Gov. Ayotte hails new budget bill, expected to sign it on Monday

NH Gov. Kelly Ayotte (Courtesy)

CONCORD - Governor Kelly Ayotte on Thursday hailed the passage of a state budget, saying it includes bell-to-bell prohibition of cellphones in public schools, swift permitting of affordable housing projects and more funding for first responders through increased retirement funding.

"During my budget address, I emphasized the need to recalibrate from the higher spending of years past and deliver a responsible, balanced budget for all of," she said. "Today, we delivered on our promise by protecting our most vulnerable, creating an even brighter future for our children, and standing up for those who have made our state the safest in the nation. I look forward to signing this budget into law when it reaches my desk, and I thank the Legislature for passing it today."

Highlights:

Protecting Our Most Vulnerable

• Preserves funding for Developmental Disability services, ensuring no waitlist

• Protects Granite Advantage Medicaid program

• Funds Community Mental Health Programs

• Protects funding for 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline

• Increases access to care for new mothers through Momnibus 2.0

• Funds and strengthens the Office of the Child Advocate and Human Rights Commission

An Even Brighter Future for Our Children

• More funding for public education than ever before

• Bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools

• Support for our community colleges and workforce education programs

• Tackle housing crisis with lean, 60-day permitting process

• Strengths infrastructure for housing

Standing Up for the Safest State in the Nation

• Improves recruitment and retention of first responders with Group II retirement solution

• Funds Northern Border Alliance

• Strengthens drug interdiction efforts through Operation Granite Shield

• Establishes a new Northern Shield program to fight trafficking in northern counties

• Supports prevention and treatment resources for substance use disorders

• Restores positions eliminated at Department of Corrections