CHOURASIA FOR NH

What would you do to address the threat of gun violence in our schools? 

Gun violence exists due to easy access to guns. Laws need to be enacted to provide stricter gun controls and regulations. The growing issue around mental health also needs to be addressed via better mental health coverage. I have been supportive of all the initiatives in the above direction. In my current term, I have voted against the campus carry bill that would have allowed university students to carry firearms, which would have been an absolute disaster and would have made university campuses very unsafe. I also voted in favor of House bill HB56 expanding background checks and adding a 3 day waiting period for firearm transfers. I took a lead in the House commerce committee as well as on the House Floor to advocate for SB498 – a mental Health coverage bill for children 18 and under. I have also supported the passage of the House bill HB1630 in the House commerce committee banning the sale of Nitrous oxide and certain inhalants for recreational purposes, a leading cause of addiction in New Hampshire school age kids attributing to mental health issues. The bill has been signed into law in June 2026. I also supported House bill 1538 in the House commerce committee, a bill prohibiting sale of deceptive vape products designed to be marketed towards minors by using disguised products like highlighters, pen, pencils, clothing accessories etc. Although it got approved only as Interim study, I plan to work towards its passage in the committee during the fall of 2026

What have you done to support organized Labor’s fight for fair pay and working conditions? 

In my current term, I voted against Right to work House bill HB238 that prohibits collective bargaining. I strongly believe that collective bargaining power is the most powerful tool that workers have to demand fair pay and working conditions. I have studied enough world history to know that in early days of rise of capitalism, workers didn’t have any rights and representation or resources to fight against injustice, and while the industry owners and business classes created a lot of wealth for themselves, the general workers didn’t get amply paid and usually had poor working conditions, often leading to accidents at factories, poverty and unsanitary living conditions. That’s when labor organizations started getting formed and came to their rescue and made them realize the power of collective bargaining.

Do you believe the State of New Hampshire provides sufficient funding to all public school districts so that every Granite State student has access to the robust education guaranteed by the state constitution in their own school district?

The State of New Hampshire needs to increase the budget for public school funding. Instead, it passed the bill HB 115 that will expand the school voucher program regardless of income. The cost of such a program could exceed $100 million of state money that could have been used to support our local public schools and provide property tax relief. I voted against this bill because I strongly believe in the success of public schools that cater to more than 90% of New Hampshire students. The legislature needs to focus on funding an adequate education for our public school students as well as fully fund special education needs.

How should the State generate the revenue necessary to constitutionally fund public schools so that every student receives the robust education they are guaranteed? 

The state legislature needs to get rid of laws like HB115 that expanded the school voucher system regardless of income, thereby putting strain on public school funding. At the same time,  the State should focus on attracting new businesses while retaining and expanding its skilled workforce that will promote economic growth, create jobs, increase state revenues and expand the tax base which would help ensure that public education can be funded without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. I co-sponsored House bill HB1701 for the 2026 session that would reestablish the New Hampshire college graduate retention incentive partnership (NH GRIP) program, however it was laid on the table. I plan to continue working towards this initiative as this will help retain skilled workforce in New Hampshire.

 What do you believe are the minimum curriculum requirements, programs and services that should be provided to every Granite State student in their local public school? 

Every Granite State student should have access to a minimum core curriculum that includes proficient reading and writing, Maths, science, social studies and physical education for an overall development. They should be provided opportunities to excel in STEM (Science , Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, innovation and hands-on learning that can prepare them for the modern day technological era. There should be sufficient resources available to address special education needs. Every public school should be able to provide student support services that includes school counselors, nurses and mental health resources. 

What are your top 3 priorities, if elected?

•  1. Strong support for public schools and higher education systems through proper funding. Continue to build support to repeal the current education voucher system program in the state.
• 2. Work on initiatives for better public health including mental health coverage
• 3. Work on increased opportunities to grow our economy and attract a quality workforce

Is there anything about your candidacy you would like to share with us that is not covered in the previous questions? 

I also want to work towards initiatives to lower costs for hard-working families, affordable housing solutions and reduced energy costs. I want to find solutions to the childcare crisis in the state, so young families can achieve a better work-life balance