Milford Resident Commends State Rep. For Supporting Trans Students

MILFORD, NH — Without community leaders, Milford, NH wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from George Hoyt, a Milford reader who nominated State Rep. Maria Perez.

How do you know this community leader?

She is one of our state representatives for Milford. I worked with her in our campaign to defend Milford trans earlier this year in Milford.

What does this community leader do?

Maria represents Milford as one of our state reps. She is on the Executive Committee for the Hillsborough County Delegation (this groups appropriates taxpayer money to local communities in Hillsborough County). She is also Vice Chair of Human Rights Committee of the Nat’l Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

This year, when Hillsborough County found itself with leftover funds, State Representative Maria Perez organized a bipartisan coalition of Milford elected officials to advocate redirecting those funds to critical water infrastructure improvements in our town. Thanks to her bold leadership and persistent efforts, the county delegation allocated the surplus to help fix Milford's urgent water issues.

Perez is not a typical politician. She speaks candidly and stands up to party leaders when they diverge from New Hampshire's best interests. She boldly advocates for our state and hometown in ways few elected officials dare.

Perez has marched in Washington and protested the obstructionist tactics of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin that have stalled federal legislation. As a Latina refugee, she intimately understands the challenges minorities face, from racism and prejudice to underfunded schools. Rep. Perez fights tirelessly for our community.

When far-right groups and three school board members viciously attacked Milford's trans students, Perez courageously organized community members and was one of only two elected officials willing to stand up publicly and vocally defend the vulnerable students. In contrast, all the other Milford elected officials shamefully remained silent.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Perez is a fearless advocate who consistently stands up for her constituents, even when it means challenging her own party or taking an unpopular stance. Whether marching for justice in Washington, DC, protesting obstructionist politicians, defending vulnerable students, or fighting for critical local funding, Perez consistently demonstrates bold leadership and a willingness to speak truth to power. She embodies the type of principled, community-focused leadership we need more of in public office.

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