New Hampshire Governor Sununu boosts funding for arts and forestry sectors

The House Finance Division I of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on March 1, 2025, to discuss key funding issues and staffing challenges within various state departments. A significant highlight of the meeting was the approval of increased funding for the arts division, which will see its budget rise from $500,000 to $1 million per year. This increase, supported by Governor Chris Sununu, marks the first substantial funding boost in a long time and aims to enhance the state's cultural initiatives.

During the meeting, representatives also addressed staffing levels within the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). Currently, the department employs approximately 200 permanent staff members, but there are notable seasonal fluctuations, with numbers rising to over 800 during peak summer months. The discussion revealed that 12 of the permanent positions are currently vacant, primarily within the parks and recreation division.

The meeting also touched on the importance of a legal position within the DNCR, which has been unfunded for the upcoming biennium. Officials expressed concerns that the absence of this role could hinder the department's ability to manage legal agreements effectively, particularly regarding leasing and special use permits for state parks. The need for legal expertise was emphasized as essential for ensuring that operational agreements are well-prepared before submission to the Department of Justice for review.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to secure adequate funding and staffing for state departments, with a focus on enhancing cultural programs and addressing operational challenges. The next steps will involve further analysis of staffing needs and potential strategies to fill critical vacancies within the DNCR.