It was a true honor to speak at this legislative breakfast promoting SB 175 the “Momnibus” bill as one of the sponsors. Below is my speech.
Good morning everyone,
My name is Denise Ricciardi, I’m the state senator for District 9 which includes the communities of Bedford, Fitzwilliam, Greenfield, Hinsdale, Jaffrey, Lyndeborough, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Richmond, Sharon, Temple, Troy and Winchester. I am so proud to be part of such a powerful group of moms coming together and working across our communities and across the aisle to tackle some of the challenges that moms and families face in our state.
As previously noted by my colleague Senator Whitley, several bills were brought forward this session that aimed at helping children, mothers, and overall assistance of families in the Granite State. These bills came from both sides of the aisle, and many hold bipartisan support. I, myself was proud to co-sponsor Senator Whitley’s Senate Bill 175. Key aspects of this bill lighten the burden on moms heading back into the workforce and ensure they have the ability to “pump” in privacy.
I am proud to have been a cosponsor of the “Momnibus” legislation, and to be working to prioritize the well-being of parents and children and families in need of support: from increasing access to healthcare including mental health and substance abuse treatment, improving maternal health outcomes – as well as helping moms to get back into the workforce if they choose.
There is nothing partisan about being pro-mother.
Other important work this session includes the ongoing commitment to provide food security by expanding access to nutritious food to address the hunger needs for all our New Hampshire residents.
It is important that we work to address childcare needs for both parents and providers. We need to ensure that our working families have access to affordable childcare, and our childcare centers have access to a ready workforce. There is no one solution to the crisis that faces our state but we have made meaningful attempts at addressing each of these issues, and we must remember that investing in our children is truly an investment in how the future of our great State is shaped.
If you ever have any questions about the work I am doing or have any suggestions, my door is always open.