NHDP Statement: NH House GOP's inability to pass a budget spotlights Sununu's failure to govern
 

Concord, N.H. - Today, New Hampshire House Republicans voted down their version of the biennial budget proposal and adjourned their session early, effectively refusing to send a budget to the state Senate. In doing so, House Republicans turned down the opportunity to have a seat at the negotiating table during final budget talks, leaving the largest governing body in the state without a say in the most important legislative process of the session. Their inability to agree comes after a chaotic first day of budget voting, which saw hurried, concerned, and secretive discussions between Governor Sununu and House Speaker Shawn Jasper.

NHDP Chair Ray Buckley issued the following statement: 
 

"The deep rift we're seeing take shape in the New Hampshire Republican Party did not develop overnight. It is a product of Governor Sununu being too distracted by a special interest agenda to focus on taking leadership to pass a bipartisan budget in the House. He has chosen to threaten rather than build coalitions, stay silent rather than making his opinions known, and stay distant rather making his presence felt. His sense of entitlement has led him to expect support rather than work for it. Sununu was supposed to be the leader of the party; instead, the tail is wagging the dog.

As a result, House Republicans could not come together on a budget despite a 53 seat majority. The Republican House leadership neglected to even submit a budget amendment after yesterday's chaos. Their failure to do so means that the largest, most directly representative governing body in the state abdicated its constitutional responsibility because of petty disagreements. Voters will be outraged that, rather than work together, they gave up their seat at the table in an act of protest. New Hampshire Republicans silenced the voice of the people by deciding not to show up."

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