Christopher Sununu

Other, 2022

Gov. Sununu signed the Education Freedom Account program into state law as part of the 2021 state budget bill. Prior to that, at a February 2021 press conference, Sununu described the Education Freedom Account program as follows:

"In terms of the education freedom accounts that are being proposed, again those would provide the opportunity for folks to take a portion of the funding that follows the -- that should be following the child and use it how they want to use it, to direct the funding to the best path of education for their children, whether it be an issue around COVID, school closures, just a more integrated programming, maybe more focused programming to the skillset and I should say the learning style of their child. It could be a variety of reasons why people might choose to use the State's funding for their child as they wish, instead of being forced into just a one-lane system.

"And obviously that legislation is designed to simply provide opportunity. That's it. It's just about saying, as a family, as a parent, as a child, you have some choice now. You have some say in the pathway."

2018

Chris Sununu has historically identified as pro-choice, but has shown some openness to abortion restrictions. For example, in 2015 he voted against a state contract with Planned Parenthood.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?

"Commuter Rail into Nashua remains an option."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH limit terms for elected officials?

"I oppose term limits for NH elected officials."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?

"I support increased funding for heroin treatment programs."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?

Other, 2022

When asked about this law at a June 2021 press conference, Gov. Sununu said, "What it says is Teachers can't discriminate. That's it. A Teacher cannot teach things that inherently discriminate against their students in the classroom.

"It's actually very clear language. I think Senator Bradley did a very good job saying, look, we have Discrimination Laws that are on the books. We're going to strengthen and enhance those. And it's something back in March, that's exactly where I thought it should go. We have things on the books.

:Didn't have a whole lot of accountability attached to it for parents or folks that had concerns with that, but we've kind of strengthen. And I mean all those sentences in that Bill say is you're not going to discriminate against a student, or teach something that's discriminatory, simply based on their skin color, or their gender, or sexual identity. I mean, it doesn't just include race. It includes all these different things. Doesn't say this could be taught and that can't be taught. It says, don't discriminate. And that's exactly where we should be."

Union Leader Voter Guide, 2014

"No. The Executive Council must apply the appropriate level of review, scrutiny, and due diligence to the hundreds of nominees that come before them each year. Typically that process involves direct interviews, review of references and work experience. In the rare cases where there are issues of impropriety it is incumbent on the Council to take swift and clear action to remedy the situation within the bounds of due process and the law."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"I support property taxes over a sales or income tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"I support property taxes over a sales or income tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?

Other, 2022

At a NHPR and New Hampshire Bulletin debate in October Sununu said, "So the Democrats said you can't keep cutting taxes across the state, right? Yeah. We need the income tax. You can't keep cut - and they said we're gonna bankrupt our programs. Meanwhile, we have a bigger surplus than ever before so by doing that, but cutting taxes, by being more business friendly, again, more businesses are flooding into New Hampshire in the Northeast than anywhere else." When pressed on if he wanted to cut business taxes in the next state budget, Sununu said, "If the legislature wants to do that, I'd look at that. Sure. Yeah."

2019

"Gov. Chris Sununu has said he would veto the budget if it contains a new capital gains tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH authorize one or more casinos?

"I support some casino gambling in New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?

"I oppose basing statewide assessments on Common Core standards."

Voting Record, 2022

Gov. Sununu signed SB 418, a bill that requires affidavit ballots for voters without I.D. who are registering at the polls. 

Other, 2016

"Republican Gov.-elect Chris Sununu said in an interview with Seacoast Media Group this week that he currently supports decriminalization but not legalization"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a fee or mileage charge for electric vehicle owners to help pay for transportation and/or electric infrastructure?

Other, 2022

Gov. Sununu supported SB 400, a 2022 bill that included various incentives and requirements to ease zoning barriers at the local level.

Gov. Sununu also supported the creation of a $5 million grant program to "provide resources to cities and towns to update or expand pro-housing planning and zoning regulations."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?

"I support broader campaign finance disclosure laws."

Candidate's Website, 2020

Gov. Sununu vetoed SB 124, a bill which would have revised the required minimum percentages of renewable energy in the Renewable Portfolio Standard, particularly to extend goals from 2025 to 2040. In his veto message he wrote, "This bill would counterproductively increase electricity rates while we are working to rebuild our economy. New Hampshire ratepayers are already burdened with some of the highest energy bills in the nation. This makes it hard both for businesses to expand and for residents on fixed incomes to pay their bills each month."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?

Candidate's Website, 2015

"Comprehensive education reform is needed to insure that every family has the same opportunity to maximize their student's potential in our schools. Empowering parents and teachers, and getting Washington bureaucrats out of New Hampshire's classrooms. Unrestricted school choice. Increased funding for our charter schools."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH increase law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses?

"I support increased law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses."

