By David John Preece
State Representative, Hillsborough District 17
Manchester, New Hampshire
The campaign signs will come down. The property-tax bills will keep arriving.
That is where New Hampshire’s newly elected officials should begin.
For homeowners wondering how long they can afford to stay, parents watching their schools struggle, and seniors weighing household expenses against medical bills, an election victory matters only if it produces something useful.
The responsibilities are clear, but they belong to two different governments. New Hampshire’s House and Senate must address state laws and spending. The United States House and Senate must address federal laws, national programs, and congressional oversight.
In Concord, priorities should be unmistakable: lower property taxes, eliminate school vouchers, fully and fairly fund public education, and restore local control over planning and housing development.
When the state provides insufficient school funding, the expense lands on local property taxpayers. Community property wealth determines too much about what residents must pay and what children receive. Retirees face rising bills without corresponding increases in income. Families pay more while school boards debate what else to cut.
Calling that arrangement fiscal conservatism does not make it affordable.
The New Hampshire Legislature should adopt a school-funding plan that meets the state’s constitutional obligations, reflects students’ needs, and delivers relief to communities with limited taxable wealth. Transparent reporting should show how additional state support improves schools and reduces local tax burdens.
State legislators should also end the Education Freedom Account voucher program.
Parents may choose private education. Public officials must maintain strong public schools serving every community. Provide an orderly transition for participating families, then direct those public dollars to public schools.
Restore meaningful local control over planning and housing development.
After 44 years in urban and regional planning, I know successful development requires attention to water, sewer capacity, roads, emergency services, environmental conditions, and residents’ needs. These decisions require local knowledge and public participation.
Repeal mandates that strip municipalities of meaningful authority. Support locally developed housing plans with state investment in infrastructure and affordable housing. Preserve fair-housing protections and realistic opportunities for new homes.
Local control carries responsibility. Communities must address housing needs across incomes, ages, and abilities. The state should provide resources and regional coordination to help them succeed.
Review damaging state laws enacted during six years of Republican control under Free State and MAGA influence. Hold public hearings, document consequences, and repeal or repair them.
Restore protections against discrimination, reproductive freedom, voting access, workers’ rights, environmental safeguards, and government transparency.
In Concord and Washington alike, repeal every enacted law that implements Project 2025’s agenda. Identify those laws publicly, document their consequences, and introduce repeal legislation. Restore the rights, services, and safeguards they weakened.
But be honest about veto power.
In New Hampshire, overriding Governor Kelly Ayotte’s veto requires two-thirds support in both the state House and state Senate. A veto-proof House majority alone cannot accomplish that. With the reported Senate margin short of that threshold, Democrats must secure Republican support or negotiate legislation the governor will accept.
In Washington, President Donald Trump retains his veto over federal legislation. Overriding it requires two-thirds support in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Democratic control of Congress alone does not supply those votes.
Those limits demand strategy and coalition-building.
Health care illustrates the division of responsibility. New Hampshire lawmakers should protect the state’s Medicaid program and community services that help older residents and people with disabilities live safely at home.
Our congressional delegation should work to reverse harmful federal Medicaid cuts and coverage barriers. Medicare is a federal responsibility: Congress must protect and strengthen its benefits, prescription affordability, and access to providers.
Congress must also scrutinize military commitments, defend its constitutional role in decisions about war, support professional diplomacy, and rebuild trust with democratic allies. Examine trade policies for their effects on consumers and employers.
Congressional investigations and oversight can expose wrongdoing without waiting for the president to sign a bill. Use those powers responsibly. Follow the evidence and demand accountability.
In Concord, whoever becomes Speaker must include members meaningfully, establish priorities, and keep the state House focused on results.
At both levels, publish the agenda. Set deadlines. Report progress. Explain who supports relief and who blocks it.
As I complete my service in the New Hampshire House, I will continue watching as a resident and taxpayer who believes government can improve lives.
People have waited long enough for affordable communities, strong schools, accessible health care, and officials worthy of their trust.
Now deliver.