Steve Merrill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Merrill
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| 77th Governor of New Hampshire | |
| In office January 7, 1993 – January 9, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Ralph D. Hough (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Jeanne Shaheen |
| Attorney General of New Hampshire | |
| In office 1985–1989 |
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| Governor | John H. Sununu |
| Preceded by | Gregory H. Smith |
| Succeeded by | John Arnold |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Stephen Everett Merrill
June 21, 1946 Norwich, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | September 5, 2020 (aged 74) Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of New Hampshire, Durham (BA) Georgetown University (JD) |
Stephen Everett Merrill (born June 21, 1946 – died September 5, 2020) was an American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Merrill served as the 77th governor of New Hampshire from 1993 to 1997. He was from Manchester, New Hampshire.
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Early Life and Education
Merrill was born in Norwich, Connecticut. He moved to New Hampshire when he was young. He went to Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, New Hampshire. Later, he studied at the University of New Hampshire. In 1972, he earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
After law school, Merrill joined the United States Air Force. He worked as a lawyer there from 1972 to 1976. He was a legal advisor to important Air Force leaders. After his military service, he practiced law in Manchester from 1976 to 1984.
Political Career
Starting in Politics
In 1982, Merrill became a legal advisor to Governor John H. Sununu. The next year, he also became the governor's chief of staff. From 1984 to 1989, he served as the Attorney General of New Hampshire. This job means he was the state's chief lawyer.
As Attorney General, Merrill supported stronger rules to protect the environment. He also helped lower the age for trying young people as adults in murder cases to 13. He was often seen in public and even tried some cases himself. In 1989, he returned to working as a private lawyer.
Governor of New Hampshire
Merrill ran for governor as a Republican in 1992. He won the election on his first try for a state office. He was reelected in 1994 with a large number of votes.
When Merrill was about to become governor, New Hampshire faced a money problem. There was a $40 million shortage in state funds. This happened after a special property tax was found to be against the law. Merrill suggested cutting state spending and changing rules for state employees' benefits. He also proposed changes to state taxes. By April 1993, the state's economy started to get better.
In 1993, Governor Merrill signed an order to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Before this, the holiday was called Civil Rights Day. Some people did not like King's views on the Vietnam War. Merrill signed a similar order every year he was governor. In 1999, the state officially changed the holiday's name.
Merrill created the phrase "New Hampshire Advantage." This meant the state had lower taxes and a smaller government. He was named the "most fiscally responsible governor in America" twice. This award came from the Wall Street Journal and the Cato Institute.
Merrill decided not to run for a third term as governor. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family. In 1997, he ran to become the leader of the Republican National Committee. However, he lost to Jim Nicholson.
Later Life
After leaving politics, Merrill worked as the chairman of Bingham Consulting. This company was based in Boston.
Death
Stephen Merrill passed away at his home in Manchester on September 5, 2020. He was 74 years old. The reason for his death was not shared with the public.
See also
In Spanish: Steve Merrill para niños