Candidate's Website, 2020

Gov. Sununu vetoed HB 1672, which would have allowed no-excuse absentee voting for all.  In his veto message he wrote, "The State of New Hampshire has ensured that our upcoming elections will be secure and our voters safe in these trying times. We have made it clear that any eligible voter who wishes to vote absentee because of the pandemic may do so. ... New Hampshire's voting system works very well and we consistently have some of the highest voter participation in the country. The proponents of House Bill 1672 seek to take advantage of a global pandemic to fundamentally and permanently weaken New Hampshire's electoral system. They have put forward a partisan wish list of unreasonable and unnecessary provisions, some of which have already been vetoed and sustained last year. New Hampshire takes pride in our traditions of strong civic engagement and fair, transparent, and secure elections. Our Democratic Secretary of State, who has served our state faithfully for over 40 years, opposes this radical, partisan piece of legislation and so do I."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

"I oppose marijuana legalization."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

Other, 2022

When asked about a bill that would allow legal marijuana sales through state-run cannabis stores, similar to liquor stores, Gov. Sununu said, "I always said now is not the time. We had the tip of this spear of the opioid epidemic and our system was not working. I rebuilt the entire system, called the Doorway. We are the only state in the country that has not seen opioid deaths increase. The only one. The system is working. I do not know if we are there to legalize drugs. I am not fully committal on it. I like the system, the bill proposed. If you are going to do it, that is the way we are going to do it."

Voting Record, 2018

Chris Sununu signed SB 313, which continues expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?

"I support NH's expanded Medicaid program."

Other, 2016

"I am open to a responsible increase in the federal minimum wage, provided there is a strong economic and moral case for it. I am opposed to establishing a state minimum wage."

Other, 2018

"As governor, I have already allocated $410,000 for New Hampshire's student loan repayment program for healthcare workers. Our most acute workforce needs are in healthcare, and I am working with the Community College System and University System to expand access and offering of nursing programs, creating on-ramps and off-ramps for individuals to continue their education and training on their own terms. I do not support using the unemployment trust fund for new workforce programs. My administration is working with private enterprise to leverage their expertise in innovating around existing government programs."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?

"I support increased state enforcement of federal immigration laws."

2016

1. Immediate action on the opioid crisis
2. Development of a viable long term energy plan
3. Restoring local control of education
4. Restoring increased competition in healthcare choices for NH

Candidate's Website, 2020

Gov. Sununu has vetoed several bills to expand net metering eligibility. For example, in the veto message for HB 466 he wrote, "As amended, this bill increases subsidies to a select few existing generators. These systems were already built and financed under the current net metering subsidies. Increasing the threshold for these subsidies after construction is complete is both wasteful and unnecessary. Because this new subsidy would be extended to new generators as well, the total costs to ratepayers would continue to escalate over time. In simple terms, it is a handout to those already profiting at the expense of ratepayers across New Hampshire, including those who can least afford to bear the costs of higher energy bills."

Other, 2018

"I would not repeal or pull back the job-creating business tax cuts I signed into law last year. Tax relief is working for New Hampshire. More people are working than ever before in our state's history, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and the highest median income in America. Repealing these tax cuts would send us in the wrong direction.

"I fought tirelessly to ensure that New Hampshire's small businesses would not be forced to collect internet sales tax by drafting legislation and calling the Legislature back for a special session. While a majority of the Democrats in the Legislature voted against the final bill, I will not stop fighting for our small businesses. We must protect the New Hampshire advantage."

Other, 2016

"I support keeping New Hampshire's death penalty law intact."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?

"I support Northern Pass but the final plan will have to be reviewed."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should the state permanently increase how much tax revenue it shares with towns and cities every year, beyond public school funding?

Other, 2022

Gov. Sununu introduced the phase-out of the Interest and Dividends tax as part of his 2021 budget proposal.

In his budget address he said, "And one final big item to close out this Budget Address, you've heard me talk a lot about it. And we're here today to really act on it. And that's tax cuts for everyone. Whether you are a small business just starting out, a family of four looking to enjoy a meal out, or are retired and enjoying life in the Granite State, we're providing equitable, across-the-board tax relief for the people of our State. ... This budget cuts the Interest and Dividends Tax and it begins to phase it out entirely over the next five years."

Candidate's Website, 2019

"Today, Governor Chris Sununu and Senator Jeb Bradley announced new voluntary paid leave legislation that, if enacted, will empower individuals and businesses to make the voluntary choice to opt-in. This legislation addresses the legislature's concerns about the paid leave legislation proposed by Governor Sununu last year while also addressing the Governor's concerns regarding the use of an income tax to fund the legislature's proposed program. 'I support paid family leave and have a plan to get it done,' said Governor Chris Sununu. 'Instead of government mandates that would impose an income tax, this is a truly voluntary, innovative plan that would deliver for New Hampshire families. I urge the legislature to support this voluntary paid leave plan, because it’s the best shot at providing a paid leave plan that does not have administrative barriers or burdens, is available to all who want it, and is forced upon no one who does not.'"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH continue to use property taxes instead of a new broad-based tax, such as an income tax?

"I support property taxes over a sales or income tax."

