To the Editor:

I’ve had the pleasure of serving District 12 in the New Hampshire Senate this year. The Legislature has worked on nearly 1,000 pieces of legislation, including the state’s op­erating budget.

Among the many actions we’ve sought in the budget which are aimed at bettering the state, the governor has irresponsibly cho­sen to veto the legislative budget, dealing a crushing blow to residents of the state of New Hampshire.

In particular, she has delayed important funding for departments that provide criti­cal services to New Hampshire’s most vul­nerable individuals, including fully funding developmental disabilities services, includ­ing the Waitlist, ServiceLink and Meals on Wheels. Her veto has also blocked increased funding for public education in the state.

I’ve seen firsthand how important these services can be for friends and neighbors with developmental disabilities in meeting their basic needs, as well as providing an im­proved quality of life.

Our students also deserve the education funding formula changes made in the bud­get that would have removed the adequacy funding cap and increased funding for char­ter schools by $1,000 per student.

I am still surprised by the governor’s bud­get veto because of all of the critical funding increases that the state would have benefited from, including making sure the state’s most vulnerable and our children’s needs are fully addressed.

I hope Governor Hassan will reconsider her position on this budget and work with the Legislature to promptly put this plan in place.

Sen. Kevin Avard, R-Nashua

Sen. Kevin Avard represents District 12, which includes Brookline, Greenville, Hollis, Mason, New Ipswich and Rindge, and Wards 1, 2, and 5 in Nashua.