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The proposed budget for the State of New Hampshire includes drastic reductions to prevention and treatment services by reducing the Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund ("Alcohol Fund"). New Futures of New Hampshire, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization working to advocate, educate and collaborate to reduce alcohol and other drug problems has reported on the impact of these cuts. Key messages prepared by New Futures are at the end of this announcement.
FY 2012-2013 Operating & Capital Budget
Report by New Futures
Introduction to the Legislative Process
The NH Senate Finance Committee will hold its public hearing on the budget this Thursday, April 21st from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Representative's Hall at the State House in Concord. In addition to contacting your senator or representative individually, public hearings are your opportunity to speak up in support or opposition to proposed legislation.
Contact my Senator
If you support funding the "Alcohol Fund" and wish to speak up at one of the public hearings New Futures offers the following guidance:
- Upon arrival at Representatives Hall sign the sheet indicating that you wish to speak in support of the Alcohol Fund
- Assume you will have no more than 2 minutes to speak and that you may have to wait a long time to be called.
- Put your remarks in writing so that they can be read by someone else on your behalf if you are unable to stay.
- Participate in the New Futures conference call on Wednesday, April 20 at 9:00 AM to coordinate messaging.
- Contact Tricia Lucas (603) 225-9540 for more information.
- If you do not wish to speak, simply sign the attendance sheet at Representative's Hall indicating you support funding the "Alcohol Fund". You do not need to stay.
In addition to contacting your Senator, you may also contact members of the Senate Finance Committee. http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/members/sencom.asp
Key Messages Prepared by New Futures in Support of Funding the "Alcohol Fund"
- New Hampshire Rates of Alcohol and Drug Problems Are High. Although New Hampshire is ranked as one of the healthiest states in the country, our rates of alcohol and drug use and abuse are higher than national averages.
- Prevention is Effective, Treatment Works, and People Recover. In this very challenging economic and political climate, the best arguments are those that emphasize the effectiveness of and positive outcomes from prevention and treatment.
- Prevention and Treatment Save Money. Prevention and treatment for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems can and does save money for the state. Without such services, state expenditures for law enforcement, corrections, and Medicaid services will continue to increase as will business losses due to diminished employee productivity.
- If We Profit From Its Sale, We Should Provide Adequate Resources to Prevent and Treat Problems. It makes no economic or community sense to cut the Alcohol Fund by 55% when State gross sales of alcohol are projected to rise 12% in SFY 2012/2013 to $1.2 Billion.
For more information, contact Tricia Lucas at (603) 225-9540.
New Futures is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization working to advocate, educate and collaborate to reduce alcohol and other drug problems in New Hampshire
http://www.new-futures.org/ |
