Diane Pauer
Running for: NH House Hillsborough County District 36
Completed our 2026 State Candidate Survey
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?
"I support school choice and New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. The EFA program should be available to every New Hampshire student so parents have the freedom to choose the educational setting that best meets their child's needs. Under the EFA program, the student's share of state education funding follows the student rather than the system. School choice and EFAs encourage innovation, increase accountability, and promote healthy competition among educational options, helping improve student outcomes whether a child attends a public school, public charter school, private school, or is homeschooled."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination law allow segregation based on biological sex in some settings, such as bathrooms and locker rooms?
"I believe that New Hampshire's anti-discrimination laws should recognize that there are appropriate settings where privacy, safety, and biological differences justify separate accommodations based on biological sex, including bathrooms, locker rooms, and similar facilities. Protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals is important, but anti-discrimination laws should not eliminate reasonable distinctions that serve legitimate privacy and safety interests, especially for girls and women. Policies should respect everyone while ensuring that individuals' rights to privacy are maintained."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I oppose any state income tax in order to protect the NH Advantage."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"I support business tax relief including modest reductions in the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) and Business Profits Tax (BPT) in order to make N.H. more business friendly. This tax reduction will attract more businesses to NH and create good paying jobs for NH citizens."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"I support repealing unreasonable local zoning regulations that unnecessarily restrict housing development and infringe on private property rights, including the rights of property owners and landlords. While local control over zoning is an important principle, it must be balanced with the need to expand housing opportunities for New Hampshire residents. Local zoning ordinances should protect the character of a community without creating unnecessary barriers to the development of safe, affordable housing. At the same time, any state zoning reforms must recognize the practical limitations of properties that are not served by public water and sewer, where minimum lot sizes and development density must remain consistent with sound environmental and public health standards."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire do more to encourage the development of nuclear power, including small modular reactors (SMR), in the state?
"I believe New Hampshire should do more to encourage the development of nuclear power, including small modular reactors (SMRs), as part of a diverse and reliable energy strategy. Nuclear power provides consistent, carbon-free energy that can help strengthen grid reliability, support economic growth, and keep energy costs affordable for New Hampshire families and businesses. SMR technology offers the potential for a smaller-scale, innovative approach to nuclear generation with enhanced safety features and flexibility. While development must be done responsibly with appropriate oversight, New Hampshire should remain open to emerging technologies that can improve energy independence and reliability. A balanced energy policy should include all viable resources while ensuring affordability, environmental stewardship, and a dependable supply of electricity for future generations."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Do you support legislation to expand the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire?
"I do not support expanding the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers. While I support responsible energy policies that encourage innovation and consumer choice, changes to net metering must carefully consider the impact on all ratepayers. Expanding the cap could shift costs to other electric customers who do not participate in these programs. Any changes to New Hampshire's energy policies should be evaluated carefully to ensure they maintain fairness, reliability, and affordability for all residents and businesses."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire restore funding for the Office of the Child Advocate?
"I am open to reviewing whether the Office of the Child Advocate should receive restored funding, but I believe any decision must be based on a careful evaluation of its role, effectiveness, and accountability to New Hampshire taxpayers. Protecting the safety and well-being of children is a critical responsibility, and the state must ensure that our child protection systems are functioning effectively. Before committing additional taxpayer dollars, I would want to understand the specific needs, outcomes, and oversight of the Office of the Child Advocate to determine the best approach for serving vulnerable children and families."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?
"I oppose any state income tax in order to protect the NH Advantage."Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?
"I support the current system of public school funding. Since public school spending is approved locally, it makes sense that the majority of public school funding is raised and appropriated at the local level. Additionally, any expanded state education aid should go towards local property tax relief instead larger school budgets, especially with declining student enrollment. In an effort to better control local property taxation, I support enabling/adoptable provisions, such as local tax caps and school district budget caps, to guide local school boards and budget committees in developing long-term sustainable and affordable school budgets."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"I oppose legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, whether through home cultivation, private retail sales, or state-run cannabis stores. Marijuana legalization presents significant public health and safety concerns, including the potential for increased use, impaired driving, and the risk of individuals progressing to more dangerous and addictive substances. The state should not create a new commercial market for a substance that carries these risks or expand government involvement in its distribution. I do support the responsible use of cannabis for legitimate medical purposes when recommended by a qualified medical provider and used as medically indicated. New Hampshire's focus should remain on protecting public health, supporting treatment and prevention efforts, and ensuring that any medical cannabis program serves patients who truly need it."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"I oppose legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, whether through home cultivation, private retail sales, or state-run cannabis stores. Marijuana legalization presents significant public health and safety concerns, including the potential for increased use, impaired driving, and the risk of individuals progressing to more dangerous and addictive substances. The state should not create a new commercial market for a substance that carries these risks or expand government involvement in its distribution. I do support the responsible use of cannabis for legitimate medical purposes when recommended by a qualified medical provider and used as medically indicated. New Hampshire's focus should remain on protecting public health, supporting treatment and prevention efforts, and ensuring that any medical cannabis program serves patients who truly need it."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"I oppose legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, whether through home cultivation, private retail sales, or state-run cannabis stores. Marijuana legalization presents significant public health and safety concerns, including the potential for increased use, impaired driving, and the risk of individuals progressing to more dangerous and addictive substances. The state should not create a new commercial market for a substance that carries these risks or expand government involvement in its distribution. I do support the responsible use of cannabis for legitimate medical purposes when recommended by a qualified medical provider and used as medically indicated. New Hampshire's focus should remain on protecting public health, supporting treatment and prevention efforts, and ensuring that any medical cannabis program serves patients who truly need it."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire require new voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote?
"I support measures that ensure only eligible New Hampshire citizens participate in our elections. Election integrity is essential to maintaining public confidence in our democratic process. I do not support allowing individuals to register and vote on Election Day with no valid identification. Reasonable safeguards are necessary to protect the integrity of our elections while ensuring that eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire allow at least 10% of students in each school district to enroll in a different public school, regardless of where they live?
"I support allowing at least 10% of New Hampshire students in each school district to enroll in another public school, regardless of where they live. Parents know which educational environment best meets their child's needs, and families should have meaningful options within our public school system. A responsible open enrollment policy can encourage school districts to be more responsive, expand educational opportunities, and help ensure that every child has access to a quality education. Public school district boundaries should not limit a student's opportunity to succeed and have a bright future. Students who choose open enrollment should also be fully funded by the state, just as students attending public charter schools are."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should state law cap how much local school districts can increase their budget each year?
"I support giving local voters the authority to adopt a local tax cap (tax effort/levy) or a school district budget cap, just as they may already do for municipal budgets. Both tax and budget caps are an important tool to promote fiscal responsibility, protect taxpayers, and encourage school districts to prioritize spending while living within reasonable limits. If voters determine that additional spending is necessary, they should retain the ability to approve an override by a 3/5 supermajority vote at the ballot box. This approach preserves local control while ensuring that taxpayers—not government—have the final say over significant spending increases and their property taxes."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I support the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms as protected by both the United States Constitution and the New Hampshire Constitution. New Hampshire's constitutional carry law reflects our commitment to preserving the rights of responsible citizens, and it must be protected. I do not support additional restrictions that infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. Our focus should remain on enforcing existing laws and addressing criminal behavior while respecting the constitutional freedoms of New Hampshire citizens."
