Debra Childs
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?
"I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?
When asked about banning abortion after 20 weeks gestation on our 2018 survey, Childs wrote, "I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?
"I am undecided on this issue."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH limit terms for elected officials?
"I support term limits for New Hampshire elected officials."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?
"The state and federal government has provided significant funding for this issue. We now need effective solutions (including prevention mechanisms) along with kind, caring and compassionate people committed to helping others. I do not believe the solution to anything is to just 'throw more money at it'. It may appease some people because it gives the impression that 'something is being done', but we need to make sure money is spent wisely and on the right things (e.g. long term effective solutions)! We need to fix this epidemic that is impacting everyone in our great state! I also believe that the pharmaceutical companies and distribution centers should be held accountable."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I oppose New Hampshire adding an income tax on earned income."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"I oppose New Hampshire adding a broad-based sales tax."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?
"I fully support decriminalization of cannabis. I also fully support marijuana legalization for medicinal purposes. I would support marijuana legalization for recreational use, depending on the specific legislation. I have done a lot of research on this topic over the years. Alcohol is legal, and marijuana is no worse than alcohol (it's actually likely 'better' because of the medicinal benefits and lower fatality risk.) I see a lot of potential benefits to legalizing marijuana, including increased tax revenue and job creation. My concerns are with the implementation, governance and financial impact to taxpayers. I think there is much to be learned from the implementation in other states.
"Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Was New Hampshire right to continue expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance?
"No - this is driving up rates. Quality, affordable and reliable healthcare is a significant issue in NH. We need drastic measures asap. We should expand competition in health care by allowing more providers into the marketplace, expand competition among insurance carriers, and review licensing standards for practitioners that create unnecessary barriers to entry."
"Other| Read My Position
"This is more complex than simply raising the minimum wage. We need various perspectives in this debate and compromise on a creative, gradual approach that will work best for the people and businesses in our state. Because states have different economic conditions and varying costs of living, they may require different minimum wage laws. For that matter, the cost of living between municipalities within states can vary greatly. However, raising the wage for a state or municipality may not be best, particularly large hikes which have been proposed in the past.
"Raising the wage puts more money in worker's pockets, helping them afford basic necessities and possibly bolstering their overall buying power which could strengthen an economy. But this also results in increased expenses for businesses, possibly increasing their costs, reducing staff, shifts or even driving businesses out of cities, towns, our state or out of business altogether. It may prevent new businesses from entering the market or keep people in lower skilled jobs. It may devastate businesses during an economic recession or depression.
"We must do something. N.H. has the lowest minimum wage in New England. Unfortunately, some statistics show increasing the minimum wage grows an economy while others show it harms an economy. No one knows N.H.'s economy like our residents and business owners, and we're the best to analyze and brainstorm options in order to determine an effective solution. We've done a lot to encourage business growth in our state and should continue this positive momentum."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
"I support increased state enforcement of federal immigration laws."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?
"This will clearly depend on the specific legislation. Logically limiting regulations while expanding tax relief for employers will expand business growth in NH. This will allow more residents to work within the state, affording them an improved work-life balance with less travel time, travel expenses and a decrease in out-of-state taxes."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Is police brutality an issue in NH?
"I am open to the idea of body cameras depending on costs, budget and the specific legislation. Body cameras can help to protect police as well as the public."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire continue to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which requires utilities to purchase allowances for every ton of carbon they emit?
"I am undecided on this issue."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire maintain the renewable portfolio standard, which requires public utilities in New Hampshire to obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources (25% by 2025)?
"I am undecided on this issue."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?
"Lowering taxes and securing more efficient electricity sources will make housing much more affordable. I fully support efficient electricity, competition, and lowering taxes to make housing more affordable. Ensuring NH citizens are employed and paid fairly will also help make housing more affordable."
Other| Read My Position
"While very well-intentioned, I have concerns with the current bill. Costs are unknown. Initially, startup alone was an estimated $10 million, increasing to $20 million and is now an estimated $50 million. Another $6 million is expected annually to run the system. Overall estimates are reportedly $160 million. In addition to low-confidence cost estimates, there are likely more unrecognized costs, which could impact program participants, businesses and all taxpayers.
"No independent analysis has been conducted to confirm viability and sustainability. Employees only have one opportunity to opt-out, and the process is burdensome. Employees would need to quit to leave a program intended to be an employee benefit. We don't have a plan if the fund goes bankrupt.
"Let's be responsible and complete an independent actuarial analysis, gain some confidence in the costs, compromise on an opt-out plan, ensure this will not lead to an income tax and determine a backup plan in the event of insolvency. (Particularly since we're comparing results of mandatory programs to this voluntary program.)
"Another option to be considered over a government program that relies on taxpayer money is fostering a business climate that allows private businesses to offer this benefit to employees (like many already do). Expanding tax relief for businesses and competition among insurance carriers are potential ways to help make this more affordable. Other solutions are also being discussed, including a potential public-private partnership.
"This issue is a key legislative priority. I'll work with stakeholders to best represent the people of Dover Ward 1"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?
"I believe we need to revamp our educational system including our current standards-based assessments."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I oppose stricter gun control laws."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?
"I'm a strong supporter of School Choice and Parental Rights. School Choice makes NH children a priority by committing to provide the best educational opportunities possible. It also saves money for the state of NH and NH taxpayers. See my website for more info."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?
"New Hampshire should impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote."
