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.
- Strengthen programs that provide Caregiver Respite and Senior Volunteer services.
- TAKE ACTION: Save the NH Commission on Aging, which plays an important role in preparing our state to support all of our residents as we age.
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.
Email your Senator about budget concerns
Share on Social
Attend or Testify at the Public Hearing
Share your story with lawmakers to let them know about the priorities you think are important to include in New Hampshire's next two-year state budget! New Futures can help you prepare remarks, find the committee room, and offer moral support at the hearing.
You can learn more about what to expect on our Ways to Advocate webpage.
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