Martha grew up in Hanover and returned with her husband and three children in 2001. She attended Vassar College and graduated from Dartmouth College, a member of the first fully-coeducational class, and went on to earn an MBA and PhD in developmental psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Martha has had a variety of positions in all levels of education and mental health care. She is also a small business owner, and a member of the NH House of Representatives. She and her husband, Steve Severson, have been married for 40 years; they have three grown children and four granddaughters.
While she has served Hanover and Lyme in the New Hampshire House, Martha was a dedicated and passionate member of the Children and Family Law Committee, fighting to protect children’s and families’ rights.
Martha’s priorities as a member of the NH Senate will include:
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Affordable educational opportunities from preschool through college
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Continued work on addressing the opioid crisis in our state
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Funding for Planned Parenthood
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Support for violence prevention programs
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Extending Medicare, with a more permanent solution
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Protecting healthcare and reproductive rights for women
- Equal rights for all NH citizens
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Livable wages for our citizens
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Equal pay for equal work
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Paid sick leave
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Expanding broadband internet service throughout the state
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Protecting our environment and promoting sustainable communities
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Continued development of public transportation, including bus and rail
Learn more about Representative Hennessey’s campaign for the NH Senate