Richard "Rick" Merkt
Running for: NH Senate District 10
Declined to complete our 2024 State Candidate Survey
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
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?
"Give parents choice regarding decisions on their children's education."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"Viable unborn babies deserve legal protection of their lives."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"Viable unborn babies deserve legal protection of their lives."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"Never"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"Never"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"NH Advantage: lower taxes lead to increased economic growth and opportunity."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
"Against"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"NH government should focus its time on delivering high quality government services (e.g. roads) at the lowest cost feasible."
Other| Read My Position
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?
"I oppose same-day registration, as it defeats the verification value of voter registration."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"Leave local government to make local policies."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Do you support legislation to expand the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire?
On the 2020 Citizens Count survey, Merkt indiciated he was "For" increasing the size of solar panel installations that may participate in net energy metering.
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"Viable unborn babies deserve legal protection of their lives."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
For| Read My Position
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?
"Favor local decision making on taxes and spending."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"Decriminalization is a sound policy, but otherwise, the state should stay out of the marijuana business."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"Decriminalization is a sound policy, but otherwise, the state should stay out of the marijuana business."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"Decriminalization is a sound policy, but otherwise, the state should stay out of the marijuana business."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"Markets fix wages based on supply and demand. Government mandates only damage the economy by distorting costs."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add legal protections for residents of other states who travel here for health care related to abortion or gender transition?
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"Viable unborn babies deserve legal protection of their lives."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"Against"
