CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Gov. Chris Sununu will focus on children in his second inaugural address, with plans to discuss New Hampshire’s high rate of pediatric cancer, youth suicide prevention and innovations in education.
Sununu, a Republican, will be inaugurated Thursday after winning a second, two-year term by defeating Democrat Molly Kelly. His office said Wednesday that he plans to tout accomplishments in areas such as tax relief, child protection and combatting the opioid crisis. And he’ll call on lawmakers to focus on working across the aisle.
“In November, the voters of our state set us on a path that requires that we, as state leaders, come together, embrace a spirit of cooperation, and work together to get things done for the people of New Hampshire. They deserve nothing less,” he said in excerpts from his speech released Wednesday. “There will be times when we will disagree, without a doubt, but let’s do so in a way that is free from insults and personal attacks. We are here for a greater purpose, to represent the needs of our constituents, disagree respectfully, and focus on moving forward in areas where we can find common ground.”
While the state’s last five Democratic governors faced Republican-led Legislatures, Sununu is the first Republican in modern history to have a Legislature controlled by Democrats.
Leaders in the Senate on Wednesday outlined their priorities including paid family and medical leave, workforce development, protecting access to health care and setting a minimum wage. Democrats also want to increase staffing at the Division of Children, Youth and Families, raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health and addiction treatment providers and blocking the last phase of business tax cuts that have begun taking effect.
“We hope Gov. Sununu and our Republican colleagues will join Senate Democrats to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top,” Senate President Donna Soucy said.
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