Budget Address Press Coverage Round-Up

Gov. Kelly Ayotte focuses on education, bail reform in first budget address – WMUR

"Major investments in special education, an expansion of school choice and a big emphasis on public safety were some of the priorities outlined Thursday in Gov. Kelly Ayotte's first budget address… The governor got one of her biggest ovations of the day calling for changes to the state's bail law. After the release of a stabbing suspect in Manchester, she said the need for change is urgent. 'And that begins with sending me legislation to fix this disastrous bail law that is putting our law enforcement officers at risk and the public at large,' Ayotte said."

Ayotte: Budget cuts made with a 'scalpel, not a shovel' – Union Leader

"Gov. Kelly Ayotte told the Legislature Thursday her two-year, $16.5 billion state budget cuts $150 million in spending "with a scalpel," while providing more resources to expand school choice, retain veteran first responders, thwart drug traffickers, serve students with special needs and help two-year college students fill the jobs in tomorrow's economy."

Kevin Landrigan, Union Leader via X

"Most GOP legislators stood when @KellyAyotte urges fiscal restraint locally; Dems sat on their hands."

Ayotte calls for state budget writers to 'recalibrate' in face of financial headwinds – NHPR

"Schools would see more for rising special education costs under Ayotte's budget… 'We understand the skyrocketing costs facing towns and providing special education, and we want to lessen the financial burdens and ensure that students are receiving the resources that they need,' Ayotte said. Ayotte's budget would send schools nearly $100 million over two years, about a 50% increase."

Ayotte's budget would slash $150 million in state spending while advancing funds for law enforcement, education – Concord Monitor

"As Ayotte addressed state legislators on Thursday to unveil her proposed budget for the next two years, she acknowledged New Hampshire's uncertain budget landscape and called for a 'recalibration' of state spending. She said she's prioritizing small businesses and local opportunities.

"'Much of what we accomplish best in our state is done at the local level, and that's why we are pushing more funds than ever to the local level,' Ayotte said. She challenged local officials to take a 'hard look' at their own spending, too."

7 key takeaways from N.H. Governor Kelly Ayotte's 'recalibration' budget – The Boston Globe

"Republican state lawmakers cheered and whistled when New Hampshire Governor Kelly A. Ayotte announced her administration's spending priorities Thursday during her first budget address.

"Their applause was especially enthusiastic after Ayotte said her plan would reduce general fund expenditures by $150 million, or 3.5 percent, compared to the current two-year budget, as the state grapples with a more challenging financial environment amid heightened uncertainty.

"Ayotte said the state needs a 'recalibration' both in terms of how much it spends and how it stewards taxpayer money. And she said her proposed adjustments were made 'with a scalpel, not a shovel,' avoiding across-the-board cuts."

Ayotte endorses one-year moratorium on new landfills in New Hampshire – New Hampshire Bulletin

"Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a month after she vowed to prevent a contentious project from coming to fruition in the North Country, endorsed a one-year moratorium on new landfills in the state. She also proposed creating a new site evaluation committee for future landfills… Solid waste advocates celebrated the announcement."

Ayotte's Budget Address Promises 'Greater Prosperity for All of New Hampshire' – InDepthNH

"From special education to a landfill moratorium, Gov. Kelly Ayotte laid out her budget agenda Thursday, saying it is $150 million less in general fund spending than the current two-year plan…In her address, she noted the state's job growth exceeds the national average, New Hampshire has the lowest poverty rate in the nation, while unemployment is low and wages are rising. 'Our New Hampshire Advantage is on display for all to see,' Ayotte said."