Promises Kept: Budget Restores Benefits for First Responders

CONCORD, NH - The budget for all of New Hampshire passed today includes a fix to the State’s Group II retirement system, delivering on Governor Kelly Ayotte’s promise to improve recruitment and retention of first responders.

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Ayotte for her leadership and unwavering support of our firefighters,” said Brian Ryll, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire. “Her advocacy in reaching a deal on retirement restoration is a meaningful step forward for those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities.”

Frank Campo, President of the New Hampshire Troopers Association, added, “When Governor Ayotte was elected, she made fixing the retirement issue a top priority and came through for New Hampshire’s Troopers. Her dedication, leadership, and tenacity fixed a long-standing issue and solidified her dedication to keeping New Hampshire the safest state in the nation.”

“Today, meaningful changes were made to address the law enforcement pension problems in this state,” said Michael Geha, President of the New Hampshire Police Association. “There is no doubt in my mind that our citizens respect politicians who keep their word and fight for change. That is what Kelly Ayotte did, and the entire state is better off and safer for it.”