This past Thursday, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed SB 62 and HB 511 into law, declaring the state of New Hampshire the only state in New England that will prohibit taxpayer money from going towards services for undocumented immigrants, among other benefits. Surrounded by lawmakers and law enforcement, Governor Ayotte reaffirmed her long-standing position on sanctuary cities, stating that, “There will be no sanctuary cities in New Hampshire. Period. End of story.” This legislative milestone should not just be a victory for Republicans, but rather for all taxpayers and families across the Granite State, who may now be at peace knowing that their hard-earned money will return to services that will benefit the legal residents of our state.
Countless Republican lawmakers expressed their joy as both bills passed. Both bills have long been despised by the Democratic minority, with only a single Democratic lawmaker voting in favor of the House version, HB 511. Despite broad voter support, as evidenced by a Harvard-Harris Poll for The Hill which found that nearly 80% of Americans support local authorities complying with federal immigration enforcement, Democrats such as Rep. David Meuse of Portsmouth and Rep. Chris Muns of Hampton continue claiming, falsely, that such policies disproportionately impact individuals from minority backgrounds. Some opponents have even gone so far as to liken the legislation to those passed during the Third Reich. Not only is this blatantly false and damaging to historical fact, but Republicans have consistently stated that the legislation is only intended to keep existing jurisdictions in place, and to cooperate with federal law enforcement as appropriate. Such attitudes and opinions helped funnel over $2.27 billion in taxpayer funds nationwide for services prioritizing the undocumented, according to Reuters, a respected centrist news source. The same money could have been directed toward bolstering education and healthcare access for legal residents all across the nation. If Democrats wish to receive more votes in the upcoming election, it is pivotal that they join the majority of their constituents on an issue which should not even be a moot point.
Some may continue complaining about the negative aspects of banning sanctuary cities in our state, but at the end of the day, the Ayotte administration remains steadfast in its cooperation with federal authorities to ensure our towns and cities are safe. Taxpayer funds will continue to serve the people of New Hampshire, not undocumented immigrants. With significant bail reform and the aforementioned legislation enacted, the gentle stroke of the pen awaits House Bill 148, indicating that the state may soon allow schools, businesses, and organizations to regulate access to services, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, based on biological sex rather than gender identity. Stay tuned in to hear about further reform in our state’s government.
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