Legislative Updates by Rep. Maureen Mooney for June, 2026

Earlier this month, I filed for a 7^th term as a State Representative for Merrimack. It has been an honor representing this community for 12 collective years, and I look forward to the next term and its challenges. In Concord, experience, relationships, and a reputation for honesty and hard work are keys to effective legislating. I bring all that to the table and will remain a strong advocate for Merrimack. I would appreciate your vote in both the primary (September 8, 2026) and the general (November 3, 2026).

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from Merrimack High School! Graduation Day is one of my favorite days of the year as the community celebrates the culmination of students’ secondary education and the start of bright futures ahead. “Believe, go forward, and inspire.”

It’s not easy to manage a state, so it is important to know the incredible ratings New Hampshire has achieved over the past two years. I don’t want this to get overlooked so here is a summary list:

• Best State to Raise a Family (2025/2026): New Hampshire recently overtook Vermont for the top spot. The ranking is based on public safety, access to the outdoors, and quality of healthcare.
• Source: Consumer Affairs (October 2025)
• See: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/new-hampshire-named-best-state-raise-family

• Healthiest State in the Nation (2026): New Hampshire was named #1 based on a comprehensive evaluation of 99 different health measures, including physical environment and health behaviors.
• Source: America’s Health Rankings / United Health Foundation (January 2026)
• See: https://nhjournal.com/another-no-1-new-hampshire-tops-national-health-rankings/

• Healthcare Quality:#1 For Best Healthcare (Best & Worst States for Health Care Jul. 28, 2025)
• See: https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-best-health-care/23457

• Public Safety (#1 Safest State): New Hampshire consistently maintains the lowest violent crime rates in the country.
• Source: Consumer Affairs / FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (2025)
• See: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/new-hampshire-safest-state-nation

• Lowest Poverty and Food Insecurity: New Hampshire has the lowest percentage of residents living below the poverty line and the lowest levels of food insecurity in the U.S.
• Source: Laconia Daily Sun / U.S. Census Bureau data (2025)
• See: https://wealthvieu.com/personal-finance/income/poverty-statistics/

• Child Wellbeing: New Hampshire ranks first in indicators related to child health and economic security based upon economic well-being, health, family, community, and education.
• Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation (2026)
• See: https://www.businessnhmagazine.com/article/nh-tops-national-ranking-of-child-well-being
• Overall Best State: #2 in Overall Rankings (New Hampshire Rankings | U.S. News Best States May 6, 2025)
  • Ranking based on these evaluations: Crime & Corrections, Natural Environment, Opportunity, Economy, Healthcare, Education.
  • See: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-hampshire ~ #2 U.S. News & World Report (2025).

• Public School System: New Hampshire comes in 22 in overall public school ranking by state in 2026.
  • See: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/public-school-rankings-by-state

Around Town

The 11^th annual “Hot DogZ for ALZ” is coming up on Thursday, June 25, 2026!Have a delicious hot dog lunch or dinner to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Click here for more information and/or to donate, AND here is a recent “Maureen Mooney Presents” featuring those that coordinate the fundraiser.

The big 4^th of July celebration in Merrimack is just around the corner! Be sure to follow updates on the Merrimack USA 250^th Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/MerrimackUSA250 AND websitehttps://merrimackusa250.org/ including:

-Merrimack Concert Association concert on July 3, 2026 from 6-8pm:https://merrimackusa250.org/july-3rd-concert

-Merrimack Rotary Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8am – 12noon.Details here:https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2943/Stories/merrimack-rotary-hosts-annual-pancake-breakfast-on-the-4th-of-july-merrimack-rotary-hosts-annual-pancake-breakfast-on-the-4th-of

-New location for town fireworks on the evening of July 4, 2026:https://merrimackusa250.org/4th-of-july-fireworks

-Fill out the survey for the Town’s Time Capsule to be opened in 2276: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfkwMhpbXIZUq0c68pL94ROgJIOuh2IIfL3gkqe7I-YL16CA/viewform?pli=1&fbzx=7605230803519157766

-And much more!

See you around town!

Rep. Maureen Mooney is in her sixth term as a NH State Representative serving Merrimack. Her website is: www.votemooney.com and Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/maureenmooneynh.