New Hampshire’s Governor Ayotte Unveils Efficiency Commission in Inaugural Address
CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire’s newly inaugurated Governor Kelly Ayotte kicked off her administration with an ambitious proposal for a government efficiency commission, evoking comparisons to a similar initiative introduced by President-elect Donald Trump.
Addressing Budget Challenges
In her inaugural address on Thursday, Governor Ayotte, a Republican, outlined the state’s pressing budgetary challenges fueled by the depletion of federal COVID-19 relief funds and declining business revenues. “We will have to look to find better ways to do things with fewer dollars,” she stated, emphasizing the need for fiscal prudence as the state navigates its financial landscape.
Introducing the Commission on Government Efficiency
To tackle these challenges, Ayotte announced the formation of the Commission on Government Efficiency, or “COGE.” Her approach appears to draw inspiration from Trump’s recent establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, colloquially known as “DOGE.”
“Because I know nothing is harder than getting politicians to not spend money, today I am announcing the creation of the Commission on Government Efficiency,” she said, underscoring her commitment to enhancing the effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Ayotte argued that “COGE will make us smarter than ever before when it comes to saving taxpayer dollars and finding better ways to serve the people of our state.” In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital prior to her inauguration, she had hinted at the initiative, stating, “we look for new, efficient ways to do things better and serve taxpayers.”
Responses from State Lawmakers
The governor’s proposal was met with enthusiasm from several Republican lawmakers during the inauguration ceremony held at New Hampshire’s Statehouse. Notable support came from Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, who described the commission as a “brilliant approach” to addressing government inefficiencies. “Appointing a commission like this to go after any kind of bloat… is going to be really beneficial for state government and certainly helps us downstream at the local level as well,” Ruais noted.
However, the reaction from Democrats was notably critical. Longtime New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley expressed concern, suggesting that Ayotte’s early initiatives were paving the way for severe budget cuts impacting essential services. “This is all thanks to years of failed Republican policies she championed,” said Buckley. He emphasized that her actions mirrored Trump’s policies, which he deemed “dangerous and costly.”
A Focus on Bipartisan Governance
Ayotte, who previously served as a U.S. senator and state attorney general, won the gubernatorial race against Democratic nominee Joyce Craig by nearly 10 points in November, solidifying Republican control of the governor’s office. During her address, she praised outgoing Governor Chris Sununu for his governance and underscored her intention to continue his successful policies.
Looking to the future, Ayotte assured GOP legislative leaders of her desire to collaborate, stating, “I look forward to working with you to marshal our Republican majorities over the next two years to deliver on the promises we made to keep our state moving in the right direction.”
Moreover, she reiterated her long-standing commitment to maintaining New Hampshire’s tax structure, proclaiming, “I am not going to surprise anyone when I say this: no income tax, no sales tax, not now, not ever.”
Ayotte also extended an olive branch to her rivals, communicating her readiness to work with Democrats. “Good government knows no party,” she declared, adding, “I am going to be a governor for you, whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent, you name it.”
Stances on Abortion and Education Policy
Throughout the campaign, Ayotte faced criticism from Democrats regarding her stance on abortion. In her inaugural address, she made it clear that she would veto any legislation that sought to impose further restrictions on access to abortion beyond existing laws. In New Hampshire, abortions are legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Additionally, Ayotte announced plans to ban cell phones in public schools. Citing discussions with her husband, a retired Air Force pilot and middle school math teacher, she emphasized the importance of focusing on what influences student learning positively. “Screens are negatively impacting our learning environments, drawing students’ attention,” Ayotte asserted.
Support from Outgoing Governor Sununu
On the eve of Ayotte’s inauguration, outgoing Governor Sununu expressed confidence in her leadership. “Kelly’s been a great friend for decades. She’s going to be a fantastic governor for New Hampshire,” he said, praising her readiness to swiftly engage with state issues. Sununu, who completed eight years in office, reassured Ayotte of his ongoing support, stating that she could reach out for advice whenever needed.
The Road Ahead for New Hampshire
As Governor Ayotte embarks on her administration, the establishment of the Commission on Government Efficiency marks a potential shift in governance aimed at addressing fiscal challenges head-on. The success of this initiative and her broader agenda will likely depend on her ability to navigate partisan divides while implementing policies that resonate with both sides of the political spectrum.
With the support of her party and a willingness to engage in bipartisan collaboration, the coming months will reveal how Ayotte’s leadership will unfold and influence the future of New Hampshire.
