New Futures NH - Opportunities

You have a rare opportunity to participate in a budget debate in a non-budget year. Join the current legislative debate about how to address the expected shortfall in the 2010/2011 State Budget.

Background

The 2010/2011 biennial (two-year) state budget covers the period from July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2011.
The recession has resulted in significantly increased needs for public services while at the same time state revenues have been declining.
Governor Lynch has estimated that the 2010/2011 Budget will face a deficit of $220 million.
Between now and the close of the current legislative session on June 2, 2010, the legislature (House and the Senate) will vote on several bills to address the expected deficit.

The House will act on one budget-focused bill – SB 450 – this week. Passing SB 450 will mean:

The best possible combination of cuts and revenue options to address the current budget situation; and
Ongoing support for AOD services by making only small reductions to the Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund. SB 450 also protects the authority of the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment to control that Fund.

Failure to pass SB 450 leaves the task of filling the budget deficit to the executive branch, the Governor’s office. New Futures does not like support solution because:

Only the legislature has the ability to consider additional revenue as a component of the budget balancing plan. Without additional revenue, the budget reductions will be much deeper.

What You Can Do:

Contact your Representative(s) no later than Wednesday, May 12^th and ask them to support SB 450, as amended.
Stay tuned for budget-related action alerts from New Futures.

For More Information:

Contact Tricia Lucas at 225-9540.

To find your Representative(s), click here.

Back to top

Archives