(The Center Square) — New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte is touting efforts to reduce government spending, hold the line on new taxes and overhaul the state’s bail law, during her first 100 days in office.
Ayotte, a Republican and former U.S. senator who took over the governorship in January, ticked off a list of her accomplishments over the past few months, saying she has been focused on “strengthening our communities, protecting what makes New Hampshire special, and leading our entire state to an even brighter future.”
“Even with the challenges we’re facing, I am more optimistic than ever that we will remain a shining beacon for New England and the nation,” Ayotte said in a statement. “While there’s much more work to do beyond these first hundred days, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together for all of New Hampshire.”
Topping the list of her accomplishments, Ayotte said, is fulfilling a key campaign pledge to repeal a controversial bail reform law approved by her predecessor, Republican Chris Sununu, that has been criticized for allowing dangerous criminals to be released ahead of trial.
The bill, signed into law in March, repeals the existing bail law by eliminating the magistrate system and allowing law enforcement to detain criminal suspects up to 36 hours before they are seen before a state Superior Court or Circuit Court judge. The plan also requires a suspect charged with major felonies to be detained without bail before arraignment.
The governor also cited efforts to strengthen cooperation with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws and noted that she entered into an agreement with officials in Lawrence, Mass. — located just miles from the New Hampshire border — to address cross-border drug trafficking.
The Republican chief executive also stressed her efforts to cut government spending and hold the line on new taxes in New Hampshire, which has no personal income or sales taxes.
In February, Ayotte rolled out a two-year $16.5 billion budget proposal that calls for slashing spending while boosting funding for education and law enforcement efforts. Lawmakers are still debating the proposed spending package.
Ayotte also highlighted a temporary moratorium on new landfills, signing a new law to help finance new housing construction, supporting legislation to address the housing shortage and proposing a lean, 60-day state permitting process.
But Ayotte’s first 100 days drew criticism from Democrats and progressive groups who accused the Republican of failing to make good on pledges to lower costs and ignoring other major issues facing Granite Staters.
“While families pay more at the grocery store, on housing, and in property taxes, Ayotte has failed to deliver results and has been absent when New Hampshire needs strong leadership,” Ryan Mahoney, executive director of Amplify NH, a left-leaning advocacy group, said in a statement. “Despite campaigning on affordability, the cost of everyday essentials has surged since Ayotte took office.”
