NEW FUTURES' STATEMENT ON SENATE BUDGET

Press Release
Date: June 4, 2021
Contact: Bobbie Burgess, bburgess@new-futures.org

New Futures' Statement on Senate Budget

CONCORD, NH – Yesterday, the New Hampshire State Senate approved a state budget proposal for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.  In response, Michele Merritt, President and CEO of New Futures, New Hampshire’s leading health policy and advocacy organization, released the following statement:

“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, New Hampshire is facing overwhelming substance use, mental health, workforce and child protection crises, which require deep and robust investment,” Merritt said.  “The budget passed by the State Senate takes some steps forward to improve New Hampshire’s health systems and support our children, families and communities.  But, there are several areas of concern, and more action is required to help New Hampshire heal and advance health equity for all Granite Staters.

“The Senate budget provides needed 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. However, we are troubled by the lack of support for student loan repayment for healthcare professionals, as well as the problematic language prohibiting diversity, inclusion and implicit bias training, and the new restrictions on women’s reproductive rights.  In these and other areas, this budget comes up short in addressing the full needs of Granite State families as we recover from COVID-19 and confront the systemic racism facing our state.”

About New Futures
New Futures is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates, educates and collaborates to improve the health and wellness of all New Hampshire residents. Learn more at new-futures.org. 

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