Taking Stock of New Hampshire’s GOP Budget

Rep. Cynthia Chase takes a look at how the state is faring under the budget, opposed by Democrats and moderate Republicans, that cut funding for many state services that formed our social safety net.

• [T]he finance committee decided to keep the federal [Medicaid] reimbursement funds. … The net result: a $250 million cut to our hospital operating budgets over two years.

• A recent report by the U.S. Department of Justice said that the New Hampshire mental health system is in crisis.

• The Children in Need of Services (CHINS) program … has been cut to 50 children from over 1,500, with the fallout being experienced by schools and families across the state.

• [T]he cost cutting to higher education has left New Hampshire in-state students with the dubious distinction of graduating with the highest debt load of any state in the nation.

• This Legislature has passed the most frightening relaxation of gun laws seen in modern times.

• Other items facing cuts are Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, heating assistance, social service agencies and senior services.

“The majority in Concord,” she concludes, “appears to see no reason why they should be concerned about the needs of others less fortunate than themselves.”