Talbot and Rochefort clash on education, marijuana, and reproductive rights in Senate race

New Hampshire state senators play a role in shaping the state’s laws and policies while representing the interests of their constituents. The state has 24 senators who serve two-year terms without term limits. They draft bills, vote on laws, and serve on various committees, focusing on areas like education, health, and finance. They review legislation, hold public hearings, and make policy recommendations. In addition, they help create the state budget, oversee the implementation of laws, and assist constituents with state service issues. New Hampshire senators earn just $100 per year, in keeping with the state’s tradition of citizen legislators, many of whom maintain other full-time jobs. To qualify for the Senate, candidates must be at least 30 years old, registered voters, and residents of New Hampshire for at least seven years, as well as residents of the district they seek to represent.

How a Bill Becomes Law 

In New Hampshire, the process of turning a bill into law involves several steps. First, a state legislator from either the House of Representatives or the Senate introduces a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for review, where public hearings may be held, and changes might be suggested. Once the committee finishes its work, the bill goes to the full House or Senate for debate and a vote. If both chambers approve the bill in identical form, it moves to the governor’s desk. The governor can either sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. If vetoed, the legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Once approved by the governor or passed through a veto override, the bill officially becomes law.

District One 

Democrat Rusty Talbot is facing off against Republican David Rochefort for a district one Senate seat, which represents northern New Hampshire, including the Great North Woods region bordering Canada in Coos and Grafton counties. The seat is open as Republican Carrie Gendreau decided not to run for reelection.

Republican David Rochefort 

Website: rochefort4nh.com/

David Rochefort, currently serving in the New Hampshire House of Representatives for Grafton District 1, is a second-generation pharmacist with deep roots in Lancaster. After completing college, Rochefort returned to the North Country, where he settled in Littleton and opened Eastern States Compounding Pharmacy in 2006. His dedication to the community and pharmacy profession earned him an appointment to the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy in 2017 by Gov. Chris Sununu, with a reappointment in 2021. He now serves as the Board’s vice president.

Education and School Choice

Rochefort is a strong advocate for the “Education Freedom Account” program, which allows students to use the per-pupil share of state school funding for private or homeschool expenses. He believes in expanding educational opportunities for students across New Hampshire through greater parental choice and flexibility in schooling options.

Marijuana Legalization

Rochefort supports the legalization of recreational marijuana but remains cautious about home-grown cannabis. He is still gathering information on safety and quality control measures for home cultivation. “I want to ensure that seeds and procedures for home-grown marijuana meet health and safety standards,” he stated.

Reproductive Rights

On abortion, Rochefort holds a conservative stance. He voted against a bill to repeal the state’s current 24-week abortion ban and supports maintaining the existing law. “I stand by New Hampshire’s law, which prohibits elective late-term abortion,” he said. Rochefort also opposed a constitutional amendment that would have guaranteed a right to abortion and banned any restrictions before 24 weeks, as well as a bill that would eliminate criminal and financial penalties imposed on doctors under the current abortion law.

Economy and Housing

Rochefort opposes raising the minimum wage and voted against a bill proposing an increase to $17 per hour by 2029. He also supported a “right-to-work” bill that prohibits agreements requiring employees to join or contribute to labor unions, emphasizing individual freedom in the workplace.

When it comes to housing, Rochefort  opposed provisions that would require 30 to 60 days’ notice for rent hikes and at least six months’ notice for increases exceeding 15% for large, multi-unit properties.

Read more about Rochefort’s voting history and positions on Citizens Count.  

Democrat Rusty Talbot 

Website: rustytalbot.com

Rusty Talbot, founder of the North Country Climbing Center (N3C), is a longtime community leader in Northern New Hampshire, also serves as a member of the Sugar Hill Fire Department, captain of the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, and president of the Littleton Rotary Club Charitable Fund.

Education and School Choice

Talbot emphasizes the need for comprehensive education reform in New Hampshire, particularly in addressing disparities between communities. “Our future depends on every student having access to a quality education, regardless of where they live,” he said. He points to the state’s heavy reliance on local property taxes to fund schools, which creates significant disparities between wealthy and less affluent communities, especially in the rural North Country. Talbot advocates for revising the funding structure to ensure more equitable access to educational resources across the state.

Marijuana Legalization

Talbot is a strong supporter of legalizing marijuana and fostering local entrepreneurship in the cannabis industry. He calls for oversight measures to prevent the black market from gaining a foothold, aiming to create a well-regulated system that benefits the state’s economy and entrepreneurs.

Reproductive Rights

Talbot pledges to codify reproductive rights into law, ensuring that New Hampshire remains a state where personal medical decisions are respected. “Women must have unimpeded access to the full range of reproductive healthcare,” he said, which includes abortion services, birth control, miscarriage management, and IVF. Talbot stresses that protecting these rights is essential to upholding individual freedom.

Economy and Housing Crisis

Addressing the growing housing crisis, Talbot proposes a variety of solutions, including updating zoning laws to allow for more diverse housing types, such as multi-family and accessory dwelling units. He also supports public-private partnerships, shared equity homeownership models, and repurposing vacant buildings to increase the availability of affordable housing. Talbot also expressed concern about short-term rentals reducing long-term housing options for residents, stating, “We need to prioritize housing for those who live and work here.”

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