Kelly Ayotte, New Hampshire's newly inaugurated governor, has wasted no time in addressing the state's fiscal challenges. In her inaugural address on Thursday, Governor Ayotte highlighted the state's budgetary concerns stemming from the end of federal COVID relief funds and declining business revenues. She announced the formation of the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), a new initiative aimed at streamlining government operations and maximizing taxpayer dollars.
Ayotte, a Republican and former U.S. Senator, succeeds fellow Republican Chris Sununu. Her inaugural address emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and finding innovative ways to deliver services with fewer resources. The COGE, she explained, will play a key role in identifying opportunities for cost savings and improved service delivery.
Shortly after her address, Governor Ayotte signed her first executive order, officially establishing the 15-member commission. This action follows a similar initiative by President-elect Trump, who appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a federal government efficiency effort.
Ayotte's proposal has been met with enthusiasm from Republican state lawmakers, who see it as a proactive step towards responsible governance. Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais praised the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits for both state and local governments. However, Democrats have expressed concerns, with New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley suggesting the commission could lead to detrimental budget cuts.
In her victory speech, Ayotte acknowledged the accomplishments of her predecessor and pledged to continue moving New Hampshire in a positive direction. She reaffirmed the Republican commitment to opposing new income or sales taxes, while also extending a hand to Democrats and emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation. Furthermore, Ayotte reiterated her promise to veto any legislation that further restricts abortion access in the state.
In a move likely to generate discussion, Ayotte also announced her intention to ban cell phones in public schools, citing their negative impact on learning environments. This announcement, along with the formation of the COGE, marks a decisive start to Ayotte's tenure as governor.
