Courtney Belanger | Oppose HB392

I strongly oppose this bill which would eliminate key offices and programs that protect vulnerable New Hampshire residents and our environment. The Office of Health Equity, environmental justice programs, and diversity initiatives play vital roles in identifying and addressing disparities in healthcare access, environmental impacts, and opportunity across our state. Removing these programs would disproportionately harm already underserved communities, including rural residents, people of color, those with disabilities, and low-income families. The Office of Health Equity's work has been crucial in understanding and addressing healthcare barriers. Environmental justice efforts ensure that no community bears an unfair burden of environmental hazards. This bill appears driven by short-term financial considerations while ignoring the long-term human and environmental costs to our state. Rather than dissolving these important programs, we should be strengthening them to build a healthier, more equitable New Hampshire for all residents. I urge you to vote against this bill and maintain these essential protections for our most vulnerable neighbors and our shared environment.