Governor Sununu, who has claimed to be pro-choice, explains why he signed a budget bill, which contained an anti-abortion provisions.
“I wasn’t going to shut down the government for the late term abortion ban, which virtually every state has. There’s no logical sense to that. It would be horribly irresponsible, so I said, ‘Let’s go back and fix it’, and we are.”
In an interview with WGIR’s Chris Ryan, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu answers questions about the State of the State Speech which he delivered yesterday to the New Hampshire Legislature. The Governor feels that it wasn’t a reelection speech, but rather a summary of what has been accomplished and what things which need to be done.
In the course of the interview, Governor Sununu answers his critics from the Democrats and from the right wing; describes his plans to expand affordable housing; and talks about plans to deal with mental health problems.
Democrats complained that not enough credit was given to the New Hampshire Congressional delegation of Senators Shaheen and Hassan and Representatives Kuster and Pappas for securing the federal money which funded many of the programs which were touted by the Governor in his speech.
Governor Sununu responded strongly to criticism from the Democrats.
“It’s wonderful that they provided some funds; but, at the end of the day, it’s the legislature, the governor, the executive council, the folks that are actually here in the state, not in Washington who design, debate, and figure out where these funds are going to go. Good Lord, who cares about the credit!”
Allegations that he has been pulled by the right wing of his party also engendered a strong reaction from the Governor by pointing out that these extremists from the right have called for his impeachment, made ridiculous charges, and have picketed and harassed his family at their home.
New Hampshire HB 1609 which adds exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies to the state’s new 24-week abortion ban was cited by Governor Sununu as part of the legislative process to amend the original provisions.
To meet the need for housing for the influx of workers expected due to New Hampshire’s growing economy, Governor Sununu is committed to finding ways to rapidly expand multifamily housing in our state.
The explains how the $100,000 Housing Fund will be used provide incentives to local governments to streamline their regulatory processes for building permits; to funding to limit risks for contractors; and money to assist in the demolition of outdated buildings.
Governor Sununu describes several programs which are in the works to address the state’s mental health challenges: the state has purchased two mental health hospitals, which will be run by private providers; a crisis hotline has been established; and a mental health program in summer camps and programs has been set up.
By making such investments in mental health and being creative, the Governor is hopeful that mental health professionals and social workers will be attracted to New Hampshire.