Every other year, New Hampshire engages in the state budget process, where lawmakers allocate funding to policy priorities. This process allows elected officials to respond to emerging economic challenges, address community needs, redistribute resources equitably, and maintain the state's fiscal health, all while attempting to minimize tax burdens.
In 2025, lawmakers must prioritize the health and well-being of Granite State people and families to ensure long-term resilience for all who live here.
People First Budget Priorities
Early Childhood
Children's Behavioral Health
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Support sustainable financing for the emergency behavioral health crisis system, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis
Lifeline.
- Maintain investments in NH’s Children’s System of Care to ensure access to community- and school-based services.
Resources for Older Adults
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Protect funding for the
System of Care for Healthy Aging to ensure older adults have a meaningful choice in care options, including for the Choices for Independence Program.
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Strengthen programs that
provide Caregiver Respite and Senior Volunteer services.
Access to Substance Use Treatment
- Support New Hampshire’s substance use treatment network by maintaining state funding for Doorways, drug courts, and other programs across the continuum of care.
Building the Budget
The state budget is broken up into two bills — House Bill 1 and House Bill 2. The financial allocations are listed in HB 1, while the corresponding laws are described in HB 2, often called the "trailer bill."
Follow along (and stay informed on the best times to advocate in the process) with our 2025 budget tracker. We'll be scoring how the budget drafts line up with our People First budget priorities.
February 12: New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte released her draft of the state budget.
March 12: The House Finance Committee received public input at a budget hearing.
Take Action
Contact your lawmakers to urge them to support a state budget that puts New Hampshire people first.
Attend or Testify at a Public Hearing
Make your voice heard by attending or testifying at a public hearing! New Futures can help you prepare remarks, find the committee room, and offer moral support at the hearing.
The House Finance Committee held a budget hearing on March 12. In coming months, there will be a Senate hearing, but the budget bills must pass the House side first.
If you are interested in attending or testifying at the Senate hearing, please fill out the form below to indicate your interest and we will be sure to let you know when it is scheduled. Under "Which bill or issue are you interested in attending hearings for?" please write "Budget - [Issue]" if you would like to advocate for funding for a particular issue.
You can learn more about what to expect on our Ways to Advocate webpage.
Submit Written Testimony
Submit written testimony to advocate for funding needs on issues you care about:
- Go to the House Online Testimony Form on the General Court website.
- Fill in your personal information.
- Select the date: March 12.
- Select the committee: House Finance.
- Choose the bill number: HB 1 or HB 2
- Select "I am: A member of the public" unless one of the other labels is appropriate to you.
- Fill in "I'm Representing: Myself" unless you are approved to represent another entity (i.e. your workplace or an organization).
- Select "I’m neutral on this bill."
- Upload or write your written testimony (please note your testimony becomes immediately visible on the website to anyone).
- Click "Submit."
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