Legislative Updates by Rep. Maureen Mooney for November, 2025

Greetings!

VETERANS HOME: November is a month to remember our Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. I recently visited the Veterans Home in Tilton, New Hampshire. A tour of the facility and visit with residents was led by Commandant Kimberly MacKay. It was a great day, and everyone there was so happy – residents and staff members alike. And, there’s always so much to do there on the calendar of activities!

Its mission statement is: . . . to provide the best quality of life for NH Veterans with dignity, honor and respect. The Home is found in N.H. law within RSA 119:1-14.

The Veterans Home was opened on December 3, 1890 for Civil War Veterans. Since then, thousands of Veterans over the years have received long-term care ranging from living assistance to end-of-life care. Its budget consists of state general funds, federal funds and other sources of funds (i.e., private pay) totaling approximately $50 million per year to operate.

Currently in the Home, there are 6 WWII Veterans with the oldest resident being 101 years old. The average age is 83 years old. The Home currently has 250 residents and 384 staff members. To seek employment at the Veterans Home, this site can be utilized: https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/employment.aspx

The residents like to monitor the Home’s Facebook page. You can “follow” their page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/nhveteranshome

SNAP AND WIC: The state allocated funds to cover SNAP and WIC benefits during the federal government shut down. There are approximately 77,000 residents of New Hampshire that receive benefits. If you or someone you know needs information or the location of food banks ready to serve, go to this link: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/food-meals-assistance/snap-and-wic-federal-shutdown-information

The Town of Merrimack Welfare office is a great resource for those in need. The link is here to find local food pantries, housing assistance, healthcare and prescription assistance, heat/electrical assistance and mental health hotlines. The link is here: https://www.merrimacknh.gov/welfare-department/pages/area-resources

N.H. HOUSE LEADERSHIP TOUR: N.H. House Leadership is touring the ten counties in New Hampshire visiting businesses, schools, and residents to discuss issues of prime importance. As part of the Hillsborough County tour, state legislators visited the Tomahawk Tavern as well as local businesses on November 10, 2025. A lot of things are on the minds of voters.

AROUND TOWN: The Merrimack Rotary annual Turkey Trot 5K is Thanksgiving morning! I’ll be there! To join in as a walker, runner or sponsor, access this link: www.merrimack5k.com All proceeds to go charity.

The annual Merrimack Rotary Christmas Tree Sale starts November 22, 2025 until the trees are sold out. The location is Watson Park in Merrimack. For prices, sizes and hours, go to: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/2943/Stories/merrimack-rotary-holds-annual-christmas-tree-sale-1

THANK YOU: A special “thank you” to the Merrimack VFW for consistently hosting a Veterans Day ceremony at Last Rest Cemetery at 11am on November 11. Each year, it is a moving tribute to those who served.

See you around town!

Rep. Maureen Mooney is in her sixth term as a NH State Representative serving Merrimack. Her website is: www.votemooney.com and Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/maureenmooneynh.