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Negron Voted to Derail Study for Study for Commuter Rail Project to Help Boost Economy
Concord, NH - In the first forum of the general election for New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District, Congresswoman Annie Kuster highlighted her proven track record in Congress while Steve Negron argued that government “should have no significant role in infrastructure projects and should let states control Medicaid spending through block grants.”
Steve Negron voted against keeping a federally-funded commuter rail study in the state’s 10-year transportation plan, despite the overwhelming support the study received from the New Hampshire business community, including countless businesses and residents in Nashua.
Meanwhile, during her time in office, Congresswoman Kuster has helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars to address highway projects, like the I-93 expansion project.
Statement from Chair Ray Buckley:
“While thousands of Granite Staters could have benefited from a commuter rail services, whether it be for job opportunities or to visit loved ones, Negron has fought against the concept every step of the way, voting down a study. New Hampshire deserves better from its elected leaders. In Washington, on the other hand, Annie continues to work across the aisle to secure funding for projects that our state needs. That’s why we’re determined as ever to secure her seat on November 6.”
See below for an article detailing Negron’s comments:
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A forum for House candidates Thursday in the congressional district that covers western and northern New Hampshire featured the incumbent stressing what she has done in Washington and her opponent focusing on what he wouldn't do. Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster and her Republican challenger, Steve Negron, met for their first joint appearance ahead of the Nov. 6 election at a 2nd Congressional District forum sponsored by AARP and the Concord Chamber of Commerce. Negron, a state representative from Nashua, answered several questions by saying Washington has too much power, resulting in massive bureaucracy. Congress, he said, shouldn't tell states how to lower energy costs, should have no significant role in infrastructure projects and should let states control Medicaid spending through block grants. "I would trust my state government," he said. Negron offered no specifics when asked for examples of working in a bipartisan manner, though he mentioned sitting between two Democrats in the Statehouse. Meanwhile, Kuster described leading a bipartisan task force on the opioid crisis that passed dozens of bills, as well as working with Republicans on the federal farm bill and on behalf of veterans. Kuster, who is seeking her fourth term, disagreed with Negron on Medicaid, saying she feared block grants would not adequately take into account population shifts at a time when the state's elderly population is growing. And, she said, infrastructure is a federal responsibility when it comes to the interstate highway system, and she is proud to have helped secure federal funding for the widening of Interstate 93 and other projects. The two also disagreed on Social Security and Medicare. Negron said Medicare benefits should be maintained for current enrollees, but the program eventually should "morph" into something more sustainable. He promised to do everything in his power to keep Social Security solvent but did not mention specific solutions. Kuster said she supports making higher income levels subject to Social Security withholding. She said the looming problems with both programs are the result of the Republican-backed tax cuts. "The only threat to Medicare and Social Security is the tax break for millionaires and billionaires that added $1.5 trillion to the deficit," she said.
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