Senator Ricciardi: Capitol Report

In a time when division too often defines public life, one message is being carried with quiet persistence: progress begins with an open door.

For me, as a state senator, that idea is more than a metaphor; it’s a daily practice.

My office remains open to anyone willing to walk in, speak up, and be heard. It’s a philosophy rooted in collaboration, one that recently earned me an invitation to join Andrew Shue’s New Hampshire Forum, where dialogue and shared purpose take center stage. Because, as I see it, the best work is never done alone; it’s built together, voice by voice.

That same spirit of stewardship extends to the issue that weighs on nearly every family: affordability. In New Boston, the impact is tangible. Rooms and Meals Tax revenue has surged to $622,507.19 for fiscal year 2026, a staggering 112% increase since 2020. My bill, SB 99, is the gift that keeps on giving and I can point to real dollars flowing back into the community.

The mission goes deeper: protecting taxpayers, standing firm against a sales or income tax, and defending small businesses, the very backbone of New Hampshire’s economy. In neighboring states, higher taxes have not delivered the promised relief. Here, the goal remains clear: keep New Hampshire livable, sustainable, and free.

Education, too, tells a story of steady investment. Funding for New Boston has climbed to more than $4.4 million, reflecting a commitment to students and their futures. The 2023 education formula marked a historic step forward, increasing state funding by 31% over a decade, the largest boost the state has ever seen. The path forward is not paved with sweeping tax hikes, but with thoughtful, realistic solutions that strengthen communities without burdening them.

Health care remains one of the most urgent battles, which is why I have taken it on, directly sponsoring legislation to reduce harmful delays in care and pushing forward new efforts to rein in rising costs. Soon, I’ll carry that fight to Washington, advocating for reforms that put patients before bureaucracy and ensure families can access the care they need without fear of financial ruin.

My work continues to focus on New Hampshire families. I have worked to expand maternal mental health support resources for new mothers through my Momnibus 2.0 legislation. I have further introduced legislation aimed at easing the crushing cost of childcare. These legislative efforts are addressing the everyday struggles of working parents trying to get ahead and make ends meet.

Through it all, one principle remains unchanged: listen first, work together, and never close the door. In an era that often feels fractured, that commitment to collaboration, affordability, and to the people I serve, resonates with a quiet but powerful force. I believe we can make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family through continued bipartisan efforts.

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Denise Ricciardi is from Bedford and serves in the NH Senate District 9. Her website is https://denisericciardi.org