“A Rigged Budget for a Rigged Economy”"
NH Groups Slam Senate Republican Budget That Will Squeeze Hardworking Families
CONCORD, NH – Leading grassroots organizations representing thousands of Granite Staters—603 Forward, MomsRising, New Hampshire Youth Movement, Granite State Organizing Project, and Rights and Democracy—issued a joint statement today with quotes from volunteers and members from across the state on how the Senate Republican budget is a reckless plan that deepens inequality and puts the interests of the wealthy and well-connected ahead of working families.
Speaking with one voice, the organizations condemned the budget:
“This budget doesn’t reflect our shared values. It reflects a rigged economy where the rich get richer, corporations get tax breaks, and the rest of us are left paying the price. Republican lawmakers are choosing to gut the programs that thousands of working families rely on and raise taxes on folks who can least afford it— just so their wealthy donors and out-of-state corporate allies can keep cashing in. That’s not fiscal responsibility. That’s economic sabotage.”
The Senate GOP budget slashes millions from the Governor’s already devastating proposal - making deep and sweeping cuts to public college and public school funding, affordable housing, child care assistance, mental health services, and Medicaid—all while continuing to protect tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit the ultra-wealthy and greedy multinational corporations.
“My wife works in land surveying—one of the few women in the field—and we’re expecting our first child. When we found out we were pregnant, we immediately started calling around and got on waitlists for child care facilities within 20 miles of home. Despite doing everything “right,” waitlists are long and we haven’t secured a spot for our little one. We’re now facing an impossible choice: my wife may have to leave the workforce simply because we can’t access child care. Her work helps build the very housing and infrastructure New Hampshire says it needs—but without child care, even essential workers are being pushed out. And we’re not alone.
When parents—especially moms—are forced to leave the workforce, it doesn’t just hurt our families. It weakens our economy, our communities, and our future. Yet the Senate budget invests no new state funding into real solutions for child care while protecting tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. When our state keeps telling families like ours to make do with less while rewarding those at the top, it sends a clear message: we’re not welcome here. This budget doesn’t just fail parents, it fails New Hampshire.” – Julia Jones, Sutton
“This budget makes ridiculous and over the top slashes to our colleges and university communities. Not only will it shut down vital departments, it will further burden families by raising the cost of tuition and lowering the quality of education in our state. Legislators prioritizing corporations and wealth hoarders comes at the expense of the American dream for the young adults and the families of our state. Especially as the cost of living and education skyrockets.” – Nick Patrick, Durham NH
“The 5% premium and increase to Medicaid co-pays is a tax on New Hampshire children and families already on the margins, especially those most affected by poverty and disability. These costs will harm our most vulnerable neighbors, and this is wrong.” – Pastor Jason Wells, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Goffstown
“I may live with chronic conditions and receive disability, but I’m still a taxpaying Granite Stater doing my part. Like so many others, I’m struggling to keep up—with the cost of housing, groceries, gas, and health care all rising while my fixed income stays the same. Now the state wants to raise a new Medicaid income tax that could cost hundreds more each month, just to keep the care I depend on. What they don’t seem to understand is that many people on Medicare—especially those with chronic illnesses—rely on Medicaid to cover what Medicare doesn’t, like long-term care and prescriptions. These premium hikes could force people like me to choose between life-saving care and basic needs. This budget protects tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy while shifting the burden onto people just trying to survive—and that’s not just unfair, it’s backwards.” – Jenn Coffey, Manchester
“This budget still strips funding from affordable housing efforts and weakens tools like the Housing Appeals Board that help towns resolve disputes efficiently. It also undercuts the workforce we need to build those homes, with cuts to job training and $50 million from the UNH system – a critical pipeline for tradespeople and in-state talent. You can’t build what you can’t staff. Leaders across the aisle say they want to fix New Hampshire’s housing crisis – we rank fourth in the nation for underbuilding – but state leaders are actively pulling funding from the tools that help towns modernize their zoning and move projects forward. If we don’t act, the next generation will face fewer choices at even higher prices. This budget makes it even harder for young people to stay and put down roots in New Hampshire.” – Ethan Underhill, Library Trustee, Portsmouth.
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603 Forward builds political power among young Granite Staters through advocacy, civic education, and leadership development.
MomsRising works to advance economic security and equity for mothers, caregivers, and families.
New Hampshire Youth Movement is a youth-led, grassroots organization fighting for a just and equitable New Hampshire.
Granite State Organizing Project is a multi-faith, multiracial community organization advancing economic and racial justice.
Rights and Democracy NH brings together working people to build power and win a government and economy that works for all.
