw out someone's vote? Is this a solution searching for a problem?"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?

"I believe in local control. Each community in our state is different. Each community should have the training and tools to make the best planning and zoning decisions for their own community. The State should provide education and resources to train communities about zoning and planning, but the communities should each decide what is best for their community. Some communities will welcome more development, some will want to retain more open space. We need both."

Voting Record, 2024

Voted to increase the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts (HB 523)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?

"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the state increase funding for child care providers?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?

"The ability of each community to provide an education for its students should not be dependent upon the property value of the community. Communities with low property values end up having high local taxes and less funding for education, think Claremont or Berlin whereas communities with high property values have lower school taxes and are able to provide better facilities and opportunities, think New Castle or Moultonborough. Where you live should not define the type of education you receive in NH. All NH children deserve to have an equivalent education and each community should be taxed in an equivalent manner. It is time for the State to honor our state constitution and fund education."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?

"NH legalized Marijuana for medical use and decriminalized having small quantities.Every year there are a number of bills presented to legalize marijuana, but other than the aforementioned, they never pass. Part of the issue is enforcement and the cost of enforcement. The Law Enforcement community has not been in favor of legalization."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

"NH legalized Marijuana for medical use and decriminalized having small quantities.Every year there are a number of bills presented to legalize marijuana, but other than the aforementioned, they never pass. Part of the issue is enforcement and the cost of enforcement. The Law Enforcement community has not been in favor of legalization."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?

"NH legalized Marijuana for medical use and decriminalized having small quantities.Every year there are a number of bills presented to legalize marijuana, but other than the aforementioned, they never pass. Part of the issue is enforcement and the cost of enforcement. The Law Enforcement community has not been in favor of legalization."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?

"I ask you, how many businesses do you know who can hire anyone at the Federal Minimum wage? Even McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts are offering $14 and up for wages. We have always done things the NH way. We need to set a minimum wage which is appropriate for the businesses of our state. Currently, we have none, which means we defer to the Federal minimum. Time to set a NH Minimum Wage."

Voting Record, 2024

Voted for HB 368, a bill that would provide various legal protections for persons receiving gender-related health care. For example, HB 368 would prohibit New Hampshire from enforcing an order from another state to remove a child from a home based on a parent allowing their child to receive gender-affirming health care.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?

"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?

When asked a similar question on the 2018 Citizens Count survey, Carey wrote, "Is this a solution looking for a problem?"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"NH's gun laws are some of the least restrictive in the country. We don't require a permit to carry a concealed, loaded gun or to open carry. There are no magazine restrictions.You can build your own firearms. We have 'Stand Your Ground' and Castle Doctrine. However, surprisingly, pepper spray is illegal to purchase, use or carry. If we truly believe that all gun tragedies are the result of mental health issues, than we need to close the loopholes in background checks and create a better system to check backgrounds. This includes implementing a red flag law."