Ayotte, Stephen, and Ruais Support Manchester Schools

CONCORD, NH - On June 18, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte, Executive Councilor John Stephen, and Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais released the following statements opposing the Legislature's proposed funding cuts for Manchester schools:

"A drastic cut in funding for Manchester schools hurts students and teachers and undercuts our future. I urge the Legislature to reverse this cut so we can deliver a best-in-class education to children in Manchester and continue to return historic levels of education funding to the local level."– Governor Kelly Ayotte

"The City of Manchester should not be the whipping child for lawmakers who need to find ways to balance the state budget. While I recognize that difficult choices need to be made, last minute changes that adversely affect the City need to be reconsidered and allow Mayor Ruais and the Board of School Committee more time to properly plan ahead to avoid drastic increases in property taxes on Manchester residents. I urge lawmakers to rethink this proposal and find other ways to put the final pieces of the biennial budget together that benefit Manchester residents and Granite Staters overall."– Executive Councilor John Stephen

"I appreciate the difficult nature of this budget cycle and respect the challenging decisions that must be made during this process. I urge the Legislature to pursue an alternative path forward that prevents a significant $10.2 million cut that will detrimentally impact Manchester's students, and our city. Now is the time for thoughtful, united action, and I thank Governor Ayotte for her leadership and advocacy on behalf of Manchester."- Mayor Jay Ruais