House Republicans Pass Sweeping Budget—Critics Say It Ignores New Hampshire’s Most Vulnerable

House Republicans are celebrating the passage of their budget plan (HB 1), along with trailer bills HB 2 and HB 282, touting it as a win for taxpayers and a fulfillment of their “Contract with New Hampshire.” GOP leaders say the legislation repeals burdensome regulations, boosts local school funding, and protects the state’s fiscal health—without raising taxes.

“This budget is the product of Republican unity and principled leadership,” said House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn). “It defends taxpayers, repeals car inspections, increases aid to local schools, supports the vulnerable, and maintains a fully balanced bottom line. This is a budget that will positively impact the daily lives of Granite Staters.”

Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) called the plan a broad-based solution: “We promised a budget that works for all Granite Staters—and that’s exactly what we delivered. Whether you care about property taxes, public safety, or educational freedom, this budget reflects the priorities of New Hampshire families. We can all be proud of that.”

The Republican-crafted plan includes the elimination of annual vehicle inspections for non-commercial vehicles, a longtime conservative priority. It also increases local education aid and directs more funds to mental health services, while keeping the state’s bottom line balanced.

But Democrats strongly opposed the budget and blasted the GOP for prioritizing politics over people.

According to InDepthNH, House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter) said the plan “harms the most vulnerable” by increasing costs to public education and expanding voucher programs that benefit wealthier families.

In a separate statement published by the New Hampshire Bulletin, Simpson added that the budget “raises costs on everyday Granite Staters while padding the pockets of the privileged few.”

During a protest at the State House, WMUR reported that Representative Matt Wilhelm (D-Manchester) warned: “We have been out over the last several weeks making sure everybody understands how destructive this budget is going to be.”

Education advocates also weighed in. According to Fair Funding NH, Executive Director Dan Sheehan said, “This budget does not prioritize public education, does not bring the State closer to fulfilling its constitutional obligations to fund education, and does not provide property tax relief for taxpayers around New Hampshire.”

While Republicans argue the budget package represents responsible governance—supporting schools, investing in community care, and upholding the state’s fiscal restraint—Democrats counter that it benefits wealthier families and fails to provide real relief for working-class Granite Staters.

With Governor Chris Sununu expected to sign the legislation into law, Republicans are claiming a policy win. But Democrats are signaling that this budget fight is far from over—and will likely resurface as a central issue in next year’s elections.