Rep. James Thibault: Rep Thibault seeking reelection in Nov 3 General Election

To The Daily Sun,

For the last two years, it has been the honor of my life to serve the great people of Franklin and Northfield in the New Hampshire House. This community has given me so much, and I’ve been glad to give back. With the election Tuesday, I’d like to share some of what has been delivered this term.

I’ve fought against rising costs for residents. This year, over $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees were proposed, including sales and income taxes, and I voted against every one because our community can’t afford more. I also voted for a constitutional amendment to ban a state income tax and for HB 1300, which gives homeowners a say in their property taxes with Question 2. That’s true local control.

I also supported record state funding for public education. In fiscal year 2026, Franklin received over $9 million, and Northfield over $4 million in state education aid, and we passed bills to expand state aid for high special education costs. Reducing costs and supporting students aren’t mutually exclusive, and I don't believe we need to return to the retired, old idea that higher taxes to drive massive spending will solve every problem.

I’ve also worked to give our next generation more opportunities to learn. At a constituent’s request, I filed HB 1573 to give students excused absences for civics, the trades, and agriculture. It’s now law. I also founded Live Free & Lead, a bipartisan civics summer program, giving students a firsthand look at our state government. Young people who feel they have a stake in our future will be more likely to stay.

I love this community, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished for it. I humbly ask for readers' vote this Tuesday, Nov. 3 to keep the work going.

Rep. James Thibault

Franklin