U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

As we come out of the pandemic and battle inflation, investing in our communities and creating jobs are key to our economic recovery. Job creation is a priority as I work in the U.S. Senate, especially as I help write and pass annual government funding bills. As a senior member of the Senate committee that creates these bills, every year I work to ensure the Granite State gets its fair share of resources. Too often, funding formulas shortchange smaller states like ours, which is why I fight to make sure we aren’t left behind. This year, I worked with Democrats and Republicans to restore the congressionally directed spending process, formally called earmarks. Now with stronger transparency measures and additional reporting requirements, this important tool to specifically direct funding to New Hampshire localities is back and already having an impact.

This year, I’m thrilled to announce that I helped secure $68.7 million for New Hampshire through the government funding bill, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March. This package supports projects bolstering local infrastructure, expanding health care services, developing affordable housing, supporting local businesses, strengthening law enforcement and more. These investments will bring new jobs, strengthen local economies and increase the quality of living for Granite Staters. Simply put, this $68.7 million investment is going to make a huge difference for our communities and working families.

That’s especially true for Nashua communities. I worked diligently with my colleagues to ensure this funding bill responds to challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, including homelessness. The legislation includes $900,000 for the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter to convert an old elementary school into shelter and permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Emergency child care, health care and job training services also will be available on site. The legislation additionally provides funding for Stepping Stones, a 24-hour youth center in Nashua, to support young Granite Staters experiencing homelessness.

That’s not all that’s coming to Nashua. Improving local infrastructure is key, which is why I helped secure $1 million to make upgrades to the intersections and sidewalks at the “Oval” on Walnut Street to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Nashua Community College will receive $782,000 to expand the Aviation Technology Program at Manchester Boston Regional Airport. Our local law enforcement also scored some big wins – the Nashua Police Department will receive funds from Congress to implement new interpretation and translation services to better serve the community.

This government funding legislation is a win for New Hampshire families, small businesses, health care workers and more. I’m glad to see this funding awarded, and I’ll continue to ensure New Hampshire has resources to support our local economies and move our nation forward. The long-term recovery of our communities is going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach, which is why I’ll keep working across the aisle to support measures that will get our economy back on track. As I work with lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee to begin drafting government funding legislation for the upcoming fiscal year, I’ll keep up the fight to include New Hampshire projects to ensure Granite Staters’ voices are heard, and so we can add to the ongoing investments we’re seeing flourish in our communities.

Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, is the senior Senator serving the Granite State, since 2009. She also was the 78th governor of New Hampshire, serving from 1997-2003.