Times change and NH’s needs have, too: Budget must address issue of drugs, mental health

As we wait to see what happens with the budget vetoed by the Governor, it is important for the legislature and Governor to work to develop a plan that can pass. The legislature has set September 16th as the date to return to vote on the veto.

It would be in the best interest of all to have a plan that we can all agree on to run our state for the next two years. This is not a new situation. We have had budget impasses in the past and they were solved. This situation can be resolved but all parties – the House, Senate and Governor – must get together and work things out. This is the New Hampshire way.

The resolution in place does not answer our needs. Times change and needs change.

The drug problem has become pervasive and we must address mental health issues. The fact is that Medicaid expansion helps in both cases and must be looked at in order to attempt to address these problems. It is time to get up and prove that we can work together to solve this budget impasse.

Sen. Lou D’Allesandro is from Manchester and has represented the people of District 20 for nine terms. For the 2015-2016 legislative session he is Vice Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee and sits on the Finance and Capital Budget Committees. You can reach Sen. D’Allensandro at dalas@leg.state.nh.us

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