The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is implementing initial budget cuts to meet a $51 million mandate. This decision follows approval from the Executive Council and is part of a broader effort to reduce state spending.
Details of the Budget Cuts
These cuts impact various essential services, including:
- $1 million reduction in mental health and life skills programs for youth in residential placements.
- $100,000 cut from cold weather shelter operations.
- $2 million in reductions for support services aiding at-risk families.
- $24,000 decrease for dental care services at the Sununu Center.
On Wednesday, the council approved around $4.2 million in cuts. This marks just the first step towards reaching the mandated savings outlined in the budget passed earlier this summer.
Impact on Services
Health Commissioner Lori Weaver stated that the department aims to minimize the impact on service recipients. By analyzing service usage against previous forecasts, officials hope to maintain support for families, despite financial constraints. “No existing family will face cuts,” Weaver assured.
However, concerns remain about the potential fallout from these reductions. Karen Liot Hill, the only Democrat on the council, expressed worries about the long-term effects on vulnerable populations. She emphasized that despite efforts to limit the number of people affected, some individuals will ultimately suffer from the budget cuts.
Political Reactions
The two-year state budget, passed by New Hampshire Republicans in June, includes “back of the budget” cuts impacting various agencies. The GOP allows health officials the flexibility to find savings by June 2027.
Critics of the cuts, including some advocates and Democrats, argue they are misguided. Lucas Meyer, representing the group Our Economy Our Future, condemned the cuts for potentially depriving children of dental care and endangering individuals in northern counties during harsh winter conditions.
In response to the opposition, Governor Kelly Ayotte defended the budget cuts, emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing the needs of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
