Governor Chris Sununu Statements Following Votes on House Budget Proposal Various Amendments

Concord, NH - Today, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statements after the House voted on their proposed budget and various amendments:

BUDGET, as passed by House Democrats:

"From astronomical tax increases to unsustainable spending, House Democrats created a budget that will destroy the New Hampshire Advantage," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Their budget slashes local investments and creates $400 million in new taxes. I call on the Senate Finance Committee to get to work and fix this mess."

ICAC AMENDMENT, which restores funding for the Internet Crimes Against Children fund, as originally proposed by Governor Sununu:

"Democrats should have never put kids at risk by removing funding for ICAC in the first place. I am glad they finally came to their senses and supported this program which puts predators behind bars."

SPU AMENDMENT, which fails to build Governor Sununu's proposed forensic hospital:

"The Democrats SPU amendment is nothing more than window-dressing," said Governor Chris Sununu. "They have failed to fund the new, secure forensic hospital I proposed, which would have ended the Emergency Department boarding crisis and ensured that mental health patients have the support they need."

PAID FAMILY LEAVE AMENDMENT, which would have replaced the Democrat income tax paid family medical leave insurance program with Governor Sununu's voluntary Paid Family Medical Leave Program:

"SB 1 is an income tax and the people of New Hampshire will never support a budget that includes it," said Governor Chris Sununu. "I will continue to fight for my Paid Family Medical Leave Plan – a truly voluntary plan that does not require an income tax."