PAGE UPDATED June 28, 2021.

About

As we continue to experience unspeakable loss as a society, we see a public health system tried like never before. At New Futures, we’re not interested in building back to where things were before the pandemic and the protests for racial equity. We’re placing health equity at the forefront of everything we do to ensure all Granite Staters have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. 

New Futures' Five-Point Plan outlines critical investments in public health initiatives; behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery programs; children's behavioral health services; and early childhood supports, among other areas. These 5 budget initiatives seek to address the COVID-19 pandemic, improve racial health disparities for historically marginalized groups, and ensure all Granite Staters are healthy now and into the future.

Importance of the Five Points

• Learn more about the five healthy state budget initiatives here.
• Read Granite State stories in support of a healthy state budget. 

Budget Update

Governor Chris Sununu signed the $13.5 billion two-year state budget Friday, June 25th, about 24 hours after it reached his desk. The budget for State Fiscal Years 22-23 takes some steps forward to improve New Hampshire’s health systems and support our children, families and communities. It includes funding in a number of critical areas, including substance use prevention, treatment and recovery, Family Resource Centers, regional family support programs through Community Collaborations, and the children’s System of Care, among others.

This is a major step forward for the health and wellness of New Hampshire, however, we are deeply troubled by the insertion of language banning abortions at 24 weeks and another on the teaching of systemic oppression and implicit bias in public schools.  In these and other areas, this budget comes up short in addressing the full needs of Granite State families as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and confront systemic racism facing our state.

Michele Merritt & April Mottram: Healthier state budget is needed (Union Leader, April 20)

Our Turn: NH needs a healthy state budget (Concord Monitor, April 19)

The State Budget Process

To start, Governor Sununu released his budget proposal to the Legislature in February. Members of the House Finance Committee worked with state agencies to review the Governor’s proposal and assess program needs. The Finance Committee developed and approved its own budget proposal, it moved on to a vote in the full House of Representatives. The budget proposal moved over to the state Senate for action. A final budget, approved by both the House and Senate, went to the Governor’s desk for approval by July 1.

• For more on the process, watch our full Budget Advocacy Training

Let us help you get involved!

We will need your advocacy to help to undo these irresponsible policies in the next year and advance the wellbeing of all Granite Staters. 

Please stay tuned for upcoming advocacy trainings and engagement opportunities! As we continue to face the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the ongoing addiction, mental health and child protection crises, New Hampshire must prioritize advancing health equity and access to care for all Granite Staters.

We cannot thank you enough for your strong advocacy in support of a Healthy State Budget. It has been an extremely challenging past year and a half for the health and wellness of the entire world, but together, through education, advocacy, and collaboration we can help ensure a more healthy, just, and equitable future.

Share your Story 

Story collection link: https://secure.everyaction.com/8HiY0CNWpUGczpkONF_OSQ2

In a year when so many aspects of health and wellness have been critically impacted, there is a wide swath of issues that we must make sure get funded in the New Hampshire state budget. Share your story about one or more of these issues here to advocate for continued support for these programs. A Community Engagement Coordinator will follow up with you!

Become an Advocate

Share your health and wellness interests with us here: https://new-futures.org/become-an-advocate

Let our team know what issues matter to you and we will help you use your voice effectively throughout the legislative session and beyond. Your voice matters and we want to help you use your voice effectively to make health and wellness improvements in the Granite State!

Thank you to Advocates and Partners for your input on the five budget priorities! In preparation for this highly anticipated budget year, so many of you have played a pivotal role in helping us put together our policy priorities via surveys and listening sessions. With your invaluable insights and perspectives, we have formed our New Futures' Five-Point Plan.