Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire

Senate Budget Hearing on Tuesday, May 6th

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NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US!!

Show up and speak out at the NH Senate budget hearing.
Your voice matters. Your story matters.
YOU MATTER!

What: Senate Budget Hearing
Date: Tuesday, May 6th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm and continuing until all speakers have been heard.*
Location: NH State House (107 N. Main St, Concord)

Your Voice Matters

This is your opportunity to let Senators know how proposed cuts in services and programs could impact you, your family, and your community. Your story matters—and it can make a difference.

Can’t testify in person? You can still speak out. Contact your Senator by phone or email. Find their info here: Who’s My New Hampshire State Senator?

Nothing About Us Without Us!
The budget passed by the NH House of Representatives includes steep cuts to state agencies and programs that serve people with disabilities including:

  • $37.8 million cut to NH’s Community Mental Health Program
  • Elimination of several agencies that work to improve the lives of vulnerable Granite Staters including the Office of the Child Advocate and the State Commission on Aging.
  • $31.4 million cut to developmental services
    • This cut could trigger a loss of matching federal funds and may lead to waitlists for essential programs and services.

The House budget also increases the financial strain for people who rely on Medicaid:

  • Families whose children are enrolled in CHIP would be charged new premiums—up to 5% of their income—if they earn just over $67,000 a year for a family of three.
  • New premiums for people enrolled in NH’s Granite Advantage program who earn more than $15,600 a year.
  • People enrolled in other NH Medicaid Programs would pay higher co-payments for certain prescriptions.

Requesting an Accommodation:

The legislature must make its proceedings accessible to people with disabilities. If you need assistance testifying because of your disability, you can request an accommodation. Legally, accommodations are limited by whether they are “reasonable.”

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations:

  • If you have a disability that makes waiting difficult, you can ask to testify earlier.
  • If you need an interpreter or CART services, you can request them.
  • You can bring your service animal. Service animals are allowed to go in all areas of the State House where the public is allowed to go, including Representative’s Hall.

To Request an Accommodation: 

  • Call Jennifer Becker, the ADA Coordinator for the General Court, at (603) 271-5685 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
  • If your request for accommodation is denied or ignored, call us at (603) 228-0432. Let our receptionist know that the State denied your request for a reasonable accommodation to testify at the budget hearing.

More Information About How Proposed Budget Cuts Could Impact People with Disabilities:  

*One-hour break for dinner starting around 5 pm.

About DRCNH

Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with disabilities across New Hampshire. DRC is the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for New Hampshire and has authority under federal law to conduct investigations in cases of probable abuse or neglect.

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