KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire Senator Donovan Fenton joined Dan Mitchell on WKBK’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell Tuesday to talk about the challenges facing New Hampshire families — from potential food assistance cuts and rising healthcare costs to strained trade ties with Canada.

Fenton began by addressing the uncertainty surrounding federal nutrition programs. “We’re hearing, you know, New Hampshire Food Bank is preparing for that potential cut of food for SNAP benefits,” he said. “And that’s a terrifying thing.”

He said local food pantries have already seen about a 10 percent increase in food distribution this year, a sign of mounting pressure as prices rise. He called for federal support to prevent further hardship among working families.

On the issue of healthcare costs, Fenton warned that the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits could hit residents hard. “A single person in their mid 40s in New Hampshire who earns around $32,000 annually could see their premiums increase almost $1,300,” he said.

The senator also discussed the state’s fiscal picture, pointing to New Hampshire’s dependence on a limited set of revenue sources. “We base all our revenue right now in Hampshire, essentially on liquor, tobacco, property taxes and business taxes,” he said, adding that the state should focus more on investing in workforce development, childcare and housing to sustain economic growth.

Highlighting his bipartisan approach to legislation, Fenton said collaboration remains essential to making progress in Concord. “Almost every single one of my bills has a Republican co-sponsor, if not more Republican co-sponsors,” he said. His upcoming bills, he noted, focus on public safety, education, and healthcare access.

Fenton also touched on U.S.–Canada relations, criticizing what he described as politically driven trade decisions that have hurt local tourism and commerce.

During the program, Fenton briefly discussed rumors of a potential run for governor, saying he remains focused on his Senate work but didn’t close the door to future opportunities. He also reaffirmed New Hampshire’s determination to keep its first-in-the-nation primary status.

Listen to the full interview: