David Preece

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, I write in strong support of HB 1661, a targeted and responsible investment in New Hampshire’s workforce and housing stability through the expansion of the Community Heroes program at the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. Across our state, essential workers—educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, childcare providers, and service members—are increasingly priced out of the very communities they serve. This housing mismatch is not theoretical; it affects school staffing, healthcare access, emergency response times, and local economic vitality. HB 1661 directly addresses this challenge by expanding homeownership opportunities for workers who are fundamental to New Hampshire’s quality of life. HB 1661 is especially effective because it is focused and disciplined. Rather than creating a new bureaucracy or imposing mandates, the bill leverages the expertise of the Housing Finance Authority to administer assistance efficiently and transparently. By providing dedicated funding through the Affordable Housing Fund, the bill ensures accountability while maintaining flexibility to respond to market conditions. Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for community stability and economic security. Helping essential workers buy homes strengthens neighborhoods, improves workforce retention, and reduces long-term public costs associated with employee turnover and housing instability. HB 1661 recognizes that housing policy is workforce policy—and treats it accordingly. Importantly, this bill reflects sound fiscal judgment. The appropriation is modest, clearly defined, and capped for administrative costs. It represents a smart, preventative investment rather than a reactive expense. New Hampshire’s housing challenges will require multiple solutions, but HB 1661 is exactly the kind of practical, bipartisan step we should be taking now—supporting those who support our communities and ensuring they can afford to live where they work. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to find HB 1661 ought to pass. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to the people of New Hampshire. Respectfully submitted, David John Preece State Representative, Hillsborough District 17 Manchester, New Hampshire