Other, 2022

At a NHPR and New Hampshire Bulletin debate in October, Sununu said, "Do we need to re-look at and evaluate the school funding formula? Yes. I'm 100% on board with that. I mean the legislature really has to take it up. We can do commissions or study committees. I created a group about three or four years ago that kind of did the initial work on this, then COVID hit, and I think it got put on the back burner, but absolutely. We have a larger surplus in the Education Trust Fund, not the state surplus, the general funds, but the Education Trust Fund has a larger surplus than ever before. We have less kids going into school, about less than about one and a half percent decline in actual enrollment per year. So the net dollars going into the system are less and that results in a surplus. More dollars per child in my administration than in any previous administration. But it's, we still have this surplus. So there's an opportunity there to reinvest those funds or find a more equitable formula."

Other, 2017

Gov. Sununu has voiced support for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative over time.  For example, in 2017 he said, "We have to make sure we stay competitive, both economically socially and environmentally. We understand what the goals of the program are. So, given the program and where we are today, I’m very happy with the deal that’s been struck."

Other, 2018

"I believe in the power of the market to make newer technologies price competitive without long term subsidies, and as seen in New Hampshire, the market continues to drive the expansion of renewable energy. As stated in my 10 Year State Energy strategy, subsidies should be specific, time sensitive and technology neutral. While the PUC does allow for utilities to recover project costs through rates, we need to be sure the project is done right, in the New Hampshire way, and that we have protections in place to ensure the ratepayer isn't overly exposed. We should never place that risk solely on the ratepayer, especially without proper due-diligence."

Other, 2022

Testifying in favor of HB 1609, Gov. Sununu wrote, "I am pro-choice, but also like most Granite Staters - and Americans - I support a limit on abortions performed in months 7, 8, and 9 of pregnancy."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

What is your opinion on the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood?

"I don't pre-judge state contracts. I'll keep an open mind to review the contract details when presented."

Other, 2018

Sununu has put forward a proposal that would use a public-private partnership, starting with state employees, for an opt-in family and medical leave program. "While I support the concept of paid family and medical leave, I will not support an unsustainable program or one that would effectively create a backdoor income tax, such as the one proposed [in 2018]."

Candidate's Facebook Page, 2020

Gov. Sununu has described the Democrats' proposal for statewide, mandatory family and medical leave as an income tax. I just vetoed the Democrats Income Tax for the second time in two years. Whether one characterizes it as a 'premium on wages' or a 'payroll deduction' the reality remains that if it looks like an income tax, functions like an income tax, & takes more money out of the paychecks of hard working taxpayers like an income tax, then it is an income tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I oppose stricter gun control laws."

Candidate's Website, 2019

Gov. Sununu proposed a student debt relief program for certain New Hampshire industries.  According to his press release, "If enacted, Governor Sununu’s student debt assistance plan will help students by reallocating $160 million over the next ten years to provide student debt-relief and direct scholarships. The legislation makes student debt relief available to eligible individuals who have worked in critical New Hampshire industries for a minimum of five years. The direct scholarships would be awarded according to existing criteria. ... Our plan is the compromise we proposed during budget negotiations. Under the legislation, annual funds will be available to those who work in healthcare, state government, and advanced regenerative manufacturing in New Hampshire for a minimum of five years. An additional allotment will be invested annually in a direct student scholarship program. The legislation is funded by the surplus annual administrative fees stemming from the State's 529 college savings plans."

Candidate's Website, 2019

Gov. Sununu endorsed an affordable housing plan that included expanded use of TIF districts and the Community Revitalization Tax Relief Program, among other incentives.

Voting Record, 2018

Chris Sununu supported SB 193, a bill that would have created "education savings accounts" similar to a school voucher program. Gov. Sununu wrote in a press release: "Today, the House listened to parents across the Granite State. Our legislature has signaled to families that we are focused on the kids, giving parents and children the ability to choose the education path that is best suited for them. This is the first step in ensuring that New Hampshire's education system continues to be on the forefront of innovation, closing the opportunity gap and opening pathways like never before, regardless of economic status. I applaud the House of Representatives for reaching a compromise that puts New Hampshire families first. We will continue to champion this groundbreaking legislation and will work with members of the Senate as this bill moves through the process and reaches my desk."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should parents be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry?

"Parents should be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry."

Voting Record, 2018

Chris Sununu signed HB 1264, which requires all voters domiciled in New Hampshire to follow residency laws, such as the requirement to register any car in New Hampshire.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH restrict further wind power development?

"It depends on the restriction."

Union Leader Voter Guide, 2014

"In 2011 the Executive Council approved by a 3-2 vote the taxpayers funding of $3.34 million to build the largest solar power array in the state at Manchester Airport. This project represented pure government largess and should have never been approved. With only a $100,000 per year payback it lacked any financial reasoning. It had a minimal reduction of air emissions at the power plant, not even at the airport. And finally we live in New Hampshire where solar efficiency is minimal. Bad idea."