Kelly Ayotte stepped into her role as New Hampshire’s new governor on Thursday, bringing changes that will affect everyday life in the state. As the 83rd governor and third woman to lead New Hampshire, she takes over from Chris Sununu with plans to reshape how the state works.
Money Matters and Business Growth
“We are going to have to look for better ways to do things with less money,” Ayotte told the crowd at her inauguration. She plans to cut spending while making sure essential services stay intact. This means residents might see changes in state programs, but Ayotte promised to keep supporting those who need help most.
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In a move that could create more jobs, Ayotte reached out to businesses in Massachusetts. “To the businesses of Massachusetts, we’d love to have you bring your talents to the Granite State,” she said. Her pitch: New Hampshire offers lower taxes and fewer regulations than its neighbor.
Working Across Party Lines
Despite being a Republican, Ayotte made it clear she wants to work with everyone. “I am going to be a governor for you, whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, independent, you name it,” she said. This matters for residents because it could mean less political fighting and more focus on getting things done.
Changes Coming to Schools and Housing
Parents and students should know about two big changes Ayotte announced:
- A ban on cellphones in schools, aimed at helping students focus better
- Support for the school voucher program, giving parents more choice in their children’s education
For anyone struggling to find an affordable place to live, Ayotte named the housing crisis as a top priority. She plans to work on making homes more available and affordable across the state.
Law Enforcement and Safety
Drawing from her background as attorney general, Ayotte put safety first: “My top priority remains keeping the state safe.” She’ll focus on border security and fighting drug trafficking, especially the fentanyl crisis affecting many New Hampshire families.
Money-Saving Plans
Ayotte created a new team, called the Commission on Government Efficiency, to find ways to save taxpayer money. She compared it to how families handle their budgets: “Just like a family making hard decisions, there’s things we can’t skimp on — protecting our most vulnerable and those in our state most in need.”
Healthcare Decisions
On healthcare, Ayotte took a clear stand. She promised to block any new restrictions on abortion beyond the current 24-week limit, giving residents certainty about their healthcare rights.
What Makes This Different
Ayotte brings unique experience to the job. She’s one of only 23 former senators who became governors since 1900, according to Eric Ostermeier from the University of Minnesota. She plans to use her Washington connections to help New Hampshire, saying, “Not only do I understand how Washington works, but also how to fight for New Hampshire.”
Looking Ahead
These changes will affect New Hampshire residents in various ways – from how schools operate to how the state spends money. While some changes will happen quickly, like the school phone ban, others will take time to show results, such as efforts to create more affordable housing.
