CONCORD, N.H. – Following Governor Ayotte's Budget Address, leaders from across the state are praising the Governor's budget for ALL of New Hampshire:

Governor Ayotte's budget includes NO new taxes:

"Governor Ayotte's first statewide budget holds the line on 'no new taxes'. She's committed to holding firm on my father Governor Mel Thomson's Pledge of no sales or income tax in New Hampshire. Just like Dad, the Governor knows 'Low Taxes are the Result of Low Spending' , and I was glad to hear her remind local communities to take a close look at their spending just as the state has. If we practice this, we will continue to enjoy the New Hampshire Advantage." – Tom Thomson, Orford

Governor Ayotte's budget keeps New Hampshire the safest in the country:

"Kelly Ayotte is putting the safety of Granite Staters first in her budget. With the creation of Northern Shield, law enforcement will be able to continue the important work of getting drugs off our streets and keeping our communities safe." – Coös County Sheriff Keith Roberge

"The Northern Border Alliance has provided critical resources to strengthen security and improve communication between departments to help keep our communities safe. It puts a law enforcement presence where there historically had not been. I am thankful that Governor Ayotte is continuing this crucial program and supporting law enforcement in the North Country." – Pittsburg Police Chief Richard N. Dube II

Governor Ayotte's budget will build a healthier New Hampshire:

"Governor Ayotte's budget shows that we can provide for our most vulnerable citizens while prioritizing a more efficient and effective state government. As the State works to recalibrate spending and cut waste, the Governor is ensuring we continue to address the needs of those who depend on the state for critical services. That's the New Hampshire way." – Executive Councilor John Stephen, Former Commissioner of New Hampshire DHHS

"Those most in need of assistance from the State, including Granite Staters with disabilities, can rest assured that Governor Kelly Ayotte has their backs. This budget continues to ensure there is no waitlist for disability services in our state, and it provides more than $1 billion to ensure these citizens have the support system they need. Just as she said, the Governor has delivered on her promise to deliver a responsible, balanced budget that addresses the needs of our most vulnerable citizens." – State Rep. Kim Rice, Children and Family Law Committee

Governor Ayotte's budget delivers a solution for the failed bail reform social experiment:

"I am thankful that Governor Ayotte continues to make Bail Reform a top priority and plans to include it in HB-2. Keeping violent and repeat offenders behind bars is the foundation of public safety and the safety of our citizens is non-negotiable. We cannot wait for another tragedy like the recent stabbing in Manchester to demonstrate why Bail Reform is needed. Justice for victims, police, residents and our business community must come first.  The time to act is now and we're grateful the governor, as a former attorney general and prosecutor, recognizes the urgency of this situation."
– Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais

Governor Ayotte's budget sends more money to municipalities than ever before:

"As municipalities build our budgets, we are grateful that Governor Ayotte is sending more money than ever before to cities and towns. I'm proud to have such a strong partner in the Corner Office to keep New Hampshire working for all Granite Staters." – Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan

Governor Ayotte's budget expands education freedom to all public school students:

"Students learn differently, and families deserve to choose what educational opportunity is best for their child. I'm thankful that Governor Ayotte is delivering on her promise to expand education freedom to students across New Hampshire and I look forward to working with her to help Granite State students thrive." – State Senator Bill Gannon, Sandown

Governor Ayotte's budget delivers on her promise to rid New Hampshire classrooms of cell phones:

"Governor Ayotte knows that screens are negatively impacting students in our learning environments. They've become a barrier for teachers to do their jobs and distract students from learning — no more. I'm excited that Governor Ayotte is moving forward to rid classrooms of cell phones, delivering for students and teachers across New Hampshire." – State Rep. Melissa Litchfield, Brentwood

Governor Ayotte's budget continues the freeze on community college tuition, funds dual and concurrent enrollment scholarships and expands career and technical education and workforce credential programs in the trades, health care, and other critical jobs in our state:

"From the outset, Governor Ayotte has been clear about the challenges that New Hampshire's lawmakers will face in crafting the next biennial budget. In that context, we're truly grateful for the investments being proposed for CCSNH in the Governor's budget to sustain access by keeping tuition flat, addressing the national crisis in college affordability with support for Early College programs, and enabling the community colleges to create onramps for learners of any age, throughout the state, through our workforce credential programs.

"We appreciate the value that Governor Ayotte sees in our work and in our graduates' contributions to New Hampshire's skilled workforce, whether in healthcare and human services, advanced manufacturing and the trades, business and technology and more.  We are committed to returning value to the state and always keeping the needs of New Hampshire residents at the forefront of our efforts." – Dr. Mark Rubinstein, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire

Governor Ayotte's budget streamlines the permitting process to develop more affordable housing:

"Housing is the number one issue I hear about from constituents – I am thankful that Governor Ayotte took a huge step forward today by streamlining the permitting process, cutting red tape to deliver more housing for Granite Staters." – State Rep. Joe Alexander, Housing Committee Chairman

Governor Ayotte's budget delivers for our North Country:

"Governor Ayotte is a woman of her word. When I first brought this landfill issue to her in 2023, she immediately recognized how important it was to the North Country. I thank the Governor for protecting beautiful areas like Forest Lake State Park in my district, as well as the natural beauty of our entire state." – State Senator David Rochefort

Governor Ayotte's budget continues the successful Recovery Friendly Workplace program:

"Recovery Friendly Workplaces saved my life. Today, the initiative now has over 400 workplaces participating, representing over 97,000 employees. I am thankful that Governor Ayotte continues to prioritize this important program and look forward to seeing it grow more throughout the coming years." – Shawn Cannizzaro, Co-Owner Hope 2 Freedom Recovery Homes