Pacapelli Cheryle

House Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 348, "An Act relative to eligibility for local assistance." While I understand the need for municipalities to manage resources effectively, I am deeply concerned that this bill introduces unnecessary and harmful barriers for individuals and families who are in urgent need of assistance. The proposed changes in HB 348 would require individuals to demonstrate up to 90 days of residence in a municipality before they can access local general assistance. This provision effectively excludes a significant portion of individuals who are most vulnerable, including those who may have recently lost their homes, been displaced due to economic hardship, or are seeking refuge in a new community. By imposing this waiting period, this bill essentially punishes individuals for their misfortune and delays their access to the vital assistance they need to survive. In particular, I am concerned that this bill will disproportionately impact low-income individuals and families who move to different towns for work, housing opportunities, or safety reasons. Many of these people are already facing extreme financial strain, and further complicating the process of accessing local assistance will only deepen their hardship. Additionally, the bill's provision that no assistance shall be provided directly to individuals or households in the form of cash payments is concerning. Cash assistance provides individuals with the flexibility to meet their specific needs, whether it's for food, transportation, medical bills, or other essential expenses. Restricting this option could leave families struggling to make ends meet without the ability to cover immediate and pressing needs. Finally, I am concerned that the overly broad discretion given to municipalities in determining eligibility and income criteria could lead to inconsistent application of assistance programs across the state. Vulnerable populations could find themselves facing arbitrary barriers, with little recourse for appeal or redress. For all of these reasons, I urge you to reconsider HB 348 and its potential negative impact on New Hampshire's most vulnerable citizens. I respectfully ask you to vote against this bill and instead focus on solutions that ensure all individuals, regardless of their residency status, have access to the support they need during times of crisis. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will stand with those in need by opposing HB 348. Sincerely, Cheryle Pacapelli