I’ve been hard at work this March tackling issues that matter to our communities, from strengthening our local economy to enhancing safety and supporting our most vulnerable. Here’s a full rundown of what I’ve been up to this month—because you deserve to know how I’m fighting for you.

Championing NH Banks in the Public Deposit Investment Pool (PDIP)
I’ve taken a firm stand to ensure our New Hampshire banks play a strong role in the Public Deposit Investment Pool (PDIP). For those unfamiliar, PDIP is a state program that lets towns, schools, and other public entities pool their funds for safe, liquid investments with competitive returns. My priority? Keeping those taxpayer dollars working within our state by supporting our local banks, not letting them slip away to out-of-state institutions. I’ve been meeting with banking leaders and state officials to push for fair consideration, and I’m not backing down. This is about bolstering our economy and ensuring Granite Staters see the benefits right here at home. Stay tuned—I’ll keep you posted on our progress – read the letter from the Council here.

Highway Safety Task Force: Saving Lives on Our Roads
Governor Kelly Ayotte tapped me to serve on the Highway Safety Task Force, and I’m honored to step up for this life-saving mission. This month, I started working with the Governor’s office, Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn, and Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards to lay the groundwork for our first meeting in early April. My focus over the next few weeks is crafting recommendations for the Governor—practical steps like better enforcement, smarter infrastructure, or targeted education—that will cut down on accidents and protect lives. Our roads should be safe for every driver, passenger, and pedestrian, and I’m committed to making that a reality. Read more.

Tackling Delays in Public Works Projects
In my first few months on the Council, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: public works projects where delays—often tied to state agency bottlenecks—send costs soaring past early estimates. This month, I sat down with representatives from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) to dig into the problem. They shared stories of stalled bids, slow approvals, and delayed notices to proceed—issues that erode confidence and hit taxpayers hard. I’m leading the charge on this, teaming up with Councilors Wheeler, Kenney, and Stevens, as well as the Associated General Contractors, to demand faster processes from agencies like Administrative Services and the Attorney General’s office. I even wrote a letter to DAS Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus laying out the stakes (you can read it here). This is a process fix, and with ABC’s smart recommendations in hand, I’m determined to bring efficiency and savings back to these projects.

Supporting Clean Drinking Water with DES
Protecting our communities starts with the basics—like clean, safe drinking water. This month, I supported several loans from the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund (DWGTF), set up in 2016 under the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES). These loans help towns clean their water supplies and tackle lead remediation, with up to 70% principal forgiveness if contractual standards are met. The Drinking Water and Groundwater Advisory Commission guides this work, and DES administers grants and loans to make it happen. If your town is looking to safeguard its water through construction, source protection, or lead cleanup in schools, check out the DES DWGTF site at Welcome | DWGTF (https://www.des.nh.gov). I’m proud to back these efforts for our families and kids.

Honoring Manchester’s Unsung Heroes
On March 12th, I had the privilege of recognizing the Manchester Police Communications Unit at our Council meeting with a Commendation from Governor Kelly Ayotte. These folks are the heartbeat of public safety—working 24/7 to answer distress calls and direct officers across Manchester. Their professionalism and sacrifice keep our community secure, often without the spotlight they deserve. It was an honor to celebrate these unsung heroes, who remind us that safety starts with the voices on the other end of the line.

Touring the State Forensic Lab
Also on March 12th, I hosted the Governor’s Council Breakfast at the Department of Safety building in Concord, where we got an up-close look at the State Forensic Lab. This facility is a gem—equipped with state-of-the-art DNA technology, drug examination tools, and forensic services that rival the best in the country. The staff? A team of dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to give law enforcement and prosecutors the evidence, analysis, and testimony needed to lock up dangerous felons. Seeing their commitment firsthand was a reminder of the quiet heroes keeping justice alive in New Hampshire. We should all be proud of the men and women behind the lab bench.

Learning from Catie’s Closet
I recently visited Catie’s Closet, a non-profit doing incredible work for low-income families, children, and youth. They provide “closets” in schools—over 140 across Massachusetts and New Hampshire—where kids can shop with dignity for clothing, toiletries, and health essentials. In District 4, they’re already in Manchester Central High School and gearing up at Beech Street School. I was blown away by their impact and plan to help spread the word in the coming months, hoping to bring this resource to more schools here. It’s a simple idea with a big heart, and I’m excited to support it.

Fighting for Seniors’ Choices
Finally, I met with leaders from our state’s Independent Case Management agencies to tackle a longtime passion of mine: giving seniors on Medicaid real options to stay in their communities instead of nursing homes. Years ago, as DHHS Commissioner, I championed this cause, but today, inefficiencies, delays, and poor system collaboration still force too many into facilities they don’t want. I’m working with ICM and other stakeholders to overhaul the Medicaid eligibility process under the Choices for Independence Waiver, aiming to get home health services to those who need them. This is about dignity and independence for our seniors, and I’ll keep at it until we see results.

Looking Ahead
March has been busy, but April promises more action—from kicking off the Highway Safety Task Force to following up on these initiatives. I’m grateful for your support and always open to your feedback. Drop me a line with your thoughts or questions—I’m here for you.

Live Free or Die,

John Stephen
Executive Councilor, District 4