NH State Representative Steven Smith

Challenges Facing New Hampshire’s Workers and Economy During the COVID-19 Crisis

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Rep. Steven Smith

This year has posed unprecedented challenges to New Hampshire’s workers and economy. The COVID-19 pandemic and crisis has contributed to significant changes in employment and has impacted the economic security of many Granite Staters.

Despite positive trends in employment and the other indicators, which continued into early 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in New Hampshire created a severe public health emergency and has led to subsequent economic and employment fallout. This COVID-19 crisis is both a health and economic challenge, and continues to impact the lives of Granite Staters.

Unemployment in New Hampshire reached unprecedented levels in April 2020. This spike in unemployment levels was higher than any point during the Great Recession, which spanned 2007 to 2009. Unemployment continues to remain elevated throughout the state, and job losses have been greatest in certain service-based industries. These industries, which paid lower than average wages, along with regions of New Hampshire where large portions of employment are supported by tourism and leisure activities, have experienced the largest levels of employment loss, represented through claims for unemployment insurance.

These employment losses in New Hampshire have directly impacted the economic stability of many Granite Staters, particularly those who were earning lower or more modest incomes, and who worked in the most effected service-based industries. Many of those facing employment or income losses due to the impacts of this crisis have utilized key support programs, which have been temporarily expanded or created in an effort to help ensure individuals and families can make ends meet.

Despite these expansions to certain support programs, other challenges in the state were both created and exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. The costs of housing and food have increased during this crisis, and limited access to and affordability of childcare has created additional financial and employment hardships for many New Hampshire residents and families.

This Issue Brief examines the recent employment landscape in New Hampshire, the employment impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on specific industries and regions of the state, comparisons of the current economic recession to past recessions, and discussions of the new and increased pressures facing Granite Staters who may be the most vulnerable and face the greatest risks to their economic stability.

Read the Report

Report Summary (PDF)

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NH State Primary

Posted on September 6, 2020 by Rep. Steven Smith

Democrats and Republicans have important Primary contests to decide. Make sure that your voice is heard.

09/08/2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION ACWORTH TOWN HALL
13 TOWN HALL RD
ACWORTH NH 03601 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

09/08/2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION CHARLESTOWN SENIOR CENTER
233 OLD SPRINGFIELD RD
CHARLESTOWN NH 03603 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

09/08/2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION GOSHEN TOWN HALL
54 MILL VILLAGE RD N
GOSHEN NH 03752 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

09/08/2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION LANGDON MUNICIPAL BUILDING
122 NH ROUTE 12A
LANGDON NH 03602 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

09/08/2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION MEETING HOUSE
112 LEMPSTER ST
LEMPSTER NH 03605 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

09/08/2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION CAMP MORGAN LODGE
338 MILLEN POND RD
WASHINGTON NH 03280 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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September is Suicide Prevention Month

Posted on September 6, 2020 by Rep. Steven Smith

September is Suicide Prevention Month

VA encourages supporters to Be There for Veterans, connect with resources

MANCHESTER, N.H. – September is Suicide Prevention Month and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to remind Veterans and their loved ones through the Be There campaign that small actions can make a big difference to Veterans experiencing difficult times.

During this and every month the VA Manchester Healthcare System remains committed to spreading awareness of suicide prevention to Veterans and their supporters and connecting them to the resources they need.

“Checking in with someone can make all the difference when they are silently struggling. We are asking for you to join us in doing that and we are providing the tools to help you,” said Kevin Forrest, director, VA Manchester Healthcare System.

Be There suggests several simple actions that can help make a difference for a Veteran to include:

Learning about the warning signs of suicide, found on the Veterans Crisis Line website.
Watching the free S.A.V.E. training video to learn how to respond with care and compassion if someone indicates they are having thoughts of suicide.
Contacting VA’s Coaching Into Care program where a licensed psychologist or social worker will provide loved ones with guidance for motivating Veterans to seek support.
Sharing stories of hope and recovery from VA’s Make the Connection.
Reaching out to the Veterans in your life to show them you care by sending a check-in text, cook them dinner or simply asking, “How are you?”

For more information and resources visit BeThereForVeterans.com.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

Reporters covering this issue can download VA’s Safe Messaging Best Practices fact sheet or visit Reporting On Suicide for important guidance on how to communicate about suicide.

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Kristin Pressly, Public Affairs Officer
Office of the Director

VA Manchester Healthcare System

6^th Floor Rm E607, Routing Number 00

718 Smyth Road

Manchester, NH 03104
Office Hours: 7:00am – 3:30pm

Desk: (603)624-4366 x 6779 Mobile: (603)722-9527
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