Marilyn L. Huston

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

"I do not support abortions at any point of the pregnancy. I would rather put time and funds into providing counseling for women who are in a very emotional and frightening position of their lives. Everyone wants the woman to make an immediate decision for abortion they will only create more trauma in her life. We need to be more supportive of women in crisis."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"NH should not add any new taxes. There is not a tax that will be beneficial to the residents of NH. We hear that it will drastically lower the property tax and that philosophy has failed around the country. ... There is no need for an income tax, the only result of higher taxes is more spending."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"NH should not add any new taxes. There is not a tax that will be beneficial to the residents of NH. We hear that it will drastically lower the property tax and that philosophy has failed around the country."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?

"The Democrats voted for the 13.5% increase on capital gains and that is robbing the citizens of their hard-earned money. The capital gains have already created a double taxation on citizens, and now they should be punished more?"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add restrictions to the governor's powers during a state of emergency?

"No, any Governor needs all possible tools to address emergencies in the state. Each form of emergency needs to be addressed via a different means, and if we cripple the Governor’s hands, we stand to inflect more hardship on NH residents."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase public access to reports of police misconduct?

"I am completely in support of law enforcement and very discourage about the negative actions they are undergoing. That said, I feel it appropriate for police chiefs across NH to have to report once a year to their respective town government."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?

"NO, there is no way to verify mail in ballots, but everyone should have access to Absentee Ballots that have a procedure in place to verify the resident requesting a ballot. As a candidate I did a 300-piece mailing and 50 pieces were returned undeliverable. If a plain mail in ballot is delivered to any of these residents there is a possibility for fraud."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

"This is difficult due to so many states deregulating marijuana, but at this time I can only support marijuana for medical purposes. I worry about Marijuana becoming another form of DUI and young underage children being able to obtain the substance even easier than it is now."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?

"At this time, I feel it must be left up to the individual businesses who are struggling from the pandemic. This is the wrong time to consider an increase."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the size of solar panel installations that may participate in net energy metering?

"HB1218 offers no help there. In fact, it exacerbates business woes by increasing energy prices. No, expanding net metering will never be a good idea, in 2020 or any other year. Representative Michael Vose

"Reading up on this subject there are many issues that still need to be addressed prior to any expansion. At this time, it looks like the average household will not benefit from lower rates, and until this can be worked out, there should not be a decision on the subject.

"Net Metering Expansion: 'According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), New Hampshire has been on target in reaching the solar designation under the current RPS, with 0.6% of the state’s electricity coming from solar in 2018. It should be obvious by now that this legislation is wildly significant, as, if passed, it would call for an immediate doubling of the portion of electricity coming from solar by the end of this year. By 2025, that number becomes a nine-fold increase. Considering the state currently has 85 MW installed, according to SEIA, that is a lot of development and in a short time.' https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2019/06/10/proposed-new-hampshire-rps-would-supercharge-solar-developmen"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the base amount of per-pupil funding it provides to local school districts?

"Currently, I say no increase in funding without a clear picture why and where this funding is going. The idea that money makes a school system better is not enough for me. I would like to see a rating on the performance of both teachers and students and see why we have many children that are under achievers. This is complex because the students homelife plays a role. But I still do not understand why money is the answer."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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?

"I do not see where there has been any benefit to Greenhouse Gas Initiative, it is still a debatable subject, so far NH is one of the highest states for electricity. This only drive business from or coming into NH, it is a terrible burden to low income residents. We need to find a more reliable source of protecting our environment."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire create a road usage fee?

"No, once again, it will be the middle/lower income residents who will be punished. It could affect their ability to get to work, to do business travel, and it will also hit the trucking industry."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire create a statewide family and medical leave program, paid for with a percentage of employee wages, with no opt-out?

"This should be an individual choice between employer and employee. If one feels this may be an issue in their life, he/she can sign up with a medical savings account through their employer. This will keep the state from having to create another department, more paid employees, and preventing an income tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"No, any laws will only punish those the owners who have a serious respect and are extremely safety conscious . Illegally owned guns are impossible to keep out of the hands of the wrong people, but if you have stricter laws for those who possess and harm anyone should be much stronger."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire provide student loan debt repayment programs for workers in industries with labor shortages?

"Both NH and the Federal Government have in place Student Loan Forgiveness Programs. See below.

• SEMA Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
• USDA Veterinary Medicine Loan Forgiveness Program
• Legal Practice Student Loan Forgiveness
• Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP)
• National Institute of Health Loan Forgiveness
• NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program
• IHS Loan Repayment Programs
• NHSC Loan Repayment Program
• The State Loan Repayment Program

"New Hampshire has several student loan forgiveness programs that are specific to just the State of New Hampshire.

"However, residents of the State of New Hampshire can also potentially qualify for various Federal student loan forgiveness programs.

"You can find a great list of Federal student loan forgiveness programs here: Top Student Loan Forgiveness Programs.

"If you have private student loans, it might make more sense to refinance your loans and see if you can get a lower interest rate and payment. We recommend Credible for student loan refinancing because you can find out in 2 minutes or less if it's worth it. Try out Credible here. You can get up to a $750 gift card bonus if you refinance with Credible.

"If you're not quite sure where to start or what to do, consider using a tool like LoanBuddy to help you navigate the different repayment plan options and find loan forgiveness you may qualify for.

"New Hampshire Loan Forgiveness Programs

"Note: The NH Department of Health and Human Services is reassessing funding availability and new contracts due to the COVID-19 Emergency. Due to this, the funding for the State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) has been impacted. The Department is unable to process new or in-process applications currently. Communication will be sent out when we can resume processing new applications. Learn about COVID-19 Student Loan Programs here.

"Program: New Hampshire State Loan Repayment Program

• Amount: Up to $75,000
• Description: The New Hampshire State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) provides funds to health care professionals working in areas of the State designated as being medically underserved.
• Requirements: Applicants must be US citizens, must not have any unserved obligations for service to another governmental or non-governmental agency, and must be licensed in the State of New Hampshire and ready to begin full- or part-time clinical practice at the eligible practice site once a contract has been signed.
• Program Information: New Hampshire State Loan Repayment Program

"If you're still looking for ways to pay for college in New Hampshire, check out this guide to New Hampshire student loan and scholarship programs."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add tax incentives for affordable housing development?

"Incentives for affordable housing: NH already has a system in place for affordable housing. (The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program provides a strong incentive for private investment in affordable rental housing. It is currently the largest source of federal capital subsidy to create and preserve affordable rental housing. The LIHTC program gives investors a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal tax liability in exchange for providing funding to affordable housing developments. Information related to COVID-19 Relief Permitted by the IRS for LIHTC projects in development: LIHTC Notice re: IRS Rev. Proc. 2014-49.)"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

"I do approve of school choice. First, I think it is wonderful if a student remains in their local schools with their fellow students they have been with since the start of their education, but, there are children that do not fit the public system for a number of reasons and there has to be serious consideration for the student. Do we make them remain in a school system that is unable to meet their needs and ensure they succeed, or do we allow the parents to find a private/home schooling program that fits their child’s academic and psychological needs. The parents have paid their taxes, they should be able to have the dollars follow the student."