John H. Sununu & the NHGOP: Reckless Rhetoric v. Reality

by: VABBY

Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 14:06:39 PM EDT

CONCORD - After weeks of calling for unspecified budget cuts that will likely result in sharp hikes to local property taxes, Republicans still can't say what they would cut from the budget.

Just this week, NHGOP Chairman John H. Sununu told a Derry News/Eagle Tribune editorial board that more budget cuts are needed but couldn't specify a single area of the budget he would cut. Apparently not much has changed with him: Sununu sent state spending skyward by 27.5 percent while governor in the 1980s.

In contrast, Democratic Leaders are proposing a budget that includes many reforms and cuts, including a reduction of the state's workforce by 5 percent, the closure of five districts courts and the Laconia prison, and the extension of the current freeze on hiring, travel and equipment purchases over the next two years.

Of course, John H. Sununu isn't the only Republican paying lip service to the budget process.  Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon told the Union Leader that he doesn't know what's in the budget, let alone what he'd eliminate from it. House Minority Leader Sherm Packard authored an op-ed calling for cuts, but failed to identify a single line item, program or agency he would trim.

"With the bulk of our state budget dedicated to local aid one has to wonder if Republicans are talking about slashing assistance to cities and towns, which would result in the highest property tax increase in New Hampshire history.  If Republicans really want to balance the budget on the backs of property owners they should at least be honest about it.  It's time for Republicans to either name their cuts and be part of the process, or support the balanced budget plan proposed by Democrats," said NHDP Chairman Raymond Buckley.

(Posted by Victoria Bonney, Communications Director for the New Hampshire Democratic Party)

Democratic Party Chairman Again Challenges Republicans to Name Their Cuts

by: VABBY

Wed Jun 17, 2009 at 13:52:50 PM EDT

CONCORD - For months, Republicans have called for cuts to the state budget but still can't name a specific area of the budget that needs trimming.

Today, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley said enough is enough and again challenged Republican legislators to name their cuts or support the balanced budget proposal put forth by Democratic Leadership.

"If there is fat left in the state budget, Republican legislators should name it. Democratic Leaders have rolled up their sleeves and gone to work, cutting the budget line by line while Republicans have sat back and offered no solutions.  It's time for Republicans to stop playing petty politics with our state finances and name their cuts," said NHDP Chairman Raymond Buckley.

With 2010 revenues projected lower than 2004 levels, Democrats have carefully scrutinized over the budget and outlined significant cuts to make up for the revenue shortfall.  Their proposed cuts include:

  ·         Reducing to the state's workforce by five percent
  ·         Unfunding 200 state positions
  ·         Extending the public employee hiring freeze for the next two years
  ·         Eliminating a half dozen health and human service programs
  ·         Freezes on travel and equipment purchases
  ·         Closure of five district courthouses and the Laconia State Prison

Still, Republicans claim there is room to cut, but remain unwilling to name specific programs or areas to eliminate from the budget.

(Posted by Victoria Bonney, Communications Director for the New Hampshire Democratic Party)