NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATE NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 8, 2025
CONCORD, NH – Senator Denise Ricciardi (R-Bedford) released the following statement about speaking at the National Conference for State Legislatures regarding her involvement in pro-family legislation, such as SB 246-FN and SB 243:
“It was an honor to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures Summit in Chicago as one of only 20 legislators selected nationwide. I was proud to speak about the pro-family, pro-business legislation I’ve championed – particularly efforts to improve maternal healthcare and expand access to affordable childcare in New Hampshire.
I have long advocated for strong maternal health protections and was instrumental in the passage of the state’s first Momnibus bill in 2023. Building on that progress, SB 246-FN expands support for new mothers by providing home healthcare visits and unpaid leave during the first year after childbirth. It also improves workforce reentry support for mothers – regardless of Medicaid or private – and enhances emergency labor and delivery training for EMS providers in rural areas. These measures benefit families and support small businesses by helping retain and support working parents.
SB 243 addresses longstanding challenges within the state’s childcare scholarship program. Families often face confusing bureaucracy and long delays; this bill cuts red tape and streamlines access to assistance. By ensuring immediate eligibility and predictable payments, SB 243 strengthens both families and the childcare providers they depend on.
Together, these bills demonstrate New Hampshire’s commitment to supporting children, parents, and small businesses. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to deliver solutions prioritizing maternal health and making it easier for families to thrive.”
Background:
SB 243 enhances the state’s childcare scholarship program by allowing families to receive immediate assistance while their applications are processed and ensuring more consistent provider payments.
SB 246-FN improves maternal mental health care, provides emergency labor and delivery training to rural EMS providers, supports independent birth center research, and offers parental leave for postpartum and pediatric appointments.
Media Contact:
Peter O’Neill, Communications Director
peter.oneill@gc.nh.gov
603-271-3043